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.
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
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.
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.
Thursday, July 22, 2010
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.
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.
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
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.
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.
Friday, July 16, 2010
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.
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.
Sunday, July 11, 2010
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.
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.
Wednesday, July 07, 2010
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.
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.
Monday, July 05, 2010
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.
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.
Sunday, July 04, 2010
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.
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.
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
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.
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.
Friday, June 11, 2010
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.
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.
Wednesday, June 09, 2010
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.
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.
Monday, June 07, 2010
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.
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.
Monday, May 31, 2010
San Antonio Memorial Day 2010 Message
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
Sunday, May 23, 2010
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.
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.
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
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.
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?
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!
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."
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.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.
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!
Saturday, May 08, 2010
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.
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.
Saturday, April 24, 2010
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
CLICK HERE IF YOU'RE LOOKING FOR THE BEST INFORMATION ABOUT BUYING OR SELLING A SAN ANTONIO HOME
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
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.
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.
Thursday, March 04, 2010
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.
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.
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