The city of Austin, TX has so much to offer – beautiful weather, live music, local art, and delicious food. In addition to these draws, Austin has a booming economy and job market with a growing technology sector and an influx of financial companies. These factors are driving population growth in astonishing numbers and with it a demand for housing. With population growth showing no signs of abating anytime soon, these Realtors exemplify the best of the best in a robust field.
In 2016, there were roughly 4,800 licensed real estate agents in Austin and 8,339 residential home sales. But less than 2% of Austin’s Realtors have an average sale price of over $1 million. We have included many of these superior agents on this list.
To compile this list, we considered the number of transactions an agent has closed, the value of their top sale, the total volume of their annual sales, the exclusivity of the neighborhoods they specialize in, and any significant clientele they have worked with, as well as awards, recognition, and accolades. Below are ten of the best real estate agents in the Austin, Texas area.
10) Eric Bramlett
Website | 512.872.4623 | Company: Bramlett Residential
Eric Bramlett has amassed an impressive track record in Austin real estate since entering the housing market as a Realtor in 2003. He earned the top spot on Austin Business Journal’s list of top-producing Realtors in the category for groups with up to seven Realtors, a list he has been included in since 2013.
Bramlett is the broker and co-owner of Bramlett Residential, a boutique residential Austin real estate company with an average of 11 years of experience per agent. The company focuses on buyer and seller representation. Bramlett generally works in Central and West Austin, but his team services the greater metro area. He places a high value on customer service and is known for his attention to detail and fair-minded ethics.
During his 12 year career, he has completed well over 500 deals with $150 million in sales. He has consistently produced in the top 1% of Austin real estate brokers. In 2016, Bramlett and his team closed 190 residential deals for a total of $76,014,764, with a top sale of $2.7 million.
Featured Listings
Bramlett recently sold an incredible circa 1900s home at 907 Columbus St, listed for $1.399 million. The historic home was completely renovated and features tons of upgrades throughout its 5,488 square feet. An authentic farmhouse, the home now has high-end finishes that blend perfectly with its antique long leaf pine floors, beautiful vaulted ceilings, and unique light fixtures.
Bramlett also has the listing for a 2,967 square foot, eco-friendly home at 101 Swiftcurrent Rail in Austin. The stunning West Lake home is listed at $1.1 million. Located on a one-acre lot, the home features a new net zero solar system and has a large backyard perfect for entertaining, including a covered patio, sauna, pool, and hot tub.
Finally, Bramlett has the listing for a $948,000, gorgeous River Place home at 10013 Inshore Drive, Austin, loaded with top of the line amenities. This home features stunning panoramic hill country views and has a large, private backyard with a covered patio and luxury pool and hot tub. The four bedroom home includes an office, gym, and three living rooms. Special features including a dumbwaiter, upgraded home theater, and loads of smart home technology.
9) Christopher Watters
Website | 512.212.1221 | Company: Watters International Realty
Watters has been trusted by some of the city’s top buyers and sellers to handle their transactions. He was named to the number one spot by Austin Business Journal Group Four (8+ Licenses) for 2016. With his team, he closed 465 transactions for a total of $121,730,813, with a top sale of $1.85 million. Watters International Realty are exclusively endorsed by real estate mogul Barbara Corcoran, from ABC Hit Show, Shark Tank. Watters is also ranked by RealTrends in The Wall Street Journal.
Christopher Watters is an Austin native. His extensive knowledge of this city has proven invaluable to his clients. He began his career helping families and investors buy or sell property in Central Texas and founded his own practice, Watters International Realty, in 2010. In 2015, he began to open branches across Texas, duplicating his success in new markets.
In addition to his real estate business, he is the co-founder of Mint Title, an Austin-based title insurance company. Since 2014, Mint Title has expanded into Dallas, San Antonio, and Houston and has branches in Nevada and Colorado. Other investments and advisory roles include WHD Investments Inc, WIR Publishing Inc, and #RealDeal, a technology company building applications for the real estate industry. Watters is a graduate of Texas State University where he studied Business Administration in Finance.
Featured Listings
Watters International Realty holds the $4.99 million listing for a Lake Austin waterfront home at 4705 Island Cv. Nestled amidst lush grounds, this 10,000+ square foot contemporary home has 5 bedrooms and 6 bathrooms. The luxurious home is built for high-end entertaining. It has a wine room with a fireplace, a dining room large enough for 20 guests, a gorgeous wet bar, and even an elevator. The exterior has beautifully landscaped grounds surrounding a large lap pool.
The team also has the listed for 1500 Palomino Ridge Drive, a stunning Spanish Mediterranean home priced at $1.35 million. This custom built home is one of only 16 homes in its exclusive gated community. It features a backyard oasis with a black bottom pool, cabana with built-in grill and fireplace, and luxury hot tub. Inside, the home has the highest quality fixtures and finishings, including Jerusalem Stone flooring and a professional grade kitchen.
8) Nicole Kessler
Website | 512.451.2422 x 100 | Company: Gottesman Residential Real Estate
Nicole Kessler has over 20 years of experience in Austin real estate and has been involved in over 500 transactions. She is a longtime member of Austin’s Elite 25, an exclusive list of Austin’s top agents for luxury residential real estate, having first been named to the list in 2001. She has also been named a Platinum Top 50 agent, is an Austin Luxury League member, and has been named an Austin Business Journal top producer.
Kessler has been a licensed Realtor since 1992 and a Broker since 2001. She is a graduate of McCombs Business School at the University of Texas and attended the International Business Program at l’Institute de Notre Dame, Belgium.
Kessler combines her knowledge of the design-build process, land development, marketing, and sales to make her a top choice. She is known by her peers and clients for her attention to detail, positive attitude, and extensive knowledge of the city of Austin. She often knows of the best properties for sale, including those that are private listings and not available to the general public.
She is actively involved in philanthropic causes in her community. She serves on the Foundation Board of Directors for HeartGift, Marketing Director for West Austin Pop Warner, Beyond Batten Development Board, Dell Children’s Council, Explore Austin, and the Heritage Society of Austin.
Featured Projects
Kessler holds the exclusive listing for a classic 4,373 square foot home in Pemberton Heights, listed at $2.75 million. Located at 2530 Harris Boulevard in Central Austin, this home was built in 2012 and holds 5 bedroom, 4.5 bathrooms, and 4 living areas. The gourmet kitchen opens to the family room and has a large butler’s pantry. The property has a beautiful outdoor patio with a built-in grill and large, freestanding brick fireplace. It also has a private guest casita.
Kessler also has the listing for the sleek $3.75 million Sharon House in the heart of Tarrytown in Central Austin. Designed by Matt Garcia Design and built by Roost Custom Homes in 2016, this 6,584 square foot property has 6 bedrooms, 7 and 2 half bathrooms, and 3 car garage with a private apartment. The home has the utmost attention to detail, sophistication, and functionality. The property is hidden on the banks of Johnson Creek, surrounded by a private, forest-like setting. A 2,000+ square foot ipe deck offers tons of outdoor living around entertaining areas and a gorgeous pool.
7) Kevin Burns
Website | 512.457.8884 | Company: Urbanspace
Kevin Burns and his team closed on an impressive 345 deals in 2016 worth a total of $201.77 million. His top sale of the year was $2.543 million. He earned the top spot on Austin Business Journal’s list of best Realtors for teams with up to three agents. And he is often included on the prestigious list of Austin’s Elite 25.
Burns became a licensed Realtor after skipping classes while a student at the University of Texas to pursue this career. Having lived in urban environments his entire life, Burns has a unique perspective on what each individual needs when living in a large city like Austin. It is no surprise that Burns specializes in urban and downtown living. He founded the ground-breaking real estate firm Urbanspace, which handles both residential and commercial real estate.
In addition to his work as a real estate agent, Burns is involved as a partner on a new tower going up in downtown Austin. He is also the Owner and Operator of Urbanspace Interiors. Completing the real estate side of the business, Burns channels his appreciation of modern furniture into this venture, helping clients plan and furnish their homes and offices.
Featured Listings
Urbanspace Realtors is handling all sales on location at The Hillside, freestanding and attached modern condos surrounded by a nature preserve. These homes all have contemporary interiors and magnificent panoramic views of the surrounding hills and downtown. The epitome of urban country living, the Hillside homes have easy access to both Lake Travis and Lake Austin. The Hillside has won four national architecture awards and the Homebuilders Association of Austin’s award for “Best Community” under 300 homes.
And Urbanspace Realtors have the exclusive listing of apartments at The Independent, a new highrise in downtown Austin. This development offers luxurious one to four bedroom apartments within the innovatively designed skyrise. The building has over 20,000 square feet of amenities, including a vibrant 9th-floor deck and a refined 34th-floor owner’s retreat. A 2,711 square foot, 3 bedroom, 3.5 bathroom apartment with a study is listed at $3.210 million.
Finally, Burns is also responsible for listings at Seaholm Residences. The Seaholm Residences has fantastic views, a prime downtown location, and top of the line amenities, including a heated lap pool, outdoor lounge, gas grills on a shared patio, fitness center, clubroom with catering kitchen, dog park, and business center. The property has one-of-a-kind eclectic studio, one, two, and three bedroom apartments available.
6) Jeannette Spinelli
Website | 512.784.8022 | Company: Spinelli Residential Group at KW Austin Portfolio Real Estate
Jeannette Spinelli is one of the top 1% of agents in Austin. She has been honored year after year by the Elite 25, Platinum Top 50, and the Austin Business Journal. She was recently a founding member of Luxury League. Spinelli was named by Austin Business Journal as the number 3 agent in Group Two (2-3 Licenses).
Spinelli is known for her award-winning service as a leading broker and respected agent for over 22 years. She consistently exceeds client expectations with her depth of historical knowledge of the Austin market and strong professional contacts. For over 22 years, she has specialized in high-end residential real estate in the Austin Area. In 2016, she closed 51 transactions with $46,577,796 in total sales, including a top sale of $3.3 million. Her top sale in 2015 was an equally as impressive $3.07 million.
In addition to her professional work, Spinelli is dedicated to philanthropic causes. She devotes herself to educational fundraising and humanitarian efforts, focusing on the procurement of micro loans in numerous countries, including Guatemala, Somalia, and Sri Lanka.
Featured Projects
Spinelli is currently selling a 16,406 square foot home at 219 Bella Riva, listed for $7.2 million. The property is spread out across 3.7-acres in gated Costa Bella. This luxurious waterfront estate has 9 bedrooms, 8 and 3 half baths, a home study, 2 dining areas, and 5 living rooms. It features a full-size gym, 1000+ wine cellar, tasting room, humidor, top of the line home theater, wet bars, and multiple entertaining rooms on all levels. In addition to direct access to Lake Travis, where the home has its own private dock, this estate has an incredible three-level resort style pool with a water slide, a children’s play yard, two outdoor kitchens, a fire pit, and spa.
And Spinelli has the listing for 101 Bella Cima, an exquisite home designed by John Fitzpatrick, which is priced at $2.799 million. The high-end property holds 6 bedrooms and 6 and 2 half baths in its 8,904 square feet. The home is perfect for outdoor entertaining, with a large stone patio, covered veranda, hot tub, infinity pool, waterfalls, outdoor grill, and fireplace. Inside, the home has an impressive 500+ wine cellar, home theater, game room, hobby room, and wet bar.
5) Kathleen Bucher
Website | 512.794.6644 | Company: The Bucher Group – KW – Austin Portfolio Real Estate
Kathleen Bucher has been selling real estate since 1991, and frequently earns the prestigious “Residential Real Estate Top Producer” award from the Austin Business Journal. She is in the top 1% of her industry, is a Platinum Top 50 Realtor nominee, and has been included in Austin’s Elite 25 for many years.
Butcher is the founder and leader of The Bucher Group and specializes in luxury real estate. She is known for her personalized approach, building relationships on trust and uncompromised service. She is a member of The Institute for Luxury Home Marketing and has multiple certifications, including CNE & ABR.
In 2016 she closed 83 transactions, with a top sale of $5 million. Her total sales in 2015 were $54,968,726, which earned her the number 1 rank by Austin Business Journal for Group Two (2-3 Licenses). In 2016, her total sales were over $47 million, with 62 closed transactions and a top sale of $4.2 million.
Bucher holds a Bachelor’s in Communications and Public Relations. Prior to her Realtor career, she built an impressive career in the corporate and banking industry. Butcher is a member of many local organizations and is passionate about local fundraising. She supports the Dell Children’s Medical Center of Central Texas and donates a percentage of every commission she earns to help fund the children’s hospital in Austin.
Featured Projects
Bucher has the listing for 213 Costa Belle Drive, a 13,630 square foot home listed for $7.35 million. Spread across 3-acres on Lake Travis, the home has 7 bedrooms and 8.5 bathrooms. It contains a master suite with its own foyer and sitting area, a study with a staircase to a private art/music room, a home theatre, and an exercise room. The home is perfect for entertaining, with a professional grade kitchen, wet bar with copper top and sink, and family room with a beautiful fireplace and game area. The property also has a large private guest suite. Outside, is a yard with large pools, including waterfalls and a water slide, a spa, cabana, sports court, outdoor kitchen, and private boat dock.
Bucher is also selling 8500 Chalk Knoll Drive, an amazing 7,753 square foot estate listed for $2.229 million. Nestled on a secluded double lot backing onto the Fazio golf course, this property features soaring ceilings, custom architectural features, and high-end finishes. The home has a private library, game room with a wet-bar, home office, and a perfect yard for entertaining.
4) Cord Shiflet
Website | 512.480.0848 | Company: Moreland Properties
Cord Shiflet topped Austin Business Journal’s list of solo realtors for the first time in 2002 and has kept the number one spot for 11 of the last 13 years. In 2016, he sold 22 homes, with a top sale of a shocking $8.325 million, and his total sales were $74.5 million. In 2015 he closed on $48,766,375 worth of homes, with another impressive top sale of $6,817,900. He is a long-time Elite 25 Realtor.
Shiflet has been selling homes in Austin for over 19 years. He specializes in Central Austin, West Austin, Westlake, lake properties, luxury estates, farm and ranch, and high-rise or loft living. He is known for his focus on architecture and finding unique homes that are perfectly suited to his clients. His client rolodex is a virtual “who’s who” of top business executives and A-list celebrities.
Shiflet is also the co-publisher of REFINE, one of Austin’s most respected luxury real estate magazines. He is an active member of the Austin Board of Realtors and a board member for the March of Dimes and Ballet Austin. He serves as a committee member for The Austin/Central Texas Realty Information Services (ACTRIS) and was previously a board member for the Austin Boys and Girls Clubs and past president of the Rob Roy HOA.
Featured Listings
Shiflet has the listing for 900 Live Oak Circle, an 11,833 square foot home listed for $14.9 million. Spread out on more than 4 private acres, it is one of the finest modern estates in Texas. The Westlake home was designed by world-renowned architect Peter Gluck. It has two kitchens, a huge game room with a wet-bar, a home theatre, and multiple home offices. The property also has a large pool, sauna, covered patio, and detached guest house. It features tons of floor-to-ceiling windows looking out on an unobstructed view of downtown Austin.
And Shiflet has the exclusive listing of the lavish French Traditional home at 127 Birnam Wood Court, an 8,150 square foot estate listed for $5.9 million. This 5 bedroom, 6.5 bathroom home has ‘custom everything’ and is located in the prime area of Stratford Hills. On top of a quiet hilltop, the home offers stunning views of Lake Austin and the city skyline. Inside, the home makes a strong impression with honed Crema Marfil marble, hand-scraped walnut, quartered white oak floors, murals, vintage chandeliers, and hand-painted accents in gold and silver leaf across numerous domes, crowns, and porcelain fixtures. The home has a bar, billiards room, temperature-controlled wine room, a media room, TV lounge, gym, 3 fireplaces, and an elevator. Outside, there is an infinity-edge pool, cabana, three-car garage, and private, detached guest house.
3) Dara Allen
Website | 512.451.2422 x 110 | Company: Gottesman Residential Real Estate
Dara Allen is a member of the Elite 25 and is consistently named to Platinum Top 50 and Austin Business Journal’s Top 15. In addition to her Texas Realtor’s license, she is also licensed in California. Prior to moving to Austin, she excelled in the high profile markets of Los Angeles’ famed “platinum triangle,” including the exclusive enclaves of Bel Air, Beverly Hills, and Holmby Hills. Previous clients included entertainment industry elite, star athletes, and Grammy Award-winning musicians.
Allen has been a trusted licensed Realtor since 2000. She specializes in new construction and luxury custom homes in many of Austin’s most desirable areas, including Westlake, Barton Creek, Seven Oaks, Spanish Oaks, Tarrytown, and Pemberton Heights. Allen is known for her ‘big picture’ outlook on real estate. She has an intense knowledge of housing markets, trends, schools, new construction, complex financing, and interior design. She is a Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist and Charter Member Austin Luxury Network. She earned her BA/BBA at The University of Incarnate Word.
Allen is active in the local community and volunteers her time to a variety of charitable causes, including Dell Children’s Hospital. She serves as a co-host of Party With A Purpose, which raises funds for international surgical care in underdeveloped areas, and Wounded Warrior Project, The Children of Fallen Soldiers.
Featured Listings
Allen is currently selling a 6,392 square foot home at 14011 Panorama, on the edge of Lake Travis. Listed for $2.325 million, this one-of-a-kind home has 4 bedrooms and 6.5 bathrooms. On 1.5+ acres in a private, gated lot, this property has an idyllic, paradise-like atmosphere. Views show off both the lake and hill country. In addition to the large main house, the property has a guest house with a private deck and separate entrance. The outdoor spaces are great for entertaining, with a fireplace, fire pit, and a negative edge pool looking out over the lake.
And Allen has the $5.5 million listing for 4429 Mirador Drive, a 10,011 square foot estate in Mirador on 10-acres. This 5 bedroom, 5 bath home was recently revamped with Venetian plaster walls, wide plank oak floors, cove lighting, walls of glass, sophisticated chandelier,s and a Crestron automation system. It offers extensive entertaining areas, with a light-filled living area with high ceilings, rich wood moldings and a stone fireplace, an elegant dining room with a glass-enclosed refrigerated wine vault, a game room with a wet-bar, home theater, and a private guest house. The outdoor loggia includes a fireplace, outdoor kitchen and bar, 2 private sitting areas, a koi pond, fire pit, sport court, and an additional BBQ and sparkling pool. Finally, the property has 7 garage spaces.
2) Cindy Goldrick
Website | 512.423.7264 | Company: Wilson & Goldrick
Cindy Goldrick has been a member of Austin’s Elite 25 since it began 20 years ago. She is regularly ranked as a top Realtor by Austin Business Journal, has earned the Residential Real Estate Award, and received the Platinum Top 50 Realtor award multiple times. In 2014, Goldrick was a finalist for Austin Business Journal’s Women of Influence: Profiles in Power.
Goldrick began selling real estate in 1978 in Lansing, Michigan, after graduating from Michigan State University. She moved to Austin in 1981 and graduated from the Real Estate Institute (GRI). In 1983, she founded Wilson & Goldrick Realtors. She is known for her success in introducing new residents to Austin and helping them find the right fit for their family and lifestyle.
Goldrick is proud to support the cause of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, participating in their annual Walkathon and Gala. She also supports dozens of other local causes, including The Settlement Home for Children, People’s Community Clinic, Helping Hand Home for Children, Special Olympics, Eanes Education Foundation, Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, Camp Bluebonnet, and the Brackenridge Children’s Hospital, and many more.
Featured Listings
Goldrick has the $3.625 million listing for 1109 Kennan Road. This grand 6310 square foot home has 6 bedrooms and 5.5 bathrooms. The custom estate is spread out on five acres in West Lake Hills. It was designed by Paul Lamb and built by David Dalgleish in 2000. It features a huge master suite with a sitting area and private screened porch overlook hill country, a separate wing for secondary bedrooms, and a game room that connects to a private guest suite. An open floor plan connects a living and dining area that flow into a commercial kitchen. The gorgeous grounds offer a large patio and pool along with a game court.
And Goldrick was awarded the exclusive $1.95 million listing for 400 Buckeye Trail, a 4,500 square foot home with 4 bedrooms and 4 bathrooms. This home is located on a beautiful wooded acre in Westlake Hills. It features fantastic opportunities for indoor/outdoor living, with a large porch, pool, sauna, spa, stone fireplace, game room, and two home offices.
Finally, she is also responsible for a stunning modern home at 403 Graciosa Cove listed for $2.925 million. The exclusive and energy-efficient home was custom designed for current owners by Webber + Studio in a serenely private setting in Westlake. The 4248 square foot home has an open floor plan with bamboo floors and floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking a lap pool and wooded lot. The home connects to a private guest suite through a beautiful screened-in porch.
1) Gary Dolch
Website | 512.656.5627 | Company: Kuper Sotheby’s International Realty
Working with his wife Michelle Dolch at Kuper Sotheby’s International Realty, the pair has been directly involved with high-end property sales in excess of $350 million over the past 10 years. They are exclusive Austin members of The Sotheby’s Exceptional Agent Network. Dolch is a broker professional and executive vice-president of Kuper Sotheby’s International Realty, where he ranks among the top 1% of brokers in the country. He has been named in the top 1% of Realtor in Texas by Texas Monthly Magazine and has earned his place on both Austin’s Elite 25 and Platinum Top 50 Realtors. He has taken part in a series of record-setting transactions in Central Texas.
Dolch specializes on the luxury segment within the region’s sophisticated market. He typically works on homes ranging between $1 million and $25+ million and on all property types from the finest luxury homes and waterfront properties to trophy ranches and sprawling estates. His exclusive affiliation with Sotheby’s International Realty affords him the opportunity to provide clients with the benefits and services of the world’s premier network of luxury real estate professionals worldwide.
Dolch is a frequent guest panelist for Sotheby’s International Realty at its Global Network events and is a guest contributor on the topic of luxury real estate to the Wall Street Journal, Austin Business Journal, and Austin Way Magazine, among others.
Featured Projects
Dolch has the listing for an amazing 65.68-acre waterfront property, listed at $45 million. At 7400 Coldwater Canyon, this rare property is one of the largest available parcels on Lake Austin. In addition to over 2,600 feet of water frontage, the property includes an 8 slip private marina, a 1,000 square foot guest lake house, a large carriage house, a caretaker’s office, and a 300 seat outdoor theater modeled after Shakespeare’s Globe Theater.
Dolch is also selling an environmentally conscious architectural gem at 303 Cedar Oak Dr, listed at $5.499 million. On a quiet cul-da-sac at the top of a scenic hilltop in Westlake Hills, this stunning home has panoramic views overlooking downtown Austin and a 360-degree infinity pool that reflects the city skyline. The modern masterpiece seamlessly integrates into its landscape. Its skin is an assembly of glass, stucco, and a composite rainscreen panel.
Lastly, Dolch has the exclusive $5.9 million listing for a spectacular Hacienda inspired estate on 8.7 private acres. Designed by Charles Travis, AIA of CHAS Architects, and built by Stewart Custom Homes, this family compound is crafted for luxury living and entertaining with a flowing floor plan and the finest materials and finishes. Only minutes from downtown Austin, this home is extremely exclusive and private, offering the best of country living with scenic, panoramic views from nearly every room.
Dear Jeannette,
How does this not surprise. Congratulations to you. You are a hard worker and also a very smart one.
My love to you.
Kitty