Inputs on Austin buyers agent for San Antonio or Dual agent

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Inputs on Austin buyers agent for San Antonio or Dual agent

Prasanna K.
Rental Property Investor · Austin, TX · Member since 2017 · 17 posts · 2 votes

I am an investor from Austin looking for SFH in San Antonio. Wondering about 2 options and any issues with those

1. Our long-time Austin agent (ABOR member not SABOR) presenting offer on our behalf in San Antonio

2. San Antonio listing agent of the house we narrow down, being a dual agent and represent us as well

The main reason we are looking at these is for the part of buyers agent commission being given back towards closing cost. We usually do a lot of homework and need a lot less service than a typical buyer. Our Austin agent is more than happy with the arrangement.

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Ryan KellyBusiness Member
Real Estate Broker · Austin, TX · Member since 2018 · 1k+ posts · 1k+ votes
4y

@Prasanna K. in Texas, agents are not allowed to represent both parties aka "dual agency." They will either represent the seller OR buyer, but not both. You could make an offer in San Antonio without representation if you wish or have your Austin agent make the offer. Your agent does not need to be an active member of SABOR to present offers and represent you as a buyer, they may just not be as competent without all the data. 

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  • Ryan KellyBusiness Member
    Real Estate Broker · Austin, TX · Member since 2018 · 1k+ posts · 1k+ votes
    4y

    @Prasanna K. in Texas, agents are not allowed to represent both parties aka "dual agency." They will either represent the seller OR buyer, but not both. You could make an offer in San Antonio without representation if you wish or have your Austin agent make the offer. Your agent does not need to be an active member of SABOR to present offers and represent you as a buyer, they may just not be as competent without all the data. 

    [email protected]512-674-5478
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  • Jordan MoorheadBusiness Member
    Real Estate Agent · Austin, TX · Member since 2015 · 5k+ posts · 3k+ votes
    4y

    It seems like you are trying to save a few bucks. If it were me I would find a competent agent in both markets and get the best representation possible. That way I make sure I get the best deal in both markets. San Antonio and Austin are completely different IMO. I do have access to both MLS's and even those are different.

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  • Andy V.
    Investor · Austin & San Antonio, TX · Member since 2021 · 35 posts · 199 votes
    4y

    Your Austin agent can submit offers in San Antonio, no problem.

    Dual representation won't work in TX, so it may be tough to find a buyer's agent that will take less commission than standard, but it's all negotiable honestly. Just depends what work they would be needing to do vs. the normal work that is done when they are being paid the rate they're used to. 

    Maybe the agent helps write the contract and negotiate a price for the reduced commission, but then leaves you to do the rest: schedule inspection, communicate with title company, update lender, schedule walk throughs, run comps, etc. 


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  • Aaron Bihl
    Investor · San Antonio, TX · Member since 2017 · 344 posts · 268 votes
    4y

    I agree with @Jordan Moorhead that they are different markets and I would want different agents for each area.  And making offers without an agent is kind of annoying.  Also, I'm sure you can find an agent that will take less commission but in my experience good agents won't do that.

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