March 2008

    During my office visits over the past two months, I have been asked quite a few     questions about how to use the MLXchange system. Here are some of the most     frequently asked questions and my tips for using the system:

    You can! The easiest way to do this is to open a new window. Press and hold
the “Ctrl” (Control) key then press “N.” In Windows, this shortcut will open a new browser window. And if you are in MLXchange, this new window will open to the MLXchange home page.

Before I log in to the system, I empty my “Recycle Bin,” and delete temporary internet files and cookies. There are a couple of ways to do this: you can remove these files manually or use anti-spyware software.

When you are on the details page, look at the menu located on the left side. From this menu, you can access additional information on the listing, including REALIST tax data, the property history and images.

I hope these tips are helpful as you navigate the robust MLXchange system. Send your questions to me at 2008Chairman@gmail.com

Thanks!

Socar Chatmon-Thomas

2008 Chairman of the Board

Thanks to last year’s amendment to the Texas Constitution, you are not required to pay tax on any personally owned vehicle that is also used for business purposes. However, you may need to file an annual exemption form in order to avoid this tax. Those districts that require an exemption to be filed must receive your 2007 exemption by April 1; your 2008 exemption is due April 30.

To find out how to file your exemption, contact your local appraisal district. Click here for contact information for appraisal districts in the ABoR service area. Travis county residents should complete the form available here.

This bi-annual MLS billing covers services for April through September. MLS participation fees submitted by mail must be postmarked no later than March 15. Fees postmarked after that date will be assessed a $25 late fee. Save the postage by paying online! Log in to “My Account” to pay your MLS fees today.

Registration is now underway for the ever-popular ABoR TREPAC Golf Tournament. Scheduled for April 14, the 2008 tournament will be held at the championship course of Teravista Golf Club.

This year’s tournament is limited to 144 players. Don’t miss the opportunity to play; register early! Registration is $125 per player. Click here for a registration form.

If you aren’t up for golfing but still want to show your support, consider becoming a Golf Tournament advertiser. To register or for more information on advertising, contact Emily Chenevert, PAC coordinator, at 512/454-7636, ext. 1501.

ABoR and the Travis County Tax Assessor’s Office are proud to unveil a new Web resource REALTORS® can use to assist their clients: www.movethevotetravis.com. This Web site includes all of the key details home buyers and sellers need to move their voter registration, as well as information on upcoming election dates and registration deadlines.

REALTORS® are encouraged to share this Web site with their clients. Under the “For REALTORS®” section, members will find information on other ways they can get involved in the Move the Vote campaign.

Throughout the year, the Abor.com home page will feature members sharing why they value their ABoR membership and how they are involved in the association. Members interested in having their testimonial included online may access submission forms at http://www.abor.com/pdf/iamabor.pdf. Entries are due on Friday, May 2, and may be sent by fax to 512/454-5369, Attn: Marketing or e-mailed to marketing@abor.com.

The Austin Board of REALTORS® (ABoR) is proud to announce Sara and Dick Rathgeber as recipients of the 2008 Most Worthy Citizen Award. Since 1949, ABoR has bestowed this prestigious annual award on members of the Austin-area community who have demonstrated active and consistent concern for others’ welfare.

An advocate for abused and neglected children, Sara Rathgeber has served as president of charities including The Settlement Club and Helping Hand Home for Children and has been an Austin’s Children Shelter board member for over 10 years. She and her husband donated $2.7 million in land and funds and helped raise nearly $12.9 million for the shelter’s new campus, which recently began construction in East Austin’s Rathgeber Village.

Dick Rathgeber established Southwest Constructors in 1958 and has since provided numerous demolition projects clearing the way for buildings such as the Austin Convention Center, Texas School for the Deaf and Austin-Bergstrom International Airport. He has consistently helped local charities and hospitals by acquiring land sites, facilitating construction, raising funds and donating land, money and demolition services.

The Rathgebers were honored as Outstanding Philanthropist of the Year by the Association of Fundraising Professionals Greater Austin Chapter earlier this year and named Austin’s Best Citizen by the Austin Chronicle in 2007.

ABoR’s Most Worthy Citizen Luncheon will be at the Renaissance Austin Hotel in the Arboretum on Friday, April 11, from 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. Purchase tickets for $30 by contacting Rita Barousse at 512/454-7636, ext. 1603.