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Architecture trained our eye. Real estate taught us how to protect your equity.

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Founder & Lead Broker

Mara Velez

We founded this practice because the most critical architectural decisions occur before hiring an architect: identifying structural defects, assessing permit legality, and reading micro-market neighborhood comps. Today our team represents a focused group of discerning buyers and sellers across Central Austin. We provide candid, transparent counsel: you will know when a property is an exceptional investment, and you will know when the foundation, unpermitted addition, or topography is a liability.

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Specialized talent across every phase of your transaction.

Mara Velez

Founder & Principal Broker

Former residential architect with 10+ years in design and 8+ years leading top-tier Central Austin luxury transactions. Specializes in historic estates and modern custom infill.

Specialty: Architectural Due Diligence & Seller Strategy

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Julian Vance

Partner & Senior Buyer Specialist

Austin native and former commercial valuation analyst. Brings forensic comp analysis, off-market prospecting, and aggressive contract structuring for competitive buyer bids.

Specialty: Buyer Representation & Off-Market Searches

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Elena Rostova

Director of Operations & Escrow

Oversees contract-to-close logistics, title commitments, municipal permit searches, and private client showings with military precision.

Specialty: Transaction Management & Compliance

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Lucas Hayes, AIA

Architectural & Staging Advisor

Licensed architect who conducts structural walkthroughs, assesses remodel viability, and designs editorial staging palettes for our seller listings.

Specialty: Staging Curation & Remodel Feasibility

Our Representation Standards

We operate under a strict code of direct representation. Unlike large team models where clients are passed to junior showing assistants, you negotiate directly with lead partners.

Direct Principal Access: Our lead broker and partner agents personally draft the contracts, run the negotiations, and lead the walkthroughs.
Capped Client Roster: We keep the active roster small enough that the partners can carry it themselves.
Brokerage Affiliation: Affiliated with Live Oak Realty Group.

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