RealtyLine_Jan_09

The Austin Board of REALTORS® (ABoR) salutes winners of the2008 industry awards at the Installation and Awards Gala held onDec. 5 at the Renaissance Austin Hotel. Members were recognized inthe following categories: REALTOR® of the Year; Affiliate of the

Year; Rookie of the Year; Community Service;and Cultural Awareness.

REALTOR®of the YearLynda Conway, JB Goodwin, REALTORS®

Lynda Conway has been active in the realestate industry for over 10 years and has heldleadership positions with ABoR and the TexasAssociation of REALTORS®(TAR). Additionally, she hasearned the ABR, CRS, CTS,

GRI and SRES designations and authored theaward-winning “Truth in Advertising” course.

Affiliate of the YearSandy Battise, Land Mortgage

In her two years as an affiliate member, SandyBattise has offered her time to ABoR’s Scholarship,Education and Installation committees and theWomen’s Council of REALTORS® (WCR). Battise holds the Certified

Mortgage Planning Specialist designation and created the MoneySmartREALTORS® program, which provides networkingand coaching opportunities to new agents.

Rookie of the YearBarry Adelman, Realty World

Home and Investments

Although Barry Adelman has been a REAL-TOR® for less than one year, he has alreadyclosed ten real estate transactions total ing$2,233,000. He is also active on ABoR’sGovernment Affairs and Grievance committees

and is pursuing the GRI designation.

Community ServiceRussell Lewis, AvenueOne Properties

Russell Lewis has been an ABoR member formore than 15 years. In that time, he has donatedhis service to numerous volunteer organiza-tions, including Habitat for Humanity, the BoyScouts of America, the Blood Center of CentralTexas, the Eanes School District and MobileLoaves and Fishes.

Cultural AwarenessShelia Hawkins-Bucklew, Hawkins-Bucklew

International

In her five years as an ABoR member, SheliaHawkins-Bucklew has worked to increase herknowledge of international real estate and toshare her findings with others. She holds a num-ber of designations and certifications, includingCIPS, CRS, GRI, ABR and e-Pro. Hawkins-Bucklew has been involved with the NationalAssociation of Hispanic Real EstateProfessionals (NAHREP), the WCR and TAR. She also donated hertime to the volunteer organization Town Lake Chapter of Links,Incorporated.

Presorted StandardU.S. Postage

PAIDAustin, Texas

Paid Permit #715

JANUARY 2009 • VOL. 13 • ISSUE 9

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.

AABBooRR ssaalluutteess iittss iinndduussttrryy aawwaarrdd wwiinnnneerrss aatt 22000088 IInnssttaallllaattiioonn GGaallaa

JANUARY 21/FEBRUARY 18NAHREP Monthly MeetingCool River Cafe - 11:30 a.m.JANUARY 29WCR Monthly Networking MeetingABoR Auditorium - 11 a.m.

FEBRUARY 4Austin Mortgage Bankers MeetingAustin Country Club - 11:30 a.m.

FEBRUARY 11TREPAC Gold Rush PartyABoR Auditorium - 6 p.m.

FEBRUARY 19WCAoR Quarterly Meeting123 Old Settler’s Blvd. - 11:30 a.m.

MARCH 19Crawfish Boil Builder/REALTOR MixerHBA Office - 6 to 10 p.m.

Upcoming Events:

progressassociates in

TREPAC Gold Rush Party set for Wednesday, February 11

LOOK INSIDE: 2008 Installation & Awards Photos • REALTOR office Holiday Parties | ALL photos posted at www.realtylineonline.com

TREPAC (Texas Real Estate Political ActionCommittee) will hold its first ever Gold Rushparty, a fundraiser to help all ABoR membersachieve the 2009 fundraising goal of $323,495

on Wednesday, Feb. 11.The event will be held at the Austin Board of REALTORS (ABoR)

auditorium from 6 to 8 p.m. and for just $15, you can bring all yourunwanted jewelry (metals of any type) for a jewelry broker to pur-chase. James Lewis Gold Exchange will weigh and appraise thejewelry and pay you fair market value for each piece you bring.

Light appetizers and drinks are included.Come support TREPAC. TREPAC protects your business from

harmful public policy and legislation by ensuring the folks in theCapitol and at City Hall are working to protect the real estateindustry and private property rights. So come out for some quickcash and fun networking!

Purchase your tickets online atwww.abor.com or by contacting theGovernment Affairs department at [email protected] or 454-7636 x1500.

CONWAY

BATTISE

ADELMAN

LEWIS

HAWKINS-BUCKLEW

Let TREPAC put cash in your pocket… just in time for Valentine’s Day!

Staging By Design

Doren L. CarverPUBLISHER

Tawanna K. CarverMANAGING EDITOR

Linda McNabbCONTRIBUTING

EDITOR/WRITER/PHOTOGRAPHER

COLUMNISTS

Jay Gohil - ABoR ChairmanWes Peoples - HBA President

Barbara Wigginton - WCAoR President

wwwwww..rreeaallttyylliinneeoonnlliinnee..ccoomm RReeaallttyy LLiinnee ooff AAuussttiinn January 20092

All photos, press releases or articlesubmissions can be sent to

E-mail: [email protected]

A PUBLICATION OF © CAXTON PUBLICATIONS, INC.

Realty Line of Austin is published monthly by ©CaxtonPublications, Inc., as a non-subscription publication for the morethan 9,000 members of the Austin Board of REALTORS (ABoR), themore than 1,100 members of the Williamson County Association ofREALTORS (WCAoR) and the Home Builders Association (HBA) ofGreater Austin.©Caxton Publications, Inc. dba Realty Line of Austin is an active

member of the Austin Board of REALTORS, the Williamson CountyAssociation of REALTORS and is a honorary member of theWomen’s Council of REALTORS. Caxton Publications, Inc. dbaRealty Line of Austin is not responsible for opinions or factsexpressed by non-staff writers or for errors and any by-products inadvertising or editorial copy. REALTOR® is a registered trademark.The word REALTOR® sometimes appears in this publication with-out the registered trademark symbol (®), for the purpose of savingspace. Wherever the word REALTOR appears in this publication,the registered trademark should be assumed.

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

www.realtylineonline.com

Incoming Women’sCouncil of REAL-TORS officers taketheir oath. SusanBrown, treasurer;Linda Knowles-Katz, secretary;Cheryl Eskridge,vice president ofm e m b e r s h i p ;Susanna Boyer,president elect andMarie DangSchwartz, presi-dent.

D e b b i eR o t h h a m m e r ,Shelly Judd, CristyWeeks and JasonKlam, all of FirstAmerican Title, wel-come guests to theholiday open houseat the main office onExecutive CenterDrive.

January 2009 RReeaallttyy LLiinnee ooff AAuussttiinn wwwwww..rreeaallttyylliinneeoonnlliinnee..ccoomm 3

edge. Resolve to review the MLS Rules and Regulations byattending ABoR’s Lunch and Learn course on Friday, Feb. 20from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Once every six months, ACTRIS subscribers may waive aneligible MLS fine by attending a Lunch and Learn session.Attendees will discover how to avoid common MLS mistakesand receive updates on recent additions to the MLS Rules andRegulations, all while enjoying a free pizza lunch. While thiscourse is free to ACTRIS subscribers, you must register inadvance by visiting www.abor.com/courses and clicking the“MLS” tab.

Showcase Your Listing’s Special FeaturesListing agents, you could be missing out on quick sales because your property’s special

features are not readily apparent on your listing report.Adding details can help your listing stand out from the pack.Agents are not required to complete all the fields in a listing in order to save it as Active

in the MLS system. However, including the maximum amount of information for a proper-ty ensures interested clients will find it easily. When you are able to connect your listingwith its ideal owner, you can facilitate a fast closing for top dollar.

If you have questions or concerns regarding the best way to complete any of the listingfields in the MLXchange listing reports, contact the MLS Support Team at [email protected].

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

With global warming and the rising cost of energy weighing heavily on consumers’minds, environmentally friendly real estate is more important than ever before. Ensure youhave the knowledge and resources to serve today’s eco-conscientious homebuyers byattending the two-day GREEN Designation course on Monday, March 16 and Tuesday,March 17.

Course instructor Bill Evans will guide you through topics including sustainability, NewUrbanism, smart growth, industry ratings and evaluation standards in real estate. Thecourse costs $275 or $300 for those registering after March 3 and is approved by theNational Association of REALTORS® (NAR). Classes will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30p.m. on both days. The GREEN Designation course carries 15 hours of MandatoryContinuing Education (MCE) credit (TREC approval pending). Register online by visitingwww.abor.com/courses and clicking on the “Designations” tab.

Save the Date: 2009 TREPAC Fundraisers AnnouncedEach year, the Texas Real Estate Political Action Committee (TREPAC) works to pro-

tect you from legislation harmful to the real estate industry. But to succeed, TREPACneeds your support. Throughout 2009, ABoR’s Government and Community AffairsDepartment will host many exciting events that will give you the chance to mingle withyour fellow ABoR members while ensuring your industry is defended in the upcomingTexas Legislative session.

On February 11, trade in your old jewelry for cash at the Gold Rush party. Bring yourappetite and your best chili recipe to the second-annual Chili Cook-Off on March 19, andtee up for the popular Golf Tournament on April 29. Pour on your support for TREPACin August at the Wine Tasting and Silent Auction, and tune in the Rock the PAC concertin September.

Sponsorship opportunities for all TREPAC fundraising events are available. For moreinformation on TREPAC, the fundraisers or sponsorships, contact Emily Chenevert at 454-7636, ext. 1500 or [email protected].

Learn While You LunchThe New Year is here and there’s no better time to brush up on your industry knowl-

Go GREEN with ABoR!

ABoR CHAIRMAN’S COLUMN

RE/MAX Austin AssociatesDonna Yoste, Knolly Williams and Diane Gomez celebratethe holidays with a “wine tasting” theme.


Sharon Rosshirt and John Rosshirt, both of Stanberry and Associates, offerholiday greetings to Sally Yaryan at the Austin Board of REALTORS installationand awards gala at the Renaissance Austin Hotel.

Jennifer Entner ofTexas AmericanTitle welcomes NellHurtado of JBGoodwin REAL-TORS and NobleDavis of LakelineRealty to the holidayopen house at thetitle company’sCedar Park office.

Nicole Duncumand Kim Keighley,both of ProminentTitle get ready toshare holiday cheerwith Darin Glenn ofLiberty Mutual at theAustin MortgageBankers Associationparty at the UTClub.

View or Purchase the pics

you see in Realty Line at

www.realtylineonline.c

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888-KB-HOMES kbhome.com

Introducing the KB Home2009 Realtor Bonus Program

First Sale*:

3%commission

Second Sale*:

4%commission

Third Sale*:

5%commission

FIrst CLOSING3% COMMISSION

Paid at slab*

��Second CLOSING4% COMMISSION

��Third Closing

5% COMMISSIONand for each additional CLosing thereafter

Lake Travis

Lake Austin FM 685

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William CannonSlaughter

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NuckolsCrossing

St. Elmo

FM 150

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Wood Way

Wildwood Dr

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Escarpment

Georgetown

Round Rock

Leander

Temple

CedarPark

Oak Hill

San Marcos

Kyle

Elgin

Pflugerville

35

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79

95

290

183

290

183

360

620

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13

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SAN MARCOS1 El Camino Real1,109–2,837 sq. ft.(512) 878-0927

KYLE2 WaterleafFrom the low $100s1,109–3,728 sq. ft.(512) 262-2117

3 Plum CreekFrom the $140s1,326–2,000 sq. ft.(512) 268-0780

SOUTH AUSTIN4 Oak at Twin CreeksFrom the $220s1,903–5,211 sq. ft.(512) 292-3652

SOUTH AUSTIN5 McKinney HeightsFrom the $90s1,090–2,561 sq. ft.(512) 282-0014

6 Meadows at BerdollFrom the $90s1,106–2,962 sq. ft.(512) 247-6174

7 Berdoll FarmsFrom the $90s1,109–2,962 sq. ft.(512) 247-6174

8 The Enclave at Circle CFrom the high $200s2,226–3,332 sq. ft.(512) 432-0107

SOUTH AUSTIN9 Enclave Estatesat Circle CFrom the high $300s3,169–5,211 sq. ft.(512) 432-0107

10 Fairway Estatesat Circle CFrom the mid $400s3,015–5,368 sq. ft.(512) 432-0103

CEDAR PARK11 Silverado RanchFrom the $160s1,585–5,211 sq. ft.(512) 260-5805

LEANDER12 WestwoodFrom the $115s1,202–2,962 sq. ft.(512) 528-1371GEORGETOWN13 University ParkFrom the $120s1,109–3,728 sq. ft.(512) 863-8363

TAYLOR14 SummerfieldFrom the $90s1,109–3,824 sq. ft.(512) 365-3262

PFLUGERVILLE15 Spring TrailsFrom the $160s1,743–3,742 sq. ft.(512) 990-5304

TEMPLE16 Village of Sage MeadowsFrom the $90s1,582–3,728 sq. ft.(254) 780-9037

NORTH AUSTIN17 Lakes at NorthtownFrom the $130s1,659–3,728 sq. ft.(512) 670-0217

17 new-home communities to choose from.

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 areeligible 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 will be 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 saleor lease of an existing home. In addition, Purchaser(s) shall have obtained unconditional loan approval acceptable to Seller from a qualified lender prior to the time the slab is being poured and purchase the home as an owneroccupied primary residence. Any "Bonus" commission will be paid at close of escrow only. Commission is paid on base price and lot premium only. Studio options are not factored into the calculation of any commissionspaid on Built to Order homes. Commission on inventory homes is calculated on total price less discounts. Contingency removal programs do not qualify for graduated commission program. If any commission is pre-paidand 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 must be procuring cause of sale and accompany buyer to or register thebuyer 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. 888-KB-HOMES

©2009 KB Home (KBH). Broker Cooperation Welcome. See sales representative for details. KBH reserves the right to extend, modify or discontinue offer at any time without prior notice. Prices/terms

subject to change, prior sale, homesite premiums and/or predetermined options. Floorplans, options, elevations, views vary by community/homesite location and are not guaranteed. Prices sub-

ject to change without notice. Restrictions and limitations apply.


Ron Binkley of RE/MAX Austin Skyline welcomes Lynn McCoy of MissionMortgage to the holiday party at the company’s main office on Bee Caves.

Mary Mealyaccepts thanks fromoutgoing presidentVictor Montalvo forserving as parlia-mentarian in 2008for the NationalAssociation ofHispanic RealE s t a t eP r o f e s s i o n a l s ,Austin chapter.

Karen McCarty installs new officers Sherri Teepen, Fred Norton, Kay DeSilva and Rise Johns atthe CRS Austin region installation held at Westwood Country Club.


Round Rock on Saturday, April 4. This event is open to bothreal estate professionals and the public. The Going Green Expo2009 will feature dozens of companies and speakers from cen-tral Texas with ways to make homes “greener.” Call WCAoR at255-6211 for tickets and more information.

GREEN is a true cross-over designation— an invaluableasset for any real estate professional. Demand is high; NAR hasalready received an exciting level of interest from members.Consumers are seeking green expertise; don't you want themcoming to you for answers? Earn your GREEN designationfrom WCAoR on Monday, April 5 and Tuesday, April 6. Save some green and register earlyat www.wcaor.org.

Get Involved!We have planned some great things for the Williamson County Association of REAL-

TORS in 2009. If you would like to be a part of one of the WCAoR committees, please visitour Web site at www.wcaor.org to see where you would like to volunteer and get involved!

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

As you may know, the Williamson County Association of REALTORS is in the processof moving to a new home in 2009. Since 1992, this present location has served its member-ship well, but for WCAoR to continue to maintain REALTOR visibility within WilliamsonCounty, a new facility is necessary. In 1992, WCAoR membership was at 400 members andover the past 15 years we have grown to over 1,300 members, with the largest increasesoccurring in the last four years. Williamson County is growing and has proven to be one ofthe most desired areas to live within the state of Texas. The future of real estate inWilliamson County is bright and the needs of its membership are great. We expect to moveinto our new location, at 123 Old Setters Blvd., Round Rock, Texas 78665, by mid-February.Be sure to check out our Web site at www.wcaor.org for updates and news on our GrandOpening!

WCAoR Luncheon – February 19WCAoR’s first luncheon of the year will hit the ground running. The PR Committee has

a great luncheon planned. Come hear an economic update from the city of Round Rock. TheExecutive Committee has approved the final revisions to the By-Laws which will be votedon and approved by you, the WCAoR members. They also have a TREPAC awards ceremo-ny planned for those who went above and beyond their “Fair Share” contributions to helpWCAoR reach its 2008 TREPAC fund raising goal of $29,000!

Also, all luncheon attendees will automatically be put into a drawing for a $100 educa-tion gift certificate presented by the WCAoR Education Committee. Tickets can be pur-chased at the WCAoR office or by phone at 255-6211 for $15. The luncheon will be held atWCAoR’s new building at 123 Old Settlers Blvd., Round Rock, Texas 78665 on Thursday,Feb. 19.

Going Green Expo 2009 – April 4thGreen living is becoming more and more important to both REALTORS and consumers

alike. WCAoR will hold its first annual Going Green Expo 2009 at Texas State University in

Update: Our New Building

WCAoR PRESIDENT’S COLUMN

Harry Pokorny, second from left, of Lone Star Properties checks out the blackjack tableas members and guests enjoy after dinner activities at the Williamson County Associationof REALTORS’ installation and awards banquet.


Sheila Hawkins-Bucklew of Hawkins-Bucklew International is the proud recip-ient of the Cultural Awareness Award, presented at the Austin Board of REAL-TORS’ installation and awards banquet.

Sandy Nelson andKim Smith, both ofJB Goodwin REAL-TORS, celebrate theholidays with friendsand coworkers atDel and MargaretWomack’s home.

Reggie Kikta andSteve Kikta joinAnnette Smith atthe RE/MAX AustinAssociates holidaygathering at WineStyles in SouthAustin.




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www.reytex.com©2009 Reytex Homes. Homes must close on or before January 30 2009. Price and incentive subject to change without notice.

Neighborhoods.In all the best locations.

• Minutes from Austin • Access to Major Employers• Parks & Lakes • Close to new Toll Roads

• Shopping • Playgrounds • Schools

1 ChaparralCrossingFrom the $80’s(512) 276-9001

2 Austin’s ColonyFrom the $110’s(512) 276-1300

3 Meadow LakeFrom the $100’s(512) 448-2224

4 Liberty HillFrom the $220’s(512) 515-0330

5 Blanco VistaFrom the $130’s(512) 392-8782

6 Bunton CreekFrom the $110’s(512) 504-3061

5% COMMISSIONON SELECTED SPECS LISTED BELOW

4

21

3

65

Austin’s Colony � From the $110’s � (512) 276-1300SALES BED/

ADDRESS PRICE INCENTIVE PLAN STORIES BATH15216 Parrish $164,115 $21,100 2010 2 3/2.54600 Belfield $115,765 $8,500 1109 1 3/24620 Acers Lane $128,725 SOLD! 1439 2 3/2.54407 Acers Lane $144,545 $13,500 1859 2 3/2.54602 Belfield $117,125 SOLD! 1229 1 3/24506 Acers Lane $126,950 $15,000 1399 1 3/2

Blanco Vista � From the $130’s � (512) 392-8782SALES BED/

ADDRESS PRICE INCENTIVE PLAN STORIES BATH302 Hay Barn $151,130 $21,000 1195 1 3/2239 Hay Barn $194,515 $31,500 2010 2 5/2113 Split Rail $209,895 $26,500 2230 2 4/2.5210 Hay Barn $186,705 $13,700 2012 2 3/2.5206 Hay Barn $147,775 $17,700 1002 1 2/1.5

Bunton Creek � From the $110’s � (512) 504-3061SALES BED/

ADDRESS PRICE INCENTIVE PLAN STORIES BATH1217 Twin Cove $139,990 $24,500 1192 1 3/21205 Twin Cove $148,675 $17,700 1762 2 3/2.51253 Twin Cove $117,200 $10,000 1032 1 2/1.51193 Twin Cove $137,510 $16,500 1402 1 3/2

Meadow Lake � From the $100’s � (512) 448-2224SALES BED/

ADDRESS PRICE INCENTIVE PLAN STORIES BATH2410 Magin Meadow $160,530 $20,500 1990 2 5/27110 Thanna's $168,265 $28,000 2271 2 5/27113 Thanna's Way $173,865 SOLD! 2430 2 5/22508 Andrea Woods $144,500 $16,000 1471 2 3/2.57111 Leppke $124,968 $13,000 1229 1 3/22507 Andrea Woods $128,900 $16,900 1439 1 3/2.57207 Thanna's Way $121,045 $9,000 1229 1 3/27415 Thanna's Way $126,360 $1,000 1310 2 3/2.57417 Thanna's Way $129,360 $14,000 1410 2 3/2.57421 Thanna's Way $126,360 $11,000 1310 2 3/2.57404 Thanna's Way $126,360 $11,000 1310 2 3/2.5

Liberty Hill � From the $220’s � (512) 515-0330SALES BED/

ADDRESS PRICE INCENTIVE PLAN STORIES BATH105 S Rawhide $249,995 $45,000 1868 1 3/2100 S Rawhide Trail $282,624 $42,000 2420 1 4/2205 Bronco $294,741 $29,700 3112 2 5/3

Chaparral Crossing � From the $80’s � (512) 276-9001SALES BED/

ADDRESS PRICE INCENTIVE PLAN STORIES BATH4526 Felicity $153,790 SOLD! 1722 2 4/24618 Best Way $90,965 $12,000 810 1 2/14610 Best Way $99,900 SOLD! 1110 1 3/24623 Best Way $102,390 $10,300 1110 1 3/24627 Best Way $110,340 $12,300 1410 2 3/2.54529 Felicity $119,470 SOLD! 1302 2 3/1.5


Karen McCarty installs Sherri Teepen as the CRS Regional Director for 2009 atthe Westwood Country Club.

Avis Wukasch,standing left to right,of Keller WilliamsRealty, CandyBuzan of PrimeLending and JudyBallard of LonghornTitle extend theirwell wishes to lastyear’s DistinguishedService Awardrecipient, JudiShanklin, seatedleft, and this year’swinner, JanettePolach, seatedright.

Joe Stewart, right, of John Horton Realty, commends Gracie Ruiz, second from right, of IndependenceTitle for being willing to serve as the NAHREP Austin chapter’s secretary for 2009. With them were OscarGarza of the City of Austin, guest Elena Vela and Duve Rodriguez of Travis County.

[email protected] • Direct: 512.314.7337

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Susan Horton and John Horton, both of John Horton Realty, enjoy the festivi-ties at the La Frontera Marriott as colleagues were honored at the WilliamsonCounty Association of REALTORS’ installation and awards banquet for theiryearlong accomplishments.

Richard Martin ofRE/MAX Lake Travisenjoys the annualholiday party for theAustin MortgageBankers Associationwith guests MarieBeerens and DavidSimmers.

Les Sherman ofRE/MAX AustinAssociates andFred Norton ofPrudential TexasRealty arrive at theCRS Installation andAwards Luncheonto show their sup-port for the organi-zation’s new leader-ship for 2009.




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the Neighborhood Housing and Community DevelopmentDepartment to notify non-profit and for-profit developers ofthe availability of bond proceeds to develop affordable hous-ing within the city.

This resolution passed on November 6, and builder mem-bers of the HBA (many of whom base a large part of their busi-ness on affordable housing) are already working with the cityto make affordable inner-city single-family residences accessi-ble to more Central Texas families.

In a growing family population, a diverse mix of housingoptions is necessary to meet the demands of rapid growth and insure that our childrenthrive in family friendly housing, with room to grow and green spaces to play in. It’s ourduty as a region to make sure that those who support our community— our teachers, doc-tors, police officers, artists, public servants, and all our hardworking neighbors— have oursupport in making central Texas their home. The HBA and its builder members fully sup-port council member Martinez’s affordable housing initiatives and we hope that other com-munities will soon follow suit.

To learn more about how to choose a builder or buy a new home, visit the HomeBuilder’s Association of Greater Austin’s Web site at www.AustinHomeBuilders.com; thenclick on consumer resources.


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

As important as housing the American people has become in the national agenda, it’salso something that has inspired every local government in one way or another. The eco-nomic outlook of Greater Austin is arguably different than in other parts of the country—our economy is good, and our population is growing. But the issue of being able to afforda new home is just as important here. As our city grows, its capacity to provide single-fam-ily houses that Central Texas families can afford to call home becomes the deciding issue onwhether or not we can grow sustainably.

Countless studies— conducted by our own HBA and research groups across the coun-try— show how home ownership benefits families. When people can afford to buy a homein the community where they work, they become more involved in their children’s school-ing, they are more active in government, and as a whole feel that they are an important partof a community.

When housing is affordable, mortgage payments don’t consume the family income.Parents have more funds to put food on the table, clothe their children, and enjoy recreationand entertainment with the family. When families have disposable income to spend, oureconomy is healthier.

When new homes are affordable within the city limits, close to the offices, schools, pub-lic departments, hospitals, and stores where people work and get necessary services, theyspend less money on gas, less time in the commute, and have more time to spend with theirfamilies. When people are able to live closer to work, use of mass transit increases and airpollution decreases.

The Home Builders Association (HBA) of Greater Austin is dedicated to supporting CityCouncils in our five-county area find workable solutions for more affordable housing.Recently, Austin City Councilman Mike Martinez championed a resolution in which theCity Manager would identify city owned property suitable for affordable housing develop-ment and work with local builders to create affordable single-family homes; and also direct

Why affordable single-family housing isimportant for a growing Austin

[HBA supports and participates in affordable housing development]

HBA PRESIDENT’S COLUMN

Alex Marer of Gaston & Sheehan Realty, Elda Telle of First American Title and Lisa Loveof PrimeLending enjoy a nice afternoon gathering to ring in the holidays at the FirstAmerican Title Holiday Open House.


Tara Adelman is proud of her husband Barry Adelman. He received the awardfor Rookie of the Year at the Austin Board of REALTORS’ installation and awardsbanquet. Barry is with Realty World Homes and Investments.

Martin Ochs ofH o m e t r u s tMortgage andKenton Brown ofSente Mortgageenjoy a holiday taleat the AustinMortgage BankersAssociation holidayparty at the UTClub.

Kevin Bales and Melinda Carroll, both of First American Title, mingle with Bill Lanfer of AvalarAustin and Yvonne Apoduca of First American Home Buyers Protection at the company’s holidayopen house.


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NAR president Charles McMillan installs Jay Gohil as chairman of the Austin Board of REALTORS at the orga-nization’s gala at the Renaissance Austin Hotel.

Incoming AMBApresident EddieRinehart acceptswords of encour-agement from out-going presidentGary “Bernie”Bernfeld as he isinstalled at theorganization’s holi-day party at the UTClub where manypast presidentswere in atten-dance.

Former WCAoRpresident GloriaA r r o y oRichardson andher husband BillyRichardson attendthe organization’sinstallation andawards banquet tosupport incomingpresident BarbaraWigginton of RealtyE x e c u t i v e sExcellence.

Newly installed WCR president Marie Dang-Schwartzoffers congratulations to Barbara Wigginton prior to herinstallation as president of the Williamson CountyAssociation of REALTORS.

Land Mortgage president Chad Overhouser congratulatesSandy Battise, also of Land Mortgage, for winning Affiliateof the Year at the Austin Board of REALTORS installationand awards gala.

Susan Brown of John Horton Realty enjoys the WilliamsonCounty Association of REALTORS’ installation and awardsbanquet with her husband, Steve Brown.

Rocky Breon and Bettye Turner congratulate Lynda Conway, far left, as she is presented with the Austin Board of REAL-TORS’ REALTOR of the Year award. All three are with JB Goodwin REALTORS.

Russell Lewis of AvenueOne Properties, here with his wifeMargaret Lewis, is honored to have received theCommunity Service Award at the Austin Board of REAL-TORS installation and awards banquet.

Avis Wukasch offers congratulations and some words of encouragement while installing Barbara Wiggintonas the 2009 president of the Williamson County Association of REALTORS.


Brian Pitman andAnn Carson, bothof IndependenceTitle, extend theirappreciation to theaward winners andnew board mem-bers who wereguests of honor atthe WilliamsonCounty Associationof REALTORS’installation andawards banquet.

Lise ReneeSamuels of ExitRealty acceptsthanks from outgo-ing NAHREP presi-dent VictorMontalvo for serv-ing as director ofmembership in2008. She will bepresident-elect for2009.

Reba Saxon of Keller Williams Realty works her waythrough the crowd to accept the award for REALTOR of theYear at the Williamson County Association of REALTORS’installation and awards banquet.

Amy Hutson of Home Warranty of America shows heraward for Affiliate of the Year to her fiance Kirk Kobza at theWilliamson County Association of REALTORS’ installationand awards banquet.

Rudi Rosengarten of Pacesetter Homes and her husbandRandy Rosengarten attend the Austin Board of REALTORSinstallation and awards banquet to honor the new officers andboard of directors.

Felix de Herrera, right, installs Ron Urias of Farmers Insurance as president of the NAHREP Austin chapter at the organi-zation’s Christmas gala held at the Mexican American Cultural Center.

JB Goodwin’s Stuart Sutton and his wife, Rebecca Sutton,visit with Margaret Womack, also of JB Goodwin REAL-TORS during the holiday party hosted by the Womacks eachyear.


One of the benefits of attending the Williamson County Association of REALTORS’installation and awards banquet was getting a chance to bid on a great Christmastree that was already assembled and decorated.

Gay Puckett, 2008regional director,Diane Christy andBill Roquemore,CRS past president,look forward tohelping the newboard lead theorganization in2009.

Congratulations toDiane Christy whowas presentedwith the CRS of theYear award duringthe luncheon.

Gloria ArroyoRichardson ofTown and CountryRealty joins SherryBrowne of SherryBrowne Realty atthe Women’sCouncil of REAL-TORS’ installationand awards lunch-eon at theRenaissance AustinHotel.




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Billy Meyerdirk and Betsy Hodge, both of Austin Inspectors Exchange, place a bid at thesilent auction that was part of the Williamson County Association of REALTORS’ installa-tion and awards banquet.

Julia Bechara, center, of Texas American Title welcomes Melanie Smith, left, of ColdwellBanker United REALTORS, and Diane Christy of Diane Christy REALTORS to the compa-ny’s holiday open house in Cedar Park.

Mary Tran and Bonnie Barrera, both of Independence Title, get their tickets at the regis-tration table with LyLy Fisher of Fisher & Co. Real Estate for the Austin Board of REALTORSinstallation and awards gala.


precisely to support the REALTORS’ timeline.RL: What services do you perform most often?Ellen: Detailed home staging consultation for

occupied homes is the service most REALTORclients provide for their sellers. Investment proper-ty consulting also keeps me busy. My constructionand design background has given me the "eye" forinvestor property rehabs (flips). Another service isin assisting with buyers design choices (flooring,tile, colors, etc) for new construction. The benefit ofmy new-home service is to move the buyerthrough design decisions quickly so that construc-tion can move forward. Full vacant staging (furni-ture and accessories) or vignette staging (acces-sories only) are available through STB.

RL: When people are cutting back costs, how doyou convince clients that your services are essential?

Ellen: It is obvious to most REALTORS that one can't simply place a property on MLSwith a few photos and sell it in this market. Most sellers also recognize the benefits of pro-fessionally preparing their home for presentation due to the large number of televisionstaging programs. Not only is staging essential, it is expected just as much as great photosand competent inspections.

RL: Why should home staging be conducted by a professional?Ellen: Preparing a home for presentation is serious business, one that should not be left

to chance. I compare hiring a professional stager with hiring a licensed REALTOR; experi-ence, real estate knowledge, visual marketing skills and professionalism add up to a quicksale at the best price. REALTORS can check for certification or accreditation atwww.homestagingresource.com or RESA. Active Rain has a very active staging bloggers,too. You can find my blog at: www.stagingaustin.blogspot.com/(don't forget the last back-slash...it is a vital part of the address).

RL: What are your thoughts on the Austin real estate market for 2009?Ellen: This year, more than ever, homes must be in pristine condition as well as being

priced competitively. My REALTOR clients know that the time on market and quality ofoffers is based on both condition and pricing. Potential home buyers are being bombardedwith TV and print ads feeding the fear of a receding economy; 50 percent off here, 60 percentoff there. While retail sales are flat, real estate sales will be steady. The economy may bechanged, but the need for a home in good condition at a fair price stays constant. I stronglybelieve that delivering consistent professional real estate service is the key to thriving in 2009.

By Linda McNabbCONTRIBUTING WRITER

ASSOCIATES IN PROGRESS

SSttaaggiinngg BByy DDeessiiggnn

Many real estate professionals know Ellen Boettcher of Staging By Design (SBD). She has oper-ated her business in Austin for eight years, is a key figure in many real estate organizations and isa frequent presenter at Realty Round Up. Yet there is a lot still to know about this remarkable womanwho helps make REALTORS shine every time they sell a listing more quickly than other agents intown. Realty Line recently visited with her so we could share with you what makes her and her busi-ness essential to today’s real estate market.

RL: What do you want real estate professionals to know about Staging By Design?Ellen: That REALTORS and real estate professionals can expect exceptional homeowner

client-care that will reflect well on their business. I work through REALTORS exclusivelyand represent them professionally to their clients. While it is vital to catch every detail need-ing attention in a home, time and energy is also devoted to helping the listing homeownersview their property from a selling perspective. Changing homeowner perspective to view-ing their property as a product to sell is one of the largest accomplishments in staging. Onceowners make that switch in perception, they are open and highly motivated to make rec-ommended changes to their home.

RL: What makes Staging By Design different from other staging companies?Ellen: Longevity and experience. This year will be our eighth year in business in Austin,

providing the highest level of professionalism and staging skill to top real estate producers.The level of client care and attention to detail are the hallmarks of SBD. My background inhomebuilding and property renovations provides unique knowledge in every aspect ofpresenting a property for sale.

RL: What are the three most important features of your company?Ellen: 1.) High integrity in every level of contact and follow up with clients. REALTORS

can trust me to deliver recommendations to their sellers that may be difficult to hear, anddo so in a professional, caring manner. 2.) Solid staging service based upon the precepts ofvisual marketing, real estate knowledge and design expertise. 3.) Sense of urgency equal tothat of the real estate professional. I know that my work needs to be completed quickly and

Ellen Boettcher


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Sellstate Summit Realty in Georgetown welcomes fouragents to its team

Sellstate Summit Realty in Georgetown is pleased to announce Regina Cox, Willvan der Hoeven, Marcy Ringstaff and Tina Torgrude has joined it growing team.

Regina has been in real estate for over 10 years, working in the Georgetown,Liberty Hill, Cedar Park, and Leander areas. She and her husband live inLiberty Hill.

Will van der Hoeven returns to us from Keller Williams Realty. He has beenin real estate for three years and completed over 30 transactions in last year. Wegladly welcome him back!

Marcy Ringstaff is a native Austinite. She has been in real estate over 10years and loves it! Past clients call her the "House Detective!”

Tina Torgrude has been in the real estate business for two years. She relo-cated from Seattle in 2005 and prides herself on having found a Top ProducingBrokerage with morals and values that will not be compromised.

For more information on our office, please call us at 512-930-7355.

Cox

Real Estate NEWS & NOTES

Shara Parker and Les Shermanawarded the Certified NegotiationExpert (CNE) designation

Shara Parker and Les Sherman have both been awardedthe Certified Negotiation Expert (CNE) designation,achieved by real estate professionals who have successfullycompleted formal training in the art of negotiation. Agentswho receive this certification are in the top 1% of all agents nationally.

Shara and Les are both with RE/MAX Austin Associates since 2004 and 1996, respectively.

Local REALTOR, Susan Brown, achievesNAR’s Green Designation

Susan Brown of John Horton Realty has been awarded theNational Association of REALTORS (NAR) GreenDesignation, the only green real estate professional designa-tion recognized by NAR.

Susan achieved this prestigious designation after complete-ing 18 hours of course work designed specially for REAL-TORS. Susan was trained in understanding what makes aproperty green, helping clients evaluate the cost/benefits ofgreen building features and practices, distinguishing betweenindustry rating and classification systems, listing and market-ing green homes and buildings, discussing the financial grantsand incentives available to homeowners, and helping con-sumers see a property’s green potential.

RE/MAX agent Kathy De La Cruz named TexasAffordable Housing Specialist

RE/MAX Austin Associates agent Kathy De La Cruz hasjoined the worthy cause of helping more Texans achievetheir dreams of homeownership. Completing all requiredcoursework for attaining this specialized knowledge,Kathy has earned the Texas Affordable Housing Specialistcertification and is entitled to use the official TexasAffordable Housing Specialist Logo and name, sanctionedby the Texas Association of REALTORS®.

van der Hoeven Ringstaff

Parker Sherman

Torgrude

De La Cruz

Lunch—and—Learn

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Michael Torrence Named RE/MAX‘Agent of the Quarter’

RE/MAX of Texas has announced that Michael Torrence has been named as anAgent of the Quarter for the 4th quarter of 2008. Among the honors he earned in hisfirst two years since joining RE/MAX are the 2007 Bastrop County Rookie of theYear, and Bastrop Board of Realtors Executive Platinum Award. He is a sterlingTREPAC contributor, member of the Bastrop Chamber of Commerce and is heavilyinvolved in Children’s Miracle Network and the Bastrop Historical Society. Torrence


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When your clients purchase a new Centex home by 1/31/2009 they receive 25% Off Options up to $15,000.*

* Offer available on Centex to-be-built homes only in the greater Austin area on contracts written from 1-1-09 through 1-31-09. Features, options and upgrades will vary per series of homes, per plan and may vary per community. Not valid with anyother offers or discounts and subject to change. See a sales representative for details. Prices subject to change without notice.**Price adjustments were not made in these neighborhoods. New prices apply to to-be-built homes contracted on or after 12-05-08 and do not apply to re-writes. Prices subject to change without notice.


ing infrastruc-ture and a strongt e c h n o l o g yindustry, theCentral Texasregion enjoys areal estate mar-ket with stablehome pricingthat remains inline with localsalaries.

“Whether afirst-time home-buyer, growingfamily or emptynester, now is aperfect time to find that very special place,” Solimine says. “The American dream ofhome ownership is alive and well at Meritage Homes. We are a fixture in just aboutevery one of the city’s most desirable master-planned communities.”

Indeed, location is a tremendous advantage for Meritage in the Austin real estatemarketplace. The builder is very choosy about where it builds, taking into account acces-sibility, schools, shopping, entertainment, recreation and other factors that are critical tocreating life-enhancing communities one home at a time. A sampling of the Meritageneighborhoods spanning Central Texas include Avery Ranch, Behren’s Ranch, FalconPointe, Falconhead, Forest Oaks, Mayfield Ranch, Meridian, Mueller, Pioneer Crossing,Plum Creek, Brushy Creek, Teravista, West Cypress Hills, Barton Creek, Rough Hollowand Steiner Ranch.

“Meritage prides itself on exceptional customer service, from the planning stages tomove-in, and a testament to the company’s success can be found in the number of repeatbuyers and new families that select the builder based on referral from friends and fami-ly,” Solimine says.

Recognized as one of the largest builders in America, and the third-largest builder inAustin, Meritage Homes has for over 20 years set the standard for quality construction,innovative design and customer service in helping families realize the American Dreamof home ownership.

For more information, including pricing, floor plans and community details, call 627-9619 or visit www.MeritageHomes.com.

If you have a buyer who needs a home quickly, this month is a great time to showthem Meritage Homes communities while the builder is conducting the limited-timeGreen Tag Sales Event. Your buyer will have more than 80 “ready for move-in” homes toconsider and could win enough cash to buy a high definition television and more fortheir new living room.

Meritage Homes launched the event in anticipation of families planning a new homepurchase in 2009. It is a great opportunity for prospective homebuyers to visit one of its30 communities, tour the models and compare its level of service, construction and pric-ing to other builders. While there, REALTORS and their prospective buyers get to regis-ter for a chance to win a $3,000 shopping spree at Best Buy.

“Meritage has a very diverse line-up of homes in some of Austin’s top communitiesthat are perfect for first-time and move-up homebuyers alike,” says April Solimine, VicePresident of Sales and Marketing. “This Green Tag Sales Event is a great opportunity forfamilies to move into a community that matches their every need, whether it be highlyregarded schools, access to nearby businesses or proximity to shopping, entertainmentand other amenities of interest to them.”

REALTORS will be interested to know that Meritage Homes specializes in helpingfamilies find the right home in the right place for the right price, which in turn makes iteasier for REALTORS to shine. This is made possible by the builder’s diverse lineup ofofferings, which range from the $100’s to over $1 million.

“During Meritage Home's Green Tag Sales Event, buyers can find a home with dis-tinctive design, breathtaking features and true value— all for a payments as low as $746a month,” Solimine says.

While many housing markets across the country enter a new year facing less thanfavorable forecasts due to national economic conditions, Austin continues to buck thetrend. Thanks to an incomparable quality of life, backed by low unemployment, improv-

Falconhead - San Luis

By Linda McNabbCONTRIBUTING WRITER

ASSOCIATES IN PROGRESS


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

For more information, visit www.steinerranch.com


Stacey Hurley of Mitzkat and Associates makes her way to the podium at theWCAoR installation and awards banquet to accept the award for Rookie of theYear.

Sherry Scales andSylvia Pack, both ofR E /MA X A u s t i nSkyline visit withcolleagues at theChristmas party thecompany held at itsmain office on BeeCave.

Chris Sachs and Janet Dean, both of JB Goodwin REALTORS, share some holiday cheer withSytha Minter of Horizon Realty at the Austin Board of REALTORS’ installation and awards banquet.


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

Sabrina Shaddix466-1180

Mark Hoffman785-3279

Shannon Smith560-4590

NoT picTured: Michael ray, 784-8488

Tretha Harris601-613-9269

Gina Knight705-4462

Newly installedABoR chairman JayGohil and NAHREPpresident RonUrias, with wifeSandy Urias, arriveat the La FronteraMarriott to offer theirsupport to BarbaraWigginton who wasinstalled as presi-dent of theWilliamson CountyAssociation ofREALTORS.

Eddie Rinehart, far right, of Treaty Oak Mortgage will serve as president of the Austin MortgageBankers Association in 2009 and will be supported by board members, from left, Mike Carroll,Kenton Brown and Doug Scott.

Cindie Brooks of Chicago Title and Mark Minchew of RE/MAX AustinAssociates check out new wines at Wine Styles in South Austin at the RE/MAXAustin Associates’ holiday party.


Karen Williams of North American Title congratulates Nicole Boynton of SkyRealty on her year as the Williamson County Association of REALTORS’ Rookieof the Year. Nicole will serve as chair of this year’s Tech Tune Up.

Erin Cook ofN e w l a n dCommunities visitswith EdgarFigueroa of WiFiAlliance and ColetteFitzgerald of KBHome in the lobbyof the RenaissanceAustin Hotel prior toentering the ball-room for the AustinBoard of REAL-TORS’ installationand awards ban-quet.

Patricia Wagner ofDHI Mortgageenjoys the NAHREPinstallation andChristmas Gala atthe MexicanAmerican CulturalCenter with her hus-band WadeWagner. She was amember of theinstallation commit-tee.




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Association executive Marjorie Phillips of the Williamson County Association ofREALTORS and director Victoria Reviel of ZIP Realty get ready to enjoy a yearend celebration at the organization’s installation and awards banquet.

Norma Sizemore,left, and PhillipGutierres, both ofRE/MAX AustinSkyline, welcomeFran Pullin of FirstAmerican Title to thec o m p a n y ’ sChristmas party.

Incoming board members are installed at the NAHREP installation and Christmas gala. From left:Alicia Cabezuela, Gracie Ruiz, Nicole Cooke, Gloria Guzman, Ron Urias, Lise Renee Samuels,Victor Montalvo and Oliva Lerma.


Copyright © 2008 Prices, plans, specifications, square footage and availability are subject to change without prior notice or prior obligation. Square footage is approximate and may vary upon elevations and/or options selected. Elevation materials will vary per community specifications. Financing offer is subject to buyer qualifications and subject to change without notice. Call community sales manager for details.

TERAVISTA512.670.34484104 Grand Vista Circle, Round Rock, TX 78665 • 512.670.3448

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4/3.5/3

3/2/3

$271,990

$299,990

$299,990

SOLD

$289,990

$314,990

ynwood

E. Park St.

ynwood

E. Park St.

ynwood

E. Park St.

railTynwood

S. LS. Lynwood

Red

Bud

John Onken

$334,990

$274,990

$309,990

$291,990

$299,990

$299,990

S.1s

t. St

.S.

1st.

St.

S.1s

t. St

.

$269,990

$334,990

Creek DrSullyCreek Dr.Creek Dr

3108 Caballo Ranch Bvd, Cedar Park, TX 78613

3108 Caballo Ranch Bvd, Cedar Park, TX 78613 • 512.260.4123om HarmonTTom Harmon

$295,990

$299,990

$269,990

$264,990

$309,990

snoitacificeps,snalp,secirP8002©thgirypoCand subject to change without notice. Call community sales manager for details.

ohtiwegnahcottcejbuseraytilibaliavadnaegatooferauqs,sand subject to change without notice. Call community sales manager for details.

TERAista Circle, Round Rock, TX 78665 • 512.670.34484104 Grand V

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AVISTVISTATERATERAVISTista Circle, Round Rock, TX 78665 • 512.670.3448

NOOSGNIMO

Charlene Mosso 512.529.4789

.detcelessnoitporo/dnasnoitavelenopuyravyamdnaetam

$295,990

512.670.3448

.snoitacificepsytinummocrepyrryavlliwslairetamnoitavelE Financing of

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Round RockFrom the $300s

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fer is subject to buyer qualifications Financing ofFinancing offer is subject to buyer qualifications

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The BACK PAGE

32 wwwwww..rreeaallttyylliinneeoonnlliinnee..ccoomm RReeaallttyy LLiinnee ooff AAuussttiinn January 2009

Carol Medley Parker and Socar Chatmon-Thomas, both of Coldwell Banker UnitedREALTORS, are installed into their new positions for the Austin Board of REALTORS alongwith John Horton of John Horton Realty.

Janette Polach of Terra Properties in Taylor accepts the DistinguishedService Award from president Gary Cocanougher at the Williamson CountyAssociation of REALTORS’ installation and awards banquet.

Marie Dang-Schwartz, right, of Realty Executives Austin accepts the gavel from outgoing WCR presidentLinda Hall of Realty Executives Excellence during the WCR Installation and Awards Luncheon.

Gloria Guzman of Realm Professionals will be director of membership forthe NAHREP Austin chapter this year after having served as treasurerunder president Victor Montalvo, right, of Exit Realty.

Congratulations to WCR’s award winners! Michelle Hagens, Rookie of the Year; Susanna Boyer, REAL-TOR of the Year; Linda Knowles-Katz, Affiliate of the Year; and Jeanne Butterfield, LifetimeAchievement. These ladies were recognized at the annual installation luncheon.

Mary Kelly and Marty Kelly of ZIP Realty visit with Allison Craig of Gracy Title afterenjoying a great dinner at the Williamson County Association of REALTORS’ installationand awards banquet.

RealtyLine_Jan_09

Documents

affiliate member

abor member formore

gri designation

installation committees

awards gala

renaissance austin hotel

community servicerussell

yearlynda conway