Realtor Associations Unite in Austin, San Antonio Megaregion

Real estate agents in San Antonio and Austin now have a broader range of listings at their fingertips.

A data-sharing agreement between their respective Realtor boards means agents in the two cities have mutual access to each other’s multiple listing services, the San Antonio Business Journal reported.

The agreement follows a similar partnership SABOR established with the Houston Association of Realtors last year, which allowed agents access to listings from three of Texas’ four major markets.

Both deals are designed to provide agents expanded access and the ability to better serve clients relocating between the Texas cities. Real estate agents are already seeing the potential.

The deal “gives all agents the ability to expand their networks and serve new clients,” said Jennifer Shemwell, CEO of San Antonio-based Phyllis Browning Company.

“Ultimately, the additional access through Unlock and the current agreement with HAR gives our listings visibility with 60 percent of real estate agents across Texas. This means more eyes on our listings and increasing the marketing for a home being sold,” she said.

The partnership comes as the San Antonio and Austin regions continue to grow, merging into a larger megaregion along the Interstate 35 corridor. Properties in cities like New Braunfels and San Marcos are becoming increasingly desirable, attracting homebuyers who prefer to live between the two cities.

“That’s why towns like Buda, Kyle, and even Round Rock, are so popular. It’s a 20- to 30-minute commute downtown,” Austin-based agent Leo Salazar said.

SABOR Chair Will Curtis sees the partnership as a vital step in supporting Texas’ rapidly changing real estate landscape.

“As Texas continues to be a top choice for both relocations and in-state moves, our members will be better positioned to serve their clients effectively across the state,” he said.

— Andrew Terrell