What to Ask When Hiring a Realtor in the Lake Travis ISD Area

What to Ask When Hiring a Realtor in the Lake Travis ISD Area

If you're searching for a realtor in the Lake Travis ISD area, you're already asking the right first question. Here's how I'd answer the rest of them.

I'm Cynthia Mattiza, Associate Broker with Kuper Sotheby's International Realty. I've worked exclusively in West Austin, Bee Cave, Westlake Hills, Lake Travis, Lakeway, and Spicewood for 16 years, and I've lived in Bee Cave for 6 years. These are the questions I get asked most, answered directly.

Do you actually specialize in this area, or is it one of many markets you cover?

This is the whole area I work. I'm not splitting attention across Round Rock one week and Lake Travis the next. My business is built on Bee Cave, Westlake Hills, Lakeway, Spicewood, and the Hill Country, and it's built almost entirely on referrals and repeat clients from those communities. Not only do I live here, but I'm deeply rooted in the community and the local businesses and schools.

Do you understand the Lake Travis ISD zoning and how it affects home value?

Yes, and this trips up a lot of relocating families. School zoning inside Lake Travis ISD can shift which elementary, middle, or high school a home feeds into, even between two houses a few streets apart, and that difference shows up in resale value. I walk every buyer through zoning before they fall in love with a house, not after. Don't have kids in school?  The values in this area are still very dependent on the school zones, so I'll educate you on what's a smart investmnet.

What's your track record in this specific market?

I've been a Platinum Top 50 REALTOR every year since 2012, an Austin Business Journal Top Producing Agent every year since 2014, and I'm RealTrends Verified, which puts me in the top 1.5% of agents nationally. I was also nominated for 2025 REALTOR of the Year. Ask any agent for their numbers. If they can't tell you quickly, that's your answer. Consistently, I sell over 20-30 homes a year.  That's 30 families who have put their trust in me year after year.

Are you full time, and will I actually be working with you?

I'm a solo operator on purpose. I'm my own CEO, CFO, and marketing team, which means when you hire me, you get me, not a rotating cast of team members you've never met. I do have back end support assisting me with marketing plans, social media coordinator, and contract coordination. But when you hire me, you get me and my admin. When it comes to showings, you will be getting me, when it comes to negotiations, and contract help, it will be me.

How do you approach pricing a listing?

With data first, instinct second, and I don't let the two disagree without saying so out loud. I pull true comparables, not just anything active in the neighborhood, and I'll tell a seller directly when a comp isn't apples to apples. If the data says we need to move on price, I say that plainly, not softly. The thing about me, is that I will be honest with you about pricing, it's not always the most fun conversation but trust that it will be honest response.

What's your marketing plan for my home?

Professional photography, a strong digital presence through my Kuper Sotheby's platform, and a background most agents don't have: I spent time in Santa Barbara working in interior design and custom home construction, and I use that eye on every listing, from staging guidance to how a home is presented online. Kuper Sotheby's has a global presence so rest assured your listing will be maximum exposure with white glove attention.

I'm relocating and don't know the area at all. Can you actually help with that?

This is where I spend the most time with clients, and it's personal. When a family moves here, I don't just hand over keys and disappear. I introduce them to neighbors, connect them with other families nearby, and make sure they land with a built-in community, not just a mailing address. Many of these clients have become my friends, bc when you move to the area, you join an incredible community.

Do you have relationships with other agents and professionals in this market?

Sixteen years in the same handful of neighborhoods means most of the agents, lenders, and inspectors I work with, I already know. That matters more than people realize. A deal with a lot of moving parts goes smoother when the agent on the other side already trusts you. Each month I collaborate with agents, different brokers and attend property tours so that I'm constantly brainstorming with other professionals. Oftentimes, buyer's offers get selected based on who the other agent is, and you can read reviews, many of my client's have gotten their offers chosen bc I was their agent representing them.

Can I see what past clients say about working with you?

Always ask this. My business runs on referrals and multi-generational relationships in this community, which only happens if people are willing to send me their friends and family after the fact. I encourage you to read reviews from past clients. I take tremendous pride in delivering a service that is worth raving about.

If you're weighing a move in Bee Cave, Westlake Hills, Lakeway, Spicewood, or anywhere around Lake Travis, I'm happy to talk through it. [email protected] or 512-940-5293.