Real Estate For A Cause

Incorporating philanthropy and real estate, give realty seeks to change the world.

By Katie Byland

Among many inspirational women in Austin is y, broker and founder of Give Realty, an Austin-based philanthropic real-estate brokerage that is setting out to transform the world by living its motto, “Change your address. Change the world.”

In pursuit of her passion for real estate, Loew took a leap of faith and launched her company in July 2008 in hopes of setting herself apart from more than 10,000 real-estate agents in Austin and giving back to her community. When clients buy or sell a home with Give Realty, the company donates 25 percent of its commission to a nonprofit organization of the client’s choice, in their name. Every agent who works for Give Realty is a volunteer or board member at a local nonprofit, but, as a whole, their philanthropic efforts have a nationwide outreach. They believe in ethical real-estate practices and giving their time and talent to the nonprofit community. Loew is specifically passionate about her philanthropic work with Leadership Austin, sitting on the board, and Greenlights for Nonprofit Success, an organization for which she is a social venture partner.

“I fell in love with the whole idea and promised myself that I would stay true to myself, no matter how hard it got, and it did get hard,” Loew says. “It has been rewarding since the very first donation. I get the greatest satisfaction, not only from helping my clients, but supporting something that they are passionate about.”

2011 was the tipping point for Give Realty, and it is rapidly approaching its $500,000 mark in donations. Because its clients’ passions are wide-ranging, clients can make their donations to the nonprofit organizations of their choice. They can also choose for their donations to go toward specific projects within an organization. Some of the latest donations include Austin Pets Alive!, the American Cancer Society, One Human Race and the American Red Cross of Central Texas.

Setting an example that it’s possible to give back and do well in business, Loew has inspired many people throughout Austin, and her clients often tell her they have started to give more and are invested long term in their philanthropic efforts, due to her influence.

“I would love to see every agent in the nation do something for the community, whether it is giving money, volunteering or just becoming engaged,” Loew says. “This is just a stepping stone on a very long path of linking philanthropy and business.”

For Loew, her idea of sharing her success while taking that important step to give back has paid off, both personally and professionally, and has become a journey she is pleased to share.

Dancing With the Stars
Dec. 6, 7 p.m.
Hilton Austin, 500 E. Fourth St.‎
centerforchildprotection.org

Austin Woman December Launch Party
Dec. 8, 6 to 8 p.m.
Abbey Rose, 3300 Bee Caves Rd., #440
austinwomanmagazine.com

Ninth Annual Heart & Soul Luncheon
Dec. 10, 10:30 a.m. JW Marriott, 110 E. Second St.
riseschoolaustin.org

Texas Women in Business Monthly Luncheon
Dec. 18, 11 a.m.
Shoal Creek Crossing Center, 8611 N. Mopac Expressway
texaswomeninbusiness.org

Armadillo Christmas Bazaar
Dec. 15–24, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Palmer Events Center, 900 Barton Springs Road
armadillobazaar.com

Photo by Trevor Ray Thompson.