San Antonio is one of the most popular cities in Texas. With a population of over 1.5 million people, the city boasts plenty of great features that keep it steadily growing year over year—especially on the city’s Southside where the VIDA community is located. In particular, the seemingly limitless amenities and activities, current favorable interest rates, and the comparable affordability of new homes in San Antonio, like those planned at VIDA, it is still a great time for first-time homebuyers. As you start your search for new homes, there are some important considerations any first-time homebuyer should be aware of before making a final decision. Follow these tips for success in home buying in San Antonio:
- Go on Plenty of Property Tours
One of the biggest mistakes many homebuyers make is settling on a property simply because it falls within their budget. Without careful consideration regarding both lifestyle and tastes, purchasing a home simply because the price is right is likely to lead to buyers’ remorse. Scheduling property tours at a variety of communities will give buyers a sense of the neighborhood, amenities, and how your family might live in the community. Lifestyle isn’t just about the house, be sure to look at schools, trails, safety and more to choose the best location for you.
- Don’t Rush into a Purchase Without Calculating the Closing Costs First
Many first-time buyers—especially in San Antonio’s hot housing market—are in such a hurry to buy that they tend to overlook the closing costs. Those who are not careful could end up spending a lot more money than they originally intended above and beyond the down payment. Closing costs can add up to a hefty sum of money, so it’s important to calculate potential closing costs before putting in an offer – be sure to ask your Realtor about these.
- Prioritize a Home Inspection
Another common mistake first-time homebuyers make is failing to hire a professional to inspect the property. Some homebuyers are simply eager to put in an offer and skimp on the cost of an inspector. Others have experienced the highly competitive San Antonio market and are tempted to skip this traditional step in order to secure the home purchase over the competition. However, not hiring a professional to inspect the property means there is no way of knowing what kind of damage the house may have. Issues that seem small during the purchase process can quickly become catastrophic problems that could potentially ruin the property. If you are purchasing a new home, take time to do a ‘punch-list walk through’ with your builder to identify any defects before closing.
- Don’t be Afraid to Ask Questions
Many first-time homebuyers feel they are asking their Realtor too many questions about a potential home. Others are overconfident and feel they know enough about the homebuying process without the need to ask additional questions. In both cases, however, it is important to ask agents as many questions as necessary. Realtors are there to guide buyers through the homebuying process, and they should be well-equipped and more than willing to answer any question a buyer might have along the way. Asking these questions can help buyers make more informed decisions they are less likely to regret later.
- Don’t Feel Pressured into Making a Quick Decision
It’s important to know that the pressure of buying a home can make people feel like they need to act quickly—especially in San Antonio’s fast-moving housing market. However, if a home doesn’t seem right when it’s time to move forward with the purchase, it may not be. Taking the time to carefully consider any homebuying decision can ensure first-time homebuyers aren’t feeling pressured into the wrong neighborhood or the wrong home just because it is available now.
If you’re a first-time homebuyer searching for a well-crafted home in a modern, vibrant community, check out VIDA at Texas A&M-San Antonio. This up-and-coming San Antonio development will feature single-family homes, townhomes, apartments and more. First homes will be ready in Spring of 2022. When you sign up for more information, you’ll be the first to learn more about new home plans and pricing as it comes available.
Sources:
https://www.mytexashomeresource.com/buying/first-time-buyers/
https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/sanantoniocitytexas
https://urbanlux.builders/tips-for-first-time-home-buyers-in-san-antonio/
https://www.kwsanantonio.com/news/7-things-san-antonio-home-buyers-need-to-know/