I know this has been asked several times before, because I've read them, but without access to the search I can't find the threads.

I'm beginning the process of “stimulating our local economy”, and looking for a home. I need some good references for Aggie, or non-Aggie realtors in the area. I'm not looking for an immediate buy, but I've determined I'm going to take the new home credit from Uncle Sam, so I have to purchase by Nov. 30, 2009 and I’m ready to start the process.

So, who have you guys/gals worked with and who do you recommend?

when we bought we used a guy named omar dyess.

he was really cool and laid back. we had found our house before we signed on with him, so i dont have experience with him finding us a home, just the acutal offer/inspection/buying process.

he was very willing to work with us and when we had a disagreement on some $$$ he made it right. we would use him again.

his email is omardyess@yahoo.com

and contrary to how his name might look, he is an all american guy.

edit -- oh, and he is not an aggie

[This message has been edited by LGAggie (edited 2/17/2009 1:36p).]

We used Angela Hayek who specializes in the nortwestern part of town (and Cedar Park, RR areas) but is good anywhere. I can't recommend her highly enough. She's also a good Ag!

ahayek@austin.rr.com

What part of town are you looking for?

My wife is a realtor in Austin! Let me know if you're still looking.

my wife is the ops manager for the top team in austin per the austin business journal. email is in the profile!

Thanks for the replies, I'll look into everyone mentioned.

As far as area, I haven't nailed that down yet. I really like where I am now near 620 and 2222, but Bull Creek at 360 and 2222 is my ideal location, I just can't afford the area yet. I'm also open to central homes and the NW area. I'd like to stay in Austin and not get into RR/Pflugerville/Leander but it all depends on the house, $ and neighborhood. A 2000 sqft ranch with a 3 car garage on 4/10's of an acre would be ideal.

taco-

Your situation sounds very similar to what I went through about 3 years ago. We used 1% realty - because you get cash back at close. There are probably others that do this, but I had a good experience with them (the realtor I worked with is no longer at the company). I saw no reason to pay 3% to a buyers agent when a cheaper option was out there and I can do a lot of the shopping myself online.

I ended up in a neighborhood called Apache Shores - and I love it. Very eclectic neighborhood - great views, lake access. There are mobile homes and million dollar lake front properties. Maybe farther out than you are hoping for - a couple miles south of the dam.

Your biggest issue may be the 4/10ths of an acre (depending on your price range). Lot size was a big issue for me as well. There was nothing in my price range up and down 2222 that had any sort of yard back then. Good luck!

Here is a good example - again - don't know your budget...

http://austinhomesearch.com/Search/Details.aspx?li=82001&or=1&cp=3#


[This message has been edited by Husky Boy Jr. (edited 2/20/2009 2:10p).]

Thanks for the tips Husky.

That wish list is just that, a wish list. I know in reality I'll have to compromise, but no need to throw in the towel just yet - I've got 9 months to close...

Another thing I've been tossing around in my head is a slight fixer upper. I work for a GC and have a good advantage over the general public of picking up tips, tricks, and materials for next to nothing, but I'm still not familiar with the older parts of Austin to know where a wise investment would be. I'm not looking to flip a house by any means, but I definitely don't shy away from a home improvement project.

[This message has been edited by Aggietaco (edited 2/20/2009 2:50p).]

omar's office is in the area you listed. just FYI.

Aaron Farmer

Texas Discount Realty

512-323-5656 office

Aggie and does the rebate program. Keep in mind that for 1% deal they charge a fee upfront, Aaron will not.

Also if you want the 1% deal, or whatever you negotiate, you will be expected to do some of the legwork. Most agents will charge full price for full service. Tell him I referred you.

What's the rebate program? I haven't run across it in any of my readings yet, or I've forgotten about it.

Hi Aggietaco!

I love working as a buyers agent especially with Aggies! No worries about paying a commission, sellers typically pay commission, unless you end up buying a FSBO (for sale buy owner). I am working with another client looking in Riverplace.

I would love to help you! Feel free to shoot me an email: mmurphy@cbunited.com or call my cell: 512.569.5887

With all due respect ATX - the buyer still "pays" commissions in the form of a higher home price or missing out on a commission rebate offered by the seller.

We use our rebate program to attract independent minded buyers who don't mind doing some of their own leg work like searching for homes on the net and driving by properties or neighborhoods ahead of time to make sure it is something they would be comfortable in. Probably stuff you are already doing anyway.

We can also set you up to get emailed new listings with your criteria as they come on the market.

For that work that saves us time and money, you will earn 1/3 to 1/2 of the commission paid to us as the buyers agent back at closing. The rate is depended on the price of the home and weather it is a resale or new construction property. An example would be if you bought a $200,000 property and the total commisison to the buyers agent was 3% and you got a 1/3 rebate, you would get $2,000 back at closing.

When I started doing this back in the summer of 2000, I thought it would be huge, but I think a lot of buyers still don't understand it.

Aaron,

Any special considerations for doing both ends of a transaction (you act as both buyer and sellers agent)? I'm also surprised your business model hasn't taken off.

I'm not currently looking to buy/sell, but I will keep you in mind assuming you do work in/around Lakeway.

Husky,

Our business is doing fine, it is just that we get far more business from sellers than buyers. During the summer time we will carry up to 70 listings at one time in the Austin area, which is a bunch for 2 full time agents. Our model is more listing focused, but I think our best deal is the cash rebate program.

I think most buyer do not think they pay the commission, so they can go with any ol' agent and there is no cost difference. That being said it is more difficult on the buyers side. Generally a lot more time involved.

Yes, we do work Lakeway, in fact, I have a brand new construction home on Lakeway BLVD listed right now.

Thanks!