Go Local!

Any idea how many Realtors there are in Austin?? Any guesses?? There are about 8500 Realtors in Austin.  And why  wouldn't there be?? Austin is an AMAZING place to live! If you don’t live here, you want too, that’s the absolute truth. Austin affects everyone, even Realtors.  What that means, is that a huge number of Austin Realtors are  actually NOT from Austin.  Hmmm, interesting.  

 Do you want to take a tour of Italy, with a tour guide from Jersey?? Of course not.  So why, when buying a home in Austin, would you choose a Realtor who has only been in the area for a few years?  Yes, they know Real Estate, but do they know AUSTIN?? Anyone call tell you to go eat at Home Slice, but can they tell you the story behind Dan’s and Fran’s? Do they even KNOW Dan’s or Fran’s? Did they know South Congress BEFORE it was “SoCo”? Did they know Austin BEFORE Whole Foods was around? Before 78704 was “trendy”? Do they remember the first Taco Cabana? Do they remember the first Zilker train? Did they ever shop at Highland Mall, or even remember when it WAS a mall? Do they remember when Mueller was an actual airport, and not a subdivision? Do they remember Austin Aqua Fest?  Did they go to Austin schools or play at Austin Parks as a child?   Do they remember when “71” was actually “Ben White”?? I do, I know and remember all of these things and so so many more.  I am a TRUE Austinite, not a transplant.  I played at Zilker Park as a child, and so have my children.  All I know and love about this amazing City, I have passed on to my kids as well.

 So many of us are so focused on “going local”, yet we fail to do that when it comes to one of the biggest decisions we can make.  When searching for a home, why would you not choose a Realtor who not only knows the market, but knows the city as well?

-Am I saying that if you aren't from Austin, you aren't a good Realtor? Absolutely not! The majority of local Realtors are well educated in their profession and do a stand up job. 

Why settle for “well educated” though, when you can have so much more? Choose a Realtor who not only knows the home buying process inside and out; but one who knows her city inside and out as well. Go Local! 

Leasing Tips

~If you’re thinking of leasing soon, here are a few things to consider before you begin your search:

Most landlords will not hold a property for longer than 2 to 3 weeks.  If your move date is not for another month or longer,  please keep in mind that any properties you go out and view now might not be available when it comes time to actually sign a lease.  I always advise my clients to review properties online to get an idea of what they will get for their price range, etc.,  but not to physically go out and view them until about 30 days before.

If you have pets, be sure to let your Agent know this.  Aggressive breeds are harder to place, so keep this in mind as well.

The ideal tenant should have a monthly income of three times the amount of the rent and should have current rental history with no late payments or broken leases.

Most properties will require an application fee up front (usually anywhere between $35 to $50 per applicant) and the security deposit up front as well, which is usually equal to the first month’s rent.  If you have pets, there will be a pet deposit as well.

These are just a few things to consider when preparing to lease.  If you have any questions, or would like some additional information, please do not hesitate to contact me!

  

Trinity Valero

Keller Williams Realty

Cell (512)626-2262

Fax (512) 623-6239