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Questions And Answers On Homes And Foreclosures In San Antonio

Michelle Doerr — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 19:49:23 +0000

Caroline asks…

who will give me a loan with low credit scores and not much equity in my home so i don’t get a judgement ?

A lender we are currently with wants payment in full for a loan that was to be repaid in 5 years and isn’t even 3 years yet. We missed a couple of payments when I lost my job 2 years ago and they turned us over to a law firm. Our houes payment went up $900 within 4 months last year and the job I had was $4.00/hr less then the one before. Jan. 10,2007 I lost my job and now this lender wants their money because the payment was returned because I received my check late and is not useable right away. If we don’t pay the loan they are taking us to court and my husband’s check will be garnished and we will have a judgement on our record and I will have a hard time finding a job because the last employer did a credit check and most of them seem to be doing taht now. We first had until Jan.31 to pay but the financing fell through and they want the money now or they will begin filing court proceedings. I’m desparate for help. Nobody in our family is able to help.

Michelle Doerr answers:

I’m getting a divorce….when you get the answer to this let me know!!!! I am in the same boat with low (fair) credit score and not much equity in my home. I also do not have family to help me. I have to get my husband’s name of the loan note for our home.

Thomas asks…

Home Loans Credit Score 500, Is It Possible To Qualify For Home Loan With Low Credit?

My Credit is Below 600 581

Michelle Doerr answers:

There are plenty of places that offer Home Loan with no-hassle applications and easy requirements.

Some of these lenders even offer 1 minute approvals, and have both secured and unsecured loans, depending on your need and situation. Check the page listed below, it has information and Homel loan lenders listed off and on.

Http://www.dixiloan.com/home-equity-loan.html

Chris asks…

Does a HUD-approved lender give FHA loans to people with low credit scores?

My husband and I are trying to purchase a home, and we have lower credit scores than most of the banks are requiring now. We’ve checked with Wells Fargo and Regions bank (both of which we don’t qualify for). Do the HUD-approved lenders (listed on the government-based FHA website) work more with people – like doing manual underwritings?

Thank you!

Michelle Doerr answers:

The general rule of FHA minimum FICO requirement at this time is 620 for all borrowers on the application. It changes from time to time (some months ago it was 580). Manual underwriting means that underwriter will look at the file for compensating factors instead of trying to fit you in to “ratios” and “scores”.
Previous answer is somewhat nonsense – the way rates are in a last month and a half – even with 700 FICO you would have to pay 1.5-2.5 points to buy down the rate to 4.8% or so.
I would like to find out who is the lender that gives low interest and 100% FHA loans to FICO’s 600 and below?

Elizabeth asks…

Question about getting a mobile or manufactured home loan with low credit score?

My credit score is in the low 600s, less than 620. My husbands is in the 500s. Both score are the results of ex’s, and we have been working to bring them up for a while now. We would like to purchase a manufactured home around April 2008. We have 1 acre of land that we own free and clear and about a 15% downpayment on a $70,000 home. Does anyone know what our chances are of getting a loan? If we cannot get one qwith that criteria, does anyone know how much more down we would need or what our minimum score would have to be? Thanks.

Michelle Doerr answers:

You can get financing….but don’t listen to the guy who told you to apply on line to as many places as you can….that’s totally STUPID>>.>>>>I WANT TO REPEAT THAT….DON’T APPLY TO EVERY ONE ON LINE.
First of all your score isn’t that bad and you have property with 15% down…it sounds to me like you are on the right tract

You can use your land that you would use as your down plus the money ….what they look at is the whole picture and you can have an appraiser give you the appraised value after the instalation of a Manu….My best advice would be to go to a Manu dealer and do a land home package….Buying a used one is less expensive “”"dirt cheap”"…expecially a repo..the only problem is if you ever go to refi…the lenders won’t lend on a home that has been moved twice….except a hard money lender…….Use your land and a new Manu for an appraisal,,even though it is not on the land yet you can stilll do that. Then when the appraisal comes back at lets say a 100k the house is 30k and land is 70 k you have a 70% vested amount in the property if your house goes on to a perminet foundation then you can qualify for several loans…if it is considerd rurual then it brings other issues in and limits the lenders that you can go to…You already have a great start by owning the land….Go to a New Manufactured home dealer and they will get you set up….Now is a Good time to go….IF you have had your jobs for awhile 24mths is best but 12 will do…..Your Husband may not be able to go on the loan becuase of his score but he can go on title…..IF you need more info just email me and let me know I have Manufacture home financiing for some areas but i can send you in the right direction

Charlie asks…

Getting a home loan with low credit score?

My aunt has owned a home for the last 10 years, just
recently she was in a very bad situation where she got
behind on her mortgage. She is now caught up and in
good standing but her credit check doesn’t show this.
How long until it shows up and how soon will her credit
score begin to increase? Also her score is very low
around 550. Is there any chance she would be able
to get a new home loan? We are trying to get her into
a smaller home. Thanks

Michelle Doerr answers:

See if she can find a co-signer with good credit…620 is the number needed to get home loan i think

Questions And Answers On Foreclosures In San Antonio

Michelle Doerr — Wed, 24 Aug 2011 11:46:25 +0000

Thomas asks…

Did you hear about them having to stop early voting in Stone Oak?

A Democrat showed up to vote, and they thought it was a new and endangered species!

Michelle Doerr answers:

They had probably never seen one. But then they surrounded it with their Mercedes to keep the contagion from spreading.

EDIT: for the first responder, Stone Oak is an area of San Antonio

Rachel asks…

hispanic population in stone oak is predomiantly mexican-american?

Is the latino population in stone oak predomiantly mexican-american or mexican national

Michelle Doerr answers:

Dude you sure love to beat a dead horse under all your different personas don’t you? Don’t know, and don’t care. So what? Get a life.

Alana asks…

Oak Tree surrounded by stone wall?

Last summer my wife had a stone wall built on our property. The line of the wall cut through a large oak tree, and the builder intalled stones (wall about 2-3 feet high) right up against the tree on both sides. The stones are mortared in place.

My wife is worried that the stones will harm or kill the tree. How can I get help on this? it would be expensive to have the wall rebuilt around the tree, and I don’t want to do that unless I have to.

thanks, from Boston

Michelle Doerr answers:

Hey Born in Boston,

I was born in Melrose. Anyway, if you did not chop the roots of the oak tree, it should be ok. The roots will extend out as far as the drip line of the tree, down 24 inches for 80% of the roots, and the remaining 20% will go deeper for water.

So, if you do not squash, chop, poison, or otherwise kill the roots – the walls should be ok on top. You can expect that the Oak tree roots will grow, and that they will cause cracking in the wall. When that happens, then think about moving it.

Marie asks…

hi i talk to someone from ragan they said stone oak is mostly white!?

i talk to someone from reagan high school its mostly white also stone oak area would this be true census.gov saids area is 76-78 percent white area

Michelle Doerr answers:

Kylee asks…

New neighborhood, great public schools, not in stone oak?

I am looking for newer built homes that have the best public schools, but not in the stone oak area. I am looking for neighborhoods south of 1604. All I seem to find is stone oak and that is too far North for our family.
We would like to stay East of I-10 and West of I-35. Alamo Heights is out of our price range. We would also like the neighborhood to have a lot of children with family friendly activities. I would also not like to hear the airplane traffic, that drives me crazy. I also really like trees in the yards. I know I am picky, that is why I am asking for help. Thank you for any recommendations. We would like to buy a home next month.

Michelle Doerr answers:

You’ve set a couple of parameters that will be hard to satisfy. It seems like you are leaning towards the near north-side. Almost everything in that area will be affected by airplane traffic. The further out you go (Stone Oak and beyond) you’ll find the newer houses. Conversely, the closer you get to Loop 410, the neighborhoods will be older. Have you check Castle Hills or the West Avenue/Vance Jackson, Jackson Keller area? Go out I 10 from 410 and then off to the right on De Zavala. There are some nice subdivisions in there that are not too old. Look just north of where De Zavala crosses Vance Jackson.

Hope this helps.

Questions And Answers On Foreclosures In San Antonio

Michelle Doerr — Tue, 23 Aug 2011 18:59:30 +0000

Alana asks…

Where to buy a home in San Antonio TX?

My husband and I are looking to buy a home in San Antonio. We are new to this city and need some advice on where to find a great location. This home will be our first but we are looking for something in a location that may appreciate nicely within the next 5 years. Our budget cap is somewhere between $175,000 and $195,000 (preferably a location where we could afford at least a 3 bdrm)….Where would you recommend we would get the best bang for our buck in terms of investment?

Michelle Doerr answers:

Remember the three most important things in real estate – location, location, and location.

Even if you don’t use the schools, the school district will have a great impact on your property values. Try to stay in the North East ISD or North Side ISD. Alamo Heights has a good reputation, too.

You may want to look into the Churchill area, Deerfield, Rogers Ranch, Stone Oak, Hollywood Park, and Shavano Park. There are a lot of good areas, those are some suggestions, though.

Daniel asks…

Whom can I contact to complain about the new house I bought from Ryland Homes in San Antonio, TX?

Need your help!! Bought a NEW house in Fairway Bridge at Mountain Lodge in San Antonio TX from Ryland Homes and the experience has been more than terrible. This constructor is bad… really bad!! Don’t buy any house from them!!

Michelle Doerr answers:

Bombastic makes some valid points. A few more sources of complaint would be the local Better Buisness bureau and the State’s Attorney General’s office in Austin. You might also file a complaint with the local Home Builder’s Association. He may or may not be a member, but the report should be made. It could be beneficial to report him to the local building inspector’s office, where he should have acquired a permit to build. Don’t expect them to force the builder to correct anything, but he will have to answer to them and it puts him on file. To get the builder to correct anything, you’ll need to hire an attorney. Very best of luck to you, I know how depressing it is to invest such a large sum of money and have issues. Keep in mind I am only making suggestions and not “practicing law.”

Davina asks…

Should I rent or buy a home in san antonio?

Michelle Doerr answers:

Buy. Right now, even an investor will get positive cash flow by buying and renting the house. The great thing is that you get better loan terms (Owner Occupied) a tenant that you trust (yourself!) and in addition to that, there is projected appreciation for houses in the South.

Lynn asks…

Buying a Home in San Antonio?

We are moving to San Antonio next year, and would like to buy a home, our 1st, before 2010. My husband and I have poor-average credit, and will likely apply for financing in the 150,000 range. Does anyone have any suggestions regarding the purchase of a home there, i.e. realtors to go through, family friendly areas to live in, plans to make, or general advice.

Michelle Doerr answers:

San Antonio is expensive, and with fair credit in todays market, it might be difficult to find financing. You might try looking at some of the areas “out in the country” that are only a 15 or 20 minute drive from San Antonio. I know several people who have lived there and the brother of my boss just moved there. They all say that another 15 or 20 minutes added to the commute isn’t any big deal because of the traffic. My boss’s brother and sister in law have lived there for about a year now and are just now able to start looking for a home to buy because they had to sell their old home first. Rent was WAY expensive on a home and they are finding that even though they both have good to really good credit, they’re finding it hard to find something in their price range in town (which is in the same neighborhood as your price range).

Elizabeth asks…

I live in San Antonio, Tx and am currently looking to buy a home.?

What is a good real estate company to go through? What are some companies to stay away from and why? Thanks.

Michelle Doerr answers:

Start with the better business bearau (BBB) and the chamber of commerce. They can get you started to companies without complaints. After that you should sit down and intervies the potential realtor, if for some reason you don’t like that one, ask for another, even if they are from the same office. You should also try to pick a realtor who does a lot of business in the area where you are planning to live. They seem more likely to give better service.pp

Questions And Answers On Properties In San Antonio Texas

Michelle Doerr — Sun, 12 Jun 2011 19:23:11 +0000

Wayne asks…

Lakefront or waterfront properties in San Antonio, Texas?

Anyone know of any? I am used to living near the lake and have to move to San Antonio. Even though I see places with Lake the name, I see no water. What gives and where is the Lake?

thanks,
beachgirl in ohio

Michelle Doerr answers:

I lived in san antonio for 18 years and as far as i know there are no actual lakes in the city itself but several that are on the out skirts of the city. Medina Lake and Canyon lake are the most popular and not that far away from the city. Just Google san antonio on Maps and you will see Canyon lake to the North of the city, and Medina Lake to the West. Canyon Lake is the most populated and where some of my friends lived……and on a side note We have the Guadalupe river which is really popular to tube down in the summer. hope this is helpful!

Charlie asks…

Does anyone know a GOOD property management company in San Antonio Texas?

I live in california and have a home in san antonio Texas and need a property manager by the end of this month!!! I tried looking online but there’s so many to pick from. any suggestions preferably they don’t charge more than 5%.

Michelle Doerr answers:

At my office the broker does property management. Covers basically the Northwest part of town. Call Amy in the morning. – tell her Richard said to call.

Amy – 210-521-7900

Lisa asks…

Is there affordable horse property in/near San Antonio Texas?

Michelle Doerr answers:

I wouldnt be able to tell you prices off the bat but i know that the hill counrty is very cheap and beautiful and further out you can by acres for pretty cheap prices.

Marie asks…

Information of Living in San Antonio Texas?

Does anyone know of Homes with Property for horses?

Michelle Doerr answers:

Here is a place to start! Http://www.realtor.com/sanantonio/nbregion.asp?poe=realtor

Jemima asks…

property manager in san antonio tx.?

i am looking for property managers in san antonio texas.

Michelle Doerr answers:

There is a wonderful thing called a “phone book.” In it you will find listings for everything! Just turn to the yellow section and look under property management. I’ll bet you find all kinds of goodies there……………

Questions And Answers On Buy Realtytrac

Michelle Doerr — Sun, 12 Jun 2011 18:46:18 +0000

Helena asks…

What does anyone know about the website RealtyTrac?

My wife and I are looking at buying a REO, foreclosure, or estate and I keep running into this website called RealtyTrac that provides info on REOs, foreclosures, pre-foreclosures, auctions, and estates. There is a $59.95 fee and before I pay it, I want to hear if it is a rip-off or not.

Michelle Doerr answers:

About 3 years ago I did a free 30 day trial with RealtyTrac and I wasn’t impressed enough to keep it. It seemed to me that unless you were searching for information on a property in a major metropolitan area, the information was lacking. But, that was 3 years ago. Since that time foreclosures have skyrocketed so the site is bound to have a ton more information now than it did 3 years ago.

A word of advise though, make sure that you and your wife have a thorough understanding of what you’re planning on getting into. Then, once you find a place that you’re interested in, figure out what the approximate cost will be to flip it or move in and then TRIPLE that amount. I’m not joking. The costs can add up quicker than an avalanche coming down the mountain.

Investing in REO’s and the like can be an outstanding way to make a lot of money, but as the old saying goes… “Caveat Emptor”.

One last thing, just to give you guys an idea of some of the things you may run into, I have heard of people pouring cement down their toilets and drains and totally trashing the place before being thrown out.

Richard asks…

Has anyone purchased a foreclosure home through RealtyTrac?

Anyone have experience in buying a foreclosure through RealtyTrac ??

Michelle Doerr answers:

No,

they are the ones who actually tend to fix prices since they represent both the seller as well as the buyer, they don’t have your or the sellers interest in hand. Only thing they care about is commissions, and it is too good to be true.

I would suggest you try to take at look at govt tax sales.

There are some good deals to be found there.

Susan asks…

how do i buy a foreclosed house which is real estate owned?

I Found a house which was recently foreclosed and it has recently reverted back to being real estate owned. the asking price is 50,000 less than the property value. i found this on yahoo realestate and it was through realtytrac so who do i contact about this property?

Michelle Doerr answers:

Teres should be some kind of ID number associated with this property, or a name of the agency holding it. If not, call and check public records in the county the home is located in. Someone is paying taxes on the home as well so you can check with the local receivers office. Good Luck!!

Rachel asks…

I found a home on realtytrac that says it’s gonna be an auction,how do i find out more without paying?

There are people living there right now.. I would like to find out about the auction or the bank that owns this house for me to contact them.. I would like to contact someone before it goes on the market about buying this house. I’m in Oceanside, CA.

Michelle Doerr answers:

If it is going to be an auction, rest assured that the lender involved will be there bidding against you until the price goes sufficiently high enough to satisfy their interests. Once the lender has taken ownership after the auction, the property WILL be put on the open market. Lenders won’t deal directly with an interested buyer. They will want the property exposed on the market to draw the highest offer possible.

I can see you want to ‘short circuit’ the system which lenders use. It won’t work.

Bob asks…

Anyone know about “pre-foreclosures” or RealtyTrac?

I stumbled onto a site called RealtyTrac.com and was able to find a dozen or so homes in my town that are in pre-foreclosure. There is a seven day trial (which gives you the home info, along with contact info in case you want to directly get ahold of the home owner). I know very little about this, but the balance of these homes are SO LOW!

I wonder, does anyone have any experience in dealing with pre-foreclosures? Is it worth the effort in trying to “buy out” the current owner… is it even possible for the “ordinary person” to do??

Thanks in advance for your help!

Michelle Doerr answers:

I am a real estate broker and investor in Southern California. I use this company as one of many sources for pre-foreclosure listings. I find that most of their info is outdated, but because of the foreclosure timeline in California, that is ok with me.

Now, to understand what the numbers mean and how you could use this info to your advantage, I suggest you read a book called “Quick Cash In Foreclosures” by Carey.

In my personal opinion, it’s much better to buy out the equity of an owner or walk into a home by taking over the payments instead of paying retail prices for a home and find traditional financing. Especially if you find a pre-foreclosure in which the owner’s loan is from 2002 with a low interest rate. I must warn you, it is hard work to locate a willing owner and negotiate a deal, but it’s worth it. The only downside is, you have to fall in love with the numbers and not the house. However, a smart person would consider that as an upside.

Also, unless you’re good at determining value of a home, I suggest you work with someone that does. Find one that knows about non-traditional home ownership and knows what contracts to use and how to obtain the property. The book should help.

Regards

Questions And Answers On Real Estate Listings

Michelle Doerr — Sun, 12 Jun 2011 18:00:10 +0000

Richard asks…

Can I add real estate listings from local realestate websites to my Classified Ads site i’m starting?

I’m starting a classified ads website and i’m wondering if I can add listings that local real estate companies have listed on there website to my “real estate” portion of my local classified ads website?

I’m planning on putting all the information up on who to contact in regards to the listing.

Michelle Doerr answers:

I would think if you had permission from the companies as well as whatever source you are using to obtain the information. Stealing content from another web site would be illegal.

Mandy asks…

How to advertise real estate listings online?

I want to know if there is a site or service that I pay one fee that advertises my listings all over the web? I am a real estate agent. Thanks!!
I am also thinking of starting a better website or somehow getting my site all over the web. I already have a domain name for it, any advice?? Thanks!

Michelle Doerr answers:

You should atleast have a website to promote your stuff.
If you’re in a hurry or low budget, try to use BLOGGER.It’s free. So add up the contents with what you want to say and promote it.
There are plenty of ways to promote your site.
1)Article Marketing
Really a powerful method in getting audience. Write a good article based on your niche topic and submit it in article directories. Just go to google or yahoo and search for “free article directories”. It will suggest you a host of directories that you can easily submit your writings. When people surf in that certain directory, they might stumble into your article and you got all the fame needed to be successful in Internet Marketing.

2)Blogging
This method is just like the article writing. You write what you want but good contents for your audience in blogs. The better you got, the more audience you get. You can also submit the same contents that you wrote in blogs in article directories. You get instant viewers if your article is in top 10 within your niche

3)Offer free stuffs
It’s always good to get free stuffs. Everyone likes it.So offer some free stuffs such as e-books or software for your audience. You will get a good, loyal and repeating audience. If you are looking for FREE e-books to market it in your site, check out this link.
Www.abc-netmarketing.blogspot…. Provides a host of e-books on internet marketing. The e-books will be updated weekly. So hurry up and get your best one soon.

4)E-mail Marketing
It’s as easy as ABC. Just promote your site to all your online contacts using e-mail.Write a good email that will attract your audience. If you got the contents right and able to convince your contacts , you are on your way to success.

5)SEO-Search Engine Optimization
Check out
www.ezinerticles.com for HOT tips on SEO

6)You Tube Videos
Use free videos from you tube and paste the links in your site. People like video tutorials better than articles or e-books.

7)Google Adsense
I strongly suggest you to visit www.abc-netmarketing.blogspot…. And learn about google adsense.If it’s not the best, atleast one of the best income generator for your websites. Visit the link and watch the video tutorials for FREE.

Joseph asks…

I am looking for cool new ways to advertise my real estate listings. Got any ideas for me?

I have about 15 active listings on the market right now. As a real estate agent I am always looking for new ways to advertise them. I need to bring some buyers to my listings!!

Michelle Doerr answers:

Classfied ADs

Steve asks…

Why do US real estate listings not show floor plans?

Why do US real estate listings not show floor plans? In there country where I live now they are ALWAYS included.
It would be interesting to know how they are generated in my country, but I don’t know.

Wouldn’t it make sense for the seller to have an appraiser draw up a plan — that would make it easier to sell a home, wouldn’t it? In the country where I live potential buyers would feel very uncomfortable not being able to see the floor plan. Every real estate guide (printed or online) shows the plan for every home, or a survey for a lot.
The answers received so far still leave me confused. It would seem to me that creating the floor plans before each new sale, despite the cost of doing so, would make a sale much easier. So far I am hearing either that it is too expensive, or simply hearing a reconfirmation of the status quo.

There must be some cultural or historical background which led to this status quo in the first place. I still wonder what it is.

Michelle Doerr answers:

The floor plans are usually available for new homes, but not previously owned. You cna get an idea from pictures, but we usually see them for ourselves.

Ken asks…

What is a good yet inexpensive virtual tour service I can use for my real estate listings?

I’m in real estate and need a really good virtual tour service to use for my listings. I have used Justsnopping in the past but now that I have left Keller Williams I no longer get that service for free. Anybody have some ideas?

Michelle Doerr answers:

We use VirtualTour.com

You take your own photos then their software morphs them into panoramics. You then upload them to their site, enter property data & then they provide you with the links for branded & non-branded (for MLS) tours.

They also submit the property to a bunch of real estate classified sites.

I think we pay a flat fee of less than $30 a month for unlimited tours. It’s not as nice as the professional Ipix virtual tours but most of our listings are new construction and it’s common for us to have 30 or more listings at one time.

Questions And Answers On Homes For Sale In San Antonio Fl

Michelle Doerr — Sun, 12 Jun 2011 16:00:43 +0000

Paul asks…

first time home buyer in san antonio?

I just moved to the area and see many homes for sale that would give a low monthly payment (I just moved from FL where renting a home is like $2k a month!) but I don’t know anything about home buying. Also, I’m 24 and currently looking for a job.

I want to know once I find employment if it would be wise for me to even attempt getting my own home; I have decent credit FICO score 663 and climbing, but no real down payment money.

It could be a mobile/manufactured home or it could be a real ‘home’ home, doesn’t matter; I just see that rent and mortages are around the same and figure why rent when I can buy???

Any advice on realtors/lending companies that will work with me?? Or why it is or is not worth it to even attempt this move…? All advice is appreciated!!

admin answers:

Beatrice has given good advice.

You have also noticed one of the most unusual features of the home purchase vs rental issue as related to Texas. For example, if you lived in Los Angeles you would hve to pay approximately $1,000,000 for a $250,000 home in San Antonio. However the average apartment in Los Angeles rents for around $1100 per month and in San Antonio it is $900 per month.

I’m not sure where you are in Florida, but, in general, San Antonio does very well on a Consumer Price Index Comparison with any major city, except the others in Texas (and we still do better than Dallas).

Remember, when looking for a house at 24, you will probably move to another house at some point in the future. Where it was once common for people to move into a house in their 20s and live there until they retired, it is now more common for people and families to move at least 2 times during their adult careers.

With that thought in mind, you must always think about the ability to resell the house as much as the ability to pay for the house. I have known many young adults, and couples, who have purchased small homes with a minimal number of bedrooms and baths, because it fit their needs at the time, but found very few people wanted to buy the 2 bedroom one bath house when they tried to resell.

Also, be careful about advertising by developers who advertise $1 move in and low payments. Often these have adjustable rate mortgages, and low standards for loan approval. This is usually the cause of forclosures in Texas. One of the reasons that the real estate crisis has not affected Texas as much as other parts of the country is that people cannot refinance for an amount over the value of the home. In other states it is common for people to refinance their homes for 125% of the value, and get an adjustable rate mortgage, planning on the increase in home value, and an increase in their salary to cover the increases in mortgage over time.

It is a good idea to purchase a home, rather than rent. If you can afford all the costs. However, in the current economy, do not expect to be able to resell and cover the closing costs and other costs of selling the home in less than 4 to 5 years.

On the good side. Since 1999 I have bought and sold 2 homes and bought a third. In each of the first 2 sales I made a profit on the sale in around 2.5 years. However, this was in the biggest part of the San Antonio housing boom. San Antonio is still a great home market, but it is not quite as strong as it once was.

If you decide to buy…

Buy in a strong area, even if you can get a larger house in a less desirable area.

It is better to have the cheapest house in a good area, than the best house in a bad area.

Make sure the home is good for a family to buy, not just a place which meets your needs as a single 24 y/o.

Try to avoid buying a mobile home. Unlike other homes which increase in value over time, a mobile home is like a car, they decrease in value with age. I’m sure if you think about it, you are probably not going to rush out and buy a 1958 mobile home. Unlike cars, however, mobile homes don’t ever hit a point at which they are considered antique and classic. They just reach a point at which they are old and beyond repair. Then you not only have to replace them, you also have to figure out what to do with the old one.

A mobile home makes sense for those who have an area of acerage outside the city, and need a house until they can manage to get a home built. Then the mobile home can be used as extra room, or as an office or other uses. Or in some climatess, they make excellent inexpensive homes for retirement, as you don’t expect to have to resell a retirement home, and they are within a retirement budget. They are never an investment property.

I hope you find what you are looking for.

Daniel asks…

first time home buyer in san antonio texas?

I want to know once I find employment if it would be wise for me to even attempt getting my own home; I have decent credit FICO score 663 and climbing, but no real down payment money.

It could be a mobile/manufactured home or it could be a real ‘home’ home, doesn’t matter; I just see that rent and mortages are around the same and figure why rent when I can buy???

Any advice on realtors/lending companies that will work with me?? Or why it is or is not worth it to even attempt this move…? All advice is appreciated!!

admin answers:

Well, many mortgage companies as well as rental companies are a little gun shy right now selling/renting to people who are unemployed. You can get alot of house for 2000/month…. I would get established residency first..then in a year or so of steady employment, look to buy. What kind of employment are you looking for? I may be able to help… Also I can refer lenders and realtors that I have dealt with in a recent home purchase of my own.

Jane asks…

I want to buy a house; I’m 24 with decent credit and climbing, but no down payment money?

I just moved to San Antonio, in a big part due to what my bf thought jobs would pay and housing costs. (We come from FL where everything is horrid for homes there!)

I’ve seen homes for sale as low as $63k or $40k. I need to know where/whom is a good person to talk with about buying a home, but I have no down payment money to work with… MAYBE can get about $2k but that’s a maybe.

Anyone have ideas on where I would start to see if I qualify???

admin answers:

Contact a mortgage broker. Ask about and Interest only loan.

Lisa asks…

Green Day (official) Tour Dates 2009 (and im retiring)?

so who’s really pumped for a green day tour? who plans on going?

hi there my nimrods and international superfans, i know it’s been a while, and i regret not updating as much as usual, but there’s too much going on in the world of green day for me to cover.
So without further ado, i give you the first tidbit of green day tour dates!

July 2009
3rd Seattle, WA
4th Vancouver, BC
6th Edmonton, AB
7th Saskatoon, SAS
9th Winnipeg, MAN
10th Fargo, ND
11th Minneapolis, MN
13th Chicago, IL
14th Detroit, MI
16th Hamilton, ONT
17th Ottawa, ONT
18th Montreal, QUE
20th Boston, MA
21st Philadelphia, PA
22nd Pittsburgh, PA
24th Hartford, CT
25th Albany, NY
27th New York, NY
29th Washington, DC
31st Nashville, TN

August 2009
1st Atlanta, GA
3rd Tampa, FL
4th Miami, FL
5th Orlando, FL
7th New Orleans, LA
8th Houston, TX
9th San Antonio, TX
11th St. Louis, MO
12th Kansas City, MO
13th Omaha, NE
15th Denver, CO
16th Salt Lake City, UT
18th San Jose, CA
20th San Diego, CA
21st Las Vegas, NV
22nd Phoenix, AZ
24th Sacramento, CA
25th Los Angeles, CA

So ticket sales arent announced yet, and updates to the tour can be found here: http://www.greendayauthority.com/tour/

im sorry to say that i’m retiring from this little thing i’ve managed to build up around here. it’s hard, home life sucks and is effecting my time online, i can barely keep up with all the updates myself, and now that the album release is a couple weeks away (May 15th), i dont think ya’ll need me here anymore. my work here is done, basically.

Please direct yourselves to the Green Day Authority daily for updates, and if you’re up for a real experience join their forum the Green Day Community. you wouldn’t regret it.

Thanks for all the support guys,

- Alanna (ila reto)

admin answers:

I’ll be in Philly the 21st, no doubt! I think that’s cool they’re there the 21st, for the album 21st Century Breakdown. :]

Awwww, you’re leaving?!
We’ll miss ya!!
Byee!<3

Graham asks…

first time home buyer in san antonio texas?

I want to know once I find employment if it would be wise for me to even attempt getting my own home; I have decent credit FICO score 663 and climbing, but no real down payment money.

It could be a mobile/manufactured home or it could be a real ‘home’ home, doesn’t matter; I just see that rent and mortages are around the same and figure why rent when I can buy???

Any advice on realtors/lending companies that will work with me?? Or why it is or is not worth it to even attempt this move…? All advice is appreciated!!

admin answers:

Hi and welcome to San Antonio, I am a 25 year old Realtor here in San Antonio, and trust me you are not the only one who knows little about the home buying process, I used to be in the same spot that is why I dedicate most of my time to helping first time buyers. From what you posted it seems you wont have problem trying to get a loan, but that depends on the job you are looking for.What did you do in FL? There are programs out there for first time buyers that help you with down payment assistance, and the seller can help pay your closing costs. Even if you aren’t planning to buy anytime soon visit my websites or contact me, and I can send you more detailed info on the home buying process from start to close!!!

Www.GilbertAguilar.com

http://www.freewebs.com/propertyvirgins/

http://www.myspace.com/kwheritage

Questions And Answers On Condos In San Antonio For Rent

Michelle Doerr — Sat, 11 Jun 2011 22:47:24 +0000

Steve asks…

Should I buy a condo in San Antonio?

My husband and I want to rent a house or large apartment OR buy a condo? Should we buy a condo? What is the market like for selling them? We’re worried that we won’t be able to get rid of it in so many years. Also, what about the extra fees you pay monthly, are they too much?

admin answers:

I suggest you find a San Antonio Realtor to answer all of your questions. Condo’s living can be great, but houses in Texas are not all that expensive either.

Caroline asks…

Where’s the best place to live in San Antonio?

My boyfriend and I are young, urban professionals looking to move to San Antonio in early 2011. We’re looking to spend about $700-$1000 on rent for either a 1 or 2 bedroom apartment, loft, or condo. I’d like to find a safe area with a heartbeat, preferably close to where we can have some fun!

Any suggestions? What are the places to avoid?

admin answers:

Avoid the southside. The area immediately north of downtown is good and close to a lot of things and, while further out, anything north of loop 410, east of highway 151 and west of IH-35 would be in a pretty good area and you ought to be able to find something in your price range in those areas.

Try an apartment locator. It is a free service to you and they can help you hone in on some specifics.

Thomas asks…

Do you know where can i found an apartment or condo rentals for a week for vacation in San Antonio, tx?

i’m going on vacation at easter but i’m planning to stay at least a week, and i think tha might be cheaper to rent a furnished apartment or house or condo, so i’m looking for properties available for rent for a week, those vacation rentals properties… anyway, help me please… thank you

admin answers:

You might want to look at Redweek.com or some other site that sells unused timeshare space, there are a few timeshares in the city.

John asks…

If someone had a 2 bedroom condo for rent during the summer months, where would you most like to go?

I have locations in Branson, Ft Lauderdale, Destin Florida, Orlando Florida, Williamsburg VA, North Carolina and South Carolina, San Antonio, Colorado, Arizona and Tennessee. I am just curious and taking a poll
thank so much for your help. I am disabled and have vacation ownership in Wyndham and would like to rent one out, but can you help by telling me the best place to go in the summer months? In your opinion?
thanks so much and I hope that you have a lovey day.

admin answers:

I would say Arizona or San Antonio for the summer season.

Helena asks…

PLEASE HELP!!!! Where is a good place to live on the Texas Coast?? Serious replies only please! Thanks?

I am moving to Texas to go to a military school for a year. The school is at Fort Sam, which I believe is in San Antonio. My friend and I decided to just move there in a month. I’ve been reading all of the reviews and have gathered mostly that Galveston is nice but, torn up from the hurricane. I was looking at Corpus Christi but, after reading all of the negative reviews from people that live there, I doubt I’ll go there. Overall, I’ve heard that South Padre is a good place.
I’m probably going to want to rent a condo and live on base during the week. On the weekends, I’ll commute back to my condo, wherever it’s going to be. I do prefer a good nightlife and alot of restaurants. On my wish list would be to be able to see the ocean or the beach. Does anyone have any insight as to where I should look?? If you’re willing to, I would also like to speak with someone on the phone to get a more clear insight to the area. Thanks for all of your help!!!

admin answers:

South Padre is pretty nice. The area is full of nice people, good food, and fun things to do/see.

Hello world!

Michelle Doerr — Tue, 31 May 2011 02:12:41 +0000

Welcome to WordPress. This is your first post. Edit or delete it, then start blogging!