in this issue…
Putting a Face on Real Estate since 1995™
• Benchmark Mortgage VA Loans • Trendmaker Homes luncheon with PT50 REALTORS • Blackburn Communities Grand Opening at The Crossings • & much, much more!
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AUGUST 2018 • VOLUME 23 • ISSUE 4
Are online wholesale home seller services worth the hype? By Riki Markowitz
S
Visit us online 24/7 at www.myRealtyLine.com
P. O. Box 81366, Austin, Texas 78708
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Putting a Face on Real Estate since 1995
Printed on recycled paper.
Presorted Standard U.S. Postage PAID Austin, Texas Paid Permit #715
ome heavily advertised and funded tech companies that offer instant offers for homes may be coming soon to Austin. Sometimes called iBuyers, such as Opendoor, Knock and OfferPad, these for-profit companies have a similar business plan. Reviews show customers have experienced everything from a positive transaction to misadventure at every turn. Sellers go online, provide information
about their home and are given what appears to be a fair market offer. If the owner agrees to the company’s terms, the wholesale company then turns around and sells the house at a profit. The offer presented to sellers is based on photos, comps and tax records. Once a seller agrees to a wholesaler’s list price, an inspector goes to the home and compiles a list of repairs (like how it works with a traditional buyer). The seller has the option of doing all or some of the repairs. The company will provide a monetary advance that they will recoup at closing or sellers can elect to have the wholesaler do the repairs and the cost is deducted from the sale price. One agent living in a large Georgia metro area, according to Inman News, wanted to see what it was like to work with some of the more popular wholesalers in his area. After providing information about his home on their websites he received an initial offer, which he found disappointing. He said their final offer was nearly 6.6 percent less than a recent appraisal, which in his case represented a potential $125k loss. While some sellers are willing to trade some profit for closing quickly, many people simply don’t realize how much money they’re walking away from. For the most part, it’s due to a combination of their need to sell fast, im-
Featured Event August 23: 6:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. Pure Gold Realty: Rock 'N Restock
patience with the process, lack of knowledge about real estate and discomfort negotiating. Other homeowners don’t want to deal with making repairs or simply can’t afford it. Another pitfall may be limited customer service. Shawn Rooker, a REALTOR with Realty Austin, has had clients who fired their agent from next-gen tech brokerages, mostly due to avoidable problems. “The best agents provide value through their customer service. Period,” he says. Another example: A homeowner who lives in a town outside of Dallas. He needed to sell his house and wanted to do it quickly. He saw
another home listed by a wholesaler that perfectly matched his needs. Everything about his initial experience was perfect. He had a REALTOR and was able to see the house on his timeline, but then he needed some basic information and called the company listing the home. Because he said he had an agent, the company wouldn’t talk to him. It turns out his REALTOR was on vacation and he was worried that someone might come along and snatch the house before his agent returned. He pleaded with the company and explained
Front Page: Continued on page 28
Features of the Month Column: ABoR—Are you ready for the Great American Road Trip?. . . . . . . . . . . . . .. pg. 3 Column: WCREALTORS—Buyers beware: you may be under surveillance!. . . . . . . . . . .pg. 7 Column: HBA—Builders concerned about affordability and cost of construction. . . . . . pg. 15 Expert Commentary: We need to do a better job educating renters. . . . . . . . . . . . . pg. 20 Column: Women's Council—Close the door on Opendoor!. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . pg. 22 Associates in Progress: Whisper Valley. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . pg. 25 Column: RRC—Online home sales models leave money on the table. . . . . . . . . . . . . pg. 30 Upcoming Events. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . pg. 33
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August 2018 www.myRealtyLine.com
MAKE THE RELOCATION PROCESS A SNAP
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Putting a Face on Real Estate since 1995
Putting a Face on Real Estate since 1995.™
Central Texas may be considered one geographic area, but there is no denying the fact that each county boasts its own unique idenitity, personality and culture. When faced with the overwhelming task of deciding where to relocate, you want access to reliable research that will help you make a well-informed, confident decision. The Stewart Title of Austin Central Texas Relocation Guide is your best resource for finding the area that perfectly complements your lifestyle. This three-volume set is divided by county, painting comprehensive pictures of Travis, Hays and Williamson Counties. Take the guesswork out of one of the most important decisions you will ever make. Discover the diverse pieces that make up Central Texas and have peace of mind that you will find the perfect fit.
Contact your Stewart Title of Austin sales executive today for a copy of the Central Texas Relocation Guide. stewart.com/austin/sales
From Left to Right: Hays, Williamson and Travis County Relocation Guides Š 2018 Stewart. All rights reserved.
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austin
Austin Board of REALTORS®
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Putting a Face on Real Estate since 1995
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President’s Column
instructions.)
By Steve Crorey • 2018 President
TREPAC Bowling Night Dust off your lucky bowling shoes and bring on the competition because TREPAC Bowling Night is around the corner. Form a bowling team or play individually in a friendly competition in support of TREPAC to strike
Are you ready for the Great American Road Trip?
P
ack your bags, because registration for Realty Round Up 2018 is now open! Our annual member meeting and trade show is ABoR’s biggest event of the year, attended by 2,500+ real estate professionals and 200+ exhibitors from all across Central Texas. To kick off the day, Joseph Rand, managing partner of Better Homes and Gardens Realty, will share business building insights from his new book, "Disruptors, Discounters, and Doubters." Once the trade show doors open at 11 a.m., the rest is up to you! You can earn free CE credit hours, network with your peers, and maybe win a new Audi Q5 through our Grand Prize Raffle. Tickets for our Grand Prize Raffle, which benefits the ABoR Foundation, are on sale now for $100 each or three for $200. And it’s not too late to secure booth and advertising packages. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to promote your business to thousands of real estate professionals. With a variety of booth sizes and advertising packages, we have the perfect package to fit your needs. For more information visit
ABoRRoundUp.com. Oh, and did I mention that Realty Round Up is free for ABoR members who request their tickets before October 6? Claim your seat for this awesome adventure at ABoRRoundUp.com. We’ll see you at the Palmer Events Center on October 17.
Apply for an ABoR Industry Award before Aug. 31 Time’s running out to apply for an ABoR Industry Award. Starting this year, when you apply for a Platinum Top 50 award you’re applying for an ABoR Industry Award, too! Apply at PT50Austin.com before August 31 to be considered for the following award categories: • REALTOR of the Year • Salesperson of the Year • Rookie of the Year • Community Service Award ABoR Affiliate Members can also apply for Affiliate of the Year. (Note: The Affiliate of the Year application process differs from other categories. Visit ABoR.com/Awards for
out bad legislation. Those with the best (and worst) skills can win prizes and fun awards. Get ready to shake, rattle and bowl with us on Tuesday, August 28 from 7 to 9 p.m. at Dart Bowl on Grover Avenue. Secure your tickets
August 2018
3
and lanes today at ABoR.com/BowlingNight. Your investment in TREPAC allows ABoR to engage policy makers and connect REALTORS and your clients as the unified voice for our community. Your support makes a difference and we thank you in advance. As always, you can contact the ABoR Board of Directors at board@abor.com with any comments, questions or concerns, and don’t forget to follow me on Facebook (@2018ABoRPresident) for need-to-know Association news, calls for action, and monthly President’s Corner videos! RL
EVENTS & EDUCATION:
MORE AT ABOR.COM
Events Aug. 28: TREPAC Bowling Night @ Dart Bowl Aug. 29: ABoR Forum: Leasing and Property Management Aug. 31: Application Deadline for ABoR Industry Awards
Education Aug. 21: Social Media: Branding and Lead Generation (TREC #32003) Aug. 21: Understanding the Essentials of Septic Systems (TREC #33196) Aug. 27: RENE: The Power Negotiator’s Playbook (TREC #31624) Aug. 27: Texas Vet: Housing and Land Loan Programs (TREC #32182) Aug. 27: Home Loans for Veterans (TREC #32157) Aug. 28: Professional Standards for REALTORS® (TREC #32004) Aug. 30: Pricing Strategies: Mastering the CMA (TREC #33058) Aug. 30: Seller Beware: 32 Buyer Outs in a Real Estate Contract (ABoR South) (TREC #34284) Sept. 1 & 3: ABoR Offices Closed – Labor Day
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August 2018 www.myRealtyLine.com
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Putting a Face on Real Estate since 1995.™
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Putting a Face on Real Estate since 1995
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Help your clients achieve the home of their dreams. ■ ■ ■ ■
John Schutze, center, of Guaranteed Rate brings breakfast and mortgage knowledge to the United Real Estate team. You can have him come to your office, too! Learning from John were Jay Tucker, Sumita Chakraborti, Kimla Beckham, Shannon Ensor and Joe Ensor, all of United Real Estate.
Conventional and Portfolio Lending No and Low Down Payment Options Lot Loans and Construction Financing Financing for Unique Properties Download Photo: RL_080318_B.jpg for FREE at www.myrealtyline.com
"The service is undeniable when it comes to a loan process. SouthStar Bank follows through with clients and the communication between all parties is clear."
Benchmark Mortgage and Texas National Title team up to present "VA Loans: Get Your Facts Straight" where Kathy Morford of Texas National Title and Tammy Wise of 512 Freedom Real Estate learn that veterans can qualify for up to 100 percent financing with no money down.
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Putting a Face on Real Estate since 1995.â„¢
179619_0608 AustinReloGuide.indd 1
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August 2018
5
6/8/18 8:19 AM
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August 2018 www.myRealtyLine.com
austin
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Putting a Face on Real Estate since 1995
Putting a Face on Real Estate since 1995.™
CJ Pfau of Pfau Realty, Lyndsay Villa of EXP Realty and Julie Floyd are excited to explore the east side of Williamson County on the WCREALTORS' East Side Story Bus Tour.
Download Photo: RL_080418_A.jpg for FREE at www.myrealtyline.com
Laura Duggan of West Austin Properties, Becky DeButts of Nextage Lone Star Realty and Bill Evans of Austin Real Pros get the latest industry information at the bimonthly Residential Real Estate Council (formerly CRS) meeting held the at Westwood Country Club. Download Photo: RL_080518_A.jpg for FREE at www.myrealtyline.com
HomeCity Real Estate hosts a Residential Networking Group event at the Austin Film Society. We caught up with Ransome Tucker of HomeCity Real Estate, Rick Orr of Real Savvy REALTORS, Keith Dunham and Irina Kay, both of HomeCity Real Estate, and Catherine Waldron of Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate.
Download Photo: RL_071118_E.jpg for FREE at www.myrealtyline.com
Gaby Martinez and Adrienne Morrison, both of M/I Homes, show off their new model in The Cottages at Belterra Village.
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Eligibility REquiREmEnts: All quAlifiEd sAlEs must bE oRiginAl contRActs wRittEn bEtwEEn octobER 1, 2017 And sEptEmbER 3, 2018. onE (1) finAl EvEnt invitAtion pER quAlifiEd REAltoR. pARticipAtion is non-tRAnsfERAblE. HigHlAnd HomEs ltd HAs solE discREtion in dEtERmining wHEtHER tHE Eligibility REquiREmEnt is mEt foR EAcH sAlE. only onE REAltoR nAmE is REcognizEd pER sAlE. offER vAlid on Austin HigHlAnd HomEs only. plEAsE sEE A sAlEs counsEloR foR moRE infoRmAtion. AUS110117
Brookfield Residential • Chesmar Homes Drees Custom Homes • Lennar Homes Perry Homes • Scott Felder Homes
AN REAG ALD RON
& SEPTEMBER 3, 2018 HomEs bEtwEEn
SAN GABRIEL PKWY. LEANDER
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Putting a Face on Real Estate since 1995.™
austin
Williamson County Assoc. of REALTORS®
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Putting a Face on Real Estate since 1995
President’s Column By Victoria Reviel • 2018 President
www.myRealtyLine.com
August 2018
As a REALTOR, it is your job to make sure your clients are well informed of the ramifications of recording, or being recorded. If you
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are unsure of how to proceed, please speak with your broker, or reach out to the TAR Legal Hotline. RL
Buyers beware: you may be under surveillance!
D
o you feel that teddy bear in the corner watching you? You may be right. Many homes now have multiple surveillance cameras at the front door, inside and on the grounds that record everything that happens. And yes, they are watching prospective buyers walk through their home. In July, TREC fined a salesperson $2,500 and placed him on probation for rummaging through the seller’s master bedroom dresser drawers. It is important during your buyer consultation to set the guidelines for property showings. Make sure they understand that respect must be given to the seller’s home, personal items and property. Do not forget to inform your buyers before entering any home that there maybe visual and audio cameras present. Remind them not to talk about financing, offer price, their dream home, comments on the contents of the home, the good, bad or the ugly. Have the buyer write down any questions or concerns regarding the property on a pad of paper or the back of the buyer MLS Sheet.
This makes everyone comfortable and you can relax after the showings to discuss the viewed properties. As for the listing agents, it is important to understand that the seller may simply feel nervous about having strangers in their home, amid their possessions, and want some measure of security. Other ways clients can obtain this is to make sure the property is secure, the home is depersonalized, and medications are securely put away. While at it, don’t forget to remove valuables and pack up anything that can be broken or damaged; weapons need to be secured. Pets should also be secured for the buyers and your beloved pet’s safety. According to the National Association of REALTORS, as many as 50 million homes are projected to have at least one Wi-Fi camera in their home by 2022! NAR recommends that listing agents ask home sellers if they’re using surveillance equipment. If yes, they should tell the buyer’s agent or include a notice in the MLS agent remarks so that all REALTORS can be aware and inform their buyer.
Event & Education
Schedule Register at www.wcaor.org August
September
21
Building Your Brand for REALTORS
7
Advanced Mortgage Strategies
22
Seller Beware Buyouts Contract
7
DocuSign for REALTORS
22
Creating Comprehensive CMA
10
Building Your Brand for REALTORS
23
Salsa Contest for TREPAC
11
Facebook for Business Pages
23
zipForm Plus
12
Instagram for REALTORS
24
Legal Update 2
13
29
REALTORS Property Resource (RPR)
Military Relocation Professional Certification Course
14
Legal Update 1
8
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August 2018 www.myRealtyLine.com
austin
TM
Putting a Face on Real Estate since 1995
Putting a Face on Real Estate since 1995.™
Randy Rollo is excited to hear insights into the local market that make the growth of his community — Deerbrooke in Leander —a given! He and DeKecha Shepherd are all smiles and excited for another great year for new home sales.
Download Photo: RL_070518_A.jpg for FREE at www.myrealtyline.com
Robert Patterson of Trendmaker Homes tells guests at the PT50 luncheon at Fleming’s Steakhouse about the 13 inventory homes the builder has available at Rancho Sienna in Georgetown where homes are priced from the $290s to the $600s. Lots are available in three sizes.
Download Photo: RL_080318_C.jpg for FREE at www.myrealtyline.com Download Photo: RL_081218_J.jpg for FREE at www.myrealtyline.com
At Belterra, outside possibilities are a sure thing.
Christina Sharp and Jeremy Fisher, both of Realty Austin, attend Benchmark Mortgage and Texas National Title's VA Loan class to find out how they can get their clients VA contract accepted.
Explore miles of hike and bike trails
New Amenities, Schools and Models
Neighborhoods from the $300s - $800s
Brookfield Residential I Drees Custom Homes I Highland Homes I Scott Felder Homes Sitterle Homes I Toll Brothers I Trendmaker Homes I Wilshire Homes
469.513.5600 I belterratexas.com
Putting a Face on Real Estate since 1995.™
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Putting a Face on Real Estate since 1995
www.myRealtyLine.com
August 2018
AustinTitleAgent
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Show renters that buying may be better for them than renting.
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AustinTitleAgent ONE includes 12 calculators that are FREE.
www.austintitle.com This product is being provided as a general service to the community at large without the condition of the referral of title insurance and/or settlement services business.
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August 2018 www.myRealtyLine.com
RL austin
Putting a Face on Real Estate since 1995.™
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Putting a Face on Real Estate since 1995
Join the Residential Real Estate Council (RRC) and get your CRS designation. This referral group sticks together, and with a nationwide reach it is a great opportunity to transform your business. We ran into Susie Kang of JOA Realty and David Burton of Keller Williams Realty networking at the group's bi-monthly meeting. Download Photo: RL_080518_D.jpg for FREE at www.myrealtyline.com
Craig Potts, Nadia and Regan Burris, all of Keller Williams Realty, make a beeline for the coffee station before they board the WCREALTORS East Side Story Bus Tour heading out to explore the east side of the county at 8 a.m.
Download Photo: RL_080418_B.jpg for FREE at www.myrealtyline.com
Builders hear the latest market report at the Home Builders Association's (HBA) Mid-Year Housing Forecast. Amy Martin of Metrostudy, HBA President Lee Whitaker of Pacesetter Homes, HBA CEO Emily Blair and HBA Public Affairs Director Holly Davis welcomed a sold out crowd of more than 350 industry professionals to the annual event.
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Tracy Kilpatrick and Robert Winterbottom, both of HomeCity Real Estate, enjoy some down time with colleagues at the company's Residential Networking Group event at the Austin Film Society.
512-244-3545 ChampionsSchool.com/Austin
INSIDER'S GUIDE TO COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE $119 SEP 5 - 6 Wed: Thu:
8:30 am - 6:45 PM 8:30 am - 5:30 PM
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TEXAS COMPLETE WITH BROKER RESPONSIBILITY SEP 6 - 7 Thu: Fri:
8:30 am - 6:45 PM 8:30 am - 5:30 PM
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18-Hour program includes:
18-Hour program includes:
• 8-Hour TREC Legal Update I & II
• 8-Hour TREC Legal Update I & II
• Broker Responsibility
• Types of Investors
• Texas Common Legal Issues
• Valuation of Properties
119
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• Commercial Contracts • Property Management
� Classroom
STRATEGIES FOR CAREER EXCELLENCE SEP 6 - 7 Thu: Fri:
18-Hour program includes:
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• 8-Hour TREC Legal Update I & II
Wed/Thu: 8:30 am - 4:45 pm
• Technology Update • Generational Selling
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Broker Responsibility #06-06-128-31450; Policies & Procedures #02-00-078-31025; Strategies #08-00-129-33534; Tech Update #02-00-129-33533; Legal I #04-04-129-33197; Legal II #04-04-129-33198; Gen Selling #02-00-088-31156; TIL #02-00-129-33532; ABR: #15-00-059-32481; NHC: #08-00-119-33502; Insiders: #10-00-129-33555; Open to the Public TREC #0005
Putting a Face on Real Estate since 1995.™
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Putting a Face on Real Estate since 1995
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August 2018
OCTOBER 19 – NOVEMBER 4, 2018
unique designs and the latest trends four luxury new custom homes
by innovative products and workshops
Join us for our VIP Realtor Days ParadeofHomesAustin.com
Thursdays, October 25 & November 1, 2pm-7pm
Realtors® get in FREE with your Business Card Guided Tours
•
Realtor CE Classes
•
Refreshments
Join the Parade of Homes in Mirabella at Travisso, a luxury home community in Leander overlooking opulent views of Central Texas’ hill country.
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Putting a Face on Real Estate since 1995
Putting a Face on Real Estate since 1995.™
Download Photo: RL_081118_G.jpg for FREE at www.myrealtyline.com
Chera Carthrae Johnson and Cheryl Scully, both of Austin Title, hear that new home prices may level off in the next year but builders are worried about tariffs and rising building material prices. They got the news at the Home Builders Association's (HBA) Mid-Year Housing Forecast.
Download Photo: RL_080318_D.jpg for FREE at www.myrealtyline.com
Kenneth Osborn of Texas National Title welcomes Justin Ford and Rich Munoz , both of Now Home Realty. He taught them how to attract more veterans as buyers at the VA class Texas National Title hosted in partnership with Benchmark Mortgage.
Download Photo: RL_081218_H.jpg for FREE at www.myrealtyline.com
Mark Heidmann, general sales manager for Trendmaker Homes, tells guests at the PT50 luncheon at Fleming’s Steakhouse about 55 homes the company has under construction in six communities. He also informed them about the 10 product lines the builder offers.
Putting a Face on Real Estate since 1995.™
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Putting a Face on Real Estate since 1995
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August 2018
100 REALTOR®
Marketing Weapons 1 Create a Personal Brand
26 Financial Option Flyers
51 Volunteer for a Charity
76 Link to other Websites
2 Custom Facebook Ads
27 Club/Assoc. Memberships
52 Alumni Associations
77 Mastermind Group
3 Follow Up!
28 Effective Use of Voicemail
53 Sponsor a Youth Team
78 Create Client Handouts
4 10 personal Notes per Week
39 Effective Use of E-mail
54 Client Appreciation Party
79 Booth at Baby Shows
5 Blog Posts
30 Neighborhood Farm
55 Online Mktg (Social Media)
80 Booth at Bridal Shows
6 Homebuyer Seminars
31 Call on FSBO’s
56 Neighborhood FB Page
81 Video Text
7 Customer Reactivation Letter 32 Out-of-Area Agents
57 Publish a Newsletter
82 Hold a Contest
8 Website & Online Presence
33 Pay-per-Click Advertising
58 Join Speakers Bureau
83 Write a Book
9 Join the local PTA
34 Monthly Newsletter
59 WOW! Customer Service
84 Panel or Advisory Board
10 Just Listed/Just Sold Cards
35 Join Networking Groups
60 Serve on Associations Board
85 Create a Podcast
11 Client Pop-Bys
36 Door Knocking
61 Charity Fundraisers
86 Market Savvy (Niche)
12 Testimonials
37 Market to Expireds
62 Online Newsletter
87 Host a Radio Show
13 Open Houses
38 Toastmasters
63 Provide Preferred Vendor List
88 Write a Press Release
14 Master Scripts and Dialogue
39 Orphan Clients
64 Work a Demographic Farm
89 Join the Chamber of Commerce
15 30 Sec Elevator Speech
40 Send out B’day Cards
65 Free Workshops
90 Audio/Video Clips on Website
16 Contribute to Online Forums 41 Holiday Cards to Sphere
66 Brand-Name Awareness
91 Google Places
17 Trulia/Zillow Advertising
42 Booth at Home Shows
67 Free Information
92 Displays with other Businesses
18 Online Reviews
43 Speak at Conferences
68 Host a Client House Warming
93 Mobile App
19 Yelp
44 Radio & TV Commercials
69 Host a Meet Up
94 Take-One Boxes
20 Direct Mail
45 Gift Certs for Referrals
70 Master Hashtags
95 Recorded Info by Phone
21 Thank You Gifts
46 Take a Client out to Lunch
71 Professional Photography
96 CRM Autoresponder
22 Personal Brochure
47 Teach @ Comm. College
72 Master Referral Dialogue
97 Ads on Billboards
23 Public Seminars & Lectures
48 Wrap your Car
73 Utilize a Dialing System
98 Video Tours of Listings
24 Video Marketing
49 Craiglist Ads
74 Slybroadcast
99 Publish articles on Linkedin
25 Promotional Products
50 Single Property Websites
75 Write an Article
100 Purchase Internet leads
When You Want It Done Right the First Time! Mark Hairston
Senior Loan Officer (NMLS#221417)
512-789-6967 MarkHairston.com
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August 2018 www.myRealtyLine.com
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Putting a Face on Real Estate since 1995
Putting a Face on Real Estate since 1995.™
Taylor Mangum, Sarah Darr and Adrienne Gravens, all of HomeCity Real Estate and Simi Gilani of Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate discuss the hot market while cooling down with a drink after a busy day. They attended the company's Residential Networking Group event at the Austin Film Society. Download Photo: RL_080618_C.jpg for FREE at www.myrealtyline.com
Debra Godwin of SouthStar Bank, Shawn Sullivan and Jill Johnson socialize with fellow mortgage professionals at the Austin Mortgage Bankers Association's annual Top Golf Networking Mixer.
Download Photo: RL_080818_A.jpg for FREE at www.myrealtyline.com
Serge Esteve of PSW Real Estate and David Tandy of Texas National Title attend the Home Builders Association's (HBA) sold out Mid-Year Forecast to hear what growth trends Metrostudy has tracked in the new home market to help them prepare for the remainder of 2018.
3 4 5
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Receive a 3% commission on your first closing.
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Tickets please! Raye Mayhorn and Nikki Fierro, both of Realty Executives, board the bus to see what's new on the east side of Williamson County. They took part in the WCREALTORS East Side Story Bus Tour.
Get that Felder Feeling when you sell a new Scott Felder Home! With the Scott Felder Homes 2018 Realtor Loyalty Program, your buyers will quickly embrace our “Choose It. Love It. Live It.” promotion that allows them to enjoy the best we have to offer. CHOOSE from a variety of excellent new home locations and prices. LOVE all our award-winning home designs and interior options. And they LIVE in a home built just for them that will provide value for years to come.
C H O O SE I T. L O V E I T. L I V E I T.
ScottFelderHomes.com New homes from the $200s-$600s
*All qualified sales must be original Scott Felder Homes (“SFH”) contracts written between January 1, 2018 and November 30, 2018. Sell ONE home and you’re enrolled in SFH’s Co-Broker Loyalty Program! Sell TWO homes between 1/1/18 and 11/30/18 and qualify for a 1% bonus on your 2nd SFH closing. Sell THREE homes between 1/1/18 and 11/30/18 and qualify for a 2% bonus, entitling you to a 5% total commission on your third, and all subsequent closings for the remainder of 2018! Bonus Percentage will be dictated by order of closing: 3% upon first closing, 4% upon 2nd closing, and 5% upon third closing and thereafter between 1/1/2018 and 12/31/2018. All bonuses will be noted on the Closing Disclosure (“CD”) and will be paid at closing. Payments of commissions and bonuses will only be made to actively licensed Texas Brokers. Broker’s commission cannot be used to reduce the price of the home and is only valid if Broker accompanies and registers its client on the first visit to any SFH Austin Division Community during the bonus promotion period AND Broker’s client enters into a new sales agreement for an eligible available home during the bonus promotion period. Bonus paid to Broker upon client’s successful closing and funding and is based on the ORIGINAL contract price as stated in the Sales Agreement, excluding any Seller incentives, subsequent change orders, re-writes, or upgrades. While commission bonuses cannot be used to reduce sales price, Broker may elect to waive participation in the 3%-4%-5% bonus program and apply its Broker bonus, in all or part, towards purchaser’s closing costs. May not be combined with any other Broker bonuses or offers. No team sales: only individual selling agent may qualify. Broker is responsible for all applicable taxes. Please see a SFH Sales Associate for complete details.
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August 2018
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President’s Column By Lee Whitaker • 2018 President
Builders concerned about affordability and cost of construction
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n July, the Home Builders Association (HBA) of Greater Austin held its annual Mid-Year Housing Forecast at the Phillips Event Center for a sold-out crowd of more than 350 HBA members and industry partners. The program gave the HBA’s members a snapshot of how the industry is shaping up and insights on what to expect for the remainder of 2018 and into 2019. Vaike O’Grady of MetroStudy presented her analysis of the Greater Austin housing market, concluding that while the market continues the “high-demand” trend, there are just not enough lots being developed to keep up. The lack of supply will keep prices rising — pricing out more and more residents from the housing market; a trajectory that could position Austin in line with other cities already experiencing an affordability crisis. “The median base price for new homes during the second quarter of 2018 hovered around $290,000, as it has for the previous six quarters. To contradict rising costs, developers and builders are moving further out and building smaller homes on smaller lots. For example, 60 percent of second quarter starts were on lot sizes smaller
than 54-feet wide,” said O’Grady. O’Grady said quarterly closings outpaced new home starts in all of the price segments above $300,000 as well, so the demand is not just at the lower end of the price spectrum. “This demand pressure is starting to cause challenges for builders. We simply don’t have enough lots on the ground to satisfy the market. Overall, the market is at 17.6 months of supply, well below what we consider equilibrium (20-24 months).” Lot scarcity is adding pressure to pricing, as builders compete for lot positions. At the same time, developers are facing pressure from added costs, including costs related to delays in permitting. “The home buyer suffers because delays add cost, and those costs are going to be passed on to the customer,” said O’Grady. O’Grady reiterated the impact of permitting delays, “The market is being held back because we’re not adding lots fast enough. Developers delivered 4,160 lots in the second quarter, down 13.4 percent from a year ago. Our annual lot delivery pace has slipped below 17,000, in a market that starts almost that many homes in one year.” O’Grady noted that almost half of the 20,000 lots
This 6,911 square foot home by Vogel Builders includes a 37 foot wall of glass in the great room, hidden media room and over 2,200 square feet of multi-level outdoor living space.
currently in the development pipeline are in Williamson County where housing prices are lower. O’Grady also attributed the growth in the top five submarkets to transportation access, all of which are situated near the 130 and 183A toll roads — primary arteries for residents to travel for work. “Along 130, Pflugerville, Manor, and Del Valle all saw more than 1,000 annual starts. The 183A toll road and employment growth in the north are behind strong numbers in Cedar Park/Leander West and Liberty Hill,” said O’Grady. As the market continues at this pace, O’Grady stressed to meet demand, delays need to be dramatically reduced so lots and homes can be delivered more quickly and at a lower cost.
The Parade of Homes is Coming! For the first time, the HBA of Greater Austin is bringing the Parade of Homes to Leander. One of the fastest growing communities in the region is home to Travisso, a stunning luxury home community with opulent views of our beautiful Central Texas Hill Country. This year’s Parade will feature four distinctly different styles of custom homes, but that’s not all! Visitors will experience the Parade in a new way. Several informative programs and product demonstrations will be offered that will allow
visitors to explore, discover and be inspired in a new way. We are excited to announce visitors can join us for “Parade After Dark” on Saturday, November 3 where we’ll be hosting Suede for an outdoor concert. You won’t want to miss it! New Exclusive VIP REALTOR Days! New this year, REALTORS are exclusively invited to attend on Thursdays, October 25 and November 1, when the tour will be closed to the general public. Like in past years, REALTORS will use their business card as their ticket to attend free of charge. This year, the HBA will offer REALTORS CE classes, exclusive guided tours, food, drink and prizes. The HBA is partnering with the Austin Board of REALTORS, Williamson County Association of REALTORS, Women’s Council of REALTORS, Platinum Top 50 REALTORS and others to make these new VIP REALTOR Days a huge success. The Parade of Homes will be open on REALTOR Days from 2-7 p.m. Sign up at www.ParadeofHomesAustin. com to get the latest updates and invitations. The Parade of Homes will be open to the general public from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Fridays through Sundays from October 19 to November 4 . Tickets are on sale now. For more information and to buy tickets, visit www.ParadeofHomesAustin.com. RL
relax
THIS SUMMER WITH A LENDER YOU CAN TRUST
THIS SUMMER WITH A LENDER YOU CAN COUNT ON Bring your clients to Legacy Mutual Mortgage and relax knowing you can count on: 9 Clear, consistent communication 9 In-house underwriting & funding 9 On-time closings VISIT ONE OF OUR CONVENIENT AUSTIN AREA LOCATIONS TODAY: NORTH: 10801 N. Mo-pac Expressway, Bldg. 2 | Suite #140 Austin, TX 78759 LENDER
NMLS#278675
SOUTH: 5707 Southwest Parkway, Building 2 | Suite 150 Austin, TX 78735
www.legacymutual.com
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August 2018 www.myRealtyLine.com
This VA home loan dream team is ready to bust the myths on VA home loans wide open at the "VA Loans: Get Your Facts Straight" class hosted by Benchmark Mortgage and Texas National Title. Pictured are speaker Chad Fleming of Team Never Quit, David Tandy of Texas National Title, speaker Jay McMaken of Military Mortgage Bootcamp/Benchmark Mortgage, David McMillan of Benchmark Mortgage, speaker Matthew Elledge of the Veterans Land Board, Tommy Nelms and Jim McMahan, both of Benchmark Mortgage.
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She "can" and she did! Kim Dale of Realty Texas shows off all the food she and others in the industry collected for the WCREALTOR's I Can Food Drive.
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When Ronny Martinez of VIP Realty needs to find a great home to meet his clients needs, he calls on Chelsea Brown of KB Home to make it happen. With a big inventory already on the ground, KB Home can get your client that perfect home.
Trinity Title of Texas Welcomes SYNERGY ONE LENDING
Michael Charles!
SAYS WELCOME TO JEFF TENNEY NMLS ID 998737
LOAN OFFICER AUSTIN, TEXAS
WE ARE PROUD TO HAVE HIM ABOARD! Contact Jeff today to find out how he can help you.
512.517.7941 or jtenney@s1lending.com Synergy One Lending
MICHAEL CHARLES
Escrow Officer mcharles@trinitytitletx.com
Trinity Title welcomes Escrow Officer, Michael Charles to our Northwest Office. His experience and passion for customer service make him the perfect addition to our team. WWW.TRINITYTITLETX.COM WW
Synergy One Lending Inc. NMLS 1025894. 3131 Camino Del Rio N 190, San Diego, CA 92108. Texas Mortgage Banker Registration 1025894.
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August 2018
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2016 & 2017
AVAILABLE HOMES ON LAKE TRAVIS PRICE
$334,990 $349,000 $367,990 $374,000 $398,170 $403,689 $463,224 $486,704 $486,900 $482,990 $495,190 $519,979 $529,653 $530,168 $534,756 $535,000 $549,000 $549,900 $550,500 $574,603 $576,990 $676,406 $766,359 $836,500 $839,996 $899,900 $969,900
ADDRESS
127 Cartwheel Bend 219 Cartwheel Bend 134 Cartwheel Bend 217 Cartwheel Bend 215 Cartwheel Bend 131 Cartwheel Bend 222 Sumalt Gap Way 230 Sumalt Gap Way 226 Sumalt Gap Way 408 Highland Village Drive 504 Summer Wilson Cove 103 Majestic Arroyo Way 304 Baldovino Skyway 101 Majestic Arroyo Way 105 Majestic Arroyo Way 110 Grant Cannon Lane 115 Grant Cannon Lane 234 Sumalt Gap Way 215 Sumalt Gap Way 628 Anfield Circle 512 Summer Wilson Cove 210 Coopers Crown Lane 202 Bisset Court 316 Marina View Court 114 Bisset Court 514 Woodside Terrace 511 Woodside Terrace
BED / BATH
SQ. FT.
3/2 3 / 2.5 3 / 2.5 3 / 2.5 4 / 3.5 3 / 2.5 3 / 2.5 4/3 3/2 3/2 3 / 2.5 3 / 3.5 4 / 3.5 3 / 2.5 3/3 4/3 4/3 4/4 4/3 4 / 3.5 4/4 4 / 3.5 4/3 4 / 3.5 4/3 5 / 4.5 5 / 5.5
1,461 1,701 1,702 1,858 2,359 1,701 2,299 3,020 2,271 2,317 2,365 2,241 3,249 2,526 2,463 3,081 3,154 2,922 3,143 3,132 3,387 3,387 3,001 2,591 3,067 4,848 4,514
FLOORS
1 1 2 1 2 1 1 2 1 1 1 1 2 1 1 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 1 2 1 2 2
EST. COMPLETION
BUILDER
NOW NOW August NOW NOW October October NOW September NOW NOW NOW NOW NOW NOW NOW NOW October August August August October October October September September October
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Developed by Legend Communities. Exclusive sales and marketing by Legacy International Resort Properties. Obtain the property report required by federal law and read it before signing anything. No federal agency has judged the merits of value, if any, of this property.
072018_TC_RH_RealtyLineAd_FullPage.indd 1
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August 2018 www.myRealtyLine.com
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Putting a Face on Real Estate since 1995.™
Joy Stokes of Chicago Title spends time with her "Classic Friends" at the Classic Realty office party at Painting with a Twist. Classic Realty just reopened under the tutelage of Lorrie Westberry. The company offers its agents amazing benefits like designation reimbursement. Download Photo: RL_080918_D.jpg for FREE at www.myrealtyline.com
Jessica Tram Nguyen and Pei Tsai, both of Keller Williams Realty, grab their free Yeti cooler at the Blackburn Communities grand opening at The Crossing at Wells Branch where the builder is offering homes from the $230s. With less than 160 homes planned there, this community is expected to sell out quickly. Download Photo: RL_081318_A.jpg for FREE at www.myrealtyline.com
Carol Ann Pevehouse, Lee Easter and Sharon Easter, all of Lee Easter REALTORS , get the lowdown on KB Home inventory at the company's Agent Mixer at the Dogwood Rock Rose in The Domain. Download Photo: RL_081118_I.jpg for FREE at www.myrealtyline.com
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Chelsea Timmons of Pacesetter Homes and Kandis Rushing of Bryson in Leander learn more about the challenges of building more homes to meet demand at the HBA's Mid-Year Housing Forecast.
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August 2018
s l e od
M ow n ! n e Op
Back to School #notyet! NEW HOMES FROM THE MID-$200’S | MODELS NOW OPEN
Home. Heart. Hill Country. .
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CECI BURKLOW | (737) 241-9654
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ROLAND ADAMS | 210-441-8793
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August 2018 www.myRealtyLine.com Experts Speak Out
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Putting a Face on Real Estate since 1995.™
Commentary By Harold Copher, Jr. Willow Bend Mortgage
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We need to do a better job educating renters to consider buying a home
f asked to advise buyers preparing to make the transition from tenant to homeowner, insist they call their lender first. Have them make an appointment to meet face-toface before they dive deeper into the home search. I suggest they pick a time when their schedule is open ended. They should take that opportunity to learn as much as they can about the process of mortgage financing. The need to get the lender's input on credit scores, ratios, loan programs, property types, appraisals and escrow accounts. They need to learn how homeowners insurance and property taxes figure into settlement charges and their monthly payment. Most homebuyers are either targeting a payment or a neighborhood. “I would like our monthly payment to be around "x" dollars per month. How much house can I buy with that payment?” or “We have our eye on this area, and houses sell for around "x" dollars. How much would it take to buy in this neighborhood?” “How much would our monthly payment total be?” and “Can we qualify?” Regardless of which path they are on, all
buyers need to get their finances in order first. Completing a successful purchase transaction in a market where properties priced right are moving quickly requires organization and planning. A well-informed buyer is everybody’s best friend. Getting pre-qualified is typically the stepping stone to identifying the parameters for the search. Being pre-approved for the loan is the goal. We often use the terms pre-qualified and pre-approved interchangeably, but they shouldn’t be. When I represent a buyer who is pre-qualified, I’m simply saying “they seem like nice people, and based on what they told me they earn and have in the bank, I’m pretty sure we can get loan approval.” Pre-approved means “I have received all the required documentation for the loan program proposed, and all we have to do is identify the property and the price.” Two key components to completing the pre-approval are the amount of the down payment and credit score. Per a November 2017 Fannie Mae American Housing - Urban Institute Survey, 53 percent of renters participating in the survey
cited “lack of funds for down payment” as a reason for not pursuing home ownership. In the same survey, 42 percent were “not at all familiar” with low down payment programs, and another 34 percent described themselves as “not too familiar” with low down payment programs. Per a 2018 Ellie Mae Survey, 36 percent of the respondents indicated they had “not saved enough for a down payment” and 48 percent believed they needed to put down 20 percent or more to purchase a home. Over 80 percent of the respondents believed they needed a credit score over 700 to qualify for a mortgage loan. The numbers in both reports are clearly pointing out that we need to do a better job of educating our potential clients about their ability to qualify for a mortgage. There are conventional 3 percent down payment loans for first time home buyers, along with FHA’s minimum 3.5 percent down program. These are viable options for low down payment purchases. In addition, if they qualify for USDA, VA or local grant programs, there are 100 percent financing options available. Be cognizant
that there may be household income limits and/or other restrictions to address with some low down payment programs. Higher credit scores translate into tier based interest rate offerings with conventional loan programs, but the differences in rate relative to score is less pronounced with FHA and VA loans. While your rate would be better on a conforming 3 percent down loan with a 700+ FICO score, the minimum FICO score requirement is 620, not 700. I have seen FHA and VA loans approved with FICO scores less than 620. Start the process early. There are instances when a slight restructuring of account balances can impact a FICO credit score calculation. It may not be a big deal if that improvement is from 701 to 704, but if it means improving a 698 to a 701, that changes the interest rate tier. Some people just prefer to rent and that is fine, but not having a large down payment or stellar credit shouldn’t keep a renter from exploring homeownership. The first call they should make is to set up an appointment to see their lender. RL
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August 2018
EARN MORE!
BONUSES | REWARDS
LEANDER
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ADVANCES 50% Advance Commission Program†
No need to wait! Receive half of your commission before closing.
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Toll Brothers at Travisso New Home Sites with Views Siena Collection New Home Sites & New Model Now Open 60-Ft.-Wide Home Sites From the low $400,000s • (512) 838-6044 Naples Collection 1 Move-In Ready Home Available 70-Ft.-Wide Home Sites From the upper $400,000s • (512) 267-3615 Florence Collection 3 Move-In Ready Homes Available 80- to 100-Ft.-Wide Home Sites From the low $500,000s • (512) 832-6015 Toll Brothers at Sarita Valley 2 Quick Delivery Homes Remain From the low $600,000s • (512) 259-1110 Open by appointment only. Toll Brothers at Mason Hills Now Open From the upper $300,000s • (512) 259-1110 DRIPPING SPRINGS Toll Brothers at Belterra Now Open for Pre-Model Sales Executive Collection 2,200–3,600+ Sq. Ft. Home Designs From the low $400,000s • (737) 215-7100 Estate Collection 2,650–4,300+ Sq. Ft. Home Designs From the upper $400,000s • (737) 210-6000
For more details on all communities & homes available for quick delivery, visit TollBrothers.com/RealtyLine Open Mon.–Sat. 10 am–6 pm, Sun. Noon–6 pm. Real estate agents are required to register and to accompany clients on their initial visit. Brokers welcome. Prices subject to change without notice. Program subject to change or cancellation. Investor sales do not qualify. Other restrictions may apply. This is not an offering where prohibited by law. *Subject to employing broker’s approval. Extra Earnings Program for Agents valid on contracts signed between 9/1/17–10/31/18. Bonuses on third, and all subsequent sales are capped at 5%. See sales manager for details. In accordance with Texas Occupations Code Sec. 1101.651(d), all broker’s fees, including BTSAs, are payable to a real estate broker directly and not to a licensed salesperson. 1.5% of the 3% will be paid under the Advance Commission Program and the 1.5% balance will be paid after closing. All/Any additional bonuses earned will be paid at closing and accounted for on the buyer’s Closing Disclosure. †Advance Commission Program is valid on contracts signed after 11/1/16. ‡Relocation Referral Fee Reimbursement Program — eligible referrals must be from outside the Austin area.
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August 2018 www.myRealtyLine.com Women's Council of REALTORS
President’s Column By Carol Hardy • 2018 President
Close the door on Opendoor!
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onestly, until sitting down to write this article, I had not heard of the whole concept of selling homes with tech companies that offer instant offers. I quickly found out there are several firms that offer a “discount,” “take out the middle-man,” “stress-free, worry-free” way to sell real estate. It made me wonder. Do these companies make it easier than working the traditional way, with a REALTOR? I did some research and these instant offer companies are not in Austin yet, but they are in some of our state’s largest cities, such as Dallas. One broker in that area, Renee Mears of Renee Mears REALTORS, wrote on her blog that these startups can be less than ideal for sellers. One sales pitch is “sell your home to us so you can skip the hassle of listing, showings and months of uncertainty.” The purchase prices don’t seem to be the crazy low-ball numbers we are used to seeing from investors (20-25 percent below market value) but they are still 5 to 10 percent below market value not including outrageous fees, she says.
“In most situations, (wholesalers) do the home seller a disservice,” she writes. “The seller would put much more in their pocket if he or she took the traditional route.” Sellers can pay 10 to 12 percent in fees, according to some of my research. Also, sellers can end up paying for repairs that are found during inspections, (repairs, if not warranted, are negotiable in traditional sales). “Sellers are clearly giving up significant equity in exchange for convenience. On a $300,000 house, giving up 5 to 10 percent of market value — plus paying 12 percent commission or fees and making all repairs needed — can add up to a very pretty penny versus hiring a real estate agent and selling the traditional way.” One online reviewer in Frisco, TX, said he got an instant offer from one of these firms but put his house on the market, but ended up selling his house with a REALTOR for $25k more. Moral of the story, if you don’t want to deal with showing your house, and don’t mind losing money, (instant offer companies) can
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help you. Otherwise, just use a REALTOR. Like the phrase I have heard and like to use myself, “Would you go into a court of law and use the other guy’s lawyer?” Your biggest investment is not worth the risk! These people want the most for their company, not the
Putting a Face on Real Estate since 1995.™
homeowner! Using a professional REALTOR is always the best choice. Yes, it may be a little more work, but it pays off in the end. By educating our clients, the traditional real estate transaction will not be undercut by seemingly “short-cut” companies like these. RL
Capturing Austin’s Real Estate Events One Picture at a Time. RealtyLine introduces
MELANIE MITCHELL PHOTOGRAPHER
IN BLANCO VISTA
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towards closing costs or price reduction
$3000
In realtor incentives
MX3homes.com *Must under contract by August 31st, 2018
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August 2018
I’ve hit the ground running since joining Guaranteed Rate
Six months in, my production has increased by 20% in a tough market. After producing over $30 million in each of the last four years, I’m poised to double my volume in 2018.* How? Guaranteed Rate’s Winning Formula: • Amazing transition team • Cutting-edge technology • Expansive loan programs • Low, low rates
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Branch Manager O: (737) 443-4423 • C: (512) 775-6820 Rate.com/johnschutze john.schutze@rate.com
Regional Manager O: (737) 209-7018 • C: (512) 751-6263 andrew.smith@rate.com
Divisional Manager O: (773) 328-6673 • C: (469) 243-3505 pat.bolan@rate.com
John Schutze NMLS ID: 208548; TX - Licensed • N MLS ID #2611 (Nationwide Mortgage Licensing System www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org) • TX Licensed in TX: Licensed Mortgage Banker & Licensed Residential Mortgage Loan Servicer- TX Department of Savings & Mortgage Lending *Self-reported funded loan data: 2014-2017 Guaranteed Rate is an Equal Opportunity Employer that welcomes and encourages all applicants to apply regardless of age, race, sex, religion, color, national origin, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, marital or parental status, ancestry, citizenship status, pregnancy or other reason prohibited by law
6207 Bee Cave Rd, Suite 110, Austin, TX 78746
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Benchmark Mortgage receives an award recognizing the company's support of veterans at Heroes Night Out. Pictured are Mike Sharman of Keller Williams Realty/Heroes Night Out, Jim McMahan, David McMillan, Jay McMaken and Tommy Nelms, all of Benchmark Mortgage.
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Linda Ray of Realty Texas, Kim Glaze Talley of Talley Real Estate and Heather Utesch of RE/ MAX 1 are ready to get this East Side Story Bus Tour started. They took part in the annual tour hosted by WCREALTORS to explore new growth and development in Williamson County.
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Agents who play together, stay together. Lorrie Westberry and Glynn Kennedy, both of Classic Realty, create their masterpiece at Painting with a Twist for the company's office party where she invited REALTORS to "come as they are" and become a Classic agent.
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Serving
TEXAS Families
1
BEST in CLIENT
Satisfaction Texas Monthly Magazine
2
LEADER
Industry in THE
Past President & 10+ Years
on Board of Directors Austin Mortgage Bankers Association
3
EXCEEDING CLIENT
Expectations Since 1987
Steve Builta
SVP, Mortgage Lending Manager NMLS# 211809
Office 512-391-5562 Mobile 512-750-3731 SBuilta@theABCBank.com All loans subject to borrower qualifying. This is not a commitment to lend. Other restrictions may apply.
Equal Housing Lender / Member FDIC NMLS# 460789
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Whisper Valley: Phase II close to Groundbreaking A S S O C I AT E S I N P R O G R E S S - A d v e r t i s e r P r o f i l e b y K a t i e A g n e s s
B
uilt with three defining principles in mind—sustainability, technology and healthy living—Whisper Valley is a $2 billion master-planned community developed by Taurus Investment Holdings. Whisper Valley opened Phase 1 in September 2017 with 237 lots, and upon full build out, will have seven clustered villages that will include 7,500 single-family and multi-family homes, village-style retail and neighborhood services, restaurants and commercial space. “Located adjacent to the Whisper Valley Discovery and Amenity Center, Phase II is about to break ground and includes 267 single-family home sites, a dog park, an expanded trail system, additional community gardens and pocket parks,” says Douglas Gilliland, president of Taurus Texas. “Phases III and IV are in the planning stages with a total of more than 700 singlefamily lots being added in phases II, III and IV combined.” Whisper Valley is located just east of SH-130 at FM 973 and Braker Lane. “The community is in East Austin, the fastest growing area in the city,” says Gilliland, who brings over 30 years of development and marketing experience from large residential and mixed-use land developments. “It is a very culturally diverse, hip part of Austin where old meets new, and you can always find live music and great art. The popularity of
the neighborhood is bringing lots of fresh, new restaurants and boutiques.” The largest zero-energy capable housing community in the nation, Whisper Valley offers homes starting from the $230s. Homes include solar panels and a high-energy efficient geothermal heating and cooling system, which saves up to 65 percent on typical monthly energy consumption. “Our vision is to attract buyers in Austin who want to lead a socially responsible lifestyle with affordable and energy efficient homes in a sustainable development,” Gilliland says. “We came to Austin because there is already an appetite for sustainable living, and we’ve had a terrific response. What makes us different from other ecodevelopments is the size and scale of Whisper Valley and the ability to offer high-tech, sustainable homes utilizing renewable energy sources without sacrificing affordability.” Homes in the community meet the carbonneutral standard promoted by the City of Austin for all new construction homes, and high-efficiency Bosch appliances and Google Nest thermostats help contribute to energy efficiency. “Through EcoSmart Solution, a Taurus subsidiary, we created and implemented an innovative energy delivery and technology program for every home in Whisper Valley,“ Gilliland says. “Efficiencies were achieved through investment
www.myRealtyLine.com up front in a sustainable infrastructure, much like developers do for other systems like water and wastewater lines. The result was a revolutionary approach to a new kind of community, and now Whisper Valley is a template for other developers that want to build affordable and green communities.“ In addition to the eco-friendly, efficient features, Whisper Valley offers a variety of lot sizes and home styles to cater to a wide range of homebuyers. Phase I includes duplex and triplex homes, as well as 40’, 50’ and 60’ lots. “Our builders have a variety of attractive floor plans with a mixture of traditional and soft contemporary elevations that are informal, warm and inviting,” Gilliland says. “Homes range in size from 1,100- to 3,500-square-feet and come in a wide variety of lifestyle options. The most attractive features are the sustainability and affordability of our homes.” Residents also have access to Whisper Valley’s 700 acres of green space, a 5,000 square foot amenity center, a fitness center, geothermal heated resort-style pool, trails, organic community gardens, creative playscapes and an onsite lifestyle director planning community events. Even though the community completed its first phase less than a year ago, Whisper Valley has been receiving local and national attention for its homebuilding and eco-friendly designs. Whisper Valley was named 2018 Best New Community from the Home Builders Association (HBA) of Greater Austin and the Green Home Builder’s 2017 Community of the Year. The Discovery and Amenity Center received Austin Energy Green Building’s (AEGB) threestar rating for its efforts in being a contributor to a cleaner environment, and most recently, Whis-
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Douglas Gilliland, President
per Valley received a national Merit Award from the PCBC Gold Nugget Awards for Best Innovative Energy Design. From first-time homebuyers to growing families to empty nesters, Whisper Valley attracts a variety of Austinites by building zero-energy capable homes in a beautiful setting. “We are seeing a great response from homebuyers who want the latest technology and most energy efficient homes at an amazingly affordable price,” Gilliland says. “We partnered with the best companies in the world to design, create and invest in Whisper Valley’s technology and infrastructure upfront.” Gilliland continues, “There is heart and soul in this community because we came from a common goal of leaving the environment better than we found it. Together, we are connecting lifestyles that are diverse, affordable, sustainable and particularly healthy for families and singles alike.” RL
August’s Skills for Success Event: The APOD Form: Know Your ROI Before You Buy! • • • • • •
What’s the story of this property? Shift from Speculator to Investor Measure and manage RISK WHEN does your cash come back? 10 things every investor wants to know FREE EVENT on August 22nd, from 10:00AM-Noon. FREE lunch and Q & A with Wayne Morgan Noon-1:00PM
• • • • •
Have FUN learning how to put FUN into learning! Get and keep attention with 3 simple tricks • 4 ways all participants gladly participate 10 steps to answering a question • How flip charts engage the room Let the students run the room Control the room with music
TREC Adult Instructor Training August 23rd • $99
Marketing: The Number ONE Skill to Have! August 27th & 28th• $155 • Learn the 4 tools and the 4 steps along with mastery of social media: Facebook, Instagram etc. LIVE lessons in class. • See schedule at buildmyrebusiness.com!
Attend all 3 events and get 2 hours of specialized marketing coaching from Wayne! To Learn More or Sign Up Call or 512.453.0900 e-mail us Today! info@buildmyrebusiness.com
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August 2018 www.myRealtyLine.com
Kay DaSilva and Lisa Larkin, both of Avalar, join Judith Bundschuh of Catalyst Realty, Mark Heidmann of Trendmaker Homes, Kerri Parker of Star State Realty and Mary Lynne Gibbs of Keller Williams Realty at the PT50 luncheon at Fleming’s Steakhouse at The Domain. They heard sales reps from several Trendmaker Homes communities throughout Austin. With a shortage in existing home inventory, REALTORS are looking toward builders to find the homes. Jaymes Willoughby of Keller Williams Realty and Kenneth Osborn of Texas National Title talked to Liz Don Carlos of Scott Felder Homes about the company's 3, 4 and 5 percent REALTOR bonus program where REALTORS are rewarded for selling their homes.
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Putting a Face on Real Estate since 1995.™
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The Blackburn Communities sales team is excited about the homes the company is building at The Crossing at Wells Branch that is just five miles from The Domain!
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The professionals at Security National Mortgage Company stay up to speed on the latest news affecting the mortgage market to ensure they stay plugged in and are knowledgable for their own clients. Robin Hart and Kerri Parker, both of Security National Mortgage Company, mingled with fellow colleagues at the organization's annual TopGolf Networking Mixer.
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Putting a Face on Real Estate since 1995.™
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August 2018
EXCELLENCE IS IN OUR NATURE.
DEERBROOKE LEANDER’S NEWEST MASTER-PLANNED COMMUNITY With competitively priced new homes from the $250s, Deerbrooke offers a community to create natural connections between friends and neighbors. Our neighborhood boasts serene outdoor spaces, state-of-the-art amenities and a tight-knit community just minutes from downtown Leander.
DEERBROOKE IS THE PERFECT GETAWAY THAT’S NEVER FAR AWAY. • CREEKSIDE NATURE TRAILS
• COMMUNITY CENTER WITH RESORT-STYLE POOL
• CLOSE PROXIMITY TO TOP-RATED LEANDER SCHOOLS
• CHILDREN’S PLAYSCAPE
• FENCED DOG PARK
• HEALTH & FITNESS CENTER
• OPEN GREEN SPACE & POCKET PARKS
• OPEN AIR PAVILION
183A
DESIGNED FOR GREATNESS alongside the latest design trends. We’ve worked
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TOM GLENN HIGH SCHOOL
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929 DEER RIM RD. |
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with talented, superior builders to offer luxury residences to fit every budget and lifestyle at
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LEARN WHY EXCELLENCE IS IN OUR NATURE AT DEERBROOKETX.COM
Materials are protected by copyright, trademark, and other intellectual property laws. All rights in these materials are reserved. All products and company names marked as trademarked (™) or registered (®) are trademarks of their respective holders. Copying, reproduction and distribution of materials without prior written consent of Deerbrooke is strictly prohibited. All information, plans, and pricing are subject to change without notice. This information does not represent a specific offer of sale or solicitation to purchase property within Deerbrooke. Models do not reflect racial preference.
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August 2018 www.myRealtyLine.com Front Page: Continued
the information he needed was available to the public, but it would be time consuming for him to track it down. The customer service agent still wouldn’t budge. The homeowner left the company a bad review online and pledged to never work with a wholesaler again. He said this never would have happened with a traditional brokerage. The agents RealtyLine spoke with agreed. According to Rooker, no matter where you live — whether it’s a hot market like Austin or a sleepy market anywhere else, wholesalers “are only good for transactions where nothing could possibly go wrong.” Steve Crorey, 2018 ABoR board president, says there are some pros for owners who choose to work with certain wholesalers. Namely, they get cash quickly, they’re guaranteed to close extremely quickly and they don’t have to make repairs. Another advantage of working with a wholesaler is that you don’t have to keep your house clean for showings. In the end, these iBuyers are not going anywhere. In fact, there’s an entire industry of marketers training traditional REALTORS on
how to start their own instant offer platforms. One suggestion is to pepper your market with handwritten lawn signs offering fast cash to buy your home. The trainer says this works because the signs appeal to people who want to sell fast and hassle-free. Kenny Klaus, a team leader for Keller Wiliams Realty in Arizona, whose team consistently ranks in the top 125 teams in the United States by the Wall Street Journal and where these wholesalers already operate, advises REALTORS to think of wholesalers as just another buyer in the market. "Research them and understand their model and make a decision on how this could be implemented in your business model," he advised in an email to Mary Lynne Gibbs of Keller Williams Realty's The Gibbs Team in Austin and 2018 Central Texas Regional Director of the Residential Real Estate Council. "Clients will go to them and you may not get the chance to even compete. Let clients and your marketing pieces say you are aware of these types of program. You can get the offers for them and show them both instant offers plus go to market values." RL
To Advertise in RealtyLine Contact Doren Carver at
512-514-3141
austin
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P. O. Box 81366 • Austin, Texas 78708-1366 (512) 514-3141 www.myRealtyLine.com E-mail: naomi@myRealtyLine.com
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Publisher: Doren L. Carver doren@myRealtyLine.com
Associate Publisher: Tawanna K. Verock tawanna@myRealtyLine.com
Managing Editor: Naomi Bludworth naomi@myRealtyLine.com
Contributing Editor: Linda McNabb Caroline Carver
Contributing Writers: Riki Markowitz, Katie Agness, Naomi Bludworth
Contributing Photographers: Doren L. Carver, Linda McNabb, Kaitlyn Powell, Caroline Carver
Advertising Sales: Doren Carver - (512) 514-3141 doren@myRealtyLine.com
Columnists: Steve Crorey, Victoria Reviel, Lee Whitaker, Carol Hardy, Mary Lynne Gibbs, Harold Copher, Jr.
Submission Guidelines: Submit photos, press releases and calendar items to naomi@myrealtyline.com. All photos must be at least 300 dpi and include a caption with first/last name and company affiliation. Press releases must be fewer than 300 words. Non-advertisers submitting calendar items will be charged $25 per submission. All submissions must be received at least seven calendar days prior to ad copy deadlines published at www.myrealtyline.com/blog/advertise.html. Submission items will be included as space allows. Realty Line Austin is published monthly by Caxton Publications, Inc.© as a non-subscription publication for the more than 10,000 members of the Austin Board of REALTORS®(ABoR), the more than 1,500 members of the Williamson County Association of REALTORS® (WCREALTORS) and the Home Builders Association (HBA) of Greater Austin. Realty Line Austin is printed on recycled paper. Realty Line Austin is a proud member of the Austin Board of REALTORS®, the Williamson County Association of REALTORS®, the Home Builders Association (HBA) of Greater Austin and is a honorary member of the Women’s Council of REALTORS. Realty Line 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.
t e e w e s hom t s u r t e hom NOW OPEN
New Homes From The $230s in North Austin
Home is where you gather with family and friends and make memories that last a lifetime. Hometrust Mortgage has been helping people buy, refinance and construct homes in the Austin area for 31 years. We offer a full array of home mortgage products and your loan is processed and underwritten locally.
Contact Hometrust Mortgage today for a free consultation or to get started on your home purchase or refinance.
Call (512) 450-1222
Richie Rodriguez
Lynn Edgar
NMLS# 222698 NMLS# 221412 rrodriguez@hometrust.com ledgar@hometrust.com
Bradley Rife
NMLS# 221487 brife@hometrust.com
Catherine Darwin
Tyler Browne
NMLS# 1606718 NMLS# 1531348 cdarwin@hometrust.com tbrowne@hometrust.com
Hometrust Mortgage Company, NMLS# 149932 4301 Westbank Dr. Escalade B Suite 150 Austin, TX 78746
Putting a Face on Real Estate since 1995.â„¢
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Central Texas Residential Real Estate Council
Director's Column By Mary Lynne Gibbs • 2018 Director
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ods. More than ever, be ready to show clients how using your skills as an experienced and educated REALTOR is essential. And if the trans-
Putting a Face on Real Estate since 1995.™
action does turn out to be one of life’s stressful events, they can buy multiple massages with the money they did not leave on the table! RL
Residential Real Estate Council Events
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Online home sales models can leave money on the table
oving often rates among the top stressors in life. So, when various start-up companies say they have invented ways to make buying and selling homes hassle free, we, as REALTORS, often want to know more. Because isn’t it our job to make sure our clients have a pleasant and smooth experience during these kinds of transactions? But let’s remember that our job is also to protect our clients during these transactions. As we often say, “they don’t know what they don’t know,” and our job is to educate buyers and sellers. These new options to buy and sell a house with the click of a mouse – or a tap on a phone – may be convenient, but, as in many things in life, convenience often comes at a cost. I did some research on one of these companies that is active in some our state’s largest cities and found that at least one of these start-ups has charged fees of 8 to 10 percent, and sometimes as high as 12 percent. Clients have the perception they are saving 6 percent without working with a traditional REALTOR, but often they aren’t. In addition to possibly higher fees, sellers may be leaving money on the table that they don’t
know they are leaving. Like I said before, “they don’t know what they don’t know.” If they are in a hurry to sell, perhaps a click and sell method is beneficial to them, but in most cases, people need to get the most money for their homes. As REALTORS, we bring experiential knowledge that sets us apart. Algorithms used by these technology-based companies can’t touch, taste, smell or put their eye on the property to determine its value like we can. Even a former REALTOR, who had years of experience but had let his license expire, did not know how much his home was worth when it came time to sell. Factors such as low inventory and location allowed us to push the market and we got him $100,000 more. If he had used a click and sell type of company, he would have left that on the table unknowingly. How is that helping the consumer? In everything, there is going to be a bigger, better model that touts itself as being more efficient and saves money, and we in the industry must be prepared for that. But we also must be ready to educate and protect our clients about the potential costs of these click and sell meth-
Please like us on Facebook: Texas Central RRC - Residential Real Estate Council is our page that highlights our upcoming events. Texas REALTORS® Conference San Antonio • Hyatt/CC Kim Knapp will be teaching at the RRC luncheon September 10.
7-10 September
19 September
24-29 September
Westwood Country Club, September 19, from 11:30 AM – 1 PM. Avis Wukasch, Chair of Texas Real Estate Commission, will be sharing a TREC update. Please join us and RSVP Susanna Boyer sbnextage@ gmail.com as this will sell out as it has in the past. Celebrate CRS Week: Together, We Are Unbeatable CRS Week is an annual national and local event designed to increase awareness of the value of obtaining the CRS Designation and to provide real estate agents with a sample of the Council’s education. This week's event takes place Sept. 24-28 and is sponsored by Pillar To Post. More information and register at https://crs.com/attend/crs-week
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Central Texas Residential Real Estate Council happy hour 4-6 p.m. St. Genevieve at The Domain
October
CRS Designation
If you are interested in obtaining your CRS designation contact Mary Lynne Gibbs for more information: austinluxurybroker@gmail.com or 512-431-2403.
DHI Mortgage takes pride in making the home buying process as seamless as possible. Local experienced Mortgage Loan Originators are one of the many reasons to choose us!
1310 S 1st Street, Suite 100, Austin TX 78704 512-458-3730 ofc / 512-458-3736 fax info@austinrealpros.com www.austinrealpros.com
GET TO KNOW MORTGAGE LOAN ORIGINATOR,
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10700 Pecan Park Blvd., Suite 120 Austin, TX 78750 Direct: 512-257-5479 Cell: 512-569-8890 NKoshell@dhimortgage.com www.dhimortgage.com/nicholas-koshell
Financing offered by DHI Mortgage Company, Ltd. Branch NMLS #38686. 10700 Pecan Park Blvd., Suite 120, Austin, TX 78750. Company NMLS #14622. For information on DHI Mortgage licensing, please visit www.dhimortgage.com/licensing. Provided for informational purposes only. This is not a commitment to lend. Not all borrowers will qualify. REV: 07/31/18 | EXP: 07/31/19
Putting a Face on Real Estate since 1995.™
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August 2018
Higher standards from start to finish. BELTERRA 60’ | AUSTIN
Four decades ago, inspired by the Texas families we build homes for, we
ADDRESS
PRICE
SQ/FT
217 Lavaca Heights Drive
$449,990
2,429
169 Lavaca Heights Drive
$429,990
204 Lavaca Heights Drive
$489,013
410 Brentwood Drive 409 Brentwood Drive
upgrades, there’d be standards–high
366 Brentwood Drive
in every home the high-end features your clients want. No surprises. Or uncomfortable negotiations. Just happy clients who expect excellence and appreciate a homebuying partnership. That’s The Trendmaker Way.
Contact Kim Bennett, New Home Specialist, at (512) 575-4714 for help in finding your client’s dream home.
STORIES
$594,990 $591,154 $615,757
COMPLETE
2,311
3 / 2.5 / 3 3 / 2.5 / 2
2,990
2
4 / 3.5 / 2
SEPT 2018
3,425
1
3,398 4,027
1
4 / 3.5 / 2 4 / 3.5 / 3+
SEPT 2018 OCT 2018
1.5
4 / 3.5 / 3+
NOV 2018
STEVE DEITRICK (512) 575-4715
3,905
2
HEADWATERS 60’ | DRIPPING SPRINGS $439,990
2,429
753 Dayridge Drive
$499,990 $449,990
2,982
1 2
2,654
2
RANCHO SIENNA 60’ | GEORGETOWN
3/3/3
COMPLETE
DALE LYNN (512) 862-7670
698 Dayridge Drive 724 Dayridge Drive
AUG 2018
THOMAS SERHUS (512) 956-9888
CRYSTAL FALLS 80’ | LEANDER 2000 Champions Corner Ct $619,989
BED/BATH/GARAGE EST. COMPLETE
1 1
BELTERRA 80’ | AUSTIN
started something special. Instead of ones. We’d build our best, and include
THOMAS SERHUS (512) 361-1120
3 / 3.5 / 3
SEPT 2018
4 / 3.5 / 3 4/3/2
OCT 2018 OCT 2018
ROBERT PATTERSON (512) 256-6688
649 Rancho Sienna Loop
$414,990
2,982
2
4 / 3.5 / 3
AUG 2018
120 Panzano Drive
$384,990 $448,333
2,469
2 2
4/3/2
SEPT 2018
5/4/3
NOV 2018
116 Panzano Drive
3,120
TrendmakerHomes.com The prices of our homes, included features, plans, specifications, promotions/incentives, and available locations are subject to change without notice. Stated dimensions and square footage are approximate and should not be used as a representation of the home’s precise or actual size. Please see the actual purchase agreement for additional information, disclosures, and disclaimers relating to a home and its features. Any photographs or renderings in these materials are for illustrative purposes only. Marketing promotions/incentives may be subject to conditions or restrictions. You must visit a Trendmaker Model Home to purchase a home. Please consult a New Home Advisor for specific price and other information for each community. A Broker/Agent must register their client in person on client’s first visit at each community for a Broker/Agent to receive a commission. Our name and logos are registered trademarks or trademarks of TRI Pointe Group, Inc. and/or its subsidiaries. © 2018 Trendmaker Homes, Inc.
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August 2018 www.myRealtyLine.com
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Putting a Face on Real Estate since 1995
Putting a Face on Real Estate since 1995.™
Efficiency is one of the best tools for success for any REALTOR. Jessica Landmon of Classic Realty says her painting will be a breeze with this giant paintbrush where she's "Keeping it Classic." She took part in the company's office party at Painting with a Twist. Download Photo: RL_070418_G.jpg for FREE at www.myrealtyline.com
It's a lucky day for Gina Creach of Willow Bend Mortgage! She attended the grand opening of Blackburn Communities' The Crossing at Wells Branch and took home a giant YETI cooler! Stop by the new community to check out their floorplans starting in the $230s just five minutes from The Domain. Download Photo: RL_081318_J.jpg for FREE at www.myrealtyline.com
Artimus Remus of Keller Williams Realty, Marcus Fields of KB Home, Michael McSpadden of NRL Mortgage and Daniel Topolski of Pure Gold Realty check out the Fourth& condos in downtown Austin—a four-star Austin Energy Green Building with 97 condos in Austin. The community recently reported that one-bedroom units are already sold out!
Download Photo: RL_080418_F.jpg for FREE at www.myrealtyline.com Download Photo: RL_081418_D.jpg for FREE at www.myrealtyline.com
WCREALTORS past president Suzanne Gantner takes this East Side Story Bus Tour to the next model home.
#1 Most Important Lesson for a Smooth Transaction:
Always Use North American Title Company Call or visit one of our warm and friendly Austinarea branches when you’re ready to place your next contract into escrow. RESEARCH 11044 Research Blvd. Bldg. D, Suite 100 Austin, TX 78759 t: 512.249.0576
NORTH AUSTIN 5608 Parkcrest Drive Suite 150 Austin, TX 78731 t: 512.302.3892
ROUND ROCK 1 Chisholm Trail Suite 3100 Round Rock, TX 78681 t: 512.255.6550
www.facebook.com/Austin.nat www.nat.com/ Texas ©2017 North American Title Group, LLC and its subsidiaries. All Rights Reserved. North American Title Group, LLC and its subsidiaries are not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for the results obtained from the use of this information. North American Title Company and related design and Like Clockwork are registered Service Marks of North American Title Group, LLC or its corporate parent. | TX 17-11356 R 6.21.17
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Events & Education Networking & Other Events Wednesday, August 22 AYREP: Monthly Networking Happy Hour The Local Post Pub, 5:30-7:30 p.m. Wednesday, August 22 Get to know NAMMBA Social Mixer Chez Zee, 6-8 p.m. Thursday, August 23 WCREALTORS: Salsa Contest for TREPAC The Den at Wolf Ranch, 4-6 p.m. Thursday, August 23 Happy Hour with AMBA, CTAMP & NAPMW Dogwood Rock Rose, 4:30-6:30 p.m. Thursday, August 23 Pure Gold Realty: Rock 'N Restock The Belmont, 6:30-11:30 p.m. Tuesday, August 28 ABoR: Bowling for TREPAC Dart Bowl, 7-9 p.m.
Monthly Association Meetings Tuesday, August 21 HBA: Williamson County Chapter Meeting WCREALTORS Office, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Download Photo: RL_081518_G.jpg for FREE at www.myrealtyline.com
Meet Stephanie McKinney of M/I Homes. You can visit her at The Cottages at Belterra Village in Hays County. This community offers the “lock and leave” lifestyle priced from $349,000.
Wednesday, September 5 AMBA: Monthly Meeting Austin Country Club, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesday, September 18 CTAMP: Monthly Meeting Great Hills Country Club, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday,September 19 RRS: Bimonthly Meeting Westwood Country Club, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Continuing Education Classes Monday, August 20 Real Estate Business School: Promulgated Contract Forms Austin Campus, 8:30 a.m. Monday, August 20 M/I Homes: FREE CE - Legal Update 1 Highlands at Mayfield Ranch, 10:30 a.m.
shy beast tameca jones
top secret headliner
TICKETS AVAILABLE ONLINE AT: ROCKNRESTOCK2018.EVENTBRITE.COM
dj mixer rogers
STEVEN “The Man” SHEEHAN
Wednesday, August 22 Trinity Title: See how "reverse for purchase" can help unlock sales Trinity Title of Texas – South, 10 a.m. Thursday, August 23 Supreme Lending: VA Financing 101 Supreme Lending office, 11 a.m. Wednesday, September 12 KB Home: REALTOR Safety Class w/ RR Police Dept. Forest Grove in Round Rock, 12 p.m.
See details and much more at myRealtyLine.com
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August 2018 www.myRealtyLine.com
Submission Guidelines Submit photos, press releases and calendar items to naomi@ myrealtyline.com. All photos must be at least 300 dpi and include a caption with first/last name, company affiliation and a short description. Press releases must be fewer than 300 words. Submission items will be included as space allows. Would you like us to cover your event? Email us at naomi@myrealtyline.com to check availability.
To Advertise in RealtyLine Contact Doren Carver at
512-514-3141
Riannon Waters of Trinity Title and Stephanie Nick of West Harbour both congratulate Rance Clouse of Capsa Ventures on the grand opening of his threestar Austin Energy rated condos on 4th Street in downtown Austin. Units starting in the $200s.
Download Photo: RL_081418_F.jpg for FREE at www.myrealtyline.com
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Real Estate News & Notes SouthStar Bank opens full service branch in Georgetown SouthStar Bank has opened its newest fullservice branch, located at 4535 Williams Drive in Georgetown. SouthStar Bank specializes in residential mortgage, real estate and construction lending, operating 15 full-service branches, including five other Austin-area locations in Steiner Ranch, Bee Cave, Southwest Austin, Round Rock and Leander. The established team includes Kevin Kelly, senior vice president and branch executive, Curtis Wren, senior vice president and chief credit officer, Jeff Pareja, vice president, and Mary Mojica, loan assistant. Newest team members Kathleen Bruning, senior mortgage loan officer, Tina Zander, branch operations manager, Renae White, customer service representative and Kathern Allison, customer service representative, also bring welcomed expertise to this reputable team. Combined they offer an impressive 150 years of experience in the financial industry. All are deeply invested in the Georgetown community, serving as leaders in local organizations such as the Boys & Girls Club, Rotary Club and Chamber of Commerce. “Our Georgetown family has really come to-
gether,” says Branch Executive Kevin Kelly, “with deep roots and long-time ties to the community, we are looking forward to expanding our services to our residential and commercial neighbors.” Built on a 100-year Texas heritage, the bank holds over $700 million in assets and focuses on community involvement and personal relationships. Decisions are made locally, allowing the flexibility to apply common-sense standards to products, services and loan requests. “Our expansion of SouthStar Bank has resulted in a stronger bank with broader market presence, greater lending capabilities and more efficient, centralized operations. But most importantly, it has enabled us to better serve our customers with a superior level of products, services and care regardless of which branch they call home,” said David Kapavik, CEO and president. With the latest conveniences, including online banking and mobile banking with check capture, debit card alerts and freeze capabilities, and a free worldwide Allpoint ATM network, clients can easily bank on the go. RL
Putting a Face on Real Estate since 1995.™
RL austin
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Putting a Face on Real Estate since 1995
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www.myRealtyLine.com
August 2018
Nicole Boynton Director of Education, TNT
TNT has your back! providing Tools & courses to inspire
real estate professionals. • Fulfill your Continuing Education Hours for Texas Real Estate licensing • Sharpen Your Skills • stay up-to-date with legal compliance • Learn new tricks of the Real Estate trade • Brush up on industry related technology • discuss hot real estate topics among peers like wire fraud, statistics, and common pitfalls
www.texasnationaltitle.com/education/austin
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August 2018 www.myRealtyLine.com
RL austin
TM
Putting a Face on Real Estate since 1995
Putting a Face on Real Estate since 1995.â„¢