Tuesday, September 2, 2025 / by Tanya Kerr
Finding the right real estate agent can feel overwhelming. A quick search will bring up hundreds of names, all promising to “fight for you” or “get top dollar.” But how do you really know if they’re the right fit? The truth is, not all real estate agents are created equal. Some run their business with full-time commitment, while others treat it as a side gig. Some prioritize transparency and relationships, while others focus on the paycheck.
After closing over 600 transactions personally and more than 3,000 as a team, I’ve seen the difference a great real estate agent can make. Here are the four traits I believe every great agent should have, with real-world examples to back it up.
1. Trustworthy – Transparency Over Scripts
Trust is the foundation of any client-agent relationship. A trustworthy agent doesn’t give you lines or rehearsed scripts when you ask about compensation, contracts, or the market. Instead, they educate you.
For ex; ...
Read More
real estate, buyer, realtor, seller, market update, t. kerr property goup, best realtor near me, buying vs. selling, austin area real estate, georgetown texas real estate, best realtor in austin, buying a home in austin, selling a property in austin, tanya kerr, home buying guide texas, homeownership, central texas, georgetown best realtor, round rock best realtor
Monday, August 25, 2025 / by Chala Strimple
Why School Ratings Matter in Real Estate
When it comes to buying or selling a home, schools are one of the most common factors clients ask me about. And for good reason.
According to Realtor.com, homes near schools rated 9 or 10 on GreatSchools carry a 78.6% price premium compared to nearby properties. Homes in those districts also:
Receive 26% more online views
Sell 4–8 days faster
Attract buyers who are willing to spend 6–10% more
The National Association of Realtors found that 26% of buyers factored school quality into their search. And Brookings research shows that for every $1 spent on public schools, home values increased by $20.
As Lawrence Yun, Chief Economist for NAR, put it: “Quality schools provide a foundation not only for children’s education but for the value and desirability of entire neighborhoods.”
New TEA Ratings Finally Released
On August 15, 2025, the Texas Education Agency released its long-delayed 2024 and 2025 A–F . ...
Read More
real estate, buyer, realtor, t. kerr property goup, tanya kerr
Friday, August 1, 2025 / by Chala Strimple
Let Me Tell You a Quick Story…
Not that long ago, one of my buyers went under contract on what was marketed as a single, spacious property—two lots, bundled together. Everything was smooth sailing… until the title company called with news that stopped us in our tracks.
Turns out, the seller didn’t actually own part of the land.
Years ago, when they bought the property, the paperwork wasn’t properly filled out. One portion was never recorded—meaning legally, it still belonged to someone else. The seller had no idea. Neither did the listing agent. My client was just a week from closing.
We could’ve lost the whole deal.
But we didn’t. With a sharp-eyed escrow officer, a committed team, and a whole lot of follow-through, we got the documents corrected, transferred, and filed. A decade-long error—fixed. My buyer got their dream home, fully theirs.
And this? This is why I never let c. ...
Read More
real estate, seller, t. kerr property goup, georgetown texas real estate, selling a property in austin
Thursday, May 29, 2025 / by Chala Strimple
Hi, it’s Tanya. Let’s break this down in a clear, no-nonsense way.
So… what’s this “pool cancer” everyone’s talking about? Is it a big deal? Yep. But don’t freak out – I’ll break it down for you. If you’re buying a home in Georgetown or anywhere in Central Texas, or you already have a pool, this is something you wanna know about.
Let’s dive in (but not into a leaky pool, okay).
[Link to instagram reel]
What Is “Pool Cancer”? (aka ASR)
“Pool cancer” is just a nickname for a big concrete problem called Alkali-Silica Reaction (ASR). Think of it like your pool’s concrete having a sneaky chemical fight inside it. When the cement in the concrete mixes with certain sands and water, it makes a gel that swells up. This swelling causes cracks.
The cracks can look like:
Spiderwebs
Weird white goop oozing out
Tiles popping off
Water leaking . ...
Read More
best realtor in austin, buying a home in austin, tanya kerr, asr, pool cancer
Friday, April 4, 2025 / by Chala Strimple
Stop! Read This Before You Make a Home-Buying Mistake You’ll Regret
You’re about to buy a home—exciting, right? Maybe you’ve been scrolling Zillow until 2 AM, daydreaming about your perfect house. You know exactly what you want: a gorgeous kitchen, a big backyard, and a brand-new home that smells like fresh paint.
But before you fall head over heels for a house that could drain your bank account or be impossible to sell later, let’s talk.
Because I’ve seen it too many times—buyers getting caught up in shiny finishes and forgetting the one thing that actually matters: making a smart investment.
I won’t let that happen to you.
The Harsh Truth About Home Buying
Most buyers, especially first-time buyers, come in with a wish list a mile long. An unlimited budget can get you anything you want, but if you don’t have one, you really need to pick 2 out of 3 to focus on:
The perfe. ...
Read More
real estate, buyer, realtor, economy
