Eric Bramlett was a rare and valuable find when it came to me looking for a real estate agent - I'd consider anyone reading this very fortunate in fact. Eric had the unique ability to put himself squarely in my position, while superimposing the years of experience that a first-time buyer like me was lacking. Added to that was his no-sales-pressure approach, warm personality, promptness in replies, and a no-nonsense approach to doing business. When we would walk into a place, I had complete confidence that he would know if it was a place I should be considering, or just a waste of my time.
Just for some more background: I'm someone with extensive experience in investments outside of housing, and for a long time had thought "I can buy a house without an agent". But after the time I spent with Eric, I've changed my opinion quite a bit. While I still think I could buy a house without the help of the average real estate agent out there, I would never, ever buy a house in Austin without using Eric. It's too big a decision, there are too many pitfalls, and he's just too valuable a resource.