Austin Real Estate · Compass
You Need Someone
Who Actually Knows
Austin.
Not the highlights reel. The real neighborhoods, the real comps, the real talk. That's where we come in.
About Mike
I love it here.
I'm Mike, a licensed Texas real estate agent with Compass and founder of The Austin Local Group. I work with buyers, sellers, investors, and relocators who want straight answers, not a sales pitch. I know which schools are actually good, which neighborhoods are quietly on the move, an abundance of off-market opportunities at all times, and who to call to get into them. Perhaps most importantly, where you're eating your next meal.
Specializing in Downtown, East Austin, South Austin, Deep South Austin, Westlake, Hyde Park, and beyond. I cover Austin from the street level. You tell me what you're looking for and I'll find it.
More about Mike V. Vilece: credentials, track record, and profiles →
What I Do
Real estate
done right.
Neighborhoods
The Neighborhoods
I'd Move To.
Every part of Austin has its own feel, its own price dynamics, its own quirks. I'll help you find the one that fits.
Beyond Austin
Local Roots. A network that reaches everywhere.
Austin is where I work and play, but when a client is moving in from Los Angeles or out to Lisbon, the Compass Network is already ready and waiting. Let me help connect you!
Thoughts
Notes on the
Austin Market.
Market data and neighborhood reads, including the parts that aren't flattering.
Common Questions
What Clients
Ask Me Most.
Austin's market shifts constantly by neighborhood and price point. In 2025–2026, inventory has stabilized in many areas, giving buyers more negotiating room than the peak years of 2021–2022. Homes under $600K in popular areas like Deep South Austin and East Austin still move fast, while luxury properties above $1M give buyers more time. The best time to buy depends on your situation. I help clients evaluate current conditions against their timeline and goals.
Property taxes are higher than most states (but there's no state income tax). Neighborhoods vary dramatically in feel and price within just a few miles. School districts matter enormously for home values. I help relocators understand the real trade-offs between areas like Westlake (top schools, luxury), East Austin (creative energy, walkable), and Deep South Austin (value, great access), plus commute patterns, lifestyle fit, and budget matching.
Look for three things: local expertise with recent sales in your target neighborhoods, a clear communication style, and proven results. Ask about their average days on market and transaction count. I've been a licensed agent for 11 years and an Austin resident for 20+ years, with 200+ transactions and $150M+ in volume. I specialize in knowing Austin at the street level, which blocks are quiet, which are about to move, and where the off-market deals are.
It depends on your priorities. For top-rated schools and luxury: Westlake (78746) and Northwest Hills (78731). For walkability and culture: East Austin (78702) and Hyde Park (78751). For strong value and great access: Deep South Austin (78745) and Crestview (78756). For urban living: Downtown (78701) and South Austin (78704). Every neighborhood has trade-offs. I help match the right area to your actual priorities.
The average Austin home sells in 30–50 days from listing to closing. Properly priced homes in areas like Travis Heights, Mueller, and Crestview can go under contract within 1–2 weeks. Luxury properties above $1.5M typically take 60–90 days. My listings average faster than the Austin median because I focus on strategic pricing and targeted marketing from day one.
Commission typically ranges from 5–6% of the sale price, split between buyer's and seller's agents. Since August 2024, buyers sign representation agreements upfront and compensation is negotiable. I'm transparent about costs from the start. For buyers, my representation often costs nothing additional out of pocket because seller-offered compensation typically covers it.
Client Reviews
What Clients Say.
"Mike was straight with us from day one. Didn't sugarcoat anything. We knew exactly what to expect and got exactly what we wanted."
Sarah T.: Buyer
"We had offers in four days. Mike priced it right, got us ready fast, and the whole thing was as smooth as it could possibly be."
James & Claire R.: Sellers
"Moving from out of state, I needed someone who actually knew Austin. Mike knew every neighborhood, every trade-off. Huge difference."
David K.: Relocation Buyer
Get In Touch
Let's Talk.
Whether you're ready to move now or just starting to think about it, reach out. No pressure, no pitch. Just a real conversation.