Ask an Expert Q&A {Josh Brunsmann}
How to buy a house in East Austin with Real Estate Broker and Investor Josh Brunsmann, owner of 3rd Angle Realty.
What are the most important considerations when searching for the right property to develop a home?
JB: There are several considerations but probably one of the most important is knowing exactly the overall home size you need and making sure to build or buy with that constraint in mind. Looking in the future, resale value is also an important consideration. After five years, many new home owners are selling and capitalizing on the tax free incentives of the sale. Buyers need to also consider what’s going up in the area around them and try to stay comparable to the market.
Navigating Austin’s current real estate market can prove to be a long, stressful challenge. What is your advice for staying motivated throughout the search?
JB: Understanding that you and thousands are seeking the same thing: a home in Austin. Don’t overlook a home that needs a little bit of work, or one that offers room for expansion. Staying persistent and remaining open to look into expanding pockets that are close to where you may want to live. The biggest ticket is taking your emotions out of it, which is easier said than done, but realizing the stress isn’t going to help you, your agent, or family on locating your next home. Don’t feel the end of the world is going to happen if you can’t obtain a home tomorrow; just stay vigilant.
How do you balance maintaining the history of East Austin while embracing change?
JB: East Austin has a very rich history. It’s easy to forget the past and how we got here and also that the home that is being torn down was once someone’s dream home. East Austin is ever evolving and will continue to do so and much of its history will fade. I really enjoy chatting with the older generation and gaining insight into the community and the times they grew up. History may be fading, but having the respect for the folks who laid the groundwork for the desire to be in East Austin is something that resonates deeply with me. I keep uncovering new bits and pieces of East Austin, and the resilience and drive of that generation continually amaze me.
What are the most important considerations when selecting a home builder or general contractor for renovations?
JB: Make sure you go over their contract in depth, and have an attorney review this. Really spend the time understanding the costs associated with these avenues, as labor is hard to find and expensive. Change orders add up quickly, so having a game plan for your new construction home is critical. Knowing that a 4-5 month renovation is really 9 months. Our city is backed up with permits, and the city is not helping anyone get a home done quicker. If anything, they hinder the process. Personally building a home right now, my taste in design was not realistic with our code, so I resisted and only made the process more challenging. Let the pros do their job; you hired them for a reason, and after the vetting process and contracting with them, you should have confidence that they can do the job.
What should clients expect from working with 3rd Angle Realty?
JB: We offer a very forward business model. Many want to dazzle you with their knowledge, tools they have, and certain types of tactics, but we try to refrain from that. We truly pride ourselves on solid, personable relationships and doing good business. We are not for everyone, but we don’t overstate or understate what we are able to do for sellers and buyers. We pride ourselves on being knowledgeable across several fronts of the business from commercial and residential development to City of Austin building requirement codes.
Contact:
(512) 573-8804
1143 Poquito Street
Josh@3rdAngleRealty.com
3rdAnglerealty.com
@3rdanglerealty
