Thank you for contacting me. If you are moving to Austin why of course you want to call me! 512-922-4922 is my mobile.
This is an important question no matter where you are relocating to. why? because you are not only choosing a Realtor to assist you in getting set up in a new place but you are also choosing a partner in the transaction. Your Realtor of choice should be keeping your best interest in mind at all times, guarding your privacy and giving you the time you need to make the best decision. This will help reduce the ever present stress involved with any move and also helps manage your valuable time.
If you find someone that will send you listings and tell you to drive by the listings when you are in town and call them if you want to see anything you may want to reconsider engaging them for your search. This is a true scenario I have seen times and in my opinion is not the sign of someone that is going to spend a lot of time representing your best interest.
1st thing you need to do is contact a licensed Realtor so that you can discuss your goals relative to a move into the Austin area.
If you know a trusted Realtor/Broker in your home town ask them if they have a recommendation of a broker. Now of course this might single that you are moving so their ears may perk up a bit so make sure you have a plan of action on your current housing situation. Also be aware that if this Realtor/Broker refers you to the right agent they may be receiving a referral fee from the agent on the other side. It is OK because this is a professional courtesy and should in no way affect the services you are going to receive by the new agent. It also makes asking for the referral a little easier because some folks think it may be an imposition to ask. don't let it be Realtors love the opportunity to refer a client to a new market even though they may be a little sad you are leaving!
Why is it important to choose the right Realtor? because they will become a partner in your search for your property. If you find someone that will send you listings and tell you to drive by the listings when you are in town and call them if you want to see anything you may want to reconsider engaging them for your search. This actually happens and is not the sign of someone that is going to spend a lot of time representing your best interest.
There are a few ways you can find the right agent. You can search the commercial real estate sites like Trulia and Zillow but I will caution you not to go solely on the recommendations of "neighborhood experts" or "top producers" on these sites. These are usually paid positions that the agents have invested in to get to the top exposure and more leads. It does not always mean they are the experts in the areas they appear in. They aren't cheap either and this is a testament to consumer trust in "if it says they are the expert than they must be the expert".
The key to all of the social media platform based Realtors is you need to take additional steps once you have identified an individual. When I have a vendor/client I want to know more about I start with a Google or Bing search. This usually produces additional web exposure on the individual. Including Linked in, personal web sites, yelp reviews etc..
All successful realtors will be able to provide you with references of previous clients so make sure you ask and follow through contacting these references. Like job applications you want to make sure the references are real (one good indication about the agents character!) and gives you a chance to ask the reference about things you find important when working with agent. for instance:" Were they professional", "helpful and honest in opinions", "dedicated", "trustworthy" whatever criteria you are looking for in a representative.
Jen I hope this helps you with the beginning of your thought process. Wherever you end up moving I wish you the best and hope all of your transactions are successful ones.
Holiday wishes for everyone
Bob Kenney, Realtor
VP Turnquist Partners Realtors
Mobile/Text 512-922-4922
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