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San Antonio, TX Real Estate News

By Jack Spirko
(Franklin Spirko Media)
I have been doing some new marketing work for a client of ours that has sites all over the U.S.  Currently he has us doing some tweaking and finishing out of his site on San Antonio Real Estate.  As I have been doing some basic research on the market (which you have to do to serve your client well), I have discovered that San Antonio is really a hidden gem in the market.In Texas we are bless right now with a much more stable market then most other parts of the United States.  While we never had the huge appreciation that markets like the east and west coast have, the other side is that we have not had the 20% or greater drops in the past year some other markets have.  Texas real estate is a lot like "long term income stock", we don't have the huge returns of those mid cap growth stocks ...
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By Paula Christo, Exceeding Your Expectations
(Keller Williams Heritage - Luxury Homes Division)
Financing Solutions with David ReedOvercoming the misconceptions about the "credit crisis"You've watched the news and read about it in the papers. You know, the "credit crisis" and how buyers need 20 percent down in order to buy a home? And even if you found a buyer with 20 percent down, lenders aren't making loans anyway. So, why bother, right? Wrong!We're right smack in the middle of what just might be the biggest disservice ever perpetrated on potential home buyers.  It seems the press just can't get enough of all the gloom and doom in the housing industry.  The fact is that mortgage money is as available today as it was a year ago and loans are being made this very moment with little or no money down. And, no, platinum credit isn't required.  You just need to know where to look.  Wh...
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By Paula Christo, Exceeding Your Expectations
(Keller Williams Heritage - Luxury Homes Division)
Great Vendors in San Antonio I remember when we moved to San Antonio eleven years ago. In addition to leaving my beloved home and great friends and family, I was leaving my hairdresser, babysitters, doctors, and my honest and reasonable mechanic right around the corner.  That was almost as bad as leaving my friends!   The worst part of moving is when you get in the car to go to the grocery store, back out of the driveway, and then realize you don't know which way the grocery store is.  About the fifth day we lived in San Antonio, I had promised the kids I would take them to Fiesta Texas. It took me 20 minutes to find my way out of the neighborhood - but only about 10 minutes to get to Fiesta Texas once I found my way out!   I wanted to share with you some of my favorite businesses in Sa...
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My wonderful hostess Judi Morgan took me to San Antonio's famed Riverwalk on the final day of my recent visit to Texas. After a nice lunch and another great visit with Jason Crouch, we hopped in the car and drove to Riverwalk. Judi showed me "Wedding Island", where she and Don exchanged vows last year. From there we strolled and then did what any good tourist does. We took the tour boat. If you ever visit San Antonio, don't miss your opportunity to explore Riverwalk. I would haved loved to have been able to spend the rest of the afternoon and evening there. It truly is magnificent. I had a grand time in Texas and can't wait to return. By the way, no visit to the Lone Star State is complete without Bar-B-Q... Tom Plant, Murrieta Real Estate Expert – GRI, e-PRO – Coldwell Banker Resident...
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By Judi Morgan, San Antonio, TX Real Estate
(RETIRED)
Spring in Texas is a beautiful time of the year.  Down in the San Antonio, TX area we usually have a mild Winter however, we're always more than ready for Winter to end and Spring to arrive.  As I drive the highways and byways of the Bexar, Kendall, Comal, and Guadalupe Counties showing homes to clients, I try to point out the different flowers that are blooming!  Especially the Blue Bonnets -- we know Spring has arrived when our beloved Blue Bonnets start peaking through the grasses along the highway medians and in the open fields.  They are followed by Indian Paintbrush, Indian Blanket, Lantana, Daisies, Verbena, Winecups and Thistles just to name a few.I've been taking pictures of our beautiful April Wildflowers since the Texas Real Estate Group announced their April Wildflower Conte...
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By Paula Christo, Exceeding Your Expectations
(Keller Williams Heritage - Luxury Homes Division)
Question: If I ask a Realtor® to show me properties, is he/she working for me? Answer: No, normally the Realtor® is working for the seller, not the buyer! To have a broker that works for you (the Buyer) you need to make the proper arrangements!  As a Realtor, I can represent either the seller or the buyer, but never both at the same time - without special permission. When you contact a real estate office and say, "I'd like to see a property" you are only a customer of that broker.  That Realtor  remains an agent for the seller, not you.  This includes new construction homes - the person selling you that home is, of course, representing the seller/builder. (Any agent showing you properties without a buyer's rep agreement  represents the seller.)   When making a real estate purchase, you ...
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By The Right Choice Group, Our Experience Is The Difference!
(Keller Williams Heritage)
With countless negative publicity being portrayed all over television and radio regarding the real estate market, one fact has held true...there is nothing that compares to the joys of being a homeowner. It has been one of the most exciting times my wife and I have ever experienced. Seeing the hard work and determination pay off in regards to coming home to something you are proud to call your own is priceless. Growing up and living in San Antonio is also a blessing. Sure, 100% financing no longer exists on conventional loans. This is part of the process in correcting the current situation in the market. There were too many loans being offered and basically forced upon people that could not afford the home to begin with. Loans given to people that had a variable interest rate that has n...
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By Paula Christo, Exceeding Your Expectations
(Keller Williams Heritage - Luxury Homes Division)
The Neighborhood of INWOOD in San Antonio, TexasBuying a home in Inwood will get you behind the gates of one of San Antonio's primo neighborhoods. Inwood is located inside Loop 1604 off of Bitters Road.  It has easy access to Hiway 281 or Interstate 10 without a lot of traffic issues.   Inwood is not only gated, it is a ‘limited access neighborhood".  That means that you cannot simply drive in and cruise through the neighborhood.  All visitors must stop at the on-site gate and get permission for access from the private security guards.  By not allowing ‘Sunday drivers' or curiosity seekers access, it results in less traffic on the streets and makes the neighborhood quieter.   It also makes it more enjoyable if you want to go for a walk, jog, or bike ride through the peaceful setting tha...
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By Paula Christo, Exceeding Your Expectations
(Keller Williams Heritage - Luxury Homes Division)
Should you buy (or even start looking) before you sell?Answer: This is not usually a good idea. The reason is - well money. Buying your new home.  If you find your dream home and you have not sold your current home you might want to make an offer with a contingency. The seller is going to look at your offer and realize he is taking a risk. You may not sell your home in time.  You are asking him to basically take his home off the market and sit around and wait for you to sell yours. IF he is willing to take that risk, it should come with some reward. Money. Say 10K more than if he did not have to take that risk.  And oh by the way - if he got a cash offer tomorrow with a quick close what do you think he would do? Selling your current home.  After you have found your dream home and negoti...
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By Robin Rogers, CRS, TRC, MRP - Real Estate Investment Adviser
(Robin Rogers, Silverbridge Realty, San Antonio, Texas)
Last Sunday, I went to see the restored Sunken Gardens at Brackenridge Park. The gardens used to be one of my favorite places to go, but over the last few years they deteriorated and had to be closed. On March 8, they were reopened, and this was my first chance to go see them.You enter them through a stone pagoda, from which you can see the walkways and the waterfall at the far end of the gardens across the ponds.They are one of the most beautiful, romantic places in San Antonio--and they are free to visit, although once you've seen them, you'll probably want to make a donation for their continued restoration and upkeep.Enjoy the show, and press the Details button at the end for more information!
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One last weekend of FIESTA!!!  Look through the Schedule of Events here or on The Official Fiesta Website and make plans to attend several events! Schedule of Events - Friday, April 25 * 9 am-5 pm San Antonio Cactus & Xerophyte Society State Show & Sale San Antonio Garden Center, 3310 N. New Braunfels Ave. 10 am-5 pm Fiesta Dances! Ballets, Polkas and Bailes Witte Museum, 3801 Broadway *10am-midnight Fiestas Fantasías at Market Square Market Square, 514 W. Commerce St. 11:50 am Battle of Flowers® Parade Vanguard Parade Route noon-5 pm Miss Margaret's Victorian House Tour 409 E. Guenther St., King William District *noon-midnight 10th St. River Festival 10th St. & Ave. B *noon-midnight Fiesta San Fernando San Fernando Cathedral, 115 Main Plaza 12:45-4 pm Battle of Flowers® Parade Parade R...
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The Excitement of Fiesta continues. . . here's the Schedule of Events from Tuesday, April 22 through Thursday, April 24, 2008.  Check out the Schedule of Events here and on The Official Fiesta Website and make plans to attend some of these events.*Events are Free to the Public Schedule of Events - Tuesday, April 22  * 9:15 am-12:30 pm Children's Texas History Forum Alamo Hall * 10 am-5 pm Fiesta River Art Show River Walk * 10 am-5 pm Randolph Art League Exhibit & Sale Alamo Plaza  10 a.m.-8 p.m. Fiesta Dances! Ballets, Polkas and BailesWitte Museum, 3801 Broadway* 10 am-midnight Fiestas Fantasías at Market Square Market Square, 514 W. Commerce noon-5 pm Miss Margaret's Victorian House Tour 409 E. Guenther St., King William District * 5 pm - 10 pmFiesta Carnival Alamodome, 100 Montana, P...
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Friday is the first day of San Antonio's Fiesta Celebration!!!  There are 100 events scheduled over the 10day Fiesta Event.  Here's the schedule for the first 4 days of Fiesta - many events are free to the public, check them out on here and on The Official Fiesta Website and make plans to attend one or more.  Schedule of Events - Friday, April 18 *Free Admission for Fiesta spectators TIME Event/Place *9am - 10am Fiesta® San Antonio Official Opening Ceremony Alamo Plaza 10am - 5pm Fiesta Dances! Ballets, Polkas and BailesWitte Museum, 3801 Broadway *10am - 5pm Randolph Art League Exhibit & Sale Alamo Plaza 10am - 10pm Fiesta Especial River City Christian School, 5810 Blanco Road *10am - Mid Fiestas Fantasías at Market Square Market Square, 514 West Commerce *11am - 3pm Fiesta UTSA UTSA S...
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By Paula Christo, Exceeding Your Expectations
(Keller Williams Heritage - Luxury Homes Division)
Choosing A Lender Yes, there really is a mortgage crisis Virginia. BUT loans are still being written every day for buyers with good credit and buyers willing to put some money down.  So how does one go about finding a good lender? It always amazes me that buyers and sellers put their realtor under a microscope before choosing them - but then they do little or no shopping for a lender.  A good lender can save you just as much money as a good agent. Here are some suggestions to keep in mind when choosing a lender:Ask the realtor you put under the microscope for a suggestion.  You probably only buy a new home every 5-7 years.  Your realtor works with lenders year round.  If you have a good professional agent, he/she probably knows a good professional lender. Do NOT be misled by advertising...
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By Sylvie Shurgot, Real Estate Broker
(Sylvie Shurgot Real Estate)
 # listed# sold% soldAvg asked (SP)Avg sale price (LP)SP/LPDays on Market         200810,0463,99539.77%$185,820.00 $178,585.00 96.11%87         200710,3665,02448.47%$179,576.00 $174,994.00 97.45%70         20068,8905,23058.83%$165,685.00 $162,046.00 97.80%68         20058,4474,49353.19%$147,226.00 $143,355.00 97.37%78        200410,4035,43652.25%$141,596.00 $137,480.00 97.09%98Here's the data for the first quarter.  It includes any listings from small towns outside San Antonio that were posted on MLS - Boerne, New Braunfels, Seguin, Kerrville, Floresville, and many more.
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By Judi Morgan, San Antonio, TX Real Estate
(RETIRED)
                                           It's April and San Antonio is in the early stages of celebrating our Annual Fiesta!  Dates for this year's Fiesta are April 18th thru April 27th.   There are 100 events this year scheduled over  10 days.  Many events are free, however, the events that do require tickets sell out quickly.  Check on the Official Fiesta Website for ticket information.    A History of FiestaFiesta got it's beginning back in 1891 when a group of ladies decided to honor the heroes of The Alamo and Battle of San Jacinto with their own battle - a Battle of Flowers.  They decorated their horse-drawn carriage, and bicycles with fresh flowers.  The participants then pelted each other with the flowers.It was an immediate success and within a few years, more events were sch...
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By Lane Rogers & Patricia Zars, Making Moves. Making a Difference.
(Z&R Realty)
A 12,000 sq.ft. clubhouse with a private tanning room, coffee & espresso bar, massage therapy, executive business center, sauna & steam threapy room, a California Health Club with personal trainers, resident consierge, tennis courts and jogging trails...These are just a few of the amenities of the newly built Mansions at TPC apartment community, which features 1-4 bedroom apartment homes that remind you of a 10,000 sq.ft. mansion.  If luxury living is what you expect, The Mansions at TPC is sure to satisfy.
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By Paula Christo, Exceeding Your Expectations
(Keller Williams Heritage - Luxury Homes Division)
Whatcha Waiting For?Last week I blogged about selling in a cooled down market.  This week I would like to blog about BUYING in a cooled down market.  "Go for it"......... now, Forrest Gump would say "That's all I have to say about that."  OK - so some of you may need a little more information as to why it is a good time to buy.  Let me explain.  Timing is important.  Let's think about the advantages of buying a home in San Antonio today.Supply and demand makes for better prices.  Homes that have languished on the market for a while make for some anxious sellers. IF you can find one of these homes, they will be more willing to negotiate.  New homes builders in San Antonio are offering terrific incentives to bring down their inventory.  That means pre-owned homes have to compete.  Either ...
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By Sylvie Shurgot, Real Estate Broker
(Sylvie Shurgot Real Estate)
Here are the real estate statistics for March as far back as MLS makes available.  Check this blog regularly as I will comtinue to post statistics for months, quarters, and years.  The nembers are very telling and useful in analysing what's happening in a market.  Fell free to contact me in you have any questions or comments. Total Listed # Sold % Sold Avg Asking Price Avg Sale Price Sale Price/List Price Ratio Days on Market 2008 3,374 1,324 39.24% $190,936.00 $184,268.00 96.51% 89 2007 3,851 2,036 52.87% $180,514.00 $176,236.00 97.63% 67 2006 3,273 2,252 68.81% $169,123.00 $165,769.00 98.02% 63 2005 3,157 1,879 59.52% $145,785.00 $141,983.00 97.39% 77 2004 2,908 1,629 56.02% $141,609.00 $137,606.00 97.17% 100
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By Shirley Parks, Broker, 210-414-0966, San Antonio TX Real Estate
(Sands Realty 210-414-0966)
 FIESTA EVENTS FIESTA OYSTER BAKEThis popular celebration originated in 1916 with a gathering of a small group of St. Mary's University alumni and has become one of the biggest Fiesta events, marking this year as its 92nd anniversary. Come and enjoy the more than 100,000 oysters, served raw, baked or fried and fifty food booths serving mouth watering fajitas, sausage on a stick, egg rolls, hamburgers and chicken on a stick. Don't miss the official start on Friday Family Night as half the grounds are opened to food and beverage booths, children's games, entertainment stages, and a spectacular fireworks finale. Location: St. Mary's University Campus, One Camino Santa MariaDate: April 18 & 19thTime: Fri. 5-11 p.m., Sat. 11 a.m.-11 p.m.Admission: $16 in advance, $20 at the gate. Children 12...
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