How many realitors did you talk with? (Austin, Center: flat fee, real estate)

[MarknEurope]

Curious how many realestate agents some of you used at the same time inorder to find your prefect home?

[AustinTraveler]

There's no reason to use more than one agent if you get a good buyer's agent. Remember, if you are dealing with the agent who has the house listed, he/she is working for the seller, not the buyer.

I did go through three agents before I found one I really liked. A lot of them just tell you what they think is best for you without actually listening to you. The one I finally ended up working with (for six months!) was great and honestly had my best interests at heart.

I will say though, and I've said this before, we rented for seven months before we bought a house. I cannot stress enough how much better that is than buying immediately. We ended up buying in a neighborhood completely different than what I originally was looking at.

Good luck with your move!!

[chaz longue]

I'm a Realtor.

I'd ask for personal referrals, then I'd interview two or three and pick one. Competent Realtors who belong to the MLS and have had some experience are all going to offer you the same access to properties. So it's true, you'll be well served by choosing one after you find somebody you're comfortable with. Make sure the one you pick knows how to listen, can communicate well with you, and belongs to the MLS. Some advanced training / professional designation(s) in relevant areas would be comforting. I'd want good answers to all my "what if" questions about the process of finding financing and closing on a place.

Will the Realtor set up automatic email notification of new listing in your criteria? That'll let you see the new properties LONG before they are advertised in print.

Will you be working directly with the Realtor you're interviewing - or an assistant/buyer specialist etc? Who'll actually sit down to write the offer when you've just found the place you want to write an offer on...

Will the Realtor orient you to the market and show you what properties like the ones you're looking for actually sold for?

Can you have a client relationship with the agent? What if you become interested in a property listed by his/her company?

What if you want info on property owned by an "unrepresented seller" (that's the new term of art for "fsbo", friends).

Can the agent show you some written references?

Can the agent suggest a good Professional Property Inspector? a good Mortgage person? An good Real Estate attorney who does little else and charges a flat fee (if attorneys conduct closings and represent buyers in your state).

[gigi927]

I'd say I have to disagree with AT about renting before owning. It all depends on one's personal situation and philosophy about finances, but my husband and I don't believe in spending money on housing that you don't get back, especially if it's for 6 months or more. 6 months at $1000 a month is a down payment on a house to many families. Unless where you pick is a complete and total nightmare, I think anyone can stand to be in one place for the 2 years required to avoid capital gains tax when you do decide to sell and move elsewhere. This is all the more true in a place where homes are appreciating, like central Texas, v. a place where the market has slowed considerably and prices are declining.

My view is that if you have a very good idea of what you want in terms of area, lifestyle, neighborhood and home, that you can find the right house in the right place without having to rent. The caveat is this approach may require time and patience; if you don't have both of those, then renting may be the best way to go.

[austin_or_sd]

Originally Posted by gigi927

This is all the more true in a place where homes are appreciating, like central Texas, v. a place where the market has slowed considerably and prices are declining.

How did house appeciate in recent years? Any official data available?

[mrsengle]

Austin or sd, here is a reference:

http://crosslandteam.com/blog/2006/0...-appreciation/

Also, check out the Real Estate Center at A&M: http://recenter.tamu.edu/

[gigi927]

You can also search the Austin Statesman real estate section for news online...there is an article practically every week in there or in the Austin Business Journal about central Texas and how it has been a very steady market compared to most of the rest of the U.S. and that it will continue to grow.

[Ellen K]

I agree with the Austin Traveler. If you have never lived in Texas or Austin, I would strongly recommend renting for 6+ months and get to know the area. It is expensive to move, I know. But, It is expensive to buy a home and then decide that you are in the wrong location or the wrong house and have to sell it. On the other hand if you have friends family here and know what location you want then it is just a matter of finding a home that suits you (that is the easy part, location is the hard part).

Also, finding the right agent is just a matter of personality like everything else. Another factor of course if their familiarity with the area. I am a REALTOR and there are some areas I don't work in because I am not familiar enough with them and feel as if I would not serve you well. In that instance I have a list of agents I know that work in certain areas or markets (such as Downtown Condos, Luxury,Golf, etc.) and I refer my clients to them.

[TanikaW]

We relocated from California and just packed up and moved to Steiner Ranch. We knew the minute we toured the neighborhood. We had only spent 2 days in the area. I really think if you know what you are looking for no need to waste money on rent/storage costs. I have not regretted our move for a second. Schools were very important to us as well as scenery, hills, trees, etc. Our agent was great though and that helped. You should really only need one agent.