November 2008

Austin is known for being environmentally friendly – and now local REALTORS® can earn a designation to prove it.  On Monday, December 8 and Tuesday, December 9, ABoR is offering agents an opportunity to attend the Green Designation Program at a special discount rate of $150.  The course price is usually $275.

The Green Designation Program is recognized by the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) and provides students with a broad understanding of green real estate principles.  Topics include sustainability, smart growth, industry ratings and consumer education.  The course will be held from noon to 7:30 p.m. on December 8 and 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. on December 9.  Seating is limited, so click here to register today.

ABoR is excited to announce that our city leaders have adopted a voluntary approach to energy efficiency that does not include mandatory energy efficiency upgrades for homeowners.  What it does include is passage last week of an Energy Efficiency Ordinance, which requires some Austin homeowners to conduct energy audits of homes for sale.

“Energy efficiency is very important to Austinites, and it’s becoming a more important component in marketing homes.  By having this information available, sellers can earn a premium price for energy upgrades and buyers will be more informed about the properties they purchase,” said ABoR Chairman Socar Chatmon-Thomas.  “It’s always in our clients’ best interest to provide as much information as possible about a property. These energy audits will give us one more tool to market properties and educate our clients so they can make decisions that are best for their bottom lines.”

Upon the adoption of the Energy Efficiency Ordinance, Austin Mayor Will Wynn offered this statement : “We believe this program will result in dramatic energy savings at our electric utility and in household budgets.  Most of the time people will do what’s in their economic self-interest – and when they see the math, the savings from basic efficiency upgrades will be too obvious to ignore.” 

Don’t miss a minute of the quality service and representation you rely on from ABoR – renew your association membership by December 15! Invoices will be distributed on November 15. If you have opted to receive paperless statements, your invoice will arrive electronically. Payments may be made online, or in person at the ABoR offices, located at 10900 Stonelake Blvd., Ste. 100, Austin, Texas 78759.

Your ABoR membership provides you with a host of great resources including a variety of MCE and designation courses, increased REALTOR® visibility through our ongoing public awareness campaign, protection from legislation that threatens your industry, and timely news updates from print and electronic publications. Click here to learn more about how ABoR is working for you. If you have questions regarding your membership dues, contact the Membership Department.

Set your sights on success in 2009.  On Tuesday, January 6, ABoR and the Home Builder’s Association of Greater Austin (HBA) will present the 2009 Housing Forecast, aimed at helping you prosper in the coming year.  The program is open only to ABoR and HBA members and will take place from 7:30 to 11 a.m. at the Renaissance Austin Hotel.

Speakers for this exclusive event include Jon Hockenyos, president of Texas Perspectives, Eldon Rude, director of MetroStudy for the Austin market, and Gary Farmer, president of Heritage Title.  Tickets for the 2009 Housing Forecast are $75 each.  ABoR members may purchase tickets online or by contacting Rita Barousse.

The annual Realty Round Up trade show brings you the latest industry news, education and resources in one fun-filled day.  But we need your input to make it even better.  Complete this brief survey to let us know what you think of Realty Round Up.  Take the survey by December 8 and you’ll also be entered for a chance to win a $50 Home Depot gift card.  Both attendees and non-attendees are invited to share their opinions.

Recent economic uncertainty has placed the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) in the spotlight. In response, NAR has compiled a fact sheet for REALTORS® showing how real estate agents and their clients will be affected by changing FDIC insurance policies. Escrow accounts, personal accounts and business accounts are discussed. Click here to read the full article (NAR login required).