Buyers Articles

The San Antonio housing market is once again showing its prowess. Right now, the San Antonio residential real estate market is on the rise. Overall, it’s done well for the past several months. (Albeit a few obstacles and quirks. But that’s true for just about any active residential real estate market.) So, let’s take a look at the San Antonio housing market where it stands are where it is most likely to go over the course of the year and just beyond.

The San Antonio housing market at present is leaning more and more toward a sellers’ market. This means there are fewer and fewer homes for sale, causing buyers to act quickly when properties go live on the market. (In a balanced market, the number of properties for sale and active buyers are near parity.)

The median home value in San Antonio is now just a tad over $176,000. That represents an increase of 5.9 percent over the past year. Economists and real estate industry experts believe residential home prices in San Antonio will continue to increase by about 2.4 percent over the course of the next year.

At this time, the median list price per square for residential properties in San Antonio is $122. (That’s actually less than the list price per square foot of the San Antonio-New Braunfels Metro average of $129.)

Currently, the median list price of residences in the city of San Antonio is $245,000. Also, the median list price stands at $1,299 per month. So, it costs less to rent in San Antonio than in the San Antonio-New Braunfels Metro area, which is $1,350.

All in all, this is very good news. Combined, it means San Antonio is most definitely growing and becoming an attractive option for home buyers. On the other side, sellers benefit from higher sale prices and increased equity gains.

Since the San Antonio micro-market is doing well, it likewise attracts more employers. That presents a positive cycle for everyone living in the area.

Additionally, there are still some deals for investors and others. The mortgage delinquency rate in the city of San Antonio is now at 1.6 percent, which is more than the national figure of 1.1 percent. This means investors and private buyers can find discounted properties, although not too many exist at this time.

As you can plainly see, the San Antonio housing market is strong and should continue to post positive gains for the foreseeable future.

The San Antonio lifestyle is definitely one of the best aspects of living in this historic and diverse community. In fact, it could be said the San Antonio lifestyle is one of the main reasons people live and move here.  We are a large city with small town feel

Like much of the great state of Texas, life here in San Antonio is pretty much laid back. Folks are friendly, kind, and the pace moves a bit slower. Residents take great pride in the city of San Antonio, making it a wonderful place to live, work, and play.

San Antonio Transportation

Transportation in the city of San Antonio is quite similar to the rest of the Lone Star State’s bigger metropolitan areas. While most residents travel by private vehicle, there is a reliable public transportation system here which gets people where they’re going. Short-term visitors mostly rely on taxi services, streetcars, and bus lines.

San Antonio Real Estate

Unlike some of the larger urban and suburban areas of the state, San Antonio remains one of the most affordable. Home prices here are very competitive as the market stays quite active. Builders here offer new construction in varieties. So, whether you’re looking for a starter home or something larger, you’ll find it. And, the resale market also has plenty to offer those moving to the area. 

Another component of the overall San Antonio lifestyle is it offers so much:

  1. A low cost-of-living. Another attractive reason people choose to call San Antonio home is due to the low cost of living. Utilities, food, health care, transportation, and housing all come at less of an expense, especially compared to larger markets in the state of Texas. All of this, not to mention the fact there’s no state income tax.
  2. Very strong job growth. San Antonio is a very business-friendly community. Consequently, the job market stays strong, year after year, attracting and retaining employers.

The San Antonio real estate market is a hot one right now in the late spring of 2019. Entering into the summer season and beyond, it’s forecast to keep performing at a strong level.

People are drawn to San Antonio due to its eclectic nature. Diversity is at the heart of this town. Historic sites, various types of fare, wonderful entertainment and recreation, and so much more make San Antonio an ideal place to live, work, and play. So, let’s take a look at the San Antonio real estate market and what’s going on with it at this time.

The San Antonio residential real estate market is one of the best performers in the Lone Star State. And, for good reasons. Home to the Pearl District, River Walk, San Antonio Museum of Art, Natural Bridge Caverns, The Alamo, and the San Antonio Botanical Garden, this community has so much to offer. Located in south-central Texas, San Antonio currently enjoys great employment opportunities, a family-friendly culture, and a whole lot more.

Right now, the San Antonio real estate market is doing quite well. The median home value in San Antonio stands at $176,800. Home values have risen by 7 percent over the course of the last year and experts predict those values to increase by 3.3 percent over the coming year.

The median list price per square foot in the city of San Antonio currently runs $122, which is a little bit less expensive than the San Antonio-New Braunfels Metro average of $128.

Meanwhile, the median list price in San Antonio now stands at $243,000. Additionally, the median rent price runs $1,300 per month, which is also lower than the average rent in the San Antonio-New Braunfels Metro is $1,350.

Another great aspect of the San Antonio real estate market is that there are some bargains to be had. Right now, the percentage of delinquent mortgages stands at 1.6 percent, which is just a tad above the national number of 1.1 percent.

So, just why does San Antonio real estate perform this well? The answer lies in the location and the community’s best offerings.

One such example includes the job market, which is seeing gains in technology and cybersecurity, for instance. What’s more, schools in San Antonio are just plain terrific.

As you can plainly see, there’s a lot going for San Antonio residential real estate and there’s plenty more to come in the near and distant future.

Take a step back and pretend you are a buyer. Let a friend help point out areas of clutter, as long as you can accept their views without getting defensive. Let your agent help you, too.

What are the ten best things to do in San Antonio? Well, there are literally dozen, easily scores of things to see and do in San Antonio. Meaning, there’s is something for everyone. It really depends on your tastes. So, let’s take a look at the top ten things to do in San Antonio.

Located in south-central Texas and home to the Alamo, this is a very diverse community which enjoys many destinations. It boasts a strong economy, a healthy jobs market, as well as a whole lot to see and do. Without any more delay, here are the best things to do in San Antonio, Texas:

  1. The Alamo. Famous for its thirteen-day siege during the Texas Revolution, this mission is part of American history. And, it stands as a living testament to the independent spirit of the nation.
  2. Brackenridge Park. Brackenridge Park is home to many pastimes, including trails, picnic and play areas, along with athletic fields and even miniature train rides.
  3.  SeaWorld San Antonio. One of the best destinations in the Lone Star State, this is a place of conservation, learning, and plenty of fun. Ride roller coasters, eat fun food and learn about many different types of animals.
  4.  Six Flags Fiesta Texas. An amusement park, this is where roller coasters and other thrill rides excite visitors of all ages. There’s also a lot more to see and do for a day of fun.
  5. Natural Bridge Caverns. Explore a subterranean cavern through a guided tour and take part in an elevated adventure course. It’s a great experience for the whole family.
  6. San Antonio Zoo. This zoo spans over fifty acres and boasts about 750 species. It’s one of the best places to spend a day for locals and visitors alike in San Antonio.
  7. San Antonio Botanical Garden. This site sprawls over approximately 38 acres and is embellished with trails, a scenic pond, plenty of greenery, along with a wonderful glass conservatory and a delicious cafe.
  8. San Antonio Museum of Art. Here, visitors will see exhibits from all over the world, including Egypt, Italy, as well as Latin America, and more.
  9. Historic Market Square. This runs over three city blocks and is the home to many different types of shops and plenty of tasty fares.
  10. Tower of the Americas. An iconic 750-foot tower housing a revolving eatery, this is a must-see.

As you can see, there’s much to see and do in San Antonio.

San Antonio employment offers some of the best security in the Lone Star State and in the nation — at large. Here in San Antonio, jobs continue to crop up, due to the state’s business-friendly environment. Not to mention, more and more people are escaping high tax states in favor of Texas. (There’s also the big benefit of enjoying a milder winter climate, free of freezing temperatures and weather conditions.)

When looking at San Antonio employment trends, there’s little doubt there’s a strong job market here. Not just because this is a heavy military region, but there are also a number of other big employers, with more companies either setting up or making the move here.

San Antonio offers a vibrant job market, complete with plenty of diversity. Here in San Antonio, employers work in a variety of sectors, including but not limited to: technology, bioscience, renewable energy, professional services, real estate, and manufacturing. In other words, most major, well-paying industries are right here in San Antonio.

Currently, the San Antonio employment sector is performing quite well. In fact, the unemployment rate over the course of the past couple of years has either been near or under the national average. Right now, it stands at about 3.6 percent. (That’s a huge accomplishment, considering the nation number now sits at 4.0 percent, with 4.7 percent considered full employment by professional economists.)

The average salary in American comes in at approximately $50,000 per year, with San Antonio offering an average of just under that figure of around $46,000.

Plus, San Antonio continues to grow at a steady pace, due to the fact it’s less expensive to live here than it is compared to larger markets in Texas, such as Dallas and Houston. Which means, companies opt to relocate or startup in San Antonio, since it provides a lower cost of living.

But, that’s not all. The state itself continues to offer incentives to companies to relocate or establish their businesses here. All in all, this brings more and more job opportunities to San Antonio.

Benefits of Living in San Antonio

There are several advantages to living in San Antonio. First and foremost, is an affordable cost of living and a thriving job market. Additionally, San Antonio is one of the most diverse towns in the entire state and it’s also one of the most historic.

Buying a home with a pool is an exciting proposition but it can be a regrettable choice if you aren’t aware of all its aspects. Being able to dive in when you like and relaxing by the pool while grilling food are certainly enticing but that’s just part of living in a home equipped with a swimming pool. You need to be in the know before you commit to a purchase a house with a pool. 

Everyone loves the thought of having their own home, complete with a swimming pool. Images of family splashing around and guests dipping their feet in or wading about with drinks in-hand are definitely enjoyable. However, to enjoy a pool, it must be actively maintained and even if you go the do it yourself route, this will cost money every month. Here’s some more of what you need to know about buying a home with a pool:

The impact on the house’s value. A National Association of Realtors study found that a swimming pool adds about 8 percent to a property’s value. But that was just in one market. In others, it can be higher — 10 percent or more. Of course, in other markets, a pool provides little to no value increase. It just depends on the geographic location and the neighborhood. For instance, in Florida, pools are commonplace and do add value. But in the northeast or midwest, this can be very different.

Cost of upkeep and long-term expenses. The cost of upkeep is more than just routine maintenance. Sure, you’ll have to keep the pH level balanced and skim foreign objects out but there’s also the consideration of more substantial expenses. For example, when the pump fails or worse yet when hydrostatic pressure compromises the walls. Resurfacing is also a necessity and a costly one.

It’s valued as a selling feature. A swimming pool adds more than just to a property’s real market value, it also adds to its marketing value. A pool is an amenity that often serves as a big time selling feature. This is especially true for new couples and couples with children able to swim. However, a pool can be a negative for older couples and for those with very young children.

Actual use. When you see a house with a pool, you’ll dream about how much you’ll use it. But reality will intrude. Be realistic about how often you’ll use it.

Current condition. Do yourself a favor and hire a home inspector that’s very experienced in assessing pools.

Free things to do in San Antonio aren’t in short supply. In fact, it’s easy to come up with more than a dozen in just a few moments. What’s great about San Antonio is that it’s a growing town. Employment opportunities are on the rise. It’s also an affordable place to live. What’s more, it’s a diverse place and it boasts a family-friendly environment. Altogether, San Antonio is a wonderful place to live and it’s also a terrific location to visit. So, let’s take a look at the top things to do in San Antonio for free.

Things to do in San Antonio for Free

Whether you’re just in the community for a weekend visit or are here for a week, you’ll probably want to get out and do some fun stuff. If you’re into outdoor activities, there’s no shortage of them here. With that, here are some of the top things to do in San Antonio for free:

  1. San Antonio River Walk. This is a big local draw and it’s something visitors love, as well. It’s well known for its many restaurants serving all kinds of tasty fare, plenty of shopping opportunities, art, entertainment, and more. The San Antonio River Walk is also a wonderful place to visit during St. Patrick’s Day, Christmas, and New Years. What’s more, it’s free and is located at 849 E. Commerce Street.
  2. The Alamo. Historic and known worldwide, the Alamo is the site of one of the most famous battles between Texas and Mexico from February to March in 1836. It came after Texas sought its independence from Mexico and about 200 defenders, including Davy Crockett, fought against 1,800 and 6,000 attackers for thirteen days. Today, it’s a big draw and it’s free, located at 300 Alamo Plaza.
  3. Brackenridge Park. This is actually a bunch of experiences rolled up into one sprawling location. Here, visitors enjoy the experiences of the Japanese Tea Garden, the Botanical Garden, the San Antonio Zoo, and more. So, there’s much to see and do right here. Brackenridge Park is located at 3700 North St. Mary’s Street.
  4. The Artpace. Located downtown at 445 N Main Avenue, this is a place for those who love modern culture. It’s a must-see for those who are into art, no question.
  5. The San Antonio Missions. Another historic site, it’s a great place to explore at your own pace. There are also free tours, plus there are educational activities. By the way, it’s free and located at 6701 San Jose Drive.

There are a number of benefits of living in San Antonio, Texas. Located in the central southern part of the Lone Star State, the city of San Antonio is home to the world famous Alamo. It’s also the home of one of the most favorite local destinations, the River Walk. (River Walk is a collection of retail stores, restaurants, art galleries, and various vendors. It derives its name from the river, which it follows along for about a mile and a half. )

Benefits of Living in San Antonio

The advantages of living in San Antonio can’t be overstated. In fact, the town made it into the top twenty of Forbes’ magazine’s best places to live, taking the third spot, which is quite telling in and of itself. So, let’s take a look at the largest benefits of living in the wonderful city of San Antonio:

  1. Very affordable housing. Here, the cost of housing is lower than it is in the bigger and nearly same sized cities in the state of Texas. It’s actually much lower than other big towns, not only in the Lone Star State, but other desirable cities in the southwest. Currently, the market is a quite active one, with many people relocating to San Antonio from other parts of Texas and from around the country.
  2. Steady population growth. We just touched on the growing population and it’s worth repeating. With more people moving into the community, that means there’s more economic activity. Which in turn, creates opportunities for entrepreneurs. It also means more diverse property types for sale and rent.
  3. An active, healthy job market. Texas is known as a business-friendly state and San Antonio is no exception to that fact. The job market in San Antonio is very strong. So, there are a number of opportunities available and waiting.
  4. Plenty of local things to see and do. In San Antonio, there are several things to see and do. These include The Alamo, San Antonio River Walk, SeaWorld San Antonio, and the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park.
  5. Low cost of living and no state income tax. Additionally, the cost of living is very affordable and quite low. Monthly costs are low here, like utilities, transportation, food, and healthcare. Also, there is no state income tax in Texas, which means residents of San Antonio keep more of what they work so hard to earn.

As you can see, San Antonio is a great place to live, work, and play.

Rather things go wrong or you’re just being more proactive about your health, you’ll need the best there is in healthcare. San Antonio delivers many fine hospitals, clinics, and doctors.

Here, some of the larger hospitals in San Antonio, which include, but are not limited to the following:

  • Methodist Healthcare System and Hospitals
  • Baptist Hospital Systems
  • University Hospital
  • Christus Santa Rosa Hospitals
  • The Children’s Hospital of San Antonio
  • Kindred Hospital-San Antonio
  • Foundation Surgical Hospital of San Antonio
  • Brooke Army Medical Center

We also have UT Health Science Center, San Antonio Cancer Center and Methodist Transplant. 

 Additionally, there are a number of small medical clinics to pop into through the city.

San Antonio transportation is a big deal, whether you’re visiting or live it in the area. Mostly, people here commute by private car. But, the city has a nice public transportation system, which includes buses and streetcars. Some folks travel by foot, particularly when exploring San Antonio for the first time. Or, grab a cab to get from one location to another. Let’s take a look at San Antonio transportation and what you need to know about it.

San Antonio Transportation

San Antonio transportation, like most metropolitan areas, offers both public and private choices. So, it really depends on what you’re in town to see and do. It also depends on just how far you’d like to travel.

For instance, if you want to explore River Walk, a simple ride into town by private or rental car will suffice nicely. You’ll walk most of the day, discovering restaurants, retailers, art, entertainment, and more. But, if you’re plans include SeaWorld San Antonio or Brackenridge Park, you’ll need to either take your own vehicle or rent a car.

However, if you just need to get around town for a day or two, you’ll find taxi service, bus lines, and streetcars are your best option.

Many visitors arrive here via the San Antonio International Airport. And, if you don’t have plans to go out of the city, you won’t even need a rental car. But, if do plan to visit The Alamo, a rental car or private car is the best way to get there. (This is also true if you’re going to Missions National Historic Park or out to the San Antonio Zoo and Aquarium.

Now, if you’re here to check out downtown San Antonio, you’re best served by a combination of walking, streetcar, bus, and taxi. This is due to the fact the city’s planners didn’t imagine a world of horseless carriages. Which means the downtown streets often confuse visitors and those who don’t frequent the area.

If you do arrive at San Antonio International Airport, you won’t have any trouble finding a cab to take you downtown. Once there though, that changes. Unlike some other cities, you won’t see cabs rolling around, looking for fares. A cab ride from the airport to downtown runs about $30. And, taxis are more costly than the bus.

Speaking of the bus, you can fetch an unlimited one-day pass for about $3 or pay per ride, for $1.30. If you prefer, you can climb aboard a streetcar for the same amount of money. For Help finding San Antonio Real Estate please contact us.

San Antonio also offers a number of school and education choices. In fact, there are a whopping 90 plus campuses in the public school system in the city. These are part of three larger schools districts Northside ISD, Northeast ISD and San Antonio ISD. 

Among them are some 21 high schools, 172 middle schools, and about 427 elementary schools. What’s more, there are 35 magnet specialty high schools. Moreover, there are over 112 private schools in San Antonio. So, there’s definitely no lack of choices.

There are a number of charter schools in and around the San Antonio area as well.

Homeschool also enjoys a robust group in area too.

There are several other school districts that cover the surrounding areas of San Antonio as well.  They are Media Valley ISD, Boerne ISD, Comal ISD, Judson ISD, Schertz-Cibilo-Universal City ISD to name a few.

Researching these schools is very easy with sites like www.greatschools.org.  There you can find rankings and more.  Each of the ISD’s will also have information available on their sites as well.  On the ISD sites you can also confirm your address you may consider purchasing and verify the schools that address will attend.

 

Located in south-central Texas, San Antonio is somewhat of a hidden gem. Home to the Alamo and River Walk, this town is known for its eclectic fare, growing economy, and the Tower of the Americas (a 750-foot tower overlooking the city). But did you know there’s also a vibrant arts and culture scene in beautiful San Antonio? Well, arts and culture are not only live here, they’re also attracting people from all over the Lone Star State and across the country, as well.

Arts and Culture in San Antonio

San Antonio resides to the west of Houston and to the southwest of Austin, It’s to the north of Corpus Christi and south/southwest of Dallas. San Antonio is one of the fastest growing cities in the state of Texas and even ranks high compared to others growing across the contiguous forty-eight.

Most of San Antonio’s growth is due to people relocating from larger cities. It still maintains most of its small-town charm while boasting an urban feel. The local real estate market is beginning to move here and that’s more good news. But, San Antonio also has something else to offer but the historic sites and numerous eateries and retailers along River Walk. San Antonio is home to some of the best in arts and culture.

Did you know that San Antonio boasts an astounding number of museums and performing arts venues? Well, it does! There are over 25 museums in San Antonio and more than performing arts stages across the city. What’s more, San Antonio is home to many art galleries, sculptures, and more.

Museums in San Antonio focus on a wide variety of cultures and more. Here, you’ll discover museum collections featuring Asian, Native American, Western, European, and Latin American exhibits.

There are several notable art galleries in San Antonio. Here, you’ll find treasures galore, with studios showcasing both local talent and those known nation and worldwide.

Public art is also a big part of San Antonio. All throughout the city, there are pieces which can be seen and savored, most celebrating the city’s diverse culture.

Additionally, there are many impressive art festivals and like events which go throughout the year. Luminaria, Fiesta Arts Fair, and Fotoseptiembre are just three prime examples. These simply must be experienced to be believed.

San Antonio is also home to filmmakers from all kinds of backgrounds. You’ll also encounter performance art in and around River Walk. And, there’s plenty more to discover and love about San Antonio. For help finding San Antonio Real Estate for sale please see https://www.mstagersrealtypartners.com

If you’re considering moving to San Antonio, Texas, you’ll probably want to know more about the area. Well, it is home to the Alamo, a historic landmark and the pride of the Lone Star State. It’s also home to the River Walk, a collection of retail shops, restaurants, and more along a scenic pedestrian promenade. Furthermore, San Antonio is a growing but still small town, boasting an affordable housing market, with plenty of housing options. And, best of all, the weather in San Antonio just makes it all the better.

What is the Weather Like in San Antonio?

Located in southern-central Texas to the southwest of the capital city of Austin and nearly directly west of Houston, well northwest of Corpus Christi, San Antonio is a great place to live, work, and play. But, what about the weather in San Antonio? How does it typically play out during the year? What are the summers like, the winters, and spring and fall seasons? Is it like the Arizona climate that lies to the northwest? Or, is it more like the weather in Louisiana, which is to the east, just slightly north? Well, it’s actually not much like either one. Here’s what the weather is like in San Antonio throughout the year:

  • ● Rain. Unlike the average in the United States, San Antonio is a little drier. While the national average is 39 inches per year, in San Antonio it is less, about 32 inches of rain.
  • ● Snow. As you might imagine, Texas isn’t exactly the snow capital of the United States but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t receive any. That being stated, San Antonio does not receive any snow, statistics-wise. Like other places in the south, snow is a very rare occurrence, but it does happen, without any accumulation.
  • ● Humidity. Being located where it is in south-central Texas means San Antonio is a somewhat humid place but it really depends on where you live. The microclimates vary significantly. So, if you live right in or near the city itself, it’s more humid. But, if you choose to live in the hill country, it’s drier because of the elevation.

Temperature. Temperatures also vary substantially, depending on where you live in San Antonio. It actually scores quite high on the comfort index, receiving a 70. The higher the score, the more comfortable the year-round temperature and climate are. Highs run into the low to mid 90’s in the summer with winter lows in the low 40’s. If you live in the hills, these averages will obviously change.

When it comes to the cost of living in San Antonio, you might be surprised to learn how relatively inexpensive it really is. With its diverse culture, fare, and beautiful scenery, you’d probably think it’s one of the most expensive cities in the United States. But, that simply isn’t the case. In fact, it doesn’t even rank in the top twenty or the top thirty.

Cost of Living in San Antonio

The actual cost of living in San Antonio is a welcome surprise to many who’d like to call the area home. Unlike many cities in the northeast and out west, San Antonio isn’t very expensive.

For instance, the average rent for a two-bedroom apartment in Manhattan in New York City is nearly $4,100 per month. But, in San Antonio, the same size pad is just $889 per month. That’s certainly a huge disparity. It’s even less expensive than the biggest city in the midwest. In Chicago, renting a two-bedroom apartment costs about $1,500 per month. That’s still nearly $600 less or $7,400 per year.

So, let’s take a closer look at the cost of living in San Antonio, Texas:

● The median home price in San Antonio is $214,050 for a 3-bedroom, 2-bath home. And, the mortgage, with interest included, runs about $824 per month. (Which is $65 less than renting a two-bedroom apartment.)
● Getting around San Antonio isn’t very costly, either. If you prefer public transportation, you’ll only spend about $30 per month. At present, the price of a gallon of gas runs between $1.99 and $2.05, with an average of $2.16 for the entire area.
● The cost of heating, cooling, water, power, and gas isn’t expensive, either. For an average month of utilities use, you’ll pay about $161.
● As far as entertainment goes, taking in a movie won’t empty your wallet. A ticket costs just over $10 and a game of bowling is right around $6.60.
● Healthcare is fairly moderate, averaging about $98 for a doctor’s office visit, and just a tad over $79 for a dental cleaning.
● Groceries are also relatively inexpensive. You won’t pay too much to keep your refrigerator and pantry full of staples.

When it comes to the cost of living in San Antonio, your dollars will go a lot further than in other parts of the country. Plus, San Antonio offers a number of free and low-cost entertainment. Most residents enjoy the riverwalk and markets.

Once you visit, you’ll quickly realize how much San Antonio offers and why so many people choose to call it home.