Alan Gabriel

Start by getting clear on your goals—both short-term and long-term. Are you buying for lifestyle, investment, school district, lake access, land, or future resale? The clearer you are up front, the better decisions we can make throughout the process. Also: talk to a lender early. Not just to get pre-approved, but to understand what your actual payment comfort zone is. Rate talk can be overwhelming, but a good lender (paired with an agent who knows the terrain) will help you focus on what you can control. If you're looking in the Hill Country, make sure your agent truly knows the area—every neighborhood, water system, internet option, and market nuance. I live here, work here, and know what questions to ask so you don’t end up surprised later. And don’t worry if you’re not 100% sure what you want on day one. Part of my job is helping you figure that out along the way—without pressure or sugarcoating. My goal is to help you make a smart move, not just a fast one.

Start by understanding the current market—not headlines, but what’s actually happening in your area and price range. The Texas Hill Country is unique, and so is every property. What sold six months ago may not reflect what buyers are seeing today. The second thing? Presentation and pricing matter. Even in a slower market, buyers will pay for quality—but only if the home shows well and feels priced with intention. That doesn’t mean overhauling everything, but it does mean making smart, strategic decisions upfront. I’ll help you know which updates (or cleanups) actually move the needle, and which ones don’t. And lastly, work with someone who will tell you the truth. You don’t need a hype man—you need a plan, realistic guidance, and someone who’s got your back from listing to closing. That’s how I work.

I’ve worked with just about every kind of client you can imagine—first-time buyers trying to make sense of it all, investors looking for smart returns, folks relocating for work or lifestyle, and families moving closer to what matters. Some clients are buying their forever spot, others are selling under pressure, and a few are chasing down 1031 exchange deadlines. I’ve helped retirees ease into a slower pace and out-of-state buyers plant new roots in the Hill Country. Every deal’s different, and my job’s to meet people where they are and guide them through it.

One recent transaction that really stuck with me was the sale of 24805 Lake View—a riverfront property we sold during a stretch when the river was, well… mostly a memory. Selling waterfront during a drought isn’t for the faint of heart, but we leaned into the land’s potential, the peace of the setting, and the long-term vision. That wasn’t just a sale—it felt like a legacy being handed off. The sellers had decades of family history there, and we found buyers who connected with the story and saw beyond the short-term conditions. It took a little creativity (and a lot of honesty), but we got it done. That’s what I love about this work—the challenge is half the reward. Every transaction comes with its own quirks, timing, and curveballs. It’s rare to have the same set of circumstances twice, and that unpredictability keeps me sharp. Whether it’s navigating a dry riverbed, a 1031 exchange, or a buyer’s big vision for raw land, the goal’s always the same: move people forward with clarity and care.

I got started in real estate thanks to my mom. She built our team after moving to the Hill Country post-Air Force life, and I watched her turn it into something built on trust, relationships, and a whole lot of hustle. Eventually, I joined her—not just to help grow the business, but because I wanted to hold myself accountable. I’ve never been big on the idea of having a boss—I’d rather take full ownership of my work, my time, and how I show up for people. Real estate gave me that lane. It’s not always easy, but the responsibility keeps me sharp, and the relationships keep it meaningful.

Sure—I’ve got the licensing and formal training that comes with the job, but the real edge comes from staying active in the field and constantly learning. We’re required to take continuing education, but I go beyond the basics. The industry’s changing fast—AI, marketing tech, shifting market data, legal updates—you can’t coast. I’d say I spend half my working hours learning, testing, and adapting so I can serve clients better and avoid falling behind. It’s not about shiny tools—it’s about using the right tools at the right time, and knowing what actually makes a difference in a deal.