Stephanie Nicks is one of the top producing agents in the Austin Real Estate Market and for the reputable Kuper Sotheby's International Realty. She began her business career in the marketing and public relations field. She was originally a marketing manager for a large public relations firm in the Bay Area, and worked for a large publication selling advertisements before she started-up her own marketing firm in Denver. Establishing and maintaining strong, key relationships among business partners has always been a requirement for her business. Merging her advertising/PR background with her expertise and understanding of the real estate market – at the local and national level has allowed for all of her success over the years. Here's what she had to say to us!
When did you get in the Real Estate business and what interested you about it?
I have been selling real estate in the Austin area for 15 years. I was always interested in development and the home industry but never explored it until I moved to Austin when I decided to begin my second career. With a background in advertising and public relations, I knew my experience in establishing strong relationships while creating/ executing targeted marketing programs would be beneficial in helping achieve the maximum results for my clients.
What is your favorite part about being a business owner in such a popular city like Austin?
My favorite part is providing my clients with the “lifestyle” they want to live. Often times, they don’t know what they’re searching for in a home when we begin, but once I begin to ask in depth questions and learn more about their lives, I can then help determine what lifestyle, and therefore home, that will best suit their needs, preferences and budget. Living in Austin allows you the choice to experience downtown, hill country, waterfront, country club communities, suburbia, ranch…the list goes on. It’s been exciting to see the evolution of our city where I raised my children. I remember moving here about 25 years ago and clearly the city was not what it is today – I enjoy being a part of the growth of not only the central city but also the surrounding suburban neighborhoods. In Austin, you can listen to music just about anywhere, hike and bike on many scenic trails, indulge with some amazing food from one of many food trucks, channel your inner aquatic skills at the Town Lake Rowing, boating on Lake Austin or sailing Lake Travis, or just simply enjoy a refreshing beverage at a local eatery! Austin is Austin and there is absolutely no place like it!
Why should your clients select Kuper Sotheby’s over your competitors?
Selecting a brokerage is very difficult and overwhelming in a “hot” market LIKE Austin. However, when you partner with KSIR you are receiving the utmost desirable concierge service in the nation. Whether you are in the market for a lease, a sale or a purchase, the quality of service does not demise. One of my biggest goals in every deal is for the sellers and buyers to feel confident and secure during the transition of their investment. Transactions are emotional and business-oriented, so one must understand how to incorporate both sides – emotional and transactional services.
Who would you say is your ideal client?
Anyone who is serious about acquiring an ideal property which reflects their personal taste but compliments their everyday lifestyle; and in Austin there are many lifestyles to seek…urban, suburban, hill country, waterfront, country club, golf community, etc. Anyone who is wanting to enhance their life to fit their lifestyle.
What does the forecast look like for the real estate market in 2020 for the affluent community here in Austin?
Lots of potential! You must purchase your lifestyle now before our market skyrockets to other National Markets’ prices! Lake Austin has seen an increasing number of affluent individuals purchasing properties over the past couple years, breaking records for homes sold per square foot. The market will only continue to rise over the future years to come, our market data is very similar to the Bay Areas’, in the sense where it rises at an astronomical rate over a short period of time but yet retains the value and will only increase in future measurements.
What is the best Real Estate advice you could offer someone wanting to partake in the market?
BUY NOW! Look for “sleepy” neighborhoods. Don’t buy JUST to buy. Look at purchases with a “resale” mindset.
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"I would like to recognize all my clients that have turned into my friends and mentors, that have listened to my advice and believe in the value I offer. We can all learn from each other and apply the knowledge we learn into our everyday lives, business and transactions."