San Antonio Faces Possible Shortage Of Homes For Sale In January 2014

When it comes to home buyers finding a lot of homes for sale this coming January, they may be disappointed.  That's because December 2013 is seeing too few new and resale homes coming on the market while, at the same time, an unusually high number of holiday season buyers are snapping up the already limited inventory.

Currently, San Antonio's homes for sale inventory is at a level not seen since December 2006.  The population of the San Antonio metropolitan area has grown enormously since then.  It's a trend that's projected to continue through 2014 and beyond.  Consequently, unless more homes come on the market soon,  demand for housing could easily outstrip supply when the more active late winter/early spring market kicks in.

Here's the situation as of 18 December 2013.  There were only 8,007 single family detached homes for sale in San Antonio, but 1,826 of those homes were already under contract, leaving only 6,181 homes not spoken for.  That's only a 3.1 months supply of available homes for sale, and that figure is inching down daily. Unless more new listings come on the market soon, San Antonio looks to have a housing shortage in 2014 similar to that experienced in Austin and Houston this year.

So, what are the implications?

When demand outpaces supply, home prices are destined to rise and competition for available inventory will become exceptionally keen.  That's a welcome trend for home sellers, but will prove unwelcome and possibly daunting for home buyers seeking the best bargaining position.  Short market time, high competition for the best homes and multiple simultaneous offer situations will likely ensue.

In light of these developments, the realty community advises prospective sellers to get their homes on the
market as soon as possible and prospective buyers to launch their home search and make their purchase before the area locks into a very strong seller's market this spring and summer.

This article is brought to you by the members of the SanAntonioHomeQuest.com Realty Solutions Team, Keller Williams Legacy, San Antonio, Texas.

Visit our website or call us for the best advice about, and assistance with, your San Antonio home buying or selling needs.   Contact Stephanie Kelley, Realtor®, GRI, ABR, CRS, E-Pro at (210) 867-8743 or Randy Kelley, Realtor®, at (210) 863-2661.  

San Antonio, Texas, Mortgage News

IF YOU’RE LOOKING TO BUY OR SELL A SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS, HOME, VISIT THE BEST SITE FOR REALTY ADVICE AND ASSISTANCE AT SANANTONIOHOMEQUEST.COM.

NOW, HERE’S THE LATEST NEWS EXTRACT  FROM MIKE CLOVER’S WEEKLY MORTGAGE NEWSLETTER FOR THE WEEK OF 11 NOVEMBER 2012.

MORTGAGE MARKET COMMENTARY:

Mortgage rates barely wiggled around last week, even as stock markets moved significantly.  While the knee-jerk reaction was to blame the election for the stock markets’ declines, the more likely reason is the impending “fiscal cliff.”  Even with money flowing into bond markets, mortgage rates moved very little.  Beyond the election and the aftermath of Sandy, there was little economic news to influence mortgage rates to any meaningful degree.

Retail sales and industrial production are the dominant economic reports due this week.  It is likely that they will confirm that we are continuing this seemingly endless mode of slow growth.  Rates and stock markets are more likely to be influenced, in coming weeks, by the discussions in Washington regarding the fiscal cliff.  The more likely it looks that partisan politics will scuttle a deal, the more likely rates will continue trending downward.  Likewise, if we see growing hope of a deal, which is very likely needed to avoid another recession, then rates may start ticking upward.

HOUSING MARKET IMPROVING IN MORE METRO AREAS:

Last week, the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) and First American released their monthly Improving Markets Index.  Twenty-two more metro areas were added to the list.  To be included, the metro areas had to show at least six consecutive months of posted gains in housing permits, employment, and home prices.  125 metro areas are now listed as “improving.”  In November 2011, there were only thirty metro areas on the list.

Homewood Mortgage, LLC - 18170 Dallas Parkway, Ste 304, Dallas, Texas 75287



mike.clover@homewoodmortgage
Apply at: www.mikeclover.com NMLS# 234770
469-621-8484 Office
469-438-5587 Cell
972-767-4370 Fax

:

For the 4th time in as many years, the group at Keller Williams, Legacy (where I work) sponsored a BBQ benefiting the Children's Shelter of San Antonio.  It's called Grillin' on the Lot and with today's temperatures reaching around 100 degrees, there was a lot more "grillin" than just the BBQ.  The amazing volunteers braved the heat and raised quite a bit of money for the Children's Shelter. They were still counting a few minutes ago and even before the profits from all the desserts (generously donated by agents at the office) the amount has surpassed last years' event. 

I am proud to be part of  an organization that supports a worthy cause and gives back to the community.  You can learn more about the Children's Shelter by visiting their website. 

Christmas in July  to benefit the shelter is the next event that Keller Williams, Legacy will be sponsoring.  If you are in our area, please drop by our office with your donations - anytime during the month of July.  We have a big bin that is located by the front desk.  Drop by and say Hi!   Diapers, toiletries, gift cards and cash donations are always welcome.  There is a detailed list of wish items and ways that you can help at the website.

****

I am Stephanie Kelley, Realtor® at Keller Williams Legacy, San Antonio, Texas. If you have questions about San Antonio real estate or just want to chat a bit about our wonderful Alamo City, please call me at or (210) 867-8743, or E-mail me at swkrealtor@aol.com Our experienced Realty Solutions Team is always ready to help you with your home buying or selling needs. Visit me at http://SanAntonioHomeQuest.com

Homes For Sale Near Randolph AFB And Ft. Sam Houston

This fine listing comes from David Saenz, Keller Williams Legacy, San Antonio, Texas. It's near Randolph Air Force Base and Fort Sam Houston and close to the major roads leading to downtown San Antonio, New Braunfels, and Lackland AFB. Click to SanAntonioHomeQuest.com to see pictures and specifics.

Contact us for more information or an appointment to visit this listing or any residential property for sale in the neighborhoods around Lackland AFB, Randolph AFB, Medina Annex, Kelly AFB, and Camp Bullis, TX.

Ask us abour your eligibility for our Public Service Reward Program For San Antonio Home Buyers. It could mean up to a $1,550 contribution to your home purchase closing costs.

We are Stephanie and Randy Kelley, Real Estate Analysts and Negotiators

kelleybus@aol.com or swkrealtor@aol.com

(210) 863-2661 or (210) 867-8743

Keller Williams Legacy, San Antonio, Texas

Best Way To Search For San Antonio Homes For Sale

First, if you’re looking to buy or sell a San Antonio area home, please visit Randy and Stephanie Kelley’s http://sanantoniohomequest.com website for the essential advice and assistance you’ll need, including access to our world class realty search engine.

Now, speaking of realty search engines, here’s something you might consider.

If you’re spending a lot of time surfing the Internet looking for San Antonio area listings be aware that all of the Internet search venues, even including the one at SanAntonioHomeQuest.com, aren’t in real time sync with the local Multiple Listing Service (MLS) because they all rely on periodic MLS uploads to stay current. In fact, some of the popular venues are many hours to days out-of-date.

What's better? A direct San Antonio MLS search is far superior for detail and timeliness.

Even if you’re making your SAn Antonio home purchase next summer or fall, it’s not too early to start receiving detailed MLS listing reports matching your needs and coming to you directly from the San Antonio Multiple Listing Service.

The MLS search engine lets you save promising listings for future reference, and, by the time you start your on-site housing hunt, you’ll be well primed with information about neighborhoods, home styles, builders (yes, you’ll also get occasional listings for new construction homes) and will have a nice list of promising homes to see right away.

There’s one caveat to keep in mind.

Only a Realtor® member of the local MLS can set up a dedicated search for you. So, if you want an ongoing automated MLS search set up in your name, you must call or send an email request to a San Antonio real estate professional of your choice.

Be sure to describe your ideal home in detail because the MLS search is highly flexible and can be exceptionally specific in terms of your home ownership wants and needs. Ask for your search to be set up as soon as possible.

Be prepared to hear back and expect the Realtor® to explain how he or she can serve your consumer interests as your buyer agent. That’s cool, because the majority of home buyers in the San Antonio area are represented by buyer agents and someday you’ll have to decide which agent will best represent you.

The SanAntonioHomeQuest.com Realty Solutions Team will set up a free direct San Antonio MLS search for you without any obligation on your part.

Just describe your ideal home in an email to kelleybus@aol.com or swkrealtor@aol.com or call Randy at (210) 863-2661 or Stephanie at (210) 867-8743.

San Antonio, Texas, FHA Mortgage Loan Limits

If you’re looking to buy or sell a San Antonio area home, please visit Randy and Stephanie Kelley’s website for all the advice and assistance you’ll need, including access to our world class realty search engine. You can find us at sanantoniohomequest.com.

Now, here’s today’s blog article, based on a recent notice from J.P. Watkins, loan officer at SWBC Mortgage Corporation, San Antonio.

J. P. writes that there’s great news for San Antonio area home buyers regarding an increase in FHA loan limits.

The result is that borrowers can once again qualify to buy a higher priced home because the FHA loan limits are higher.

The limits were announced in Mortgagee Letter 2011-39. You can look up the new limits for the San Antonio area and other areas throughout the country by visiting: https://entp.hud.gov/idapp/html/hicostlook.cfm.

The site shows the following limits for home in Bexar County/San Antonio, as of 30 November 2011:

One-Family Home $332,500

Two-Family Home $425,650

Three-Family Home $514,500

Four-Family-Home $639, 400

For more information, please contact JP Watkins Loan Officer, NMLS#220598, at SWBC Mortgage Corporation, 9311 San Pedro, Ste 100, San Antonio, TX 78216 Ph. 210.581.1533 Fx. 210-581-1633 Cell 210.837.3006 Website: www.swbcmortgage.com/watkins

December 2011 San Antonio Residential Realty Market Report

The San Antonio residential real estate market is exceptionally active this holiday season!

Early December is typically the low season for realty activity in and around the Alamo city, but this year it's remarkably different.

Many factors are contributing to the unusually active market.

First, because of the area's high employment rate, population growth, and
better than average home prices, San Antonio is viewed as one of the top 10
large metropolitan markets for both home buyers and sellers.

Second, mortgage rates remain historically low and lenders are aggressively
seeking qualified home buyers.

Third, there are positive signs suggesting the national economy is experiencing
a slow, but relatively steady recovery. That factor alone is bringing more
buyers than usual into the market this December.

Forth, the nearby Eagle Ford Shale oil play is spurring housing demand for
thousands of oil and gas production workers and their families.

Those factors are generating a very healthy residential sales environment
wherein reasonably priced and well prepared resale homes are selling
exceptionally well and new home builders are responding to better conditions by bringing more new homes into production.

For those who love stats, here are the key indicators for San Antonio's single
family detached home listings as of 7 December 2011.

There are 10,401 homes for sale compared to 11,694 one year ago. The inventory is exceptionally low, is trending steadily downward, and has drifted
into the 6 months supply range, reflecting a balanced market (a condition not
seen in San Antonio for many years). A balanced market favors neither buyers
nor sellers.

The average sales price for the most recent closings is $176,003 compared to
last year's $193,701. That's an unreliable indicator because the large number
of lower priced properties sold in 2009 & 2010 under the Federal tax
incentive programs temporarily depleted the lower priced home market. An
analysis of longer term data indicates the absence of any significant sales
price appreciation since 2007. That's a good sign for buyers.

Average cumulative-days-on-the-market (CDOM) for the most recent sales is 139 compared to 144 last year. A continuing downward trend is expected. That's apositive sign for home sellers and the San Antonio realty market generally.

Industry analysts see these data as reflecting a housing market slightly
favoring seller's over buyers.

That's all for our December, 2011, San Antonio realty market report.

We encourage reader comments and recommendations about how to make our reports more informative and useful.

Wishing you a merry Christmas and Happy New, we're Stephanie and Randy Kelley, Realtors® at Keller Williams Legacy, San Antonio, Texas. If you have questions, need San Antonio realty or mortgage loan advice or assistance, are looking to buy or sell a San Antonio home, or just want to chat a bit about the wonderful Alamo City, please call us at (210) 863-2661 (Randy) or (210) 867-8743 (Stephanie), or email us at swkrealtor@aol.com or kelleybus@aol.com. Our SanAntonioHomeQuest.com Realty Solutions Team is always ready to help you with your home buying or selling needs.

Things To Do In San Antonio - 24 September 2011

It's 24 September 2011 - the first weekend of fall. The weather is wonderful in San Antonio, so get out and enjoy. The SanAntonioHomeQuest.com Realty Solutions Team recommends these things to do.

DINING:

Join us this weekend and begin your meal with our Poblano Bisque and then taste the Seared Sea Scallops & Fried Soft Shell Crab over Angel Hair served with Tomato Basil Sauce entree special or the Osso Bucco braised in Italian Style Red Sauce served over Creamy Polenta entree special.

Our new Brunch Buffet is going great! Stop by from from 11am-2pm on Sundays for all you can eat hot entrees, fresh sides and a salad bar. The price for a child’s buffet (under 10) is $6.00 and an adult buffet is $12.95.

Saturday night, join us on the back porch from 6-9 pm for live music by Jerry Bailey. He will be playing guitar and singing some great tunes.

Bon Appétit,
Chef Mike

Mike's In The Village 2355-3 Bulverde Rd. Bulverde, TX 78163 -- 800 438-2747

THE ARTS & MUSEUMS:

McNay Art Museum P:210.824.5368 6000 North New Braunfels San Antonio TX 78209

PARKS AND GARDENS:

555 Funston @
North New Braunfels Avenue
San Antonio, TX 78209
Phone (210) 207-3250
TTY (210) 207-3097

Here's hoping you enjoy this wonderful San Antonio weekend.

If you're looking to buy or sell a San Antonio area home or if you want some more information about San Antonio recreation and entertainment activities, contact us. We are Stephanie and Randy Kelley, residential realty analysts and negotiators, at Keller Williams Legacy, San Antonio. (210) 863-2661 or (210) 867-8743.

Least And Most Expensive Homes For Sale In San Antonio

$1,400,000 - 2 bedrooms

$25,000 - 2 bedrooms

Sometimes, San Antonio real estate is hard to figure out.

Here’s an example. Looking at the 517 new listings recorded in the San Antonio Multiple Listing Service in the last 7 days, the least expensive and most expensive properties were both 2 bedroom homes. The least expensive is listed for $25,000 and the most expensive for $1,400,000.

Yes, believe it! A $1.4 million 2 bedroom house!

The least expensive property is located at 1110 Patton Blvd, San Antonio. The MLS number is 911866.

The most expensive newly listed property is located at 21625 Cielo Ridge, San Antonio. The MLS number is 911299.

Right in the middle of the 517 new listings is the property at 1607 Selkirk Street, San Antonio. It’s listed for $172,500 and is within easy commuting distance to Randolph AFB and Fort Sam Houston.

If you want detailed information about it, you’ll find it at sanantoniohomequest.com.

If you want to know more about least expensive or most expensive new listings, or any listings in between, contact us.

We’re Stephanie and Randy Kelley, Realtors® of Keller Williams Legacy, San Antonio, Texas. If you have questions, need San Antonio realty or mortgage loan advice or assistance, or just want to chat a bit about the wonderful Alamo City, please call us at (210) 863-2661 or (210) 867-8743, or E-mail us at swkrealtor@aol.com or kelleybus@aol.com. Our SanAntonioHomeQuest.com Realty Solutions Team is always ready to help you with your home buying or selling needs.

San Antonio Jobs For Veterans

This information is found in the fall 2011 edition of the USAA Magazine. CivilianJobs.com has identified 35 of the country's most veteran friendly employers. USAA (United Services Automobile Association) made the list in San Antonio. For available jobs in the company's financial services sector, go to: www.usaa.apply2jobs.com/profext/careers.html .

Why is USAA is on the list?

In 2010, more than 25 percent of USAA's new hires were military veterans or military spouses - and 20 percent of its 22,000-plus employees are former military.

USAA is only one of many fine businesses seeking military veterans, members of their families, and non-veteran personnel for employment in the San Antonio area's vibrant economy. The Alamo City is a wonderful place to work and live; so, if you're looking to relocate to or within San Antonio or to buy or sell a San Antonio home, please contact the SanAntonioHomeQuest.com Realty Solutions Team.

Our team is Stephanie and Randy Kelley, Realtors® of Keller Williams Legacy, San Antonio, Texas. Please call us at (210) 863-2661 or (210) 867-8743, or E-mail us at swkrealtor@aol.com or kelleybus@aol.com . The SanAntonioHomeQuest.com Realty Solutions Team is always ready to help you with your home buying or selling needs and to answer your questions about life in San Antonio.

The Fear Of Making A Wrong San Antonio Home Buying Decision

It's natural and understandable. Every home buyer is scared of making a wrong decision.

Why not? Buying a home is one life's most stressful decisions.

So, in today's oftentimes confusing market, how is the average home buyer insuring against making a wrong decision?

The answer is evident to anyone who works with realty consumers. Today's home buyer uses the Internet as the platform for becoming an informed and, hopefully, a more secure realty consumer.

Yes, the Internet is a good starting point; however, using the Internet as the sole information source to insure against making a bad decision is inherently risky, especially when it involves a critical financial decision like purchasing real estate.

Let's face it. The Internet is a deep well of facts and fallacies, and, for both the uninitiated and the repeat home buyer, getting the complete picture and sorting Internet truth from fiction is a daunting task.

Unfortunately, many Internet reliant home buyers become over confident. Empowered and emboldened with online information about home values, neighborhoods, and home buying processes and procedures, they charge into the realty market place, knowing much, yet rarely knowing everything they need to know.

So, what's a home buyer to do - stop using the Internet's vast realty research capability? Certainly, not! Use it skeptically? Absolutely - plus seek the advice and assistance of a reliable person who knows the difference between Internet fiction and realty fact.

The most reliable source for separating Internet truth from fiction is a trained, experienced, and licensed real estate professional such as a realty attorney, real estate broker, or a real estate agent. All can answer the questions, set the expectations, and activate the procedures that are so critical for a successful and frustration free home buying experience.

Naturally, most homebuyers seek out a real estate broker or agent.

Selecting the right real estate agent is critical. It's best to use someone with the Realtor® designation, signifying the broker or agent holds the highest legal and professional duty to protect realty consumer interests.

So, to relieve home buying fear and anxiety, there's a simple formula. A trusted Realtor®, plus the right knowledge base and tools, equals the right decision.

We help San Antonio area home buyers and sellers be informed and capable realty decision makers. We are Stephanie and Randy Kelley, Realtors® of Keller Williams Legacy. For the best realty services, call us at (210) 863-2661 (Randy) or (210) 868-9743 (Stephanie) or email us at kelleybus@aol.com or swkrealtor@aol.com. You're also invited to visit our website at sanantoniohomequest.com for reliable and informative home buying and selling information.

San Antonio Mortgage Loan News

Here's great news!

Have you recently been denied a mortgage loan to purchase a San Antonio home because your credit score wasn't high enough?

Maybe we can get you qualified.

W.R. Starkey Mortgage can help prospective home buyers who have a credit score of 580 or higher!!

Rates are great - Low 4%.

We can also help you refinance a home.

Apply on line www.shannoncollier.com

Shannon Collier
Senior Loan Officer
NMLSR # 232124
Office: (210) 545-9300 ext 235
eFax: 1-866-703-8734
scollier@wrstarkey.com
WR Starkey Mortgage, LLP
NMLSR # 2146
12500 San Pedro Avenue, Suite 100
San Antonio, TX 78216

Mortgage Loan Information For San Antonio Home Buying And Selling

Are you looking to buy or sell a San Antonio area home?

Here's some mortgage loan basics you need to know:

Today (24 August 2011), mortgage interest rates are at an all time low. Bankrate.com cites the following national averages:

• 30 year fixed 4.19%


• 15 year fixed 3.43%


• 5/1 ARM 2.92%

Here are the loan limits for Federally insured mortgage programs for single family homes in the San Antonio area:

• VA $417,000


• FHA $332,500 now, but goes down to $287,500 on 1 Oct 11 (better act quick if you're a buyer)

Contact us if you have questions about applying for a mortgage loan or to get our recommended lender list.

We’re Stephanie and Randy Kelley, Realtors® at Keller Williams Legacy, San Antonio, Texas. If you have questions about San Antonio real estate or just want to chat a bit about our wonderful Alamo City, please call us at (210) 863-2661 or (210) 867-8743, or E-mail us at swkrealtor@aol.com or kelleybus@aol.com. Our experienced Realty Solutions Team is always ready to help you with your home buying or selling needs. Visit us at http://sanantoniohomequest.com .

Zillow Home Valuations For San Antonio Homes For Sale

For our friends at Zillow, here's an explanation of this blog's purpose.

It isn't intended to slam your excellent service in any way. Simply, its purpose is to answer a very good question recently posed to us by a some San Antonio home buyers.

Their question is this. How accurate is Zillow's Zestimate® home valuation program for San Antonio homes?

The answer is easy - Zillow's accuracy is very low.

How do we know? Zillow says so; in fact, on the Zillow.com website, it acknowledges its Zestimates® are not very accurate for almost all Texas homes.

So, why can't we rely on Zillow's Zestimates® for Texas homes?

Here's why.

Zillow uses a secret formula to calculate a home's estimated value. The formula relies on complete and accurate data from counties and cities. Although the formula is secret, it's not hard to guess that recent sales price data for homes sold in the area is a vital component of the calculation.

Now, in most states, getting that information is no problem because it's legally required to file a home's sales price as a matter of public record. But, Texas is one of the few states in the Nation where that's not required. So, when Zillow's Zestimate® program looks for the publicly recorded home sales price data for Texas cities, it comes up empty handed.

What's the result of missing that vital data when calculating a Zestimate® for a Texas residential property. Usually, the outcome is an unreastically low Zestimate valuation.

So, if you want to know what a home is worth in Texas, there are two alternatives. The best choice is to hire an appraisal by a licensed real estate appraiser. The second best choice is to ask a local Realtor® who has access to the most recent homes sales data from the local Multiple Listing Service (MLS).

If you are looking to sell or buy a San Antonio home, we'll be glad to provide our best home value opinion. Contact us if you need one.

We’re Stephanie and Randy Kelley, Realtors® at Keller Williams Legacy, San Antonio, Texas. If you have questions, need San Antonio realty or mortgage loan advice or assistance, or just want to chat a bit about our wonderful Alamo City, please call us at (210) 863-2661 or (210) 867-8743, or E-mail us at swkrealtor@aol.com or kelleybus@aol.com. Our SanAntonioHomeQuest.com Realty Solutions Team is always ready to help you with your home buying or selling needs.

August 2011 San Antonio Realty Market Report

2011's very hot and very-very dry San Antonio July has passed.

Because of South Texas' drastic drought, we're lucky the Alamo City can still claim its River City nickname. But tourists and natives need not fear, the San Antonio River is flowing well and the famous River Walk is open for business as usual.

Has the area's unusually arid summer cooked its realty market. Not at all. In fact, compared to the preceding summer seasons, July's closed home sales and August's pending sales reflect a relatively active real estate market for San Antonio and the surrounding communities.

August usually heralds the end of realty high season around here and, based on many years experience, home buyers and sellers can expect to see a cooler, more casual, and less aggressive low season for new and resale home sales.

Will the coming fall and winter season see the market continuing many months of favoring home buyers over sellers?

Perhaps not, because there are increasingly strong indications that the market is drifting toward a more balanced condition.

Specifically, the homes for sale inventory has decreased markedly. That means less competition for sellers and fewer opportunities for buyers.

Also, 2011 has seen the return of the area's typical 2% to 3% home value appreciation rate. That means sellers are less likely to consider low ball offers and more likely to expect a sales price that's closer to their asking price. Consequently, in the near term, buyers can expect to encounter less seller flexibility and harder negotiations.

Clearly, San Antonio has weathered the late great recession very well. The area's past economic and demographic trends and its long term projections reflect a large and vibrant metropolitan area with a strong, stable, and growth oriented personality.

The Alamo City area realty market is expected to follow suit.

That's all for our August 2011 San Antonio realty market report. We encourage reader comments and recommendations about how to make our reports more informative and useful.

We're Stephanie and Randy Kelley, Realtors® of Keller Williams Legacy, San Antonio, Texas. If you have questions, need San Antonio area realty or mortgage loan advice or assistance, or just want to chat a bit about the wonderful Alamo City, please call us at (210) 863-2661 or (210) 867-8743, or email us at swkrealtor@aol.com or kelleybus@aol.com. Our sanantoniohomequest.com Realty Solutions Team is always ready to help you with your home buying and selling needs.

San Antonio Homes For Sale - The Seller's Disclosure

The Seller's Disclosure is a state law requirement. Its purpose is to have the seller tell prospective buyers specified things the seller knows about the property.

Real estate agents are barred by law from helping or even advising the seller about filling out the form. The intent is to keep everyone out of the seller's disclosure preparation process except the person who knows most about the property and that's the seller.

Sometimes the seller will revealed some property defects. Undoubtedly, there will be other unknown defects. There always are - even in newly constructed homes. That's why, when buying a resale home, it's advisable to negotiate for an option period, to get the property professionally inspected during the option period, and to negotiate with the seller for repairs when repairs are called for.

We’re Stephanie and Randy Kelley, Realtors® at Keller Williams Legacy, San Antonio, Texas. If you have questions, need San Antonio realty or mortgage loan advice or assistance, or just want to chat a bit about our wonderful Alamo City, please call us at (210) 863-2661 or (210) 867-8743, or E-mail us at swkrealtor@aol.com or kelleybus@aol.com. Our SanAntonioHomeQuest.com Realty Solutions Team is always ready to help you with your home buying or selling needs.

July 2011 San Antonio Realty Market Report

The second week in July is typically San Antonio's realty market yearly high point. Many pending sales will close within the next 30 days. Uncommitted buyers with school age children must rush to find the right home in order to able to close on their purchase or at least be under a binding contract before school starts.

Many factors are converging to make this year’s San Antonio's realty market interesting. The local economy is strong, population growth is high and, after being relatively flat for many months, home values in most neighborhoods are gradually rising.

Home sellers have responded accordingly as evidenced by a gradual upward creep in the asking price for homes for sale.

Buyer response has been fair to good so far, especially for moderately to lower priced homes and for luxury grade housing.

It's difficult to reach conclusions as to the long term market trends, but, in the short term, it's clear San Antonio's current home sales market parallels last year’s relatively tepid market. Basically, it’s not unhealthy, but significantly less than vibrant.

For those who love stats, here are the key indicators for San Antonio's single family detached home listings as of 8 July 2011.

There are 12,094 active listings, compared to 12,891 one year ago. The inventory is slowly decreasing. That's a good sign for home sellers.

The average sales price for the most recent closings is $193,883, compared to last year's $190,763. This increase in average sales price, although small, is another good sign for sellers.

Average cumulative-days-on-the-market (CDOM) for the most recent sales is 133 compared to 122 last year. In 2010, CDOM dropped fast during the Federal Tax credit home buying frenzy, then rose quickly when that program expired. It remains to be seen if cumulative market time will improve, but a slight downward trend is possible in the short term. For the time being, CDOM data is positive for San Antonio home buyers.

Industry analysts see these data as reflecting a housing market drifting toward balanced conditions. That means the market neither favors buyers nor sellers.

That's all for our July 2011 San Antonio realty market report. We encourage reader comments and recommendations about how to make our reports more informative and useful.We're Stephanie and Randy Kelley, Realtors® of Keller Williams Legacy, San Antonio, Texas. If you have questions, need San Antonio realty or mortgage loan advice or assistance, or just want to chat a bit about the wonderful Alamo City, please call us at (210) 863-2661 or (210) 867-8743, or E-mail us at swkrealtor@aol.com or kelleybus@aol.com. Our SanAntonioHomeQuest.com Realty Solutions Team is always ready to help you with your home buying and selling needs.

Homes For Sale In North Central San Antonio

The sanantoniohomequest.com Realty Solutions Team specializes in helping homebuyers find and buy quality affordable homes for the best price, terms, and conditions. You'll like this one.

Click To See More

This home is listed for $299,000. It’s in the north central San Antonio area, in the highly rated North East Independent School District, and is close to Randolph Air Force Base, Fort Sam Houston and downtown San Antonio. Shopping and entertainment amenities are an easy drive away.

Things To Do In June In San Antonio

Sometimes it gets hot in and around San Antonio, Bulverde, & the military bases.

Why not take a cool trip to the Witte Museum for

AMAZING AMAZON FAMILY DAY

Saturday, June 11

1 - 4 p.m.

Join your neighbors for an afternoon of hands-on activities for the entire family. Create fish prints, get up close with skin and scales and even design a one-of-a-kind fish during It’s All About Fish; encounter live birds, snakes and more animals of the jungle during Amazon Animals Alive!; and finish the day at Family Fish Tales, storytelling for everyone and an opportunity to tell about the BIG ONE that got away! Included with museum admission.

Supported by a generous contribution from the Boening Corporation.

To learn more about this event and other June 2011 events at the Witte go to

http://www.wittemuseum.org/

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San Antonio Homes With Greenbelt Land

MacMillan online dictionary describes a greenbelt as an area of land around large cities where no buildings are allowed in order to protect the countryside.

Another definition that I like calls it an area of undeveloped land around a residential area created by covenant, deed restriction, or city zoning with the intention of preserving the open space and natural environment.

Here in San Antonio, for real estate purposes we have a lot description called "GREENBELT". I think that sometimes that description is rather loosely interpreted and what some folks consider greenbelt may not exactly fall into ANY of the categories listed above. What you can pretty much guarantee is that there is some undeveloped or unused land behind or adjacent to the home that is being offered for sale.

There are currently 36 properties listed as backing to greenbelt in the area where I live and specialize. Now this is a huge area and we do have some wonderful parks with walking and riding trails, some river authority owned property , some flood plains, some golf courses, and even some power lines. All of the above can fall into the greenbelt category, so it is a good idea to have a good look at the pictures of your real estate if you are looking online or even better idea to have your agent take a look for you. I just looked at the pictures of all 36 of these properties. I KNOW these houses and I KNOW these neighborhoods. Some greenbelts are absolutely fabulous! Some, not so much.

My house backs to property that I think belongs to the golf course. It may be owned by the River Authority because there is a part of the 500 year flood plain running through it, but it makes no difference to me. It is my own personal "BACK 40". It's a rough area of the golf course, far enough away from the fairways and greens to make it appealing, because we don't like golf balls hitting the back of the house. My next door neighbor has a path through to the course. Our greenbelt affords views of the wildlife, and we have a great place to walk the dogs. We can encroach with a sacrificial garden that feeds only the deer and rabbits. (The one thing they don't eat is parsley.)

TAAD (Texas Association of Appraisal Districts) gives appraisers "wiggle room" when it comes to value for views, but I can't find anything that discusses a distinct value for greenbelts. My experience has been that a buyer will usually pay much more if the greenbelt is a nature preserve or golf course, a little more if it is a drainage easement, and less for an electrical easement if there are power lines involved. So, I guess the value can be compared to beauty and all considered in the eye of the beholder. Or you can ask those that own property adjacent to the greenbelt. Greenbelts afford privacy and spitting room that is hard to come by in urban areas. Go on, ask someone who lives near one. They will tell you . . . it's priceless. --

Looking to buy or sell a greenbelt lot home -- visit us here:  SanAntonioHomeQuest.com

Posted By Stephanie Kelley to San Antonio Homegirl Report at 5/06/2011 01:09:00 PM