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For first-time buyers, the real estate scene in the greater San Antonio area might seem slightly overwhelming. In the last several years, this area has been experiencing a tremendous amount of growth, especially extending up and out into the beautiful Hill Country. Towns like Boerne, New Braunfels, Fredericksburg, and Kerrville have benefited tremendously from San Antonio’s increasing popularity. Boerne in particular has been alluring to families and homeowners.
If you’re one of these aspiring Boerne residents, congratulations! This is an exciting time to be a part of the up and coming Hill Country tribe. So how do you get started? We believe that one of the most important decisions you’ll make in the entire homebuying process is choosing the right REALTOR®.
Since the demand on Boerne real estate is so high, the market tends to be more favorable towards the seller. But does that doesn’t mean that you as a homebuyer can’t find the deal of your dreams? We don’t think so! It simply means you’ll want some help from a local expert.
The buyer/agent relationship is always important...but it becomes especially strategic when you’re trying to buy a home in a seller’s market. Because the stakes are so high and the inventory is so low, you want a REALTOR® who truly puts in the extra effort to understand your needs, point of view, and price point. Agents on the buying side will have to negotiate strategically, constantly be on the lookout for new listings, and communicate quickly and effectively with you as a buyer.
Below are the top 7 reasons we believe hiring a local Boerne REALTOR® is the superior choice...
1. Area Savvy
One of the most important pieces of advice we can give you is this: choose a real estate agent who knows the Boerne area. While specific area knowledge may seem arbitrary, it truly makes all the difference. Your REALTOR® should be able to understand your wants and needs and match you with the area or neighborhood that best fits your preferences. You may think you’ve found your neighborhood after a quick look at Google Maps...but your REALTOR® will have valuable knowledge about area demographics, trending neighborhoods, school districts, noise levels, traffic patterns, area affordability, and more. The more specialized and familiar your agent is with Boerne, the better!
2. Local Network and Connections
We all know the basic business principle: “It’s not what you know...it’s who you know.” Besides basic area head-knowledge and expertise, our local Boerne REALTOR®s have a valuable network of professionals. As a client, you also have full access to these hard-earned relationships! From contractors to lenders to inspectors, your Boerne REALTOR® has experience working with a full spectrum of local businesses. Besides these valuable connections, your agent will have full access to the local MLS (Multiple Listing Service), an exclusive database of area home listings!
3. Knowledge of the Ever-Changing Market
While it might be tempting to treat your home like any other large commodity, the home buying process is far different from purchasing a vehicle or a luxury vacation package. The real estate market is its own beast...complex, intricate, and comprised of ever-evolving regulations. While it’s certainly possible to do your research and gain a fair knowledge of the local real estate scene, nothing beats an expert’s ability to understand the ins and outs. Not only does your agent have real estate experience, he or she has also been trained in the economics and business principles of real estate. Neighborhood trends, seller’s market versus buyer’s market, market predictions, and comparable sales are just a few areas in which your REALTOR® will be well-versed. This combination of experience and education is invaluable in dealing with the local market!
4. On the Money: Pricing
Whether you’re buying or selling a home, being able to properly price a home is a necessary skill to have at hand. Your Boerne REALTOR® will be able to tell a high price from a fair price based on a myriad of factors. From location to neighborhood to curb appeal, you want to get the best deal for your dollar! While you could take a few minutes to browse comparable internet listings, a local Boerne agent will be able to tell you on-site if a specific house is priced correctly.
5. Codes and Laws
Each city and county is totally unique when it comes to zoning laws, neighborhood ordinances, etc. Whether you want to completely flip an old house or simply add a picket fence to a new one, you may face opposing codes or laws. With an experienced REALTOR® by your side, you can be fully aware of any and all regulations before you purchase a home. Additionally, an agent will be familiar with contracts, paperwork, etc. Before you sign your name on the dotted line, he or she will be able to fully explain any confusing real estate jargon or fine print.
6. Negotiator
Let’s face it: buying a home is an extremely personal matter. You’re not only spending a large sum of money...you’re making a significant life decision and setting down roots. Because you’re so personally invested in the matter at hand, negotiating can become particularly difficult for a home buyer. When negotiating with a seller, it’s often wise to have an emotionally neutral third party to mediate and smooth over the process. An experienced local REALTOR® will be level-headed and savvy when it comes to negotiating a sale.
7. Values: Family and Excellence
At Keller Williams, we believe in placing God first, family second, then work third. We have designed a culture that fosters these values in everyday life! Our commitment to professionalism and our emphasis on family means that we will treat you like one of our own: with fairness, honesty, and excellence. In addition, our REALTOR®s go above and beyond in terms of education. Each agent attends 100 hours of training beyond state requirements to be licensed through the both Keller Williams’ offices, ensuring that each REALTOR® is well-versed in contracts, real estate market trends, etc. Additionally, every associate commits to annual training to reduce client risk and stay apprised of any new trends, technology, and resources for serving clients. You’re in good hands with a Keller Williams agent!
Ways to Spot Your Perfect REALTOR® Match:
As you can see, choosing the right REALTOR® makes all the difference! So how do you find yours? You can find an agent’s licensing and credentials online, but also be sure to look at their social media presence. Are they able to present themselves well? Look at their current home listings to observe home marketing skills online. Ask about their knowledge of an area…what have homes nearby sold for recently? It’s always wise to do your research before hiring an agent! A lot more goes into being a high-quality REALTOR® than a license! Thankfully, Keller Williams San Antonio has an incredible staff of well-trained REALTOR®s who live up to these standards. Contact us today to find the agent who’s right for you!
