Real Estate in San Antonio gets “the nod” nationally as one of the best markets in which to invest, both residentially and commercially. In many years, 15 to be exact, I have yet to go to a closing where the seller has had to bring money to close in San Antonio and/or the Texas Hill Country. God knows that may occur with the “funny money” loans and purchases of the recent past, but if you have a smart realtor, you will not find yourself in that position. That is great news for everyone. Keep the faith, and keep the market moving. No matter what the supply statistics say, remember that other parts of the nation have peaked too soon. We are not that market. We are, and continue to be, the best bet in the nation. Forbes.com lists us as the 6th best real–estate market in the country. The business climate continues to grow inSan Antonio and the surrounding areas, and so do your dollars!
Statistics never change the fact that there is a finite supply of real estate. When there is a definite supply of something that has to do with the basic human need, i.e.food, clothing and shelter, you can find great comfort in investing in any of the above. Be mindful that there will always be a need for housing, whether it’s a $90,000 first home or a $3,000,000 mansion. Isn’t diversification the first rule of investing? Well, now is the time, folks! Nationally, we are in a solid market. You cannot make a wrong move if you are knowledgeable or have someone knowledgeably assisting you in you buying or selling process. Do your research, and if you are a busy professional in another industry, hire an experienced realtor who has the time to help you maximize the return on your money.
One thing that I have learned is that location and landscape make a difference from a consumer’s standpoint. We have all been coached to sell in the spring! I have shown many a house that, at first glance, is ordinary. Then smart investors have purchased homes and spent money on landscaping, and the home is moved from the ordinary to the exceptional.
It sounds clichéd to talk about location, location, location, but it continues to be a driving force in the development community as the “big boys” come in and drop $300 million to locate their business in San Antonio. Yes, THREE HUNDRED MILLION! The San Antonio Express–News reported on the first day of 2008 that a Dutch company just spent that much money on a mixed–use project across from The Rim north and west of our fair city. Gaylord Investments just plopped down $252 million in the IH–10 corridor while an Australian–based firm purchased 1,000,000 square feet of industrial spacein the same locale. Unlike many cities, San Antonio is growing in every direction. Revitalization is occurring downtown, as well as at the southern tip of our city. Condos are popping up in South Town and the NRP Group, which manages several complexes in San Antonio, is planning stages of more development on Cevallos St., as did some forward–thinking people like the late Linda Pace in the development of South Flores. Individuals and companies alike see investment potential or theywouldn’t be dropping these nine–figure dollar amounts here in the Alamo City.
So, here’s the bottom line: Don’t buy into the consumer scare tactics of the national media. We are just fine!
