San Antonio Living - The Botanical Garden

San Antonio is a great place to work and live.  A favorite recreation spot is the wonderful San Antonio Botanical Garden.  It's very conveniently located close to center city, sponsors a farmer's market, and has activities that appeal to adults and children. 

Here are the remaining special events for 2010:

Playhouses and Forts Exhibit.  June 26 through October 24  This activity is a kiddie must.

Gardens by Moonlight.  September 25

Art in the Garden.  October 14 - George Schroeder opening

BOOtanica - October 24  Not to be missed by the kids.  It's a Halloween happening.

For classes, tours, and more information click here.

If you looking to buy or sell a San Antonio home or just want to chat about the wonderful Alamo City, 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.

First Rule For San Antonio Home Buying

At SanAntonioHomeQuest.com, we believe an informed home buyer is a wise buyer. That’s why our Realty Solutions Team has compiled a series of easy to remember hints and rules for our home buyer guests.

First and foremost, here's the “Cardinal Rule” that home buyers should always keep in mind.

DON’T START YOUR SEARCH WITHOUT KNOWING WHAT YOU CAN AFFORD.

Sounds logical, doesn’t it, but a surprising number of buyers waste time and effort looking at houses they can’t afford. Now, if you’re wealthy enough to make a cash purchase, just make sure your money is liquid enough to bring to the closing table. But, if you’ll need a mortgage loan to seal the deal, don’t hesitate to consult with one or more lenders before starting your home quest. Mortgage loan officers want your business and, usually without charge, will happily help you determine your purchasing power based on your available assets, income to debt ratio, and credit history. So, don’t be afraid to talk with at least one lender before seriously shopping for a home.

There are lenders with more reliable experience than others. If you want names and contact information for those lenders, please 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.

Buying A New Construction San Antonio Home

It’s always worthwhile to look at the new home builders’ products. A newly built home’s appeal is great. It’s easy to see why. Each year, the builders seem to have more and more enticing features built into their products. The homes are new and unspoiled. They don’t have the expected wear and tear found in every resale home, no matter its age. The builders’ lending programs are very competitive and the builders offer additional incentives to encourage the buyer to use their affiliate lenders.

That said, be cautious if you decide to buy a new construction product . It’s not in your best interest to rely on the sales representative and construction staff to adequately represent your interests. Take along someone who knows the hooks and pitfalls of every new home buyer incentive and mortgage loan program. Use someone who knows how to monitor the process from contract writing to closing and who’s ready to step in on your behalf is something goes awry.

If you decide to buy a new construction home - or a resale - we'll be happy to help.

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 Area Taxes, Auto Registration, Insurance Information

If you're moving to the San Antonio area, you’ll want to know about local taxes and the cost of registering your automobile and insuring your home. Here are the facts.

The area’s sales tax rate averages 8.125% but may vary a little between the various incorporated jurisdictions in and around San Antonio and Bexar County.

The real estate property tax varies between jurisdictions and is influenced mostly by the school tax component. Count on paying approximately 3% of your home's tax appraised value for the more costly school districts to as low as 2% or less for rural areas.

What about homeowner’s insurance? The cost will vary between insurers. As a rule of thumb, count on paying approximately .005 times your home’s value.

And now, what about the cost of bringing a non-Texas registered auto into the area? You’ll pay a registration fee of $60 to $90, a title application fee of $28 to $33 - depending on the county - and a new resident auto tax of $90. You’ll required to have the auto inspected. That will cost approximately $18.00.

That's the facts.

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 Homes For Sale - Property Taxes

So, what can a home buyer expect to pay in yearly real estate taxes in and around San Antonio and Bexar and adjoining counties?

The following is a very good article from the Bexar County tax assessor’s website. It’s worth reading because it explains how the property taxes are set and collected, but doesn’t specifically address tax rates.

To save research time, simply contact a San Antonio area real estate advisor and ask for tax information on a representative property meeting your home ownership wants and needs. For example, tell the advisor you want to know about property taxes for the average recent vintage $100,000, 3 bedroom, 2 and 1/2 bath, 2 car garage home near Randolph Air Force Base.

Your real estate advisor should be able to tell you very quickly about the average property tax bill for such a property. By the way, the answer is approximately $3,000 per year.

Here’s the article explaining the Texas property tax system:

Property Taxes. Property taxes are local taxes. Local officials value your property, set your tax rates, and collect your taxes. State law governs how this process works.There are four main parts to the property tax system. The appraisal district values property, administers exemptions, calculates tax ceilings and maintains current ownership information on the appraisal records. The appraisal review board is a panel made up of people from the local community. They are independent from the appraisal district. They settle any disagreements between the appraisal district and the property owner about the valuation of the property. The governing bodies of the taxing units, such as the city councils, school boards, or county commissioners decide the annual budgets and set the tax rates. This determines the total amount of taxes to be paid. The tax office calculates the levy, mails the statements, collects the taxes and disburses the tax revenue to the taxing units.The Bexar County Tax Office collects taxes for 52 taxing entities. All property in Bexar County is taxable by the county, Flood Control, Alamo Community College District, University Health System, San Antonio River Authority and one of the independent school districts. There may also be additional taxes for cities or towns, or special districts such as municipal utility and Emergency Service Districts.Property taxes are a major source of funding for local services. They help pay for public schools, community health services, fire and police protection, streets, roads, flood control projects, and many other services.The property tax is an ad valorem tax. Ad valorem is a Latin phrase which means according to value. The tax is based on the value of the property. For example the property tax on land valued at $10,000 will be ten times higher than land valued at $1,000.

All property is taxable unless state or federal law exempts all or part of the value. Total exemptions may be granted for public properties or those owned by qualifying organizations such as churches, schools, or charitable organizations. A partial property tax exemption excludes part of a property´s value from taxation (i.e., General Residential Homestead, Over-65 Homestead, Disability Homestead and Disabled Veterans Exemptions).

What a property is used for on January 1, market conditions at the time, and who owns the property on that date, determine whether the property is taxed, its value, and who is responsible for paying the tax. A tax lien attaches to property on January 1 to secure payment of taxes for the year.

END OF ARTICLE

Of course, we’ll be pleased to answer your property tax questions and, if you’re a buyer looking to visit listings or a seller wanting to sell ahome, we can help.


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 http://kelleybus@aol.c/om. Our SanAntonioHomeQuest.com Realty Solutions Team is always ready to help you with your home buying or selling needs.




Labels: Homes For Sale San Antonio, PCS San Antonio, San Antonio Army PCS, San Antonio Navy PCS, San Antonio Physician Loans , San Antonio Real Estate, San Antonio Realty, San Antonio Realty Market Report

Tips For Buying A San Antonio Home - Coming Up With The Down Payment

If you’re looking to buy a San Antonio home and you’re entitled to VA mortgage loan benefits, you’ll most likely use a VA mortgage to make your purchase. Why? Because your VA mortgage loan provides 100% financing, ie., you can be in with no down payment.

But, what if you can’t qualify for a VA mortgage loan?

The good news is this. In today’s market, if your credit score (minimum 620) and your debt-to-income ratios are good, there will be a mortgage loan program available for you. The bad news is this. You’ll have to come up with a down payment.

So, how do you come up with down payment money?

Click here for timely tips offered by San Francisco blogger Tara-Nicholle Nelson. It’s a good article - well worth the reading.

And, of course, when you’re ready to visit homes for sale and deal with mortgage lenders, we can help.

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.

Buying A San Antonio Foreclosure Property

So, you might want to buy a "foreclosure?" 

You've heard a foreclosure might be an opportunity to snag a home for a bargain price.  But, what, exactly, is a foreclosure?

The term "foreclosure" is defined by the status of the property.

First, there is the foreclosure being auctioned at the courthouse steps by a trustee representing the lender after the homeowner has defaulted on the mortgage payments. This type of  foreclosure is risky and most buyers avoid taking the risk if they aren't well versed with the legal and technical aspects of buying a foreclosure auction property.

Second, there is the foreclosure that has already been sold at the courthouse steps and, more often than not, bought by the lender foreclosing on the property in the first place. These foreclosure properties are most commonly referred to as REO (real estate owned) properties, meaning they are owned by lending institutions. Usually, a REO is eventually listed for sale in the local Multiple Listing Service (MLS).

Third, there is foreclosure signed over to the government by a lender after a borrower has defaulted on a FHA or VA loan. The lender gets the loan insurance proceeds guaranteed by the FHA or VA program and gets off the hook. The government takes over, MLS advertises the property, and, through an intermediary asset manager, sells the property.

A foreclosure may be a good deal, but don't count on it in the San Antonio realty market. It seems like our market has stayed too healthy to drive down the value of foreclosures in good condition. The best foreclosures can even sell for a price above market value.

If you find a foreclosure that meets your needs, seek the assistance of an experienced realty advisor to help you through the bidding process.

We can help.  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.

VA Loan Eligibility For Buying A San Antonio Home

Do you have questions about your VA eligibility for buying a San Antonio home?

Your eligibility is determined on a case-by-case basis by the Department of Veteran Affairs and is proven by a Certificate of Eligibility showing the amount of your entitlement.

To be considered for a VA home loan, you must meet one or a combination of these basic military service requirements:

90 days of active duty during wartime

181 days of continuous active duty during peacetime

6 years of service for Reservist/National Guard

Must you have an honorable discharge to qualify?  Perhaps not.  When it comes to the question of discharge type, the VA determines eligibility on a case-by-case basis.

Issuance of your Certificate of Eligibility (COE) is essential before you apply for your VA backed home mortgage.  It tells the lender the amount of your entitlement.

So, what's so great about a VA home loan?  Basically, it's a wonderful reward for your dedication and service to your country.  Specifically, you'll enjoy:

No down payment (100% financing)

No private mortgage insurance (PMI)

Relaxed qualifying standards

Competitive interest rates

No penalties for mortgage pre-payment

Cash-out and debt consolidation

Streamline rate reduction

For more information on your eligibility, you should contact the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, or speak with a VA loan professional at your credit union, bank, or at a mortgage brokerage.

We can help you find a VA loan expert.  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.

Minimum Credit Score To Qualify To Buy A San Antonio Home

It's a fabulous summer for San Antonio home sales.  There's a larger than usual inventory of reasonably priced and well prepared resale homes.  New home builders are enticing buyers with valuable incentives.  Mortgage interest rates are historically low. 

Yet, many buyers have been holding back, concerned about their ability to acquire a mortage loan and confused about the sustainability of the national economic recovery.

Nonetheless, lenders report a promising trend.  It appears more prospective buyers are now willing to launch their home search and are wisely consulting with a loan officer about qualifing for a mortgage loan.   

Lenders report the average loan seeker almost always starts the loan qualifying discussion with questions about the significance of the FICO credit score.   Most people already know their score but aren't sure what it means.  Here's the answer.

FICO scores generally fall between 550 and 800. Nearly 20% of the U.S. population have a credit score under 620 and that's the cutoff for a prime-rate loan.   But the FICO score is only one of many factors taken into consideration when qualifying for loan.  For example, income and debt issues can offset even the best FICO score. 

Once all factors are taken into consideration, a loan officer can advise a prospective buyer to either start looking for a dream home or to take steps to improve the financial factors holding back qualiflying for a mortgage loan.

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.

Why Rent A San Antonio Home In A Buyers Market?

Are you renting or hope to rent a San Antonio area home?  Do you know someone who is now renting? With so many opportunities for San Antonio area home buyers, everyone who is renting or hopes to rent should at least explore what home buying opportunities are available.

This summer, San Antonio residential real estate is boldly in a buyer's mode.  Mortgage interest rates remain at historic lows.  List prices are comparatively much lower than in past years.  Sellers are now helping buyers with down payments, buying down rates, offering concessions and much more!

The real estate market changes quickly, so don't let yourself  or your friends miss out on this fantastic opportunity. Check out homes for sale on your favorite San Antonio realty website (like sanantoniohomequest.com).  Call a Realtor for realty information and home search advice and assistance.  Tell your renting friends to do the same.  You, and they, won't be disappointed.

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.

Information About Texas Real Estate Broker Services

Texas law requires all real estate licensees to give a written statement about brokerage services upon first substantive dialogue with a prospective buyer, tenant, seller or landlord.  According to Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC) rules, a substantive dialogue can occur at a face-to-face or telephone meeting or by written communication (including email) that involves a substantive discussion relating to a specific real estate property.  If the substantive dialogue occurs at other than a face-to-face meeting (like a telephone conversation), the required written statement should be sent to the party promptly.

The required information is easily conveyed using TREC's Information About Brokerage Services disclosure form.  The form is found here:

www.trec.state.tx.us/pdf/contracts/op-k.pdf

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.

July 2010 San Antonio Homes For Sale 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 be able to close on their purchase or at least be under a binding contract before school starts.


This year, many factors are converging to make San Antonio's realty market exciting, interesting, and somewhat confusing.

Although the local economy is strong and population growth is high, home values in many neighborhoods have depreciated. Home sellers have lowered their list prices accordingly, but buyer response has been tepid and the inventory of homes for sale is growing at an unusually fast pace. Also, builders are offering enticing incentives in an effort to move their new home inventory more quickly.

Despite the fact that mortgage rates are the lowest since the 1950's and there is an ample supply of very reasonably priced homes to pick from, Realtors® report their current home buyer traffic has fallen well below expectations. Some are concerned that the end of the Federal home buyer tax credit programs may have signaled a long term lull in demand caused by faltering buyer confidence in the national economy.

It is difficult to reach conclusions as to the long term market trends, but in the short term, it's clear San Antonio's home market remains extremely favorable for buyers. As for sellers, the advantage will go to the seller most willing to reduce his or her price expectations and to expend the money, time, and effort to improve the property's condition and appearance.

For those who love the stats, here are the key indicators for San Antonio's single family detached home listings as of 11 July, 2010.

There are 12,948 active listings compared to 12,033 one year ago. The inventory is rising fast. That's a good sign for home buyers.

The average sales price for the most recent closings is $190,497, compared to last year's $189,785. The absence of any significant sales price appreciation is another good sign for buyers.

Average cumulative-days-on-the-market (CDOM) for the most recent sales is 121 compared to 137 last year. During 2009, CDOM figures were unacceptably high, but dropped fast during the Federal Tax credit home buying frenzy. It remains to be seen if cumulative market time will improve further, but a slight upward trend is possible. Nonetheless, for the time being, CDOM data is positive for San Antonio home sellers, specifically, and for San Antonio's realty market, generally.

Industry analysts see these data as reflecting a housing market strongly favoring buyers over sellers.

That's all for our 11 July 2010 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 or selling needs.

Active Option Defined For San Antonio Homes For Sale

Active option means a buyer has successfully negotiated a contract to buy the property and, for a small fee, has purchased the unrestricted right to back out of the contract within a negotiated number of days, usually 10 days in this market. If the buyer exercises his option to walk away, the property will go back on the market. During the option period, the buyer will have the property inspected by a licensed residential property inspector (if he so chooses), takes steps to finalize loan arrangements, and
contemplates going through, or not going through, with the purchase.

The seller may continue to allow showings during the option period in hopes of garnering a back up offer.

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 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.

San Antonio Gated Community Security

The safety of San Antonio gated communities may be a myth. The police department advises gated community homeowners to be especially vigilant because thieves and no-good-doers scope out and work the communities just because they know the residents have a false sense of security. Gated communities are notorious for being targets for auto vandalism and burglaries. Some San Antonio gated communities tend to have a rash of incidents about every three years.

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 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.

Buying A New Vs Resale San Antonio Home

If you are considering buying a San Antonio home, it's always worthwhile to look at the new home builders' products. A newly built home's appeal is so great that a very high percentage of San Antonio home buyers purchase new versus resale homes.

It's easy to see why. Each year, the builders seem to have ever more enticing features built into their products. The homes are new and unspoiled. They don't have the expected wear and tear found in every resale home, no matter its age. The builders' lending programs are very competitive and the builders offer additional incentives to encourage the buyer to use their affiliate lenders.

That said, be cautious if you decide to buy a newly constructed home product . It's not in your best interest to rely on the builder's sales representative and construction staff to adequately represent your interests. Take along someone who knows the hooks and pitfalls of new home buyer incentive and mortgage loan programs. Use someone who knows how to monitor the process from contract writing to closing and will be
ready to step in on your behalf is something goes awry.

If you decide to buy a new construction home, we'll be happy to help you.

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 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.

San Antonio Home Sales Up - Prices Aren't

The title tells the tale of Jennifer Hiller's excellent article about San Antonio's June 2010 residential home sales.  Click here to read Jennifer's article.

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 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.

Affordable Homes & Open Spaces Await San Antonio Home Buyers

It's a fact.  Residential lot costs and home prices are higher in the west and north central sectors of San Antonio and Bexar County.  Those areas are also crowded with densely populated subdivisions.

So, if you are a San Antonio home buyer looking for an affordable home on a lot with ample elbow room, where should you go?  The answer is easy.  Go south young (and old) buyer - go south!

The appeal of south Bexar County real estate is addressed by Jason Burch in a recent article in the San Antonio Express News.  Click here to enjoy Jason's very well written and highly informative article.

Call us or send an E-mail if you want to know more about south side Bexar County and adjacent county home and residential lot buying opportunities.  We know the area well.

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 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.

9 June 2010 San Antonio Single Family Detached Home Listings Report

9 June 2010 Data For San Antonio Single Family Detached Home Listings

Today there are 12,392 active listings, last week 12,189, last year 12,107
Today there are 2293 homes under contract, last week 2450, last year 1966
Today's average list price is $272,793, last week $272,409, last year $278,487
Today's average listing has been on the market 157 cumulative days (CDOM), last week 158, last year 163
Today's average list price for latest sales is $183,618, last week $184,719, last year $193,525
Today's average sales price for latest sales is $177,519, last week $178,716, last year $185,078
Today's latest list to sold price ratio is 97%, last week 97%, last year 96%
Today's average cumulative days on the market (CDOM) for latest sales is 119, last week 118, last year 128

What do these data mean?  San Antonio's inventory of available homes is rising however the number of pending sales is falling; list prices are stable; sales prices are stable; the list to sales price ratio indicates the average home seller is getting 97 percent of the asking price; the time to sell a home is neither significantly rising nor falling; the average home is selling for less this year than it would have sold for last year.   It's basically a buyer's market, trending toward a balanced market.  

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.






                                                   

June 2010 San Antonio Realty Market Report

Some very good news is in! According to the San Antonio Board of REALTORS®, so far this year, existing San Antonio home sales have outpaced 2009 sales by 16.2 percent. The credit can be given to wise buyers motivated by the Federal home buyer tax credit programs, San Antonio home affordability, rising consumer confidence, and historically low mortgage interest rates.
 
But, there's a little bad news among the good. As San Antonio enters its typically very active late spring/early summer home selling season, the residential listing inventory may be a bit too high for seller comfort. Early trends indicate that, in some neighborhoods, single family properties might stay on the market longer than usual for the summer season, and the average list price is trending downward as sellers adjust for what might be a slower than usual market. What caused this potential down side for San Antonio home sellers. Simply this. The protracted national economic downturn has impacted negatively on San Antonio home values. After years of moderate, but steady, price increases, Bexar County property values dipped 2 percent in 2009. Some areas in south and northwest Bexar County have been particularly hard hit with foreclosures and many highly foreclosure prone neighborhoods have seen their values depreciate drastically in a very short time.

On the other hand, higher priced subdivisions in San Antonio's north and northeast appear to be holding their home values very well.

Should San Antonio homeowners be concerned that the area will experience a protracted home value depreciation cycle? Probably not. Because of its solid economic and demographic foundations, San Antonio remains one of the nation's bright spots for home ownership and rental investments. Affordable mortgage availability is extremely high, mortgage interest rates are historically low and the area is on the verge of receiving an influx of military buyers eager to take advantage of San Antonio's well priced homes.

So home buyers and sellers should take satisfaction that there's some good news for everyone.
In conclusion, here are the relevant market indicators for San Antonio single-family detached home listings as of 7 June 2010.


There are 12,324 active listings compared to 12,107 one year ago. The inventory is rising slowly. That's a good sign for home buyers.


The average sales price for the most recent closings is $177,685 compared to $185,078 last year. The unusual drop in average sales price is caused by the purchase of a large number of less expensive properties by buyers capitalizing on the Federal home buyer tax credit programs. It remains to be seen how the market will fare after all of the tax credit program deals are closed by the end of June. What's certain for the time being is this - the decreasing average sales price trend is a good sign for buyers.


Average cumulative-days-on-the-market (CDOM) for the most recent sales is 119 compared to 138 last year. During 2009, CDOM figures were unacceptably high, but dropped fast during the Federal Tax credit home buying frenzy.  It remains to be seen if cumulative market time will improve further, but a slight upward trend is possible. Nonetheless, for the time being, it's a positive sign for San Antonio home sellers, specifically, and for San Antonio's realty market, generally.


Industry analysts see these data as reflecting a housing market strongly favoring buyers over sellers.


That's all for our June 2010 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 or selling needs.

San Antonio Memorial Day 2010 Message

This Memorial Day 2010 message is from the San Antonio Home Quest Realty Services Team.

Today, we pause from our busy schedules to honor the soldiers, sailors, airmen, and coast guard members who died while defending their country.

Our Nation’s strength, freedom, liberty, democracy, and values are built and preserved on the sacrifice of generations of uniformed service men and women . They have fought our wars and preserved our peace. They have spread America’s message all around the globe. Without them, our world would be a different place. For them, we are eternally grateful.

And, while honoring the sacrifices of the departed and their families, take a moment to also give thanks for those currently serving at home and far away. Remember them always and support them and their families any way you can. They, and those before them, are our Nation’s finest and deserve our highest tribute.

Happy Memorial Day to all from the SanAntonioHomequest.com Realty Services Team.

Posted by Randy Kelley
Filed Under Randolph AFB, Lackland AFB, Brooks AFB, Fort Sam Houston, Camp Bullis, Medina Annex

LOOKING FOR SAN ANTONIO REAL ESTATE LISTED IN THE SAN ANTONIO MLS?  CLICK HERE

Today's San Antonio Realty News You Can Use:

Jennifer Hiller has posted her latest San Antonio homes market update in the San Antonio Express News. Click to read her excellent article.

Today's San Antonio real estate stats, according to the San Antonio MLS:

San Antonio Homes Listed For Sale Today:  12169

San Antonio Homes For Sale Under Contract: 2722

Median List Price For San Antonio Homes For Sale: $184,900

Average List Price For San Antonio Homes For Sale: $274,186

Projected Average Sales Price For San Antonio Homes Under Contract:  $173,974

San Antonio's Weather:

Partly cloudy, breezy, 88 degrees at 2:00 P.M, Sunday, 23 May 2010.  Click for the San Antonio Weather Forecast

Please visit our sanantoniohomequest.com website for all your San Antonio realty research needs.

If you have questions about San Antonio real estate, the San Antonio MLS, or San Antonio homes, click here.

We are Stephanie & Randy Kelley, Realtors® at Keller Williams Legacy, San Antonio, Texas.

Social Media - WYSIWYG

Are we having fun yet? We Facebook, we Twitter, we Foursquare, we Link-In in, we You Tube, we blog on Trulia, Active Rain, and broadcast on U-stream. I have learned so much, I have forgotten what I didn't know.


This morning I received a blog about ettiquette on Social Media. Please - can't we apply the same "Miss Manners" rules that we should have learned as children? I guess there are some of us that have to be told to put our brains in gear before we open our mouths, or in this case before we engage the keyboard.

Which brings me to my subject: What You See Is What You Get. What is your social media image? Is it schizophrenic? Is it Party Animal on your personal page,

and on your business page all buttoned down?

Anyway, my point is, as Shakepeare so aptly put it,

"To thine own self be true, and it must follow as the night, the day, thou can not then be false to any man." 

If you are a warm, fuzzy person, let it show!  If you have a no-nonsense, aggressive, forceful personality, let her rip!  Some people will identify with either type. If you are truly anti- social, what are you doing on social media anyway? Find an anti-social site.

Express yourself, but be yourself. If you are true to the same image, the same self throughout your web presence, it stands to reason that you will attract customers that are looking for someone with your true characteristics and your personality. It also stands to reason that your business will be much more rewarding, and maybe just alot more fun.


In the real estate business we are the ultimate multi-taskers, but that doesn't mean we have to have multiple personalities in our web presence. Gotta face it, our customer/clients are smarter than we are. They Xobni us, they track us down . . . oh wait, we do want to be found, don't we?

The late great George Carlin said it well in this You Tube video - Enjoy!

Home Buyer Tax Credit Not Over For Some Military & Foreign Service Members

If you are a military, foreign service, or intelligence community member, Congress has granted special exceptions that might have extended your eligibility for the $8,000 first time home buyer and $6,500 repeat home buyer Federal tax credit programs. 

For the general public, the tax credit applied to qualified home purchases under contract before 30 April 2010 and closed by 30 June 2010.


However, the programs have been extended for some qualified service members on official duty outside of the United States for at least 90 days between 31 December 2008 and 1 May 2010.  For those home buyers, the tax credit applies to sales with a binding sales contract in place on or before April 30, 2011 and closed by June 30, 2011.

Go here for an excellent summary of the extension rules brought to you by the National Association of Home Builders.

If you are looking to buy or sell a San Antonio home, Click to visit us at SanAntonioHomeQuest.com.

24 April 2010 San Antonio Real Estate News You Can Use

In a recent San Antonio Express News article, our favorite local realty reporter, Jennifer Hiller, writes about the uncertainty surrounding how well San Antonio's residential housing market will fare after the Federal tax credit deadlines expire on 30 April 2010. Click to check out her excellent article.

CLICK HERE IF YOU'RE LOOKING FOR THE BEST INFORMATION ABOUT BUYING OR SELLING A SAN ANTONIO HOME

17 March 2010 San Antonio Real Estate Market Report

LOOKING FOR SAN ANTONIO HOMES FOR SALE?  CLICK HERE.

Quote of the Day: "The strength of a nation is derived from the integrity of its homes." ~ Unknown

San Antonio Real Estate Fact of the Day:  The 2010 residential property tax rate for far west Bexar County homes in the Medina Valley Independent School District is only 2.19% - one of the lowest tax rates in the county. Consequently, the tax on a $100,000 home in the area is $2,190.

Today's Realty News You Can Use:

Jennifer Hiller has posted her latest San Antonio realty market update in the San Antonio Express News.  Click to read her fine article.

Click here for our SanAntonioHomeQuest.com's Real Estate E-news.

RealtyTimes is a great source for real estate current events. Click here for this week's webcast.
What's happening in San Antonio's homes for sale market today:

Today's stats continue to reflect the Alamo City's active buyers' market; however, trends are starting to move in the direction of a balanced market favoring neither buyers or sellers.

Single Family Detached Homes Listed For Sale Today: 11797  Inventory Increasing Rapidly

Single Family Detached Homes Listings Under Contract: 1940 - Increasing Rapidly

Median List Price: $178,000 - Rising Slowly
Average List Price: $267,840 - Stable

Projected Average Sales Price For Listings Under Contract: $170,949 Rising Slowly

San Antonio's Wonderous Weather:

Bright blue skies and fluffy spring clouds and 71 glorious degrees at 2:00 P.M.  Everything is turning emerald green this Saint Patrick's day.

That's all for today's blog.

We love to hear what you think about our blogs. Your opinions, pro and/or con, recommendations, commendations, and condemnations (please be kind) are eagerly solicited.

Please visit our sanantoniohomequest.com website for all your San Antonio realty research needs.

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, please call us at (210) 863-2661 or (210) 867-8763, or E-mail us at swkrealtor@aol.com or kelleybus@aol.com. Our Realty Solutions Team is always ready to help you with your San Antonio area home buying or selling needs.

March 2010 San Antonio Residential Real Estate Market Report

Spurred on by the up to $8000 Federal first time home buyer tax credit program, San Antonio's realty market charged vigorously into a very successful late fall 2009 home selling season. The market remained relatively active through December, but, in January 2010, the market took more than its usual early winter siesta, with new listings and sales down significantly. 

In February, the market sprang back to life with renewed vigor, as sales perked up and newly listed resale homes joined the market in advance of what's projected to be a very active Spring selling season.

Although the new listing and sales trends weren't unexpected, something has happened that's highly unusual for San Antonio.  The most recent San Antonio Board of Realtors data indicate the average resale home is listed for about the same price as a year ago and the most recent average closed residential listing sale price is significantly lower than a year ago.  

Most experts feel the Alamo City's realty market is experiencing a brief home value depreciation cycle, soon to be followed by the return of the area's usual steady, but modest home price appreciation.   But, there's a word of caution buried in the optimism, because last year's experience proves that, despite having one of the nation's strongest economies, San Antonio isn't immune to the influence of negative national economic trends.  For example, this year, the road to San Antonio for many relocating home buyers is cluttered with the unsold homes they've left behind; and home mortgage qualification standards are higher than at any time in recent memory.  Consequently, many newcomers will be forced to rent instead of buying a home

On the other hand, there's a very positive sign. The re-enacted up to $8,000 first-time home buyer Federal tax credit program and the new $6,500 move up home buyer Federal tax credit program are expected to spur both buyer and seller activity at least through 30 April 2010, when the programs expire.

As for the area's new construction home inventory there's risk that there's not enough to meet demand. Nonetheless, some builders are offering some very attractive buyer incentives.

Although it might be a good idea to buy a new construction home, it's always prudent to diligently check out the incentives offered by the builders and particularly the loans offered by the builders' affiliated lenders. Before signing a sales agreement, a buyer should seek the help of a Realtor ® to verify (1) that the property is reasonably priced and (2) that the lender is offering the most favorable loan, with the best interest rate, for the lowest settlement costs.

In conclusion, here are the relevant market indicators for San Antonio single-family detached home listings as of 4 March 2010.

There are 11,476 active listings compared to 11,958 one year ago.  The inventory is rapidly rising.  That's a good sign for home buyers.

The average sales price for the most recent closings is $169,717 compared to $178,320 last year.  It's believed the unusual drop in average sales price has been driven mostly by the purchases of a large number of less expensive properties by home buyers capitalizing on the Federal home buyer tax credit programs.  It remains to be seen how the market will fare after the tax credit programs end on 30 April 2010.  What's certain for the time being is this - the decreasing average sales price trend is a good sign for buyers.

Average cumulative-days-on-the-market (CDOM) for the most recent sales is 135 compared to 145 last year.  During 2009, CDOM figures were unacceptably high, but now are trending downward.  That's a positive sign for San Antonio home sellers, specifically, and for San Antonio's realty market, generally.

Industry analysts see these data as reflecting a housing market strongly favoring buyers over sellers.

That's all for our March 2010 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 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.


 

26 February 2010 San Antonio Realty Market Report

Quote of the Day: "A house is made of walls and beams; a home is built with love and dreams." ~ Unknown

San Antonio Real Estate Fact of the Day:  The 2009 property tax rate for the San Antonio, TX, North East Independent School District (NEISD) area was 2.731%. Consequently, in 2009, property tax on a $100,000 NEISD area home was $2,731.

Today's Realty News You Can Use: 

RealtyTimes is a great source for real estate current events.  Click here for this week's webcast.

San Antonio Express News reporter Jennifer Hiller is our favorite source for local realty news.  Her most recent article addresses San Antonio's initiatives to become a more energy efficient city.  Click here to read her brief, but highly informative article.

What's happening in San Antonio's homes for sale market today:

Today's stats continue to reflect the strong trend toward a highly active buyers' market for the Alamo City.

Single Family Detached Homes Listed For Sale Today: 11421 Inventory Increasing Rapidly

Single Family Detached Homes Listings Under Contract: 1738  - Increasing Rapidly

Median List Price: $175,000  - Stable

Average List Price: $266,849  - Slowly Drifting Down

Projected Average Sales Price For Listings Under Contract: $167,722 Slowly Drifting Down

San Antonio's Wonderous Weather:

It's a beautiful day in our neighborhoods.  It's partly cloudy with a coolish breeze and 57 degrees at 10:00 A.M.,  The forecasted high is 66 degrees and the forecasted low is 39 degrees.  We're standing at the door to a wonderful San Antonio outdoor weekend.  See you at the River Walk.

That's all for today's blog.

We love to hear what you think about our blogs. Your opinions, pro and/or con, recommendations, commendations, and condemnations (please be kind) are eagerly solicited.

Please visit our sanantoniohomequest.com website for all your San Antonio realty research needs.

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, please call us at (210) 863-2661 or (210) 867-8763, or E-mail us at swkrealtor@aol.com or kelleybus@aol.com. Our Realty Solutions Team is always ready to help you with your San Antonio area home buying or selling needs.

25 February 2010 San Antonio Real Estate Market Report

25 February 2010 San Antonio Real Estate Market Report


Quote of the Day: "Good homes are still the best source of good humans."
--Neal A. Maxwell (1926-2004)

San Antonio Real Estate Fact of the Day:  San Antonio is the Nation's 7th largest city.

Today's Realty News:  Three new San Antonio real estate websites were launched today for Army, Navy, Air Force, and other Uniformed Service home buyers and sellers.

Visit them at:   SanAntonioArmyPCS.com
                       SanAntonioAirForcePCS.com
                       SanAntonioNavyPCS.com

Basic allowance for housing (BAH) information is available on each site.

What's happening in San Antonio's homes for sale market.

Today's stats are continue to display a strong trend toward a highly active buyers' market for the Alamo City.

Single Family Detached Homes Listed For Sale Today: 11429 Inventory Increasing Rapidly

Single Family Detached Homes Listings Under Contract: 1735 Increasing Rapidly

Median List Price: $175,000 Stable

Average List Price: $266,467 Slowly Drifting Down

Projected Average Sales Price For Listings Under Contract: $165,606 Slowly Drifting Down

San Antonio's Wonderous Weather:

This week, San Antonio's weather has ranged from a rare light snow flurry on Tuesday, to a heavy frost this morning, to a comfortable 66 degrees at 4:30 in this afternoon.  The thermometer is tired from jumping up and down, but can rest a bit for the next seven days, with highs in the 60's and lows between 40 and 50.  Pastures have become lush with new growth and there's a hint of light green buds in some trees around the city.  The air smells sweet with spring scents.

That's all for today's blog.

We love to hear what you think about our blogs. Your opinions, pro and/or con, recommendations, commendations, and condemnations (please be kind) are eagerly solicited.

Please visit our sanantoniohomequest.com website for all your San Antonio realty research needs.

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, please call us at (210) 863-2661 or (210) 867-8763, or E-mail us at swkrealtor@aol.com or kelleybus@aol.com. Our Realty Solutions Team is always ready to help you with your San Antonio area home buying or selling needs.

16 February 2010 San Antonio Real Estate Market Report

Quote of the Day: A word to the wise ain't necessary - it's the stupid ones that need the advice. ~ Bill Cosby

Fact of the Day:  Approximately 50% of the population of the US is nearsighted.

Today's Realty News:  Jennifer Hiller is San Antonio's most prolific realty reporter.  Her excellent article in today's San Antonio Express News recaps this January's lackluster home sales start.  Click here to read the article.  Keep in mind that the article reflects San Antonio realty reality in that the local home sales market is relatively asleep in January, but usually wakes up active and hungry in mid-February. The following February stats are already showing a trend toward a highly active late winter/early spring buyers' market for the Alamo City. 

Single Family Detached Homes Listed For Sale Today:        11292 Inventory Increasing Rapidly
Single Family Detached Homes Listings Under Contract:       1585 Increasing Rapidly
Median List Price:                                                                 $175,000 Stable
Average List Price:                                                                $269,656 Stable
Projected Sales Price For Listings Under Contract:            $167,267 Decreasing Slowly

San Antonio's Wonderous Weather: 

After an exceptionally cold start (27.7 degrees in our back yard with ice in the bird bath), the air's warming quickly and the temp's heading for the low 60's this afternoon.  Warm, bright and clear - spring's near!

That's all for today's blog.

We love to hear what you think about our blogs. Your opinions, pro and/or con, recommendations, commendations, and condemnations (please be kind) are eagerly solicited.

Please visit our sanantoniohomequest.com website for all your San Antonio realty research needs.

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, please call us at (210) 863-2661 or (210) 867-8763, or E-mail us at swkrealtor@aol.com or kelleybus@aol.com. Our Realty Solutions Team is always ready to help you with your San Antonio area home buying or selling needs.

14 February 2010 San Antonio Real Estate News You Can Use

Happy Valentines Day, dear Readers!

Quote of the Day:  Gravitation is not responsible for people falling in love. ~ Albert Einstein

Fact of the Day:  Some 190 million Valentines are exchanged each year, according to the Greeting Card Association.
 
Today's Realty News:

In an excellent article in the San Antonio Express News, Jennifer Hiller writes about the recent rise in Bexar County/San Antonio residential property foreclosures.  Click here to read the article.

San Antonio Today:

It's a beautifully warm day in San Antonio.  If you're in the Alamo City, here's hoping you can get out and enjoy the sunshine.  If you're some place where it's cold and wet, here's hoping you're blessed with a warm house, an ample hot chocolate supply or a big box of Valentine candy, and someone to hug.

That's all for this blog.

We love to hear what you think about our blogs. Your opinions, pro and/or con, recommendations, commendations, and condemnations (please be kind)  are eagerly solicited.

Please visit our sanantoniohomequest.com website for all your San Antonio realty research needs.

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, please call us at (210) 863-2661 or (210) 867-8763, or E-mail us at swkrealtor@aol.com or kelleybus@aol.com. Our Realty Solutions Team is always ready to help you with your San Antonio area home buying or selling needs.

San Antonio Resident Doctors 100% Mortgage Loans

San Antonio Resident Doctors 100% Mortgage Loans


There’s a new 100% home mortgage program available for San Antonio resident doctors.

After the Bank of America Physician Loan Program was suspended in March, 2009, it became virtually impossible for San Antonio area physicians to obtain 100% home mortgage loan financing. Now, there’s good news! A new program has just opened up that’s specifically designed to help qualified physicians, including medical students and residents, acquire a San Antonio area home.

The program offers:

• 100% financing - no money down
• no private mortgage insurance (PMI)
• lower monthly payments
• thousands saved over the life of the loan
• more home for income

Easy qualification and special underwriting for physicians with good credit allows:

• student loans deferred for months are NOT counted in qualifying ratios
• purchase before starting a new position
• qualifying using future income
• purchase of ingle family homes, town homes, lofts, and condos

It’s a great opportunity for members of San Antonio’s medical community. For more information, contact us.

We’re Stephanie and Randy Kelley, Realtors® at Keller Williams Legacy, San Antonio. If you have questions, need San Antonio area realty or mortgage advice or assistance, or just want to chat, please call us at (210) 863-2661 or 867-8743, or send an E-mail to 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.

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10 February 2010 San Antonio Real Estate News You Can Use

Quote Of the Day:  "Rumor travels faster, but it don't stay put as long as truth."  - Will Rogers

San Antonio Happenings: 

Chocolate Day - Saturday, February 13 at the San Antonio Botanical Garden. Chocolate fans of any age, this is for you! We're celebrating our annual Chocolate Day on Saturday, February 13 with special chocolate "flavored" activities from 10 am - 2 pm. Have some coco-licious fun while learning a thing or two about one of the most cherished sweets of all time!  Click here for info.

San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo - February 4 - 21.  Click here for info.

Realty News, Views, & Opinions: 

If you're closely following San Antonio's realty market, you've no doubt noted a fairly consistent news, views, and opinions trend.  Just about everybody who should know is predicting an exceptionally lively late winter and early spring Alamo City area residential sales season.  Are they right on or just piling on unfounded marketing hype? 

Of course, since it hasn't happened yet, the success of this year's early high season market remains to be seen.  That said, there are an exceptional number of positive indicators in play right now.  Briefly, they are:

• Two home purchase Federal tax credits - the extended up to $8000 credit for first time home buyers and the new $6500 credit for move up home buyers - will likely have significant impact on closed sales through June.
• Mortgage interest rates remain at close to record lows.
• FHA mortgage loan seekers will be rushing to purchase their homes before FHA loans become more expensive and harder to acquire due to new FHA lending policies scheduled to take effect in the spring or early summer.  Click here for a nice USA Today article explaining the new rules.
• The Base Realignment and Closing Program will reward Military City USA with a larger than usual influx of military members and their families seeking good places to live. 
• San Antonio's home prices are exceptionally stable and affordable.
• San Antonio's economy is growing.
• Recently, San Antonio has been recognized by many reliable economists as one of the Nation's inflation proof cities.

So, what's to be believed?  Although San Antonio's late winter and early spring realty market has yet to be proven, considering the positive indicators, it's highly likely to be a boomer!

We love to hear what you think about our blogs.  Your opinions, pro and con, recommendations, and commendations are eagerly solicited.

Please visit our sanantoniohomequest.com website for all your San Antonio realty research needs.

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, please call us at (210) 863-2661 or (210) 867-8763, or E-mail us at swkrealtor@aol.com or kelleybus@aol.com. Our Realty Solutions Team is always ready to help you with your San Antonio area home buying or selling needs.

When the Football Season Ends, San Antonio's Real Estate Market Heats Up

Quote of the Day:  "Even if you're on the right track, you'll get run over if you just sit there." - Will Rogers

News Flash:  When the Football Season Ends, San Antonio's Real Estate Market Heats Up

Hey, San Antonio home sellers and buyers, we've just passed a significant event that might mean more to you than you realize.  While Super Bowl adrenaline ebbed from your bodies, and dopamine satisfaction faded from the brains of Saints fans, San Antonio's realty market kicked into high gear.  It's a fact borne out by years of sales data!  Right after the Super Bowl, San Antonio home buying and selling gets serious. 

On this first day after Super Bowl 2010, San Antonio has an ample inventory of resale homes and, according to the latest analysis, an unusually low supply of newly constructed homes.  Although the market favors buyers right now, there's reason to believe it might drift toward a balanced or even a seller's market as the newest crop of highly motivated buyers rushes to write home purchase contracts before the April 30 Federal home buyer tax credit deadline.

If the Federal home buyer tax credit program is news to you, click here to get the facts from the IRS.

Here's the message.  You're on the right track if you're contemplating buying or selling a San Antonio home, but you'd better get moving because you might get run over if you just sit there.

As always, we solicit your comments and recommendations about this blog.

Please visit us at our sanantoniohomequest.com website for all your San Antonio realty research needs.

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, please call us at (210) 863-2661 or (210) 867-8763, or E-mail us at swkrealtor@aol.com or kelleybus@aol.com. Our Realty Solutions Team is always ready to help you with your home buying or selling needs.

4 February 2010 San Antonio Real Estate News You Can Use

Some Quick Takes:

• Over 80% of today's home buyers start their search on the Internet and only seek the services of  a real estate agent at the point where they need to supplement what they've already learned using Internet realty research tools.
• Today's best Realtors run a consumer-focused and consumer-driven business, seeing their clients as drivers and themselves as navigators.
• Far too many home buyers have their cart before their horse by starting their home search visiting listings before talking with lenders and determining their home purchase affordability ceiling.

 Nifty news to know:

Our February 2010 Real Estate Update  has just been published.  Go here for lots of exceptionally useful realty information.

As always, we solicit your comments and recommendations about our blogs. 

Please visit us at our sanantoniohomequest.com website for all your San Antonio realty research needs.

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, please call us at (210) 863-2661 or (210) 867-8763, or E-mail us at swkrealtor@aol.com or kelleybus@aol.com. Our Realty Solutions Team is always ready to help you with your home buying or selling needs.

2 February 2010 San Antonio Realty News You Can Use

What can we expect from this month's San Antonio's realty market.  Historically, February is typically a very active month for both sellers and buyers.   This February, resale home inventory should increase significantly as sellers rush their properties to market hoping the recently extended and expanded Federal home buyer tax credit programs will cause an exceptionally strong  late winter and early spring home buying trend.

Although  February is typically one of San Antonio's most active months for home buyers, three factors promise to make February 2010 an exceptionally busy month.  First, the previously mentioned Federal tax credit programs are expected to significantly increase buyer activity.  Second, the military's first wave of Base Realignment and Closing Program personnel will be arriving to look for homes. Third, mortgage interest rates remain historically low for qualified buyers.

Will this February's increased sales offset San Antonio's rapidly increasing resale home inventory thus putting an end to the city's protracted buyers' market.  Only time will tell, but home sellers can take heart in knowing that February will likely bring an unusually large number of ready, willing, and able buyers.

Home buyers and sellers should always be encouraged about the reality of San Antonio realty.  It's strong! Why? Because the Alamo City remains one of the Nation’s healthiest large metropolitan economies and projections for 2010 indicate the area’s immediate future is highly favorable for strong economic growth, low unemployment, and a continuing strong infusion of the monetary and human resources needed to build an even more economically vibrant city.

For data lovers, here are the relevant market indicators for San Antonio single-family detached homes as of 2 February 2010.

There are 11059 active listings compared to 11783 last year. The inventory is rapidly increasing. That’s a good sign for home buyers.

The average sales price for the most recent closings is $180,704 compared to $188,292 last year. The drop in average sales price has, for the most part, been driven by the purchase of a large number of less expensive properties by home buyers capitalizing on the Federal home buyer tax credit programs. It remains to be seen how the market will fare after the program ends on 30 April 2010.

Average cumulative days-on-the-market (CDOM) for the most recent sales is 133 compared to 142 last year. During 2009, CDOM figures were unacceptably high, but have recently trended downward. That’s a positive sign for San Antonio home sellers specifically, and the city's realty market, generally.

Industry analysts see these data as reflecting a housing market continuing to strongly favor buyers over sellers.

That’s all for our February 2010 San Antonio realty market report. We encourage comments and recommendations about this report. 

Please visit us at our sanantoniohomequest.com website for all your San Antonio realty research needs.

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, please call us at (210) 863-2661 or (210) 867-8763, or E-mail us at swkrealtor@aol.com or kelleybus@aol.com. Our Realty Solutions Team is always ready to help you with your home buying or selling needs.

1 February 2010 San Antonio Real Estate News You Can Use

San Antonio Express News carries a very informative article by Creighton Welch addressing the status of San Antonio's mid-winter residential realty market on the eve of the typically much more active late winter/spring home marketing season.  Click it to see it.

Click here for this week's RealtyTimes.com's realty and mortgage lending news webcast.  This is one of the web's most comprehensive and informative realty market updates for home buyers and sellers.

Visit us at sanantoniohomequest.com for all your realty needs. We're Stephanie and Randy Kelley, Realtors at Keller Williams Legacy, San Antonio. You can call us at (210) 863-2661, (210) 867-8743, or (800) 201-9145 or E-mail us at kelleybus@aol.com or swkrealtor@aol.com.

San Antonio's Most Romantic Restaurants

This is a little off topic, but looking ahead to Valentine's Day on Sunday, February 14th, here's some information that might come in handy if you're searching for San Antonio's most romantic restaurants.  Click for the list.

Outside the city, but close enough for a short drive to wonderful downtown Bulverde, is Mike's in the Village, a bistro and wine bar.  Mike's features some of the San Antonio area's best food in an intimate, cozy old town setting.  It's a great place for a Valentine's Day get away.  Click to visit Mike's website.

Back to San Antonio real estate, visit us at sanantoniohomequest.com for all your realty needs.  We're Stephanie and Randy Kelley, Realtors at Keller Williams Legacy, San Antonio.  You can call us at (210) 863-2661, (210) 867-8743, or (800) 201-9145 or E-mail us at kelleybus@aol.com or swkrealtor@aol.com.

Where's San Antonio's Realty Market Going!

What's happening in this year's San Antonio's mid-winter realty market?  It's relatively active right now and seems to be drifting toward a very active spring season. Typically, that means there will be more homes for sale, list prices will increase, and sales volume will likely be higher than usual especially this year because buyers will be rushing to take advantage of the Federal home buyer tax credit programs. As for the summer realty market season, it's too early to tell if it will more or less active than usual, but, undoubtedly, activity will be dependent on the success or failure of national economic recovery initiatives.

April 30, 2010 is an important date for home sellers and buyers to keep in mind.  Why?  Under the new law, an eligible taxpayer must buy, or enter into a binding contract to buy, a principal residence on or before April 30, 2010 and close on the home by June 30, 2010 to qualify for claiming the Federal home buyer tax credit benefits.  Consequently, anyone seriously contemplating selling a home this year should get  the property on the market right away, particularly if it's worth $200,000 or less.  That's a high demand price category for San Antonio homes and, if a home is in good condition, it's likely to sell quickly. 

Anyone wanting to buy a home this year should move fast to avoid missing the 30 April deadline.  Of course, before jumping into a purchase agreement, a buyer should consult a Realtor® or visit the tax credit website to make sure he or she qualifies for the credit.

Aside from the home buyer tax credit issue, here's something about San Antonio's annual realty market cycle that both home sellers and buyers should keep in mind.  Decades of recorded sales data prove conclusively that market activity usually peaks in May, June, or July, then falls off rapidly after August.  List prices usually adjust downward during the fall and early winter selling season, available home inventory usually goes down, days on the market will increase, and there will be far fewer monthly closings than during the summer peak season.  After a long winter's rest, the market will start stirring again in February and March.

Realtor® and consumer comments and opinions are, as always, solicited about this, or any article, posted on this blog.  We love to discuss and don't mind a fuss.  The more views and news we can solicit, the better. 

We're Stephanie and Randy Kelley, Realtors® at Keller Williams Legacy.  Visit our SanAntonioHomeQuest.com website for anything and everything San Antonio realty. If you have questions, need realty or mortgage loan advice or assistance, or just want to chat, call us at (800) 201-9145, (210) 863-2661, or (210) 867-8743, or E-mail us at kelleybus@aol.com or swkrealtor@aol.com.

25 January 2010 San Antonio Real Estate News You Can Use

Jennifer Hiller reports in the San Antonio Express News about the positive impact the new J.W. Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa has had, and will have, on north side San Antonio growth.  Click to read Jennifer's article.  It's super news for homeowners in the area, especially golfers.

If you're keeping up with the national realty and mortgage news, nothing beats RealtyTimes' weekly webcast.  Go here for some very informative viewing.

Visit our SanAntonioHomeQuest.com website for anything and everything San Antonio realty.  If you have questions, need realty or mortgage loan advice or assistance, or just want to chat, call us at (800) 201-9145, (210) 863-2661, or (210) 867-8743, or E-mail us at kelleybus@aol.com or swkrealtor@aol.com.

24 January 2010 San Antonio Real Estate News You Can Use

In 2009, the most popular loan in the San Antonio area was likely a FHA loan.  This year, FHA loans will be more costly than last year.  Alan Zibel, the Associated Press (AP) real estate writer has written a very easy to read article about the he increased FHA fees.  Click to read his article entitled "Federal Housing Administration to Raise Fees."

Summarizing the fee increases:

• the up front mortgage incurance premium (MIP) fee has risen from 1.75% to 2.25% of the loan
• the minimum credit score requirement is now 580, however some FHA lenders might accept a lower  score, but only if the buyer places more money down

We will help you with mortgage loan questions and anything realty.  Visit our website at SanAntonioHomeQuest.com, call us at (210) 863-2661 or (210) 867-8743 or (800) 201-9145 or E-mail us at swkrealtor@aol.com or kelleybus@aol.com.

22 January 2010 San Antonio Real Estate News You Can Use

The San Antonio Business Journal reports "Sitterle Homes has bucked a national trend in the residential real estate market" by "wrapping up a successful sales year in 2009."  Sitterle is one of the San Antonio's oldest and most highly respected new home builders.  Sitterle has been in business over 45 years and is one of the area's few remaining locally owned and operated residential construction enterprises.  Most of the others were acquired in recent years by large national home building corporations.  Click to read the article.

The San Antonio Express News carries an interesting article of  local and outside job seekers.  It reports that "three companies based in the San Antonio area are ranked among the “100 Best Companies to Work For” for 2010 in the Feb. 8 issue of Fortune magazine."  The companies are NuStar Energy L.P. (ranked number 21), the Scooter Store (ranked number 38), and USAA (ranked number 45).  This is just another example of recent high ratings received by members of San Antonio's business community.  Click to read the article.
If you have questions or comments about this blog or if you need realty or mortage loan advice or assistance, please contact us.

Here's how we serve you. If you are a home buyer, our goal is to help you find the best property, in the best neighborhood for the best price and under terms and conditions most favorable to you.

If you’re a home seller, our goal is optimize your selling power by helping you price your property competitively and by promoting it extensively via a broad array of highly effective realty marketing techniques.

We’re Stephanie and Randy Kelley, Realtors® at Keller Williams Legacy, San Antonio. Call us at (210) 863-2661 or (210) 867-8743 or (800) 201-9145 or send an E-mail to 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.

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21 January 2010 San Antonio Realty News You Can Use

There's a very timely San Antonio Express News article addressing the recent strong upturn in San Antonio’s residential realty market. Click to read the article.


On the downturn side, the San Antonio Express News carries an Associated Press (AP) article reporting that, nationally, home building fell 4% in December.  Click to read the article.  Although the the AP article doesn't specifically address San Antonio's new home market, San Antonio area buyers can expect to find a lower than usual inventory of new construction homes this spring. 

Weakened new home competition will be a welcome incentive for San Antonio area homeowners contemplating selling their homes.  Consequently, the shortage of new construction homes will likely be offset by an ample inventory of newly listed resale homes. 

It's currently a buyers' market and, all things considered, the market will likely favor buyers at least into the summer.

If you have questions or comments about this blog or if you need realty or mortage loan advice or assistance, please contact us.

Here's how we serve you.  If you are a home buyer, our goal is to help you find the best property, in the best neighborhood for the best price and under terms and conditions most favorable to you.

If you’re a home seller, our goal is optimize your selling power by helping you price your property competitively and by promoting it extensively via a broad array of highly effective realty marketing techniques.

We’re Stephanie and Randy Kelley, Realtors® at Keller Williams Legacy, San Antonio. Call us at (210) 863-2661 or (210) 867-8743 or (800) 201-9145 or send an E-mail to 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.

Visit Our Website Read Our Newsletter Ask Us A Question