Sunday, December 29, 2019

This Month in Real Estate December 2019

This Month in Real Estate

Each month, This Month in Real Estate provides expert opinion and analysis on real estate trends across the nation.



What's Happening in Your Market?

Real estate is a local business and there are many factors that determine whether we're in a buyers' market, a sellers' market or an equally balanced market. Our experienced real estate professionals can help you determine the right move. Find a REALTOR®.

My San Antonio Home Resource is San Antonio's most comprehensive real estate resource. Veteran owned business. Subscribe to our YouTube channel and get more house selling and buying tips and stories.

Home Improvement | Paint vs. Replace

HouseLogic

Paint is an easy way to give your home an inexpensive facelift. Boost your home’s ROI (return on investment) with these DIY paint projects.



What's Happening in Your Market?

Real estate is a local business and there are many factors that determine whether we're in a buyers' market, a sellers' market or an equally balanced market. Our experienced real estate professionals can help you determine the right move. Find a REALTOR®.

My San Antonio Home Resource is San Antonio's most comprehensive real estate resource. Veteran owned business. Subscribe to our YouTube channel and get more house selling and buying tips and stories.

Planning to Buy a New Home in the New Year? Start Now!

two-champagne-glasses-ready-to-bring-in-the-new-year

Getting a jump on the housing market could help you buy sooner, smarter and cheaper.

The advantage to starting early is you can get your ducks in row. Those “ducks” might include a lower mortgage rate, faster and easier home-purchase process and home that’s a better match for the location, size, style and floor plan you want.

To get ready to buy a new home in the new year, follow these five steps:

Make a List

Step one in the home-buying process is to make a list of what you need and want in your home. Examples of popular “wants” include an open floor plan, spacious backyard, gas appliances, quartz or granite kitchen countertops, walk-in closets and a three-car garage. To get more ideas, think about things you don’t like about where you currently live and imagine options that would be better for you.

When you list your wants, consider your lifestyle as well as your design preferences. For example, if you plan to do a lot of gardening, you might want a larger backyard for raised beds or a bigger patio for containers.

Ranking your needs and wants in order of importance can be helpful to clarify your goals and ensure you’ll get what’s most important to you.

Do Research

The next step is to research mortgage loans, school districts and new homes that are for sale in locations you like and spend as much time there as you can to narrow down your options.

As you do your research, keep in mind that you may have to adjust your “wants” to fit your budget. Home design websites and magazines typically showcase “the best of the best” and those rooms can prove costly to copy.

Set Aside Savings

You should also set aside savings for moving costs, home repairs and maintenance and other homeowner expenses.

Newly built homes usually come with a builder’s warranty and various manufacturer’s warranties that can cover many repairs for some time. Warranties don’t cover everything, however, so you should be prepared for some additional costs.

If you’re a first-time buyer, you’ll also be newly responsible for expenses that might have been paid by your landlord or your parents. Examples include utilities, landscape maintenance, tree trimming and snow removal. Some utility companies require an upfront deposit to open an account, so you should set aside funds for that expense as well.

Make a separate budget for improvements that typically aren’t included with your new home, such as window coverings, landscaping and fences.

Talk to a Real Estate Consultant

Another good tip is to talk to a real estate consultant on the phone, online or at an agency. Just because you’re meeting with a consultant doesn’t mean you have to buy that day.

A consultant can help answer questions about floor plans, pricing, square footage, lot locations and more. Most consultants can also help you get prequalified for financing, a step that’s important to do early because mortgage rates can change.

You can just show up at an agency, walk in and have a chat, but some brokerages prefer that you make an appointment in advance.

If you’re struggling to nail down your needs and wants, a consultant can help you do that. And if you and your spouse (or other co-buyers) have seemingly irreconcilable desires and expectations, a consultant can suggest compromises and solutions.

Plan to spend at least one to three hours for an initial meeting with a real estate consultant, including tours of new home communities and model homes.

Make a Decision

Buying a new construction home can be overwhelming and tiring as well as fun and exciting. For that reason, you shouldn’t rush the process or worry if it takes you a long time to make a decision.

Some buyers have time constraints like getting married, having a child or relocating for a job that force them to make a fast decision. If you’re not in that type of situation, be patient with yourself and your spouse while you’re doing researching and making a decision to buy a new home. When you find a home that meets your needs and fits your budget, you’ll be ready to go ahead and buy it.

Good Luck, Happy House Hunting and Happy New Year from My San Antonio Home Resource!!!

What's Happening in Your Market?

Real estate is a local business and there are many factors that determine whether we're in a buyers' market, a sellers' market or an equally balanced market. Our experienced real estate professionals can help you determine the right move. Find a REALTOR®.

My San Antonio Home Resource is San Antonio's most comprehensive real estate resource. Veteran owned business. Subscribe to our Blogger and get more house selling and buying tips and stories.

Thursday, December 26, 2019

What to do if Schools are Important in Your Home Search

school-children

Whether you’re moving to a new city or a new neighborhood, you might be wondering about the quality of the schools. Fair housing laws prohibit agents from steering clients, whether toward a particular area or away from that area, based upon the buyer’s race, color, religion, gender, disability, familial status, or national origin. That means your REALTOR® will avoid giving opinions on school districts, because a comment could be construed as influencing your housing choice based on demographic information. However, your REALTOR® can advise you on how to make an informed decision. Here are a few tips for researching schools during your home search.

Know What “Good” Means for You

What is your definition of a good school or a good school district? Do they offer AP courses or special education programs? Is there a variety of sports teams or clubs? Having an idea of what you think makes for a good school can help you narrow down your choices.

Research School District Options

Some school districts allow students to attend schools they aren’t zoned for, or there could be magnet schools that focus on certain disciplines. Also, publicly available data can give a better understanding of a district. For example, the Texas Education Agency posts district test scores and other school information.

Stay Open-Minded

School quality is a subjective issue, and you’ll inevitably hear negative feedback. While it’s good to get anecdotal information, don’t let it be the deciding factor in your school research. Visit schools and talk to administrators and take a well-rounded approach.

Share Your Direction

Once you’ve done your research on schools and you have a particular direction in mind, it’s OK to tell your REALTOR® you want to look for properties within that school district. But since it’s your REALTOR®’s job to provide you with options, he or she may present other listings outside those boundaries. If the district zoning is a deal-breaker, just tell your REALTOR®.

Your REALTOR® can’t tell you what to do, but your REALTOR® is committed to helping you make informed decisions.

What's Happening in Your Market?

Real estate is a local business and there are many factors that determine whether we're in a buyers' market, a sellers' market or an equally balanced market. Our experienced real estate professionals can help you determine the right move. Find a REALTOR®.

My San Antonio Home Resource is San Antonio's most comprehensive real estate resource. Veteran owned business. Subscribe to our Blogger and get more house selling and buying tips and stories.

Sunday, December 22, 2019

Give Yourself the Gift of Home Sweet Home this Holiday Season

santa-claus-holding-key-of-new-house

There’s no place like home for the holidays and no better time to find your dream home than right now! So, if you’ve been thinking about buying, ’tis the season. While home prices are on the rise in San Antonio, according to the S&P CoreLogic Case-Shiller U.S. National Home Price NSA Index released last month, now is still a great time to buy because relative to other markets, homes in San Antonio are still priced competitively. A new home might not fit under the Christmas tree, but it will definitely be a holiday to remember for years to come!

1. Rising home prices in the San Antonio area catapulted the region into third place in the nation for price growth over the past year, according to a new report, which means more people are flocking to Military City USA. What does that mean for you? While the appeal to move to San Antonio continues to escalate due to affordability, better quality of life and access to entertainment and dining, the availability of home inventory is shrinking. Consider this time one of those “snooze, you lose,” scenarios, so act now!

2. One of the primary advantages is reaping the tax benefits of buying a home before the end of the calendar year. Buying a home can mean substantial tax deductions, come tax season in the spring. This includes interest, property taxes and more, which can add up quicker than you can say, “Ho! Ho! Ho!”

3. Cooler temperatures are your friend. The Texas heat can be brutal, especially when you are moving household goods from one home to another. Moving during the winter months may be more incentive for friends and family to help you out, too. You can always show your gratitude by serving them spiked hot cocoa and holiday cookies! And just like polar bears, business for moving companies enters a temporary hibernation during winter months, which means an easier time for you to schedule professional help.

4. Just as moving companies’ traffic slows down, so does business for real estate agents. This is a plus for you, because it means more time for your agent to dedicate to your buying process. Greater accessibility to real estate professionals means a smoother and more expedited home search.

5. You will also generally have less competition from other buyers. While most folks are battling through holiday crowds, roaming the malls, and checking off their Christmas list, you can be signing your way to your dream home, which is more within reach than it might be during the spring and summer peak seasons.

6. This time of year can also mean more negotiating power for you. Sellers are usually extra eager to sell their residences before the New Year, so take advantage of their eagerness for a better deal. According to a national online real estate site, home prices are almost five percent lower in the winter. And because there is usually less activity when it comes to buying a home during the holidays, you can be sure to use it to your advantage and negotiate a price more attractive to you and your family.

7. With months until the summer season, you can look forward to enjoying your summer holiday, with peace of mind that you’ve secured your dream home months in advance. Summer is a great time to pack your bags and treat yourselves to a beach vacation. With your home purchase under your belt, you can rest assured there won’t be anything stopping you from taking that summer escape. As more buyers come out of the woodwork during summer, you’ll be saluting them, “bon voyage!”

Whether you’ve been naughty or nice, now is the best time to buy a house for those hunting. Just like starry-eyed children light up at the joyous sound of Santa’s sleigh bells, you can find similar merriment in the sound of your new home keys rattling in your pocket. And, if condo-living in the heart of downtown San Antonio is on your Christmas list, we’ve got you covered at My San Antonio Home Resource. San Antonio residences might not all be equipped with chimneys for jolly old St. Nick’s grand entrance, but word on the street is that Mr. Claus himself likes to enjoy a night cap at the Riverwalk before returning to the North Pole!

What's Happening in Your Market?

Real estate is a local business and there are many factors that determine whether we're in a buyers' market, a sellers' market or an equally balanced market. Our experienced real estate professionals can help you determine the right move. Find a REALTOR®.

My San Antonio Home Resource is San Antonio's most comprehensive real estate resource. Veteran owned business. Subscribe to our Blogger and get more house selling and buying tips and stories.

Friday, December 13, 2019

78249 Homes For Sale

View homes for sale in San Antonio, TX 78249. Search San Antonio real estate listings to find new and pre-owned 78249 homes for sale or other San Antonio realty property. Find experienced local San Antonio real estate agents (REALTORS) to help you buy or sell a 78249 home in San Antonio, TX.


What's Happening in Your Market?

Real estate is a local business and there are many factors that determine whether we're in a buyers' market, a sellers' market or an equally balanced market. Our experienced real estate professionals can help you determine the right move. Find a REALTOR®.

My San Antonio Home Resource is San Antonio's most comprehensive real estate resource. Veteran owned business. Subscribe to our YouTube channel and get more house selling and buying tips and stories.

Thursday, December 12, 2019

San Antonio Detached Garage Homes For Sale

View detached garage homes for sale in San Antonio, TX. Search San Antonio real estate listings to find new and pre-owned San Antonio detached garage homes for sale or other San Antonio realty property. Find experienced local San Antonio real estate agents (REALTORS) to help you buy or sell a detached garage home in San Antonio, TX.


What's Happening in Your Market?

Real estate is a local business and there are many factors that determine whether we're in a buyers' market, a sellers' market or an equally balanced market. Our experienced real estate professionals can help you determine the right move. Find a REALTOR®.

My San Antonio Home Resource is San Antonio's most comprehensive real estate resource. Veteran owned business. Subscribe to our YouTube channel and get more house selling and buying tips and stories.

Wednesday, December 11, 2019

78248 Homes For Sale

View homes for sale in San Antonio, TX 78248. Search San Antonio real estate listings to find new and pre-owned 78248 homes for sale or other San Antonio realty property. Find experienced local San Antonio real estate agents (REALTORS) to help you buy or sell a 78248 home in San Antonio, TX.


What's Happening in Your Market?

Real estate is a local business and there are many factors that determine whether we're in a buyers' market, a sellers' market or an equally balanced market. Our experienced real estate professionals can help you determine the right move. Find a REALTOR®.

My San Antonio Home Resource is San Antonio's most comprehensive real estate resource. Veteran owned business. Subscribe to our YouTube channel and get more house selling and buying tips and stories.

Tuesday, December 10, 2019

Hollywood Park Homes For Sale

Hollywood Park is a town in Bexar County, Texas. Hollywood Park is located at latitude 29.6005047°, longitude -98.48724°. The elevation is 961 ft (293 m).


What's Happening in Your Market?

Real estate is a local business and there are many factors that determine whether we're in a buyers' market, a sellers' market or an equally balanced market. Our experienced real estate professionals can help you determine the right move. Find a REALTOR®.

My San Antonio Home Resource is San Antonio's most comprehensive real estate resource. Veteran owned business. Subscribe to our YouTube channel and get more house selling and buying tips and stories.

Monday, December 9, 2019

Belterra Homes For Sale

Belterra is a gated desirable residential subdivision in Far North Central, San Antonio, TX 78261. The Comal Independent School District operates area public schools. Belterra homes are zoned to Smithson Valley High School.


What's Happening in Your Market?

Real estate is a local business and there are many factors that determine whether we're in a buyers' market, a sellers' market or an equally balanced market. Our experienced real estate professionals can help you determine the right move. Find a REALTOR®.

My San Antonio Home Resource is San Antonio's most comprehensive real estate resource. Veteran owned business. Subscribe to our YouTube channel and get more house selling and buying tips and stories.

Sunday, December 8, 2019

Trails at Westpointe Homes For Sale

Trails at Westpointe is a master-planned residential subdivision in Far West Side, San Antonio, TX 78253. The Northside Independent School District operates area public schools. Trails at Westpointe homes are zoned to Brennan High School.


What's Happening in Your Market?

Real estate is a local business and there are many factors that determine whether we're in a buyers' market, a sellers' market or an equally balanced market. Our experienced real estate professionals can help you determine the right move. Find a REALTOR®.

My San Antonio Home Resource is San Antonio's most comprehensive real estate resource. Veteran owned business. Subscribe to our YouTube channel and get more house selling and buying tips and stories.

Saturday, December 7, 2019

Stage Run Homes For Sale

Stage Run is a desirable residential subdivision in Northwest Side, San Antonio, TX 78255. The Northside Independent School District operates area public schools. Stage Run homes are zoned to Clark High School.


What's Happening in Your Market?

Real estate is a local business and there are many factors that determine whether we're in a buyers' market, a sellers' market or an equally balanced market. Our experienced real estate professionals can help you determine the right move. Find a REALTOR®.

My San Antonio Home Resource is San Antonio's most comprehensive real estate resource. Veteran owned business. Subscribe to our YouTube channel and get more house selling and buying tips and stories.

Friday, December 6, 2019

78259 Homes For Sale

View homes for sale in San Antonio, TX 78259. Search San Antonio real estate listings to find new and pre-owned 78259 homes for sale or other San Antonio realty property. Find experienced local San Antonio real estate agents (REALTORS) to help you buy or sell a 78259 home in San Antonio, TX.


What's Happening in Your Market?

Real estate is a local business and there are many factors that determine whether we're in a buyers' market, a sellers' market or an equally balanced market. Our experienced real estate professionals can help you determine the right move. Find a REALTOR®.

My San Antonio Home Resource is San Antonio's most comprehensive real estate resource. Veteran owned business. Subscribe to our YouTube channel and get more house selling and buying tips and stories.

Thursday, December 5, 2019

Castroville Homes For Sale

Castroville is a city in Medina County, Texas. Castroville is located at latitude 29.3557903°, longitude -98.8786387°. The elevation is 758 ft (231 m).


What's Happening in Your Market?

Real estate is a local business and there are many factors that determine whether we're in a buyers' market, a sellers' market or an equally balanced market. Our experienced real estate professionals can help you determine the right move. Find a REALTOR®.

My San Antonio Home Resource is San Antonio's most comprehensive real estate resource. Veteran owned business. Subscribe to our YouTube channel and get more house selling and buying tips and stories.

My San Antonio Home Resource

Keller Williams City-View

Craig Blakeley

15510 Vance Jackson Rd, Ste 101

San Antonio, TX 78249