Ashley Jackson & Kathy Sokolic Mueller Residential Group, Realty Austin | Compass
Q: What first drew you to Austin’s Eastside neighborhoods, and what do you love most about the community here?
A: We love the friendly and eclectic energy of East Austin. Ashley has lived in a number of Eastside neighborhoods, and the sense of community runs deep. Kathy took a chance on the Mueller neighborhood early and has never looked back. Mueller has been an incredibly successful infill development, providing amenities for all Austinites.
Q: What’s one thing you wish every potential homebuyer in Austin understood about today’s local real estate market?
A: While it’s a buyer’s market, the market isn’t crashing. Buyers have more choices than they’ve had in years, and prices have remained stable, which is a benefit. Historically, Austin has not had many windows of opportunity for buyers, and sitting out this slower market may lead to regret later.
Q: For someone considering selling their home, what’s the biggest factor that influences home value right now?
A: We always suggest doing any repairs that you may have put off. Pricing it correctly to attract the widest number of buyers is key to selling quickly. Today’s buyer is savvy and can afford to be picky. At this time, there is a stronger preference for homes that are more move-in ready. That can be intimidating to sellers, but that is where our expert guidance is key.
Q: How do you help first-time buyers navigate Austin’s competitive market?
A: We find that sitting down with a buyer and chatting about the process and the state of the Austin market lays a solid foundation for their buying experience. Since we serve all of Austin, we know exactly which neighborhoods perform well for first-time homebuyers. Clients feel confident and empowered after our buyer consultation, which helps alleviate the stress so that they can move decisively through this major life milestone.
Q: What trends are you seeing in East Austin neighborhoods?
A: Walkable neighborhoods are in demand. Austinites like to frequent their local businesses and support their communities while driving less. We love all the housing types available to buyers in East Austin. Many buyers value living in a densely populated community like Mueller, and of course, density and walkability go hand in hand. East Austin also has traditional ranch homes with large yards that some buyers prefer. One of East Austin’s best-kept secrets is the short commute time to downtown, central Austin, and northwest Austin employers.
Q: What’s one common misconception about buying or selling in Austin that you hear a lot? And what’s the reality?
A: We often hear people say that the market is crashing, but it’s not. We have worked through a reset from the Covid aftermath, but values have held relatively strong over the last year. Sellers still have their limits and can hold out for the right offer.
Q: You’ve been active in community leadership and neighborhood engagement. How does that deeper involvement make you a better partner for your real estate clients?
A: We understand the neighbors and the community. Through our involvement in city commissions and local housing policy work, we know what’s coming throughout the city and how those policies will affect our clients.
Q: In your experience, what’s the most important question a homebuyer should ask themselves before making an offer on a property?
A: Your home should be your sanctuary, so do you feel comfortable in the home? Does it suit your lifestyle? Do you intend on owning the home for a while?
Q: For readers thinking about investment properties in Austin, what advice would you give on choosing the right property and neighborhood?
A: Think about long-term investing and not trying to time the market. Be kind to the neighborhoods, and be a part of the community, not just focusing on profit.
Contact:
(512) 829-1351
4646 Mueller Blvd., #1052
Instagram: @muellerresidentialgroup
YouTube: @MuellerResidentialGroupATX
