Use Local Agents for the Best Possible Advice
A Real Estate License in the State of Texas allows agents to sell properties anywhere in the State. However, our Code of Ethics requires us to always act in the best interest of our clients and to only work in areas in which we have expertise.
Each area of the State is divided into separate Real Estate Boards and local MLS systems. If an agent is not a member of the local MLS, they do not have access to complete property information and cannot pull valuable information on comparable properties. If an agent does not live in the area, they likely have no local knowledge or expertise. The Highland Lakes Board of Realtors covers Burnet and Llano counties as well as Western Travis County, South Lampasas and Northern Blanco. Austin and San Antonio are separate regions.
Real Estate agents have an excellent referral network. If you have close ties to an agent but are seeking property in another area, have your agent refer you to someone with local expertise. They will have the opportunity to earn a good referral fee and also serve your best interests.
A significant investment such as waterfront property on Lake LBJ deserves the best representation possible.
The National Association of Realtors Code of Ethics is posted on my home page for your review.