in this issue…
Putting a Face on Real Estate since 1995™
• HBA MAX Awards Gala • WCREALTORS East Side Bus Tour • CRS Bi-Monthly Meeting • Blackburn Communities Gardens at Mayfield Grand Opening • and much, much more!
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MAY 2017 • VOLUME 22 • ISSUE 1 Details on page 11
THE
PENINSULA AT
ROUGH HOLLOW
A PRIVATE LAKESTYLE NEIGHBORHOOD
The Hidden Tax:
Appraisal hikes pricing out area residents By Riki Markowitz
I
Visit us online 24/7 at www.myRealtyLine.com
P. O. Box 81366, Austin, Texas 78708
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n January, Mayor Steve Adler gave the annual State of the City speech, titled “The Spirit of Austin.” It was an 80-minute salute to Austin’s growth and how the community is coping well with an unprecedented population explosion. While the majority of the speech was hopeful, there were hints of darkness, specifically relating to property
tax issues and the lack of affordable housing. Mayor Adler warned that “If we don’t change” and “If we stay on the path we’re on, we’ll end up like San Francisco.” Seemingly, the strategy for keeping property taxes from skyrocketing and housing affordable is to study everything San Francisco has done in reaction to its growth and do the opposite.
Cautionary tale San Francisco is the cautionary tale for how a city can get enmeshed in an irreversible housing crisis. But we may already be there. Texas is tied in second place for having the highest average annual property tax bill in the country, according to an article published in USA Today this past April. Of all Texas’ metro areas, Austin has the highest average property tax at $7,012. On a list that ranks states’ average effective tax rate, California is number 35. The average cost to buy a home in San Francisco – just over $1 million – may be far out of reach of housing prices here, but whether buyers are priced out of a million dollar home or a $300,000 home, the outcome is the exact same. Tax cuts or reform are practically election promise clichés. But in the case of Texas’ property tax
Featured Event May 22nd, 10 a.m. - 6:30 p.m. WCREALTORS:
28th Annual Golf Tournament
ON ROUGH HOLLOW
issues, reform is crucial. Texas Association of Realtors (TAR) believes that for far too long, local taxing entities have been permitted to operate in the shadows and clearly have no intention of providing the transparency that people want. While homeowners have a right to appeal their appraised value to the Appraisal Review Board (ARB), a body made up of specially appointed local citizens, those who have appealed say the process is time consuming and the guidelines can be confusing.
Annual tax bill Each year, after property values are assessed, homeowners receive a bill. Based on recent trends, property values are going up and as a result, property taxes also go up – several percentage points. To be clear, says Jack Stapleton, broker and owner of Realty Texas, that is a hidden tax. But thanks to semantics, local elected officials can proudly declare how seldom actual property taxes are raised. And some years, taxes have even been rolled back slightly, all while appraisal values go up. There is a name for what’s happening – it’s called the Hidden Property Tax. In a bid for transparency and honesty, the Texas Association of REALTORS is campaigning to stop local taxing entities from misleading citizens. Anyone can go to HiddenPropertyTax. com for information on the hidden property tax and watch a short video explaining how it works. There are a whole slew of problems here, says Stapleton. According to TAR, the money collected by the appraisal district, “the largest single funding source for community services,” is bookmarked for schools, infrastructure, fire and police departments and many
other programs. Most taxpayers agree that as citizens, it is our responsibility to help fund city services. But there is no valid reason why there can’t be transparency in how tax rates are determined. To calculate the amount of revenue needed by the city, “the taxing authority decides how much tax they need to fund their budget that year by multiplying the current property values by the tax rate,” says Stapleton. However, when property values increase, homeowners’ tax rates are supposed to be rolled back. That has not been happening. Increased property taxes are the main reason why Travis and Williamson County residents are getting squeezed out of their homes and the market. Recently, Mayor Adler recommended raising $600 million over 10 years and using those funds to preferentially house those displaced by gentrification. To raise that amount of money, according to one popular proposal, housing developers would incur a linkage fee on new construction, at about $2 per square foot. If a bill like this passes, it’s almost certain that cost will get passed down to buyers. So the city would be looking at a wave of new homes at an even higher price point, which won’t be a feasible option for the very buyers that the funds are being raised to house. Instead of displacing lower income buyers, those firmly in the middle class will be disenfranchised with this plan. The populations that have it the worst right now are young families and anyone on a fixed income, like seniors and the disabled. Within hours of hitting the market, agents are seeing anywhere from 15 to 26 bids on affordable
Front Page: Continued on page 28
Features of the Month Column: ABoR—Zillow Feed, HBA Parade of Homes Realtor Days & More.. . . . . . . . . . pg. 3 Column: WCAoR—Taxes and affordability. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . pg. 7 Column: WCR—Up, up, up go property taxes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . pg. 13 Column: HBA—HBA Parade of Homes is here. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . pg. 15 Associates in Progress: Axia Mortgage. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . pg. 25 Special Feature: Million dollar model home wins two MAX awards. . . . . . . . . . . . . pg. 34 Upcoming Events. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . pg. 38
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May 2017
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Putting a Face on Real Estate since 1995
Putting a Face on Real Estate since 1995.™
Numbers Don’t Lie – Using Stats in Real Estate
TREC CE Elective Course No. 29907 Join Nicole Boynton, Stewart Title of Austin’s Director of Training and Social Media, for an in-depth look at what makes the Austin area real estate market tick. A good understanding of the statistics in and around your local market is critical to your growth and success as a real estate professional. This one hour course is an investment that will help you unlock the advantages of effectively identifying critical market trends. For more about this and other continuing education classes we have to offer, contact any of out sales executives, or visit our education section online.
stewart.com/austin
© 2017 Stewart. All rights reserved. Trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
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Putting a Face on Real Estate since 1995.™
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Austin Board of REALTORS®
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Putting a Face on Real Estate since 1995
President’s Column By Brandy Guthrie • 2017 President
www.myRealtyLine.com
May 2017
screening of "Wonder Woman" on Thursday,
and improved Matrix Client Portal this sum-
June 1. Watch this summer’s hit movie on the
mer. This latest upgrade release, Matrix 7.0,
IMAX screen at The Bullock State History
comes with some impressive features, such
Museum. Mingle with friends and make new connections at the reception beginning at 5:30
Zillow feed, Parade of Homes REALTOR Days, TREPAC Movie Night & More
Y
our MLS subscription connects you and your clients to the market’s most accurate and up-to-date listing data for the Greater Austin area. As an association, we continue to seek opportunities and partnerships that positively affect your business. Exciting and highly requested changes are coming to your MLS and I’m happy to share them with you! ABoR also has some fun events to start the summer off right, so be sure to keep an eye on them through the ABoR.com Calendar.
What the Zillow Group direct feed means for you As I’m sure you’re already aware, brokers now have the option to send their listings to Zillow Group via a direct feed from the ABoR MLS. ABoR and Zillow Group have executed a direct-feed agreement that more adequately protects the quality of data in our market and ensures listings are displayed in a manner consistent with ABoR’s data integrity standards. Agents, if you haven’t already, talk with your broker on their choice to opt-in or
opt-out of this new publishing option. You can learn more about your syndication options at ABoR.com/Syndication.
Visit The Peninsula on REALTOR DAYS at HBA Parade of Homes What is “The Peninsula” you may ask? Located just 25 minutes from downtown, The Peninsula at Rough Hollow is an intimate waterfront community with breathtaking hilltop views of Lake Travis. It’s a sight to see! Hosted by the Home Builders Association (HBA) of Greater Austin, REALTOR Days provide REALTORS the opportunity to tour the location and learn the newest trends in construction, building design and landscaping. The best part is, REALTORS get in free with a business card on May 18 and May 25. Visit ParadeofHomesAustin.com for more details.
Support TREPAC at Movie Night TREPAC Movie Night is always a hit among members and for good reason! Kick back, relax, and grab some popcorn for this year’s
3
p.m. Your ticket purchase will go towards your annual TREPAC Investment, so it’s a win, win! Head over to ABoR.com/MovieNight for details and don’t forget to invite your friends and family!
as customizable notifications of client activity and real-time property notes, keeping you in the loop of your client’s property interests. The sleek, modern design will allow your clients to get all the information you need in a few clicks. This truly is the ultimate upgrade! I know we’ve been patiently waiting for such changes so I am thrilled to share this news
Get ready for Matrix 7.0
with you! Stay tuned to ABoR publications for
You and your clients will experience a new
more information about the launch. RL
ABOR ACADEMY EDUCATIONAL COURSES MAY 17 MAY 17 MAY 17 GRI R.E. Brokerage (4-day class) GRI R.E. Marketing (4-day class) MATRIX Open Lab ABoR HQ (TREC# 0779) ABoR South (No CE) ABoR South (TREC#0556) MAY 18 A REALTOR's Guide to Building a Custom Home ABoR HQ (TREC# 32056)
MAY 18 Transaction Desk ABoR HQ (No CE)
MAY 19 Realist Tax 2.0 Berkshire Hathaway
MAY 22 Agent Investor 101 ABoR North (TREC#04-00-067-28994)
MAY 22 Agent Investor 102 ABoR North (TREC# 04-00-067-28995)
MAY 22 Social Media: Branding and Lead Generation ABoR HQ (TREC# 32003)
MAY 23 TREC Legal Update II ABoR HQ (TREC# 29623)
MAY 23 Broker Responsibility ABoR South (TREC# 31450)
MAY 23 RPR Advanced ABoR HQ (TREC# 02-00-097-29146)
(TREC# 02-00-067-28919)
More at www.ABoR.com/courses
4
May 2017
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Putting a Face on Real Estate since 1995
Putting a Face on Real Estate since 1995.™
WCR Austin VP of M embership Jennifer Lish, right, of Keller Williams Realty welcomes new member Monica Schraeder of Coldwell Banker United, REALTORS at the group's monthly meeting at ABoR's Canyon View Event Center.
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Kandis Rushing of Crescent Communities welcomes Mark Bennett of Robinson Company to Bryson's community crawfish boil. The developer recently hosted the event in its master-planned community in Leander.
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Harry Gibbs of Keller Williams Realty races towards the Capitol for the next meeting with state reps. He took part in the Austin Board of REALTORS' REALTOR march on the Capitol.
DHI MORTGAGE WELCOMES
JESSE FERNANDEZ
“I look forward to working with you and your family to help you achieve the American Dream of homeownership!”
Jesse Fernandez
Mortgage Loan Originator, NMLS #1465083
www.dhimortgage.com
10700 Pecan Park Blvd., Suite 120 Austin, TX 78750 Direct: 512-533-1328 Cell: 512-969-8170 JFernandez@dhimortgage.com
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: 04/18/18 / EXP: 04/18/18 ECADR162710_RealtyLine.indd 1
2/9/17 10:46 AM
Putting a Face on Real Estate since 1995.™
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Putting a Face on Real Estate since 1995
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May 2017
AUSTIN
Brentwood Villas • 1,340–2,708 sq. ft.
From IH-35, exit Slaughter Ln. heading west. Turn right on Golden Leaf Dr. into community.
Northridge Park • 1,353–3,125 sq. ft.
From US-183, exit Manor Rd. heading east. Turn right on Pecan Brook Dr. and left on Lazy Creek Dr. OR: From Hwy. 290, exit Tuscany Way heading south and merge onto Springdale Rd. Turn left on Pecan Brook Dr. and left on Lazy Creek Dr.
ROUND ROCK
Greenlawn Village • 1,353–2,898 sq. ft.
GET READY FOR A GREAT NEW KB VALUE NEIGHBORHOOD The excitement is building, and in a few months, five new communities will be open for you to visit. Beautiful new homes. Great new neighborhoods. Get ready—KB Home is coming!
From IH-35, exit Greenlawn Blvd. heading east. Turn right on West Pflugerville Pkwy. to community. OR: From Hwy. 45, exit Greenlawn Blvd. heading west. Turn left on West Pflugerville Pkwy. to community.
Pioneer Point • 1,340–2,708 sq. ft.
From IH-35, exit E. Old Settlers Blvd. heading east. After A.W. Grimes Blvd., community will be on the left.
Sunrise Villas • 1,516–2,898 sq. ft.
From IH-35, exit E. Old Settlers Blvd. heading east to community on the right. (888) 524-6637
For more information, please call (888) 524-6637.
888-KB-HOMES | kbhome.com
Your Needs. Your Wants. Your Satisfaction. THAT’S
KB Value
Broker Cooperation Welcome. ©2017 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. See sales counselor for details. AUS-117363
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May 2017
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Putting a Face on Real Estate since 1995.™
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Putting a Face on Real Estate since 1995
AWARD WINNER
Thomas Serhus of Trendmaker Homes hosts an open house in Belterra with his pal Zepplin (dog) where they both greeted guests with a friendly smile and a wag of a tail. Trendmaker is offering homes in Belterra from the $370s.
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AMBA President Dan Rushing of Highlands Residential Mortgage, Penny Green of Willow Bend Mortgage, Hayley Duhon of ARCH Mortgage and Richie Rodriguez of Hometrust Mortgage wind down after a long day at the AMBA member mixer at Star Bar.
REALTOR Tammy Young, center, won Round Rock City Council Place 1 on Saturday, May 6. She says she will be an advocate for policies that manage the growth of the city without diminishing quality of life or affordability. With her at a recent meet and greet were Round Rock residents Emily King, left, and Kelly Darby, right.
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Receive a 3% commission on your first closing.
Receive a 1% bonus in addition to your 3% commission on your second closing!*
Receive a 2% bonus in addition to your 3% commission on your third and subsequent closings!*
%
%
%
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HBA of Greater Austin President Steve Krasoff and Liz Don Carlos, both of Scott Felder Homes, make their way into the ballroom at the JW Marriott where the HBA's 2017 MAX Awards Starry Night Gala was held. The builder won numerous awards including the Grand MAX Volume Builder of the Year.
Get that Felder Feeling when you sell a new Scott Felder Home! With the Scott Felder Homes 2017 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 S E IT. LO VE IT. LIVE IT.
ScottFelderHomes.com New homes from the $200s-$600s
*All qualified sales must be original Scott Felder Homes (“SFH”) contracts written between January 1, 2017 and November 30, 2017. Sell ONE home and you’re enrolled in SFH’s Co-Broker Loyalty Program! Sell TWO homes between 1/1/17 and 11/30/17 and qualify for a 1% bonus on your 2nd SFH closing. Sell THREE homes between 1/1/17 and 11/30/17 and qualify for a 2% bonus, entitling you to a 5% total commission on your third, and all subsequent closings for the remainder of 2017! 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 1/1/2017 and 12/29/2017. 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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Putting a Face on Real Estate since 1995.™
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Williamson County Assoc. of REALTORS®
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Putting a Face on Real Estate since 1995
President’s Column By Suzanne Gantner • 2017 President
Taxes and affordability
I
t’s every REALTOR’s favorite time of the year. Pre-summer business is starting to pick up momentum, potential sellers are scheduling appointments to find out how much they can sell their home for, and buyers are wanting to start window shopping for homes. Then you get a call from a past client, “Help, my property value just went up $40,000 – that can’t be right, can it?” You stop in your tracks and know that you just got way busier. When it comes to property taxes, there are three things affecting the annual tax bill: homestead exemption, rising property values and how the CAD is valuing properties. About six weeks ago property “valuations” were sent to owners from their Central Appraisal District. Hopefully you reminded your clients who purchased a homestead this year to file their exemptions with the Appraisal District before April 30th. How does the Homestead Exemption actually affect affordability? The homestead allows for a $25,000 decrease in the taxable value of your home for school taxes, a $3,000 decrease
in the taxable value of a home for the Williamson County FM/RD Taxes, and then a $5,000 reduction in the taxable value for Community College taxes. For example, the tax rate for a home in the city limits of Cedar Park is approximately 2.58 percent. Currently, the median home price in Cedar Park is $290,000, and the median tax bill is $7,098 with the home stead exemption, and $7,482 without; a difference of about $11,000 over a 30-year period. Rising property values are a good thing in the real estate industry; owners are building equity in their home. But then sometimes this can be too much of a good thing. Since 2012, property valuations in Cedar Park have grown over 40 percent. The median price for a home in Cedar Park was $230,000 in 2013, and the tax rate at that time was slightly higher, 2.5958 percent. The taxes on a median home with the homestead in the area would have been $5,284.09 per year, $1,814 less than the current taxes for the same area. In retrospect, it’s very important for you, the REALTOR to watch taxes and affordability
EVERY
30
SECONDS
A RE/MAX
AGENT
HELPS
SOMEONE FIND THEIR PERFECT PLACE
You do the math. Does your current brokerage add up? ©2017 RE/MAX, LLC. Each office is independently owned and operated. 17_172619
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www.myRealtyLine.com issues; this is why WCREALTORS has gotten very involved with the major cities in Williamson County - to hold our leadership accountable. Inform your clients, especially your first-time home buyers, how taxes and escrow work. Explain that as property taxes increase, so can their monthly mortgage payment. Do your part to make sure that the home you are selling your clients doesn’t become the home you are selling for your clients because they cannot afford it any longer. Stay on top of taxing entities (school districts, local government, etc.) and know how
May 2017
that money is being spent. Get out and vote when there is an election; encourage your clients to become informed and make sure they are registered to vote at their new address after they close on their new home. Taxes have such a negative connotation in today’s society, but are a necessity to ensure infrastructure, roads, emergency responders, and more are in place to support the community. It is up to the citizens to hold the government and our elected officials to their word and make sure they are using our tax dollars (and those of our clients) appropriately. RL
COURSE SCHEDULE May
19th
Broker Responsibility
22nd
28th Annual Golf Tournament
25th
CMA Adjustments
26th
Legal Update II
30th
Beginning of Real Estate Brokerage (Get ACC Credit)
June
7
1st
GRI Brokerage (4-day class, 6/1, 6/2, 6/8, 6/9)
7th
Septic Class
9th
Legal Update I
14th
What to Expect During an Inspection
More info & register @ www.wcrealtors.org
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May 2017
austin
Putting a Face on Real Estate since 1995.™
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Putting a Face on Real Estate since 1995
The Supreme Lending team sponsored the Platinum Top 50 REALTORS "Thinkers & Doers" event at ABoR's Headquarters. Pictured left to right are Shannon Smith, John Schutze, Chandra Carthrae and Lynn Broussard.
Download Photo: RL_040717_A.jpg at www.myrealtyline.com
Diane Kennedy of Coldwell Banker United REALTORS wins more than she can eat the WCR Austin TREPAC Cake Auction. Want a bite?
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Mudbugs anyone? Vicki Jones Jennings of Keller Williams Realty and Hellena Frazier of JB Goodwin REALTORS pile them up and are ready for some "good eatin" at the Bryson community crawfish Boil.
Download Photo: RL_051517_M.jpg at www.myrealtyline.com
*Realtor Bonus on Select Homes!
SHADOW GLEN · MANOR
13105 Craven Lane · 78653 · 254.236.4248
James Pham · jpham@mybuffington.com · Cell 512.731.6756 13300 Craven Lane 16920 John Michael Dr. 17008 John Michael Dr. 17012 John Michael Dr.
Parker-C 2,747 Nimitz-B 3,217 Stevenson II-C 2,546 Ryan II-E 2,541
$309,990 $329,990 $299,990 $359,080
MAY MAY MAY AUG
9563769 7264719 6783004 3916006
3916 Jennie Marie Drive · 78660 · 512.645.0059
Tonya Villalobos · tvillalobos@mybuffington.com · Cell 512.940.6968 1% 17300 Silent Harbor Lp.
Blanco-C 17409 Silent Harbor Lp. Brazos-C 17420 Silent Harbor Lp. Sabine-C
2,030 2,422 2,038
1Story/3Bed/2Bath/2Gar 2Story/4Bed/2.5Bath/2Gar 1Story/4Bed/2Bath/2Gar
$299,990 $314,990 $299,990
NOW NOW NOW
7748654 7401052 4608236
20301 Hidden Gully Lane · 78660 · 512.614.2377
Martin Ramos · mramos@mybuffington.com · Cell 512.868.7884 700 Gunning Cove
2%20201 Navarre Terrace
705 Manzano Lane 732 Coltrane Drive 701 Gunning Cove 704 Carillion Drive 709 Manzano Lane 700 Carillion Drive
Parker-C Parker-C Houston-B Houston-A Caldwell-F Stevenson II-D Caldwell-F Sterling-D
2,747 2,747 2,340 1,975 1,812 2,554 1,812 2,448
MADSEN RANCH · ROUND ROCK
2Story/4Bed/3.5Bath/2Gar 2Story/4Bed/3.5Bath/2Gar 1Story/3Bed/3Bath/2Gar 1Story/3Bed/2Bath/2Gar 1Story/3Bed/2Bath/2.5Gar 2Story/4Bed/3.5Bath/2.5Gar 1Story/3Bed/2Bath/2Gar 2Story/4Bed/2.5Bath/2.5Gar
$319,990 $323,590 $319,990 $289,990 $292,140 $323,920 $280,790 $299,990
NOW NOW NOW NOW JUL JUL JUL JUL
4275531 9048897 7325262 2470371 9773005 8634746 3439632 7924190
1201 Chad Drive · 78665 · 512.579.4809
Deborah J. Peel · dpeel@mybuffington.com · Cell 512.998.0051 1036 Chad Loop 3543 Pauling Loop 1004 Chad Loop 1104 Chad Drive 1019 Chad Loop 3539 Pauling Loop
Muirfield-D Caldwell-E Muirfield-B Caldwell-D Muirfield-B Sterling-D
3651 Sandy Brook #200 Muirfield-B 3651 Sandy Brook #202 Oakmont-A 3651 Sandy Brook #204 Turnberry-C 3651 Sandy Brook #235 Muirfield-C 3651 Sandy Brook #111 Turnberry-C 3651 Sandy Brook #240 Muirfield-B 3651 Sandy Brook #114 Muirfield-D
1,765 1,823 1,773 1,833 1,773 2,448
2Story/3Bed/2.5Bath/2Gar 1Story/3Bed/2Bath/2Gar 2Story/3Bed/2.5Bath/2Gar 1Story/3Bed/2Bath/2Gar 2Story/3Bed/2.5Bath/2Gar 2Story/4Bed/2.5Bath/2.5Gar
$282,570 $294,770 $272,800 $291,500 $278,020 $320,710
JUN JUL JUN JUN JUL AUG
1448456 7864959 9347704 4561673 1219380 6630937
1,773 1,713 1,966 1,905 1,993 1,905 1,897
SILVERLEAF · ROUND ROCK
2Story/3Bed/2.5Bath/2Gar 2Story/3Bed/2.5Bath/2Gar 2Story/3Bed/2.5Bath/2Gar 2Story/3Bed/2.5Bath/2Gar 2Story/3Bed/2.5Bath/2Gar 2Story/3Bed/2.5Bath/2Gar 2Story/3Bed/2.5Bath/2Gar
$254,990 $249,990 $259,990 $249,990 $254,990 $253,990 $259,990
NOW NOW NOW MAY MAY MAY MAY
4738198 5926134 1176001 8875805 7624321 7875649 7945041
20301 Hidden Gully Lane · 78660 · 512.614.2377
Deborah J. Peel · dpeel@mybuffington.com · Cell 512.998.0051
1% 104 Blue Spruce Way
PENLEY PARK · PFLUGERVILLE
3651 Sandy Brook #100 · 78665 · 512.436.9714
Rob Lewis · rlewis@mybuffington.com · Cell 512.797.5539
2Story/4Bed/2.5Bath/2Gar 2Story/4Bed/2.5Bath/2Gar 2Story/3Bed/2.5Bath/2Gar 1Story/4Bed/2.5Bath/2Gar
VILLAGES of HIDDEN LAKE · PFLUGERVILLE
THE VILLAS at UNIVERSITY PARK · ROUND ROCK
2% 212 Blue Spruce Way
Blanco-A Blanco-C
2,020 2,030
1Story/3Bed/2Bath/2Gar 1Story/3Bed/2Bath/2Gar
ORCHARD RIDGE · LIBERTY HILL
$327,380 $337,210
NOW NOW
1327049 6851625
600 Golden Wave Way · 78642 · 512.688.5199
Lillian Pham · lpham@mybuffington.com · Cell 512.775.5447 Thomas Van Lith · tvanlith@mybuffington.com · Cell 512.484.8677
1% 609 Beebrush Court 1% 128 Fire Wheel Pass
133 Fire Wheel Pass 249 Wild Sage Lane 245 Wild Sage Lane 240 Wild Sage Lane 132 Fire Wheel Pass
Parker-H Timberlake-H Houston-I Houston-H Timberlake-I Timberlake-H Caldwell-H
2,756 1,981 2,291 1,926 1,981 1,989 1,737
2Story/4Bed/2.5Bath/2Gar 1Story/4Bed/2Bath/3Gar 1Story/3Bed/2.5Bath/2Gar 1Story/3Bed/2Bath/2Gar 1Story/4Bed/2Bath/3Gar 1Story/4Bed/2Bath/3Gar 1Story/3Bed/2Bath/2Gar
$344,990 $289,990 $279,990 $259,990 $269,990 $279,990 $279,300
PARK at BRUSHY CREEK · HUTTO
NOW NOW NOW NOW NOW JUL AUG
1440018 3523508 7939499 4105792 8357271 8577205 5530591
78634 · 512.731.6756
James Pham · jpham@mybuffington.com · Cell 512.731.6756 121 Shiloh Cove 113 Buescher Cove 106 Buescher Cove
Sterling-A Connally-B Ferguson-D
2,391 1,938 1,632
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$239,990 $234,990 $229,990
JUL JUL JUN
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Austin Title
Susan Graham VP/Branch Manager Escrow Officer Susan.Graham@austintitle.com 512-346-4020
Spicewood Springs
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Jody Wiltsey VP/Escrow Officer Jody.Wiltsey@austintitle.com 512-346-4020
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Sandi Gillis VP/Escrow Officer Sandi.Gillis@austintitle.com 512-346-4020
Pam Carroll AVP/Business Development 214-738-9888/Pamela.Carroll@austintitle.com
Christine Reams AVP/Escrow Officer Christine.Herrera@austintitle.com 512-346-4020
Service You Deserve from People You Can Count On.
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Mark Sprague and Brian Pitman, both of Independence Title, celebrate the grand opening of the company's new office at Mopac and Northland Drive. The event included live music, food truck catering, and cold beverages for all guests.
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These "doers" attend the Platinum Top 50 REALTORS Thinkers & Doers event at ABoR HQ. Pictured left to right are Jennifer Coyan of Everything But the House Real E s t a te, Jordan Karonika of Keller Williams Realty and Evonne Gottsch of Realty Austin. Download Photo: RL_051017_C.jpg at www.myrealtyline.com
AMBA members gather for networking and a good 'ol fashioned good time at the AMBA mixer at the Star Bar on 6th Street. Download Photo: RL_050417_A.jpg at www.myrealtyline.com
Nell Hertado and Noble Davis, both of Lakeline Realty, attend a REALTOR luncheon and home tour hosted by KB Home in Mason Hills in Leander where they are selling homes from the $240s. Download Photo: RL_050317_C.jpg at www.myrealtyline.com
Diamond Oaks
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Explore 5 fully furnished, multi-million dollar lakeside custom homes
A rb oga st C u s t o m H o m e s
Laurel Haven Homes
Jenk i ns Cu stom Homes
M AY 1 2 - 2 9 , 2 0 1 7 o p e n t h u r sd ay s t h r u s u n d ays & m e m o r i al d ay
Parade homes will be open from 11 am to 7 pm
Tri t o n Au s t i n
Lake Travis Builders
R E A LT O R D AY S ! M AY 1 9 T h & M AY 2 5 T h —
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B u y Ti c k e t s a t P a r a d e o f H o m e s A u s t i n . c o m
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Johnny "JD" Dees of JB Goodwin REALTORS and his wife, Kimberley, enjoy a beautiful afternoon at Bryson while attending the community Crawfish Boil. They sneaked off for a home tour while they were there to visit the model homes priced from the $300s.
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Laurie Nunnallee of Nunnallee Inspections is proud of the cake she won at the WCR TREPAC Cake Auction.
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Blackburn Communities VP of Sales and Marketing Chris Wales and Director of Sales Ivelys "Evie"Tavarez celebrate the grand opening at the Gardens at Mayfield located off Sam Bass Road in Round Rock. The community offers seclusion, luxury amenities and lots of greenspace.
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President’s Column
Women's Council of REALTORS
us at the Capitol in Washington, D.C. on May 17-18 to continue this one voice unity. Another way we support these efforts is insuring our careers and property interests by investing in TREPAC (Texas Real Estate Political Action Committee), which funds the cause of reading and lobbying for the bills that may have an impact on us all. Women’s Council of REALTORS Austin has several members who are major investors and who are active in our
By Becky DeButts • 2017 President
M
Up, up, up, go property values and property taxes in Central Texas This is a very real problem, even when we get the rates lowered, what difference does it make when our values skyrocket? Many young people believe that because of these issues they will never be able to buy because of the inflation rate on property. Great write offs are not enough to keep their monthly payment from going up. The only way we make a positive effect on our world is to use our voice. This can be achieved by voting and talking with our clients about the issue of rising values and taxes. This should be a common point we as REALTORS make to our clients when we discuss their homestead exemption and explain that their closing disclosure can possibly be used in disputing taxes the next year, if needed. It is very important to be aware of the issues at your local level, to vote correctly on the candidate(s) and issue(s) that will best agree with the homeowners’ rights. Just a few weeks ago many of our fellow REALTORS united at the Texas Capitol to do just that. We went to voice our concerns and opinions on bills that would affect us all. And there will be several of
any of us are having past clients calling us about their property taxes increasing again and seeking help. Sadly, in many cases there is no comparable that helps them because the values on all properties have gone up. You may have read in the May issue of REALTOR Magazine that the tech industry is one of the reasons for our increased property values. This industry has high-paying jobs which give them more bidding power, therefore raising housing prices. A quote from Florida stated: “The solution will come from local government, local industry, local universities and local people working to move beyond winner-take-all urbanism and to a more sustainable and inclusive model of development that benefits everyone.” NAR REALTOR Magazine Communities throughout Austin are suffering, forcing many families to move from their long-time homes, some of which have been handed down through several generations. Another issue would be the “Hidden Tax.”
GIVE YOUR CLIENTS
May 2017
13
local committees. Join in and be active in being knowledgeable and an advocate for all real estate interests. Women’s Council of REALTORS Austin is always looking for like-minded people to join us in our mission of “advancing women as professionals and leaders in business, and making, an impact on our industry and communities we serve.” RL
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Scott Small of Keller Williams Realty, Carol Ann Weed of 1st Property Group and Carrie Weikert of Keller Williams Realty attend the CRS Bi-Monthly meeting at Westwood Country Club where they are among friends.
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Brandon Bartlett and Brandon Stanton, both of KB Home, show David and Celeste Yeakley, both of Premier Texas Realty, around the model home at Mason Hills. The community offers a private community park, pool, playground, basketball court, ponds and walking trails Download Photo: RL_050417_B.jpg at www.myrealtyline.com
Austin Board of REALTORS celebrates the grand opening of its new South Austin office where classes, meetings and a REALTOR store are available for members.
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Kara McGregor and Jay Southworth, both of Independence Title, welcome REALTORS to the company's new office at Mopac and Northland Drive — a central, easily accessible location in Austin. Download Photo: RL_051617_B.jpg at www.myrealtyline.com Download Photo: RL_041117_C.jpg at www.myrealtyline.com
Elaine Byrne and Jenny Creath, both of Elaine Byrne Realty, get ready to board the bus for the WCREALTORS East Side Story Bus Tour. First stop, Teravista.
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President’s Column By Steve Krasoff • 2017 President
T
2017 Parade of Homes™ going on now through Memorial Day
he Home Builders Association (HBA) of Greater Austin invites you and your clients to the 2017 Parade of Homes in The Peninsula at Rough Hollow in Lakeway, going on now through May 29 (open Thursdays-Sundays and Memorial Day). The 62nd annual luxury home tour kicked off with a VIP Preview Party on Wednesday, May 10, where industry professionals, special guests, and the general public were invited to be among the first to see five, custom-crafted, stunning homes ranging from 4,100 sq. ft. to over 6,600 sq. ft., all priced from $1.5 million to over $2.9 million and situated on estate-sized lots perched on a hilltop overlooking Lake Travis, one of Texas’ favorite lakes. This year, the Parade of Homes showcases some of the best work from five premier Austin luxury custom home builders, including Arbogast Custom Homes, Jenkins Design & Build, Lake Travis Builders, Laurel Haven Homes and Triton Austin. Exciting features visitors can expect to see include a home spa and sauna, hidden passageways, two-story
master closet and study, expansive pools with swim-up bars, butler and catering kitchens for entertaining and so much more. The Parade of Homes offers the public a unique opportunity to explore top quality, custom homes — a true work of art — fully furnished and on display. Visitors are sure to discover the latest in home design, technology, architecture, landscape design, interior design and unique features that will inspire their own home building, remodeling and decorating projects. The Peninsula at Rough Hollow is one of the last frontiers of this expansive waterfront community. Promising views will be sure to impress all who set eyes on this beautiful property. Visitors will have the opportunity to explore this Master-Planned Community that has been named the HBA’s Grand MAX Master-Planned Community of the Year for the last two years. The community is packed with amenities that make it a place that feels like a vacation every day. With the Laziest River, splash pads, a children's pool, adult pool with swim-up bar, all-season pavilion with a
SOLD: An entertainment dream home, this stunning, custom crafted luxury home from Lake Travis Builders was designed to enjoy the gorgeous views of Lake Travis and the surrounding Hill Country. As you enter this estate, the dramatic foyer leads you to an outdoor living and dining space with custom fire pit and relaxing negative edge pool overlooking expansive views of Lake Travis, and a full grill for the ultimate grill master. This 6,000 square foot, five bedroom, four bathroom home is available for viewing, fully furnished along with four other estate-sized homes during the 2017 Parade of Homes through May 29. Tickets are $15 each and can be purchased in advance at www. ParadeofHomesAustin.com. Tickets are also available at the gate. REALTORS are invited to attend the prestigious, luxury home tour free of charge on designated REALTOR Days — May 18th and 25th — just use your business card as your ticket.
demonstration kitchen, a village green and an open-air marketplace, Highland Village, the community’s amenity center, gives residents a place to socialize, dine, play and relax. If that isn’t enough, residents enjoy access to its own Rough Hollow Yacht Club and Marina. This waterfront facility offers a broad spectrum of concierge and seasonal valet services designed to revolutionize and simplify the yachting experience. The Rough Hollow Yacht Club and Marina is complete with a casual restaurant, state-of-the-art fitness center, resort-style negative-edge pool, outdoor amphitheater, a convenient dual-car tram to the marina, fullystocked store, fuel pumps and a 4,000 square foot pavilion overlooking the lake.
The HBA invites REALTORS to attend free on May 18th and 25th — simply use your business card as your ticket. Treat your clients to a visit too. General admission tickets can be purchased in advance for $15 each at www. ParadeofHomesAustin.com or at the gate. Active duty military and military veterans are invited to attend free of charge on Memorial Day. A portion of net proceeds from ticket sales during the event will benefit Partners in Hope, a Lake Travis area charity that facilitates serving opportunities for businesses, churches, and individuals in the Lake Travis community. To learn more, visit www.ParadeofHomesAustin.com or call (512) 454-5588. RL
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REALTORS are eager to sell homes in Blackburn Communities' new community — Gardens at Mayfield in Round Rock — just off Sam Bass Road. The builder is offering homes from the $300s.
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Jimmy Goff of Goff Properties and Dina Schiaffo of United Lending are "ready to roll." They make their way to the bus to start the WCREALTORS East Side Story Bus Tour.
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Janet Moore of MI Homes gives Marie Cantave and Andrea Hickman, both of Realty Executives, a tour of the builder's model home in Wolf Ranch before the two get new headshots courtesy of MI Homes. MI Homes is offering homes from the $290s in this new community in Georgetown.
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J Rene Ward of Best Agents in Texas and Teresa Scott-Tibbs of Keller Williams Realty enjoy meeting new people at the CRS Bi-Monthly meeting at Westwood Country Club.
Helping You Get From Here...
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Lake Travis Builders takes home several MAX Awards, included Custom Builder of the Year at the HBA's 2017 MAX Awards Gala. You can see their work at the 2017 Parade of Homes in The Peninsula at Rough Hollow May 12-29.
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Host of the Spring 2017 Home Builders Association of Greater Austin Parade of HomesTM – Starts May 12th
LAKESIDE LIVING
above
ALL ELSE
APPROACHING 50% SOLD There has never been a better time to experience Lakeway’s last, waterfront gated neighborhood on a private enclave of Lake Travis. Schedule a Private Tour for you and your client at PeninsulaLakeTravis.com or 512.842.4532.
LUXURY CUSTOM HOMES STARTING AT $1.65M • ESTATE-SIZED HOMESITES FROM THE $300s
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Thomas Serhus of Trendmaker homes invites REALTORS out to its model in Belterra to learn about quick move-in homes. Trendmaker Homes is building in the San Saba section of Belterra, voted Austin's best master planned community of 2015! Download Photo: RL_050817_F.jpg at www.myrealtyline.com
Norma Cowes, center, enjoys and evening with her husband Robert Cowes of SmartTouch Interactive, right, and his business partner Mike Gigliotti. SmartTouch Interactive took home the Grand MAX Associate of the Year award — the first ever awarded by the HBA of Greater Austin at its annual MAX Awards Gala.
AWARD WINNER
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Angel and Andrea Navarrette, both of Shepard-Nelson Realty, attend the Bryson community crawfish boil for some fun while taking the opportunity to tour the model homes there.
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Meet Patricia DeBruyne of Coldwell Banker United REALTORS and Tarek Boulbol of Texas Premier Realty. They posed for new headshots at MI Homes' model home in Wolf Ranch where the builder offered free headshots to REALTORS who signed up.
twice
as nice Visit our TWO New Models in “The Cove” at San Saba Belterra offers the best of both worlds – a little hill country charm but close to downtown Austin. Visit soon to tour our newest models from Sitterle Homes and Trendmaker as well as all of our amazing models and inventory homes built by the area’s award-winning builders. Brookfield Residential I Drees Custom Homes I Highland Homes Scott Felder Homes I Sitterle Homes I Trendmaker Homes
belterratexas.com 512.301.5000
Neighborhoods from the $300s - $800s
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Hundreds of people turn out to the Bryson Crawfish Boil with live music and face painting for the kids. Bryson is Crescent Communities' master-planned community in Leander offering homes from the $300s.
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This armadillo cake is just too pretty to eat. Amy Kobza and Jennifer Lish, both of Keller Williams Realty, invite attendees to bid on this beautiful cake to benefit TREPAC at the annual WCR TREPAC Cake Auction.
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Austin Board of REALTORS' REALTOR of the Year Leonard Guererro of JB Goodwin, REALTORS welcomes all affiliates to stop and see the new digs. He talked with Stephanie Hughey of Prime Lending.
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AWARD WINNER John Martinez of Scott Felder Homes takes a moment to show off his model home in Caliterra while agents take a tour. The builder is offering homes on 60' and 80' lots in the new master-planned community in Dripping Springs - the home of last year's Parade of Homes.
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Annette Corbin, Tim Dockery and Tina Creach, all of Willow Bend Mortgage, are celebrating being named a preferred lender for the Gardens at Mayfield, as well as other Blackburn Communities set to open later this year. Download Photo: RL_051417_P.jpg at www.myrealtyline.com
Haythem Dawlett of Legend Communities has a big night at the HBA's MAX Awards Gala. He swept all of the master-planned community awards for Rough Hollow — a community that would not exist without Haythem's vision. Rough Hollow Lakeway was awarded the top award for Best Unique Feature, Best Community Design, Best Community Pool, Best Lifestlye and Best Master-Planned Community of the Year.
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Axia is now in Austin! Who We Are Axia Home Loans is the only 100% employee-owned full-service mortgage banking firm in the nation. Founded during the housing crisis in 2007, Axia has grown more than 20% year over year while offering superior customer service and adhering to the highest ethical standards. The company thrives by providing access to cutting edge technology and a wide array of products and customized lending solutions.
Joe Thweatt
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DIRECT (512) 646-4024 CELL (512) 689-3698
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EMAIL joe.thweatt@axiahomeloans.com
EMAIL matt.posey@axiahomeloans.com
Stop by our office today! 9600 Great Hills Trail, Suite 150W Austin, TX 78759 NMLS# 1574379
Axia is a registered trade name of Axia Financial LLC - NMLS ID 27830
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REALTORS get ready for take off on the WCREALTORS' East Side Story Bus Tour where they learn where the growth and inventory is on the East side of Williamson County.
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This spring shoe cake was a step in the right direction. Like with a fork. Steve Crorey of Sierra Homes Realty and Jeni Williams of Austin Board of REALTORS are eager for a taste of this beautiful cake being auctioned for TREPAC at the WCR Cake Auction.
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Janet Moore, right, of MI Homes welcomes Eunice Garza of Resident Realty to her model home in Wolf Ranch where she reviews the amenities of the neighborhood like close shopping and easy travel to Georgetown's historic district before she gets a brand new headshot "on the house."
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Candy Buzan of Prime Lending tells Suzanna Boyer of Nextage Lone Star Realty not to worry, she already got her clients approved! Whew, now they don't have to worry about the killer on the loose at the WCREALTORS Murder Mystery dinner.
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OUR RESIDENTS ARE THE REAL WINNERS...
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Our Semi-Custom Builders are Offering Unbeatable Buyer Incentives! To view all incentives, visit RoughHollowLakeway.com/Parade 19 Neighborhoods • 13 Award-Winning Builders • 30+ Move-in Ready Homes From the $300s • RoughHollowLakeway.com • 512.872.4304 Developed by Legend Communities in partnership with Crescent 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.
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These REALTORS look for clues for "who dun it" at the WCREALTORS Murder Mystery Dinner. The event was held to raise money for the association's scholarship fund.
Become an AVI Homes VIP! 3% first sale • 4% second sale 5% third and future sales! Addison, Final Opportunities Remain! 5516 Gooding Drive • Austin, TX • 78744 • Contact Debbie Ates at 512-659-1501 MLS
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5204 Bonneville Bend
Hudson C
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3%
NOW
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One of the amenities at Caliterra in Dripping Springs is a "treehouse park" that offers some fun for kids of all ages and abilities. This park is even handicap accessible.
Easton Park, A lifestyle that’s rooted in the best of local culture. 7104 Cardinal Bloom Loop • Austin, TX • 78744 • 517-614-6196 or 713-498-8520 MLS
ADDRESS
PLAN
SQ.FT.
BR/BA/G/ST
PRICE WAS
PRICE NOW
COMM
READY
7912 Beacon Knob Way
Miller
2607
3/2.5/2/1
$329,900
$329,900
3%
Fall
8009 Beacon Knob Way
Hayes
1902
3/2/2/1
$268,900
$268,900
3%
Fall
8005 Beacon Knob Way Washington
1716
3/2/2/1
$263,900
$263,900
3%
Fall
8012 Beacon Knob Way
2092
3/2/2/1
$286,900
$286,900
3%
Fall
Adams
Whisper Valley, Pre-Construction Pricing! 16520 Moonlit Path • Austin, TX 78653 • Contact Debbie Ates at 512-659-1501
GoodNight Ranch, Pre-Construction Pricing! 5917 Charles Merle Dr., Austin, TX 78747 • Contact Ruben Cortez at 512-439-9229
www.avihomes.com
Prices and Information subject to change without notice.
*All qualified sales must be original Avi Homes contracts written between May 1, 2017 and November 30, 2017. Sell ONE home and you’re enrolled in AVI Homes VIP Realtor program. Sell TWO homes between May 1, 2017 and November 30, 2017 and qualify for a 1% bonus on your 2nd AVI closing. Sell THREE homes between May 1, 2017 and November 30, 2017 and qualify for a 2% bonus, entitling you to a %5 total commission on your third, and all subsequent closings for the remainder of 2017.
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ABoR members march to the Capitol to talk with house and senate reps on private property rights.
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Axia Mortgage 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
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ince its founding in Seattle in 2007, Axia Home Loans has funded more than $4 billion in residential home loans to thousands of homeowners across the country. Today, as the first location in Central Texas, Axia Home Loans is proud to bring the Axia spirit and approach to the local communities. “Over 75 percent of our clients are individuals and families establishing roots in Central Texas,” says Joe Thweatt, sales manager for Axia Home Loans. “With a wide and deep knowledge of the market, we help people from all walks of life, including veterans, first-time homebuyers, move-ups, empty nesters making a switch and luxury buyers. Additionally, we assist investors and, when the circumstances are beneficial to borrowers, people looking to refinance their properties.” As residential mortgage advisors, the Axia Home Loans team is focused on providing home buyers with local market knowledge and individually suited lending solutions. “Our team’s expertise focuses on delivering a loan experience that is comfortable, intuitive, and quick,” Thweatt says. “As a company, we are on goal to make 5,000 people happy homeowners and fund $1.3 billion in 2017.” Axia Home Loans is the first 100 percent employee-owned independent mortgage bank in the country. “Our ownership struc-
ture speaks not only to the investment in the people who work at the company, but to our ability to think bigger, break the mold, and be pioneers in this industry,” Thweatt says. In December 2016, the Central Austin branch opened near Far West and Mopac, quickly focusing on servicing clients. “The response from the real estate community and clients has been enthusiastically supportive,” Thweatt says. “We plan to add more talented sales and operations staff to our current sixperson team, and we will expand to other locations in Central Texas when the right people and timing align.” When working with home buyers and real estate professionals alike, Axia’s commitment to communication ensures a seamless, transparent experience. “Our team makes the entire experience feel comfortable, intuitive and quick,” Thweatt says. “We pride ourselves on excellent communication from the initial meeting through each critical milestone and beyond. Consistent communication and delivering on expectations always makes things easier.” To help ensure accessibility and quality communication, Axia Home Loans provides a digital mortgage experience that enables clients to interact with the Axia team. “If a client wants to use their smartphone to facilitate
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the entire deal, they can,” Thweatt says. “It’s our job to meet them on their level of comfort and our technology platform allows for this flexibility.” Additionally, the Axia team actively participates in a variety of training and certifications, from unique lending products and programs to individual real estate trainings, to help clients and partners improve their lives and livelihoods through mortgage planning. Offerings include same-day credit approvals, extensive product portfolios, real-time communication strategies, REALTOR co-branded mobile apps and marketing campaigns, interactive finance calculators and more. “Through the Axia technology and training platforms, the entire organization works as a single unit to ensure our clients, business partners, and local staff have access to the best available tools and mortgage solutions to produce exceptional results,” Thweatt says. For Thweatt, it's refreshing to work with a company that cares about the communities it does business in. “The Axia Cares program demonstrates the company’s passion for serving alongside and supporting non-profits that better the lives of those in the communities in which we work and live,” he says. “Commitments are made through company-matched donations, paid volunteer time and other avenues.” When it comes to choosing a home loan provider, Axia’s consumer-centric approach, in addition to its focus on innovation and technology, ensure a successful experience for homeowners. “Ultimately, at Axia, we help clients move forward with their lives,” Thweatt says. “Securing financing on a home is a high
REALTOR FEST!
Joe Thweatt, Sales Manager
"We pride ourselves on excellent communication from the initial meeting through each critical milestone and beyond. Consistent communication and delivering on expectations always makes things easier." — Joe Thweatt, Sales Manager
consideration event, and we know the whole thing can feel daunting. We recognize the borrower’s concerns and engage with them to establish clear expectations that meet their unique goals, timelines and situation.” RL
Minutes from shopping and work. Close to friends and family. Surrounded by community. Bryson is a master-planned community blending the best of outdoor living, amazing amenities and unique home designs by the area’s most celebrated builders from the $300s-$500s. Bryson’s nature trails, breathtaking views and stocked fishing ponds complete the lifestyle you are looking for. It’s all just 4 minutes from HEB Plus! and the MetroRail, 6 minutes from 1890 Ranch and The Parke, which is
5%
ALL N * O N O I S S COMMI RY & TBB HOMES! INVENTO
GEORGETOWN
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BROOKFIELD RESIDENTIAL DAVID WEEKLEY HOMES • DREES CUSTOM HOMES SCOTT FELDER HOMES • PERRY HOMES
AN REAG ALD RON
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SAN GABRIEL PKWY. LEANDER
183A
th 8 2 y a M h April 10t
1431
ROUND ROCK
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home to the new Whole Foods 365, and just minutes from acclaimed Leander ISD schools! Live at your perfect pace in Bryson, located off 183A in Leander.
new homes from the $300s To $500s
LiveAtBryson.com
*This offer is available to licensed real estate professionals acting as buyer's agent for select new homes in the Bryson community built by Brookfield Residential, David Weekley Homes, Drees Custom Homes, Perry Homes, and Scott Felder Homes. Home must sell on or before 5/28/17. Additional rules, regulations and restrictions apply. This advertisement shall not constitute an offer or solicitation to sell land in the Bryson community (the “Project”) to residents of any state where registration of the Project is required by applicable law. Home sites in the Project are available for sale without regard to race, color, religion, sex or national origin. Prices and specifications are subject to change. 4.10.17
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Kelly Hamilton, Mallary Trusty, and Suzie Gabriel, all of RE/MAX Centex Realty in Georgetown, are looking good for new headshots at the MI Homes model home in Wolf Ranch where the builder recently invited REALTORS to have a free headshot taken with a professional photographer. Download Photo: RL_050517_E.jpg at www.myrealtyline.com
Emma Polk of Coldwell Banker SG Billings and Laura Nye of Stanberry & Associates mingle with friends and colleagues at the CRS Bi-Monthly Luncheon at Westwood Country Club.
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Cheryl Jenkins of Keller Williams Realty, Victoria Reviel of 98th Meridian and Carol Hardy of Century 21 Hellmann Stribling attend the WCR Austin Business Resource Meeting: A tale of three cities and future growth for Georgetown, Leander and Round Rock.
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Fun for the whole family, Bryson in Leander hosts hundreds of people at its community crawfish boil. Dusty Silhavey of Weichert REALTORS enjoys some family fun with his son and daughter before touring the community's model homes.
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Ready 2 0 1 7
REALTOR INCENTIVE PROGRAM
for...
Congratulations April 2017
Top Producer Cameron Phelps Loan Officer
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from highland homes !
NMLSR #1381594 Mobile: 909-921-5712 Office: 512-334-1092 Cphelps@starkeymtg.com
Sell 2 Highland homes between
JANUARY 1 & SEPTEMBER 30, 2017 and you'll be entered for a chance to win a
2017 MERCEDES SLC300 ROADSTER 2017 Mercedes Realtor Promotion through Highland Homes is valid only for Licensed Texas Real Estate Agents who contract on a Highland home in any Austin-area community between Jan. 1 and Sept. 30, 2017. Realtors will receive one entry after the sale of their second Highland home during the contest period. There will be no additional entries. A Realtor is no longer eligible if one of the qualifying sales is terminated between Jan. 1 and Sept. 30, 2017. The drawing for the Mercedes will be in October of 2017. Must be present to win.
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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Lakeside Courtyard Homes from the $600s
3 08 M A RIN A VIE W WAY $999,750
3 Bed • 2.5 Bath • 10’ Extended Viewing Deck • 2,353 sq ft INCLUDES OVER $125,000 IN UPGRADES • MOVE-IN READY THIS SUMMER
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1% BONUS RE ALTOR COMMISSION*
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L a ke R i dge Ro u ghH o l low.co m • 5 12. 410. 60 91 *Bonus Commission and Built-in Outdoor Kitchen available only on 308 Marina View Way. New home construction managed by LC Luxury Homes. 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.
042617_TC_LakeRidge RealtyLine Ad_10.25x13.5.indd 1
5/3/17 12:18 PM
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homes – anything under $200,000. While potential buyers, Millennials, for example, earn enough money to purchase a home and keep up with payments, when bidders are coming in with $15,000 in cash above asking price, those otherwise qualified lose out each and every time. Oftentimes, the winner in these highly competitive bidding wars are investors.
of fees, repairs paid for by the seller and commissions may or may not have been included in that number,” says Stapleton. “They’re getting that number without understanding what it includes and then unfairly assessing entire neighborhoods based on a home they’ve never been inside.” Many don’t just think it’s unethical, they believe it may also be a violation of citizens’ rights.
The Backlash
Transparency
Front Page: Continued
“I have had more than 60 to 100 phone calls and emails from clients because they’re getting calls from their mortgage companies saying that their escrows are short,” says Stapleton. Darian Rausch, an agent with Urban to Suburban, and 2017 treasurer for Williamson County Association of REALTORS says, “Every year I spend about eight hours a week on the phone with clients during tax season when these bills first come out.” That’s a full day of work every week. And the calls last a couple months. Homeowners desperate to reduce their bill inevitably call their agent hoping to get help showing why their appraisal value is too high. Most find out that appealing is a waste of time and could even result in a higher bill. Stapleton warns that because Texas is a non-disclosure state, Appraisal Districts go to sites like Redfin to estimate property values. It may sound legitimate on the surface since websites like these publish home sales numbers, but all agents know there are several different ways that a selling price is determined and those charged with appraising home values do not know how to interpret the numbers. “They could have closing costs, all kinds
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In their call for full transparency, TAR wants local taxing entities to publicly declare how much revenue they need and the tax rate that will allow them to generate that revenue. The authority to reform Texas’ property tax laws is not within the power of the mayor or any singular elected official. That power lies with the Texas legislature, which is debating property tax reform this session. But Mayor Adler is concerned for constituents. In his State of the City speech, he lamented the fact that so many long-time Austin residents, minorities and seniors are being forced out of their homes and leaving the city to live in outlier communities like Buda, Manor and Elgin. As long as people don’t know how much revenue is needed, the bills can, and likely will, continue increasing. Eventually, entire populations will be disenfranchised from home ownership in Austin and surrounding areas. If the local taxing entities are ordered to open lines of communication, there is that possibility that every penny they’ve collected is justified. But until then, the hidden home property tax is here to stay for those in Central Texas and statewide. 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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Publisher: Doren L. Carver doren@myRealtyLine.com
Associate Publisher: Tawanna K. Carver tawanna@myRealtyLine.com
Managing Editor: Naomi Bludworth naomi@myRealtyLine.com
Contributing Editor: Linda McNabb
Contributing Writers: Riki Markowtiz, Katie Agness, Naomi Bludworth, Linda McNabb
Contributing Photographers: Doren L. Carver, Linda McNabb
Columnists: Brandi Guthrie, Suzanne Gantner, Steve Krasoff, Becky DeButts 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.
PrimeLending Capital City Conventional, FHA, VA, USDA, & Jumbo to name only a few home loan products!
Candy Buzan Branch Manager Sr. Loan Officer The Candy Buzan Team
Max Leaman Branch Manager Leaman Team
Kim Nielsen Production Manager The Candy Buzan Team
Amy Bailey Oehler Production Manager Leaman Team
Trudy Savage Sr. Loan Officer The Candy Buzan Team
Daniel Hyzak Team Loan Officer The Candy Buzan Team
Marie Cyr
Diane M. Clark
Missy Driskell
Eiric Smith
Mary Kennedy
Jori Stern
Amanda Stewart
Adam Biehler
Leaman Team
Leaman Team
Leaman Team
Mark Hoffman
Two Great Locations! © 2017 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. 1450002 (Hyzak), NMLS 268025 (Clark), NMLS 179666 (Kennedy), NMLS 180066 (Driskell), NMLS 180854 (Savage), NMLS 151263 (Leaman), NMLS 225339 (Bailey), NMLS 177299 (Stern), 208244 (Biehler).
810 Hester’s Crossing, Suite 150 Round Rock, TX 78681 3724 Executive Center Drive, Suite 110 Austin, TX 78731
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R I TA R A N CH
REALTOR REWARDS PLUS Less than 30 days left to: Earn Points. Get Prizes. Double & Triple Inventive!
MEET OUR APRIL WINNERS! TOP THREE SELLING AGENTS
MAY TOP AGENT OFFICE EXCLUSIVE PARTY AT THE DOMAIN The Top Agent office with the most points from sales and tours at Santa Rita Ranch will win the ultimate party at The Domain. Celebrate with us, you’ve earned it!
CHRIS GRADT | $2,000 SHOPPING SPREE
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CASTLEROCK • DAVID WEEKLEY • BROOKFIELD RESIDENTIAL • HIGHLAND HOMES • PULTE HOMES • SCOTT FELDER HOMES • WESTIN HOMES • WILSHIRE HOMES Santa Rita Ranch Realtor Rewards Plus program effective April 1, 2017 through May 31, 2017. Prizes awarded at time of closing. Realtor Rewards Plus program is subject to change without notice.
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AWARD WINNER Wendy Wood of First American Title and King Bravo of Nextage Lone Star Realty check out the Dallas Cowboys Dak Prescott autographed jersey on silent auction at the WCREALTORS Murder Mystery Dinner.
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Kate Rosson of Blackburn Communities tells Corrine Costabile of Cavalier Real Estate about the newly opened Gardens at Mayfield, which is thoughtfully placed next to the Williamson County Regional Park.
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1310 S 1st Street, Suite 100, Austin TX 78704 512-458-3730 ofc / 512-458-3736 fax info@austinrealpros.com www.austinrealpros.com
WORLD PEACE through Property Management
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Diane Hartman of Pacesetter Homes takes home the coveted HBA of Greater Austin MAX Award for Best On-Site Salesperson of the Year at the annual gala.
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NEWLAND COMMUNITIES WOULD LIKE TO RECOGNIZE ITS 2016
TOP TEN
These highly-performing Real Estate Professionals worked with Newland Communities Austin and its builder partners to achieve new home closings at Rancho Sienna, Sweetwater, Teravista, and Falcon Pointe in 2016!†
NEIL DESAI
JASON TAYLOR
Move-Up America
Desai Real Estate
Realty Austin
“Newland affords our clients the opportunity to live in some of the area’s most popular destinations and school districts. In terms of amenities, greenspace and community design, you would be hard pressed to find more aesthetically pleasing communities anywhere places families are proud to call home.”
“In summary, a Newland Community is a place where people can find their dream home: one of comfort, luxury and style. Builders at Newland Communities offer a variety of homes perfect for all ages, as well as superior features, amenities, customer service and care.”
“Newland Communities offer the full package – a variety of builders with forward-thinking floor plans, great school districts, convenience to major freeways/landmarks, beautiful amenities, well-manicured landscapes and an active community association. Our clients love living in a flourishing community and we are grateful to be able to help.”
CLAY WOODARD
TOM FORD Keller Williams
JEFF & CANDACE PATTERSON Team West Realty
PAUL KUDRLE Co-Op Realty
JEFF SEHON
SIJO VADAKKAN
Realty Austin
Trinity Texas Realty
ELLEN OUTLAW
DANNY WILSON
Reilly Realtors
Keller Williams
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 EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY • †Real Estate Professionals selected based on new home closing volume, January 1–November 30, 2016. • This is not intended to be an offer to sell or a solicitation of offers to buy real estate in the Falcon Pointe, Teravista, Rancho Sienna, or Sweetwater communities (the “Austin Communities”) to residents in Connecticut, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, New York, New Jersey, or Oregon, or in any other jurisdiction where prohibited by law. • No guarantee can be made that completion of the Falcon Pointe, Teravista, Rancho Sienna, or Sweetwater communities will proceed as described. • © 2017 Newland Austin. All Rights Reserved.
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Team JB Goodwin REALTORS Round Rock looks for clues at the WCREALTORS Murder Mystery Dinner. Why not check the bar first? Pictured left to right are Melissa O'Neil, Tammy Gardner, Ginger Cartwright and Karen McGrath.
Download Photo: RL_052117_C.JPG at www.myrealtyline.com
Anita Spadaro, second from left, of Realty Executives, supports Pints for Purpose, a Round Rock Rotary Sunrise Club fundraiser at Bluebonnet Beer Company. The event helped fund library books, field trips, supplies and educational programming at Berkman Elementary School. Club president Rick Arnold, left, thanked owners David and Clare Hulama for helping to host the event.
Since 1976
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Kathy Hickok of JB Goodwin REALTORS attends a REALTOR luncheon at Morningstar, a new community in Liberty Hill where you'll find a beautiful new model home by KB Home. Christi Koch, of KB Home, gives her a personal tour.
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Congratulations
2017 MAX AWARDS WINNERS Grand MAX Awards Recipients Volume Builder of the Year Scott Felder Homes
Custom Builder of the Year Lake Travis Builders
Remodeler of the Year David Wilkes Builders
Master Planned Community of the Year Rough Hollow Lakeway
Associate of the Year Cody Pools & SmartTouch Interactive
Best Product Design Volume Builder
• $1,500,000 – $1,999,999: Silverton Custom Homes
• $376,000 - $399,999 - Mary DeWalt Design Group
• $100,000 – $249,999: Taylor Morrison
• Specialty Product: Lake Travis Builders
• $400,000 - $499,999 - Scott Felder Homes
• $250,000 – $299,999: Scott Felder Homes
• Best Green Home: Hobb’s Ink, LLC
• $500,000 - $749,999 - Scott Felder Homes
• $300,000 – $324,999: Chesmar Homes
• Best Urban Infill Project of the Year: Joseph Fowler Homes
• $750,000 - $999,999 - Ash Creek Homes
• $325,000 – $349,999: Scott Felder Homes
• Best Custom Spec: Lake Travis Builders
• Over $1 Million - Hill Country Artisan Homes
• $350,000 – $374,999: Brookfield Residential
• Best Kitchen Under $60,999: Wes Peoples Homes
• Parade of Homes or Showcase Home - Lake Travis Builders
• $375,000 – $399,999: Scott Felder Homes
• Best Kitchen $61,000 – $74,999: Lake Travis Builders
• $400,000 – $449,999: Brookfield Residential
• Best Kitchen Over $75,000: David Wilkes Builders
• $450,000 – $499,999: Brookfield Residential
• Best Master Bath Under $50,000: Zach Savage Custom Homes
• $500,000 – $599,999: Coventry Homes
• Best Master Bath $50,000 – $75,000: Silverton Custom Homes
• Over $600,000: Hill Country Artisan Homes
• Best Outdoor Living Space: Vogel Builders
• Best Kitchen Remodel - Under $75,000 - LECASA Homes & Renovations
• Specialty Product: Brookfield Residential
• Best Specialty Room: Lake Travis Builders
• Best Kitchen Remodel - Over $75,000 - David Wilkes Builders
• Newly Introduced Product: Scott Felder Homes
• Best One-of-a-Kind Home: David Wilkes Builders
• Best Master Bath Remodel - LECASA Homes & Renovations
• Best One-of-a-Kind Townhome: Wes Peoples Homes
• Best Lifestyle for a Master-Planned Community Rough Hollow Lakeway
• $250,000 – $499,999: Vogel Builders
Best Interior Merchandising for a Model Home
• Best Design for a Community - Rough Hollow Lakeway
• $500,000 – $749,999: Zach Savage Custom Homes
• $100,000 - $249,000 - Scott Felder Homes
• Best Unique Feature for a Community - Rough Hollow Lakeway
• $750,000 – $999,999: Lake Travis Builders
• $250,000 - $325,999 - Brookfield Residential
• Best Poolscape for a Community - Rough Hollow Lakeway
• $1,000,000 – $1,499,999: Lake Travis Builders
• $326,000 - $375,999 - Scott Felder Homes
• Best Poolscape - Cody Pools
Best Custom Home Product Design
Best Remodeled Projects • $200,000 - $400,000 - David Wilkes Builders • Over $400,000 - Barron Custom Design, LLC
For a Full List of Winners: visit www.HBAAustin.com
The MAX Awards is presented by the Home Builders Association (HBA) of Greater Austin, which is made up of more than 750 home building industry firms. Since 1953, the Home Builders Association (HBA) of Greater Austin has served as the leading not-for-profit trade organization dedicated to residential construction and remodeling in Central Texas. The HBA works with government, public, business and community organizations in six counties – Bastrop, Caldwell, Hays, Lee, Travis and Williamson. The HBA of Greater Austin works to advance the practice and professionalism of the home building industry in our community. For more information, visit www.hbaaustin.com.
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Special Feature By Riki Markowitz
Million dollar model in Wimberley takes home two MAX Awards
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n January, Realty Line introduced Hill Country Artisan Homes, a new, 65-lot neighborhood of luxury, custom-built homes. Hill Country Artisan is part of Qualico, a builder with more than six decades experience constructing homes in North America. For its latest announcement, principals for the upscale homebuilder spoke with us about their brand new model home, located on a six-acre equestrian lot just through the gates of The Preserve at La Ventana, at 170 Lone Spur Lane in Driftwood. On the way into the gated community, homebuyers will pass through a meadow populated by Longhorn cattle, and then will be met by two large concrete monuments that buttress the entrance to the subdivision. “The gated community’s surroundings are a stress reliever,” says Roy Edmiston, Hill Country Artisan senior project manager. Even before you drive through the gates of The Preserve at La Ventana and head toward the newly acquired sloped and wooded land at the back specifically for the new Hill Country Artisan neighborhood.” The model home is more than 4,400 square feet and costs just over $1 million. “It’s unusual for homebuilders to have models over a million,” says Edmiston. “Sometimes builders will do a
showcase home. But having a model where people can come out and see something with that level of craftsmanship is unique and exciting.” But the craftsmanship is not the only thing distinctive about the Wimberley model. “The home has a nana suite – a small apartment that is attached to the main home, but also has its own entrance and a central courtyard.” The 800-square-foot space has a spacious living area, kitchenette, master bedroom, and full bathroom. Edminston adds that the suite is designed to be versatile. “We’ve done quite a bit of research on the topic of how people live today and found that there is a big market for suites for aging parents and adult children who still live at home.” There are a number of different ways to use a fully self-contained apartment that is part of one’s home. The style of the field model is modern Hill Country. “It has nice, clean lines. It’s well-lit by natural light and has good light transfer,” says Edmiston. The kitchen has two separate islands, which is great for entertaining. One of the islands is crafted with rail car flooring planks – a very popular design featured in new homes today. The attractive reclaimed wood wraps entirely around the island.
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“The model is customized and everything you see is also available to buyers,” says Edmiston. Hill Country Artisan works with three architects, but buyers are also welcome to bring their own ideas and fully fleshed out plans. “Our architects are happy to work with buyers to help actualize their early-stage concepts to create their dream home,” says Edmiston. At this year’s MAX Awards, hosted by the Home Building Association’s (HBA) Sales and Marketing Council, the Hill Country Artisan field model won two awards. “The MAX Awards honor builders, developers, remodelers, and associate members of the HBA for achievements during the previous year,” according to the orga-
nization’s website. For 2017, the Council received more than 425 entries. In the category of Best Product Design– Volume Builder, Hill Country Artisan Homes snagged an award in the “Over $600,000” division. In the promotional category, Hill Country Artisan was awarded Best Interior Merchandising for a Model Home priced over $1 million. This is the home currently on the market and available for buyers to tour. “We were extremely honored to be acknowledged at this prestigious awards ceremony,” says Edmiston. “Especially since Hill Country Artisan is a new brand and it’s our first model home.” Other unique features of the field model in-
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clude a game room or media room with a wet bar, kitchen and full bath. For families with young children, it can be used as a play area. The second-story game room-media room combination is accessible by a dedicated staircase, which is located in the kitchen at the back of the house. Those who have toured the model have pointed out that having a fully built-out game room means that they would not have to coopt other areas of the home for entertainment purposes. This is an especially appealing feature for homeowners with young children. The layout makes it much easier to contain young kids and the mess that tends to follow them around. Kids can go directly from the game room, to the kitchen, and then outside to the backyard, pool and patio. Keeping little hand and footprints limited to the kitchen and second story goes a long way in keeping the “grownup” areas of the home
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clean, tidy and presentable. The field model is located at the front of the subdivision for easy exposure to passersby. The new 65-lot, Hill Country Artisan is at the back of the Preserve at La Ventana subdivision. Inventory homes are slated to reside on gentle sloping properties – perfect for younger families. And those who are not in the market for a lot of open land, there are many lots available with a more dramatic slope and heavily wooded views. Wimberley is appealing to homebuyers because of its low tax rate—about a full percentage point lower than neighborhoods just three miles away. The Hill Country Artisan model home is available for showings by appointment with a new home specialist who is onsite daily. Contact Hill Country Artisan’s new home concierge by calling 512-640-2360. RL
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This actor tries to throw murder mystery dinner players off the trail. "He could have gone that way, or that way!"
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Regina Spurlock of Santa Rita Ranch, a master-planned community in Liberty Hill that rivals Steiner Ranch with its more than 4,000 homes and more on the way, talks with Mark Lehman of Texas Association of REALTORS at the HBA of Greater Austin's annual MAX Awards Gala. Download Photo: RL_051417_C.jpg at www.myrealtyline.com
Collette Phillip, center (in white), of First United Mortgage, hosts a networking mixer at Blackfinn Ameripub in the Domain for some relaxed relationship building opportunities.
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Putting a Face on Real Estate since 1995.™
AWARD WINNER At the WCREALTORS Murder Mystery Dinner, anyone could be the "murderer." Could it be one of these WCREALTORS staff members? Debby Moran and Heather Poyo aren't telling!
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Longtime friends Gay Puckett of Gay Puckett Real Estate and Kay DaSilva of Avalar Austin enjoy lunch together at the CRS Bi-Monthly meeting at the Westwood Country Club.
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Zach Savage of Zach Savage Custom Homes takes homes a couple MAX Awards for Best Product Design for a Custom Home at the annual HBA MAX Awards Starry Night Gala at JW Marriott.
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May 2017
MEET YOUR LOCAL M tgage Experts
Stop by our new office downtown today! MICHAEL NASSERFAR
Branch Manager | NMLS ID# 209485
Contact: (512) 797-8916
mnasserfar@envoymortgage.com www.MichaelLoan.com 708 South Lamar Blvd Suite A Austin, TX 78704 All applications subject to credit approval. Program terms and conditions are subject to change without notice. Some products may not be available in all states. Other restrictions and limitations may apply. This is not a commitment to lend. Envoy Mortgage Ltd. #6666, 5100 Westheimer Road., #320, Houston, TX 77056, Phone #877-232-2461; AR Banker/Broker/Servicer License #103315 - AZ Mortgage Banker Licensee – License #0908096; Licensed by the Department of Business Oversight under the California Residential Mortgage Lending Act License #413 0597; CO Mortgage Company Registration # 6666, Regulated by the Division of Real Estate; Licensed by the Delaware State Bank Commissioner Licensed Lender Licensee #011264; Georgia Residential Mortgage Licensee License #23619; Illinois Residential Mortgage Licensee – License #MB.6759338; MA Mortgage Lender Licensee – License #MC6666 ; MA Mortgage Broker Licensee – License #MC6666; Licensed by the Mississippi Department of Banking and Consumer Finance License #6666; Envoy Mortgage Limited Partnership – Licensed by the New Hampshire Banking Department License #14552-MB; Licensed by the N.J. Department of Banking and Insurance NMLS #6666; Licensed Mortgage Banker – NYS Department of Financial Services, License #B500979, 746 Merrick Rd., Baldwin, NY 11510; OH Mortgage Broker Act Certificate of Registration #MB.804190.000; OR Mortgage Lending Licensee #ML-3933; Rhode Island Licensed Lender – License # 20092627LL; Rhode Island Licensed Loan Broker – License # 20122861LB; TX Mortgage Banker Registration- NMLS #6666; TX Regulated Loan License #42377. This office is licensed and examined by the Office of Consumer Credit Commissioner of the State of Texas; Virginia NMLS ID#6666 (www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org) – Lender License and Broker License # MC3021; Envoy Mortgage Ltd d/b/a Envoy Mortgage, L.P.- WA Consumer Loan Company License # CL-6666 –http://nmlsconsumeraccess.org
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Upcoming Events
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Putting a Face on Real Estate since 1995.™
Real Estate News & Notes RE/MAX agent Kathy De La Cruz inducted into company's Chairman's Club
Association Member Events Monday, May 22 WCREALTORS: Annual Golf Tournament Berry Creek Country Club, 10 a.m. - 6:30 p.m. Thursday, June 1 ABOR: TREPAC Movie Night Bob Bullock IMAX Theatre, 5:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. Thursday, June 29 WCREALTORS: Economic Update Lunch & Learn WCREALTORS Office, 11:30 a.m.
Hall of Fame. A longtime Austin Realtor, she recently spoke on the importance of the global buyer on the local real estate economy. “Global growth is key to all RE/MAX agents as foreign buyers are continuing to invest in U.S. real estate,” say De La Cruz, known as the First Lady of Austin real estate. “International homebuyers contributed over $10 billion dollars to the Texas economy last year, and that number is only going up. RE/MAX has over 30,000 agents outside the U.S. and Canada, representing 108 foreign countries and territories, and that network affiliation provides RE/MAX agents additional incoming referrals that translate into another pool of buyers for their customers who are selling.” With a presence in more than 100 countries and territories, the RE/MAX network’s global footprint is unmatched by any other real estate brand. The franchisor’s total agent count grew 6.8 percent year-over-year in 2016. More than 110,000 agents worldwide now call RE/MAX home. De La Cruz can be reached at 512-4704877. RL
Tuesday, May 16 MI Homes Model Home Grand Opening at Paloma Lake Paloma Lake, 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Kathy De La Cruz, RE/MAX Posh Properties South, was honored with induction into the RE/MAX Chairman’s Club (annual commissions exceeding $500,000) at the RE/ MAX statewide convention in The Woodlands. She was additionally ranked as the #14 producing RE/MAX agent in Texas (among 5,400 agents), and was named to the RE/MAX
Thursdays, May 18 & May 25 Parade of Homes™ REALTOR Days The Peninsula at Rough Hollow, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
David Weekley Homes celebrates 20 years of build-onyour-lot in Austin
Builder Events & New Home Tours
Thursdays - Sundays & Memorial Day, through May 29 Parade of Homes™ The Peninsula at Rough Hollow, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Continuing Education Classes Wednesday, May 17 Time Savings Tips for REALTORS Independence Title @ Arboretum, 10 a.m. Wednesday, May 24 Styles of Architecture for REALTORS Independence Title @ Arboretum, 10 a.m. Wednesday, June 7 Independence Title ITC University Independence Title @ Rollingwood, 10 a.m.
David Weekley Homes, the nation’s largest privately-held builder, is celebrating the 20th anniversary of its Build on Your Lot program in Austin. Since the program’s launch in Austin in 1997, the builder has sold more than 680 Build on Your Lot homes. “Austin’s first David Weekley Build on Your Lot home was built on the 900 block of East Riverside Drive in the heart of the city,” said Dave Mire, division president for Weekley’s Austin division. “We’re proud that during the last 20 years, the program has expanded to build all over central Texas, from Llano to Giddings and Temple to San Marcos. And of course, we continue to build in coveted intown locations.” With hundreds of floor plans available, Build on Your Lot allows homebuyers to customize the interior and exterior of their dream home to fit the way they live. And with
the opportunity to build on their own lot or receive assistance in finding the perfect lot, homebuyers can enjoy their new home in a location they know and love. The Build on Your Lot program also offers upfront closing so homeowners can have peace of mind knowing the final cost of their home before construction starts. In addition to Build on Your Lot, David Weekley Homes builds in 18 communities throughout the Austin area, with two more coming soon. The builder places a strong focus on customer satisfaction, providing each homebuyer with a personal home building team, including a personal builder, dedicated sales consultant, design consultant and warranty service representative. For more information about the David Weekley Homes Build on Your Lot program in Austin, contact 512-821-8800. RL
Texas-based Elite Agents launches in Austin
Monthly Meetings Tuesday, May 16 CTAMP Monthly Meeting Great Hills Country Club, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday, June 7 AMBA Monthly Meeting Austin Country Club, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday, June 21 CRS Bi-Monthly Meeting Westwood Country Club, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Texas real estate broker Kari King announces the launch of her Elite Agents brokerage. Instead of traditional brick and mortar offices, Elite Agents operates online utilizing technology to better service its clients. Without the traditional overhead, Elite Agents is able to offer high commission plans to its agents while providing the tools they need to be successful. Elite Agents is currently servicing the Austin/central Texas market and soon to be expanding to the San Antonio, Dallas and Houston markets. For more information, please visit their website: www.EliteAgents.us. RL
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Builders in Santa Rita Ranch report brisk Q1 sales
Home sales in Santa Rita Ranch are booming, with builders reporting sales this year that are far ahead of 2016 figures.
Santa Rita Ranch in Liberty Hill is experiencing booming home sales, as homebuyers flock to the top-selling community in the growing Ronald Reagan Boulevard Corridor. The community is on target to exceed 2016 new home sales by 11 percent, said developer Ed Horne. “Despite the Austin Board of Realtors reporting declining home sales in Williamson County earlier this year, we’ve had an outstanding first quarter, with 71 home sales,” he said. “That’s just shy of 37 percent of all the homes sold in 2016.” In its first full year of sales last year, the 3,100-acre development posted 194 contracts for new homes, more than any of its neighboring communities.
“Beyond location, our buyers are telling us the natural landscape of Santa Rita Ranch, the community’s family-oriented vibe, and the value and variety of available homes have been important drivers in their decision to purchase in the community,” Horne said. Eight builders — Brookfield Residential, CastleRock Communities, David Weekley Homes, Highland Homes, Pulte Homes, Scott Felder Homes, Westin Homes and Wilshire Homes — offer designs priced from the $200,000s to the $700,000s in Santa Rita Ranch. A dozen model homes are open for touring. Residents enjoy a generous amenity package, including numerous neighborhood parks and the Ranch House recreation complex with multiple pools, splash areas, game areas and more. Opening late this summer is The Green, a new recreation complex that — in its first phase — will include a splash zone, sport courts, a playground anchored by a pavilion, an outdoor fitness yard and an event lawn. A future phase will offer a pool and clubhouse. Residents also can access one gigabyte of Internet speed through SuddenLink. Learn more about Santa Rita Ranch, located two miles off of Highway 183 just north of the Ronald Reagan Boulevard and Highway 29 intersection, at santaritaranchaustin.com. RL
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Sijo Vadakkan named REALTOR of the Year at the Home Builders Association's 2017 MAX Awards Gala
On Saturday, April 8, the Home Builders Association (HBA) of Greater Austin named Sijo Vadakkan of Trinity Texas Realty, Inc. REALTOR of the Year at its 2017 Marketing and Advertising Excellence (MAX) Awards and Gala at the JW Marriott Austin. Sijo Vadakkan is a real estate broker living in Austin since 2004. His primary focus is residential and commercial real estate. He founded Trinity Texas Realty in Austin in 2008 and has expanded service
to Dallas, Houston and San Antonio. His past accolades include Platinum TOP 50 REALTORS, Austin Business Journal's No. 2 Top REALTOR for 2017, and CalAtlantic Homes' REALTOR of the Year. Sijo is also a REALTOR Advisor for Santa Rita Ranch, Travisso and Bryson. "I am so happy to accept such a prestigious award for the second time," says Sijo Vadakkan. He won the MAX award for REALTOR of the Year in 2015. The MAX Awards is presented by the HBA of Greater Austin, which is made up of more than 700 home building industry firms. Since 1953, the HBA of Greater Austin has served as the leading not-for-profit trade organization dedicated to residential construction and remodeling in Central Texas. The HBA works with government, public, business and community organizations in six counties – Bastrop, Caldwell, Hays, Lee, Travis and Williamson. For more information, visit www.HBAAustin. com. RL
Trendmaker Homes marks Earth Day with the launch of its new HomeSmart™ offering
RE/MAX 1 Broker/Owner earns top national award Broker/Owner Tim and Tammy Kress of RE/MAX 1 were presented with the Broker/Owner of the Year Award for the United States at the RE/MAX National Convention in Las Vegas. This prestigious award recognizes one outstanding Broker/ Owner in the country who demonstrates extraordinary commitment and loyalty to fellow RE/MAX Associates, employees and clients. Tim and Tammy Kress opened RE/ MAX 1 in 2010 and have since grown the brokerage to 93 associates and a six-person support staff team. RE/MAX 1 agents specialize in residential and commercial sales in the greater Austin area. In addition to this year’s Broker/Owner of the Year Award, The Kress’ were also named Broker/Owner of the Year for the Texas region. RE/MAX 1 was also named the No. 1 RE/MAX office in Central Tex-
as for the fourth year in a row, with top numbers across the board in sales volume, transactions and commissions. “We are feeling so honored,” said Tammy Kress. “This award is a testament to our amazing agents and staff and we couldn’t be more proud of our office at this moment.” RL
Headwaters in Dripping Springs is open and selling homes Headwaters, a master-planned, healthy living community located in Dripping Springs and planned by Freehold Communities, is officially open and selling homes by David Weekley Homes, Trendmaker Homes and Drees Custom Homes. Houses range in size from 1,800 square feet to 4,600 square feet and include a variety of one and two-story floor plan options. The 1,035-acre development is based on Freehold Communities’ concept of a healthy living community and will contain 1,000 new single-family detached homes with lots ranging from 50 to 80 feet. Some of Headwater’s amenities include eight miles of trails over-
looking the Texas Hill Country, a state-of-theart fitness center with on-site fitness classes, resort style pool, splash pad and various events planned throughout the year by the activity center’s onsite lifestyle director. Another unique feature for the new development is Homestead Park, which includes a picnic area and historic ranch house site and is perfect for unabated stargazing. Home prices range from the mid-$300,000s to more than $700,000 and are available for purchase. For exclusive Headwaters news and additional information visit www.liveheadwaters.com. RL
Adding to its focus on pioneering sustainable features and solutions in the design and construction of its new homes, Trendmaker Homes announced the launch of HomeSmart™, a suite of state-of-the-art home technology and automation features that harness the power of internet-connected devices to elevate the homeowner experience and also allow homeowners to conserve energy. The launch of HomeSmart™ adds a fifth component to LivingSmart®, the home builder’s comprehensive program that blends the design, development, construction and operation of high-performing homes to provide healthier, more comfortable living environments with lower operating costs. First introduced in 2001, the LivingSmart® program is now integrated throughout all six premium builder brands. The simple yet effective names of each of the LivingSmart® components convey the importance of these features to customers. For example, HealthSmart® includes features and finishes that contribute to improved indoor air quality through the use of low-emission carpets, countertops and other
building materials. EnergySmart™ refers to features that reduce energy use through advanced construction techniques for the building envelope and the addition of solar, ENERGY STAR® appliances and low-e windows. EarthSmart® includes products or practices that relate to recycling and use fewer resources. Finally, WaterSmart® describes home features that help reduce water consumption with low-flow devices and drought-tolerant landscaping. “At TRI Pointe Group, we are constantly evolving and aiming higher to meet and exceed customer expectations. One of the steps we are taking in that direction includes our continuous effort to stay ahead of the technology curve by delivering smart home solutions that enrich our customers’ lives while contributing to their health and well-being, as well as our planet,” explained Tom Mitchell, President and COO of TRI Pointe Group. “The launch of HomeSmart™ highlights the progress each of our homebuilding brands and divisions has been making in the areas of home technology and seamless connectivity.” RL
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