RealtyLine_May_09

—Associates In—PROGRESS

The Austin Board of REALTORS has prepared somemarketing materials to help members respond to questionsthat may arise from a new ordinance that requires somehomeowners to conduct energy audits and disclose thefindings if they wish to sell their property.

The materials give details about the Energy EfficiencyOrdinance, which takes effect June 1, and can be found in anew section of the ABoR Web site called Special Topics inReal Estate. With only a few keystrokes, the materials canbe branded with company contact information and sent tocustomers. They may also be downloaded and profession-ally printed for distribution as direct mail pieces.

“We want our members to be fully equipped with themost up-to-date details and best practices to use whendealing with properties that will be affected by the newordinance,” says ABoR chairman Jay Gohil. “The materialsalso will allow agents to underscore the importance ofusing a REALTOR to maneuver through the ordinancerequirements.”

The ordinance is the result of more than a year of nego-tiation between ABoR members and staff and city officials.Together, they established a compromise plan that helpsprotect the city’s unique environment while ensuringhomes remain affordable for Austin residents.

To help alleviate the pressure of growing demand fromAustin Energy’s service area, the City of Austin intended to

mandate energy efficiency upgrades at the time a homewas sold. In response, ABoR worked to address privateproperty rights and homeowner affordability issues sur-rounding the proposed mandates. Ultimately,the City Council agreed with ABoR’s approachto energy conservation by unanimously passinga new energy efficiency ordinance that requiresAustin homeowners to have energy audits com-pleted before selling their homes.

“ABoR advocated for and supported thisvastly different outcome from the city’s originalplan,” Gohil says. “This shift in approach repre-sents a major success for the REALTOR voice inlocal politics.”

The ordinance affects properties that lie with-in the Austin city limits and are serviced byAustin Energy. There are exceptions for proper-ties in foreclosure or pre-foreclosure, propertiessubject to eminent domain, transactions betweenfamily members and properties under courtorder in probate proceedings or under decree oflegal separation or dissolution of marriage. Inaddition, properties that are fewer than 10 yearsold, manufactured homes designed for use with-out a permanent foundation and propertiesowned by participants in designated Austin

Energy ElectricUtility programsor buyers who agree to par-ticipate in these programswithin six months areexempt.

Energy audits must beconducted by professionalswho have been certified byeither the Residential EnergyServices Network or theBuilding PerformanceInstitute and who areapproved contractors for thisprogram. Audits need to becompleted before the home

closes but can be done even before a property is placed onthe market.

“Austin Energy and ABoR encourage homeownersseeking to increase theirenergy efficiency and savemoney on the high cost ofutility bills to have an ener-gy efficiency audit con-ducted before thinking ofselling their homes,” saysGohil. “Early audits mayhelp homeowners identifypossible areas of improve-ment and could help pre-vent last minute scramblesshould a homeownerdecide to sell his or herproperty at a later date.”

REALTORS shouldoffer clients three to fiveenergy auditors and tellthem to expect an audit totake two to three hours.However, the report will begood for 10 years under thecurrent ordinance. Thenames of Austin Energyapproved contractors can

be found on the utility company’s Web site atwww.austinenergy.com/go/ecad.

The ABoR web site also has a wealth of useful informa-tion related to this topic on the Green Real Estate page,which houses information on green building, energy effi-ciency and the role “green” will continue to play in the realestate industry.

“Studies show consumers consider energy efficiency, akey green building feature, an important considerationwhen buying a home,” says Gohil. “ABoR supports effortsto encourage energy conservation because we understandthe important role rising energy costs play in homeowner-ship. We also know that energy conservation is the key toprotecting Austin’s unique environment.”

Presorted StandardU.S. Postage

PAIDAustin, Texas

Paid Permit #715

P.O. Box 81366Austin, Texas 78708-1366

Don’t forget: You can visit us online 24/7 at www.realtylineonline.com

Enjoyable. Entertaining. It’s all About You.

ABoR Helps Professionals Prepare for Energy Audit Questions

Upcoming Events:ABoR Foundation announces 2009 Scholarship Recipients

MAY 2009 • VOL. 14 • ISSUE 1

The Austin Board of REALTORS® (ABoR) recognizes thateducation is the key to success. To help young Texans unlocktheir potential, the ABoR Foundation will provide ten highschool seniors with a $1,000 college scholarship to help thembegin their college careers. Students were selected based ontheir academic achievement, community service and employ-ment histories. The scholarships may be used at any Texas col-lege or university.

The ABoR and the ABoR Foundation congratulate the fol-lowing scholarship recipients for their commitment to aca-demic achievement: Myranda Anderson of John B. ConnallyHigh School in Pflugerville; Jordan Brown of John B. ConnallyHigh School in Pflugerville; Steven Sowers Frazee of MarbleFalls High School in Marble Falls; Sarah Kate Johnson of

Stony Point High School in Round Rock; Olivia Lust of W.Charles Akins High School in Austin; Harry J. Malinski ofLuling High School in Luling; Marcy A. Munoz of San JuanDiego Catholic High School in Austin; Samuel N. Naccaratoof Cedar Park High School in Cedar Park; Jenny Kim Nguyenof McNeil High School in Round Rock; and Phillip Niels ofMcNeil High School in Round Rock, whose mother, CindyNiels, is a REALTOR® with Hillhouse Realty, Inc.

With over 150 qualified applicants for this year’s scholar-ship awards, selecting only ten winners was a challengingprocess. Through their unfailing dedication to continuing edu-cation and community involvement, the 2009 ABoRFoundation scholarship recipients show great promise in pos-itively shaping our future.

MAY 21WCR Monthly Networking MeetingABoR Auditorium - 11 a.m.

MAY 23-JUNE 7HBA’s Annual Parade of HomesMueller Development

JUNE 1Parade of Homes REALTOR DayMueller Development 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.FREE to licensed REALTORS - Must present business card.

JUNE 43rd annual CTCAR ExpoDowntown Omni Hotel - 5 to 8 p.m.Visit CTCARonline.com for details

JUNE 11ABoR Foundation Tour of HomesBarton Creek Community

JULY 25WCAoR Green Expo 2009Dell Diamond - 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

www.realtylineonline.com Realty Line of Austin May 20092

All photos, press releases or article submissions can besent to [email protected]

A PUBLICATION OF © CAXTON PUBLICATIONS, INC.

P. O. Box 81366, Austin, Texas 78708Office: (512) 821-1900

www.realtylineonline.comCTCAR officers and bus tour committee members Tava Patterson, Joe McCullough,Stacy Bryan, Ann Carson, Grace Young, Bob Sedlor and Gwen Johansen jump onboard to tour commercial properties in North Austin and Round Rock.

Doren L. CarverPUBLISHER

Tawanna K. CarverMANAGING EDITORLinda McNabbCONTRIBUTING

EDITOR/WRITER/PHOTOGRAPHERCOLUMNISTS

Jay Gohil - ABoR ChairmanWes Peoples - HBA President

Barbara Wigginton - WCAoR PresidentDavid Tandy - Commentary

NEWS NOTESSNIPPETS:

• JB GOODWIN REALTORS WASrecently nominated for the spirit ofTexas Small Business award recog-nized by the Austin Chamber ofCommerce.• TURNQUIST PARTNERS REALTORS,INC ADOPTS THE BLACK STALLIONLITERACY Project. This reading litera-cy program focuses on instilling alove of reading in low income andat-risk kids by using horses as a vehi-cle to accomplish this mission. Theprogram is based on the classicbooks of Walter Farley and the natu-ral connection between childrenand horses. The project was con-ceived in 1999 by Farley’s son, Timand Mark Miller, owner of ArabianNights Dinner Attraction inKissimmee, Florida.• COLDWELL BANKER UNITED,REALTORS® Georgetown Office ispleased to announce that GeorgeDevillar and Kay Butler have joinedtheir growing team of professionalassociates. George has been alicensed REALTOR® since 1979.Kay is a native Austinite and haslived in the Northwest Austin area forover thirty-three years.• RE/MAX REPORTER MAGAZINErecently announced that MartiEveleigh of RE/MAXWimberley has beennamed the Austin‘Agent of the Quarter’for the first quarter of2009. The award isgiven to a singleRE/MAX agent out of over 300 in theAustin Real Estate Council.

Realty Line of Austin is published monthly by ©CaxtonPublications, Inc., as a non-subscription publication for themore than 8,000 members of the Austin Board of REALTORS(ABoR), the more than 1,100 members of the WilliamsonCounty Association of REALTORS (WCAoR) and the HomeBuilders Association (HBA) of Greater Austin.© Caxton Publications, Inc. dba Realty Line of Austin is an

active member of the Austin Board of REALTORS, theWilliamson County Association of REALTORS and is a hon-orary member of the Women’s Council of REALTORS. CaxtonPublications, Inc. dba Realty Line of Austin is not responsiblefor opinions or facts expressed by non-staff writers or forerrors and any by-products in advertising or editorial copy.REALTOR® is a registered trademark. The word REALTOR®sometimes appears in this publication without the registeredtrademark symbol (®), for the purpose of saving space.Wherever the word REALTOR appears in this publication, theregistered trademark should be assumed.

It was a triple ribbon cutting by the Cedar Park, Round Rock and Georgetown chambersof commerce as WCAoR members celebrate the grand opening of the organization’s newoffice. From left: Gary Cocanougher, past president; Barbara Wigginton, president;Ysolette Nicoson, past president and Marjorie Phillips, WCAoR association executive.

Eveleigh

May 2009 Realty Line of Austin www.realtylineonline.com 3

7636, ext. 1601 or [email protected] Your Clients Move the VoteThe Travis County Tax Assessor-Collectors’ Office has

joined forces with ABoR to help new and existing TravisCounty residents update their voter registrations whenthey change residences. The Move the Vote campaignenables REALTORS® to assist homeowners in updatingtheir voter registration after moving and aims at increas-ing the voter registration rate within Travis County.Brokers and office mangers may host training classes that allow agents to

become Deputy Voter Registrars. Deputy Voter Registrars are authorized to acceptcompleted voter registration applications, which expedites the voter registrationprocess. To arrange a training class for your office, contact ABoR’s GovernmentAffairs Department at 454-7636 or [email protected]. For more informationon the Move the Vote campaign, visit http://www.co.travis.tx.us/MoveTheVote/.Branch Out with the GREEN DesignationOver 90 percent of today’s homebuyers consider energy efficiency at least

somewhat important when considering a home to purchase, while 46 percent citeit as a very important factor, according to a recent study by the NationalAssociation of REALTORS® (NAR). Ensure you can address your clients’ energyefficiency concerns by earning your NAR-approved GREEN Designation throughthe ABoR Academy this June.Attend the two-day GREEN Designation course on Wednesday, June 10 and

Thursday, June 11 to learn the founding principles of green real estate. The classwill be held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. both days, carries 12 hours of MandatoryContinuing Education (MCE) credit (TREC # 12-00-011-7710) and costs $275.Complete your GREEN Designation by taking the Green Residential Elective

course on Thursday, June 18, where you will learn what to look for in greenproperties, how to promote unique energy efficient features and how to bestadvise clients interested in retrofitting their homes. The class will be held from8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., carries six hours of MCE credit (TREC # 06-00-011-7711)and costs $100.For more information on these courses and to register, visit

https://www.abor.com/courses/abor_index.cfm?fuseaction=DES.

By Jay Gohil • Jay Gohil Realty2009 Chairman • Austin Board of REALTORS

ABoR has teamed up with the hyper-local Community Impact newspapers tooffer you a simple way to promote your listings to targeted audiences. Through athird-party licensing agreement, Community Impact will receive accurate and time-ly property content directly from MLXchange. Broker Owners are required togrant Community Impact permission to publish listings before they appear in thenewspaper. Brokers may register online at http://broker.impactnews.com/.Currently, Community Impact produces six regionally-focused publications

throughout Central Texas: Central Austin; Round Rock/Pflugerville;Leander/Cedar Park; Georgetown/Hutto/Taylor; Northwest Austin; andSouthwest Austin. As Central Texas’ fastest growing news organization, it is themost widely distributed news source for timely updates at the community level.Reserve Your Booth for Realty Round Up Booth space is now available for ABoR’s 2009 Realty Round Up trade show!

Themed “Growing a Greener Austin,” this year’s event will teach you everythingyou need to know about one of the hottest topics in real estate—green building.Realty Round Up will be held on Wednesday, Oct. 7 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at theAustin Convention Center. Reserve your booth before June 30 to lock in our early-bird discounts, listed below:10’ x 10’ booth: $35010’ x 20’ booth: $65020’ x 20’ booth: $95020’ x 30’ booth: $1200After June 30, all booth prices will increase by $50. Booth contracts are available

online at www.abor.com/roundup. For information on Realty Round Up booths,sponsorships and more, contact Gina Willemsen, trade show coordinator, at 454-

Showcase Your Listingsin Community Impact

ABoR CHAIRMAN’S COLUMN


Laura Nye of Stanberry & Associates was amazed at the “cat litterbox” cakeDebbie Ates of Wilshire Homes brought to the third annual cultural diversity bake-off at the Women’s Council of REALTORS.

Benny McMahan,TAR president andCEO, CathyConeway ofStanberry &Associates and JoeStewart of JohnHorton Realty talkabout the contactsthey made duringthe 2009 Capitol Hillvisit.

Kay Guice andGary Wakefield,both of ColdwellBanker UnitedREALTORS, greetguests as they arriveat the HighlandHomes model forthe fourth annualwine tasting andsilent auction.

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MAY 7, 2009 KBHOME.COM 512-651-8059

The KB KronicleThank you Realtors!All of us at KB Home would like to extend a big THANK

YOU to all the Realtors who sold a KB Home, visited

one of our communities and/or attended a KB Home

event last month. We appreciate you!

If you would like to receive weekly updates from KB Home with our current inventory list, Realtor bonuses,

and upcoming events, please email our Broker/Realtor Liaison, Colette Fitzgerald at [email protected].

KB Home 2009 Realtor Bonus Program

Upcoming KB Home Sponsorships:

FIrst CLOSING3% COMMISSION

Paid at slab*

��Second CLOSING4% COMMISSION

��Third Closing

5% COMMISSIONand for each additional CLosing thereafter

Here's how it works: To participate or qualify for this offer you must be a Texas licensed real estate agent and agree to the following terms of the program. Homes that close escrow from 1/1/09 through 12/31/09 are eligible for this program.Bonus Program applicable in communities with 3% base commission on built to order homes. 3% Realtor commission is paid in full at slab within 2 weeks of slab pour on built to order homes only, excluding Fairway Estates in Circle C Ranch, and willbe processed after the foundation is poured. To be eligible for any prepayment of commission The purchase of the Property can not be contingent upon Purchaser’s sale or lease of an existing home. In addition, Purchaser(s) shall have obtained uncon-ditional loan approval acceptable to Seller from a qualified lender prior to the time the slab is being poured and purchase the home as an owner occupied primary residence. Any "Bonus" commission will be paid at close of escrow only. Commissionis paid on base price and lot premium only. Studio options are not factored into the calculation of any commissions paid on Built to Order homes. Commission on inventory homes is calculated on total price less discounts. Contingency removalprograms do not qualify for graduated commission program. If any commission is pre-paid and the buyer doesn't close escrow on that property, that real estate agent will no longer be eligible for any future pre-payment of commission. Realtor mustbe procuring cause of sale and accompany buyer to or register the buyer at the community on or before sale date. *Sale must close escrow to qualify for graduated commission rate. Any pre-payment or bonus program is subject to change without notice.

Spotlight Homeof the Month:

Susan Brown, Neal Barnes and Susanna Boyer enjoy lunch sponsored byKB Home at the WCR monthly meeting.

Barb Cooper, Warren Marshall, Robert Wright and Ann Marie Sandlinmingle at the WCR monthly meeting.

May 13 - Leander Property TourMay 20 - NAHREP Meeting Lunch SponsorMay 20 - Champions School of Real Estate

ABR Designation Class SponsorMay 29 - New Home Locators Meeting SponsorJune 10 - Goldwasser Lunch & Learn SponsorJuly 25 - WCAOR Green Expo Major SponsorAugust - KW Cedar Park MC Grand Opening Sponsor

Looking for a sponsor for an upcomingevent or meeting? Or need a venue tohold a meeting or class? KB Home wel-comes the opportunity to partner withyou, our valued Realtor community!

Please contact our Broker/Realtor Liaison, ColetteFitzgerald, at 512-294-1781 or [email protected] discuss upcoming events and opportunities.

4 Bedrooms, 3.5 baths including a master bedroom with retreat, ceiling fan, tray ceiling with

crown molding, master bath features a marble garden tub with tile backsplash and separate

shower with tile surround. Extended garage finished out as home gym. Kitchen has granite

counters, 12x12 tile backsplash, raised panel cheery cabinets with decorative moulding,

built-in lazy susan, wine rack, trash bin, plate racks, glass upper doors and stainless steel

appliances. Gas fireplace in family room with marble surround and Roseville mantel. Security

system, surround sound in family room, speakers in lanai. Wrought iron stair rail. Chair rail

and crown moulding in dining room. Programmable thermostat, two pane Divided Lite win-

dows, 30-year composition shingle roof. Six-panel interior doors, whole house brick exterior.

For more information contact our Sales Team at (512) 432-0103.

10709 Canfield Dr. • 4,514 sq.ft.Fairway Estates at Circle C Ranch

Lake Travis

Lake Austin FM 685

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Pearce Lane

William CannonSlaughter

Stassney

NuckolsCrossing

St. Elmo

FM 150

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SaltSpring Dr

Alum Rock Dr

Ross

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Gattis School Rd

Williams Dr

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Loop 397

Brushy Creek Rd

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79

95

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183

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SAN MARCOS1 El Camino Real

1,109–2,837 sq. ft.

(512) 262-2117

KYLE2 Waterleaf

$90s • 1,109–3,728 sq. ft.

(512) 262-2117

591 Gina Drive, Kyle, TX 78640

3 Plum Creek

$130s • 1,326–2,000 sq. ft.

(512) 268-0780

1039 Powell, Kyle, TX 78640

SOUTH AUSTIN4 Oak at Twin Creeks

Low $200s • 1,903–5,211 sq. ft.

(512) 292-3652

305 Island Oak Drive, Austin,

TX 78748

5 McKinney Heights

High $80s • 1,090–2,561 sq. ft.

(512) 282-0014

6521 Alum Rock Drive, Austin,

TX 78744

SOUTH AUSTIN6 Meadows at Berdoll

7 Berdoll Farms

$80s • 1,106–2,962 sq. ft.

(512) 247-6174

12901 Perconte, Del Valle, TX

78617

8 The Enclave at Circle C

High $200s • 2,226–3,332 sq. ft.

(512) 432-0107

11325 Bastogne Loop, Austin,

TX 78739

9 Enclave Estates at Circle C

High $300s • 3,169–5,211 sq. ft.

(512) 432-0107

11325 Bastogne Loop, Austin,

TX 78739

10 Fairway Estates at Circle C

Mid $400s • 3,015–5,368 sq. ft.

(512) 432-0103

7536 Harlow Drive, Austin, TX

78739

CEDAR PARK11 Silverado Ranch

$140s • 1,376–5,211 sq. ft.

(512) 260-5805

2130 Golden Arrow, Cedar

Park, TX 78613

LEANDER12 Westwood

$110s • 1,202–2,962 sq. ft.

(512) 528-1371

2005 Woodway, Leander, TX

78641

GEORGETOWN13 University Park

$100s • 1,109–3,728 sq. ft.

(512) 863-8363

1917 Ashberry Trail,

Georgetown, TX 78626

TAYLOR14 Summerfield

Low $100s • 1,087–5,211 sq. ft.

(512) 365-3262

818 Estes Park, Taylor, TX

76574

PFLUGERVILLE15 Spring Trails

High $150s • 1,743–3,742 sq. ft.

(512) 990-5304

18425 Stargazer Way,

Pflugerville, TX 78660

TEMPLE16 Village of Sage Meadows

High $90s • 1,376–3,728 sq. ft.

(254) 780-9037

720 Moonshadow, Temple, TX

76502

NORTH AUSTIN17 Lakes at Northtown

High $140s • 1,376–3,728 sq. ft.

(512) 670-0217

14309 Lake Victor,

Pflugerville, TX 78660

17 new-home communities to choose from.

Rodney Harris of Ready Real Estate finds it takes a lot of hard work to get the reward ashe digs into a pan of crawfish at the Home Builders Association of Greater Austin’s Salesand Marketing Council’s crawfish boil at Falconhead West.

6 www.realtylineonline.com Realty Line of Austin May 2009

Together, our team of elite professionals continues to set new standards ofperformance. We believe in constantly pushing the envelope and striving to

provide our valued clientele with the highest level of service.

12554 Riata Vista Circle • First Floor • Austin, TX 78727512-533-1312 • dhimortgage.com • hbc.dhimortgage.com

Don’t Settle For Less...When You Can Have The Best.

The Norma Cowes Team • www.NormaCowes.com(l-r) Garby Brewer, Debbie Perez, Allyson Harr and Norma Cowes.

7May 2009 Realty Line of Austin www.realtylineonline.com

www.IndependenceTitle.com

Download our FREE Title Premium CalculatorSearch “Title Calculator”


Keith Husbands of The Husbands Company and Brian Pitman of IndependenceTitle enjoy having time to kick back and enjoy the live food and good music— orwas that good food and live music— at the HBA crawfish boil.

Sam Wiggintonand WCAoRPresident BarbaraWigginton of RealtyE x e c u t i v e sExcellence visit withDwight Hale, TARsecretary/treasurerat the 2009 CapitolHill visit.

Mary Miner of M.E.“Gene” JohnsonREALTORS makes anew business con-tact at the AustinM o r t g a g eProfessionals meet-ing, by introducingherself to DouglasGibbins of RealEstate Brokerageand CommercialInvestment.


Cindy McIntyre of The Property Management Co. and Marjorie Tinnell ofIndependence Title sign up for Toastmasters at the official grand opening of theWilliamson County Association of REALTORS office.

Agents TomCrawford and LisaHill of GoldwasserReal Estate pondera few of BrewsterMcCracken’s plansfor Austin’s futureshould he be elect-ed mayor. He visitedthe company’soffice to answerquestions from realestate profession-als.

Melinda Carroll ofFirst American Title,Amber Hart ofKeller WilliamsRealty and PhyllisAvery of FirstAmerican Title enjoythe crawfish boilsponsored by theHome BuildersAssociation ofGreater Austin’sSales and MarketingCouncil atFalconhead West.


Over the years we have played an integral part in the real estate and economic growth of both Dripping Springs and Wimberley. Our focus is exemplary customer service, community involvement, and the joy of creating teamwork with all parties to the transaction.

We are pleased to announce two new additions to our Hays sta�: Donna Simmons in Dripping Springs and Marilyn VanUum in our new Wimberley o�ce. Donna’s and Marilyn’s roles will be to support our customers in the �eld, help you grow your business, bring important education, and provide you with valuable area information.

Stop by and visit our new location! Wimberley

Wimberley, Texas 78676

Shelley HillBranch Manager / Escrow O�cer

[email protected]

Donna SimmonsSales Executive / Dripping Springs

[email protected]

Dripping Springs Suite 102

Dripping Springs, Texas 78620

We’ll take care of you, so you can take care of your business!

Your Partner in Real Estate!

DON’T FORGETBe sure to check out our Hays County property tours in Dripping Springs, Wimberley and our Farm & Ranch tour.

Visit www.gracytitle.com/links.htm and click on Weekly Property Tour Schedule (PDF)

Lila StoneBranch Manager / Escrow O�cer

o�ce: [email protected]

Marilyn VanUumSales Executive

direct: [email protected]


Anne Perry of Live Oak Gottesman and Bob Sedlor of Coldwell Banker UnitedREALTORS review some of the features of the first property on the Commercial RealEstate tour sponsored by the Central Texas Commercial Association of REALTORS.

Chris Sachs of JBGoodwin REAL-TORS, Reba Saxonof Keller WilliamsRealty and MikeLuscier of JohnHorton Realty saythe new facility forthe WCAoR willmake their duties onthe board of direc-tors a pleasantexperience.

Gary Hoffarth ofAustin AdvantageReal Estate andBecky Hopkins ofAustin Title findthemselves wel-come at the monthlynetworking happyhour for the AustinM o r t g a g eProfessionals.

The Williamson County Association of REALTORS® will beholding the GREEN Designation course on July 20-21 atWCAoR, 123 E. Old Settlers Blvd., Round Rock. Please visitour Web site at www.wcaor.org or call 255-6211 to register.Green Expo 2009 - Dell Diamond in Round Rock

Green Expo 2009 will be held on Saturday, July 25 at the DellDiamond. It is brought to you by the Williamson CountyAssociation of REALTORS® and Premier Sponsor ONCORElectric. Other sponsors include: Sherwin Williams and KBHome. We invite both consumers and business owners to learnmore about what earth friendly products and services are read-ily available to make our community greener. Green Expo 2009 is designed to help changethe public’s perception of environmentalism. Companies large and small are invited toshowcase what they are doing to reduce their respective carbon footprint; consumers willhave hands-on experiences with eco-friendly alternatives to everyday products and servic-es.

Mark your calendars today! Visit the Web site at www.GreenExpo2009.com or contact usat 512-255-6211 for more information.


By Barbara Wigginton • Realty Executives Excellence2009 President • Williamson County Association of REALTORS

The “constructed environment” has a vast impact on the “natural environment,” humanhealth, and the economy. By adopting green building strategies, we can maximize both eco-nomic and environmental performance. Green construction methods can be integrated intobuildings at any stage, from design and construction, to renovation and deconstruction.However, the most significant benefits can be obtained if the design and construction teamtakes an integrated approach from the earliest stages of a building project. Potential bene-fits of green building can include:

ENVIRONMENTAL BENEFITS• Enhance and protect biodiversity and ecosystems • Improve air and water quality • Reduce waste streams • Conserve and restore natural resources

ECONOMIC BENEFITS• Reduce operating costs • Create, expand, and shape markets for green product and services • Improve occupant productivity • Optimize life-cycle economic performance

SOCIAL BENEFITS• Enhance occupant comfort and health • Heighten aesthetic qualities • Minimize strain on local infrastructure • Improve overall quality of life

Get your GREEN Designation“REALTORS® are industry innovators who consistently find ways to provide their

clients with cutting edge service,” said NAR President Charles McMillan. “As green build-ing issues become more important to buyers, sellers and businesses, more and moreREALTORS® are adding value to the real estate transaction by developing green businesspractices. NAR's GREEN Designation is an excellent example of innovation in this area.”

Why Green?

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New name. Same fi ve-star service and trusted mortgage guidance!

SAME NUMBER: 512.314.7337

NEW E-MAIL: [email protected]

NEW WEBSITE: BethThompson.net

BETH LOZANO IS NOW

Beth Thompson

GREEN EXPO 2009 - Saturday, July 25 - Dell Diamond in Round Rock, TXbrought to you by the Williamson County Association of REALTORS• www.wcaor.org/greenexpo2009.asp


620

TOLL

TOLL

3406

183A

REALTORB O N U S

$10,000

WAS $357,343NOW $327,990

LANDRY - 3,242 SQ. FT. 4 BED, 3.5 BATH, 2-CAR GARAGE

$10,000 Realtor bonus is for a limited time only. Homes must contract between 4/23/2009 and 5/31/2009. Bonus paid upon successful closing of home. Flyer must be attached to registration by a Taylor Morrison Sales Associate and will be sent to the Taylor Morrison Division Office. If incentives are not within published amounts above, no other specials/discounts/co-op will be given. See a Taylor Morrison Sales Associate for complete details.

Ask about our other homes cur-rently under construction for June

completion.

4124 Grand Vista Circle Round Rock, TX 78665

Call us at 512-779-6058

or e-mail

[email protected] to make an appointment

TAYLOR MORRISON IS OFFERING YOU A $10,000 REALTOR BONUS

ON THE LAST REMAINING HOMES IN TERAVISTA!

T E R A V I S TA

This beautiful one-story brick home with soaring ceilings features a

study, mud room and game room. The beautiful gourmet kitchen is

outfitted with granite counters and stainless steel appliances.

WAS $406,166NOW $369,990

SALADO - 3,671 SQ. FT. 5 BED, 4 BATH, 3-CAR GARAGE

This spacious two-story home is on a large cul-de-sac lot. This home

has many designer upgrades including a custom kitchen backsplash

and master shower body spa.

taylormorrison.com


• Call for $79 code

• Live classes forLoan OfficerPre-Licensing

• Live classesfor MortgageBroker Licensing

For more information call us orvisit our Web site for a completelisting of courses and schedules.

CALL: 512-451-9112www.PowerTrainingInc.com

8000 Anderson Square #103Aust in, Texas 78757

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HVCC - Home Valuation Code ConductGot Questions? We Have Answers!

All courses, schedules and pricing are subject to change.

Susanna Boyer of Sellstate Realty and Tiesa Hollaway of North AmericanTitle enjoy some sunshine at the 2009 Capitol Hill visit.

Jo Carol Snowdenof MorelandProperties andDenise Moody ofGracy Title join ErinParker and JoanneSenyk, both ofA v e n u e O n eProperties, at thedowntown propertytour. One of JoCarol’s propertieswas featured.

ABoR chairman ofthe board Jay Gohilhas been busyattending meetingsof the various realestate organiza-tions. Here, he visitswith SharonAnderson, chair ofthe Small OfficeREALTORS group.

Course Date Time Location

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Yaupon Valley Road - Westlake

Best Product Design $1,000,001 –$1,250,000 – Custom Risinger Homes, LP, 2005 Mathews Drive– Tarrytown in Austin

Best Product Design $1,250,001 –$1,500,000 – Custom Foursquare Builders, LLC, 6800 CaudillLane in Austin

Best Product Design $1,500,001 –$1,750,000 – Custom Wilde Custom Homes, Inc., #2 InwoodCove – The Coves of Rollingwood, Austin

Best Product Design $1,750,001 –$2,000,000 – Custom Woodworth Homes & James D. LaRueArchitecture Design, 406 Inwood Road –The Coves of Rollingwood in Austin

Best Product Design $2,000,001 –$3,000,000 – Custom Wilde Custom Homes, Inc., 8008 BigView – River Place in Austin

Best Product Design above $3,000,000 –Custom Brian A. Bailey Homes, Inc., 3317Westlake Drive in Austin

Best One of a Kind Home – CustomElegant Estate Homes of Austin, Inc.,3500 Pursley Road in Dripping Springs

Best Product Design Speculative $150,000 –$250,000 – Custom BuilderCasa Sereno Homes, 30427 Briancrest inGeorgetown

Best Product Design Speculative $250,001 –$400,000 – Custom BuilderDestiny Builders, Inc. & J. Bryant Boyd,709 Oak Branch Drive in Georgetown

Best Product Design Speculative $400,001 –$600,000 – Custom BuilderPowell Custom Homes, 14954Arrowhead, Volente

Best Custom Home KitchenBrian A. Bailey Homes, Inc., 613 RockyRiver – Westlake Hills

Best Custom Home Outdoor LivingSpaceZbranek Custom Homes, 7 Applehead Island– Applehead Island in Horseshoe Bay

Best Interior Merchandising $100,000 –$125,000Count & Castle Designs, 10118 BrangusRd., Rutherford West in Driftwood

Best Interior Merchandising $175,001 –$250,000Meritage Homes Corporation, 1050Powell Drive – Plum Creek in Kyle

Best Interior Merchandising $250,001 –

$350,000Mary DeWalt Design Group, 2593 LosAlamos Pass – Paloma Lakes in RoundRockBest Interior Merchandising $475,000 –$600,000Mary DeWalt Design Group, 2400Lakeway Blvd. – The Boulevard inLakeway

Best Interior Merchandising for ParadeHomeSterling Custom Homes, Inc., 229 CanyonTurn Trail – Rough Hollow in Lakeway

Best Remodeled Project $100,000 –$150,000 Masterpiece Building & Design, 8909Scotsman Drive – The Mountain inAustin

Best Remodeled Project $150,001 –$200,000Hobbs’ Ink Custom Home Design forTriton Custom Homes, 3004 Patio Circlein Austin

Best Remodeled Project $200,001 –$300,000Stuart Home Corporation, 2101 EltonLane in Austin

Best Remodeled Project Over $300,000Risinger Homes, LP, 3905 Bowhill Drive –Northwest Hills in Austin

Best Kitchen RemodelPowell Custom Homes, 85 Pascal Lane –Rob Roy in Austin

Best Master Bath RemodelAudino Construction, Inc. – 1505 Mt.Larson Road in Austin

Best Outdoor Living RemodelDon Boozer Construction, Inc., 1103Sprague in Westlake

Best Green Home RemodelCasa Sereno Homes, 4905 Woodview Ave.– Shoalmont/Rosedale in Austin

Best Overall Community Under 100Units – DeveloperAllen Group I, LLC – Oaks at Wildwoodin Georgetown

Best Overall Community 101-300 Units –DeveloperCSGM Canyon Ridge, LP – The Hillsidein Austin

Best Overall Community Over 300 Units– DeveloperCatellus Development Group – Muellerin Austin

Best PoolscapeDa Vida Pools, LLC, 6 Coleridge Lane –Rob Roy in Austin

Best On Site Sales Person – Homes

Priced $175,000 – $250,000Dan Arnot – Meritage HomesCorporation

Best On Site Sales Person – HomesPriced $250,001 – $350,000Bob Ellenbogen – Meritage HomesCorporation

Best On Site Sales Person – HomesPriced over $350,001Bob Brock – Streetman Homes

Sales Manager of the Year – BuilderRyan Jackson – Streetman Homes

Marketing Professional of the Year –Volume BuilderNatalie R. Bowers – Streetman Homes

Construction Manager of the Year –Volume BuilderTravis Schirpik – Meritage HomesCorporation

Construction Manager of the Year –Custom BuilderDon Lytton – Brian A. Bailey Homes, Inc.

Construction Superintendent of theYear– Volume BuilderJames Prince – Streetman Homes

Construction Superintendent of theYear– Custom BuilderClint Small – Brian A. Bailey Homes, Inc.

Realtor of the YearTrey & Lucy Sheffield, Avalar 360 in BeeCave

Grand MAX – Custom BuilderBrian A. Bailey Homes, Inc.

Grand MAX – Volume BuilderMeritage Homes Corporation

Congratulations to all MAXaward winners from yourAssociation.

By Wes Peoples • WP Investments2008-2009 President • Home Builders Association of Greater Austin

On Saturday, May 2, the Home Builders Association (HBA) of Greater Austin honored its membersat the prestigious MAX Awards gala held at the Phillips Event Center. The MAX Awards are the HBA'spremier annual event for recognizing excellence of achievement in marketing, advertising and productby its members.

The HBA’s 850+ associate and builder members compete for the celebrated awards in 75 categories.Judges from across the country score each entry, narrowing the field to three finalists for each catego-ry. The gala recognizes each winner with a MAX Award, and runners-up receive a Silver Award. TheGrand Awards are given to the builders who earn the most points in the judging process. The 2009MAX Award categories and winners are:

HBA Announces 2009MAX Award Winners

HBA PRESIDENT’S COLUMN


Best Color AdStreetman Homes, BuilderCSGM Canyon Ridge, LP, Developer

Best Sales BrochureLake Travis Builders, BuilderNewland Communities, DeveloperTexas Sun & Shade, Associate

Best Direct Mail, BuilderAcanthus Homes

Best Radio Ad, AssociateTexas Gas Service

Best TelevisionNewland Communities, DeveloperTexas Gas Service, Associate

Best Web site Streetman Homes, Volume BuilderJauregui Architecture InteriorsConstruction, Custom BuilderCSGM Canyon Ridge, LP, DeveloperTexas Sun & Shade, Associate

Best BillboardMeritage Homes Corporation, BuilderWest Cypress Hills, DeveloperCody Pools, Associate

Best Online AdStreetman Homes, Volume Builder

Best E-mail Message CampaignCrystal Falls, Developer

Best Sales Office under 1,000 sq. ft.Meritage Homes Corporation – under1,000 sq. ft.

Best Design Center over 1,000 sq. ft.Meritage Homes Corporation – over 1,000sq. ft.

Best Showroom, AssociatePalmer Todd, Inc.

Best Special Promotion, BuilderSterling Custom Homes, Inc.

Best Overall Ad Campaign, DeveloperCatellus Development Group

Best Product Design Less than $100,000– Volume BuilderMain Street Homes, 8425 Chick Pea Lane– Park Ridge

Best Product Design $100,001 – $125,000– Volume BuilderMain Street Homes, 225 AvalancheAvenue – Pinnacle in Georgetown

Best Product Design $175,001 – $250,000– Volume BuilderMeritage Homes Corporation, 1050Powell Drive – Plum Creek in Kyle

Best Product Design $250,001 – $350,000– Volume BuilderMeritage Homes Corporation, 1912

Antone, Mueller in Austin

Best Product Design $475,001 – $600,000– Volume BuilderMeritage Homes Corporation, 207 N.Frontier Lane – Ranch at Brushy CreekEstates in Cedar Park

Best Product Design $600,001 - $750,000– Volume BuilderStreetman Homes, 2300 Tom Miller Street– Mueller in Austin

Best Green HomeStreetman Homes, 2300 Tom Miller Street– Mueller in Austin, Volume BuilderSolluna Builders, 1815 Spillman Street inAustin, Custom Builder

Best Specialty ProductMasterpiece Building & Design, 509 & 511East Monroe – Travis Heights in Austin

Best Product Design $350,001 – $500,000– CustomPowell Custom Homes, 8244 Lime CreekRoad – Lime Creek in Volente

Best Product Design $500,001 – $750,000– CustomRisinger Homes, LP, 3305 Oakmont Blvd.– Forest Creek in Round Rock

Best Product Design $750,001 –$1,000,000 – CustomMatt Sitra Custom Homes, Inc., 2001

Victoria Reviel and Shannon Powers, both of ZIP Realty, attend the hugeluncheon hosted by the Texas Association of REALTORS next to the capitolbuilding during the 2009 Hill Visit.


Avis Wukasch,TAR’s strategicplanning chair andlegal review vicechair, shares someinsights with col-league DavidDurham of KellerWilliams Realty dur-ing the 2009 CapitolHill visit.

P r e s i d e n t - e l e c tGinny Miller, presi-dent Connie Smithand treasurerMatthew Posey getready for their instal-lation as officers ofAustin ProfessionalMortgage Womenon Thursday, May14.


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Can Your Lender Handle A Curve Ball?

You can’t have much more fun than at the Home Builders Association ofGreater Austin’s SMC crawfish boil, find Sean LeGrant of Taylor Morrison andRobbe LeGrant of Sellstate Realty.

Members of CTCARboard one of twobusses heading outon the commercialproperty tour inNorth Austin andRound Rock.

Mayoral candidateB r e w s t e rMcCracken has amoment to visit withreal estate profes-sionals beforeaddressing them atthe GoldwasserReal Estate mainoffice. With himwere Greg Cooperof Goldwasser RealEstate and JamesBills of AffordableGreen Builders.



�at’s 500 reasons to move your clients to Falcon Pointe during the SURE TO MOVE YOU EVENT, which features a special collection of beautiful new homes ready for move-in right now. �ere are plenty of reasons for your clients to love Falcon Pointe, such as three onsite schools from kindergarten to 12th grade, a Residents Club with pool, an activities director and a community of families waiting for them.

Act now so you and your clients can take advantage of the SURE TO MOVE YOU EVENT*

Find the new home that moves your clients at /Travel east from SH35 on SH45 to Kelly Lane exit in Pflugerville.

Newland Communities is a privately owned company that creates residential and urban mixed-use communities in 14 states from coast-to-coast. 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

*Any participating real estate salesperson must provide Newland written consent from his/her broker approving salesperson’s participation and receipt of Visa Gift Card prior to its award. Visa Gift Card is subject to certain terms and conditions imposed by Visa/issuer. Program valid for new home contracts in Falcon Pointe signed between May 15 and June 30, 2009, and close escrow by December 31, 2009. $500 gift card paid upon closing. Newland Communities reserves the right to discontinue this promotion at any time. Contact a Falcon Pointe builder sales office to obtain a copy of the Terms & Conditions for this promotion. The builder incentives described in the “Sure to Move You Event” are offered only by certain participating builders to homebuyers executing new homes sales contracts between May 15 - June 30, 2009 and closed by December 31, 2009 in the Falcon Pointe community and are sponsored exclusively by such builders, who are solely responsible for the content and operation of the builder incentives offered in the promotion. Newland has neither any affiliation nor any obligations or liabilities relating to the builder incentives offered in the Promotion. Information regarding tax credits, interest rates, and FHA loans are provided for general guidance only, and no representation or warranty is made that you will quality for a tax credit, interest rates and FHA loans as described above. The information provided does not constitute legal, tax, accounting, �nancial, investment, or other professional, advice, services or consulting of any kind. Please consult with your quali�ed real estate, �nancial, accounting, and legal advisors regarding your speci�c circumstances and your purchase. Must sign a new home contract in Falcon Pointe between May 15 and June 30, 2009, and close escrow by December 31, 2009, to be eligible for the HOA dues paid for one year. HOA dues paid upon veri�cation of eligibility and closing and funding of the new home. Contact a Falcon Pointe builder sales office to obtain a copy of the Terms & Conditions for this promotion, or visit our website at www.falcon-pointe.com/movethem. Void where prohibited. This is not intended to be an offer to sell nor a solicitation of offers to buy real estate in Falcon Pointe or to residents of Connecticut, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, New York, New Jersey, and Oregon, or in any other jurisdiction where prohibited by law. Homes within the Falcon Pointe community are constructed and sold by builders not affiliated with Newland Communities or Newland Communities’ affiliated companies. All square footage is approximate. Prices, speci�cations and details are subject to change without notice. © 2009 Newland Communities. All rights reserved.

Get a $500 Visa Gift Card for every new home you sell between now and June 30, 2009.

During the official grand opening of the WCAoR new headquarters, director Karen Parkerof Mike Parker & Co. and Candy Buzan of PrimeLending visited with folks as they arrive.Candy was a room donor for the new “education office” in the new building.


www.Wilshire-Homes.com

Receive a free swimming pool or up to $25,000 in options andupgrades when you purchase a home between April 1, 2009and July 31, 2009 in Highpointe Plantinum Heights, Sonoma Discovery Series or Build on Your Lot Signature Series.

For More Information

Please Contact:

1 Sonoma - 512-341-97692 BOYL - 512-502-20503 Highpointe - 512-894-0502

How’s This for A Water Feature?

Wilshire Homes teams up with Anthony& Sylvan Pool and Spas, amongAmerica's largest builders of custom-designed in ground swimming pools, tomake this great offer! (In Select Austin

Communities)

BUILD YOUR DREAM HOMEAND GET A FREE POOL!

Contract must be accepted and signed between April 1, 2009 and July 31, 2009. See Pool Specifications Sheet for moredetails and information. Not valid with any other offers. This program can be terminated at any time without notice. Seeyour New Home Consultant for more details. Allowance varies by community.

Current builders in SteinerRanch are Taylor Morrison,Highland, Drees Custom Homes,David Weekly, Partners inBuilding and Monterey Homes.Custom Builders are AffinityCustom Homes, Rollo CustomHomes and Echelon Homes. Thehomes range from mid $200s to $4million. The square footage is1,400 square feet to over 5,000square feet.

“The builders are very rep-utable and stable,” Mayer says. “We also offer custom lots with sweeping views and lake-front acreage. Some of the custom features our homes have are outdoor living, gourmetkitchens and state of the art media rooms.”

Now is an especially good time to be a buyer in Steiner Ranch because the builders areoffering very attractive incentives. Visit the Welcome Center for a “hot sheet” of pricereductions and to pick up a map to the 12 decorated model homes available to tour today.REALTORS who bring their clients and register them at the Welcome Center will receive a$20 gift card to Nordstrom’s.

"The housing market is showing signs of rebounding, which means that prices couldstart increasing at any time," Mayer says. "With interest rates at unbelievable lows, this is agreat time to take advantage of the good deals in the neighborhood before they are gone."

Steiner Ranch is located between Lake Travis and Lake Austin. From downtown, takeRR 2222 and turn left onto FM 620. Continue two miles and Steiner Ranch will be on theleft. Or for directions, call the Welcome Center at 266-5833 or visit www.steinerranch.com.

When vacation dollars and time off are becoming increasingly harder to come by, itpays to live in a community that seems like a resort destination all on its own. So if beau-ty and leisure time surroundings are what your buyers are after, be sure to bring them bySteiner Ranch.

"Every day living in Steiner Ranch is like being on vacation,” says Keith Sommer, whohas lived in Steiner Ranch for four years. “There is amazing natural beauty, and the hikingtrails and both lakes are within five minutes of our house."

This resort-like feeling arises from being amidst more than 1,000 acres of open space,including 819 acres of nature preserve dedicated to protecting endangered birds. Thisallows a feeling of wide-open space even though the community is a short 25 minutesfrom downtown.

“We are not far out or isolated, which is something some REALTORS assume,” saysKathy Mayer, community sales manager. “If REALTORS are not keeping Steiner on theirradar screens, they are missing out. Also, we have custom home sites, some with LakeAustin frontage, and offer a wide selection of luxury properties. The days of Steiner Ranchbeing a “middle of the road” community are over. Last year, our average new home salesprice was $517k.”

Residents of Steiner Ranch also do not have to leave the community for schools, restau-rants or groceries, which means life by the lake has never been more convenient. On-siteamenities include three community centers with pools, a lake club with access to LakeAustin and 20 miles of hiking and biking trails.

“We have the most complete community in terms of convenience,” Mayer says. “Thereis retail, schools, child care, parks, activities, etc. all located within our community. In addi-tion, there is a little something for everyone: apartments, retirement living, golf, etc. We arethe true definition of master-planned community where people can live, work and play.”

As the community grows, area schools are popping up as well. This fall, River RidgeElementary opens on site and Vandergrift High School is opening five miles away.

Kathy Mayer • (512) 266-5833Community Sales Manager

By Linda McNabbCONTRIBUTING WRITER

ASSOCIATES IN PROGRESS

Steiner Ranch


candy Buzan797-5580

Max Leaman293-1239

Kim Nielsen825-2347

Melissa driskell964-1864

terrie doggett415-0212

rhonda Neeley560-3429

Mary Kennedy750-7834

Brian patschke565-5852

trudy Savage965-5017

Mark Hoffman785-3279

Shannon Smith560-4590

Not pictured: Michael ray, 784-8488 • terry Weber, 554-4013

Demetria Simonovic and Janet Havel, both of Highland Homes, show off the won-derful entries in the silent auction that was part of the Coldwell Banker United REAL-TORS’ third annual wine tasting.

Ronnie Jackson ofAustin HomeRenovations checksout the FalconheadWest communitywith Debbie andDavid Raesz ofKeller WilliamsRealty at the HBA’sSales and MarketingCouncil’s crawfishboil.

Jay Pearce of JayPearce Realty andBob Lane, presi-dent of WCAoR in1997, talk about allthe elbowroom andplenty of parkingspaces at the orga-nization’s new build-ing.



Homes from the $250’s to $3+ millionWelcome Center: 512-266-5833 or 800-783-4640

For more information, visit www.steinerranch.com

Mary Jane Amezquita of DHI Title and Que Reyes of Gracy Title enjoy food, funand networking at Falconhead West, where the Home Builders Association ofGreater Austin’s Sales and Marketing Council held its annual crawfish boil.


Susan Reed ofDream HouseRealtors gives asafe greeting duringthe swine flu scareto Tammy Fariss ofTammy FarissREALTORS at theSmall Office REAL-TORS meeting.

WCR presidentMarie Dang-Schwartz wel-comes and thanksJeanne Nguyen ofThe PresidentialRealty for participat-ing in the organiza-tion’s cultural diver-sity panel.

“We are seeking slow, calculated growth,”McMillan says. “We want to make sure ourinfrastructure supports the loan officers to thehighest degree. Finding the key people in ourindustry is the main focus. We work for ourloan officers and want to make sure we havethe best sales training, product and support sothey in turn can give the best possible service totheir clients.” United Lending LLC is independently owned

but is part of Network Funding, L.P. (NFLP) outof Houston. “We are very blessed to be part of NFLP dur-

ing these times in our industry,” Nelms says.“NFLP is financially strong and able to increasetheir lines of credit when other mortgage banksare not able to do so. They can close and fundloans and get it off their line of credit in four tofive days. One of the reasons we chose NFLP istheir sound principals in lending and their lend-ing experience.”United Lending provides FHA, VA, Texas Vet,

USDA, Conventional, Construction andPortfolio loans, all while making sure to keepthe personalized touch and service that everyclient deserves. “Every employee knows what it takes to

make the entire loan process smooth from the receptionist to the underwriter,”McMillan says. “It takes a collaborative effort to get a loan closed on time withhappy and repeat customers.”And as many people in business know, happy customers often translate to a

happy work environment. “We treat our employees like family and it shows,” Nelms says. “Our motto

is to build a company that no one ever wants to leave. It is all about them, notthe company they work for.”

By Linda McNabbCONTRIBUTING WRITER

ASSOCIATES IN PROGRESS

A good reputation can take a company a long way, and United Lendingknows that axiom well, as it relies heavily on its professional standing to gen-erate business and create a work environment that no one ever wants to leave.“Most of our business is REALTOR and past client driven. The fact that it is

all 100 percent word of mouth is a big deal,” says David McMillan, who ownsthe company along with Tommy Nelms and Jeff Hamilton. “We don’t do anyinternet leads and every loan officer has to maintain a high degree of trust withtheir referral source. This is an attribute to their character and integrity.”In addition to possessing trust and integrity, United Lending’s 23 loan

officers in Austin also are among the most experienced, a must in today’schanging market. “We have the absolute best operations staff and loan officers. All of our loan

officers have a minimum of five years in the business and want to make a dif-ference on how lending is done,” McMillan says. “They are constantly findingways to better serve their clients.”One way to accomplish this is by getting the job done on time, if not earlier.

Because the company can control the process from start to finish, UnitedLending can close a deal in five days if need be.“Our operation is second to none,” McMillan says. “Our loan officers know

how to submit a file to underwriting so there will be no delays in closings. Lastmonth we had documents to the title company two days before closings on over90 percent of our files and never went over 48 hours in underwriting.”United Lending emerged only slightly more than one year ago, but McMillan

and Nelms have been completing loans in Austin for 20 and 15 years respective-ly. The company has multiple offices around town and in Houston and SanAntonio as well, over 60 employees strong now, with plans to expand.

United Lending


David McMillan

Tommy Nelms

David Pavliska of RE/MAX Round Rock, John Rosshirt of Stanberry & Associatesand Kay Swinney Spiva of Stovall REALTORS make their way to the TexasAssociation of REALTORS after participating in a Capitol Hill visit.

Loree Neiman ofExit Realty andBarbara Humble ofHumble Enterprisesget a few momentsto share while pre-viewing this proper-ty in La Frontera thatwas part of theCTCAR tour.

Women’s Council ofREALTORS memberAli Valentine andSusanna Boyer,WCR presidentelect, discuss whatthey hope to learnabout building glob-al relationships atthe WCR meeting.



DON’T IGNORE THE SIGNS!DON’T IGNORE THE SIGNS!

Now is the time for your clients to buy!

Tax Creditsup to Job Loss

Protection

LeaseBuyout

FREECREDITREPAIR

Assistancewith

ClosingCosts

HISTORICALLY

LOWRATES

$8K

DON’T IGNORE THE SIGNS!DON’T IGNORE THE SIGNS!

Now is the time for your clients to buy!All signs indicate there’s never been a more opportune time for your clients to buy a new Meritage, Legacy or Monterey

home. Don’t miss out! Bring your clients to one of our Austin area neighborhoods today before many ofthese special savings opportunities are in your rear view mirror.

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Promotion available for a limited time only. Prices, rates, terms, programs and availability subject to change or revocation without prior notice or obligation. Offers and availability, including amount, duration and particular home/plan, vary. Cannot be combined with any other promotion or incentives unless approved by Meritage Management. Job Loss Protection Program is not a commitment to lend. Loans subject to underwriting, credit, and property approval. Loan products and coverage terms and limits may vary by state. Not all borrowers will qualify. Maximum benefit of up to $2,500 per month for up to six months, subject to involuntary unemployment insurance policy terms, restrictions, and conditions, vesting and waiting periods, claim filing requirements, and certificate of coverage issuance. Valid for eligible buyers only and does not apply to self-employed or 1099 contracts. Other restrictions may apply. Terms, policy, and programs may be changed or cancelled at any time without notice. Assistance with closing costs is available with allocated Meritage Money through their preferred lender affiliate. $8,000 Federal tax credit available to qualified first-time homebuyers. Limitations apply. Please see your tax advisor for details or visit www.federalhousingtaxcredit.com. Lease buyouts are available to qualified buyers and vary depending on lease amount, duration and other applicable lease terms. Certain restrictions apply. See sales agent for details. Free Credit Repair program is available to help educate and inform you about credit related issues. Such information is not intended to serve as legal advice. We do not promise or guarantee your credit score will be increased or restored. Other restrictions may apply to programs. Please see sales agent for details. Broker Co-op paid at closing; Broker MUST accompany buyer on 1st sales office visit. Photographs are representative of a Meritage Homes design, but not necessarily offered at the advertised communities.

(512) 627-9619


Victoria Costello of Coldwell Banker United REALTORS compliments LynBlankholm of Highland Homes on the great finish out at the builder’s model inHidden Glen, where the fourth annual wine tasting and silent auction was held.

Chad Goldwasser,right, of GoldwasserReal Estate, andLaurie Nunnaleewelcome mayoralcandidate BrewsterMcCracken to aMeet the Candidateevent at the compa-ny’s main office.

Linda Schulman ofIndependence Title,Gary Hoffarth ofAustin AdvantageReal Estate andKelli Burns ofIndependence Titlejoin Joe Bryson andEric Johnson, bothof Real EstateAlliance, at thedowntown propertytour coordinated byGracy Title.

sAvINgs?What would you do with the

Some companies are addingthe words “bailout” and “stimulus”

to its advertisements in order todraw attention, while at the

same time offering the sameproduct at its original price.

At REALTY WORLD-Neal Barnes & Associates we have actually cut all of our commission structures by 50%. Our 100% commission plan is now $3000/year($250/month) and is one of the favorites. However, you may like our 80/20 splitup to $4500 (you also may want to look at our 70/30 up to $4000 and our 60/40 upto $3500) and then the remainder of your contracts for the year at 100% commis-sion. We have cut our plans because at REALTY WORLD, our goal is your success.

REALTY WORLD is one of the top recognized national franchises. REALTYWORLD Neal Barnes & Associates has commission structures that are hard to beat.With national advertising, lead generation and marketing systems, real estatetraining & education, free yard signs and business cards, annual bonuses up to$10,000, and a life time income recruiting program, you owe it to yourself to takea good look at REALTY WORLD.

“The Right Agent Makes All The Difference In The World”

For more details— Call for yourappointment today.

[512] 773-77447800 Shoal Creek Blvd, #100N

Austin, TX 78757


Spring Brings

512-241-7122

Spring Brings Lower Interest Rates... at Drees Custom Homes! Our realtor and buyer stimulus plan was created for the Austin market to help

your buyer understand that now is the time to buy a new home. Along with great interest rates, Drees Custom Homes is also offering great new

home pricing on available move in now market homes in Austin’s most sought after communities. Call or come buy any model home and ask our

Market Home Managers for details.

30 Year Fixed*

INTEREST RATE

Offers effective for a limited time and available on firm, non-contingent purchase agreements on select market homes only. Offered through First Equity Mortgage, Equal Housing Lender. 3.99% 30-year fixed conventional financing (4.456% APR based upon a 90% LTV). Maximum loan amount $417,000 with a 10% down payment. Requires 1.0% origination fee paid by borrower. Financing terms based upon select homes in Austin and Dallas, TX. Terms in other cities may vary. Contracts must be written between April 6, 2009 and May 31, 2009 and must close within 60 days of loan application. Subject to minimum credit score of 720 and underwriting approval. Prices, programs and rates are subject to change or withdrawal without notice. Other restrictions may apply.

FIRST EQUITYMORTGAGEO F O H I O

GREAT NEW LOW INTEREST RATES!

3.99% for Market Homes

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process and expected to come onto the marketafter foreclosure, and many markets truly do haveinventories. However, in Austin, we have aver-aged 6.1 months of existing housing inventory forthe first quarter of 2009, our average number offoreclosures is about 125 per county for the threecounty area (a small number compared to mostother markets), and finished, unsold new homeinventory is low. Many builders sold most or all oftheir models and spec homes in 2008.As the number of resale transactions follows the normal seasonal increase(February sales increased 30% over January, March increased 28% overFebruary) the opportunity for a further decrease in inventory is realistic.One of the big differences between Austin and other active real estate

markets relates to our Median Family Income compared to the MedianHome Price. A good guideline for the price of home a family can afford isto purchase a home for not more than three (3) times the annual familyincome. Money Magazine listed Austin’s Median Family Income for 2008at $70,207 and the Median Home Price for 2008 of $223,400 (Austin only)which would be a home price of 3.18 times family income. In the “bubblemarkets” in California, Arizona, Nevada, New York and Florida, thatsame ratio was running 4 to 6 times family income. In some markets inCalifornia and Florida, that same ratio was as high as 10 (families werebuying homes that were 10 times their family income). The Austin markethas maintained home prices between 2 and 3 times family income over along period of time. This fact is rarely reported by the national press, yetit is one of the most important criteria for maintaining a healthy, long-term housing market and is an important reason we are not seeing largeprice declines in the Austin market. REALTORS are the experts in local real estate, and home-buyers need

an expert now more than ever to help them understand how the nationalnews has little relationship to Austin and the true value in buying a homein this market.

By David Tandy • Gracy Title

Austin home buyers and homeowners read many articles detailingthe problems in real estate ranging from declining home prices to rapid-ly increasing foreclosures. It’s easy to become confused about what ishappening in our local, Austin-area markets. Austin buyers and sellersneed to understand that there is no “National Real Estate Market.” Itdoes not matter if the median home price in Las Vegas has had a signif-icant decrease over the last year if local median prices are not declining.And it does not matter if there are large inventories of homes inCalifornia or Florida if Austin is not nearly as overbuilt nor has nearlyas large of an inventory. For example, according to the February Case-Schiller Index, Phoenix

showed a 35.2% decline over the last 12 months while Las Vegas showeda 31.7% decline. Yet Austin’s median home price in February of 2009was $186,000, a 3.6% increase from February 2008 when the medianprice was $180,000. The size of the home sold increased from an averageof 1,841 square feet to 1,933 square feet, a 5% increase. Both of theseincreases occurred in spite of a 1/3 decline in the number of transac-tions. There are certainly few, if any, markets in the U.S. that have shownsimilar price stability. Additionally, the national press has continually reported on the large

existing housing inventory reflecting an 11 month or greater inventory,meaning that, at the current level of sales, it would take 11 months to sellall of the listings. Adding in unsold new home inventory or “over-hang”and the “shadow inventory” of homes with loans in the foreclosure

There Is No “NationalReal Estate Market”

COMMENTARY


The BACK PAGE

Mike Tvinnereim of Drees Custom Homes shows Naomi Bludworth of theHome Builders Association of Greater Austin some tasty mud bugs at thecrawfish boil at Falconhead West.

Cindy Walsh,standing, of KellerWilliams Realty,helps JimMorgan of StarProperties andKelley Menefee,also of KellerWilliams Realty,sign in at theSmall OfficeR E A L T O R Sluncheon at theABoR auditorium.

WCAoR president Barbara Wigginton of Realty Executives Excellence getsready to serve the cake at the official grand opening of the organization’s newoffices on Old Settler’s Boulevard.

Angela Martin ofChisholm TrailFinancial Groupand MarkGriffiths ofColdwell BankerUnited REAL-TORS enjoy thewine tasting atthe HighlandHomes model inHidden Glen.

Patricia Wagnerof DHI Mortgagejoins LauraVallejo andJason Garza,both of B & GSurveying, at themonthly meetingof the AustinP r o f e s s i o n a lMortgage Womenat the Holiday InnNorthwest.

Don Quick ofDon Quick andAssociates isalways ready togive a warmgreeting as hemeets up withMarvin Carter ofHvacmasters atthe CommericalProperty BusTour.

RealtyLine_May_09

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