San Antonio Real Estate Blog for Buyers, Sellers, Veterans & Military Families

Survey vs. Plat in Texas: What Buyers & Sellers Need to Know

Survey vs. Plat in Texas: What Buyers & Sellers Need to Know In Texas real estate, a survey is a precise, property-specific map created by a licensed surveyor, while a plat is the recorded subdivision map that shows how land is divided into lots and streets. Use this quick guide to understand when y

Maximize the Value of an Inherited Property

Inheriting a property in San Antonio or the surrounding communities of Cibolo, Schertz, and New Braunfels can be both a blessing and a challenge. While the property often carries emotional value, it also represents a significant financial opportunity. Whether you decide to sell, rent, or hold onto t

What is a FEMA Flood Map? Flood Map Explained

A FEMA Flood Map (officially called a Flood Insurance Rate Map or FIRM) is a tool created by the Federal Emergency Management Agency. It shows flood hazards in a community and identifies areas that have a higher or lower risk of flooding. These maps are used by: Homeowners and buyers – to understand

Property fraud is one of the fastest growing crimes and is as damaging as identify theft!? Protect Your Home In Bexar County

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Explaining HOA Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions (CCR’s) Simply Explained

Understanding Restrictive Covenants When you’re searching for a new home, you likely have a list of must-haves in mind. But alongside those preferences, it’s just as important to know what rules may apply once you become a homeowner. In many neighborhoods—particularly those with a homeowners associa

Understanding MUDs, PIDs, and Other Special Districts When Buying A Home in Texas

Texas has home to some of the largest and most impressive master-planned communities in the country (Largest numbers in the Dallas–Fort Worth area, but more are being developed in San Antonio area).  To make these new neighborhoods possible, developers often rely on special districts—such as Municip

San Antonio Market Stats - August 2025

🏡 San Antonio Market Update – August 2025 (Source: San Antonio Board of REALTORS® – MLS Summary Report) August 2025 data reflects a market that is steady overall but showing important shifts across property types. Here’s the breakdown: 📊 All Single-Family Homes (New + Existing) Closed Sales: 2,952

Nine Home Maintenance Tips Worth Doing

Whether you want to save energy cost and replacement cost of major systems or you plan to sell your home soon, staying on top of regular maintenance is essential. A poorly maintained home will almost always suffer at the negotiating table when it comes time to sell. Buyers and inspectors can quickly

When Should You Stop Making Mortgage Payments When Selling a Home?

Selling a house with an existing mortgage is common—but many sellers wonder: When should I stop making mortgage payments when selling my home? The answer is simple: keep paying until your home officially closes. Here’s everything you need to know. Do You Stop Paying Your Mortgage When Selling a Hous

How Long Does It Take to Sell a House?

Selling a home is one of the biggest financial decisions most people make, and naturally, one of the first questions sellers ask is: “How long will it take to sell my house?” The truth is, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. The timeline depends on a variety of factors such as location, market cond

Understanding VA Appraisals, Tidewater Notices, and Reconsideration of Value

If you’re buying or selling a home using a VA loan, the appraisal process can feel a little more detailed than with conventional financing. That’s because the VA wants to make sure veterans are paying a fair price for their home, and lenders are making safe loans. One part of the VA appraisal proces

Understanding Home Appraisals: A Friendly Guide

When you’re buying, refinancing, or selling a home, an appraisal plays an important role. Appraisers help determine a fair market value for your home so that everyone—buyers, sellers, and lenders—can feel confident about the numbers. Since so much rides on an appraisal, it’s natural to feel a little

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Texas Gov. Greg Abbott signs property tax relief bills that could save homeowners thousands of dollars

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott signed three bills on Monday that he says will bring more property tax relief to millions of Texas homeowners and businesses. Abbott signed House Bill 9, Senate Bill 4 and Senate Bill 23 into law during a ceremony at the Robson Ranch, a retirement community in Denton. Now it's

What Really has Most Affect on Home Mortgage Rates

Mortgage rates are influenced by a mix of economic indicators and financial instruments, including: 1. Federal Funds Rate (Fed Rate) What it is: The interest rate at which banks lend to each other overnight. How it affects mortgage rates: It doesn’t directly set mortgage rates but influences short-t

5 Essential Tips for First-Time Home Buyers

5 Essential Tips for First-Time Home Buyers Buying your first home is an adventure—exciting, a little nerve-wracking, and full of possibilities. If you’re ready to step onto the property ladder, here are five essential tips to help you move forward with confidence and clarity. 1. Know Your Budget—an

Why More Homes Are Hitting the Market in San Antonio—and What It Means for You

San Antonio is making headlines, and it’s not just for its world-famous River Walk or vibrant culture. This year, the Alamo City has landed among the top five U.S. metro areas with the largest increase in homes for sale compared to pre-pandemic 2019. If you’ve noticed more “For Sale” signs popping u

2025 Property Tax Estimates Have Been Sent Out - Ready To Protest Your Value???

Spring 2025 Home Maintenance Tips

Spring is the perfect time to ensure your home is in top shape, whether you're a buyer, seller, or simply keeping up with real estate news. With the weather warming up, it's essential to tackle some key maintenance tasks that can prevent costly repairs and maintain your home's value. Here are some c

The NEW Texas Homestead Exemption Audit Rules

Texas homeowners, buyers, and sellers are gearing up for significant changes in the real estate landscape as the state introduces new rules for homestead exemption audits. These changes are poised to impact how properties qualify for tax exemptions, and understanding them is crucial for anyone invol