Realtor Profile
Supporting the arts is just one way this Austin Realtor helps her city grow
As a third-generation Austinite, Carla Umlauf loves watching the city she grew up in continue to mature while striking a balance between progress and charm. Following a degree in social work from the University of Texas at Austin, Umlauf has devoted more than 22 years to direct client service and has been a top producing Realtor for over 13 years. She has been honored with memberships in the Luxury League, Platinum Top 50 Realtors, and Kuper Sotheby's International Realty Presidents Club, and was named one of Austin's 10 Most Powerful Women in 2016 by Austin Way.
This dynamic entrepreneur and supporter of the arts has been an active contributor to the culture of Austin, having served on several committees and as chairwoman of the board at the Umlauf Sculpture Garden & Museum, a legacy gifted to the city of Austin by her paternal grandparents in the 1990s.
Now, as an experienced Austin Realtor, Umlauf takes pride in working with buyers and sellers as well as custom homebuilders, architects, investors, and land sales. A talented negotiator, Umlauf believes in the power of diplomacy and wisdom, and stresses the importance of looking at the big picture instead of taking things personally or getting buried in the details. As a recent client put it, "Carla is a consummate professional. While her success and deep domain knowledge clearly comes in part from her years of experience, she also has innate abilities that can't be taught: a keen ability to quickly discern what her clients want and need, an inherent sense of style, and a natural, genuine charm that makes working with her truly delightful."
We chatted with Umlauf to find out more about her work and what drives her.
CultureMap: What inspires you to do what you do?
Carla Umlauf: Knowing that I am doing my best for others and that I am bringing value, not just to a real estate transaction but to the world in general.
CM: What's one piece of advice you'd give to people looking for their dream home?
CU: Think of your Realtor and lender as key players on your team; more is accomplished when we all work together on one shared goal. Hiring the right professionals to guide you are key to a smooth transaction, so interview more than one person and make sure you are hiring for the right reasons.
CM: And advice to those who are selling?
CU: Hire a Realtor with experience, a good marketing strategy, and who is well connected. Listen to your Realtor when they tell you that the condition of your property matters. Be realistic in your pricing and during negotiations, and keep communicating with your Realtor throughout the process.
CM: Sum up Austin in three words.
CU: Beautiful. Welcoming. Progressive.
CM: What's one thing people might not know about you?
CU: During college I learned how to weld and blacksmith and did commissioned work for several years. I also love old country music and two-stepping!
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See Carla Umlauf's latest listings here, or contact her at 512-567-1478 or carla@umlaufproperties.com.