FEBRUARY 2021 VOLUME 25 • ISSUE 10
Capturing REAL Moments in Real Estate since 1995 FACEBOOK @myrealtyline TWITTER @RealtyLineATX INSTAGRAM @myrealtyline YOUTUBE
Expert Predictions Based on Experience, Professional Hunch written by RIKI MARKOWITZ Last year was another banner year for the
“And you know job growth is what fuels housing,”
greater Austin real estate market — and not neces-
she noted. The Austin market took a hit early in the
sarily despite the pandemic but rather, seemingly,
pandemic, but jobs started coming back quickly and
DIGITAL ISSUES Issuu.com/realtyline
because of it.
by December, we had recovered all but 11,500. Since
EVENT PHOTOS Archives
try, which at this point is almost expected in Cen-
didn’t make a dent in home sales. In fact, Austin is
tral Texas, some of the biggest gains in home starts
adding jobs in professional and business services,
and closings were recorded in the third and fourth
finance and manufacturing, which should get a boost
quarters of the year, long into Covid-19 lockdowns
from the new Tesla Gigafactory set to open later this
BUILDER INVENTORY
and a depression in Texas retail, travel and leisure
year. Another factor is relocation buyers (which is
industries. Even experts were surprised by the
connected to jobs growth). So all of these things help
UP-TO-DATE DAILY EVENTS
rally. Vaike O’Grady, Zonda regional director says,
the Austin metro stay at record starts and closings lev-
“What surprised me about 2020: the first quarter
els throughout the year, says O’Grady, and especially
report in April, I was predicting we’d be down 30
at the end of 2020 when we were “far above where
percent. I was wrong. Third quarter we were up 17
we were the previous four years.”
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most of the jobs lost were in lower-paying sectors, it
Welcome to The Hollows
Of course, there’s the issue of inventory, which continues to decline. “Practically everything that’s
Since there’s no precedent for the events that
starting is closing — closings are outpacing starts.
unfolded over the past year, most industry forecasters
Homes are selling before they make it to the MLS,”
could really only rely on experience and intuition —
says O’Grady. For the first time ever, we’re at 1.2
in other words, their professional hunch.
months supply of finished vacant homes. It’s the low-
This year’s Home Builders Association of Greater
Brohn Homes - Oaks at San Gabriel
est it’s been in two decades. “There are no spec homes
Austin’s Annual Housing Forecast conference had
out there. If you’re looking for a new home to move
three speakers: event moderator Vaike O’Grady;
into in the short-term, they’re virtually impossible to
Shaun Cranston, director of land development
find.” While there are a lot of new lots being added,
services at Halff Associates; and Mark Sprague, state
including a record number put on the ground at the
director of information capital at Independence Title.
end of last year, it’s just not keeping up with demand.
The event covered three major themes: growth in
According to O’Grady, “It’s the tightest lot supply
residential real estate, the K-shaped recovery in com-
we’ve had since right before the recession in third
Chats with Mission Mortgage pt. 2
ABoR Scholarship Program 2021
“What surprised me about 2020: the first quarter report in April, I was predicting we’d be down 30 percent. I was wrong...” says O’Grady. mercial real estate and the status of Project Connect. Residential A few things are responsible for record set-
quarter of 2006.” When you’re looking for a reason residential real estate prices in Austin keep going up, one answer is low inventory. Markets to watch, says O’Grady, are Georgetown
ting home sales in 2020, says O’Grady. It started the
and Round Rock up north, followed by Leander,
prior year when job growth in Austin was up a lot.
Liberty Hill and Cedar Park to the west. East Austin is
[Forecast continues on page 12]
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Austin Board of REALTORS®
Three Ways to Stay in The Game in A Hot Market This is a truly historical time for Austin’s housing market. With nearly a decade of record-breaking home sales activity and nearzero inventory across the region, this is the strongest sellers’ market Austin REALTORS® have ever experienced. It’s tough out there, but I can assure you that ABoR is doing everything it can to have you sailing into 2021 with ease!
SUSAN HORTON
2021 PRESIDENT
Here are three ways you can stay in the game in a hot market, along with events, classes and resources that will help you be your best. ThinkUp LIVE | March 23 First and foremost, you’ve got to get your mindset right. When we get busy and overwhelmed, it can be all to easy to sacrifice taking care of ourselves in our service to others. Counterintuitively, however, we make the biggest and brightest impact when we prioritize daily habits that center and restore us. That’s exactly what we’ll be covering at
lightning-fast housing market. Plus, we’ll be revealing our 2020 ABoR Industry Awards winners immediately after Hal’s conversation! You’re not going to want to miss it, so get your $15 ticket NOW at ABoR.com/Events. Plus, the first 100 people to register will receive free access to Hal’s new movie, The Miracle Morning! Code of Ethics Powered by ABoR Second, you’ve got to stay up-to-date on industry changes. In case you missed it, TREC Legal Update II no longer satisfies the
>> MLS QUICK TIPS TRAINING CENTER Learn need-to-know MLS tips on the go such as saving automated emails, customizing Hot Sheets, and wildcard search in these short how-to videos
National Association of REALTORS® Code of
by going to bit.ly/MLSQuickTips.
Ethics requirement. In light of these changes,
>> ACEABLEAGENT
our first ThinkUp LIVE event on March 23.
we’ve launched a free Code of Ethics course
This is our most popular member benefit! Get your
That’s right, ThinkUp is back! We’re launching
via ABoR On-Air and AceableAgent: Code of
FREE 18-hours of CE license renewal (including our
a new, quarterly ThinkUp LIVE series through
Ethics Powered by ABoR. This new course
new Code of Ethics course) anytime, anywhere,
our virtual ABoR On-Air platform with world-
has fresh, real-world case studies and dives
from any device at ABoR.com/AceableAgent.
renowned author and speaker Hal Elrod. If
deeper into the recent Code of Ethics changes
>> AUSTIN BUSINESS JOURNAL
you know anything about Hal, you know he’s
prohibiting hate speech in all areas of a
the world-renowned, bestselling author of The
REALTOR®’s conduct. In addition to fulfill-
Never miss a breaking news alert with an Austin
Miracle Morning: The Not-So-Obvious Secrets
ing NAR’s Code of Ethics requirement, it also
bers can subscribe for just $50, or 60 percent off
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regular subscription rates. Claim your subscription
In an intimate conversation with journalist Jenny Hoff, Hal will share his harrowing journey from surviving multiple near-death experiences to building a successful business that has helped millions around the world reach
4
hyper-complex deals and a
Business Journal digital subscription. ABoR mem-
ABoR On-Air class is Friday, March 5 and
now at ABoR.com/ABJ.
members can sign up at ABoR.com/Calendar.
>> ABOR.COM DOCUMENT LIBRARY
Time (and Sanity) Saving Resources
You’ll want to bookmark this one! Our new, online
Finally, you’ve got to maximize your
Document Library (ABoR.com/Documents) is your one-stop-shop for easy access to forms, market
their full potential. REALTORS® will leave this
time and productivity. Here are just a few
statistics, Board minutes and agendas, and more.
conversation with powerful daily habits that
ABoR member resources that help keep your
PS — you can also bookmark ABoR.com/Livestream
help you reclaim your sanity and thrive amidst
business moving efficiently:
FEBRUARY 2021 | REALTYLINE.US
and never miss a Board Meeting livestream again!
Coming Soon New homes are on the way. KB Home is excited to announce that a new community is coming to Belton. We would love to add you to our interest list so that you can be one of the first to pick a new home at West Canyon Trails. It’s the first step in building a house that’s as unique as you are.
West Canyon Trails in Belton • 1,246–2,755 sq. ft. • 3–6 bdrms., 2–4 baths • Commuter friendly; easy access to IH-35 and IH-14 • Convenient to major employers in Belton, Temple and Killeen, including Fort Hood • Close to desirable Belton ISD schools • Minutes to entertainment at Bell County Expo Center • Near outdoor recreation at Lake Belton 1314 Ayham Trails Belton, TX 76513 512-488-0704 Sales office is coming soon.
888-KB-HOMES | kbhome.com Broker Cooperation Welcome. ©2020 KB Home (KBH). No affiliation or sponsorship is intended or implied with Bell County Expo Center, and all trademarks are owned by the trademark owner. Placement on interest list does not guarantee qualification for a loan, lot location or purchase of a KB home. Plans, pricing, financing, terms, availability and specifications subject to change/prior sale without notice and may vary by neighborhood, lot location and home series. Buyer responsible for all taxes, insurance and other fees. Sq. footage is approximate. Photo may depict upgraded landscaping/options and may not represent lowest-priced homes. Military images and/or information do not reflect nor imply endorsement by Dept. of Defense or Service Branch. See sales counselor for details. AUS-331753
FEBRUARY 2021
| REALTYLINE.US
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HBA of Greater Austin
What is the HBA and Why is Membership Essential? The Home Builders Association (HBA) is the
housing market can and should be an HBA member. The HBA holds a host of events throughout the year
area that exists solely to serve the residential
on both large and small scales where you can network and spotlight your business. Additionally, joining
building sector. Last year was a challenging year
a council or committee allows for regular face time within an intimate setting. No matter your interest
for everyone. We recognize that in times like these
or mission, there are numerous opportunities to expand your brand, make connections and grow your
all businesses are looking at how to cut costs.
business through the HBA.
So why is your HBA membership a necessity? In short, membership allows unique benefits
CHAD DURHAM
2021 PRESIDENT
trades, banks, REALTORS and architects to name a few. Any company that relies on or is impacted by the
only non-profit organization in the greater Austin
in the areas of advocacy, networking, and education to name a few, which will more than pay the price of your annual membership fee. Take a minute to learn about some of the benefits of an
Build Knowledge - Education & Conferences The HBA offers a variety of informative classes and seminars each year hosted by experts in our industry to broaden your knowledge and help grow your business. This includes two annual housing forecast conferences, as well as instructional courses ranging from project management to hands-on builder training. This year, we are proud to announce that in partnership with NAHB, we will be offer-
HBA membership.
ing a variety of certification courses beginning in the spring. Due to the pandemic, we will hold virtual,
Build Representation - Advocacy
will be closely monitoring local and state guidelines and will make adjustments as is necessary.
in-person and hybrid events so you can participate in the manner that is most comfortable to you. We
Advocacy is hands down one of the most important benefits of HBA membership. The HBA is the industry’s voice at the local, state and national levels, advocating to ensure that the regulatory environment is pro-housing across
Build Assurance - TAB & NAHB As an HBA member, you are also a member of TAB and NAHB. This three-in-one membership includes access to discounted products, services, as well as residential building contracts and more. The HBA is committed to protecting the best interests of our members. If members are hung up by
the 30 municipalities and seven counties we
shutdowns, building codes, permits, inspections, or red tape, they are not building homes which trickles
represent. Our active and diligent Government
down to the bottom line home sales. The HBA is the conduit between all things affecting home building
Relations Committee keeps tabs on hot indus-
in Austin which includes you! Take action and become an HBA member. We are stronger in numbers.
try topics and takes action when necessary to encourage industry growth and development. Additionally, we work with the Texas Association
For more information or inquires about joining the HBA, please contact our Director of Programs and Membership Erin Scott at erin@hbaaustin.com or 512-982-9187.
of Builders (TAB) and the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) on state and national housing issues. In 2020, this advocacy work was especially significant as the HBA was instrumental in lobbying to ensure that the home building industry was deemed essential during the pandemic. This is an area where we will continue to be vigilant to keep Austin building. Build Relationships - Networking Our 700+ member companies consist of custom and volume builders, remodelers, developers and a variety of other housing-related entities such as building materials suppliers,
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WCREALTORS
Market Forecast Roundup: What To Expect in 2021 If there has ever been a time in the world of real estate to be on top of your game, it is now. As we enter into the second month of 2021, we have seen the vibrant market of 2020 continue. In March of last year, the speculation we faced was uncertainty around being able to practice real estate because of the governmental regulations surrounding the pandemic. Today, 11 months later, we face a broader challenge. Locating
KRISTON WOOD
2021 PRESIDENT
inventory to present our clients. The Austin MSA and Williamson County in particular, continues to burst at the seem. Collectively, we finished 2020 with records in nearly every quarter. In Williamson County, the median price of all homes rose by 7.7 percent. We collectively closed 9.9 percent more properties and we saw active listings drop to an all-time low. Year-over-year, inventory was down 41.4 percent. Today, every area in Williamson County has less than a months inventory... a clear sign that 2021 will continue to be a seller’s market. The question at hand is two-fold. First, how do you as an agent demonstrate more value to your clients? Without question, you will have to work hard to find listings to sell and to “win” contracts on the sparse market at hand. This means that on both the buyer and seller side of the transaction, it has never been more important to show your value and build trust. Second, how will you plan to weather this market. In 2021, William-
TREPAC Movie Night: Terri Romere and Kriston Wood of Keller Williams Realty; Renee Damron and Harry Gibbs as Santa
8
FEBRUARY 2021 | REALTYLINE.US
son County REALTORS® is forecasting an increase in membership and a decrease in membership drops. Everyday new agents move into this area trying to secure a foothold on the tech migration of this MSA. This means that there will likely be a disproportionate amount of transactions per agent. Less transactions potentially equals lower income. You need to plan now on how to best invest the resources you have into growing your business. Overall, your Association is forecasting another strong year in sales with continued price increases and shortages of inventory. In all of that, we will be here to serve you — helping you unlock this crazy world of real estate. When we can be of assistance, don’t hesitate to ask.
HBA 2021 Installation: Jim Rado and David Long, both of David Weekly Homes
TREPAC Movie Night: Damon and Victoria Thornton, of Realty Texas
WCREALTORS Awards: Megan Moore, Bryan Hutchinson and Kriston Wood, all of WCREALTORS
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9
Evans Talks TREPAC
Texas Legislature Recap Over the past month or so, I have been hunting and gathering information from a variety of sources, including the Texas REALTORS® Legislative Liaison, the Austin American-Statesman, the Austin Business Journal and my own eavesdropping while secreted behind the curtains of offices that I am not supposed to have access to. By all counts (and there are certainly contradictory accounts), this 87th Session of the Texas Legislature will be an interesting one, and nobody really knows how it will end up. No matter what happens, TREPAC will ensure our elected city, coun-
BILL EVANS
2021 TREPAC Chairman
2021 Legislative Timeline: JANUARY 12, 2021
us: property owner rights and issues of special concern to REALTORS®. Let’s take a look at a few things that have happened in the Texas Legislature so far this year: As of this writing, in early February, Texas REALTORS® was closely watching 687 bills out of 2,135 bills that had already been introduced. We expect that there may be upwards of over 6,000 bills introduced for consideration this session. But the Texas Constitution says they cannot
87th Legislature begins
take up any bills within the first 60 days of session, so the great raucous MARCH 12 60-day filing deadline
committee hearings and floor debates have not even started yet. So … nothing very controversial or interesting has happened so far. Well, okay, maybe a few things. Voting on Daylight Saving Time
MAY 31
Senate Bill 471 was introduced by Sen. José Menéndez (Senate Dis-
Legislature adjourns
trict 26) and House Bill 1405 by Rep. Lyle Larson (House District 122), to JUNE 20 Deadline for Governor Abbott to sign or veto legislation
AUGUST 20 Effective date for passed bills
ty, state and national elected officials understand the issues that concern
allow voters to decide if Texas should observe standard time or daylight saving time year-round. This is not the first time lawmakers have proposed a possible change to daylight saving time. In 2019, the Texas House passed a resolution that would allow voters to choose whether to keep observing daylight saving time. In a joint statement, the lawmakers say that both daylight saving time and standard time can impact the well-being of people across the state, and that eliminating any “unnecessary time switch provides a commonsense solution to help prevent these problems, and allows the voters of Texas to make the decision about what is best for them.” A Proposal for Texas Secession HB 1359 is pretty simple: If approved, and if all the pieces and parts were to fall in line, the November 2 state ballot would include a nonbinding referendum question: “Should the legislature of the State of Texas submit a plan for leaving the United States of America and establishing an independent republic?” And remember, so far our 87th Legislative Session has been pretty quiet! Texas REALTORS® Winter Meeting February 16-18 Before the session really gets going, plan to attend the Texas REAL-
TORS® Winter Meeting, held virtually from February 16th through February 18th. Members from across Texas will join together to learn and conduct business meetings. The program is developed specifically to provide insight and discussion on how to identify available resources, navigate challenges, and implement plans for a successful 2021 year. The event is free, but you do have to register at https://www.texasrealtors.com/wintermeeting. I am really proud to note that on the morning of February 18th, I will be interviewing newly elected Texas Senator Cesar Blanco from El Paso. Senator Blanco will discuss, among other things, how our Legislators will work together this session, and what their Legislative priorities will be. We expect it will be a casual conversation with the Senator about issues important to all Texas property owners and REALTORS®. Your Day at the Texas Capitol REALTOR® day at the Texas Capitol is going virtual in March. REALTOR® Day is a cornerstone event in our state associations advocacy efforts. We are adapting this year’s event by hosting virtual meetings with members of the 87th Texas Legislature throughout March. The 2021 legislative session will look different than in years past, and the need for REALTORS® to advocate for Texas real estate is more important than ever. Look for more information and dates in your e-mail inboxes soon! A History of Success TREPAC works for you in lots of different ways, and I want to end this article with these sentiments: The mission of TREPAC/Texas REALTORS® Political Action Committee is to raise and disburse funds to promote home ownership, protect real property rights, and increase political awareness. TREPAC, along with our national and local REALTOR® associations, have a proven track record of advocating on behalf of property owners and our REALTOR® members. We can be proud that our REALTOR® organizations have maintained strong relationships with elected officials at all levels, regardless of political party, and that is one of the biggest reasons why our advocacy efforts are so successful. All our decisions begin locally, and we welcome every opportunity to educate members on what it means to be the REALTOR® Party. We are comprised of individuals who bring their own ideas and ideals, and we unite in our shared goal of advancing public policies for the betterment of property owners, our communities and the real estate profession.
From The REALTYLINE Team! 10
FEBRUARY 2021 | REALTYLINE.US
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contributors Riki Markowitz, Katie Agness 2021 Presidents Susan Horton, Austin Board of REALTORS® Chad Durham, Home Builders Association of Greater Austin Kriston Wood, Williamson County Association of REALTORS® KBill Evans, TREPAC chairman
Spring 2021 Austin – Sweetwater South Austin - Cascades at Onion Creek Summer 2021 Bastrop - The Colony Fall 2021 Leander - Parkside on the River
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11
[Forecast continued from Front Page] also very hot right now.
require a transit system as part of the infrastructure to get people from where they live to where
Commercial
they work.”
Mark Sprague talked about two different commercial economies. “At the top of the K, ware-
Project Connect is a system of connected light rail, MetroRail, MetroBuses and Park & Rides.
house, multi-family and office will be fine.” At the bottom of the K-shaped recovery are hospital-
Why does Austin need this so badly? Recall that one of the factors accelerating starts and closings
ity, leisure and retail. “They will be challenged for years,” says Sprague. But despite restaurant
are relocation buyers. Many new residents to the city are coming to work for companies like
traffic down more than 40 percent, bars — those that are open at all — severely limited in how
Tesla and Oracle, which are spending billions of dollars to move here and open warehouse and
they can operate, and non-ecommerce retail suffering just as badly, the apartment sector is very
office space. Austin is on Samsung’s shortlist for a $10B chipmaking plant. Other major metros
healthy and there are currently nearly 28,000 multi-family units under construction. And even though the pandemic reversed the rise in rent values, “vacancy continues to be less than 7 percent,” says Sprague. Unlike previous HBA annual forecast conferences, this year’s speakers couldn’t look ahead without also taking a look at the unexpected crisis that unfolded behind us. When Sprague took the stage, he recalled thinking earlier last year, “2020 is going to be just like 2019, maybe a little
don’t have this kind of economic stimulus but it’s happening here almost month after month, says Sprague. “And this will continue to go on.” When site recruiters come to Austin, says Cranston, one of the most frequently asked questions is how people can commute to work. So the infrastructure project that voters just approved is a very valuable selling point on many levels. “This is not a political thing,” says Cranston. “This is a reality thing. We cannot build our way out of this with a private vehicle system.” Right now,
“The reality is that Austin has become a one word city ... We’re are no longer Austin, Texas. We’re now Austin — just like New York, Los Angeles, Tokyo or London. And world class cities require a transit systems as part of the infrastructure...” says Cranston. bit better. The thing that is going to hold us back again is production… But then March happened.” Like O’Grady, Sprague had a hunch. He says that with luck, the market will be 85 percent
Project Connect’s timeline for completion is about 13 years. Experts who weren’t at this year’s HBA Annual Housing Forecast also have very high expec-
of where it was in 2019. “I’m not used to saying this,” he admitted, “but 2020 has taught me to say
tations for Austin. At the end of 2020, Zillow surveyed dozens of economists, investment strate-
this a lot: I was wrong. And phenomenally wrong.” Then Sprague said what past panelists at this
gists and real estate experts regarding housing predictions in the U.S. The results, published in
conference have been saying for years, “As we go forward — residential is going to continue to go along. And I don’t see it slowing down for at least a couple of years because of demand.” Sprague also has a rosy view of the inventory situation. He believes by about 2022 the indus-
the “Q4 2020 Zillow Home Price Expectations Survey,” was that Austin will be the hottest market in 2021. “A large majority (84 percent) of those surveyed said home value growth in Austin would out-perform the national average.” These experts believe in Austin’s potential for a few
try will catch up in lots and there will even be a plateau.
reasons, including its appeal to first-time and younger homebuyers, record-low mortgage rates
Transit
of this demand will drive up costs, which will stimulate construction, especially in the suburbs
For years, Austin has sorely been in need of a transit infrastructure overhaul. In November, voters approved over $7 billion to go toward a state-of-the-art mass transit system. “The reality
and affordability compared to coastal areas like New York, San Francisco and LA. Of course, all surrounding Austin. So, once again, no one has any worries looking ahead at Austin’s real estate market for the
is that Austin has become a one word city,” says Shaun Cranston. “We’re no longer Austin, Texas.
coming year. And after surviving — and even thriving — in a global pandemic, it feels good to
We’re now Austin — just like New York, Los Angeles, Tokyo or London. And world class cities
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YEARS Mission Mortgage has helped our
customer’s dreams come true one loan at a time!
Based in Austin, Mission Mortgage has been providing mortgage lending and construction lending services to customers and business partners for nearly 35 years. A full-service mortgage lender, Mission Mortgage helps clients buy, build or refinance their home or property. Specializing in resale home purchases and refinances, Mission Mortgage also excels in the construction and condominium lending space. “We are a flat company from a managerial standpoint, which allows us to be very competitive in the marketplace,” says Kevin Ginsburg, production manager for Mission Mortgage. “Austin is a hot business market right now. There are a lot of big companies who have either come here or are seeking to do so. But there is a lot of expense that needs to be covered for some of these companies and that can often come at the expense of your employees and clients — this is where Mission Mortgage is able to help.” Since its founding, Mission Mortgage has had a partner-oriented approach. “Great communication, a real team working with your customers, consistent and accurate weekly reporting and a focus on the details are among our greatest strengths,” says Ginsburg, who manages the Loan Origination team and business partner relationships. “If we work with one of your clients, we believe we should work with the next one, as well, and eventually become your primary referral partner.” While 2020 brought many challenges, it enabled Mission Mortgage to see extreme growth and expansion. Currently, they have 60 employees and project to have approximately 100 within the next year. “From 2019 to 2020, we essentially tripled our business,” Ginsburg says. “The past year showed us that we can have employees across the country as we gained efficiency working remote. This allowed us to expand our talent pool in ways we had not done before.” While Mission Mortgage is experiencing significant growth and changes, they remain strategic in how they operate and the people they employ. “We are in growth mode and are expanding, but not just for the sake of growth,” Ginsburg says. “We look to add people who have the same passion for helping our clients and business partners and are looking to grow their business with the relationships we have and are adding.” As more businesses move toward conducting more business remotely, automation and enhanced technology assets are imperative to improve the customer experience and security. “With the proper technology, a remote customer or client experience (based on necessity) does not have to ‘feel’ remote, which helped guide many of our decisions,” Ginsburg says. “In addition to enhancing our remote experiences, we increased our emphasis on partnering with builders, developers and real estate firms in the market.” FEBRUARY 2021
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P ro per t y Ma nag em ent S in c e 1986
THANK YOU!
You Are The Heart Of Our Business! MICHAEL FRANCIS BROKER, INSTRUCTOR, MPM®, RMP®, TRLS, TRPM TREC #460192
Get A Management Quote, click here
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Daniel
(512) 327-4451
www.rollingwoodmanagement.com
LUXURY CUSTOM
Austin’s #1
ESTATE HOMES
Custom HOMEBUILDER
*
Acreage Homesites & Move-In Ready Homes
Acreage Communities and Build On Your Lot
Find Us in these Area Communities Grand Mesa at Crystal Falls Leander The Bluffs Leander The Hollows on Lake Travis Jonestown Clearwater Ranch Liberty Hill Northgate Ranch Liberty Hill Rancho Santa Fe Liberty Hill Santa Rita Ranch Liberty Hill The Oaks at Highland Village Georgetown
New homes starting in the $400s. *2019 Austin Business Journal
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www.giddenshomes.com
1/4-ACRE SITES with Hill Country Views! Non-Age Restricted! All Age Groups Welcome
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NEW HOMES available Now! LACIMATX.COM
512-856-5664
512-834-9294
1-800-247-3779
512-791-7253
512-523-4128
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TOPAGENT RE WA RDS
Get More By Doing What You Already Love.
HBA 2021 Installation: 2020 HBA President Joe Fowler and 2021 HBA President Chad Durham
TopAgent Rewards
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New Homes Available All Over Central Texas With homes starting in the $200s and a large selection of floor plans, custom features and finishes – you’ll have no problem finding your client’s dream home.
PECAN PARK BASTROP
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OUR NEWEST COMMUNITIES HYMEADOW • CASETTA RANCH HAYS COUNTY
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Realty Texas Pictures with Santa: Alisa St. John with Realty Texas
ARROWPOINT GEORGETOWN
For more info & to join our community of realtors:
512-643-5400
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BrohnHomes.com/TopAgent
Real Estate Agent Bonus Program available only when your client closes on a home in a participating Brohn Homes community pursuant to a contract your client signs and executes on or between 1/1/21 and 12/31/21. Bonus will be dictated by order of closing: 3% upon first closing, 4% upon second closing, and 5% upon third closing and thereafter on contracts written by 12/31/21. All bonuses will be paid at closing. Payments of total commissions and bonuses will only be made to actively licensed Texas brokers. Bonus paid to Broker upon client’s successful closing and funding and is based on the original contract price as stated in the Purchase Agreement, excluding any Seller incentives, subsequent change orders, re-writes, or upgrades. Broker is responsible for all applicable taxes. Since seller reserves the right to modify or discontinue this program at any time without notice, please call the applicable sales center in advance to confirm that the program is still in place. Bonus/commission offer not valid for Purchase Agreements signed by buyer prior to publication of this advertisement. Commission cannot be used with any other special offers. May not be combined with any other broker bonuses or offers. Please see a Brohn Homes Sales Consultant for complete details. Clayton Properties Group, Inc. Formerly known and Qualified to do business in Texas as CMH Parks Inc. DBA Brohn Homes reserves the right to make changes to pricing, floor plans, specifications, features, dimensions, elevations, and incentives without prior notice. Stated dimensions and square footages are approximate and should not be used as representation of the home’s precise or actual size. Copyright © 2014 Clayton Properties Group, Inc. Formerly known and Qualified to do business in Texas as CMH Parks Inc. DBA Brohn Homes.
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FEBRUARY 2021 | REALTYLINE.US
®
TREPAC Movie Night: Megan Moore; and Ruby Johnson of Better Life Realty
FEBRUARY 2021
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Realty Texas Pictures with Santa: Kim Dale of Realty Texas and Santa
WCREALTORS Awards: Presidents Award winner Ruby Johnson of Better Life Realty
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FEBRUARY 2021 | REALTYLINE.US
HBA Benefit Home Check Presentation: Kelsey Layton and Melissa Nicewarner Daly, both of HomeAid Austin
Advertiser Feature
written by KATIE AGNESS
Cottages at Dripping Springs
W
hen developing the site for The Cottages at Dripping Springs, Jim Boushka and his partners took an unusual approach. They left it alone. “It’s a gorgeous oak grove with a lot of open space. We chose to leave the trees instead of adding amenities or squeezing in another garden home,” says Boushka, co-managing partner for Bunker Ranch 5, LLC. “No pool or clubhouse could possibly improve on what nature has already provided.” Homebuyers seem to agree. More than half of the project has sold six months since construction began, and inquiries from agents and prospects is nonstop. Of the 42 planned units, five are complete, 15 are under construction and 22 homes are sold or under contract. The Cottages at Dripping Springs is a gated community of luxury garden homes on the west side of Dripping Springs at Hwy. 290 and Bunker Ranch Boulevard. By keeping development to a minimum, Boushka and his partners in Bunker Ranch have preserved the natural beauty and laid-back lifestyle that make the Hill Country a destination hot spot. The Cottages at Dripping Springs offers five floor plans, ranging from 1,860 to over 2,300 square feet. Homeowners can choose properties from two bedrooms with a study to three bedrooms plus a flex room. All homes feature spacious open floor plans, lofty 10-foot ceilings in primary living areas and large windows to
showcase the outdoors and bring in natural light. Featuring modern farmhouse designs, 15 distinctive facades are strategically situated to present an appealingly diverse but harmonious appearance that makes the most of the natural landscape. “We use native Texas stone and incorporate iconic Hill Country design elements, so our homes reflect a refreshingly nuanced simplicity and refined neutral color palettes,” Boushka says. All cottage homes feature inviting covered porches, stone fireplaces, designer flooring, quartz countertops, contemporary cabinets, stainless steel kitchen appliances, large master retreats and energyefficient designs. Additionally, The Cottages at Dripping Springs has an on-site staff designer to assist buyers in selecting their high-end interior finishes. For an interactive map of floor plans and facades, visit BunkerRanch.com/garden-homes. The location offers easy access to Austin’s business community and cultural offerings without the expense, hassle and congestion of living in the city. “We attract every age — from discerning professionals to empty nesters to young families drawn to the highly regarded Dripping Springs school district,” Boushka says. “The Homeowners’ Association manages lawn care for our residents, which is especially helpful to those who travel often or for who this is a second home. Many homeowners appreciate that ‘lock and leave’ aspect of the community.” For homebuyers who want privacy and luxury with a relaxed Hill Country lifestyle, The Cottages at Dripping Springs is an appealing option according to Boushka, who says, “I don’t know of any other small gated community that offers garden homes in a live oak grove at the untamed edge of the Hill Country.“
Our professional matchmaker, Christina, is ready to create the perfect match between you and one of our escrow professionals. You will Love the experience North American Title provides you and your clients! What are you waiting for? Call Now!
©2021 States Title Holding, Inc. and its subsidiaries. All Rights Reserved. | TX 21-17313 R 1.25.21
®
NORTH AUSTIN BRANCH 5608 Parkcrest Drive | Suite 150 Austin, TX 78731
512.302.3892
ROUND ROCK BRANCH 1 Chisholm Trail | Suite 3100 Round Rock, TX 78681
512.255.6550
CHRISTINA ISAAC 512.497.7306 cisaac@nat.com FEBRUARY 2021
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HOMES FROM THE $500K TO $1.2M+
Jodi Blynn, Community Relations jodi@hollowslaketravis.com
Visit Model Row Today!
GIDDENS HOMES
COVENTRY HOMES
— Home Viewings by Appointment Only —
DREES HOMES
WHAT ISN’T THERE TO
ABOUT THE HOLLOWS?
The Hollows is an authentic lakefront community Northwest of Austin resting on the North Shore of Lake Travis, spanning over 1400 acres of Austin Hill Country and offering new luxury estate-style homes and Hill Country inspired Cottages. With countless resort-style amenities, and miles of golf cart and hiking trails throughout the community, The Hollows is the perfect place to call home.
WALLS CAN’T TALK
Tony Defoyd License #20456
Call the experts before you buy.
TREC #3304 / TDA #37603
• 5 Inspectors • 1 Engineer on staff • Same day/next day • Residential • Commercial • Multi-family • New Construction • Investors • Lenders • Consulting • Phase Inspections • Pre-listing • FHA • HUD • Construction Management • Mediation/Arbitration and More!
512-418-6165 info@austininspectionservices.com
Serving Austin, Central Texas and Surrounding Areas Since 1989 State of Texas Certified Real Estate Inspector
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WCREALTORS Awards: Amy Kozba of Better Life Realty, Cheryl Jenkins of Realty Texas, Ruby Johnson of Better Life Realty and Cyndi Bell of Realty Texas
HBA Benefit Home Check Presentation: Joe Fowler and his dog, Walter
HBA 2021 Installation: Samantha Meredith
Health & wellness at the heart of your new home At the heart of your home is the health and wellness of the ones you
love. TM LiveWell pushes the boundaries of what it means to build a
healthy home. Cleaner air. Cleaner water. Your well-being starts here. • Whole home air filtration removes harmful dust, dirt, and mold. • Smart thermostat technology allows you to regulate the
temperature in your home from a Wi-Fi enabled device and is
programmable.
• Advanced water filtration, engineered to reduce contaminants. • Avoid germs with hands-free kitchen faucet. • Low VOC paint emits less chemicals.
taylormorrison.com/tmlivewell
*LiveWell™ features are subject to availability for new purchase agreements and based on region, community and specific plans. Products may be changed for comparable replacements and may not be available in a limited number of completed homes. Details available. Nothing contained herein or in any related materials regarding the LiveWell™ included features is a guaranteed commitment on performance results or independently verified and remain subject to change daily without notice by third party suppliers outside of Taylor Morrison’s control. All information (including, but not limited to prices, views, availability, school assignments and ratings, incentives, floor plans, elevations, site plans, features, brands, standards and options, assessments and fees, planned amenities, programs, conceptual artists’ renderings and community development plans) is not guaranteed and remains subject to change, availability or delay without notice. Any community improvements, recreational features and amenities described are based upon current development plans, which are subject to change and under no obligation to be completed. Maps and plans are not to scale, are not intended to show specific detailing and all dimensions are approximate. Prices may not include lot premiums, upgrades and options depending on stage of construction. Community Association or other fees may be required. This communication is not intended to constitute an offering in violation of the law of any jurisdiction and in such cases our communications may be limited by the laws of your state. Please see a Taylor Morrison Community Sales Manager or Internet Home Consultant for details and visit www.taylormorrison.com for additional disclaimers. For our Age Qualified Communities only: At least one resident of household must be 55 or older, and additional restrictions apply. Some residents may be younger than 55 in limited circumstances. For minimum age requirements for permanent residents in a specific community, please see a Taylor Morrison Community Sales Manager for complete details. © January 2021 Taylor Morrison, Inc. All rights reserved. 01/01/21 2356
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Realty Texas Pictures with Santa
HBA Benefit Home Check Presentation: 2020 HBA President Joe Fowler and 2021 HBA President Chad Durham
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FEBRUARY 2021 | REALTYLINE.US
HBA 2021 Installation: Beth Bradfield, Natalie Roberts and Andy Jacobs
Experts You Need, Partners You Can Trust
www.TexasNationalTitle.com
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HBA Benefit Home Check Presentation
WCREALTORS Awards: Natasha McKenzie of WCREALTORS, and Vicki Crouch
HBA 2021 Installation: John Wade
y d l l e r a r e d f e a r o p t r d u ’ o e y W e b o t e . y n lov a p m o c title
JENNIFER RHODES Escrow Officer
JRHODES@SWTATX.COM
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LORI WILLIAMS
Business Development
LORI@SWTATX.COM
SHEILA BALAGIA
Office Mgr/Escrow Officer
SHEILA@SWTATX.COM
SouthwesternTitleAgency.com
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