First Time Buyers' Resources

​Pay 20 Percent Down? Maybe Not.

Although it’s an outdated number, the thought of a 20% down payment deters many would-be buyers from even considering owning their own home

 

​5 Warning Signs You Aren’t Ready to Buy a Home

The honest truth? Homeownership is a big deal, and it comes with a lot of responsibility.

4 Things to Consider When Choosing a San Antonio Neighborhood

If you’re looking for your new home here in San Antonio, chances are you have a few specific neighborhoods in mind. But which one really suits your family best? To help you out, we’ve compiled a list of the top three things to consider when choosing your next neighborhood.

​4 Things San Antonio Home Buyers Should NOT Do During the Home Approval Process

To be ​approved for a home loan, you’ll need to show your lender that you (and your spouse or partner, if they’re purchasing along with you) are a safe and low-risk investment. Sound intimidating? Thankfully, we’ve got four tips to help you put your best foot forward and streamline your approval process.

​What San Antonio Homebuyers Should Know About the Real Estate Appraisal

While both the home appraisal and the home inspection are designed to evaluate a property before purchase, the two serve very different purposes.

​Texas Homestead Tax Break

Texas’ “Homestead Exemption,” lets homeowners catch a serious break on their property taxes – simply for owning a home!

5 Key Insights About the Interest-Rate Lock

In an effort to make the buying process a little less confusing, we thought we’d clear up a few vocabulary words, starting with a few insights on the “interest-rate lock”. 

​Tips for Choosing a Neighborhood in San Antonio

Which San Antonio neighborhood best fits you and your needs? We’ve put together a few tips for the Alamo City house hunter so that you can make the decision with confidence.

​Looking Past Sales Price When Buying a Home in San Antonio

It’s easy to fixate on the price point of a home; after all, you have a budget and you’re probably trying your best to stick to it. However, sometimes it’s important to dig a little deeper to discover the true value of your home.

Buying a Home in San Antonio: How to Choose the Most Important Features

Whatever your focus is, here’s an easy way to help you figure out the features that are most important to you.

Is the Timing Right?

Home Ownership is a big decision that requires careful thought from anyone- especially a first time buyer.  If you are a first time buyer, these are some indicators that can clarify if the timing is right for you.

mortgage:A contract that represents the debt owed by the borrower to the lender for the money borrowed to purchase a property.

down payment:

down payment:The portion of the value of the property the buyer pays for without the help of financing.

closing:The final, legal act of a transaction, where contracts are agreed upon and finalized, and monies are exchanged.

First Time Home Buyer Basics

Buying a home for the first time can be a thrilling and nerve-racking experience.  When it comes to finding a home and the buying process, the experienced REALTORS at KW are here to make sure your home buying experience goes smoothly.

closing:The final, legal act of a transaction, where contracts are agreed upon and finalized, and monies are exchanged.

buyer:An economic downturn when buyers have the advantage.

buyer:A temporary agreement where the buyer will reside in the property before closing.

buyer:the agent that represents and guides the best wishes of the buyer in a business transaction, as either an individual agent or as a broker

San Antonio Home Renting vs. Owning

Deciding whether to rent a home or buy a home often brings up the question of what the pros and cons are to homeownership vs. renting. Comparing the two may help you decide if buying a home is right for you, and you may be surprised at the comparisons!

mortgage:A contract that represents the debt owed by the borrower to the lender for the money borrowed to purchase a property.

Home Buying Timeline

There are multiple steps in the home buying process, and the more of them you are aware of, the smoother the process will be.

mortgage:A contract that represents the debt owed by the borrower to the lender for the money borrowed to purchase a property.

down payment:

down payment:The portion of the value of the property the buyer pays for without the help of financing.

closing:The final, legal act of a transaction, where contracts are agreed upon and finalized, and monies are exchanged.

6 Big Reasons the Tiny House Movement is on the Rise

It turns out, tiny homes are as practical as they are adorable. Here are 6 reasons everyone is obsessed with the tiny house movement!

6 Big Reasons the Tiny House Movement is on the Rise

Pre-approval:An assessment given by the lender that investigates the borrower

Mortgage:A contract that represents the debt owed by the borrower to the lender for the money borrowed to purchase a property.

insurance:Protection against specified hazards by a company that a party pays a premium to.

access:The right to enter a land through public route; also may include entering the land from another private land.

San Antonio: Where Millennials Can Actually Afford Their First Home

Here’s why so many Millennials are finding their perfect starter home in the Alamo City.

San Antonio: Where Millennials Can Actually Afford Their First Home

Pre-approval:An assessment given by the lender that investigates the borrower

Mortgage:A contract that represents the debt owed by the borrower to the lender for the money borrowed to purchase a property.

majority:The age of which a person transitions from a minor to an age where he can represent himself and handle his own affairs.

down payment:

down payment:The portion of the value of the property the buyer pays for without the help of financing.

access:The right to enter a land through public route; also may include entering the land from another private land.

SA’s Most Popular Neighborhoods (And Why They’re So Alluring)

What are the most popular neighborhoods in San Antonio? Here are the top 10 neighborhoods to buy a home!

SA’s Most Popular Neighborhoods (And Why They’re So Alluring)

7 Questions to Ask at Your Next Open House

Buying a home in San Antonio? Don’t waste the opportunity to ask these 7 questions at the next open house!

7 Questions to Ask at Your Next Open House

Pre-approval:An assessment given by the lender that investigates the borrower

Mortgage:A contract that represents the debt owed by the borrower to the lender for the money borrowed to purchase a property.

listing:A formal written contract that allows an agent to represent a party in the selling, leasing, or buying of a property.

disclosure:A statement the seller is required to provide that details the presence of any relevant information regarding a property, including the existence of lead paint or asbestos

The 5 Best San Antonio Neighborhoods for First Time Home Buyers

If you’ve just made the decision to buy your first home in San Antonio, congratulations! Given our booming economy and steady job market, there’s never been a better time to own San Antonio real estate.

The 5 Best San Antonio Neighborhoods for First Time Home Buyers

Pre-approval:An assessment given by the lender that investigates the borrower

Mortgage:A contract that represents the debt owed by the borrower to the lender for the money borrowed to purchase a property.

improvements:Additions to raw lands.

equity:The difference between the value of a property and the amount still owed on the property.

buyer:An economic downturn when buyers have the advantage.

buyer:A temporary agreement where the buyer will reside in the property before closing.

buyer:the agent that represents and guides the best wishes of the buyer in a business transaction, as either an individual agent or as a broker

9 Facts About San Antonio Homes for Sale That Will Impress Your Friends

Curious about the San Antonio real estate market? These facts may surprise you! Brush up on your area trivia and learn a few facts that may impress your friends…

9 Facts About San Antonio Homes for Sale That Will Impress Your Friends

Pre-approval:An assessment given by the lender that investigates the borrower

Mortgage:A contract that represents the debt owed by the borrower to the lender for the money borrowed to purchase a property.

listing:A formal written contract that allows an agent to represent a party in the selling, leasing, or buying of a property.

landmark:A very observable and obvious land formation that is used as a reference point for the boundaries of lands.

In Their Own Words: How SA Millennials Went from Renting to Owning

Sick of rapidly rising rent prices and weird landlords, one San Antonio couple decided to see what they could afford. Read about their homebuying journey here and discover what Millennials really look for in a house!

In Their Own Words: How SA Millennials Went from Renting to Owning

10 SA Homes For Rent That are Cheaper than a Flight to Australia

What are you paying for rent in San Antonio? Because a month’s worth of South Texas bliss could cost you even less than a plane ticket to The Outback…

10 SA Homes For Rent That are Cheaper than a Flight to Australia

A Field Guide to San Antonio’s “Edgiest” Neighborhoods

While many might see a single, sprawling mega-neighborhood, these “edgy” San Antonio communities are as distinct and diverse as the residents that call them home!

A Field Guide to San Antonio’s “Edgiest” Neighborhoods

Millennials, Avocado Toast, & the San Antonio Housing Market

It seems that, ever since the first round of millennials began peeking their heads into the perilous real estate market, they’ve gotten nothing but flack. But are excessive latte-driven spending habits the real reason this generation isn’t buying?

Millennials, Avocado Toast, & the San Antonio Housing Market

11 Affordable Houses Close to SA Military Bases

So how exactly does such a large military population find affordable housing close to work? While (yes) some military members choose to live on-base, many choose to pour their hard-earned salary into equity (and a more well-developed sense of “home”). Below are a few of our favorite San Antonio homes in close proximity to these active duty epicenters.

11 Affordable Houses Close to SA Military Bases

Finding Home Base: 8 SA Neighborhoods Perfect for Military Families

Due to the highly concentrated population of active military families in San Antonio, plenty of neighborhoods and subdivisions have been built specifically with military families in mind! Here are our picks for military families looking to plant roots in San Antonio…even if only for a few years.

Finding Home Base: 8 SA Neighborhoods Perfect for Military Families

Don’t Believe Everything you Hear: 6 Myths About Buying a Home in San Antonio (Video)

You’ve heard that “expert” advice about San Antonio homes and what it’s going to take to buy one in 2017… but what part of that advice is truth and what is myth? Don’t believe everything you hear, this video will fill you in on 6 Myths floating around about buying a home in San Antonio.

Don’t Believe Everything you Hear: 6 Myths About Buying a Home in San Antonio (Video)

Transportation 101 For Homebuyers Moving to San Antonio

San Antonio spreads far and wide, literally covering a lot of ground. Whether you’re looking to save money or reduce your carbon footprint, we’ve put together a few transportation options for you to check out!

Transportation 101 For Homebuyers Moving to San Antonio

What’s Your Type? Finding Your Perfect SA Home Match

Making the decision to move can be difficult…but finding a new place to call “home” can be even harder. Thankfully, we’re here to help you narrow down the options. Which type of San Antonio property fits you best?

What’s Your Type? Finding Your Perfect SA Home Match

​14 San Antonio Starter Homes that Probably Cost Less Than Your Rent

What can a first-time buyer expect to pay each month for starter homes in San Antonio? Well, while the payments can differ as much as the neighborhoods around San Antonio, we’d like to give you a glimpse. Without further adieu, here are San Antonio’s most eligible starter homes (broken down by neighborhood), complete with an estimated monthly mortgage payment. And if you aren’t quite ready to mow your own yard yet, no worries, we’ve included some condos just for you. Take a look and compare the estimated mortgage payment to your rent- you may be surprised at the difference.

​14 San Antonio Starter Homes that Probably Cost Less Than Your Rent

Pre-approval:An assessment given by the lender that investigates the borrower

Mortgage:A contract that represents the debt owed by the borrower to the lender for the money borrowed to purchase a property.

mortgage:A contract that represents the debt owed by the borrower to the lender for the money borrowed to purchase a property.

buyer:An economic downturn when buyers have the advantage.

buyer:A temporary agreement where the buyer will reside in the property before closing.

buyer:the agent that represents and guides the best wishes of the buyer in a business transaction, as either an individual agent or as a broker

access:The right to enter a land through public route; also may include entering the land from another private land.

Don’t Let Christmas Ruin Your Credit: 9 Spending Mistakes To Avoid

The holidays are almost here and, ready or not, it’s time to start preparing. While it’s great to get caught up in the joy of the holiday season, it’s important to think ahead to the New Year.  If you have big plans for 2017, you will want to avoid some common holiday spending mistakes. Read on to find out which 9 mistakes experts say you need to avoid.

Don’t Let Christmas Ruin Your Credit: 9 Spending Mistakes To Avoid

Pre-approval:An assessment given by the lender that investigates the borrower

Mortgage:A contract that represents the debt owed by the borrower to the lender for the money borrowed to purchase a property.

mortgage:A contract that represents the debt owed by the borrower to the lender for the money borrowed to purchase a property.

down payment:

down payment:The portion of the value of the property the buyer pays for without the help of financing.

closing:The final, legal act of a transaction, where contracts are agreed upon and finalized, and monies are exchanged.

access:The right to enter a land through public route; also may include entering the land from another private land.

Biggest Bang for your Buck: San Antonio Neighborhoods

Getting the best home value for your dollar depends on which San Antonio area neighborhood you select. But it’s not just about the price of the home that matters when you choose that perfect neighborhood.  Find out which San Antonio area neighborhoods will get you the most bang for you buck.

Biggest Bang for your Buck: San Antonio Neighborhoods

Pre-approval:An assessment given by the lender that investigates the borrower

Mortgage:A contract that represents the debt owed by the borrower to the lender for the money borrowed to purchase a property.

built-ins:Appliances or other amenities that are built into a home and are therefore permanent.

access:The right to enter a land through public route; also may include entering the land from another private land.

Fixtures, Wallpaper, and Landscaping: Ten Easy Fixes to Ignore When Searching for Your Dream Home

The house hunt is certainly exciting, and beautiful homes abound, but many homebuyers miss out on great opportunities by focusing on buying their perfect forever home “as is”. What a large number of buyers don’t realize is that many of their initial dislikes can be fixed easily. Such easy cosmetic fixes should not be deal breakers! Here’s our list of top features to ignore when searching for a new house.

Fixtures, Wallpaper, and Landscaping: Ten Easy Fixes to Ignore When Searching for Your Dream Home

Pre-approval:An assessment given by the lender that investigates the borrower

Mortgage:A contract that represents the debt owed by the borrower to the lender for the money borrowed to purchase a property.

fixtures:An item included in the sale of a property due to it being an attached extension of the property.

buyer:An economic downturn when buyers have the advantage.

buyer:A temporary agreement where the buyer will reside in the property before closing.

buyer:the agent that represents and guides the best wishes of the buyer in a business transaction, as either an individual agent or as a broker

6 Questions to Ask When Buying an “As-Is” Property

A classic buyer beware situation, an “as-is” property is one in which the buyer accepts it with ALL faults.  Though this is the definition of as-is in its simplest terms, knowing the definition is not enough- especially when dealing with homes. There are many probing questions that buyers will have about buying an as-is property. This article will help guide you through the questions you should be asking.

6 Questions to Ask When Buying an “As-Is” Property

Pre-approval:An assessment given by the lender that investigates the borrower

Mortgage:A contract that represents the debt owed by the borrower to the lender for the money borrowed to purchase a property.

insurance:Protection against specified hazards by a company that a party pays a premium to.

contingency:Under contract, this is an item that is contingent on the fulfillment of a specific condition

buyer:An economic downturn when buyers have the advantage.

buyer:A temporary agreement where the buyer will reside in the property before closing.

buyer:the agent that represents and guides the best wishes of the buyer in a business transaction, as either an individual agent or as a broker

Top 7 Mistakes Rookies Make When Buying a Home

Buying a home can be scary, thrilling, and confusing if you are a rookie in the housing market.  Lucky for you we have made a list of the top 7 mistakes first-time buyers make when searching for a home so you can begin this process a little more knowledgeable and prepared for what might come.

Top 7 Mistakes Rookies Make When Buying a Home

Pre-approval:An assessment given by the lender that investigates the borrower

Mortgage:A contract that represents the debt owed by the borrower to the lender for the money borrowed to purchase a property.

closing:The final, legal act of a transaction, where contracts are agreed upon and finalized, and monies are exchanged.

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