Readers, you are now seeinga change in the SanAntonio real estate marketplace.That’s not necessarily a bad thing!Interpretation is essential to understandingthis change from afinancial perspective. Popular3–year adjustable rate mortgages(ARM’s) are not quite so popularnow. Three years of interest–onlypayments have come and gone,and some property owners arefaced with the reality of payingprinciple in addition to interest.
Suddenly, there are new termslike “Short Sales” and “Pre–foreclosure Offerings” popping up inMLS. Don’t let these terms make you nervous about the real estatemarket of San Antonio and the surrounding areas. Let’s turn whatappears to be a negative into a positive and further appreciate ourposition in the country as one of the “top 10” healthiest real estateenvironments. If a property is advertised as a “short sale,” call yourRealtor and get the lowdown on the situation. It may be that someonewho has paid interest–only payments is now in a low equitysituation and simply cannot, or chooses not to refinance on thatparticular property. Why not buy a property that is being offered atan effective 3 year old price? Occasionally, one can buy a propertyfor the best price simply due to changes in circumstance. As a Realtorand investor, I do not see a downturn in the San Antonio market,but rather a swing toward a finer balance between buyer andseller. Conventional interest rates are still very competitive. Makeyour purchase now while the market is balanced and interest is stillavailable under 7 percent.
It isn’t often that this kind of climate hits a market like ours,considering that we haven’t experienced an upward spiral. Ourproperty values have remained stable and are still quite attractivenationwide. San Antonio still offers the best of the best in choicesof living situations. Take advantage of this! And please, do not losesight of the great things San Antonio has to offer. For some reminders…read on!
Visit the nearby Texas Hill Country! How delightful to spenda Sunday afternoon in Fredericksburg at “The Rock Box Theatre”seeing a variety show that appeals to all ages. A beautiful and fuelfriendlydrive just 45 minutes out IH–10 West is a wonderful weekendoption. An all American family variety show awaits and takesus all back in time while enjoying professional renditions of thehistoric hits of The Eagles, Willie Nelson, Santana, Elvis, Chicago,Johnny Cash and more. Performances are Friday and Saturday evenings,as well as a Sunday matinee. The aroma of warm chocolatechip cookies and freshly brewed coffee at intermission is an addedbonus. Then enjoy the rest of the show that ends all too quickly. Anensemble of 10 or so ultra–talented Texans will rock your world inthe fastest and funniest couple of hours you will ever experience atThe Rock Box Theatre in Fredericksburg. Need a getaway? Go upfor a Friday evening show and stay overnight, choosing one of thedarling restored motor court inns reminiscent of the 50’s and 60’sfor a comfortable and affordable night of rest.
Then, back toward home…through Boerne! What a charmingtown! Relaxing Saturdays can be spent wandering down MainStreet, stopping into quaint specialty shops, bakeries and wine tastingstore fronts. Many weekends, special events including vintagecar shows and farmer’s markets boasting an array of homegrownfruits and vegetables occur in Town Square. The Kendall Countyfairgrounds, just a short drive out Highway 46 East off Main Street,offer events such as antique shows, craft fairs, flea markets andgood old Texas rodeos. Keep heading east on 46 to the centuryold Bergheim General Store for a step back in time. Your childrenwill be amazed as long time customers come in for anything fromfencing to ice cream and just give their name for later billing at theregister. Pick up an ice cold drink for the quick right turn back toSan Antonio 12 miles down Ralph Fair Road, enjoying hill countryviews and quick access to IH 10 East. Within minutes, exit La CanteraParkway and take your pick from a plethora of stores at thenewest shopping addition to the San Antonio suburbs, The Rim.Then, cross I–10 and visit the elegance of Neiman Marcus, Nordstromand Williams–Sonoma at The Shops at La Cantera. Thisbeautiful open air mall invites tourists and San Antonians alike toshop until they drop. At the end of your relaxing weekend, dine atone of the fine restaurants in the area and complete your Texas HillCountry experience.
Here are just a few of the things, in addition to our wonderfullydiverse urban areas, that continually attract entrepreneurs andcorporations to throw down stakes in our fair city. San Antonio offersaffordable but luxurious and interesting lifestyle choices. Fabulousmuseums, our professional symphony orchestra, the gildedarchitecture of The Majestic Theatre and the renowned Riverwalkcooperatively paint the rich cultural landscape of San Antonio. So,whether it is a loft in Southtown, a downtown condominium, abeautifully restored home in Monte Vista or a luxury dwelling inthe glamorous gated subdivision of The Dominion, you can rest assuredthat owning real estate in San Antonio will always be a greatinvestment as we remain one of the most desirable locations in theSouth.
