San Antonio Real Estate has a very progressive real estate market. You may wonder what has San Antonio possesses to draw many people to want to relocate and settle permanently in this part of Texas. Undeniably, economic opening is the compelling force that has contributed to the consistent job growth, and the city’s over-all financial strength.

Different factors add to the progressive growth of the San Antonio real estate market. Among these are the strong economy and manpower supply of San Antonio, outstanding weather, and low cost of living. Many are encouraged to purchase a residential house in San Antonio because these houses are so affordable, about thirty percent lower than the national average. These houses are a lot cheaper than the houses of the same built and category in other cities in the U.S.A. Moreover, there is an extensive variety of properties that will complement your way of living. To top it all, there is no state income tax in Texas, therefore buying a house become even more affordable in San Antonio, Texas. There are lots of secured, peaceful and nice neighborhoods to choose from, all of which are very accessible to schools and other establishments.

There are still vacant lands that could be developed for house constructions and developments. It is somehow expected that affordable housing development and constructions will be booming undeniably.

A wide range of choices of condos and townhouses with regards to location, value, and way of life are available. Different amenities offered such as modernized kitchens, guarded parking areas, gyms and many more affects the price of the San Antonio condos and townhouses. Plain and old condos can be found in San Antonio for a price range under $100,000. An up-scale high rise condo or lavish townhouses may range from $200,000 up to $500,000, depending on the size and location. And last but not the least; newly constructed ones will of course be more expensive. So, depending on your preference and budget, you may be able to purchase a house her, faster than any other part of the U.S.A.

Buying and selling land in Texas has always be a very exciting thing, since the real estate market in this State is very dynamic and active, despite the general skepticism because of the current economical situation. San Antonio TX is one of the areas that have been expanding and its market has been progressively growing, due to a combination of factors, such as the relatively low cost of life, the friendly weather, it’s convenient location and active economy. What more to ask for a good quality of life?

San Antonio and its surroundings offer a great variety of beautiful houses and most importantly in very affordable prices. According to researches and statistics of the Economic Development Foundation, prices in San Antonio houses are more than 25% lower than the average prices in all other states, while the quality of the offered residences is very high. This fact has definitely increased the percentage of people who consider a move to south Texas, especially in combination with the fact generally accepted in the US that San Antonio features some of the finest cultural institutions, as well as restaurants and really vibrant nightlife in Texas.

San Antonio used to be a small city but is really growing and there is still huge potential as there is quite much land still undeveloped. What a buyer should have in mind is that you can find a family house, two storeys, with garage and yard in a favorable location for $120,000. Of course prices vary however, on an average, prices are still surprisingly low, especially if you compare it to other cities of the south and not only. This is probably why many San Antonio Realtors advice their customers to buy as soon as possible, since the demand now is growing and that brings up the best of prices, since most of the sellers try to benefit from the down-going economy and its effect on other states.
If you are a potential buyer consult with a local real estate agency so as to get best possible offers and prices, but keep in mind that there are some really nice areas in San Antonio that you should look for, such as Cape Valley, Harmony Hills and Lake Side. They are great value for money and most importantly you will enjoy living there.

It is a nerve-rattling experience - a home inspection on your home! If you are like most sellers, you may be more than a bit nervous when the home inspection rolls around. As most people know, a home inspection can make or break your San Antonio real estate transaction.

Although there’s not much you can do regarding the unknown, there are a few simple tips that can make the home inspection process a bit more pleasant:

1. Clean up! This may sound simple, but the first thing you need to remember is that a home inspector’s first impression of your home can often create an impression in his or her mind. A clean house, for example, evokes a feeling that the homeowner takes pride in his or her home and that basic maintenance has been taken care of.
2. Assemble all receipts and repair documents to show the inspector what you have addressed. This will clear up any confusion regarding when the furnace was last serviced, for example, and make the home inspection move along at a quicker pace.
3. Leave your utilities connected, even if the house is vacant. A home inspector will need access to the water, the gas and the electricity to properly test your home’s appliances, furnace, hot water heater, air conditioner, etc. If your utilities are disconnected, the home inspection will need to be delayed until the home has been properly inspected.
4. Clear the way so that the home inspector can easily access the garage, the electrical panel, the attic, the furnace and the hot water heater. Remove any clutter and create a clear pathway to, once again, facilitate the home inspection and speed the process along.
5. Leave the house, if possible, during the home inspection, and take the pets with you. Because buyers are typically present during the home inspection, you may create an uncomfortable situation if you stay at the home. Instead, grab the kids and the pets and leave the home. On average, a home inspection can last anywhere from 1 hour to 3 hours, so make arrangements beforehand and plan to be gone for at least a few hours.

Ryland Homes has made a fine reputation for itself in the San Antonio area, as it has provided new homebuyers with exceptional design, energy efficient construction and quality amenities.

Ryland Homes can provide its new homebuyers with the best quality and value because of its long-standing relationships with suppliers and subcontractors. Ryland Homes is also committed to using a higher grade of materials and name-brand fixtures and appliances, all of which are backed by its exceptional home warranty program. Below are just a few of Ryland Homes’ new home communities in San Antonio:

Bluffs at Canyon Springs/Enclave at Canyon Springs

The Bluffs at Canyon Springs and the Enclave at Canyon Springs are located in the picturesque Hill Country within the master-planned community of Canyon Springs. Some of the amenities of Canyon Springs include the Canyon Springs Golf Course and the amenity center with swimming pool. Prices start at $202,990.

Promontory Pointe

Promontory Pointe, which is located in the highly desirable Stone Oak area, features wooded, large, homesites. Students in Promontory Pointe attend the highly respected North East Independent School District. Prices start at $232,990.

Promontory Reserve & Heights

Promontory Reserve & Heights is an executive community which is located near Loop 1604 and Highway 281. Some of the features of the homes in this community include two and three-car, detached garages and cul-de-sac homesites. Prices start at $232,990.

Silver Oaks

Silver Oaks enjoys a country setting, yet is just minutes to city conveniences. It is also close to Sea World and Six Flags. Prices start from the $150s.

Terraces at Alamo Ranch/Trails at Alamo Ranch

The Terraces at Alamo Ranch and the Trails at Alamo Ranch are located in the Northwest corridor of San Antonio, near Loop 1604 and the Alamo Ranch Parkway. These brand-new, master-planned communities are located near all major shopping centers and employers. Prices start from $159,990 for the Terraces at Alamo Ranch and from $232,490 for the Trails at Alamo Ranch.

Free Trade Alliance San Antonio was developed in 1994 to recognize and support San Antonio as an inland port and international trade center.

The Alliance brings together “the resources of its members and focuses them towards the promotion, development and facilitation of international business and trade for the entire San Antonio region.”

The chambers which make up the Alliance include:

· The City of San Antonio

· The Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce

· San Antonio Economic Development Foundation

· Bexar County

· San Antonio Water System

· San Antonio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce

· Port Authority of San Antonio

The Alliance has also developed a new program called the International Business Network, in which professionals come together to discuss and share their international business experience. The Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce members often benefit from the resources provided by the professionals of the International Business Network.

According to The San Antonio Chamber of Commerce’s web site, the International Business Network can help Chamber members connect with international professionals who can provide a specific area of knowledge; inform Chamber members of visiting international delegations, international seminars and related activities and events; provide information and updates on international business opportunities; and provide Chamber members with access to trade lead opportunities.

The goals, objectives and activities of the Alliance include:

· Foreign investment – Attract and retain trade-related operations and promote San Antonio’s strategic location and economic incentives.

· Business development – Assist San Antonio companies when developing and expanding their international business ventures.

· Policy and advocacy – Develop policies which deal with any trade-related issues pertaining to the San Antonio region.

The Alliance supports and expands San Antonio’s international trade presence, which will provide a consistent springboard for the overall economy and housing market in the San Antonio area.

Birkel Residential Group, LTD has recently developed two, new condo/townhome communities which are sure to satisfy the need for more luxury living in San Antonio.

Pinnacle at Oak Hills

This brand new, gated community of mid-rise condos and two-story townhomes overlooks the Oak Hills Country Club and is located in the heart of San Antonio’s medical and business corridors. Just some of the features of Pinnacle at Oak Hills include a private, state-of-the-art fitness center, a gorgeous pool and spa, a clubhouse and a terrace plaza.

Amenities found through the residences of Pinnacle at Oak Hills include spacious, walk-in closets, private balconies with golf course views, nine to ten-foot ceilings, designer lighting packages, modern kitchens with granite countertops and GE Energy Star appliances and spa-like bathrooms with oversized, garden tubs and double sinks.

Prices for Pinnacle at Oak Hills start in the $170,000s.

Slate Creek at Westover Hills

The gated community of Slate Creek at Westover Hills consists of 96, stone and stucco townhomes which overlook the Lakes Golf Course at the Hyatt Regency Resort & Spa. These two-story, luxury townhomes feature classic, Hill Country architecture, open layouts, modern amenities and a close proximity to downtown San Antonio.

Some of the amenities of Slate Creek at Westover Hills include an oak tree-lined jogging trail, a private pool, an open-air cabana and a barbecue area.

Some of the features found throughout the residences include hardwood floors, spacious, walk-in closets, large patios overlooking the golf course, nine-foot ceilings, spa-like bathrooms with soaking tubs and double vanities and gourmet kitchens with granite countertops and GE stainless steel appliances. Select townhomes also include gas fireplaces and vaulted ceilings.

Prices for Slate Creek at Westover Hills range from the $200,000s to the $400,000s.

Birkel Residential Group, LTD

Birkel Residential Group, LTD began in 1993 as a developer of multi-housing communities in Texas. Since then it has developed seven communities in Texas and has moved its corporate offices to Texas.

Birkel Residential Group expects to start three to four new projects per year.

The Vidorra is a new, luxury high-rise in San Antonio’s historic, Sunset Station at St. Paul Square. Currently under construction with a move-in date set for February 2009, The Vidorra will become the newest jewel in Sunset Station’s sparkling surroundings.

The Vidorra

The Vidorra boasts a prime, downtown San Antonio location, with the boutiques of La Villita, the touring Broadway shows at the Majestic and a fine array of shops and restaurants all being just a short walk away.

The Vidorra is overseen by Presidian Development, Management and Consulting, which has earned a national reputation over the last 20 years for implementing over $1 billion in successful real estate projects.

Two, 20-story towers, each with adjoining townhomes, make up The Vidorra. This condominium community features efficient floor plans, high ceilings and showcases a nice blend of contemporary and traditional architecture.

Some of the amenities of The Vidorra include sensational, panoramic city views, a private fitness center, a pool, a full-scale business center, a private clubroom, suites for out-of-town guests, full-time concierge service and secured, gated parking.

Historic Sunset Station

Built in 1902 as the Southern Pacific Railroad Depot in the historic St. Paul district of downtown San Antonio, Sunset Station has undergone meticulous renovations and now serves as a multi-purpose venue for meetings, events and weddings.

This ten-acre facility features The Spire, which is an historically restored church building, The Crown, which is a three-story hotel and apartment building, The Depot, which is a grand building of stained glass windows, vaulted ceilings and a grand staircase, and The Pavilion, which is a multi-use plaza for outdoor function and live entertainment.

This venue offers more than 100,000 square feet of flexible meeting space and can accommodate up to 20,000 guests. Sunset Station also includes a culinary and event planning team.

Located 13 miles northeast of San Antonio in Bexar County, Converse is a bedroom community which enjoys a quiet, suburban feel, yet is close to all of the excitement and opportunities of the city. This community of 12,000 residents boasts one of the lowest crime rates in San Antonio’s metropolitan area, an excellent school system (Judson Independent School District), plenty of cultural and recreational opportunities and a close proximity to San Antonio and San Antonio International Airport.

The two, main parks in Converse, Converse City Park and Converse North Park, have superb youth and sports programs. Add to that the new town square which, after extensive renovation is now a multi-million dollar, master-planned, mix-use development venue, and you have a flourishing, progressive town which caters to the needs of its residents and looks forward to a bright future.

In fact, according to Trans-Texas Water Program, Converse is expected to be the largest suburban city in the northeast San Antonio Metropolitan area by the year 2010.

Real estate in Converse consists mainly of single family homes and new construction, and has recently seen a boom in new, single-family home developments.

Copperfield – Sivage Homes

Located near Randolph Air Force Base, this picturesque community offers a quiet, country feeling, yet is close to downtown and plenty of major shopping centers and entertainment. Homes in this community range in price from $119,990 to $168,990 and feature 1,322 to 3,025 square feet of living space.

Horizon Pointe – DR Horton

Located near Interstate 10 and Loop 1604, the community of Horizon Pointe offers residents easy access to both San Antonio and Austin. Homes in this community start from $150,000 and feature 1,624 to 3,143 square feet of living space. The community of Horizon Pointe will also have a future pool and amenity center.

Loma Alta Estates – Bella Vista Homes

Homes in this community range in price from $135,890 to $178,890 and feature 1,396 to 2,740 square feet of living space.

Rolling Creek – Touchmark Homes

The community of Rolling Creek, which is conveniently located near Randolph Air Force Base and major shopping centers, enjoys a small town neighborhood feel. Homes in this community range in price from $150,900 to $209,900 and include 1,654 to 3,569 square feet of living space.

Situated 17 miles from downtown San Antonio, the small town of Elmendorf has just over 1,000 residents, yet remains a thriving community which is steadily gaining in population. The economy and industry is Elmendorf is healthy and strong and has therefore brought new home communities to this tranquil, picturesque town, which is located in Bexar County.

Homewood Place

Homewood Place, which is a new plan of homes located in the Butterfield Ranch community, is one of ten different plans in Butterfield Ranch. The prices for homes in Homewood Place range from $129,500 to $188,000. These homes feature three to four bedrooms, two to two and a half bathrooms and 1,400 to 3,009 square feet of living space.

The homes of Homewood Place include large lots, full-sized, two-car garages, modern amenities, generous landscaping packages, front porches, spacious floor plans and imaginative interior and exterior designs.

Over nine acres of land in Homewood Place has been devoted to parks and greenbelt. Tree-lined streets and landscaped parkways add to the suburban, family-oriented feel of this community.

Two hundred and eighty residences make up Homewood Place. This subdivision features a community park with a tot lot, a scenic pond with a dock and a trail system, a gazebo, a picnic area and plenty of parking. There are also other pocket parks located throughout the neighborhood.

The subdivisions of Butterfield Ranch enjoy idyllic surroundings, as they are situated beside small farms and ranches, and they border the scenic lake districts of Calaveras and Braunig.

Butterfield Ranch is located just minutes from downtown San Antonio, the Connolly Medical Center, the Toyota plant, Kelly Air Force Base and Brooks Air Force Base. It is also located just five minutes from Loop 1604.

Other communities in Elmendorf include Waterwood Estates, South Oak Estates and Waterwood Park.

Helotes is located just 16 miles northwest of downtown San Antonio, yet feels worlds away. A rugged, natural terrain and the beautiful, Texas hill country surroundings make this picturesque town a fine place to call home.

Helotes, which is comprised of less than seven square miles, has 6,000 residents, quiet, tranquil neighborhoods and exceptional schools. Some of the home types that can be found in Helotes include ranch homes, private estates, bungalows and contemporary subdivisions.

Most homes in Helotes are on the market for an average of 60 to 90 days. Helotes has seen an increasing market, with the greatest activity among first-time home buyers. The average home price is $300,000, which is up 5% from last year. New home communities of single-family homes are springing up in Helotes, thanks to an increasing housing market and the close proximity to downtown San Antonio.

Bavarian Forest

Bavarian Forest is a heavily treed community, which features running trails, an amenity center with sports courts and a playground and a peaceful atmosphere with a Texas hill country feel.

Homes in this community range in price from $199,990 to $254,990 and include three to four bedrooms, two to three and a half bathrooms and 1,629 to 3,312 square feet of living space.

The Enclave at Laurel Canyon

All of the homes in The Enclave at Laurel Canyon community are energy star certified and include a community park and pool.

The homes in the Rio Series are priced from $141,990 to $167,490 and include three to four bedrooms, two to three and a half bathrooms and 1,629 to 3,312 square feet of living space.

The Hill Country Series homes are priced from $148,990 to $205,990 and include three to five bedrooms, two to three and a half bathrooms and 1,573 to 3,020 square feet of living space.

The homes in the Arbor Series are priced from $180,740 to $234,740 and include three to five bedrooms, two to three and a half bathrooms and 1,881 to 3,610 square feet of living space.

Sonoma Ranch

Sonoma Ranch, which is the epitome of San Antonio luxury real estate, consists of a gated community of estate homes which are each nestled on one to three acres. Rolling hills and a spectacular view are the hallmarks of this luxury community, which also includes a community center with a pool, a clubhouse and tennis and basketball courts.

Prices for the homes in Sonoma Ranch start from $490,000. The homes include three to five bedrooms, three and a half to four and a half bathrooms and 3,204 to 4,380 square feet of living space.