Nominees wanted for ABoR’s Annual Industry Awards And the winner is…you! The Austin Board of REALTORS® (ABoR) is currently accepting nominations for the 2009 Industry Awards. Every year, six dedicated ABoR members are recognized for their contributions to their industry and their community. Submit your nominations online at https://www.abor.com/events/forms/indy_aw ards_form.cfm by Friday, Sept. 11. Award winners will be honored at the 2010 Installation and Awards
Celebration to be held on Friday, Dec. 11 from 6 p.m. to midnight at the Renaissance Austin Hotel. Awards will be distributed in the following categories: REALTOR® of the Year, Affiliate of the Year, REALTOR Community Service Award, Salesperson of the Year, Rookie of the Year and Cultural Awareness Award. For more information on these awards or the nomination process, contact Rita Barousse at 4547636, ext. 1603 or rbarousse@abor.com.
Upcoming Events: JULY 23 WCR Monthly Networking Meeting/Style Show ABoR Auditorium - 11 a.m.
JULY 25 WCAoR Green Expo 2009 Dell Diamond - 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
AUGUST 5 AMBA Monthly Meeting Austin Country Club - 11:30 a.m.
AUGUST 5 HBA 2009 Mid-Year Housing Forecast Phillips Event Center - 11:30 a.m.
AUGUST 19 CRS Quarterly Meeting Westwood Country Club - 11:30 a.m.
AUGUST 21 WCAoR Tech Tune-up Wingate Conference Center - 9 to 5 p.m. www.techtuneup.org
—Associates In— PROGRESS JULY 2009 • VOL. 14 • ISSUE 3
Enjoyable. Entertaining. It’s all About You.
Stay Out of Trouble With Communication, Organization TORS are sued, it is over something serious and complicated but she says it is the simple things that CONTRIBUTING WRITER trip people up most often. She says the best strategy The topic of the speech, “How to Stay Out of to avoid lawsuits is to focus on calm, clear and Trouble,” seemed like a useful one. What REALTOR effective communication. wants to deal with time guzzlers like lawsuits when he “If a client is on fire and you have the choice or she is busy trying to make a living? And the speak- to pour a bucket of gas or water on the situaer, with highly qualified credentials as the vice chair- tion, which would you choose?” she says. man of the Texas Real Estate Commission, seemed like “Proper communication is the best way to just the right person to address such critical issues. defuse a problem.” But soon after Commissioner Avis Wukasch, who Another way REALTORS get into trouble is also a team leader at Keller Williams Realty, is by their tendency to be extra helpful, for approached the podium at the Women’s Council of example by offering too much information to a REALTORS monthly networking meeting, it seller even when they are in a non-appointed became clear that the title of the speech was a bit of intermediary position, where they need to be a misnomer. careful to stay neutral. Wukasch “You can’t stay out of trouble,” she says. “The only described a situation that seemed all way you can do that is to go home, don’t make any too familiar to the audience. calls, don’t show any houses and don’t answer the “We all know occasionally a seller phone. The fact is, there are only two types of REAL- who is a jerk,” she says. “As REALTORS TORS—those who have been sued and those who we want to be helpful, so we give our buyer advice on how to deal with the jerk. It is human nature, but by haven’t been sued yet.” Wukasch says most people think when REAL- doing that we have crossed the line. The jerk deserves fair treatment, even if the buyer is a cute couple with Presorted Standard a baby.” U.S. Postage PAID Wukasch also urged Austin, Texas REALTORS to take care of Paid Permit #715 their paperwork to avoid P.O. Box 81366 trouble. Austin, Texas 78708-1366 “Don’t wait until your license is about to expire tomorrow,” she says. “You have a BlackBerry, a blueberry, or whatever, with all that stuff in it. Find out when your license is about Don’t forget: You can visit us online 24/7 at www.realtylineonline.com to expire, back up 60 days
By Linda McNabb
and put it in your date book. Take care of business.” At the office, the first line of defense is to have a good set of policies to protect against complaints. “Treat everyone consistently and enforce those policies,” she says. “And read your contracts. The paragraphs between the spots for your signature—those have stuff in them that matters.” She also urged REALTORS to remember that all compensation needs to go through their broker. “So if you accept a $3,000 gift card from a builder, what you have done is illegal unless you are the broker or you have your broker's permission to receive this money,” she says. Wukasch also gave the audience a peek into what is in the works at the Commission. A broker responsibility course is under development and Commissioners are considering a requirement for team leaders to have a broker’s license and for branch managers to be brokers. She says the Commission has found real estate applications are down 25 percent and license renewals are down 7 percent, although they are up for brokers. “The profession is shrinking,” she says. “We expect to see our numbers down 30 percent over the next three years.” And those who do get caught in a formal complaint will have company and may have to wait awhile for it to be resolved. Wukasch says there are more than 1,000 pending enforcement cases, one of which is more than seven years old.
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Realty Line of Austin
July 2009
NEWS NOTES SNIPPETS:
• The Home Resource Group of Keller Williams Realty Cedar Park/Leander Market Center was recently named one of the top teams in the United States by Real Trends as reported in the Wall Street Journal. Just this past February at the Keller Williams Realty national convention, The Home Resource Group was the #1 Team in Central Texas and #23 nationally for Keller The Home Resource Group Williams Realty for the 2008 year. • RE/MAX Austin Associates agent Shara Parker is becoming something of a veteran in the housing entertainment industry. This past May she assisted on the HGTV hit show Hidden Potential, where homebuyers (and viewers) are shown what their dream home could look like before they Parker buy it. For a recent episode in Austin, Shara provided two of the three showcased homes.
A PUBLICATION OF © CAXTON PUBLICATIONS, INC.
ABoR’s first graduating class of the Leadership Academy is honored at the Leadership Council Recognition. It’s a step in the right direction for the future leadership of ABoR.
Realty Line of Austin is published monthly by ©Caxton Publications, Inc., as a non-subscription publication for the more than 8,000 members of the Austin Board of REALTORS (ABoR), the more than 1,100 members of the Williamson County Association of REALTORS (WCAoR) and the Home Builders Association (HBA) of Greater Austin. © Caxton Publications, Inc. dba Realty Line of Austin is an active member of the Austin Board of REALTORS, the Williamson County Association of REALTORS and is a honorary member of the Women’s Council of REALTORS. Caxton Publications, Inc. dba Realty Line of Austin is not responsible for opinions or facts expressed by non-staff writers or for errors and any by-products in advertising or editorial copy. REALTOR® is a registered trademark. The word REALTOR® sometimes appears in this publication without the registered trademark symbol (®), for the purpose of saving space. Wherever the word REALTOR appears in this publication, the registered trademark should be assumed.
Doren L. Carver PUBLISHER Tawanna K. Carver MANAGING EDITOR
Linda McNabb CONTRIBUTING EDITOR/WRITER/PHOTOGRAPHER
COLUMNISTS Jay Gohil - ABoR Chairman Wes Peoples - HBA President Barbara Wigginton - WCAoR President David Tandy - Gracy Title
All photos, press releases or article submissions can be sent to realtyline@austin.rr.com
KB Home sales counselors and REALTOR liason were on hand at the Williamson County Association of REALTORS meeting in Taylor. Eddie Gaw, Colette Fitzgerald and Robert Rohaly. KB Home was a sponsor.
P. O. Box 81366, Austin, Texas 78708 Office: (512) 821-1900 www.realtylineonline.com
July 2009
Realty Line of Austin
ABoR CHAIRMAN’S COLUMN
Last Call for Committee Assignments By Jay Gohil • Jay Gohil Realty
2009 Chairman • Austin Board of REALTORS
Time is running out to sign up for a 2010 ABoR committee. Applications are available online at https://www.abor.com/committees/abor_committee_form.cfm and must be received by Saturday, Aug. 15. With ten committees to choose from, including the Bylaws, Government Affairs, Grievance, Industry Awards, Installation and Awards, Political Action, Professional Development and Education, Professional Development, Realty Round Up and Scholarship committees, it is easy to get involved with your association in a way that is meaningful to you. All interested members, including those currently involved in 2009 committees, must apply for 2010 committee assignments. Candidates must have valid e-mail addresses. For more information, contact ABoR’s Executive Department at 454-7636 or executive@abor.com.
A Toast to TREPAC! Raise a glass to your industry at the 2009 TREPAC Wine Tasting and Silent Auction on Thursday, Sept. 3 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Uncorked, located at 900 E. 7th Street. Your $35 ticket lets you sample fine wines from around the world. We will also provide a wide array of silent auction items, so don’t forget to bring your checkbook! All proceeds from this event benefit the Texas Real Estate Political Action Committee (TREPAC), which works to protect the rights of private property owners and real estate professionals. Tickets may be purchased online at www.abor.com/events/wine.cfm. For more information or to sponsor this event, contact Emily Chenevert, government affairs representative, at 454-7636, ext. 1501 or echenevert@abor.com.
New Venue for Promoting Commercial Listings Attention commercial REALTORS®! ACTRIS is pleased to announce a new solution for boosting the visibility of your listings. CommercialSource.com, a commercial real estate Web site, was launched by the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) in 2008. This site allows consumers to browse commercial real estate listings from across the coun-
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try. When adding a commercial listing to MLXchange, you will now see a “Yes/No” field for placing your property on CommercialSource.com. Selecting “Yes” for this field will feed your property’s information to CommercialSource.com, easily expanding your listing’s visibility. For more information on CommercialSource.com, visit www.commercialsource.com/About/Default.aspx.
Let Your Business Bloom at Realty Round Up Don’t miss your chance to reserve a booth for the upcoming Realty Round Up trade show, scheduled for Wednesday, Oct. 7 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Austin Convention Center. As the largest trade show in Central Texas, Realty Round Up draws thousands of real estate professionals each year, making this an excellent opportunity to reach a broad audience. This year’s trade show, themed “Growing a Greener Austin,” will focus on the myriad ways to embrace energy efficiency in the Austin real estate market. Dr. Jim Gaines, chief economist of the Texas A&M Real Estate Center, will deliver the keynote speech and a variety of educational courses will be offered. Booth pricing and a floor plan of the Convention Center may be found online at www.abor.com/roundup. For more information on the event, contact Gina Willemsen, trade show coordinator, at 454-7636, ext. 1601 or roundup@abor.com.
Tap in to Social Networking The National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) reports that nearly half of all 2008 homebuyers used social media sites. Ensure you can effectively reach homebuyers by harnessing the marketing power of social media. The upcoming “Technology 102: Social Media for REALTORS®” course, scheduled for Monday, Aug. 17 from 1 to 4 p.m. will provide you with the knowledge and skills needed to make an impact in the realm of social networking. Course instructor Chad Cardani will introduce agents to current social networking technologies such as Facebook and Twitter and explain how the NAR Code of Ethics affects social networking activities. He will then provide students with the resources and case studies necessary to create a plan for incorporating social media in their business practices. This course carries 3 hours of Mandatory Continuing Education (MCE) credit (TREC # 03-00-071-8212) and costs $27 for members and $33 for non-members. To register for “Technology 102: Social Networking for REALTORS®,” visit www.abor.com/courses.
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Realty Line of Austin
July 2009
Jim Craig Hess and Brian Hurd, both of Sente Mortgage, check out the extensive arrowhead collection during the tour of homes in Barton Creek hosted by the ABoR Foundation.
Becky Hopkins of Austin Title cheers on Linda Hall of Realty Executives as she grabs the dice to gain even more points after a bunco—three sixes. They were participating in WCR’s first bunco night at the Wilshire Homes model at The Commons at Rowe Lane.
Linda KnowlesKatz of Land Mortgage attends the NAPMW 15th annual bottle auction. With her was NAPMW president Ginny Miller along with honorary member John Harris.
Caroline Carver, daughter of Realty Line’s owners, helps put cherries on the 30-foot sundae with friend Kylie Nothnagel at the annual JB Goodwin REALTORS Company Picnic.
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Realty Line of Austin
July 2009
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The KB Kronicle JULY 7, 2009
KBHOME.COM
512-651-8059
Expo Tu Casa
Come visit the KB Home booth at the Green Expo 2009
Event Details: Saturday, July 25 10am - 6pm Admittance: Adults $5 Children 12 & under are FREE
Visit us at the Green Expo and learn about how KB Home has been recognized as a leader in the homebuilding industry in environmentally friendly practices and in building energy star qualified homes. See, touch and feel energy efficient materials used in our homes, and learn how our homeowners save money while helping to protect the environment.
DID YOU KNOW?
• A new KB home is up to 30% more energy efficient than a home built in the 1990s • KB Home proudly uses Sherwin-Williams low-VOC paint which helps improve air quality, reduces paint odor and can reduce irritaDell Diamond tion of allergic and chemical sensitivities 3400 E. Palm Rd. • ENERGY STAR qualified appliances use 10-50% less energy and Round Rock, TX water – and KB Home builds exclusively with ENERGY STAR 78758 qualified appliances. • KB Home proudly offers Shaw flooring because it is environmentally friendly, with low VOC for better indoor air quality. It’s also 100% recyclable. • Carrier programmable thermostats can reduce unnecessary energy usage by controlling temperatures even when you’re away from home. • KB Home was named the #1 Green Homebuilder by the prestigious investment firm, Calvert Asset Management. Calvert stated “KB Home leads the pack because of its comprehensive approach to sustainability.”
K B H O M E 2 0 0 9 R E A LT O R B O N U S P R O G R A M
FIRST CLOSING PAID AT SLAB* SECOND CLOSING
Tu casa
Saturday, July 25 9am - 2pm
Hotel Crowne Plaza • 6121 N. IH-35 Visit the KB Home booth at Expo Tu Casa and speak with one of our bilingual sales counselors about special programs for Realtors, our affordable new home communities, and our energy efficient features built into every home.
Spotlight Home of the Month
301 Hogg Pecan Pass • 2,964 sq. ft. The Oak at Twin Creeks in Austin Ready for Quick-Move-In! Priced at $242,128 2-story home with 2,964 sq. ft., 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, den and loft. This beautiful home features a master bedroom with double doors and master bath with cultured marble countertops, a marble garden tub with 12x12 tile splash and separate shower with 12x12 tile surround. The covered patio is perfect for staying cool while enjoying the backyard and the automatic front and backyard sprinklers make lawn maintenance easy. The kitchen has beautiful recessed panel maple cabinets, a 6x6 tile backsplash and all black appliances for a sleek look. For more information, contact our sales team at (512) 292-3652
The Oak at Twin Creeks Community Information
THIRD CLOSING
• 1,903~5,211 sq. ft. • 2 model homes • 20 floor plans • 1~and 2~story homes • 3~6 bedrooms • 2~3.5 baths • ENERGY STAR qualified homes
To Visit The Oak at Twin Creeks: AND FOR EACH ADDITIONAL CLOSING THEREAFTER
If you would like to receive weekly updates from KB Home with our inventory list, Realtor bonuses, and upcoming events, please email our Broker/Realtor Liaison Colette Fitzgerald at cfitzgerald@kbhome.com
Take I-35 to South Austin and exit Slaughter Ln. heading west. Turn left on S. 1st St. to community on right.
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Realty Line of Austin
July 2009
Tommy Holmes, second from right, of Independence Title, greets colleagues at the Central Texas C o m m e rc i a l Association of REALTORS showcase expo. Chuck Scott, Jessica Duarte and Colin Parker, all of Independence Title.
Ryan Rogers of Coldwell Banker United REALTORS and Melinda Carroll of First American Title mix it up at the Westlake Open House that First American Title hosted at its MoPac office.
Juliana Brock of Power Training helps out the auctioneer at the NAPMW’s bottle auction.
July 2009
Realty Line of Austin
HBA PRESIDENT’S COLUMN
New Federal Appraisal Rules Threaten Central Texas’ Healthy Real Estate Market By Wes Peoples • WP Investments
2008-2009 President • Home Builders Association of Greater Austin
As if selling in the current rush of bad national economic numbers wasn’t hard enough, the real estate business is facing challenges from an out of control appraisal industry. It is not enough to market a home, qualify the buyer, and then submit the loan for processing. Now we are faced with a new appraisal challenge. Just what is the problem? The Federal Housing Finance Agency established new rules for appraisals that went into effect May 1. Member firms of the Home Builders Association (HBA) of Greater Austin are frequently reporting that values established by supposedly qualified appraisers are being reported significantly below the sales price established by evaluating the price of similar product in the region. Of course, if the value set by the appraiser is lower than the sales price, the buyer has to come “out of pocket” for the difference. If the buyer is forced to make up the difference, the sale is likely to fall apart. At best, another appraisal has to be ordered costing the buyer more money in fees and delays. Needless to say, in either case both the seller and the buyer are unhappy. We have reports of appraisal firms from as far away as Ohio and California being used for valuations here in Austin of both new and existing homes. While perhaps being qualified in their market, they obviously lack the knowledge of the nuances of the Austin neighborhoods, schools, views, and prestige. And while this is extremely important to me as President of the association representing new home builders, the impact on existing homeowners and the vast majority of area residents are the ones who will be most negatively impacted. This is not just a threat in Texas. The National Association of Mortgage Brokers recognized that the threat was great enough to issue a “Call to Action” on the new “Home Valuation Code of Conduct” HVCC. Now, it appears that lenders are prohibited from “firing” poor appraisers who often are not even familiar with the region, much less the development or submarket. No doubt the problem regulators tried to fix was improper pressure by lenders to set values that might not reflect market basis. Now, however, appraisers may well refuse to even consider how upgrades or other recently sold and comparable homes in the neighborhood affect the market value of a home. It seems that the cure is every bit as
January – May, 2009
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bad as the problem being addressed in the first place. What should you do? We must assume at this point that the system is going to remain, essentially unchanged. As a result, the primary source for sales data is going to be the Multiple Listing Service (MLS). Therefore, report all of your sales, including pre-sales. Appraisers are going to use this as their primary data source and the only way to ensure that future sales make is to provide the data on the most current sales. Second, if you are a builder or a Realtor®, when your industry association issues a call for action, it will be important that you respond with your own examples and directly to your congressional representative. Third, encourage the buyer when selecting their lender to make sure the firm has a list of local appraisers that they are allowed to use. Last, if you or a friend has a personal experience with this problem, contact your congressman to let them know the Federal Housing Finance Agency has a problem in this area. Because a number of folks defrauded banks and Wall Street buyers of packaged loans, we now have new rules. The perceived cure looks good on paper, but the practical effect has had unintended consequences on more normal markets like ours. It is now our responsibility to work through solutions.
Brian Pitman, right, of Independence Title welcomes John Doucet and Adeline Rem to the CTCAR Showcase Expo at the Omni Hotel.
77% RE/MAX
On Spanish language TV, RE/MAX has 100% Share of Voice.
From January through May, RE/MAX practically owned real estate advertising on TV & radio. That’s why remax. com is the world’s most visited real estate company website. It’s also why RE/MAX agents close-on average-more deals than any competitor.
23% Coldwell Banker
Each office independently owned and operated.
A v e r a g e A n n u a l Tr a n s a c t i o n s
12
6.6
5.3
5.1
5.4
6.1
9.1
RE/MAX
Coldwell Banker
Century 21
Keller Williams
Prudential
ERA
Realty Execs
Based on Information from Realogy and Real Trends
Attend the FREE RE/MAX Power Start class August 5th to learn how our technology, training and advertising clout can improve your transaction numbers. Write whitney@remaxtexas.com to register anonymously
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Realty Line of Austin
July 2009
Jon Offord, Gilbert Alires and Randy Maley, all Realty Executives, have coffee in preparation for the corporation meeting at Marie Callender’s.
Join CRS and enjoy networking and a free lunch with top associates like Dephanie Cates and Linda Holmbeck, both of Coldwell Banker United REALTORS, shown here at a recent meeting at Westwood Country Club.
Zana King, Ann Carson and Jennifer Goodrum, all of Independence Title, attend the first annual charity golf tournament at Crystal Falls Golf Club.
Don Rogers of The Scheffe Group helps Tava Patterson and Lonny Van Valkenburgh, both of HvacMasters, promote the benefits of membership in the Central Texas Commercial Association of REALTORS organization at the group’s showcase expo at the Omni Hotel.
15 Hour Online Renewal $79 S.A.F.E. Act Red Flag Rule HVCC - Home Valuation Code Conduct Got Questions? We Have Answers! • Call for $79 code
• Live classes for Loan Officer Pre-Licensing
• Live classes for Mortgage Broker Licensing
For more information call us or visit our Web site for a complete listing of courses and schedules.
S.A.F.E. Act rules are in place. Start booking your required classes. CALL: 512-451-9112
www.PowerTrainingInc.com 8000 Anderson Square #103 Austin, Texas 78757
All courses, schedules and pricing are subject to change.
Realty Line of Austin
July 2009
www.realtylineonline.com
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Realty Line of Austin
July 2009
Mary Ann Castro, third from left, of JB Goodwin REALTORS makes no haste in finding a cool spot with friends by the lake at the company picnic at JB Goodwin’s house on Lake Austin.
D e w a y n e Naumann of First American Title and John Bradford of Texas A & M Real Estate Development give the thumbs up at the First American Title’s remodel celebration at the company’s Westlake office on MoPac.
Deborah Toodle of JB Goodwin REALTORS takes the opportunity to join WCAoR at the Austin Young Real Estate Professionals happy hour at Doc’s.
Realty Line of Austin
July 2009
www.realtylineonline.com
Gracy Gr acy TTitle itle P Presents: resents:
http://www.gracytitle.com/mls/statistics.html .gracytitle.com/mls/statistics.html
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423-9419 allison.craig@gracytitle.com allison.craig@gracytitle.com
750-4052 amy.triesch@gracytitle.com am y.triesch@gracytitle.com
944-6871 audrey.gavin@gracytitle.com audr ey.gavin@gracytitle.com
775-5111 bob.roberts@gracytitle.com bob .roberts@gracytitle.com
422-5248 denise denise.moody@gracytitle.com .moody@gracytitle.com
Donna SSimmons immons
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656-7093 donna.simmons@gracytitle.com donna.simmons@gracytitle.com
426-8020 flora.amyett@gracytitle.com flor a.amyett@gracytitle.com
913-9089 holly.schuler@gracytitle.com holly .schuler@gracytitle.com
577-6454 kenneth.osborn@gracytitle.com kenneth.osbor n@gracytitle.com
826-6666 lisa.altamirano@gracytitle.com lisa.altamir ano@gracytitle.com
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658-6475 marilyn.vanuum@gracytitle.com marilyn.vanuum@gracytitle.com
656-7094 suzanne.jacobs@gracytitle.com suzanne .jacobs@gracytitle.com
997-8707 tracy.blair@gracytitle.com tr acy.blair@gracytitle.com
853-0146 ttom.berry@gracytitle.com om.berry@gracytitle.com
921-5073 walker.molinare@gracytitle.com w alker.molinar alker .molinare@gracytitle.com
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Realty Line of Austin
July 2009
Noble Davis of Lakeline Realty and Nell Hanson on JB Goodwin REALTORS enjoy the beautiful view from the boat dock overlooking Lake Austin at JB Goodwin’s home during the annual company picnic.
Several REALTORS help event sponsor Danette Tidwell of Time Warner Cable, center, set up for the Williamson County Association of REALTORS’ quarterly luncheon in Taylor.
CTCAR president Joe Linsalata of Linsalata Realty Services thanks Dan Steakley of S t a n b e r r y Commercial for hosting a booth at the organization’s third annual showcase expo at the Omni Hotel.
ABoR Director D.A. Henry of The Aldion Group Realty checks in at the Women’s Council of REALTORS monthly networking meeting.
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Raising the Bar for Closing Services
Realty Line of Austin
July 2009
WCAoR PRESIDENT’S COLUMN
The Changing Face of Real Estate By Barbara Wigginton • Realty Executives Excellence
2009 President • Williamson County Association of REALTORS
Technology is continuing to change the face of real estate. As REALTORS, it is important to remember that as technology changes how we do business, it is also changing the way our customers communicate, do business and spend their time. They can pay bills, shop, watch a movie, write a letter, view family photos, and even search for a new job all online! It is no wonder that according to NAR, over 80% of all new home buyers start their home search online. With all of the constant changes and gadgets appearing on the market, it can be easy to find yourself being a little scared of the pace of technology. It is important to remember that real estate technologies are simply tools to improve your business. With that in mind, here are three ways you can implement technology into your business:
1. Video tours Video tours are becoming a marketing-must. By the end of next year, if you do not offer virtual tours, you’ll miss out on winning some listings, especially of better homes and properties. Keep videos brief, highlight only the most salient features, and capture footage throughout the home, moving around to provide some sense of being there. Just get those camcorders rolling!
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of those with very specific short-term interest in your market and services. Provide timely information and insight on trends that benefit buyers and sellers, landlords and tenants, and they’ll remember you as the local expert long after the transaction. Still unsure about how to implement all this technology and what’s right for you and your business? Then be sure to attend the 3rd annual Tech Tune-Up on August 21.
Tech Tune-Up The Williamson County Association of REALTORS will be holding the 3rd annual Tech Tune-Up on August 21 at Wingate Conference Center, 2019 IH-35, Round Rock, Texas. Tech Tune-Up is an educational/convention centered on technology for all real estate professionals. Back by popular demand, our peer panel of local experts, will speak on various technology topics and give audience members the opportunity to have a live Q & A with the panel. We have increased the number of technology related break out rooms where attendees can learn everything from social networking to how to utilize the free tools offered by Google. We have increased the technology courses that offer MCE credit as well as increasing the number and variety of vendor booths. There are more prizes, more giveaways and more opportunities to learn how you can use technology to enhance your business! Registration is now open for Tech Tune-Up at www.TechTuneUp.org.
2. Advertise online With buyers headed to the web first in their quest for real estate, you’re challenged to do some real soul searching about conventional advertising, especially print. While you may recognize why print dollars will be better spent on brand building than individual listings, it’s a tough sell to home owners who expect to see that tiny picture of their house in the newspaper. They’ll be more receptive to online advertising of their home if you can demonstrate how a campaign to drive consumers to your Web site actually increases exposure to qualified buyers.
3. Build your social networks Many of the same sites that accept listing information invite real estate professionals to participate in community forums, or establish themselves as local experts by responding to queries from buyers or sellers. A well-done blog helps attract people interested in an area. Unlike other types of social networking, however, the community you want to create is primarily composed
WR Starkey Mortgage representatives Cindy Musslewhite, Fabi Guitierrez, and Julie Black get ready for the bidding action to begin so they can have a chance on winning one of the fabulous bottles at the NAPMW bottle auction at the Holiday Inn Northwest.
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Realty Line of Austin
July 2009
Are you in the passenger seat or behind the wheel? We’ll PuT You In The DRIveR’s seAT Some companies take the my way or the highway approach to management. We believe in letting agents take the wheel and set the pace for their own career. If you want more control over how you run your business, call us today for a confidential interview. Some real estate companies take too much control over your real estate career and lack the flexibility required for agents to become successful, independent, and to find their own niche. Some companies even make strict rules that hinder independence and fine their agents for not following those rules. At REALTY WORLD Neal Barnes & Associates we will provide you with tools and systems, help you build your data base and show you which road signs to watch for to make your drive to success steady and rewarding. At REALTY WORLD, we will be there for you to provide answers, education, leads, lead generating systems, and marketing tools as needed to help all the agents and brokers. At REALTY WORLD Neal Barnes & Associates we have designed commission structures to allow the new agent to the experienced to become financially independent. Our 100% commission plan is $3000/year or $250/month and is one of the favorites. However, you may like our company splits which allow the agent to have no monthly fees. You may like the 80/20 split up to $4500 or the 70/30 up to $4000 or even our 60/40 up to $3500, and then the remainder of your contracts for the year at 100% commission. We have structured our plans this way at REALTY WORLD, because our goal is your success. REALTY WORLD is one of the top recognized national franchises. REALTY WORLD Neal Barnes & Associates has commission structures that are hard to beat. With national advertising, lead generation and marketing systems, real estate training & education, free yard signs and business cards, annual bonuses up to $10,000, and a life time income recruiting program, you owe it to yourself to take a good look at REALTY WORLD.
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2009 GREEN EXPO presented by Williamson County Association of REALTORS Saturday, July 25th • Dell Diamond • 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
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July 2009
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Susanna Boyer, right, of Sellstate Classic Realty, arrives at the same time as guest speaker and TREC Commissioner Avis Wukasch to the Women’s Council of REALTORS meeting. Avis gave members advice on how to stay out of trouble.
Realty Line’s Doren Carver takes a moment in front of the camera, instead of behind it, with wife Tawanna Carver and business partner at the JB Goodwin REALTORS family picnic.
Suzanne Bergmann and Kari Christ, both of C & G Summit Realty, make their way down the street to see the next home in the Parade of Homes at Mueller Development.
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July 2009
HBA’s Debbie Horridge and Anna Flores sell tickets and hand out information at the Parade of Homes during REALTOR Day at the Mueller Development.
Corrine Costabile of Keller Williams Realty checks out information about the upcoming WCR fashion show at a WCR mixer at The Third Base in Round Rock.
Lynda Conway of JB Goodwin REALTORS gives David Burton of Texas Hometown Realty a pin in recognition of his graduation from ABoR’s Leadership Academy.
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July 2009
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July 2009
Susan Horton and John Horton of John Horton Realty attend the Women’s Council of REALTORS meeting where TREC Commissioner Avis Wukasch informed members “How to Stay Out of Trouble.”
Marie Dang Schwartz, WCR president, thanks Debbie Ates of Wilshire Homes for hosting the first bunco night at her model at The Commons at Rowe Lane. Mary Mealy took the opportunity to let those in attendance know about the opening of her new Realty Executives office.
Meri Krause of Count on Us Realty and Sue Kaligian of Consider it Closed Realty check out the zero edge black pool at the ABoR Foundation’s tour of homes in Barton Creek.
Chris Rodriguez of Realty Executives helps meeting sponsor Colette Fitzgerald of KB Home get her information ready on the computer. She presented it at the Realty Executives’ region meeting at Marie Callender’s.
Realty Line of Austin
July 2009
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A Texas Two Step: Texas Department of Housing And Community Affairs Gives Texans Two Ways to Access Funds 90-Day Down Payment Assistance Program Mortgage Advantage Program
Get Buyers Off The Fence The Texas The Texas Department Department of Housing Housing & Community Community Affairs Affairs (TDHCA) ( TDHCA) has just rreleased eleased ttwo wo down do wn payment payment assistanc assistance e pr programs ograms designed tto o help b borrowers orrowers pur purchase chase their first home home.. Ass an appr A approved oved lender lender,, Land M Mortgage ortgage w works orks with the TDHC TDHCA A tto o qualify eligible buyers. buyers. programs homebuyers take advantage TThese hese pr ograms are are intended intended to to allow allow first time homebuy ers tto o tak e ad vantage of rrecent ecent legislation shortt tterm prior legisla tion by by rreceiving eceiving a shor erm loan pr ior tto o filing ffor or and rreceiving eceiving the ffederal ederal first time home buy buyer er tax cr credit. edit. TTo o qualify qualify,, eligible b borrowers orrowers must meet the ffederal ederal first time homebuyer homebuy er rrequirements. equirements. FFor or more more information information ccall infor all or click ttoday. oday.
About A bout L Land and M Mortgage ortgage We ar We are e a lo local cal mor mortgage tgage bank with competitive competitive loan pr programs, ograms, rreasonable easonable closing ccosts, osts, and a full range range of in-house services. services. TThere here ar are e no sur surprises prises her here. e. W We e ccommunicate ommunicate e every very step st ep of the way way to to ensure ensure everyone everyone is up-t up-to-date o-date on wher where e financing stands ffor or the transaction. preferred we allow whatt yyou best tr ansaction. As As yyour our pr efer ef erred lender lender,, w e allo w yyou ou tto o cconfidently onfidently do wha ou do b est more homes.. SSell ell mor e homes
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Realty Line of Austin
July 2009
Glenn King of RE/MAX Round Rock and Jim Goldrick of Texas American Title attend the quarterly WCAoR meeting in Taylor, where representatives from the Chamber of Commerce gave updates about the city’s growth.
Diane Christy of Diane Christy REALTORS sells raffle tickets at the Certified Residential Specialists meeting to benefit Any Baby Can.
Susan Brown, seated, of Realty Executives lets Mary Ann Nations, standing left, of Keller Williams Realty and others know about the raffle details at the Women’s Council of REALTORS monthly networking meeting.
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Realty Line of Austin
COMMENTARY
July 2009
Observations from the 2009 NAR Member Survey By David Tandy • Gracy Title
BUY OUR HOME, WE’LL HELP YOU SELL YOURS Introducing the Wilshire Homes Contingency Partnership Plan ... Because We’re In This Together At Wilshire Homes, Built Around You also means that when you have a home to sell, we have a home to sell. When you enter into a contingency contract with Wilshire Homes, we’ll soon give you and your realtor a call and our team of experienced real estate professionals will come to your home, provide a “quick sale� analysis, and help you WOW shoppers from the moment they lay eyes on your home. Let us free you up to concentrate on your new home. Here’s just a few of the ways we can help you out: CURB APPEAL TRANSFORMATION FOR THE EXTERIOR
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The National Association of REALTORSÂŽ has recently released its 2009 Member Profile results. The results are published in an 84 page report that provides insight into the challenges facing brokers and agents. Not surprisingly, NAR membership declined 10.5% from Dec 2007 to Dec 2008 and it has dropped another 6.4% so far through April 2009. With membership dues coming up for payment in June, there will most likely be a further drop in membership. INCOME. The median gross income (MGI) of REALTORSÂŽ fell 14% to $36,700 in 2008. For REALTORSÂŽ with 2 years or less experience, the MGI was $8,600. For REALTORSÂŽ with 16 years or more experience, it was $53,900. When reading about income, it’s important to remember the large majority of REALTORSÂŽ are self-employed. All expenses for medical insurance, marketing, equipment, office supplies and professional dues are usually paid by the REALTORÂŽ. Agents also pay monthly fees to their broker for being associated with them in addition to splitting their commissions when a home sells. REALTORSÂŽ also pay FICA tax since there’s no employer. EXPERIENCE. 73% of REALTORSÂŽ reported being “very certainâ€? they’ll remain in the business for at least two more years which means 27% weren’t “very certainâ€? they will remain. 60% of all REALTORSÂŽ are female and the median age of a REALTORÂŽ increased from 52 to 54 years old. According to the NAR survey, 75% of REALTORSÂŽ don’t have a second job. Regarding different brokerage models: • 72% of REALTORSÂŽ receive no benefits through their firm; • 50% of REALTORSÂŽ are affiliated with an independent, non-franchised brokerage; • 12% of REALTORSÂŽ worked for a firm that was bought or merged in the past 24 months; • 25% of REALTORSÂŽ have spent 11 or more years with their current brokerage TECHNOLOGY USE. Regarding technology, only 42% use a smart phone (phones with email & Internet ability). Based on purely anecdotal observations, I would expect that number to be much higher for REALTORSÂŽ in Austin. According to the survey, agents with less experience in the business were more likely to use smart phones. 7% of the agents have a blog but 35% are involved in social networking (Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, etc.), although years of service had little bearing on the adoption of social networking. I would also expect the adoption rate to be higher in Austin for use of social networking sites. As to their listings, 81% put their listings on their broker’s site; 80% on REALTOR.com; 66% on their MLS; 46% on their own Web site; and 16% put listings on other broker’s sites (via reciprocity). SOURCE OF REFERRALS. 90% of the agents get less than 10% of their business from open houses while 61% of the agents say they get no business from open houses. 23% of business of REALTORSÂŽ licensed 16+ years originated with referrals from past clients. Distressed property transactions have a significant impact on how business is done with agents with 40% of REALTORSÂŽ closing at least one property in foreclosure. EDUCATION. Education and designations continue to grow in importance for successful REALTORSÂŽ. 35% of REALTORSÂŽ hold a minimum of one professional designation, up 3% from last year. 20% have a GRI (Graduate, REALTOR Institute), 13% have an ABR (Accredited Buyer Representative), 10% have a CRS (Certified Residential Specialist), and 5% have a SRES (Seniors Real Estate Specialist). 16% of REALTORSÂŽ hold a specialized training certification. The full report is available on the NAR site: www.realtor.org/prodser.nsf/products/186-12-09?OpenDocument.
Realty Line of Austin
July 2009
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*The builder incentives described in the “Put Your Dreams On Course� are offered only by certain participating builders to homebuyers executing new homes sales contracts between May 29 – July 31, 2009 and closed by March 31, 2010 in the Teravista community and are sponsored exclusively by such builders, who are solely responsible for the content and operation of the builder incentives offered in the promotion. Newland has neither any affiliation nor any obligations or liabilities relating to the builder incentives offered in the Promotion. Information regarding tax credits, interest rates, and FHA loans are provided for general guidance only, and no representation or warranty is made that you will quality for a tax credit, interest rates and FHA loans as described above. The information provided does not constitute legal, tax, accounting, financial, investment, or other professional, advice, services or consulting of any kind. Please consult with your qualified real estate, financial, accounting, and legal advisors regarding your specific circumstances and your purchase. Must sign a new home contract in Teravista between May 29 – July 31, 2009, and close escrow by March 31, 2010, to be eligible for the HOA dues paid for one year and golf rounds at the Teravista Golf Club. Golf rounds will be delivered and HOA dues paid upon verification of eligibility and closing and funding of the new home. Contact a Teravista builder sales office to obtain a copy of the Terms & Conditions for this promotion, or visit our website at www.teravista.com/500. Void where prohibited. This is not intended to be an offer to sell nor a solicitation of offers to buy real estate in Teravista or to residents of Connecticut, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, New York, New Jersey, and Oregon, or in any other jurisdiction where prohibited by law. Homes within the Teravista community are constructed and sold by builders not affiliated with Newland Communities or Newland Communities’ affiliated companies. Prices, specifications and details are subject to change without notice. Š2009 Newland Communities. All rights reserved.
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Realty Line of Austin
July 2009
Derrick Miller of RE/MAX Austin Skyline greets Letty Homan of DHI Mortgage on his way to a business appointment at the DHI Mortgage office.
Eddie Rinehart, seated, of Treaty Oak Mortgage sits with John McCully, Michelle Goldberg, (standing) Amanda Eckhardt Mika, and Rachelle Rowan at the 15th annual NAPMW Bottle Auction.
Alisa LeBlanc of North American Title checks out the game room along with Eric Sutherland of Prodigy Mortgage and Rod Morgan of L a n d m a r k Properties at the AYREP happy hour at Doc’s in Pflugerville.
Steve Amezquita of United Lending catches up with J.B. Goodwin at his lakeside home during the JB Goodwin REALTORS company picnic.
July 2009
Realty Line of Austin
ASSOCIATES IN PROGRESS
Nalle Custom Homes By Linda McNabb
CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Nalle Custom Homes is proud to be a leading custom home builder in Central Texas. It is a family owned operation that has closed more than 100 homes since starting in 2003, averaging about 30 to 40 homes per year, while remaining competitive in many price points. “We have created a system that allows us to have the buying power of a large company but also the necessary individual attention to detail, quality and flexibility that you would expect in a first-class, custom home,” says Tilghman Nalle. With a full time staff of 11 employees, Nalle Custom Homes can build from a custom home plan that a buyer has already acquired or they can sit down with their design team and come up with a fully custom plan that suits a buyer’s needs. “Understanding each customer's desires and building it efficiently allows us to construct each home with the utmost craftsmanship and value,” Nalle says. The company looks at custom home building with a systematic approach that helps ensure that they keep home projects on track without limiting flexibility and customization. “We provide a very detailed schedule and timeline for our clients,” Nalle says. “We also have an experienced staff that is always available. We do not try to balance our office work and field work. We have a separate staff for each. Homeowners who have worked with other builders often complain that they were not able to get in touch with the builder and they were never at the house. Our system allows for us to have qualified personnel available at all locations and times.” The company does not have a sales staff, so a large percentage of its business comes from referrals, making the REALTOR role an important key to the company’s continued success. “We would like REALTORS to realize how much we rely on them for our business,” Nalle says. “We hope this gives us an opportunity let them know that it is possible for a custom builder to achieve quality and service and still deliver a com-
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petitive price point.” Nalle says REALTORS can feel free to continue their relationships with other custom home builders because it is not necessary for Nalle Custom Homes to be the only builder that REALTORS introduce to their clients—they just want to make sure they are among a REALTOR’S resources. “We are confident in our product and feel like the opportunity is all we need,” Nalle says. “We currently have built homes for more than 95 percent of the clients that we have had the opportunity to bid the project.” Some clients build on a site they have already acquired while others choose from available lots. Currently, those are located in The Colony, Granada Oaks, Rim Rock and The Arbors at Dogwood Creek in Elgin. Projects are also underway in Central Austin, Tarrytown and Westlake. “Once a home site has been selected, we can then sit down with your buyer and help them fill out an entire set of specifications which allows us to come up with a preliminary budget,” Nalle says. “This is a popular concept as it allows our clients to have a firm bid for the cost of their project before they have spent any time or money on the design.” With the varying topographies in the Austin area, Nalle Custom Homes also works diligently to ensure that the design fits perfectly on the selected home site and blends well within its surrounding environment. “We offer the ability to work with our personal designer to help develop their architectural plans,” he says. It is assurances like these that mean your buyers will always be in good hands and be satisfied with the craftsmanship of their Nalle Custom Home. “Exceptional service and quality is what sets our home building experience apart,” says Nalle. “Our building process will help ensure that your client's experience is both exciting and pleasurable.”
“Exceptional service and quality is what sets our home building experience apart. Our building process will help ensure that your client's experience is both exciting and pleasurable.”
candy Buzan 797-5580
Max Leaman 293-1239
Kim Nielsen 825-2347
Melissa driskell 964-1864
Mary Kennedy 750-7834
Brian patschke 565-5852
trudy Savage 965-5017
Mark Hoffman 785-3279
terrie doggett 415-0212
rhonda Neeley 560-3429
Shannon Smith 560-4590 Not pictured: Michael ray, 784-8488 • terry Weber, 554-4013
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July 2009
Douglas Crain of WCAoR wishes Tiesa Hollaway of North American Title well on the upcoming birth of her baby. They were at the AYREP happy hour at Doc’s in Pflugerville.
Lisa OwensPsencik, seated, of John Horton Realty joins Karen Curry and April Campbell Laird, both of Sunny Lane Realty, at REALTOR Day at the Mueller Development during the Parade of Homes.
Alice Ann Newman and Mike Newman, both of Keller Williams Realty, meet and talk with Rita Santamaria of Champions School of Real Estate at the WCR mixer held at Third Base in Round Rock.
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July 2009
Realty Line of Austin
www.realtylineonline.com
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Homes from the $250’s to $3+ million Welcome Center: 512-266-5833 or 800-783-4640 For more information, visit www.steinerranch.com %XLOGHUV 7D\ORU 0RUULVRQ 'UHHV &XVWRP +RPHV +LJKODQG +RPHV 0RQWHUH\ +RPHV 'DYLG :HHNOH\ 3DUWQHUV LQ %XLOGLQJ &XVWRP +RPHV $I¿QLW\ +RPHV 5DQG\ 5ROOR +RPHV (FKHORQ +RPHV ,QIRUPDWLRQ FRQWDLQHG ZLWKLQ WKLV DGYHUWLVHPHQW LV FRUUHFW DW WLPH RI SXEOLFDWLRQ DQG VXEMHFW WR FKDQJH ,Q RUGHU WR UHFHLYH JLIW FDUG 5HDOWRU PXVW DFFRPSDQ\ SURVSHFW LQWR WKH :HOFRPH &HQWHU RQ ¿UVW YLVLW
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Realty Line of Austin
July 2009
Amy Kozba takes the opportunity at a WCR happy hour to tell David Pavliska of RE/MAX Round Rock and Neal Barnes of Neal Barnes & Associates that she is now with Austin Title.
United Lending’s David McMillan enjoys some family time with his wife Sheryl and their children Lauren, Samantha and Jack at the JB Goodwin REALTORS company picnic by the lake.
CTCAR president Joe Linsalata, Cathy Conway and Harry Gibbs display the RCA Accreditation received at the National Association of REALTORS convention in Washington, D.C.
Michelle Burch, Diana Barton and Shirra Hanna, all of Dywer Realty, share information about their company to commercial REALTORS at the CTCAR Showcase Expo at the Omni Hotel.
Realty Line of Austin
July 2009
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Monterey Homes KYLE
Legacy Homes
Promotion available for a limited time only. Prices, rates, terms, programs and availability subject to change or revocation without prior notice or obligation. Offers and availability, including amount, duration and particular home/plan, vary. Cannot be combined with any other promotion or incentives unless approved by Meritage Management. Job Loss Protection Program is not a commitment to lend. Loans subject to underwriting, credit, and property approval. Loan products and coverage terms and limits may vary by state. Not all borrowers will qualify. Maximum benefit of up to $2,500 per month for up to six months, subject to involuntary unemployment insurance policy terms, restrictions, and conditions, vesting and waiting periods, claim filing requirements, and certificate of coverage issuance. Valid for eligible buyers only and does not apply to self-employed or 1099 contracts. Other restrictions may apply. Terms, policy, and programs may be changed or cancelled at any time without notice. Assistance with closing costs is available with allocated Meritage Money through their preferred lender affiliate. $8,000 Federal tax credit available to qualified first-time homebuyers. Limitations apply. Please see your tax advisor for details or visit www.federalhousingtaxcredit.com. Lease buyouts are available to qualified buyers and vary depending on lease amount, duration and other applicable lease terms. Certain restrictions apply. See sales agent for details. Free Credit Repair program is available to help educate and inform you about credit related issues. Such information is not intended to serve as legal advice. We do not promise or guarantee your credit score will be increased or restored. Other restrictions may apply to programs. Please see sales agent for details. Broker Co-op paid at closing; Broker MUST accompany buyer on 1st sales office visit. Photographs are representative of a Meritage Homes design, but not necessarily offered at the advertised communities.
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Realty Line of Austin
July 2009
Cheryl Jenkins of Coldwell Banker United REALTORS rings the bell to start a round of bunco at the Women’s Council of REALTORS event at the Wilshire Homes model at The Commons at Rowe Lane.
Fran Pullin of First American Title welcomes Kay DaSilva of Avalar Realty to the office remodel celebration of the title company’s Westlake office.
Mike Siriboone of Avalar Real Estate and Patrick Smith of Spencer Properties check out another great outdoor living space complete with a waterfall, while participating in the Parade of Homes at Mueller Development.
s ay 0 am d n :3 Mo to 10 m 0a
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Keep Up On the Latest Mortgage News & Hot Real Estate Topics Impacting Your Business. Join Monday Mortgage Live with John Schutze and Sandy Battise For more info visit: www.mondaymortgagelive.com To Register For the Call Contact: info@mondaymortgagelive.com
Realty Line of Austin
July 2009
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Kim Miller of the Decorating Den and Jennifer Semler of Keller Williams Realty get ready to check out the elaborate iron gates on one of the homes in Barton Creek, where the ABoR Foundation hosted a Tour of Homes.
If you don’t k n o w G e n e Hammonds of Highland Lakes Real Estate and Bettye Turner of JB Goodwin REALTORS, joining the Certified Residential Specialists is a great way to meet them and others.
Pam Jenkins of Land Mortgage accepts the award for Employer of the Year at the NAPMW bottle auction.
We W e see lots of GREEN in your FU FUTURE FUT TU URE RE Drees Announces a
NEW PHASE Now w Open in CRYSTAL CRYST YSTAL AL FALLS. FALLS. Lots with trees, lots with views, cul de sacs and lots of green! Crystal FFalls, alls, located in Austin’s Austin’s booming northwest corridor, corridor, is surrounded by by everything everything you you need… Lake Travis, Travis, shopping, major employers employers and acclaimed schools schools within minutes of the community. community. Now,, Drees offers a new phase with spectacular Hill Country views and heavily heavily treed homesites plus new home incenti incentives ves and the DreeSmart Green Program. Program. Homeowners Homeowners can see green and save save green at Crystal FFalls. alls. See a Drees Market Manager today today for details... it’s it’s in your your future!
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Realty Line of Austin
Enjoying happy hour after the Insiders Guide to Credit Scoring class were Sam Mehra, REALTOR, Mark Hairston of Mortgage IQ (instructor), Shara Parker of RE/MAX Austin Associates and Rebecca Ponder of Edward Jones. The course was held at Cover 3.
Bill Evans of Austin Real Pros, ABoR’s director of education Sally Yaryan and Chad Cardani of Austin Real Pros are pleased to have graduated from the first Leadership Academy.
July 2009
Patricia Wagner of DHI Mortgage models the basket of bottles her company donated for the National Association of Professional Mortgage Women’s bottle auction.
Lisa Foster-Sixton of Avalon Realty, Linda Schulman of Independence Title, Kenton Brown of Sente Mortgage, Laura Pagnozzi of Independence Title and Crystal Kilpatrick of Homes ATX enjoyed the Barton Creek Tour of Homes sponsored by the ABoR Foundation. Sente Mortgage was a sponsor of the Tour of Homes.