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Old 11-02-2011, 03:33 PM
 
1 posts, read 1,629 times
Reputation: 10

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I've been reading the forum for awhile now and finally decided to register and start posting. I have a question about the general outlook for the real estate market in SW Austin.
We bought our house about 3 years ago and would like to sell it. We don't have to sell it, but would like to buy in Eanes. My kids go to a Christian private school that isn't living up to our expectations. I know we could transfer, but we don't want to deal with the possibility of the school not renewing the transfer.
I'm sure we will take a loss on the sale since we bought at the height of the market, but was wondering what the overall outlook was for homes in the 600K + range.
Also, I noticed that our area is dominated by two big realtors, but I haven't been impressed with either one of them. They haven't been timely in responding, and I think they prefer to concentrate on higher priced homes. What is the current thinking on using a "neighborhood specialist" versus just using an agent with a broader area of concentration?

Thank you so much!
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Old 11-02-2011, 09:31 PM
 
675 posts, read 1,905,219 times
Reputation: 372
I would agree that the home might not be more than what you paid, but in general I see Southwest Austin as still booming. With all the new stuff developed in the past three years, and the exciting things to come (Alamo Drafthouse, etc.), good to excellent schools, green space and the proximity to downtown, I think southwest Austin isn't going to be as depressed as other areas. I guess it does depend on how far out you live. I'd imagine that Circle C and north of that are stable. When you get further out than that, it might be a crapshoot depending on the house just due to having a longer commute.
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Old 11-02-2011, 11:25 PM
 
13 posts, read 37,854 times
Reputation: 11
Avoid the bonehead realtor fees and do a direct MLS listing. I sold a home in Circle C using Moderator cut: real estate link If you price it right, it will sell.

Last edited by Bo; 11-03-2011 at 08:38 AM.. Reason: Per TOS, share real estate links via Direct Message only. It's fairer to the fine RE pros who post at City-Data.
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Old 11-03-2011, 07:19 PM
 
Location: SW Austin & Wimberley
6,333 posts, read 18,056,449 times
Reputation: 5532
Quote:
What is the current thinking on using a "neighborhood specialist" versus just using an agent with a broader area of concentration?
I can't think of a good reason to not use an agent who knows the area and neighborhoods well, versus one you might like better but who isn't as active or knowledgeable.

Do you want a spinal surgeon repairing your back, or a general practiioner. Do you want a Volvo Mechanic or a guy who works mostly on Hondas fixing your Volvo?

Knowledge without competence isn't valuable, so you do have to watch that. You don't need a good BSer, but an agent with expertise in your neighborhood and a proven track record of selling listings in your price range is more valuable that I think you realize.

Steve
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Old 11-03-2011, 11:02 PM
 
Location: Greater Seattle, WA Metro Area
1,930 posts, read 6,535,543 times
Reputation: 907
If you do sell on your own, you might consider a pre-appraisal to make sure you are truly understanding what your home is worth. If it's priced wrong, it can hurt you either way. I have a client who is a neighborhood specialist primarily in SW Austin and they do very well in their niche and they know their market well.

Circle C has a record low number of homes on the market right now. But given your price range, I'm not sure if you are referring to CC. $600K is a lot of house in SW Austin.
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Old 11-05-2011, 10:43 PM
 
648 posts, read 1,964,654 times
Reputation: 184
Quote:
Originally Posted by austin-steve View Post
I can't think of a good reason to not use an agent who knows the area and neighborhoods well, versus one you might like better but who isn't as active or knowledgeable.

Do you want a spinal surgeon repairing your back, or a general practiioner. Do you want a Volvo Mechanic or a guy who works mostly on Hondas fixing your Volvo?

Knowledge without competence isn't valuable, so you do have to watch that. You don't need a good BSer, but an agent with expertise in your neighborhood and a proven track record of selling listings in your price range is more valuable that I think you realize.

Steve

How well does one have to know the neighborhood? If they aren't responsive, they can botch a sale.
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Old 11-06-2011, 07:48 AM
 
Location: SW Austin & Wimberley
6,333 posts, read 18,056,449 times
Reputation: 5532
Quote:
Originally Posted by Exiled Texan View Post
How well does one have to know the neighborhood? If they aren't responsive, they can botch a sale.
Define "responsive".

Steve
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