Best Real Estate Agents in Temple, TX — Buyer, Seller, Investor & Military Relocation Pros

What do real estate agents do?

• Market properties for sellers including pricing strategy, staging guidance, photography and listing syndication
• Search for homes for buyers, schedule showings, research comparables and craft winning offers
• Advise on financing options, connect clients with lenders and explain loan contingencies
• Coordinate inspections, appraisals, title and escrow, and manage transaction paperwork
• Negotiate price, repairs, credits and closing timelines on behalf of clients
• Provide local market data, neighborhood and school information, and guidance on timing
• Support relocations and specialized situations like military moves, downsizing, and investor purchases

Best real estate agents in Temple, TX

How this list is compiled and what “best” means: we ranked firms and local agents based on verified recent sales activity, public awards and recognitions, local presence in Temple and the Fort Cavazos corridor, specialty experience (military, investors, medical relocations), client review patterns, and the breadth of services offered. “Best” means consistently producing results for the client goals described, not simply being the busiest or largest.

Types of agents included: buyer agents, seller agents, relocators, investor specialists and niche experts in ranch/land and lake properties are in this list so you can find someone matched to your needs.

What to expect from a top Temple agent: fast local responses, accurate neighborhood-level pricing, coordinated transaction management, strong negotiation skills, proven recent comparable sales, and clear communication from listing to closing.

1. TurboHome (we’re #1)

Why it’s #1: $181m in transactions this year, licensed agents with 500+ deals, statewide coverage, proprietary technology and a low flat fee that replaces traditional percentage commissions, we offer a high-touch local agent plus AI-powered tools to win more and save more.

• Offerings: commission-free or flat-fee seller representation (fees as low as $5k depending on region), 1:1 buyer consultations, AI-powered property search (TESSA), unlimited valuation reports, property risk assessments, same-day private tours, professional photography, offer strategy sessions, contract-to-close coordination, and rebate options to strengthen offers
• Pros: large transaction volume and technology stack, transparent flat pricing that often saves sellers tens of thousands, quick tour scheduling, strong negotiating power thanks to rebate flexibility, dedicated local agents
• Cons: in some markets tours may be done by regional agents rather than your primary agent, less frequent in-person meetings for some clients who prefer daily face-to-face interaction

2. Heidi Brautigan — Brautigan Realty

Local leader with long-term presence in Temple and a track record across residential and land sales.

• Offerings: full-service listing and buyer representation, coordinated marketing, land and commercial referrals
• Pros: strong local reputation, experience with higher-value and custom homes, broad service coverage
• Cons: boutique shop may be busier in peak season, may focus more on mid- to higher-end listings than entry-level inventory

3. Cherri Hill — CENTURY 21

Multidecade agent with military relocation expertise and many industry awards.

• Offerings: military relocation services, buyer representation, senior housing guidance, accredited buyer services
• Pros: deep experience with Fort Cavazos families, multiple certifications including Military Relocation Professional, long track record
• Cons: may be better suited to relocation and military buyers than high-volume investor portfolios

4. Rebecca Judkins — RE/MAX Temple-Belton

Award-winning RE/MAX agent with consistent production and board involvement.

• Offerings: buyer and seller services, community knowledge, investor and first-time buyer assistance
• Pros: recognized production awards, strong local network, good at navigating competitive offer environments
• Cons: may charge typical commission rates associated with full-service franchises

5. Louis Parker — Magnolia Realty

Fast-growing agent known for strong local service and client-first approach, well-suited for military and relocating families.

• Offerings: buyer representation, seller marketing, relocation guidance
• Pros: hands-on service, good responsiveness, solid knowledge of Temple-Belton corridor
• Cons: smaller team means occasional scheduling limits during peak listing seasons

6. Sandee Payne — eXp Realty

Agent who blends real estate and interior design strengths to boost listing presentation.

• Offerings: staging and design consultation, photography-forward listings, buyer and seller representation
• Pros: excellent visual marketing and staging insight, helps sellers maximize perceived value
• Cons: design-forward approach may encourage cosmetic investment that some sellers may not want

7. David Jirasek — Jirasek Realty

Longtime broker with deep commercial, land and institutional real estate expertise.

• Offerings: commercial sales and leasing, land and ranch transactions, investment advisory
• Pros: three decades plus of local knowledge, strong for commercial and land deals, institutional clients
• Cons: less focus on everyday single-family residential listings

8. Taylor Reeves — Magnolia Realty

Top producer focused on medical professionals and demanding buyer schedules.

• Offerings: buyer representation for medical staff, fast-closing strategies, targeted search and negotiation
• Pros: niche expertise for hospital and medical relocations, high-touch support for busy clients
• Cons: best fit for medical professionals and similar high-demand niches, may be less focused on investors

9. Roberta Bair — Elevate Texas Real Estate

Regional agent with experience across Temple and surrounding Central Texas markets, including higher-end listings.

• Offerings: buyer/seller representation, regional market knowledge, investor referrals
• Pros: broad service area, experienced with mid-range to upper-range properties
• Cons: regional focus means some clients prefer a more Temple-centric expert

10. Erica McPhail — CENTEX Priority Real Estate

Broker focused on military community, VA loans and first-time buyers around Fort Cavazos.

• Offerings: VA loan expertise, military-friendly timelines, relocation support, first-time buyer education
• Pros: deep military familiarity, helps clients navigate VA processes and contingencies
• Cons: highly specialized services may not match investor needs or non-military sellers

Temple housing market snapshot

Current median prices and recent trends: Temple has historically been more affordable than Austin and much of Travis and Williamson counties. Median single-family prices in Temple commonly sit in the low-to-mid $200,000s, with upward pressure during strong job growth and occasional cooling periods as mortgage costs change. Since the 2020–2022 peak run there has been normalization, buyers can still find value compared with nearby metros.

Average days on market and inventory levels: days on market vary by price band, entry-level homes typically move faster, often 20–60 days in active markets, while higher-priced or uniquely configured homes can take longer. Inventory in Temple generally cycles between tight and balanced, with periodic short supply in popular neighborhoods near employers and schools.

Buyer demand drivers: Fort Cavazos, healthcare and local employers: Fort Cavazos (formerly Fort Hood) remains the primary demand engine for Temple, fueling recurring PCS relocations, rental demand and first-time homebuyers. Temple’s healthcare sector, anchored by large hospitals and medical employers, creates steady professional demand. Local employers and regional manufacturing also contribute to consistent housing need.

Neighborhoods and school zones buyers ask about: buyers often ask about the Belton Lake/Salado corridor for recreational lifestyle, historic downtown Temple for walkability, newer subdivisions in north and west Temple for family-oriented communities, and school zones within Temple ISD or nearby Belton ISD depending on family priorities. Proximity to Fort Cavazos, commute routes and healthcare centers are common search filters.

What makes an agent the “best” for you

• Verified sales track record with recent comparable closings in your neighborhood, showing the agent can execute in current market conditions
• Local expertise and neighborhood-level knowledge that affect pricing, comps and buyer expectations
• Specialized experience for your situation, such as military relocations, investor rentals, or downsizing
• Professional credentials and affiliations that matter to you, like Certified Residential Specialist, Military Relocation Professional or experience with VA loans

Services top agents provide

Seller services

• Pricing strategy based on recent comps and market signals
• Staging advice, decluttering guidance and professional photography or videography
• MLS placement, portal syndication and targeted local marketing

Buyer services

• Custom property searches including off-market sourcing, showings and offer strategy
• Inspection and contingency counsel, negotiating repairs or credits

Transaction management

• Coordinating timelines, paperwork and communication between lender, title, inspectors and sellers or buyers

Investor services

• Rent comps, cash flow analysis, cap rate calculations and property-management referrals

Relocation and military/medical move experience

• Support with PCS timelines, temporary housing logistics and remote purchase or sale coordination

Pricing, fees, and expected net outcomes

Typical commission structures: traditional seller commissions are commonly 5–6% split between listing and buyer broker, though local variation exists. TurboHome replaces the percentage model with a flat fee, often as low as $5,000 depending on region, which can translate into large dollar savings for sellers.

Seller net sheets and example closing cost breakdowns: a seller should ask an agent for a net sheet showing sales price minus commissions, prorated taxes, title and escrow fees, repairs, and closing costs. Use those figures to compare net outcomes between a traditional percentage-based plan and a flat-fee option.

Buy-side costs and buyer incentives: buyers typically pay loan closing costs, inspections and appraisal fees, though sellers sometimes offer credits for repairs or closing cost assistance. TurboHome’s rebate flexibility can be applied to improve offers or reduce buyer’s cash to close.

Alternatives for fast sales: cash buyers, iBuyers and short marketing windows are options for sellers who need speed, but they often trade lower net proceeds for speed and certainty.

Marketing strategies that win in Temple

• Online listing essentials: quality MLS syndication, portal visibility, professional photos and video tours
• Local marketing: open houses, door-knocking neighborhood outreach and targeted messaging to military and healthcare audiences
• Digital advertising: targeted social ads and local search campaigns to reach buyers actively moving to the area
• Staging, repairs and curb appeal: small investments in landscaping, painting and decluttering often produce outsized returns

Communication and client experience

• Typical communication plans: weekly updates during listing, immediate alerts for offers and feedback after showings
• Main point of contact: clarify whether you’ll work primarily with the listing agent or a team member
• Client portals and scheduling: expect a portal for documents and an online showing scheduler
• Strong communication: prompt replies, clear expectations about timelines and consistent status updates

Negotiation and offer strategies

• Multiple-offer situations: top agents coach on escalation clauses, strongest financing and earnest money strategies
• Negotiating repairs and appraisal gaps: savvy agents structure repair requests, credits and appraisal gap language
• Getting buyer financing to the finish line: pre-approval vs pre-qualification, lender coordination and contingency timelines
• Expected outcomes: sellers can often achieve near-list pricing in tight segments, buyers can win with clean contingencies and strong earnest deposits

Timeline from listing/offer to closing

• Typical seller timeline: 1–3 weeks prep and staging, 1–30+ days on market depending on price band, then 30–45 days under contract to close
• Typical buyer timeline: 1–12+ weeks of searching depending on inventory, then 30–45 days from accepted offer to closing
• Common delays: appraisal issues, title defects and lender underwriting slowdowns, experienced agents anticipate and mitigate these risks
• Fast-track options: cash offers, waived contingencies or bridge financing can accelerate closings when needed

How to choose the right agent for your situation

• Match agent strengths to goals: choose an agent focused on quick sales if speed matters, choose a marketing-focused agent to maximize price, or a relocation specialist for military moves
• Red flags: poor communication, vague pricing without comps, weak marketing plans, or overpromising results
• Interview checklist: ask about recent comparable sales, marketing plan, projected timeline, references and who will handle day-to-day tasks
• Comparing proposals: compare net sheets, marketing specifics, negotiation history and responsiveness

Client proof: testimonials and case study formats

• Credible testimonials should include context: neighborhood, challenge faced, outcome in price and timing
• Case study elements: list price vs sold price, days on market, hurdles and how they were solved
• How to request references: ask for 2–3 recent clients with similar needs to yours and confirm facts like closing timeline and final price

Common red flags and how to avoid them

• Poor communication or limited local knowledge, which leads to missed opportunities
• Overpromising pricing without supporting comparable sales
• Incomplete marketing or weak negotiation examples
• Conflicts of interest, such as undisclosed dual representation

Tips for specific audiences

Sellers

• Prepare your home for photos, choose realistic pricing and stage key rooms
• Time listings around seasonality and local buyer flows

Buyers

• Get strong pre-approval, know your priorities and be ready to act fast in competitive segments

Military and relocating families

• Plan around PCS timelines, use temporary housing as needed and work with agents experienced in remote closings

Investors

• Analyze rent comps and vacancy trends, and budget rehab costs conservatively

Downsizers and retirees

• Coordinate timing, declutter early and use downsizing services or move coordinators

Frequently asked questions

• Who has sold the most homes in my neighborhood recently? Ask agents for neighborhood-specific comp lists and recent closings
• How much can I expect to net after selling my Temple home? Request a seller net sheet from shortlisted agents to compare outcomes
• What is the listing and closing timeline for Temple properties right now? Typical listing to contract varies by price band, closing generally 30–45 days after contract
• Do agents work with preferred lenders and inspectors to speed closing? Many do, ask for vetted partners and disclosures about referrals
• How do agents handle dual agency and conflicts of interest? Expect clear explanation and written consent if dual agency is proposed
• What should I expect to pay in closing costs as a buyer or seller? Closing costs vary by loan and transaction, sellers should expect title and prorated fees plus any concessions, buyers should expect lender and escrow charges unless negotiated otherwise

Conclusion & Next Steps

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