Just four or five miles outside of Downtown San Antonio lie some of the prettiest, safest neighborhoods in the area. With an emphasis on open spaces, the preservation of natural light and tree populations, and the well-being of their citizens, these San Antonio Select Neighborhoods offer a quality of life that is unparalleled. Located to the north of the city, this is one of the fastest growing segments of San Antonio residential real estate.

Tempting Terrell Hills

Consistently among the pricier of the San Antonio select neighborhoods, Terrell Hills boasts mostly newer construction as older, smaller bungalows were removed and replaced with graceful, stately manors. Even for those who cannot afford to purchase one of these beautiful homes, Terrell Hills offers many upscale condos for sale or for rent.

The city is served by two outstanding and highly sought school districts – Alamo Heights ISD and North East ISD. The focus on family and on public safety makes Terrell Hills an ideal location for families.

Winsome Waterford Heights

For those looking for a truly distinctive and upscale neighborhood, Waterford Heights offers the finest in design and amenities. This San Antonio select neighborhood is a gated community within the gated community of The Heights at Stone Oak. Home sites range from one to one-and-one-half acres, and homes are a minimum of 4,500 square feet.

The recreation center within The Heights includes a 25-meter pool, a wading pool, lighted tennis courts, sand volleyball courts, basketball courts, a ball field, and a children’s play area. Just outside the gates lies The Town Center. The master plan envisions a coffee shop, convenience store, and other useful services located within easy reach of these custom estate homes without requiring a trip to the city for basic needs.

Homes in this San Antonio select neighborhood are varied in architecture, but would rival the manors and estates of such neighborhoods as Bel Air and Beverly Hills. Stone is used extensively on the facades, and covered entries, long sweeping driveways, and spacious manicured yards are seen throughout. Lots are still available for purchase for those who wish to build their own dream from the ground up.

While you may feel like you are a world away from the city in these beautiful, wooded communities, downtown San Antonio is merely a 20 minute drive. Residents have the best of both worlds – quiet, country living within easy reach of the class and culture of the city.

Like many of the other, upscale suburbs of San Antonio, Terrell Hills has experienced an influx of buyers over the last, few years, many of which are looking to tear down older homes in lieu of stately homes on prime lots.

From the spacious lots to the high-end properties, Terrell Hills has become quite an exclusive neighborhood in San Antonio. In fact, Terrell Hills is actually considered a city, as it has its own mayor and emergency response services.

Although there has been a lot of action as of late regarding new construction in Terrell Hills, this eclectic community still has quite a few, mid-20^th century ranch homes and small bungalows. It is therefore not uncommon to see interesting, varied architecture in this community.

With just a short, 20-minute commute in and out of downtown San Antonio, Terrell Hills has become a popular choice for San Antonio professionals.

Current Real Estate Conditions

Currently, the average home in Terrell Hills sells for about $200 per square foot. Lots in this community are also quite large, averaging more than 1/3 of an acre. It is also not uncommon to see newer homes exceeding 6,000 square feet.

There are currently about 1,900 homes in Terrell Hills, many of which are 30 to 40-year-old mansions that have seen extensive remodeling efforts.

The city has managed to set some fairly strict building restrictions as to keep the new construction to a minimum in terms of size. In other words, effort has been given to keep the historic feel of the neighborhood present and the new construction in check.

Prices in Terrell Hills

The inventory of homes for sale in Terrell Hills on any given month is about 50, or about an eight-month inventory.

And, surprisingly, home sales in this neighborhood continue to see an increase in their median price. The median price for the first half of 2009 was $465,000; compared to $361,525 for the same time last year.

The home prices in Terrell Hills have been able to remain fairly consistent because of the outstanding real estate, the excellent location and the highly regarded Alamo Heights Independent School District.

Most of the home buyers in Terrell Hills are more “seasoned” buyers because of the higher home prices.

sent to wanna network

San Antonio and its surrounding neighborhoods were born out of some of the biggest battles and harshest conditions settlers had to face. The Alamo stands tribute to the men who lost their lives fighting for the freedom of Texas, which they so deeply believed in. Caves in Bexar County have been registered with the National Geological Survey, bearing evidence of the Native Americans that fought to keep this part of Texas their own.

Following the battles came the business men. Stately mansions were built in San Antonio’s King William Historic District. To this day these homes serve as residences for some of San Antonio’s most prominent citizens.

As San Antonio has continued to grow and become one of the best places in America to live, other distinguished neighborhoods have been built in the city and around its perimeter. From cowboy town to couture, San Antonio has risen above its challenges and has emerged an economic force to be reckoned with.

Industry Growth Fuels Real Estate Market

Businesses from around the globe continue to relocate to the San Antonio region. With a relatively low cost of living, the San Antonio luxury real estate market has continued to thrive as executives and other professionals settle into the area.

The many luxury communities in and around San Antonio offer style and grace more often associated with the rich and famous. San Antonio luxury homes offer a wide variety of architecture to please every taste, in neighborhoods brimming with amenities designed for the comfort and pleasure of their residents. Since the real estate market in San Antonio did not experience the skyrocketing prices seen elsewhere and instead realized modest and realistic growth, these homes are still reasonably priced.

San Antonio Luxury Homes in Great Demand

Some of the most elegant and prestigious neighborhoods in San Antonio – Alamo Heights, Terrell Heights, and The Dominion – are in high demand. Distinguished schools, family-friendly neighborhoods, tree-lined streets, and large home sites lure the would-be buyer into the fastest growing residential area of the city. These San Antonio luxury homes offer an excellent quality of life in one of the most affordable yet upscale areas in Texas.

Anyone seeking a carefree lifestyle with an urban edge need look no further than downtown San Antonio. Home to some of the best shopping and eateries in Texas, San Antonio life holds great appeal to people of all ages.

Dubbed the most visited city in Texas, downtown San Antonio puts its finest attractions in easy reach of urbanites. From historic monuments to the city’s famed River Walk, there is always something to see and do.

Stroll Along the River Walk

Also known as Paseo del Rio, River Walk is comprised of over 17,000 feet of paved walkways and 20 bridges winding in and out along the San Antonio River. Situated one story beneath street level, River Walk is lined with unique stores and restaurants. Thick trees rising as tall as ten stories nestle among the buildings and along the river, rising up to be seen from the hustle and bustle of downtown San Antonio.

Casa Rio, the first restaurant on River Walk, has been serving tourists and residents since 1946.

Not far away, the Central Business District is home to the former Joske’s. In 1887, Joske’s opened a massive 551,000 square foot retail store. A century later, the structure was purchased by Dillard’s.

Enjoy Distinctive Downtown Living

Many of the residences found in downtown San Antonio offer amenities as breathtaking and spectacular as the surrounding scenery. Vidorra, luxury high-rise condos, offers a rooftop garden patio, 24-hour concierge service, a coffee bar, fitness center, and a business center.

Camp Street is located within easy walking distance of River Walk and the King William Historic District. Master baths include oval soaking tubs and rain showers, and kitchens are state-of-the-art. Eleven foot ceilings offer a sense of openness.

Apartment seekers may enjoy their own personal refuge at Refugio Place. Take in views of downtown, or of the private courtyard. Underground parking and large, oval tubs are just a few of the amenities offered.

Residents of downtown San Antonio enjoy an incredibly pedestrian friendly urban area with a strong sense of community. From young families to single adults to retirees, downtown San Antonio offers a laid back lifestyle with sleek city flair.

Historian T.R. Fehrenback once said the following to describe Alamo Heights, “Alamo Heights, whatever else it is, reflects three qualities: good government, stable neighborhoods, and a feeling of intimacy.”

As one of the most popular and sought after neighborhoods in the greater San Antonio area, Alamo Heights continues to live up to this historians lofty words. Serving as home to families and professionals alike, the Alamo Heights luxury market experiences a high demand for its homes.

Early Government Protected the City’s Natural Beauty

The original founders of Alamo Heights had one stipulation for those who came after them…that they not cut down the many trees in the area. Early settlers recognized the natural beauty of the area and sought to preserve it from the beginning. In fact, they would return to the area often to ensure that their wishes were being followed and that the trees they so dearly loved remained on their original homesteads. Many of those same trees still stand today.

Ensuing city officials were as enthralled with the area’s natural beauty as its founders. As the young community of Alamo Heights grew, members of the local government sought to preserve its natural splendor. Early building codes required new buildings to be no more than two stories tall in an effort to preserve natural light. Streets were built to follow the curves of rivers and stands of trees, maintaining the lush greenery that is a trademark of Alamo Heights.

To this day, the city’s government strives to preserve the natural beauty of the area and focuses on maintaining a scenic town where abundant trees and a soothing environment help its citizens thrive.

The Alamo Heights luxury market reflects these desires. Homes are nestled among age-old trees that seem to stretch to the sky. A stroll through downtown Alamo Heights is serene and peaceful beneath the sprawling branches.

Easily Accessible Elegance

The geographic center of Alamo Heights is conveniently located merely 4.5 miles outside of downtown San Antonio, to the north of the city. The Alamo Heights luxury market offers upscale condos and elegant estate homes, serving a mid- to upper-middle class demographic. Ease of access into downtown and to the airport makes this a perfect community for business people who wish to maintain an excellent quality of life for themselves and their families.

Once home to the wild Native Americans of the Southern Plains, Bexar County is now home to some of the biggest economic growth in all of Texas. The urban hub of San Antonio enjoys a booming manufacturing industry and expansion in the medical field, creating thousands of jobs and drawing new residents to the area. As the population grows, so does the need for improved services, further fueling the area’s financial stability.

Once massive in size, extending as far as the Wyoming border, Bexar County was eventually reduced in size and now includes 31 incorporated cities. Outside the city limits of San Antonio, working cattle and horse ranches sprawl into the gorgeous Texas Hill Country. Grassy plains bump into purple mountains rich with colorful canyons and ancient oak trees.

Live in the Country, Work in the City

One of the many benefits of living in Bexar County real estate is the ability to work in the city, yet escape each evening to a quiet country home. The communities of Bexar County offer easy access to the many military bases and manufacturing industries, and to downtown San Antonio.

The best news in Bexar County real estate is that homes are more affordable now than they have been in years. Although most of Texas survived the economic downturn with minimal impact on home values compared to other markets, many believe that those values have bottomed out and are set to begin rising again in 2010. Low home prices combined with historically low interest rates means there may never again be such an opportunity to own a piece of Bexar County real estate. In fact, some experts believe the purchase of property now could produce a decent return on investment over the next few years.

Bexar County’s Diverse Residences

No matter what your lifestyle, Bexar County real estate has something to offer. From charming cottages to sprawling Mediterranean estates, small apartment homes to ultra-luxurious condominiums, multi-acre ranches to high-rise urban lofts, Bexar County has it all. Perfect for families with young children, retirees, or anyone in between, Bexar County real estate has homes in all sizes and all price ranges.

As San Antonio continues to lure individuals and families from all over the country, new home communities have sprung up all around the city. With an eye towards energy efficiency and a conscience about protecting our environment, many of these new communities have employed the latest design techniques and state-of-the-art building materials. These homes are not only earth-friendly, but offer many advantages to those who live in them.

Go Green and Save Money

Not only are energy efficient homes good for our environment, but they mean money saved every month on heating and air conditioning. By using closed attic systems, innovative framing, and high-grade insulation systems, not only do your heater and air conditioner have to work less, but they will also work more efficiently. This translates into fewer air pollutants and up to a 50% savings on your energy bills. These homes typically have much better indoor air quality, leading to increased personal health and well-being.

Imagine homes, builder of the San Antonio new home communities of Monterrey Village, Stillwater Ranch, and Lakeview, was named as the 2008 NAHB Green Building Award Winner. The design innovations in these homes extend to the exterior to include drought resistant landscaping. All of their San Antonio new home communities are Energy Star and Build San Antonio Green certified.

The family-friendly design of these San Antonio new home communities include gated access, walking trails, preserved open spaces, community pools, and private ponds or lakes.

Efficiency can be Beautiful

KB Homes’ San Antonio new home communities include Fox Grove, Sundance Trails & Sundance Ridge, and Cobblestone, to name just a few. They offer Disney dream rooms for the kids featuring their favorite cartoon and movie characters, design features in cooperation with Martha Stewart, and wooded communities that are both good for the environment and beautify the neighborhood. Many of these San Antonio new home communities have won design awards for their beauty.

In addition to high-tech materials that improve energy efficiency, these new homes incorporate design elements such as stone and brick exteriors, luxury bath elements, three-car garage options, and high ceilings to make them as visually appealing as they are environmentally friendly.

All of these San Antonio new home communities not only save you a great deal of money on energy costs, but they are reasonably priced so that anyone can enjoy their many wonderful benefits.

San Antonio is a city rich in culture, history and excitement. The city’s diverse workforce and low tax burden has long made it a hot spot for commercial activity. It is therefore no wonder that the commercial real estate market has reaped the rewards of a strong, healthy economy.

There are many factors that come into play when speaking of an area’s strong, local economy.  From its cost of living to its location and its housing market, a city can not experience a strong commercial sector – and therefore a strong commercial real estate market – if residents, businesses and corporations aren’t drawn there.

It’s no wonder, then, why San Antonio has a thriving commercial sector.

The following list details the top 10 reasons why San Antonio supplies the perfect ingredients for a healthy commercial real estate market:

1. Port San Antonio, its numerous tax advantages and its Foreign Trade Zone designation
2. Ideal location between Florida and California and Canada and Mexico
3. Close proximity to Latin America countries
4. One of the most affordable and strongest housing markets in the United States (which attracts a healthy workforce)
5. A healthy population growth (15 percent over the last, few years)
6. Low cost of living and year-round, warm temperatures
7. Home to numerous, major corporate headquarters, including Valero Energy Corporation, Clear Channel Communications, Tesoro Petroleum Company, Kinetic Concepts and NuStar Energy LP
8. The presence of major, national and international companies, including Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Microsoft, Washington Mutual Financial, QVC Home Shopping and Martin Marietta Materials SW
9. Education and research institutions, including Southwest Foundation for Biomedical Research, Texas Research Park, University of Texas Health Science Center, University of Texas San Antonio and Trinity University
10. Number one tourist destination in Texas

Life is good in Alamo Heights. From its prime proximity to San Antonio, to its quiet, suburban lifestyle, Alamo Heights has certainly earned its title as “the friendliest city in Texas.”

Unlike some of the other suburbs of San Antonio, Alamo Heights attracts residents of many different income levels and backgrounds. Living in Alamo Height is generally affordable, thus providing opportunities for a wider array of people.

Situated in Bexar County, next to Terrell Hills, Alamo Heights’ residents enjoy easy access in and around San Antonio, thanks to several, major roadways, including Interstates 35, 10, 410 and US Route 281. There are many professionals that enjoy an easy commute back and forth between Alamo Heights and downtown San Antonio. In fact, the easy commute is less than 20 minutes for most residents of Alamo Heights.

In addition to the professional opportunities found in San Antonio, Alamo Heights employs many residents in its educational, financial, insurance and social services sectors.

What to do in Alamo Heights

This is often more to do than time will allow in this lovely city. Coupled with its fine, suburban surroundings, Alamo Heights offers plenty of dining, shopping and entertainment for its residents, including the Alamo Quarry Market, where dining, shopping and entertainment is plentiful and the Quarry Golf Club, Alamo Heights’ premier golf club.

Alamo Height Real Estate

Most of the homes in Alamo Heights are single-family, detached homes, although there is also a nice array of condominium and townhome properties, as well. In addition, there are numerous estate properties.

As of 2009, there were 7,438 people residing in Alamo Heights. Population growth has remained steady since 2000, due in part to many Alamo Heights residents choosing to remain in this family-friendly San Antonio suburb.

The median price for a home in Alamo Heights is $284,790, and housing prices have fallen more than five percent over the last year. The home prices of Alamo Heights are varied, thus providing a nice selection of properties for different needs, wants and lifestyles.

San Antonio was recently named a “new urbanism” pioneer for its work on the River Walk project, which is slated to finish in 2014, at a cost of $279 million. Once finished, the River Walk will extend to 13 miles, reaching all the way to the city’s Mission district. It will be the nation’s largest ecosystem restoration in an urban area.

The River Walk and all its Glory

As the number one tourist destination in Texas, the River Walk has managed to give itself quite the impressive reputation. Each year, millions of visitors stroll its cobblestone walkways, partaking in the culture, the nightlife and the cuisine, soaking in this urban sanctuary and enjoying the beautiful river views.

From restaurants and cafes, to galleries and quaint boutiques, the River Walk speaks of San Antonio’s unique and eclectic culture and history, and invites visitors to experience all of the splendor, first-hand.

Best of all, as part of San Antonio’s park system, this unique, urban destination is free!

Make sure to enjoy the:

• River Walk Museum – New in May 2009, the River Walk Museum will extend the River Walk, connecting to the San Antonio Museum of Art and the Pearl Brewery, a unique village in San Antonio. The new museum features some of the finest art installations of local, national and international artisans.
• River Cruises – Enjoy a unique perspective of the River Walk aboard a water taxi. Nineteen river taxi stops along the River Walk allows visitors to easily get to where they want to go.
• River Cruise Guided Tours – For a more in-depth view the River Walk, step aboard one of the area’s river cruisers, and learn about the history and cultural of this unique region from an experienced tour guide.

Visitors will continue to enjoy the River Walk for generations to come, and San Antonio will continue to pour money into this lively spot of San Antonio to continue its reputation as a world renowned destination.

Downtown San Antonio has grown from a rough and tumble cowboy town into a modern city full of the finest in shopping, dining, and entertainment. San Antonio played a significant role in the history of Texas, and living in downtown San Antonio puts history right at your fingertips.

Mission San Antonio de Valero

More commonly known as the Alamo, construction of Mission San Antonio de Valero was begun in 1724 and was the city’s first mission. Originally a place of refuge for missionaries and indians who had converted to Christianity, the Alamo eventually became the site of one of the greatest battles in American history and an enduring symbol of freedom for the state of Texas. Occupants of the Alamo during the famed battle against General Santa Anna and his army included Jim Bowie and frontiersman David Crockett. Now residents of downtown San Antonio can share in the remarkable history of this city and live mere footsteps from this great monument.

Have a Drink with Theodore Roosevelt

Among the many restaurants and bars in downtown San Antonio is the Menger Hotel. Have a drink at the Menger Bar, just as former President Theodore Roosevelt did as he was recruiting his “Rough Riders.” Other distinguished guests of the hotel included Robert E. Lee, Babe Ruth, Ulysses S. Grant, and Mae West. This historic national landmark was built in 1859 and is merely 100 yards from the Alamo. Visitors to this public hotel will marvel at it’s museum-like qualities. Residents of downtown San Antonio are lucky to have such a historic watering hole just steps from home.

View the Stately Mansions of the King William Historic District

Once home to the richest and most fashionable members of San Antonio society, much of the King Williams Historic district remains residential. Located just a half mile from the River Walk, this 25-block area offers walking tours of its impressive, rennovated mansions. The area was originally settled by German immigrants, including Anton Wulff, a very prosperous merchant. The Anton Wulff house was built in 1870 for his wife and 11 children, out of locally quarried limestone. Today it houses the San Antonio Conservation Society.

Living in downtown San Antonio offers the unique combination of sleek, sophisticated urban style seamlessly interwoven with rich Texas history.

Ask anyone who’s ever visited or lived in San Antonio, and they will most certainly agree that it is a truly unique, Southwestern town that has a big, Texas attitude but a small-town feel.

From its colorful history of battles and brawls, to its unique, and often eclectic, culture, San Antonio is unlike any other in the country. Beauty is all encompassing here: from the gorgeous, famed River Walk to the beautiful, rolling hills of the Hill Country, San Antonio is sure to impress and likely to surprise even the most seasoned traveler.

Visit the Alamo and retreat back into time; partake in one of the outdoor theater shows along the River Walk; and sample some of the fine – and funky – local cuisine along the way.  From Sea World San Antonio to Six Flags Fiesta Texas, there is never a lack of things to do while in San Antonio, but it’s perhaps the excellent lifestyle that makes visitors want to stay a while longer.

San Antonio Economy

The economy of San Antonio is alive and well, and has managed to dodge much of the fallout from the recession and the flailing, national economy. The many military installations, along with excellent, small business incentives, have encouraged many individuals and companies to relocate to this exciting city.

In fact, 26,000 new residents moved into San Antonio from July 2007 to July 2008 alone.

San Antonio, although it offers some of the finest real estate in the country, is still priced well below the national average, thereby enabling many residents to enjoy home ownership.

The real estate market in San Antonio is also relatively strong, despite the national real estate market. Although the commercial real estate market has felt the biggest impact from the recession, residential real estate values remain quite resilient, thereby encouraging relocation.

Many of the custom homes in Champions Ridge and Champions Run are Tuscan, English or Mediterranean inspired. The median list price for a home in San Antonio’s Champions Ridge and Champions Run, as of July 2000, was $749,000.. However, today, most of the newly listed homes top well above $1 million.

It is not uncommon to see real estate in these neighborhoods boasting five bathrooms, five bedrooms, and loads of upscale amenities, such as oversized lots, high-end outdoor spaces and gourmet kitchens, to say the least.

Townhome Living in Champions Village

Nearby, however, a different picture is developing. The Harrison Group is set to develop townhomes in a new development called Champions Village.

The first phase of this community, which is set to have 32 units and, once completed, the developer envisions more than 200 townhomes within Champions Village.

Using the massive, custom homes of Champions Ridge and Champions Run as its vision, the Harrison Group is expected to design the townhomes of Champions Village to resemble large estate homes instead of townhomes.

Because of the design aesthetic, the townhomes of Champions Village will fit in seamlessly with the homes of the nearby communities, and will attract more high-end buyers looking for easy, carefree living.

Offering Residents a New Type of Carefree Living

The Harrison Group sees Champions Village as a new alternative to single-family estates or small condominium homes.

The townhomes of Champions Village will range in size from 1,600 to 2,450 square feet and will be priced from the $170,000s to the $240,000s.

The homes will feature both stone and stucco exteriors and the developer says they will have an “English Manor” or “American Pride” design aesthetic.

Champions Village will overlook Stone Oak Park in San Antonio, and will therefore have several hiking and biking trails, which will extend from the community and into the park.

The military industry continues to be a strong force in San Antonio’s commercial real estate market.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers recently awarded contracts to Fort Sam Houston for the construction of two, new barracks for Army personnel who will be taking courses at the Medical Education and Training Campus.

The two contracts that were awarded by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers total about $118.7 million, and will provide barracks for about 1,800 Army medical trainees. This last set of contracts, which are designed for the ongoing development of the Medical Education and Training Campus at Fort Sam Houston, will consist of three dormitories.

The Medical Education and Training Campus is part of the Base Realignment and Closure action, which was formed in 2005.

The construction of the barracks will be handled by Hensel Phelps Construction, a Colorado-based company that also has offices in Austin.

The barracks construction will include a dormitory unit, which will measure 366,000 square feet, as well as another 192,000-square-foot facility that will also house additional Army personnel. In total, the facilities will hold 1,800 personnel.

There are also additional dormitories, currently under construction, that will house more than 3,600 Air Force and Navy personnel, once completed. Hensel Phelps was also contracted to build these facilities, as well.

The newest construction plan is part of the Joint Program Management Office, which manages the San Antonio BRAC construction program. The program was set forth by the Fort Worth District Office of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

The entire project, under the San Antonio BRAC construction program, will involve either building or renovating 78 facilities at Fort Sam Houston, totaling more than six million square feet of space. Once completed, the program is expected to exceed $2 billion.

As a homeowner, your home is likely a source of pride. Therefore, when it comes time to sell your Alamo Heights home, you have a good idea of what it is worth.

It therefore may come as a bit of a shock to receive a less-than-thrilling offer from a potential buyer. Your first reaction may shock, followed by disgust. The Alamo Heights home that you have put your heart and soul into maintaining, repairing and updating certainly is worth more than what the buyer is offering, but in this tumultuous real estate climate, how do you know when to settle and how do you know when to stand your ground?

A Flat Rejection vs. a Counter Offer

For most homeowners, the idea of completely rejecting the offer may occur to them at the offset. This is not the time, however, to let your emotions get in the way of a sale. You must remember that many buyers are simply “feeling you out;” so instead of flatly refusing the offer, consider responding to their offer with a counter offer.

Your counter offer will likely let the buyer know that, although you are not prepared to settle for their offer, you are stilling willing to negotiate. Once the buyer has returned with a revised offer, you can make the decision whether to continue with the negotiations.

When to Continue to Negotiations?

It is, however, important to remember one thing: although the process of negotiating and submitting counter offers is frustrating and time consuming, it can result in a sale.

If the buyer continues to counter offer with unacceptable offers, you can request more information from the buyer regarding the reasoning behind such a low offer. As a seller, you are going to have a rock-bottom price for which you will settle, so always keep that in mind during negotiations.

Finally, don’t let your ego get in the way of a sale. Although you may feel your home is worth more, if market conditions dictate otherwise then you must be willing to make concessions regarding the price of your Alamo Heights property.

If you are in the market for a downtown San Antonio condominium home, then you’re in for a real treat. Although San Antonio, like most other parts of the country, has experienced a cooling off period for new home sales since the recession took hold last year, it hasn’t experienced nearly the kind of loss of real estate value as other parts of Texas, let alone the country.

With that said, it is important to point out that there are still great deals to be had for downtown San Antonio condos. If you’re looking for an urban residence right in the middle of all of the excitement and action of San Antonio, then a downtown condo is definitely worth looking into.

Aside from being in the heart of the city, a condominium in downtown San Antonio can afford you unrivaled opportunities to experience the outstanding, colorful culture that has made San Antonio so special. From the famed River Walk to the Majestic Theater, there is certainly never a shortage of things to see, do and experience as a resident of downtown San Antonio.

A Look at downtown San Antonio Real Estate

Current estimates show the average price of a downtown San Antonio condominium hovering right around $532,000. The median price for a downtown San Antonio condo is $474,950, making the average price per square foot about $271.

Downtown San Antonio real estate can range from airy lofts to upscale condos, but what remains the same is the luxury and convenience that can be found here.

The Steel House Lofts, for example, certainly epitomize loft living in downtown San Antonio, as they feature contemporary architecture with an historic backdrop.  Located in the historic Peden Iron & Steel Building, this converted warehouse building boasts plenty of high-end features and amenities.

Luxury living is found at the nearby La Cascada, which not only boasts high-end condo homes, but a great location on the Riverwalk. A rooftop swimming pool, overlooking the beautiful, downtown skyline, is just the tip of what La Cascada has to offer.

The Broadway Condos are a great example of a fantastic, downtown location. Lush gardens surrounding the Broadway Condos provide a unique contrast against the historic buildings of the area. High-rise living in the Broadway is only further exemplified by the fantastic building amenities and services.

If there’s one thing we can all agree on is that today’s real estate market is decidedly more challenging. It is therefore all the more important that we find a qualified real estate agent to help sell our Alamo Heights homes.

If you are in the market to sell your Alamo Heights home, then it may be time to start searching for a real estate agent that can help make your idea a reality.

How to Find a Real Estate Agent that’s Right for you:

• Begin by locating several real estate agents that have experience selling homes in Alamo Heights. Ask friends, family members and neighbors for referrals, or simply head out into your neighborhood and check out the local For Sale signs. If you see an agent’s name appear time and time again, chances are that he/she is quite familiar with selling homes in Alamo Heights.
• After you have assembled a small list of potential real estate agents, narrow your list down by interviewing each one. Some of the questions you may want to ask include: How long have you been in the real estate business? How many homes have you sold in the past year in Alamo Heights? What is your general approach to marketing properties? What is your standard commission? What is your educational and professional background?
• In addition to asking the agent about his/her education and qualifications, it is also important that you have an overall likability for him/her. Remember: regardless of how qualified an agent is if you don’t have a good rapport then the relationship probably won’t work.
• Remember that an agent’s commission is always negotiable, particularly if you also plan on using the agent as your buying agent.
• Keep an open line of communication with your agent at all times, and encourage him/her to do the same. In other words, a weekly update is always a bonus.

A truly unprecedented building is starting to take shape along the San Antonio skyline. Luxurious living is no longer saved for the suburbs! For those San Antonio residents seeking ultra-luxurious living in the vibrant downtown area, the Broadway certainly fits the bill.

After years of planning, the Broadway is well on its way to becoming the hottest address in San Antonio. Luxury living in San Antonio has been brought to a phenomenal high-rise that may very well compete with some of the finest high-rises in the biggest American cities.

The Broadway boasts super luxurious luxury condominiums in the sky in a superior resort lifestyle. This exclusive address offers its residents over two and a half acres of green space, making it feel as though the building is situated in a peaceful, rural setting instead of right in the middle of the all the excitement and action of downtown San Antonio.

The resort atmosphere of the Broadway is further exemplified by the resort-style swimming pool, private gardens, and an outdoor kitchen, complete with poolside cabanas. Imagine walking the private gardens, floating quietly in the sparkling pool and relaxing poolside in a beautiful, private cabana! The Broadway rivals the finest hotels in the country, thanks to its upscale amenities and services.

Some of the fine services and amenities found at the Broadway include:

• 24-hour concierge and doorman services
• Optional chef, grocery, meal and housekeeping services
• Landscaped grounds, complete with an outdoor fireplace
• Private, underground parking (valet or self-parking)
• Media lounge
• State-of-the-art fitness center with both cardio and weight areas
• Furnished conference room
• Two, high-speed elevators for convenience and privacy
• Business center with wireless Internet service
• Beautifully decorated guest suites
• Yoga and Pilates studio

If you need to sell your San Antonio property and the idea of paying a realtor up to six percent in commission leaves you feeling frustrated, then you’re not alone.

Many San Antonio residents are realizing that handing over a good portion of the sales price of their San Antonio home to a Realtor is simply ridiculous. With housing prices down and the housing market slow, we all need to watch where every dollar is going.

But can you realistically eliminate a real estate agent from the equation when selling your home? You can with the help of VIP Realty!

VIP Realty has a special, flat-fee MLS program for homeowners who want to forgo a full-service arrangement with a Realtor. This program enables you to avoid paying commission to VIP Realty, although we will still act as your broker.

Instead, you simply pay a one-time flat fee. Our flat-fee MLS program eliminates any surprises and is much less expensive than the commission charged by most real estate agents under a full-service broker agreement.

The fee for the flat-fee MLS program through VIP Realty enables you to achieve maximum exposure for your San Antonio property by listing it with VIP Realty’s multiple listing service. The comprehensive MLS through VIP Realty allows your home to be viewed by countless agents and buyers from all over the country, thereby maximizing your home’s exposure for a quick sale.

The flat-fee MLS program essentially eliminates the seller’s commission. Instead, you need only pay half of the commission (usually three percent) to the buyer’s agent should he or she find a buyer for your San Antonio property. However, if you find a buyer on your own, the commission that you will have to pay out will be completely eliminated!

Selling your home through VIP Realty’s flat-fee MLS program is the ideal way to get the most money from your home!

New offices in Austin, Houston and San Antonio, new franchises in Collin Country and amazing programs and incentives have all secured VIP Realty’s position as San Antonio’s Premier Real Estate Firm.

VIP Realty is a testament to the fact that, although the national economy is weak and the housing market is tough, there are plenty of opportunities to be had in the real estate market.

VIP Realty’s Popular Programs Take the Lead

VIP Realty’s success lies in its advantageous programs, including the written guarantee that assures buyers that they will receive a written offer within 60 days of listing their San Antonio property. If the sellers do not receive a written offer on their home within 60 days of listing it, VIP Realty will sell their home for free! Now, what other real estate firm offers that kind of guarantee?

Another reason VIP Realty has maintained such a strong presence in the San Antonio real estate market is because they offer their customers choices when selling their home. They provide full-service brokerage services for those homeowners that need or want it; yet they also provide a flat-fee MLS program for those individuals who want to sell their homes themselves.

Standing Apart from the Crowd

VIP Realty remains flexible and accommodating to its sellers, and also allows its sellers to decide which services best suit them. Selling your home is not a one-size-fits-all scenario, so it only makes sense that you should choose a brokerage firm that can accommodate your needs and wants.

Lessons Learned

VIP Realty customers have learned that it is simply not necessary to hand over six percent of your home’s earnings to realtors that may or may not have helped to sell your home. Instead, VIP Realty customers understand the value of flat-fees and sellers’ guarantees.