What Realtors Really Do (and Why You Should Call One Before You’re Ready to Buy)
There’s a common idea out there that Realtors mostly just… open doors and send listings.
And hey — we do open doors and we do send listings. But that’s honestly just the start.
If you’re relocating, buying for the first time, or even just daydreaming about what your next move might be, the truth is the earlier you loop in a local Realtor who knows the market, the better off you’ll be.
Because good Realtors are not just button-pushers. We’re your guide, buffer, and problem solver — and we do a lot more behind the scenes than most people realize.
Why Calling a Realtor Early Can Save You Big
Let me tell you a quick story.
I had a client who was planning to sell a property in another city and eventually move to the Hill Country. They reached out early — before they’d listed their other home — just to talk through ideas. That one conversation helped us figure out that a 1031 exchange could apply to their situation. Because we have time to plan, we can coordinate the sale and purchase to qualify, which will save them thousands in taxes.
That kind of strategy doesn’t happen when you wait until the last minute.
That happens when we start working together early.
When someone fills out my Calendly form, we hop on a quick call or Zoom and the first thing I do is listen:
👉 What’s your goal?
👉 What’s your timeline?
👉 What’s your budget?
👉 What areas are you curious about?
👉 What are your must-haves and dealbreakers?
👉 What’s keeping you up at night about this decision?
From there, I share advice, connect you with resources, and make a plan based on your timeline. If you’re ready to jump in — we jump. If you need to take it slow — we slow it down. No pressure.
Why Zillow Can’t Do What I Do
You might be thinking, “Well, I already check Zillow every night before bed… why would I call a Realtor before I’m serious?”
Here’s the thing: Zillow pulls its data from the MLS so the information you’re getting is not bad — but it’s a national site with generic filters. I’m a member of three MLS boards (Austin, San Antonio, and Central Texas), and I have access to way more precise filters and deeper insights.
Looking for:
A workshop on the property?
A lot that already has a septic system?
A home in a mixed-use zone or an STR-friendly neighborhood?
Zillow won’t help you there. But I can.
I also have access to the full back-end of listings: seller disclosures, surveys, tax history, failed contracts, and more — all the info that helps us spot red flags before you fall in love with a property that isn’t what it seems.
The Power of a Local Guide (Not a Salesperson)
Here’s what I want you to know: I’m not here to “close” you.
I’m here to guide you.
I’ve lived in San Marcos since my college days, and I’ve biked through more neighborhoods than most people have driven. I tour homes constantly with clients. I know where homes are holding their value, where new inventory is popping up, and where we might find just the right fit for your plans — whether you're buying your forever home, relocating for work, or hunting for an investment.
I also know where there's room to negotiate — and where there absolutely isn't.
If you’re clear with me about what matters to you, I can keep you in mind when something special hits the market. I can send you real listings before they get traction. I can flag off-market opportunities through agent networks. I can help you get ahead.
And when I work with someone, I represent them.
That means I have a fiduciary duty to act in your best interest, and a duty of confidentiality to keep what you share between us. So tell me everything. Use my experience to your advantage.
Let’s Start the Conversation
If you’re even thinking about buying, selling, or investing in the next 6–12 months — let's talk.
I’ll listen, ask a few questions, and help you sketch out your plan, no pressure.
👋 Click here to schedule a quick call with me — and let’s get you one step closer to confident, informed decisions.
