Buying
I will tell you when a house is not right, and why
Before you write an offer you will know what the repair list actually costs, how the house is likely to resell, and what you would be giving up by choosing it. If the answer is that you should keep looking, you will hear that too.
How buying works.
What you want, and what it costs here
We go through your budget and your must-haves, and what those must-haves add to the price in the neighborhoods you are considering. If you are not pre-approved yet, I will put you in front of lenders I have worked with.
Seeing houses
I walk houses with you and tell you what I see: the repair a seller has painted over, the layout that will be hard to sell later, the street that sounds different on a weekday. You get my read, not a summary of the listing.
Writing the offer
We price the offer against what has closed nearby rather than what is being asked. I will tell you what I think it takes to win and what I think is too much, and those are not always the same number.
Option period to closing
I go through the inspection with you and price the repair list before we ask the seller for anything. Then I keep the lender, the title company, and the other agent on schedule so nothing slips.
What you get.
- An honest read on any house, including the ones I think you should skip
- Repair costs priced before you negotiate them
- Offers built on closed sales rather than asking prices
- Resale risk flagged before you buy, not after
- Introductions to off-market opportunities when a seller has approved one
What clients say.
“Sandi helped us sell our house and find the perfect home. She always had the time to answer our questions and her experience ensured we got the house we wanted to buy!”
Claire Hendren
Buyer & Seller · Dawson, Austin
Worked with Sandi Bennett“This is the second property that we have bought with Sandi. We continue to be blown away by the honesty and how she is with us every step of the way! She was even sending us message when she was out of town on vacation. Lol. We look forward to working with her again in the future.”
Josh Willems-Rosas
Buyer · Creekbend, Round Rock
Worked with Sandi Bennett“Sandra is an amazing person with vast knowledge and expertise in real estate in Austin. Sandra was always available and ready with answers for every question we had and I believe she is one of the most knowledgeable for newly constructed homes.”
Sanjeev Joshi
Buyer · Rosewood, Austin
Worked with Sandi Bennett“Sandi was extremely helpful throughout the entire home buying process. This is my first home purchase so working with someone as professional as her really put my mind at ease. I would highly recommend working with Sandi if you ever get the opportunity!!”
N. Christensen
Buyer · Austin
Worked with Sandi Bennett“She helped me find my new home and I couldn't be happier. She went above and beyond even going to a location and taking pics and video while I was at work. I have already recommended her and would definitely ask for her help next time I needed a new place.”
Christie Hall
Renter · West Congress, Austin
Worked with Sandi Bennett“Sydney is, by a long shot, the best broker I've worked with in 30 years. She's responsive, professional, thorough, knowledgeable, prepared, engaged, and candid. If you're looking for a broker in Austin, do yourself a favor and hire Sydney.”
Todd Piccus
Buyer & Seller · Austin
Worked with Sydney Grubb“The best realtor we have ever worked with over our 26 years of buying and selling homes.”
Mickie D.
Buyer & Seller · Austin
Worked with Sydney Grubb“She was always available and responsive to view properties, answered all my questions quickly, and was in constant communication during the purchase negotiation. Her professionalism and friendliness made purchasing a home a pleasant experience.”
Sanjiv S.
Buyer · Austin
Worked with Sydney Grubb“Laura was the most patient and educative realtor ever! She invested time in understanding what I was looking for, what felt 'homely' to me, and advised me on when to be aggressive and when to 'let it go'.”
Past Client
Buyer · Austin
Worked with Laura Macias“Not only is Laura a seasoned realtor with deep knowledge of the greater Austin area and markets, but she is by nature a caring and nurturing soul, and that care comes through in the service she provides to her clients.”
Past Client
Buyer · Austin
Worked with Laura Macias“Madison was an amazing Realtor®! She treated us like family and helped us navigate the home-buying process as first-time homebuyers!”
Rebecca G.
Buyer · Austin
Worked with Madison Swanson“I found Madison through Instagram of all places and couldn't have made a better choice! Madison was always willing to explain every aspect of the process in detail.”
Victoria M.
Buyer · Austin
Worked with Madison SwansonCommon questions.
Thinking about buying?
Tell me what you are considering. You do not need to be ready to make an offer, or ready to do anything yet.