Real estate agent advice needed (Austin, San Angelo: leasing, credit, houses)

[eddy2010]

We're relocating to either Austin or San Angelo and heading there for a week in April to check things out. Is it worth it to meet with an agent for the week we're there to check out properties? We're also thinking of renting for a couple of months before buying. Will an agent help us find a place to rent and continue working with us to find just the right home?

We've used agents who were friends for the homes we've bought in south Florida, so we've never dealt with a long distance relocation. Thanks for any advice.

[17AnnMarie]

I know a few agents that can take care of you. Austin folks you will find to be very nice & helpful.

[milan1622]

Hi, I'm not from the area, but as a real estate agent I just want to remind you of the tax credit available; up to $8,000, or $6,500 depending on if you are a first time buyer or purchasing another home, after living in one 5 out of the last 8 years. You must have a contract on a home, by April 30,2010, and close by June 30th. You should have your friends, who are realtors contact someone in the area, and set you up to look while you are in the area.

[ROY DUBOSE]

Originally Posted by milan1622

Hi, I'm not from the area, but as a real estate agent I just want to remind you of the tax credit available; up to $8,000, or $6,500 depending on if you are a first time buyer or purchasing another home, after living in one 5 out of the last 8 years. You must have a contract on a home, by April 30,2010, and close by June 30th. You should have your friends, who are realtors contact someone in the area, and set you up to look while you are in the area.

and if it's angelo, i've got a friend that's going to be moving to san antonio before long and will be selling her house --

[eddy2010]

Originally Posted by ROY DUBOSE

and if it's angelo, i've got a friend that's going to be moving to san antonio before long and will be selling her house --

We're waiting for job info to come through to find out if San Angelo or Austin is where we're headed, then we'll start the house hunt. We may DM you at that time.

Thank you so much to everyone for all the help and advice!

[eddy2010]

Originally Posted by milan1622

Hi, I'm not from the area, but as a real estate agent I just want to remind you of the tax credit available; up to $8,000, or $6,500 depending on if you are a first time buyer or purchasing another home, after living in one 5 out of the last 8 years. You must have a contract on a home, by April 30,2010, and close by June 30th. You should have your friends, who are realtors contact someone in the area, and set you up to look while you are in the area.

Forgive my ignorance - can you tell us what the tax credit is about and how we can find more info about it?

[ROY DUBOSE]

Originally Posted by eddy2010

Forgive my ignorance - can you tell us what the tax credit is about and how we can find more info about it?

Federal Housing Tax Credit: Home (http://www.federalhousingtaxcredit.com/ - broken link)

[eddy2010]

Originally Posted by ROY DUBOSE

Federal Housing Tax Credit: Home (http://www.federalhousingtaxcredit.com/ - broken link)

perfect, thanks!

[TexasHorseLady]

Absolutely, get an agent to take you around and show you houses and neighborhoods. Some agents will also handle helping you find a house to lease (it's an extra charge to be on that part of the MLS, so not all do it). And leasing for a few months beforehand (though it's hard to find a lease for less than six months, usually 12) is an excellent idea to familiarize yourself with an area to find out where you REALLY want to live, hard to do in just a few days - I have lots of clients who go that route and then work with me later to buy a home when they are sure where they want to be. (Sometimes that changes dramatically during that period of time as you find out more about the place you've moved and even about yourself, oddly enough.)