For many of us, buying a new home is one of the most important financial decisions we will make, and we know how important it is to work with someone who is an expert. We want to deal with professionals who are experts in the area we want to live in. We want to work with seasoned pros that know how to navigate potentially difficult waters. The Avalar New Home Group and Avalar Ultra Properties were formed for those exact reasons - to help their clients navigate the often confusing world of new home construction, and the equally challenging new home market. Both of these specialized organizations are a product of Avalar Austin Realty, which is owned and operated by the DaSilva Group. This team of 3 brokers is led by R. Michael Brown, a real estate broker for over 25 years, his wife Kay DaSilva, also a broker with 25 years of experience in Austin real estate and Kay's son Michael DaSilva, a broker with more than 6 years of real estate experience in Austin. About New Austin Homes Magazine sat down with the co-owners to learn more about these two groups.

Currently, Avalar Austin has more than 100 agents working as a part of the New Home Group. They specialize in representing buyers in the purchase of new homes, as well as representing builders and helping them to effectively market their homes to consumers. We formed the Avalar New Home Group because there was a niche in this industry that wasn't being served, says Michael Brown. There are so many nuances to the relationships between clients and builders that there needed to be a group that better understood those nuances and that could bring everyone together so that all would benefit. We found that area builders needed a better way to communicate with real estate agents about the opportunities that they had available, says Brown. We have developed alliances with many of the area's most respected builders to help them get their homes in the hands of people that are the best fits for them. Having that mutual relationship with many different builders lets our clients know we are also working with them to find their dream home on their dream lot. It's a winwin situation for all parties.

Working with new home buyers is really exciting, but it is an entirely different process than selling a resale home, Michael DaSilva said. Many real estate agents do not understand all of the issues involved in the building process, but our New Home Group works hard to facilitate this process, and to create an open, trusting relationship between the builder and the buyer. Our ultimate goal is to help people make the best decisions during this exciting but often difficult process. The future of residential real estate is in the building of these alliances between builders and agents to better reach their clients, Brown added, The bottom line is that we give our clients the tools to best evaluate the properties they are considering in order to make sure they are pleased with the end product.

AboutNewAustinHomes.com

One of the tools that has been a big part of the process can be found online at www.AboutNewAustinHomes. com. The site was launched six years ago, with the goal of filling a need for updated and accurate information about new homes in the greater Austin area that are available over $300,000.

Avalar Ultra Properties
Selling Distinctive Lifestyles

The luxury home market presents a host of issues unique from the typical real estate transaction. Luxury homes, generally defined as homes that are over $750,000, are different types of homes with different types of clients, and Avalar Ultra's Luxury Home Consultants know how to deal effective with those differences. In most cases, buying a luxury home is not a first time purchase, and buyers are much more sophisticated about their needs and desires. They have a much better idea of what they are looking for, and they are much more financially secure, often having their financing lined up before they start engaging with agents. There's also a larger degree of privacy when it comes to showing homes of this nature. Almost always, luxury homes are shown by appointment only, as opposed to just putting a lock box on the front door and allowing clients to come by at any time. The Avalar Ultra Group is also very adept at helping their clients that are moving in from other cities feel more comfortable during their search. Our agents must also have an awareness of lifestyle and a higher level of connections and market knowledge to acclimate their our of state buying clients, says Kay DaSilva. They may be looking at the cultural possibilities, country clubs, and educational opportunites for their children. In many cases, their Realtor is the only person that they know in town, and you become their new best friend - especially after spending over eight hours a day with them.

If a couple falls in love with a home, says Kay, as their counselor, you have to supplement that emotion with detailed analysis of the market conditions and guidance that helps them make a sound financial decision. I see our challenge as luxury home agents is to try to satisfy both the business decision and the emotional needs of your prospective buyers and sellers. You can learn more about the Luxury Home Group on the web at www.AvalarUltra.com

Who Is Representing You?

It's hard to overstate the importance of having an experienced professional working for youwhen you are searching for your dream home. I must stress that even if a client doesn't use our services, they need to have someone to represent them in their real estate negotiations, Brown said. You need to have someone in your corner who is watching out for your interests, because this is going to be among the most critical negotiations and decisions of your life.