Making an offer on a house is one of the biggest financial decisions you’ll ever make, and knowing the right questions to ask before making an offer in San Antonio’s evolving real estate market can save you thousands of dollars and prevent costly mistakes. With the San Antonio real estate market now favoring buyers – homes spending 87 days on market compared to 79 a year ago – and mortgage rates San Antonio sitting at 6.77% (as of the publication date), smart buyers have more negotiating power than we’ve seen in years.
The Bottom Line: The San Antonio buyer’s market gives you leverage to negotiate favorable terms, but only if you know the essential questions to ask before making an offer on a house.
The Most Important Questions to Ask Before Making an Offer in San Antonio
Before making an offer on a house in San Antonio, these five critical questions will help you navigate the current real estate market conditions and make a winning offer that protects your investment.
1. What’s the True Market Value of This Property?
This is the first and most crucial question to ask before making an offer San Antonio. In the current San Antonio real estate market, homes sell for about 3% below list price on average, making accurate pricing analysis essential for your home buying success.
Key actions to take:
- Request a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) from your agent showing recent sales of similar homes within a half-mile radius
- Look at price per square foot trends in the neighborhood – San Antonio’s median is currently $158 per square foot, down 4.2% from last year
- Check the home’s price history on sites like Zillow* or ask your agent about previous listings
- Factor in needed repairs when determining your offer price
* While we suggest looking at sites like Zillow for price history, we do not recommend using it to price homes using their Zestimates. Utilize the site, but always talk to your Realtor about pricing, a home’s history, and what the true market value of the home is before making an offer.
Pro tip: In today’s San Antonio buyer’s market with extended days on market, a home priced 5-10% above comparable sales is likely overpriced and provides room for negotiation when making an offer on a house.
2. How Long Has This Home Been on the Market?
When considering questions to ask before making an offer, understanding market time gives you significant negotiating leverage in San Antonio’s real estate market.
What different timeframes mean:
- Less than 30 days: Property is likely well-priced; expect less negotiating room
- 30-60 days: Normal marketing time; reasonable negotiation opportunity
- 60+ days: Seller may be motivated; strong negotiating position for buyers
- Multiple relisting: Red flag – investigate why it hasn’t sold
Questions to ask your agent:
- Has the price been reduced? How many times and by how much?
- Why is the seller moving? (Job relocation, upsizing, financial pressure?)
- Have there been previous offers that fell through?
3. What Are Current Mortgage Rates and How Do They Affect My Budget?
Understanding mortgage rates San Antonio is critical among the questions to ask before making an offer. With rates currently around 6.77% for 30-year loans and experts predicting rates may edge down to 6.5% by year-end, timing your financing is crucial for your home buying strategy.
Essential financing considerations:
- Get pre-approved with multiple lenders: Freddie Mac research shows homebuyers can save $600 to $1,200 annually by comparing multiple lenders
- Understand your debt-to-income ratio: most lenders want to see DTI below 43%
- Factor in all costs: PMI (if putting down less than 20%), property taxes, insurance, and HOA fees
- Consider rate lock periods: with rates potentially declining, shorter locks may benefit you
Rate impact example: On a $300,000 loan, the difference between 6.5% and 7% is about $100 per month – $36,000 over 30 years.
4. What’s the Neighborhood’s Growth Trajectory and Future Value?
Among the essential questions to ask before making an offer in San Antonio, understanding neighborhood trends is vital. The San Antonio real estate market varies significantly by area, with the city projected to add 80,000 new households by 2026.
Research these key factors:
- Infrastructure improvements: New roads, schools, or public transit projects
- Job market proximity: Distance to major employers like USAA, Toyota, or the Medical Center
- School ratings: Even if you don’t have children, this affects resale value
- Future development: Check city planning documents for proposed commercial or residential projects
High-growth areas to consider: West San Antonio, Southtown, Tobin Hill, and Harlandale show strong revitalization potential.
Red flags to watch for: High crime rates, declining school ratings, or proposed industrial developments nearby.
5. What Home Buying Contingencies Should I Include to Protect Myself?
The final critical question to ask before making an offer on a house involves protecting your investment. In the current San Antonio buyer’s market, you have more power to include protective home buying contingencies.
Essential contingencies to consider:
- Inspection contingency: Always include this, even in competitive situations. Budget $500-700 for professional inspection
- Financing contingency: Protects you if mortgage falls through (typically 14-21 days)
- Appraisal contingency: Crucial when appraisals may come in low due to market adjustments
- Sale of current home contingency: If you need to sell first, this protects you from owning two homes – this however, can be a disadvantage in multiple offer situations
Negotiation points beyond price:
- Seller-paid closing costs: Varies based on loan type, amount, and your personal credit worthiness
- Home warranty: $500-900 value for buyer peace of mind
- Repair credits: Alternative to seller completing repairs before closing
- Extended possession: Extra time for seller to move out (seller leaseback) can be valuable leverage
Making Your Move: Final Home Buying Tips for San Antonio
The San Antonio real estate market is transitioning to a more balanced environment, creating perfect opportunities for informed buyers who know the right questions to ask before making an offer San Antonio.
Your home buying action plan:
- Work with a local expert who understands San Antonio real estate market dynamics
- Get pre-approved and interview multiple lenders to understand your true budget
- Research thoroughly using these questions to ask before making an offer on a house
- Negotiate confidently knowing you have leverage in today’s San Antonio buyer’s market
- Include appropriate home buying contingencies to protect your investment
The key to success in making an offer on a house isn’t moving fastest – it’s asking the right questions to ask before making an offer and moving smartest. By using these five essential questions before making any offer in San Antonio, you’ll position yourself to get the best possible deal while avoiding costly mistakes.
Ready to start your home buying journey in San Antonio? The Howell Group at Keller Williams Legacy specializes in helping buyers ask the right questions to ask before making an offer and navigate our local San Antonio real estate market successfully. Contact us today for personalized home buying tips and let’s find your perfect home at the right price.
