Buying a home is probably the biggest move you’ll ever make. I’ve seen the excitement in people's eyes when they find "the one," but I’ve also seen that excitement turn into a headache because of a few simple missteps.
San Antonio is a special place. We’ve got the Spurs, the best breakfast tacos in the world (don't @ me, Austin), and a housing market that moves to its own beat. But buying a home in San Antonio in 2026 isn't the same as it was a few years ago. The san antonio real estate market trends have shifted, and if you’re using an old playbook, you’re going to get stuck.
I want to make sure that doesn't happen to you. Here are the seven biggest mistakes I see buyers making right now and exactly how I help my clients fix them.
1. Shopping for Houses Before Shopping for Money
I get it. Looking at houses on your phone is fun. Looking at tax returns and debt-to-income ratios? Not so much. But here’s the truth: in our current market, walking into a showing without a pre-approval letter is like going to a Spurs game without a ticket. You might see the stadium, but you aren’t getting in the game.
The Fix:
Before you fall in love with a kitchen island in Alamo Heights, talk to a lender. A pre-approval tells you exactly what you can afford and shows sellers you’re serious. If you’re a veteran or active duty, and since I’m a certified Military Relocation Professional (MRP), I work with many of you, this is even more critical. We need to see how your BAH stacks up against today’s rates.
2. Underestimating the "Texas Tax Sticker Shock"
If you’re moving here from out of state, you might be thrilled that Texas has no state income tax. It’s great! But the state has to get its money from somewhere, and in San Antonio, that’s property taxes. I’ve seen buyers calculate their mortgage payment based on the principal and interest but forget that taxes and insurance can add hundreds (or even thousands) to that monthly bill.
The Fix:
Always look at the total PITI (Principal, Interest, Taxes, and Insurance). When we look at homes, I make sure we check the local tax rates for that specific pocket of Bexar County.
| Expense | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Property Taxes | Texas rates are among the highest in the country. |
| Homeowners Insurance | Hail storms and wind are real here; you need good coverage. |
| HOA Fees | Many San Antonio subdivisions have mandatory fees. |
3. Ignoring the "Foundation of the Matter"
San Antonio sits on a lot of clay soil. When it gets hot and dry (which is often), the ground shrinks. When it rains, it expands. This "breathing" earth can do a number on a home’s foundation. I’ve walked into beautiful homes where the "flip" looks amazing, but there are cracks above the doorframes that tell a different story.
The Fix:
Never, ever skip the professional home inspection. I’ve seen buyers try to waive inspections to make their offers "more competitive" in a bidding war. Don’t do it. A $500 inspection can save you from a $20,000 foundation repair down the road.
4. The "Commute Blindness" Trap
I love San Antonio because it feels like a collection of small towns, but it is huge. People see a house in Northwest San Antonio and think, "Oh, it's only 15 miles to my job downtown." Then they try to drive I-10 or 1604 at 8:00 AM on a Tuesday.
The Fix:
I always tell my clients to do a "test drive." Drive from the house to your job (or your kid's school) during rush hour. If the san antonio real estate market trends show a neighborhood is booming, chances are the traffic is booming there, too.
5. Thinking You Need 20% Down
This is the biggest myth I hear from first-time buyers. They think they need $60,000 in the bank to buy a $300,000 home. Because of that, they keep renting and watching home prices rise.
The Fix:
There are so many programs out there designed specifically for you. From FHA loans with 3.5% down to VA loans with 0% down for our military families, the barrier to entry is lower than you think. You can even check out Texas first-time homebuyer programs to see if you qualify for down payment assistance.
6. Making Big Purchases During the Escrow Period
You’ve found the house. The contract is signed. You’re three weeks from closing. You decide it’s the perfect time to buy that new truck to park in your new driveway, or a whole living room set on credit. Stop!
The Fix:
Wait. Just wait. Your lender will pull your credit one last time right before you sign the final papers. If your debt-to-income ratio has changed because of a new car loan, the bank can pull your funding. I’ve seen people lose their dream home on the very last day because of a trip to a furniture store. Keep your credit "on ice" until the keys are in your hand.
7. Trying to "Time" the Market Based on National News
I hear it all the time: "I’m waiting for the market to crash." If you listen to national news, you’d think the real estate world is ending every other week. But real estate is local. What’s happening in San Francisco doesn't dictate what’s happening in Stone Oak or Southtown.
The Fix:
Look at the data for our city. For example, look at the San Antonio real estate market update for April 2025 to see how things have been trending over the last year. Waiting usually just results in paying more for the same house later. If the math works for your budget today, it’s the right time to buy.
What This Means For You
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, take a breath. You don't have to be an expert in soil types, tax codes, and mortgage back-securities. That’s what I’m here for. My goal is to make buying a home in San Antonio as low-stress as possible.
I’ve put together a quick checklist to keep you on track:
- Get Pre-Approved: Do this before you visit a single open house.
- Define Your "Must-Haves" vs. "Nice-to-Haves": Be realistic about what you need.
- Research the Neighborhood: Check the schools and the commute.
- Budget for the "Extras": Remember taxes, insurance, and maintenance.
- Find an Expert You Trust: (Hopefully, that’s me!)
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it a buyer's or seller's market in San Antonio right now?
It fluctuates by neighborhood, but generally, we are seeing a more balanced market than we did a few years ago. This gives you more room to negotiate repairs or closing costs.
How much are closing costs in Texas?
Usually, you can expect to pay between 2% and 5% of the home's purchase price in closing costs. This covers things like title insurance, appraisal fees, and loan origination.
Can I buy a home if I just moved to San Antonio for a job?
Yes! As long as you have a signed offer letter and a solid work history in your field, lenders are usually happy to work with you. If you're PCSing to one of our bases, your military orders count as your "job security."
Let’s Get You Moving
I know the San Antonio market like the back of my hand. Whether you’re looking for a fixer-upper in Monte Vista or a new build in Converse, I’ve got your back. I’ve helped hundreds of families navigate this process, and I’d love to help yours too.
If you have questions about a specific neighborhood or you’re ready to start looking at some houses, let's chat. I promise a casual, no-pressure conversation where I’ll give you the straight scoop on what’s happening in the market right now.
Ready to stop renting and start owning?
Schedule a free 30-minute consultation with me on Calendly here.
