in this issue…
Putting a Face on Real Estate since 1995™
• WCREALTORS TREPAC Wine Tour • RE/MAX Posh Properties Grand Opening • Parade of Homes REALTOR Day • CRS Bi-Monthly Meeting • and much, much more!
Associates in Progress
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Associates in Progress Page 33
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JULY 2015 • VOLUME 20 • ISSUE 3
“Outside the Box” real estate advertising ideas By Riki Markowitz
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Visit us online 24/7 at www.myRealtyLine.com
P. O. Box 81366, Austin, Texas 78708
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Creativity in advertising Printed on recycled paper.
Presorted Standard U.S. Postage PAID Austin, Texas Paid Permit #715
f you got your real estate license after, say, the mid 1990s, consider yourself lucky. Talk to any REALTOR who has been around for a few decades and most will agree that homegrown ideas for advertising in the “olden days” were extremely limited and prohibitively expensive. Before the internet, almost all agents placed print ads in newspapers. They bought cameras, rolls of film, and printed stacks of flyers to hand out at an open house or leave on doorsteps. Later, they purchased 3 ½-inch floppy
disks and uploaded a dozen or so snapshots. That was considered “cutting edge,” but not all agents could afford such luxuries. Fast forward to 2015, “Technology liberated agents and brokers from the tyranny of a wireless world,” says John Rosshirt, Texas Association of REALTORS regional vice president. The internet and social media has made advertising a lot less expensive and reaches so many more people, which is crucial for those who are still accumulating a client base and referrals. As a result, Rosshirt adds, “agents today are struggling much less [financially] in their first one or two years than when I was coming up.”
Twelve Rivers Realty co-owners Kevin Bown and Paul Smith say that creative marketing has been essential to their personal success and the success of their agency. Forget costly newspaper ads, Bown and Smith host wine and cheese soirees and poker tournaments at their homey, turn-of-the-century, residential home-turn-headquarters on Rio Grande, just one block from downtown. “If you do what you love, it’s not work,” says Smith. The block parties, charity fundraisers, and food drives the agency runs are all part of a grander plan. “When you network with like-
minded people, you don’t have to talk about real estate,” says Bown. “You don’t have to push the “I'm a REALTOR, send me your business,” line. And naturally, through conversation, you’re viewed as competent and people feel compelled to refer you.”
Advertising on the ‘Net is the future Any agent would be remiss if he or she were to overlook the internet when making a name for himself or herself in the industry. A 2014 study by the National Association of REALTORS (NAR) found that more than nine out of 10 buyers house hunt using the web. “This strongly indicates a need for all real estate businesses to have an established online presence,” according to NAR. Jennifer Smith, a REALTOR with The Smith Team at Keller Williams Realty, started video blogging more than a year ago. She produces and posts two 60 to 90-second videos to her website and YouTube channel each month. Her talent is riffing on trending real estate topics. Smith’s videos draw anywhere from 50 to 150 views and a handful of “likes” and affirmative comments. In one video, Smith targeted new leads with a warm, cheery, one-and-ahalf-minute video, inviting viewers to see a movie. “That’s my way of getting my face in
front of people,” says Smith. “I don’t do a lot of traditional advertising because it’s not something that feels natural to me.” Smith’s “vlogs” are informative and her presence is authoritative but comforting. It’s no surprise that she projects a natural onscreen charisma. In college, Smith studied communications and was an aspiring newscaster. Now also a Keller Williams agent, she says that video production helps her develop a rapport with potential clients. “My click-through rate is about 20 percent. Last year I closed about five or six deals from people who saw my videos.” According to Google, anything over 2 percent is considered average. To help optimize her outreach, Smith partnered with a production company that provides social media services – enhancing her page views by posting the spots to Facebook, Twitter or Instagram. But what has really been successful is the bump in shares when Smith name-checks customers. “In my videos, I’ll answer questions that a client has asked me. That tends to resonate with people quite a bit.”
Make meaningful connections Agents who have only been in the busi-
Front Page: Continued on page 28
Upcoming Events Friday, July 24 TAR Mega Region Meeting 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. - ABoR Offices
Wednesday, August 5 AMBA Monthly Meeting 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. - Austin Country Club
Tuesday, July 28 NAPMW Let's Bowl Baby 6 to 8 p.m. - Dart Bowl
Thursday, August 13 NARPM Bat Cruise 7 to 10 p.m. - Town Lake
Tuesday, August 4 HBA Lakeway/Bee Cave Chapter Meeting - 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. - Fore
Monday, August 17 HBA Williamson Co. Chapter Meeting 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. - Location TBD
Wednesday, August 19 CRS Bi-Monthly Meeting 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Westwood Country Club TREPAC Bowling Tournament - 3 to 6 p.m. Mel's Lonestar Lans More at www.myRealtyLine.com
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Round Rock, TX
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Your Expectations
Amanda is excited to shift her focus from her former role as an Escrow Officer to her new role as your new Gracy Title Round Rock marketing representative. Amanda’s seasoned background in the title industry, coupled with her unparalleled real estate knowledge, will ensure you get more done in less time. As your liaison to Gracy’s escrow professionals she will get you partnered with the best for your business. From continuing education, to industry processes, to market strategies, experience first hand how her versatility can make everything come together to transform the way you run your business!
www.gracytitle.com
Amanda Molinare-Lopez
Sales Executive cell: (512) 649-6976 amanda@gracytitle.com
Sam Bass
2007 Sam Bass Rd. Suite 100 Phone: (512) 244-2946 Fax: (512) 238-0574
Crystal Park
Partnerships Built on Trust
2300 Greenhill Drive Suite 210 Phone: (512) 582-4900 Fax: (512) 857-1148
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Austin Board of REALTORS®
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President’s Column By Barb Cooper • 2015 President
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July 2015
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being offered at ABoR from various local title
all busy and that you and your families are
companies and lenders. With these big chang-
staying safe and having fun! Please feel free to
es on the horizon, it’s best to over prepare!
reach out to me at anytime by emailing me at
I hope the summer season is keeping you
president@abor.com. RL
ABoR Academy Educational Courses July 21: Win Listings Using Results in Advance (TREC # 02-00-096-27756)
The summer season continues
W
e’re all in the middle of the busiest time of the year for our business, so I’ll get right to it!
Construction of left turn lane If you’ve visited the ABoR Headquarters recently, then you may have seen the ongoing construction of the new left turn lane. This new lane will allow for traffic to keep moving while members are turning left into the building. This addition to Spicewood Springs Road is a part of ABoR’s commitment to being a good neighbor to the community. During this construction time, we appreciate your patience and understanding throughout July and August, as the road may at times be reduced to one lane. ABoR will provide members with as much notice as possible when lane closures occur. The construction is positioned to be complete before the new school year starts in late August.
Apply for a 2016 ABoR Committee We’re always looking for hard-working
and motivated ABoR members to join one or more of our ABoR Committees. Is there a particular topic or cause that you’re passionate about? ABoR has a committee that could use your passion and expertise. ABoR committees make decisions that can directly impact our 10,000+ members, our industry, and our community. Applications open on Saturday, Aug. 1 and are due by Aug. 31. You can find the application and more information on committees at Abor.com/Committees.
New TRID rules and regulations As of the printing of this article, the new proposed implementation date of the TILARESPA Integrated Disclosure (TRID) rule is Oct. 3. However, now is the time to prepare yourself, your office, and your clients for the new processes that will affect transactions involving mortgage loans. There are new forms and timelines to familiarize yourself with, and you’ll want to start asking your lenders and title companies if they’re also ready for Oct. 3. Stay tuned to ABoR publications for classes
July 21: Agent Investor 101 (TREC #: 04-00-067-28994) July 21: Farming Your Database and Phoneburner (TREC #:02-00-116-27952) July 21: TREC Ethics – ABoR South Office (TREC # 03-03-125-26393) July 21: TREC Legal Update – ABoR South Office (TREC #03-03-125-26392) July 21: Broker Responsibility – ABoR South Office (TREC #06-06-126-27765) July 22: Agent Investor 102 (TREC #04-00-067-28995) July 23: Introduction to Commercial Real Estate (TREC # 03-00-077-29053) July 27: Syndication (TREC #01-00-056-27064) July 28: Business Planning and Goal Setting for REALTORS (TREC #03-00-105-26401) July 28: Green MLS: The Key to Unlocking the Green Home Market – ABoR South Office (TREC #03-00-066-27366)
More at www.ABoR.com/courses
Buy Photos • Find Events • View Archives
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Putting a Face on Real Estate since 1995.™
Wyatt Giles, right, of Capital Title thanks Kyle Nunnallee of Nunnallee Inspections for being one of the sponsors of Rock ‘N Restock, a benefit concert Pure Gold Realty held at The Belmont to raise thousands of dollars for two local charities, Black Fret and The Capital Area Food Bank. Buy photo: RL_070615_P.JPG at www.myrealtyline.com
The Austin Board of REALTORS Foundation presented a $10,000 donation to the American Red Cross Serving Central Texas to support flood relief efforts. From left to right: Marty McKellips of American Red Cross, ABoR President Barb Cooper, ABoR Foundation Chair Michael DaSilva and Stacy Armijo of American Red Cross. Submitted Photo
Marilyn Van Um of Independence Title and Adrianne McEwen of Keller Williams Realty have fun mixing business with pleasure at the Platinum Top 50 REALTORS’ Style Show at The Mansion. Buy photo: RL_070215_E.jpg at www.myrealtyline.com
Teal Van Eman of Kuper Sotheby’s International Realty can’t believe the size of the doors on this home on the HBA’s Parade of Homes tour at Serene Hills in Lakeway.
Buy photo: RL_0701015_E.jpg at www.myrealtyline.com
NMLS #149932
Put your Trust in our Experience With over 100 years of combined industry experience, our executive team continues to take aggressive steps to innovate and improve the industry.
(512) 450-1222
4807 Spicewood Springs Rd., Bldg. 1, Ste 1100
Richie Rodriguez
Scott Sewell
rrodriguez@ hometrust.com
ssewell@ hometrust.com
sales manager
vp production
NMLS #222698
NMLS #211987
Kyle Bierschwale kbierschwale@ hometrust.com
Bradley Rife
NMLS #1150439
Michael Snyder msnyder@ hometrust.com
sales manager
brife@ hometrust.com
NMLS #1102707
Lynn Edgar ledgar@hometrust.com NMLS #221412
NMLS #221487
Kelly McClanahan kmcclanahan@ hometrust.com NMLS #1180578
www.hometrust.com
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July 2015
Now taking reservations at Vista Point in Austin.
BE FIRST
Vista Point in Austin is a great new neighborhoood that you can call home. Visit today for the best choice of homesites.
Vista Point in Austin • 1,582–3,125 sq. ft., 3–6 bdrms., 2–5 baths • commuter friendly; easy access to IH-35 and Hwy. 183 • 10 miles to downtown Austin From IH-35, exit William Cannon Dr. heading east. Turn right on Janes Ranch Rd. OR: From Hwy. 183, exit McKinney Falls Pkwy. heading west. Turn right on William Cannon Dr. and left on Janes Ranch Rd. (512) 519-9616
Broker Cooperation Welcome. ©2015 KB Home (KBH). Plans, pricing, financing, terms, availability and specifications subject to change/prior sale without notice and may vary by neighborhood, lot location and home series. Buyer responsible for all taxes, insurance and other fees. Sq. footage is approximate. Photo may depict upgraded landscaping/options and may not represent lowest-priced homes. Photo does not depict racial preference. See sales representative for details. AUS-21150
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The educational panel discussion that Austin Title put together at ABoR drew a full house of industry representatives eager to hear details about upcoming changes regarding consumer finance protection. Panelists were John McClellan of Supreme Lending, Don Partington of Fidelity National Title, attorney Christopher Baca, Linda Randall of Smart Source Realty and Kaylee Beck of R Bank Texas.
Buy photo: RL_070515_Q.JPG at www.myrealtyline.com
Matt Ott, left, of Black Fret, a charity that supports local music, thanks Chad Goldwasser of Pure Gold Realty for raising $4,500 for the organization at Rock ‘N Restock. Goldwasser initially pledged to raise $3,000 to Black Fret but later raised it after strong demand for the event caused Goldwasser to move it to The Belmont in order to accommodate more people. The event also raised more than $10,000 for The Capital Area Food Bank.
Buy photo: RL_070815_B.jpg at www.myrealtyline.com Buy photo: RL_070615_M.JPG at www.myrealtyline.com
CHOOSE
YOUR
UPGRADE
Prices subject to change without notice. E&0E. Builder reserves the right to make changes. July 3, 2015
*Come visit one of our model homes today and take advantage of - up to $25k in design options!
Bingo time! Christina Issac of North American Title picks up her bingo card at the WCR Blingo Bingo event at DHI Mortgage.
austin
Williamson County Assoc. of REALTORS®
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President’s Column By Jack Stapleton • 2015 President
AMP and Project Upstream
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was present for the unveiling of AMP and Project Upstream to the REALTOR leadership this past May at our Regional Caucus in Washington D.C. We were told during the Caucus that the NAR Board of Directors were scheduled to vote that afternoon on a proposed expenditure of up to $12 million dollars over three years to fund the project. They had only a few minutes to explain the importance of the project and brought in the CEO of RPR to explain further. We were told that a group of both large and small brokerage offices were actively vetting companies to develop a national single MLS backend-data repository sidestepping the MLSs and their long-tangled, messy history. Later that afternoon, when the proposal was put in front of the NAR Board of Directors for a vote, the NAR 2015 President Chris Polychron referenced a famous 1993 speech entitled “Lions Over the Hill.” In this speech, he warned that tech companies, the “lions,” were willing to provide consumers that which
REALTORS would not. Ultimately, the BOD approved the proposal and AMP & Project Upstream is actively being developed. Currently, all of our nationwide active, pending, and sold data is sitting in different repositories (databases) in each MLS territory across the nation with regional websites for consumers to access their local consumer listing data. Around 2008 a fury of REALTORS and Brokerage offices started dumping resources into developing websites fighting for Google ranking to combat expensive third party sites who were paying the MLSs for the data but not the listing broker who was truly the source of the data. Brokerage companies developed UpstreamRE, LLC because they felt they could come together and develop a new way to share listing data instead of giving their data to the MLSs who they felt were unfairly profiting from their data, and the benefits from the MLSs were rapidly shrinking. Their goals were to take control of their
www.myRealtyLine.com data, develop a strong consumer-facing website to be competitive, develop a single nationwide data repository database, and have better control over to which sites the data ultimately was being syndicated. RPR was already a nationwide database hosting millions of tax and assessment data, liens, zoning, permits, environmental information, neighborhoods, school districts, community demographics, and the active, pending, and sold listing data developed by NAR for “reporting” purposes. The UpstreamRE, LLC group approached NAR and RPR to give them an opportunity to host the backend-data as the group realized that RPR was already sitting on a strong and robust database. Because this was already in place, it would cut development costs, and they preferred the brokerage neutrality of NAR over one of the other brokerage offices gaining any sort of competitive advantage. However, they were also talking with other entities that were biting at the bit to be involved and gave NAR and RPR a very small window to decide. Usually fear is accompanied by any big change or innovation. The NAR directors that
THINKER
LEADER MOTIVATOR
GROUND BREAKER
©2015 RE/MAX, LLC. Each RE/MAX® office is independently owned and operated. As measured by total residential transaction sides. 150461
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voted to approve this project have enabled our industry to retain our data in house, in a single, centralized uniformed database, with standardized nomenclature for the recorded data. This will greatly increase the accuracy of our industry data. There has been a lot of confusion about what AMP and Project Upstream really are. MLS has four main parts. The database container and data, the search and data entry screens, the client portal, and the data syndication and control panel. Project Upstream is not an MLS. It will, however, act as the database container, and AMP will act as the data syndication and control panel. The various MLS systems that you have come to know and love will continue virtually unchanged. This was a very important step for our industry, and a great many positive things will come from it. We are fortunate to have our 2015 NAR President Chris Polychron representing us and navigating us in the direction of innovation as AMP and Project Upstream will eventually be looked at as the biggest single change to MLS and syndication in the history of the NAR and the beginning of the end of the real estate data crisis. RL
You don’t stretch limits. You shatter them. So why stay somewhere that restricts your business and withholds the independence you’re entitled to? We broke ground with our business model over four decades ago and we’ve never looked back. Find yourself at RE/MAX.
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Summit Rock Horseshoe Bay recently celebrated the grand opening of their new model home at The Grove. Pictured left to right are Karley Jackson of Legacy DCS, Chris Jalufka and Carrie Brewer of Legacy DCS.
Submitted Photo
Veda Jablan of First American Title is glad to see Jane Chopp of Coldwell Banker United, REALTORS at the Platinum Top 50 REALTORS Style Show.
Buy photo: RL_0701015_C.jpg at www.myrealtyline.com
RE/MAX Posh Properties owner Mary Ann McMahan, center (white skirt), along with friends and colleagues, celebrates the company’s grand opening at its new office downtown on Lamar Boulevard.
Buy photo: RL_070215_H.jpg at www.myrealtyline.com
Rex Edwards of Central Texas Homes and Judy Schoening of Coldwell Banker United, REALTORS stop to admire one of the home office spaces while attending REALTOR Day at the HBA’s 2015 Parade of Homes at Serene Hills.
Buy photo: RL_070415_H.jpg at www.myrealtyline.com
Build It. Buy It. Refinance It. From start to finish, we do it all. Local Service. Local Knowledge. Local Lending. f
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Member FDIC
VA, FHA, & CONVENTIONAL LOANS CONSTRUCTION LOANS
Stephanie Fredrickson Mortgage Consultant Georgetown 512.868.4170 extracobanks.com NMLS# 464139
FIXED & ADJUSTABLE RATES
Matt Morrow Branch Manager Georgetown 512.868.4170 extracobanks.com NMLS# 464148
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Where Austin Closes
Your business is very important to us so we are bringing in the BEST! We Are Pleased to Welcome Felisha Cockran to the Austin Title Family Felisha began her real estate career in the mortgage business so she understands the demands of the market and brings to the table a wealth of knowledge and a high level of professionalism. Felisha is fun to work with and determined to contribute to your success. Give her a call today to see how she can help you grow your business! Felisha Cockran
Business Development 512-244-2266 office/936-371-3161 mobile Felisha.Cockran@austintitle.com
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2015 Free MCE Course Series
Century Communities
Powerful Referrals
Social Media:
MCE Elective Course # 01-00-095-26045
MCE Elective Course # 01-00-125-26435
Aug. 12, 2015
Sept. 10, 2015
What Works, What Doesn’t
11:00 am – 12:00 pm
11:00 am – 12:00 pm
Complimentary lunch following class.
Complimentary lunch following class.
Rim Rock
Blackhawk
1043 Arbor Canyon Pass Driftwood, Texas 78619
20425 Martin Lane Pflugerville, Texas 78660
Presented by Sente Mortgage, Inc. | MCE Provider #9841 For more information and to register:
eventsTX@CenturyCommunities.com Sente Mortgage NMLS ID# 13211 | www.SenteMortgage.com 901 South MoPac, Building IV Suite 125, Austin TX 78746 | 512.637.9900
Sente Mortgage | NMLS ID# 132111 | www.SenteMortgage.com 901 South MoPac, Building IV Suite 125, Austin TX 78746 | 512.637.9900 Sente Mortgage is an Equal Housing Opportunity lender.
www.facebook.com/RealtyLineAustin
Buy photo: RL_070815_D.jpg at www.myrealtyline.com
Women’s Council of REALTORS President Amy Kobza, right, of Keller Williams Realty and Christy Gessler of RE/ MAX Capital City prepare their Blingo Bingo mojo at the WCR Blingo Bingo event at DHI Mortgage. Apparently it worked because Christy won some jewelry.
WE HAVE THE
RESOURCES TO EDUCATE YOUR HOME BUYERS
& SELLERS
At North American Title, we know education is important for your clients, as they enter into the complex process of buying and selling real estate. At www.nat.com, under Products & Services, we offer a wealth of material to educate and prepare your clients for each step of the process. We also provide in-depth information about the new Loan Estimate and Closing Disclosure implementation at www.nat.com/CFPB.
Check out our resources today, then let us know how we can assist you with your next transaction.
Your Closing Professionals NORTH AUSTIN 5608 Parkcrest Drive Suite 150 Austin, TX 78731 t: 512.302.3892 www.facebook.com/Austin.NAT www.nat.com/Texas
RESEARCH 11044 Research Blvd. Bldg. D, Suite 100 Austin, TX 78759 t: 512.249.0576
ROUND ROCK 1 Chisholm Trail Suite 3100 Round Rock, TX 78681 t: 512.255.6550
SOUTH AUSTIN Grand Oaks Office Park 8700 Manchaca Road | Suite 102 Austin, TX 78748 t: 512.482.0851
©2015 North American Title Group and its subsidiaries. All Rights Reserved. North American Title Group and its subsidiaries are not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for the results obtained from the use of this information. | TX15-7618 TX 07-1-15
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Village Builders is Booming!
5%
COMMISSION ON ALL SALES
*
NOW THROUGH AUGUST 31ST
HURRY IN THIS IS OFFER IS FOR A LIMITED TIME!
VILLAGEBUILDERS.COM
512-596-7703
FOR REAL ESTATE PROFESSIONALS ONLY: In order to earn a broker co-op fee, broker must bring client into a welcome home center and register them on the client’s first visit. No commission will be paid when agent/broker is acting as a principal/buyer. Not valid if client has previously registered with Village Builders or Villagebuilders.com, whether individually or with a broker. Village Builders reserves the right to discontinue this program at any time. Other terms and conditions apply. See a new home consultant for more information. *Effective 7/01/15, 5% Bonus will be paid on all sales between 07/01/15 and 07/31/15. Homes must close and fund by date listed on purchase agreement. Not valid in conjunction with any other offer. Offers, incentives and seller contributions are subject to certain terms, conditions, and restrictions, which may include use of designated lenders and closing agents. Offer good for a limited time only. Copyright © 2015 Lennar Corporation. All rights reserved. Village Builders, the Village Builders logo are registered service marks or service marks of Lennar Corporation and/or its subsidiaries. (12768) 6/30/15
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Risé Johns of Keller Williams Realty and Mark Minchew of RE/ MAX Austin Skyline help keep the Austin Area CRS Chapter meeting organized at the Westwood Country Club.
Buy photo: RL_070915_A.jpg at www.myrealtyline.com
The ladies are about to get sassy on the catwalk at the Platinum Top 50 REALTORS Style Show.
Buy photo: RL_0701015_J.jpg at www.myrealtyline.com
If you've attended recent industry events, you’ve likely run into Alfred Engstrand, center, of Alfred’s Catering. Alfred knows how to serve great food at any party. Becky Hopkins of Austin Title, left, and Zoe Ann Heep of Mission Mortgage, right, can attest to that. Alfred recently catered the RE/ MAX Posh Properties Grand Opening event.
Buy photo: RL_070215_A.jpg at www.myrealtyline.com
Buy photo: RL_070415_C.jpg at www.myrealtyline.com
Cearetha Rose of Realty Austin is eager to see the Hill Country views from upstairs. She was touring the five homes on the HBA’s Parade of Homes tour at Serene Hills where the unobstructed views of the Texas Hill Country took her breath away.
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Shakey Graves entertains the crowd at Pure Gold Realty’s Rock ‘N Restock, a concert at The Belmont that benefitted Black Fret and The Capital Area Food Bank. He will perform at Blues on the Green in August.
Buy photo: RL_070615_T.JPG at www.myrealtyline.com
Carlos Flores, left, and Glenn King, right, both of RE/MAX Round Rock and Jacque Smith of Independence Title find a comfortable spot on the new bus chartered for the WC REALTORS TREPAC Wine Tour fundraising event.
Buy photo: RL_070415_J.jpg at www.myrealtyline.com Buy photo: RL_070315_F.jpg at www.myrealtyline.com
We are
growing to better support your business
Welcome our newest Mortgage Loan Originator,
JESSE LEON He is excited to be a part of our team and looks forward to providing new opportunities for clients.
DHI Mortgage customers enjoy: • • • •
Local teams work with you face-to-face Personal service for your clients Competitive interest rates Convenient online prequalification
Jesse Leon
Mortgage Loan Originator, NMLS #1278267
www.dhimortgage.com
10700 Pecan Park Blvd., Suite 200 Austin, TX 78750 Direct: 512-533-1584 | Cell: 512-417-6108 Efax: 800-550-9309 JLeon@dhimortgage.com
Financing offered by DHI Mortgage Company, Ltd. 10700 Pecan Park Blvd., Suite 200, Austin, TX 78750. Branch NMLS #38686. Company NMLS #14622. DHIM is an affiliate of D.R. Horton. For more information about DHIM and its licensing please visit www.dhimortgage.com/affiliate/. Provided for informational purposes only. This is not a commitment to lend. Not all borrowers will qualify. REV: 06/23/15 | EXP: 06/23/16
Riannon Waters and Ashley Boyd, both of The Hay Group, stop by the RE/MAX Posh Properties Grand Opening event at its new office in downtown Austin.
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President’s Column By Walt Elias • 2015 President
Builder Professional Designations: One way to find a builder who goes above and beyond
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t’s a good time to be a in real estate and in Austin we have no shortage of talented home builders. The Home Builders Association (HBA) of greater Austin alone has approximately 800 members—many of our builder members are small, locally owned builders—who are all working together to protect every family’s right to home ownership. Our builder members construct 95 percent of the new homes in the greater Austin market. That’s a lot of builders to choose from. It is more important now than ever to seek out home builders who have voluntarily taken the steps to stay informed about the latest technologies and best practices in home building. Professional designations are an indication that a builder is staying current with his or her education. Having a professional designation means that the builder must pursue several hours of continuing education each year, ensuring that they are up to date on the latest standards and practices in the industry. Builders earn designations by taking nationally recognized courses with the HBA and the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB)
in topics ranging anywhere from green building techniques to remodeling to construction management. The training is rigorous, and while having a designation is not required by law, it’s one indicator that a builder has gone above and beyond to stay at the top of his craft. Some examples of professional designations include: Certified Graduate Builder (CGB) and Graduate Master Builder (GMB) - To earn one of these two top designations, a builder must complete a regularly updated curriculum of industry related topics. Builders are also required to pledge their commitment to a professional Code of Ethics. Certified Graduate Remodeler™ (CGR) - An exclusive professional designation designed to emphasize business management skills as the key to a professional remodeling operation. Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist (CAPS) – Teaches the technical, business management, and customer service skills essential to competing in the fastest growing segment of the residential remodeling indus-
www.myRealtyLine.com try: home modifications for the aging-in place. Certified Green Professional (CGP) -The National Association of Home Builders’ Certified Green Professional™ Designation teaches builders, remodelers and other industry professionals techniques for incorporating green building principles into homes—without driving up the cost of construction. To customers, designations show professionalism and a willingness to pay attention to changes in the industry. It’s also an indicator of how long someone has been working at their craft: You can’t even apply for the Graduate Master Builder (GMB) until you’ve been in a management position for at least five years; for a Graduate Master Remodeler (GMR), you have to have show 15 years experience in the remodeling industry. It’s not just about a string of letters behind a builder’s name. For one thing, designated builders have to take 12 hours of continuing education every three years to keep their designations. Some of those hours can come from valuable community involvement such as professional association membership, serving on a board, or teaching classes and seminars. There are some unexpected benefits of taking the classes. You sit in a classroom with builders from all over the country, learning what’s new and different, hearing what others are doing, and picking your instructor’s brain about real-life scenarios. You make connections and you find better, more time efficient ways of doing what you do, and you bring those benefits back to your client in the form of a better product. Some things you really can’t learn elsewhere, such as the proper way to build for aging baby-boomer clients. Learning new things helps builders expand with growing markets and gain a better understanding
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of their clients’ growing needs. Another important skill they teach is how to be a better facilitator: how to ask the right questions, shut up, and let the client talk. That’s a life skill too. Years ago homebuilding professionals had to travel to take these courses. Now builders don’t even have to leave Austin to stay up to date on the latest in industry education. Through the HBA, which has the best education plan in the nation among HBAs its size, professional designations are available locally. With access to affordable education and a growing repertoire of new skills in sustainable and affordable building processes, builders can pass those savings directly to your clients. Be sure to ask the next builder you work with if they have a professional designation through the National Association of Home Builders. Be sure they are a member of the local HBA. After all, while it won’t guarantee you won’t have challenges, it does ensure you are working with professionals who have taken the extra step to improve their skills, knowledge and professionalism.
Did you know? Professional designations in the housing industry are not limited to builders and remodelers alone. Designations also exist for sales and marketing professionals, construction managers, and leasing professionals. (To see a complete list, visit www.NAHB.org.) To learn more about how to choose a builder or buy a new home, visit the Home Builders Association of Greater Austin’s website at www.AustinHomeBuilders.com. RL
Beautiful homes surrounded by incredible views.
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WHAT’S BETTER? A Sticky Predicament...
Or Doing The Sticking?
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A Big Welcome to
Diane Christy of Diane Christy REALTORS and Jon Kasner of Kasner and Associates, REALTORS find out what’s for lunch at the bi-monthly Austin Area CRS Chapter meeting at the Westwood Country Club.
Sometimes the better choice is obvious. At Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Bradfield Properties, we drive our agents’ business by giving them back their most precious commodity…their time. Through our tools, support and transaction management staff our agents spend less time pushing paper and more time doing what REALTORS® do best… selling homes! Make the Better Choice. Find out more about a career with Bradfield Properties. Visit www.bradfieldproperties.com/careers.
EXPECT BETTER!
Our Newest
Loan Officer Emily Franke
Senior Loan Officer NMLSR # 223977 Mobile: 512-797-5480 EFax: 866-907-1455 Emily@EmilyFranke.com www.EmilyFranke.com
A Solid, Proven, and Committed Lender!
WR Starkey Mortgage, LLP NMLSR# 2146 | 807 Las Cimas Pkwy., Suite 150, Austin, TX 78746 | This is not a guarantee of financing. All borrowers must meet certain underwriting guidelines and credit criteria. Rules and Regulations may apply.
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UP TO
6%
ION
S COMMIS
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July 2015
SHADOW CREEK
203 SHADOW CREEK BOULEVARD, BUDA, TEXAS 78610 SALES COUNSELORS: ASHLEY ELGIE (817) 235-9625 JOEL NIEMIE (518) 210-9900
NEW HOMES IN BUDA, TX STARTING IN THE $180’S
$0 USDA DOWN NEW HOME CONSTRUCTION
REFRIGERATOR INCLUDED
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Windy Hill Rd.
Shadow Creek Blvd
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For more information, please visit www.MyMileStone.com or call: Ashley Elgie 817-235-9625 or Joel Niemie 518-210-9900 © 2015 MileStone Community Builders. Terms and conditions are subject to change without notification. Please see Sales Counselors for details and community exclusions. As our preferred Realtor®, you will receive an additional 1% on every sale after initial sale by July 30, 2015. Prices, plans, specifications, features, completion dates and the availability of homes are subject to change with notice or obligation. *Extra Realtor commission is available upon closing and with presentation of the MCB VIP Realtor card on select inventory homes with management approval.
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live at your perfect pace Connect to the excitement of Austin or reconnect to the calm of Mother Nature. At Bryson, you can experience a rural way of life while remaining plugged into the modern world. Live fast. Live slow. A lush landscape will conceal a multitude of intimate gathering spaces, perfect for food fests and music events. Whether strolling the trails or hopping the Metro Rail, Bryson is designed for flexible living. n
35 Georgetown 29
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leander 183
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homes from the $200s to $500s www.liveatbryson.com | 512.466.3551 DAVID WEEKLEY HOMES
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Food truck family picnics at Belterra.
Live the best of both worlds
Food truck parks of Austin.
Welcome to Belterra, voted Austin’s 2015 Master-Planned Community of the Year. Enjoy the Austin food truck scene, just minutes away, or enjoy food trucks at family night in your very own Community! At Belterra, we deliver the best of both worlds.
belterratexas.com / 512.301.5000 / New homes from the $300s to $700s
July 2015
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President ‘s Column By Michelle Busby • 2015 President
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3. Establish relationships with one or two
two of you make a powerful team of ex-
estate attorney and financial planner. Of-
pertise; leverage that knowledge. Promote
fer to provide free home market analysis
your webinar through landing pages (lead
information for them and their clients.
gen) and targeted Facebook advertising.
quick on turn-around times. Be particularly kind to their gatekeepers, including receptionists and personal assistants.
W
ho doesn’t love a five-star resort? And why is that? What do they do differently from other hotels? The simple answer is this: they consistently make the most of every opportunity to exceed the customer’s expectations. They are deliberate and add value at every turn. They position themselves as the expert by what they deliver to the customer. Their employees’ actions are often described as thoughtful, caring, even intuitive. They know what the customer is looking for even before the question is asked. Real estate works similarly, and the most successful marketing strategies are those that add value, anticipate the client’s needs and position you as the expert for the homeownership experience. Sound complicated? It’s actually pretty simple, but it does require diligence and a good plan. When you write next year’s business plan, set aside a few hours to also craft your marketing plan. What venues will you use next year? Which ones worked this year and which didn’t? Where did your referrals come from? How do you plan to “touch” your
sphere of influence in 2016? What marketing tactics will you use and how will you stand out? My favorite “out-of-the-box” marketing tactics are those that add value to another person’s experience. Often dubbed “content marketing,” these tactics surprise the client or audience by giving without an immediate expectation of receiving. Let’s take a look: 1. Write thank you cards. Wherever you go, whatever you do, whoever you meet for coffee, lunch or dessert, write a handwritten thank you and include your business card. Most of the mail we receive today is either bad news (bills) or mass-produced (solicitations). Cut through the clutter. Even if you don’t like your scrawl, it’ll get noticed… And so will your thoughtfulness. 2. Deliver flowers to your fans. If anyone sends you a referral, they get a bouquet. Personally deliver it to their workplace and attach your card. Don’t wait for the referral to “work out.” Reward your fans for the connection.
er and offer a homebuyer webinar. The
of the following: CPA, divorce attorney,
Brand the CMA professionally and be
Out of the box in a few simple steps
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4. Serve on a nonprofit board of directors. Ensure the nonprofit is a cause you care about. Offer your time, expertise and resources. Create connections and add them to your sphere of influence. 5. Touch your sphere of influence monthly with an emailed or printed newsletter. But don’t send crap. Send something that is hyper-local, quirky and value-packed for the homeownership experience and beyond. Always add a call to action like a trivia question and include a $25 gift card to the first person to respond with the correct answer. Envision your network kicking off their shoes, grabbing a frosty beverage *just* to see what you’ve written for them this month. 6. Offer to promote a favorite new home builder in your marketing. Build this important relationship and show them your marketing efforts and endorsements.
Provide attendees with a branded pdf of points covered in the session. Ensure you have a long-term follow-up plan for these prospects. 8. Avoid canned email nurture campaigns for leads not ready to buy or sell yet. While the good intention is there, these campaigns can sound stale and forced. Take a few hours to write your own email nurture campaigns. Make them fun, engaging and interesting, while keeping in mind what a prospective buyer or seller is going through. Add a call to action, encouraging them to reach out to you. Upload them to your CRM, Top Producer or MailChimp and set them up to go out automatically by prospect set. 9. After every listing appointment, knock on the doors of five neighbors. Let them know about your “coming soon” listing and ask if they know anyone looking to move into the neighborhood. Leave your card and/or brief professional portfolio. As you market your real estate business,
Be persistent and ask how you can help
always be thinking like the head of a five-star
them. Show the value you deliver and this
resort. When you add value to someone else’s
could turn into a profitable reciprocal
experience, that positive echo comes back to
referral relationship.
you tenfold and your contacts morph into rav-
7. Partner with your favorite mortgage lend-
ing fans. RL
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To help make the Platinum Top 50 REALTORS Style show a winner, Independence Title was one of many sponsors. Amber Thomas, right, of Platinum Top 50 REALTORS thanks Kara McGregor of Independence Title for their support.
Buy photo: RL_0701015_F.jpg at www.myrealtyline.com
Austin Chamber of Commerce’s Rene Campos congratulates Mike Sumerlin of RE/ MAX Texas on another RE/MAX office in Austin where they recently opened RE/MAX Posh Properties.
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Emily Morris of Independence Title, Celina Johnson of PrimeLending and Estella Galan of Capstar Mortgage, hope there’s enough seats on the bus for the three to sit together. The WCREALTORS TREPAC Wine Tour was a sold-out event!
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Daniel Russo of Keller Williams Realty loves the spa/pool/view combo at this home being showcased at the HBA’s Parade of Homes at Serene Hills in Lakeway.
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Fastest Growing Companies in Central Texas
Congrats to Our Newest Team Members!!!
Michelle Braet (Welcome Back!)
Timothy Rebouche Jazmine Sausameda
www.homecity.com 512.750.2294
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Susanna Boyer of 1st Source Texas Realty and Sally Decelis of RE/MAX Round Rock are managing checkin at the WCREALTORS TREPAC Wine Tour where the roster is full!
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Summit Rock Horseshoe Bay hosts a Model Home Grand Opening event at its new neighborhood, The Grove.
Submitted Photo
Donna LaFitte, right, of Gracy Title arrives in style at the Platinum Top 50 REALTORS Style Show where she gets the sweetest of compliments from Kim Burke of Kuper Sotheby’s International Realty. Gracy Title was a sponsor of the event.
Submitted Photo
PrimeLending Capital City Conventional, FHA, VA, USDA, & Jumbo to name only a few loan products!
Candy Buzan Branch Manager Sr. Loan Officer The Candy Buzan Team
Max Leaman Branch Manager Sr. Loan Officer The Leaman Team
Kim Nielsen Production Manager The Candy Buzan Team
Amy Bailey Oehler Sr. Loan Officer The Leaman Team
Marie Cyr Loan Officer
Jori Stern Sr. Loan Officer The Leaman Team
Diane M. Clark Sr. Loan Officer
Missy Driskell Sr. Loan Officer
Trudy Savage Sr. Loan Officer
Mark Hoffman Sr. Loan Officer
Mary Kennedy Sr. Loan Officer
Sherri Eckert Sr. Loan Officer The Leaman Team
Amanda Stewart Sr. Loan Officer The Leaman Team
Eiric Smith Sr. Loan Officer
Misty Lynch Sr. Loan Officer
Celina Johnson Sr. Loan Officer
Two Great Locations! All loans subject to credit approval. Rates and fees subject to change. Mortgage financing provided by PrimeLending, a PlainsCapital Company. Equal Housing Lender. © 2015 PrimeLending, a PlainsCapital Company. PrimeLending, a PlainsCapital Company (NMLS: 13649) is a wholly owned subsidiary of a state-chartered bank and is an exempt lender TX V121013. NMLS 179412 (Buzan), NMLS 269403 (Cyr), NMLS 184428 (Hoffman), NMLS 292478 (Stewart), NMLS 280093 (Lynch), NMLS 176530 (Smith), NMLS 180307 (Nielsen), NMLS 268025 (Clark), NMLS 179666 (Kennedy), NMLS 180066 (Driskell), NMLS 180854 (Savage), NMLS 151263 (Leaman), NMLS 225339 (Bailey), NMLS 177299 (Stern), NMLS 357516 (Eckert), NMLS 404163 (Johnson).
810 Hester’s Crossing, Suite 150 Round Rock, TX 78681 7719 Wood Hollow Drive, Suite 155 Austin, TX 78731
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Newland Communities would like to recognize its
SECOND QUARTER 2015 TOP TEN These highly-performing Real Estate Professionals worked with Newland Communities Austin and its builder partners to achieve significant new home sales at Falcon Pointe, Rancho Sienna, Sweetwater, and Teravista in 2015:
JASON RANDALL
ELLEN OUTLAW
“Newland Communities is focused on building communities that help families thrive. They offer great floor plans and amenities throughout their local developments, including all the various points of interest that most families appreciate. I recommend Newland Communities to all families, within our Move-Up w/ RE/MAX program, looking to build a new home!”
“Newland Communities offers my clients everything they are looking for in a place to call home. They have the best amenity centers, top notch builders from which to choose, and unparalleled service from their staff. They strive to set themselves apart from other communities and it shows. Newland puts a premium on preserving greenspace and nature which is a rare commodity with developers these days.”
RE/MAX Elite
Reilly Realtors
RYAN MATTHEWS HomeCity, Inc.
“Newland Communities are always at the top of my list when showing buyers. All of my clients who live in a Newland community are very pleased they decided to buy there. Newland does an outstanding job at creating well designed upscale communities with fantastic amenities.”
Doyle Beekman, Keller Williams, Research Thomas Cheng, Keller Williams, Research Neil/Nischal Desai, City View Realty Angela & John Estrada, Bill Sill, Realtors Sally Pierce, Coldwell Banker United REALTOR Debbie Sheppard-Thrush, Coldwell Banker United REALTOR Paula Thomas, Paula Thomas Real Estate Group We appreciate your efforts to market and sell in our new-home communities. Thank you! Newland Communities is the largest private developer of planned residential and urban mixed-use communities in the United States from coast-to-coast. Together with our partner, North America Sekisui House, LLC, we believe it is our responsibility to create enduring, healthier communities for people to live life in ways that matter most to them. www.newlandcommunities.com and www.nashcommunities.com
This is not intended to be an offer to sell nor a solicitation of offers to buy real estate in Rancho Sienna, Teravista, or Falcon Pointe to residents of Connecticut, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, New York, New Jersey, and Oregon, or in any other jurisdiction where prohibited by law. No guarantee can be made that completion of the Rancho Sienna, Teravista, or Falcon Pointe communities will proceed as described. ©2015 Rancho Sienna, Teravista, Falcon Pointe. All Rights Reserved.
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Angie Jones, Jeffrey Boozer and Sytha Minter, all of Horizon Realty, come to the ABoR Forum to hear about Austin’s water future.
Buy photo: RL_070115_C.jpg at www.myrealtyline.com
Beth Sher and Mary Ann McMahon, both of RE/MAX Posh Properties, gather with friends and REALTORS for the grand opening of their new office in Austin.
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Models line up at the Platinum Top 50 REALTORS Style Show at The Mansion in Austin.
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Mary Miner of Nextage Lone Star Realty boards the TREPAC Wine Tour bus with WC REALTORS President Jack Stapelton, left, and Kent Prickett, WC REALTORS staff as they get the group ready to take off.
Drees Realtor Reward Programs Two Great Ways to Earn More with Drees Custom Homes We value the relationships we’ve developed with our Realtor partners. That’s why we offer two Realtor Rewards Programs. When you sell a Drees home between April 1, 2015 and March 31, 2016, you’ll be eligible to earn a 5% commission or be reimbursed 100% of your location fees. The choice is yours!
Drees Two-Step*
Relocation Reimbursement**
Sell two or more Drees Custom homes between April 1, 2015 and March 31, 2016 to receive an additional reward for each closing.
100% of your relocation fees will be reimbursed when you move your client into a new Drees Custom home.
1st closing
3%
commission
2nd closing & beyond
5%
commission
We’ll reimburse
OR
100 %
of your relocation fees
**Limitations apply, see a Drees Custom Homes Market Manager for more information and details.
dreeshomes.com
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Rough Hollow and Tuscan Village 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 B r o w n
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n the shores of Lake Travis are two premier communities—Rough Hollow and Tuscan Village. Boasting dynamic Hill Country views and resort-style amenities, these master-planned, lifestyle communities are located within a 30-minute drive from downtown Austin. From expansive hiking and biking trails to pools and year-round activities, these communities offer something for virtually everyone. “Rough Hollow attracts residents across all demographics including newly married couples, families with young children, families with teenage children, empty nesters, dual income families with no children, and high net worth individuals and investors,” says Philip Jalufka, who serves as president and CEO of Legacy International, a residential and resort sales firm that specializes in executing sales platforms and processes for master-planned communities. “Tuscan Village residents are both working and active retirees. We have single residents as well as couples.” Jalufka, who oversees the sales team at both communities, notes what makes each community stand out from other similar developments. “Offering lakestyle living, Rough Hollow provides the Rough Life, which in-
corporates all of the many amenities, activities and events, and completes a unique sense of family, community and fun every day,” he says. Additionally, families enjoy that the community is located within the award-winning Lake Travis Independent School District, and residents are drawn to 72 holes of
www.myRealtyLine.com many restaurants. We are the only active adult community in Austin that maintains the lawns, both front and back, for all of our residents. To top it off, residents enjoy many activities planned and organized by the onsite Tuscan Village ‘Good Life Director.’” Both communities offer a variety of lifestyle amenities and activities. Rough Hollow has 22 miles of hiking and biking trails, two amenity centers, an outdoor amphitheater, a beach-entry family pool with water features, an all-season event pavilion with a demonstration kitchen, year-round scheduled activities, complimentary kayaks and paddleboards and much more.
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Rough Hollow Lakeway
Tuscan Village Lakeway
Tuscan Village is the only active adult ‘lock-and-leave’ lifestyle community in the West Austin area. premier private golf, world-class tennis and miles of Lake Travis shoreline. “Tuscan Village is the only active adult ‘lock-and-leave’ lifestyle community in the West Austin area,” Jalufka adds. “Our enclave of homes is located in the heart of Lakeway and has easy access to the Lakeway Regional Medical Center, Lake Travis Library, our community hospital, local shopping and
At Tuscan Village, there’s a 9,000-squarefoot clubhouse, an indoor/outdoor heated lap pool with an oversized hot tub, a two-acre park area and three on-site sport courts for residents to enjoy a game of pickle ball, bocce ball or putting. For over a decade, Jalufka has worked to build an impressive list of accomplishments in the areas of business development, train-
ing, implementation, and overall execution of sales and marketing strategies. His company, Legacy International, currently services resort master- planned communities in the continental United States and the Americas representing an active portfolio of over $1 billion in sales revenue; previous engagements span Mexico, Costa Rica, Panama, Dominican Republic and the Bahamas. Prior to his work in real estate, Jalufka proudly served his country as a commissioned, special operations aviation officer in the U.S. Army. He holds bachelor degrees in economics and political science from the United States Military Academy at West Point and received his MBA from Embry Riddle University. Currently, he resides in Austin, Texas, and is married with two children. RL
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Robbee LeGrant of Bennett Properties and Sean LeGrant of Taylor Morrison Homes admire the spacious and open floor plans on display at the HBA’s Parade of Homes. The two attended the event’s REALTOR Day.
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Linda Scott of Nextage Lone Star Realty, Camille Ulmann of RE/ MAX Austin Skyline and Cindy Reeder of RE/MAX Capital City take the opportunity to network before the Austin Area CRS Chapter meeting gets started.
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AYREP treasurer Marie Lynn Dunn of Supreme Lending and AYREP membership chair Daniel Topolski of Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate greet guests as they arrive at the networking event at The Park at The Domain and encourage them to drop a business card in the bowl to possibly win a door prize.
IF YOUR CLIENTS BUY BEFORE 8/31
THEY’LL ENJOY THE RANCH HOUSE POOL AND WATERSLIDES THIS SUMMER! DAVID WEEKLEY HOMES $358,563
SCOTT FELDER HOMES $454,990
HIGHLAND HOMES $357,900
SELL AT SANTA RITA RANCH this summer
If your clients buy before August 31 they’ll enjoy the Ranch House pool, two
SLIDE INTO MOVE IN READY HOMES
2-story waterslides, kids splash park and many more amenities this summer.
PRICED FROM THE $190s - $700s SANTARITARANCHAUSTIN.COM I 512.201.8575
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July 2015 Front Page: Continued
ness post-internet age can easily overlook some tried and true advertising techniques to the point where those ideas now seem like “outside the box” strategies. Jenny Rosas, a REALTOR with Reality Austin, worked in marketing for 15 years before getting licensed in 2010. She’s very aware of the importance of making it easy for people to find her online. She records short video tours of her listings and also enlists the help of her techsavvy husband to produce more sophisticated spots, But Rosas says she prefers engaging with people on an emotional level. “For the last few years, I hired an artist to create a custom holiday card. I personally sign each one and mail them to closed clients, current clients, and prospects.” The response she gets from recipients is always positive. And while she cannot quantify click-throughs the way she can with her online campaigns, Rosas insists that’s not her goal. “I think of [sending holiday cards] as building overall awareness and credibility in the marketplace. It’s all about outreach, being influential, and that adds up.” After a brainstorming session earlier this year, Rosas had what she thought was a failproof idea for keeping her name fresh in peoples’ minds long past the holidays were over. “I handwrote about 150 Mother’s Day cards and I mailed them to women I had addresses for – to people I knew were mothers.” The feedback she received was fantastic.
Capitalize on your hobbies One thing Bown and Paul Smith, Rosas and Jennifer Smith all have in common is that they understand how important it is to stand out in this industry. Bown once worked for a broker
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who seemed to stifle creativity at every turn. For that reason, he says he will never shoot down an interesting idea from the 50 or so agents at Twelve Rivers. For example, Chrissy Bricker represented the agency and co-hosted her condo association’s annual party. Chloe Chiang, a self-described competitive athlete of 14 years, threw a mixer for sports enthusiasts – the Atomic Athlete Barge bash. Both women came away from these events with deals that would eventually close. Paul Smith had been playing poker most of his adult life, hosting weekly games at his house. After earning his real estate license eight years ago, he continued the tradition, but now, with a networking bent. “I ended up becoming really good friends with the people I played poker with. Not only did I get their deals but I got all their friends’ deals.”
Learning from the past What’s interesting about talking with a real estate veteran like Rosshirt is that it’s easy to visualize the industry’s creative progression. Rosshirt recalls his early years: knocking on doors, cold calling, and racking up miles upon miles on his automobile. Real estate was a “pavement pounding” career; being a people-person came second. Today’s class of new agents – for whom “outside the box” advertising is considered business as usual – don’t necessarily have to acknowledge how lucky they are, but it is a perspective that can provide a deeper appreciation for this line of work. Especially when you compare, for instance, sharing a new listing with your 1985 client base vs. your 2015 client base. In the ‘80s, there was no tweeting to your network of 6,000 followers. Let’s just leave it at that. RL
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P. O. Box 81366 • Austin, Texas 78708-1366 (512) 821-1900 www.myRealtyLine.com E-mail: info@myRealtyLine.com
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Contributing Writers: Riki Markowitz, Katie Brown, Naomi Bludworth, Linda McNabb
Contributing Photographers: Doren L. Carver, Linda McNabb
Columnists: Barb Cooper, Jack Stapleton, Walt Elias, Michelle Busby 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 8,000 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.
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THANK YOU TO OUR AGENTS FOR VOTING US
#1 BEST PLACE TO WORK
# 1 C O M PA N Y T O W O R K F O R I N A U S T I N 4 Y E A R S I N A R O W ! REALTY AUSTIN WAS AWARDED THE #1 BEST PLACE TO WORK BY THE AUSTIN BUSINESS JOURNAL FOR THE SECOND YEAR IN A ROW. OUR ROCK STAR 35 MEMBER SUPPORT TEAM HAS THE PRIVILEGE OF SERVING SOME OF THE MOST ACCOMPLISHED AGENTS IN AUSTIN. AN AUSTIN ORIGINAL, REALTY AUSTIN WORKS HARD, PLAYS HARD, AND MAKES IT A PRIORITY TO GIVE BACK TO THE COMMUNITY. REALTY AUSTIN BELIEVES HAPPY AGENTS LEAD TO HAPPY CLIENTS, AND WE WANT TO THANK OUR AGENTS WHO VOTED REALTY AUSTIN AS THE #1 PLACE TO WORK IN AUSTIN FOR 4 CONSECUTIVE YEARS. 2015, 2014 AUSTIN BUSINESS JOURNAL’S #1 BEST PLACES TO WORK 2013, 2012 AUSTIN AMERICAN STATESMAN’S #1 TOP WORKPLACE CURIOUS TO KNOW WHAT IT FEELS LIKE TO WORK AT THE #1 BEST PLACE TO WORK IN AUSTIN?
W O R K AT R E A L T YA U S T I N . C O M
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Roxanne Ford, left, of Austin Title and Maggie Falvey of Realty Austin enjoy the style show hosted by Platinum Top 50 REALTORS at The Mansion in Austin.
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ROUGH HOLLOW
July 2015
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FREE ADMISSION
A DAY IN THE LIFE JULY 25, 2015 • 12 NOON-4PM
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Roshana Lazaar and Shahla Mahmod, both of Keller Williams Realty, think they found paradise in the infinity pool overlooking the Texas Hill Country at the HBA’s Parade of Homes Realtor day event.
WELCOME TO THE (NEW) NEIGHBORHOODS! Rough Hollow is celebrating the grand opening of SIX new neighborhoods, and you’re invited! Tour our model homes and enjoy all of the following: • Margaritas, Champagne, Wine • Splash pad & pool with lazy river and swim-up bar • Hosted boat ride on Lake Travis • Drinks at The Grille at Rough Hollow
Let Cadence Bank help grow your business! At Cadence, we are committed to delivering you competitive 2nd lien rates and the highest quality service in the industry. Cadence Bank offers: • •
Purchase Money 2nd Liens Home Equity 2nd Liens
•
• Cupcake decorating, Kona Ice & Chocolate Fountain • Nate the Great • Food trucks • Live music
With over 40 homes ready for move-in today, you and your family could be living and loving the Rough Life before the first day of school. Be sure to download the Rough Hollow App, check in at our model homes and enter to win A Day in the Life Package, including a exclusive boat rental and dinner!
Home Improvement 2nd Liens
Gretchen Rossington, NMLS# 555982 Account Manager 512-484-1860 gretchen.rossington@cadencebank.com www.cadence2nds.com
For information, please call 512.617.1776 RoughHollowLakeway.com FOLLOW US
*All activities and food is complimentary except for food ordered at The Grille at Rough Hollow. Developed by Legend Communities in partnership with Crescent Communities. Exclusively marketed 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. Loans are subject to credit approval. Cadence Mortgage is a division of Cadence Bank, N.A.NMLS# 525022
EQUAL HOUSING
LENDER
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Cara Keenan and Sonny Bara, both of Realty Austin, find the AYREP networking event to be standing room only at The Park – that can happen when you combine a popular venue and a popular organization. Realty Austin helped sponsor the event.
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Christy Dixon of Homes ATX and Charlie Henson of Highland Lakes Realty attend the bi-monthly Austin Area CRS Chapter meeting at the Westwood Country Club where they learned more about Google Fiber’s plans for Austin.
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Stephanie Neckar, Michelle Weinstock and Margaret Taldo, all of Keller Williams Realty, make their way through all five homes on the HBA’s Parade of Homes tour in Serene Hills where four of the homes are still available.
Come see what’s NEW at Century Communities. IS NOW
Avalon - (512) 271-3884 From the $270s - Now Selling! Butler Ranch Estates - (512) 271-3784 From the $410s - 1 acre Home-sites
MODEL HOMES COMING SOON!
Rough Hollow
Priced from $410’s
Blackhawk
Priced from $300’s
Avalon
New model home coming soon!!
Blackhawk - Coming soon! From the $300s - Access to Prestigious Crystal Falls - (512) 931-2800 From the $490s - 1 acre home-sites with trees Heritage Oaks - (512) 930-4005 From the $260s - 55+ Active Adult Community! Pearsons Place at Avery Ranch (512) 271-3855 From the $400s - New Model Now Open Reagan’s Overlook - (512) 271-3787 From the $520s - 1 acre home-sites with trees Rim Rock - (512) 354-1940 From the $450s - 1 acre home-sites Rough Hollow - (512) 271-3823 From the $410s - Model opening soon! Shady Oaks - (512) 763-1492 From the $390s - Final Phase! Siena - (512) 271-3785 From the $210s - New Model Open Woodland Park - (512) 930-4043 From the $390s - 1 acre home-sites with trees
WWW.CENTURYCOMMUNITIES.COM Prices, plans and terms are effective on the date of publication and subject to change without notice. Depictions of homes or other features are conceptual. Decorative items and other items shown may be decorator suggestions that are not included in the purchase price and availability may vary. ©Century Communities 5/12015
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With the hot real estate market, obtaining
Extraco Mortgage
a loan is more desirable than ever. Extraco strives to make its home loan services simple yet comprehensive by offering a full range of financing options to meet all purchasing
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 B r o w n
F
needs including conventional, FHA, VA, new
While Extraco has a large footprint in
rom home purchases to home equity to new construction loans, Extraco Banks has been helping the community with
Central Texas, Morrow notes that it’s the
home financing needs through its financial
resonates with clients. “We are truly a local
center in Georgetown since 2000. Serving Williamson and Travis counties, the Extraco Banks Georgetown Financial Center
company’s focus on the local community that lender—local service, local knowledge and local lending. Everything is local,” he says. For those interested in obtaining a home
provides a full range of services including
construction and a wide range of portfolio products. For those interested in home equity or improvement loans, an Extraco home equity loan can help finance major expenses. To ensure a positive mortgage experience, Extraco employs seasoned loan officers with substantial lending experience and first-rate
mortgages, commercial lending, retail lending, insurance and investment services.
Matt Morrow, Branch Manager
Matt Morrow, Extraco’s Mortgage Branch
qualified loan officers who understand the
We are truly a local lender—local
Manager, says that the company’s commitment to its customers is a strong differentiator.
regulatory requirements to ensure success,” Morrow says. “With pending deadlines that
service, local knowledge and local
“What really stands out about what we do at Extraco is that we provide a high-level of
will affect the real estate industry scheduled to go live on Oct. 1, 2015, many businesses will
lending. Everything is local...
customer service at a competitive price,” says Morrow, who’s been with Extraco for nine
be affected, from mortgage companies to REALTORS to title companies. Here at Extraco,
years. “Extraco, as well as myself, has built
we make sure our team fully understands the
its reputation on maintaining a high level of customer service.” Extraco has a longstanding presence in Texas. Founded as a cotton compress and warehouse company in Waco, Texas, the company recently celebrated 113 years of family-owned management. Today, it is the largest and most comprehensive privatelyowned financial institution headquartered in Central Texas.
regulatory environment to ensure a seamless mortgage, Morrow strives to make the process
customer service. Additionally, to meet the
as easy and accessible as possible for his cli-
growing needs of its expanding client base,
In addition to mortgages, Extraco can
ents. “We want our customers to have quick
Morrow says they are “always looking” for
access to the information they need,” he says.
provide a variety of other services includ-
additional highly motivated seasoned loan of-
ing commercial and retail lending, banking,
ficers interested in building their careers and
insurance, investments, portfolio lending
joining the Extraco Team.
and more. For more information on Extraco’s
“We are not a 1-800 number. Everyone has my cell phone to get in touch with me with any questions they have throughout the mortgage process.”
“The regulatory environment is a significant factor in our industry, and you need well-
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It’s Really a No Brainer! Request a Media Kit 512-821-1900 • info@myrealtyline.com
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Real Estate News & Notes REALTORS provide relief for flood victims FRAR received help in that effort from both The Memorial Day floods were a devastating turn of events for our communities within the Highland Lakes Association of REATORS, Hays and Caldwell Counties. The Four Rivers based in Marble Falls, and the Greater McAlAssociation of REALTORS (‘FRAR’) rallied len Association of REALTORS. It really was a behind those impacted within 12 hours of the group effort. flooding in Wimberley. Through the help of the The Four Rivers Association of REALTORS Texas Association of REALTORS and National is a non-profit trade organization for REALAssociation of REALTORS, FRAR was able to TORS and real estate related professionals. establish a flood relief fund. Through the fund, They cover Hays, Caldwell, Guadalupe, Comal, over 111 families have been awarded a total of and Gonzales counties and have approximately $265,450. Two-thirds of those funds were dedi- 1,275 members. cated to citizens from Hays and Caldwell County. That comes up to almost $180,000 being infused into those impacted in our area. Beyond the relief fund, FRAR also gathered flood relief supplies. Their members were able to collect 2,300 pounds of food for the Hays County Food Bank and over $2,300 in monetary donations. Additionally, they brought three truckloads of supplies to the donation center and a truckAmy DuBose, RCE, Four Rivers Association of REALTORS' Association load of materials to Martindale Executive, makes a donation of relief supplies at the Hays County Food Bank for Memorial Day Flood victims. for their workday on June 30.
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. Calendar items are free to advertisers and $25 per submission for others. All submissions must be received at least seven calendar days prior to ad copy deadlines published at www.myrealtyline.com/advertise.html. Submission items will be included as space allows.
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BOOTHS NOW ON SALE October 14, 2015
Realty Round Up
Visit AborRoundUp.com to purchase your booth today!
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July 2015
Celebrate Now with Lennar!
5%
COMMISSION ON ALL SALES
*
HURRY IN, LIMITED TIME, NOW THROUGH AUGUST 31ST
Visit one of our many communities throughout the Austin and Central Texas areas!
LENNAR.COM/AUSTIN
512-596-7703
FOR REAL ESTATE PROFESSIONALS ONLY: In order to earn a broker co-op fee, broker must bring client into a welcome home center and register them on the client’s first visit. No commission will be paid when agent/broker is acting as a principal/buyer. Not valid if client has previously registered with Lennar or Lennar.com, whether individually or with a broker. Lennar reserves the right to discontinue this program at any time. Other terms and conditions apply. See a new home consultant for more information. *Effective 7/01/15, 5% Bonus will be paid on all sales between 07/01/15 and 07/31/15. Homes must close and fund by date listed on purchase agreement. Not valid in conjunction with any other offer. Offers, incentives and seller contributions are subject to certain terms, conditions, and restrictions, which may include use of designated lenders and closing agents. Offer good for a limited time only. Copyright © 2015 Lennar Corporation. All rights reserved. Lennar and the Lennar logo are registered service marks or service marks of Lennar Corporation and/or its subsidiaries. (12770) 6/26/15
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Joanna Crabtree and Kristy Chaviers, both of Premier Partners, have fun with brightly colored wigs, oversized sunglasses and an armadillo at the photo booth at The Park, where AYREP held a recent mixer.
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Karen KcGrath and Leisa Ormsbee, both of JB Goodwin, REALTORS, are ready to roll on this WC REALTORS TREPAC Wine Tour.
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Realty Austin celebrated its team with fun and laughter aboard the Love Boat on a dinner cruise on Lake Austin. Buy photo: RL_070615_V.JPG at www.myrealtyline.com
Submitted Photo
Amy Keillor of Pure Gold Realty and David Schneider of Better Homes and Gardens Bradfield Properties dance to Shakey Graves and The Digital Wild at Rock ‘N Restock, a concert Pure Gold Realty held to benefit two local charities. The event was such a huge success it had to be moved from the Zilker Clubhouse to The Belmont to accommodate about 800 people.