How to Find a Buyer’s Agent in Austin

Many first-time home buyers are slowly coming to terms with a harsh reality: Buying a home in today’s market can be a strenuous endeavor. 

Rising rates and historically sparse inventory have made the home search overwhelming. 

That is why many buyers decide to hire a buyer’s agent. You immediately gain a wealth of knowledge about the local market and price trends, as well a shoulder to lean on when it comes to negotiations. 

Below, our team at Prevu Real Estate breaks down how homebuyers can enhance their search by finding a buyer’s agent in Austin.

Interview multiple agents before committing

Think of hiring a buyer-focused real estate agent as you would treat any major purchase. If you’re about to rent an apartment, you’re not going to choose the first one-bedroom you see just because it has a dishwasher.

The same is true when hiring a buyer’s agent.

Outline your needs first. This will help you understand what crucial areas of expertise your ideal agent should be fluent in. For example, you may need someone who knows every nook and cranny within Tarrytown to find the perfect location for your home.

Taking the time to find the right agent can help you save thousands of dollars in the long run.

Find a buyer’s agent that offers commission rebates

A crucial step in your search for an agent should be to ask if they offer commission rebates.

Commission rebates, also known as buyer rebates, are a portion of your buyer’s broker commission returned to you upon closing a home purchase. Buyers can use a rebate to replenish their savings after a sizable down payment or to cover any necessary renovations.

Prevu offers the largest commission rebate in Texas, and buyers working with a Prevu agent can receive up to 1% of their home's purchase price cash back after closing.

Pinpoint what services the agent offers

A commission rebate is just part of the equation to help buyers secure a home in Austin. But buyers should interview the agent thoroughly about what tools they provide, even if they offer a rebate.

With rising mortgage rates scaring off some buyers, the competition has eased, giving other homebuyers breathing room when searching for a home. 

But real estate can move quickly, and being on top of listings as they appear can give buyers an upper hand.

For example, Prevu’s Smart Buyer platform allows buyers to set the ideal number of bedrooms and bathrooms and choose the style of the house and its location. The platform will then notify buyers as soon as the ideal home hits the market so they can move quickly.

Prioritize local expertise

A buyer’s agent who knows their city inside and out can save you precious time in your search. 

Let’s say you have your sights set on Downtown Austin but want something secluded. Venturing into the heartbeat of Austin may leave your head spinning as you try to decide where the best place for your new home might be. 

An experienced agent can quickly point you towards Rio Grande and West 10th Street, where stately homes line neatly-trimmed blocks a short distance away from Duncan Neighborhood Park and Woolridge Square. 

Ask how long the agent has worked in the area 

An agent’s longevity on the job in Austin is a huge plus when it comes to knowing the neighborhoods. But their expertise in the area’s price points can be invaluable when it comes to making an offer.

Buyer’s agents who have spent time in the Live Music Capital of the World can leverage their knowledge of price history that buyers may not have access to. For example, understanding the rise and fall of home prices in Barton Hills can help you know if the asking price on a single-family home is fair.

The more your agent has worked in the area, the more experience they might have had with critical price points that can give you an edge when buying a home in Austin.

Interested in buying a home in Austin? Browse listings and learn how much you can save with Prevu’s Smart Buyer Rebate.