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Moving and Looking for an Austin Realtor: How to Pick the Right One

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October 26, 2026

Moving and Looking for an Austin Realtor: How to Pick the Right One

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Hand holding a set of house keys with a green key tag

Are you looking for an Austin Realtor? Planning to move and think they are all the same? The right one knows the whole metro (not just one ZIP code), answers fast, can show you homes on video when you’re not here, and tells you the honest pros and cons of every neighborhood. In a market where buyers have negotiating power, you also want someone who actually negotiates.

I moved here from the Midwest myself and explored one neighborhood a day until I’d covered the city, so relocating buyers are close to my heart. Here’s how I’d pick an agent if I were you.

Key takeaways

  • Pick an agent who works across Austin and the suburbs, so they can compare areas honestly.
  • Fast communication matters even more when you’re in another state.
  • Ask how they handle video tours, remote offers and remote closings.
  • In this market, negotiation skill can save you thousands.
  • Read your buyer agreement before you tour. Ask questions about anything that’s unclear.

What should I look for in a moving to Austin realtor?

Area knowledge across the whole metro. Austin real estate changes neighborhood by neighborhood. An agent who only works one area will tend to steer you there. You want someone who can tell you how Round Rock compares to South Austin, or why Buda might fit better than Pflugerville for your commute.

Fast, honest communication. When you’re 1,000 miles away, waiting a day for a reply feels like forever. Here’s what one of my clients said: “Sarah made me feel like she was truly there for me… She rarely went more than an hour before returning a text or a call.” (Harrison, Google review)

Video tours that actually show you the house. Not just the pretty angles. The busy road behind the fence, the neighbor’s view into the backyard, the small bedroom. I do full walkthroughs on video and tell you what I’d fix and what I’d skip.

Experience with new construction. A lot of relocating buyers end up in new builds in the suburbs. Your agent should know how to read a builder contract, push for incentives and keep an eye on construction. Here’s my new construction help page.

What’s the one thing you’d want your agent to be great at?

Key takeaways graphic on how to pick a moving to Austin realtor

What questions should I ask an Austin realtor before hiring them?

  • Which parts of Austin and the suburbs do you work in most?
  • How do you handle video tours and showings when I’m out of state?
  • How quickly do you usually respond to texts and calls?
  • Can you show me recent sales so I know what homes like this actually sell for?
  • How do you negotiate when a home has been sitting?
  • Who do you recommend for lenders, inspectors and movers?
  • What does your buyer agreement say, and what are you paid to do?

Moving soon? My 30-page neighborhood-by-neighborhood relocation guide covers every area I work in, with prices, commutes and trade-offs. Get it free here.

What are red flags when picking a realtor in a new city?

  • They push one neighborhood or one builder for everything.
  • They only say nice things about every house.
  • They’re slow to reply before you’ve even hired them. (It doesn’t get faster later.)
  • They can’t explain the market with real numbers.
  • They rush you to sign without explaining the agreement.
Tip graphic from Sarah Maddali about interviewing two or three agents before you hire one

Can I buy a house in Austin without being there?

Yes. Plenty of buyers tour by video, make offers electronically and close remotely, depending on the title company and lender. I still recommend at least one in-person trip if you can, especially to drive your commute and see a neighborhood at night. But if you can’t, a good agent becomes your eyes, ears and nose. (Yes, nose. I’ll tell you if it smells like pets or a musty AC.)

Text MOVE to 563.650.0452 and I’ll send you my relocation checklist and 30-page neighborhood guide.

How does buying an Austin home from out of state work, step by step?

  • Talk to a lender first. Get pre-approved so you know your payment, not just your price. Here’s my page on finding a lender.
  • Narrow the areas. Use your commute, budget and must-haves to pick two or three neighborhoods.
  • Tour on video. Your agent walks every room, the yard and the street live with you.
  • Make your offer. Everything is signed electronically, and your agent negotiates price, repairs and closing costs.
  • Inspect and appraise. Your agent attends the inspection and sends you the report and photos.
  • Close. Depending on your title company and lender, you may be able to close remotely or with a mobile notary.

What if I’m relocating with the military?

Look for an agent with the Military Relocation Professional (MRP) certification, which focuses on helping service members, veterans and their families with relocation and VA loan questions. I’m MRP-certified, and I’m happy to walk you through how timing and VA financing work here.

Is now a good time to move to Austin?

For buyers, it’s a good window. The Austin metro had about 5.4 months of inventory in September 2026, per Unlock MLS, and homes that sit too long are selling well under their original price. Starting from scratch? Here’s how to buy a house in Austin, my Austin housing market update, and my honest picks for the best neighborhoods in Austin Texas.

My honest take

Interview two or three agents, and pay attention to how they make you feel. Do they listen? Do they push back when something isn’t a fit? Do they answer quickly? One of my favorite reviews says it best: “She treated me like family from day 1 and made me feel like i was her only client.” (Jordan, Google review) That’s the bar.

I’ve been in Austin real estate since 2016 and closed more than 180 transactions. Every client should feel like a VIP, not a line item. If that’s what you want in your corner, let’s talk.

FAQs About Choosing a Moving to Austin Realtor

How do I find a good realtor when moving to Austin?

Look for an agent who works across the Austin metro, responds quickly, offers detailed video tours, knows new construction and can show you recent sales data. Interview two or three before you choose.

Can I buy a house in Austin from out of state?

Yes. Many buyers tour by video, sign offers electronically and close remotely, depending on the lender and title company. One in-person visit is still helpful if you can make it.

Do I need a realtor for new construction in Austin?

It’s a good idea. The builder’s sales team works for the builder. Your own agent can help with contracts, incentives, inspections and construction updates. Many builders require you to register your agent at your first visit.

What is an MRP realtor?

MRP stands for Military Relocation Professional, a certification for agents who help service members, veterans and their families relocate and use VA benefits.

When should I contact a realtor before moving to Austin?

Ideally three to six months before your move, so you have time to learn the areas, line up financing and plan the timing of selling and buying.

Let’s plan your move

Want to meet the people behind the texts? Meet Sarah and meet the team.

Connect with Sarah

Sarah Maddali, REALTOR® | Serendipity Realty Group at Compass | 563.650.0452
Serendipity Realty Group is a real estate team affiliated with Compass. Equal Housing Opportunity.

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