Smart Moves Start Here
Whether you’re just getting started or planning your next step, you’ll find helpful tools, clear guidance, and resources built around your goals.
Explore Your Numbers
Estimate what you can afford, compare renting vs. buying, and get a better feel for the financial side of your next move — all in one place.
Mortgage Calculator
Affordability Calculator
Rent vs Buy
Buyer Closing Cost Estimator
Have More Questions?
*This calculator is for educational and estimation purposes only and does not constitute an offer. Please consult a qualified professional for personalized financial advice.
Explore Your Numbers
Estimate what you can afford, compare renting vs. buying, and get a better feel for the financial side of your next move — all in one place.
Mortgage
Affordability
Rent vs Buy
Closing Costs
Understanding Mortgate Options
Choosing the right mortgage is one of the most important steps in the home buying process. The loan you choose affects your monthly payment, interest rate, and how quickly you build equity. Here’s a quick overview of the most common mortgage options buyers in San Antonio should know about:
A classic home loan for buyers with solid credit, not backed by any government agency.
PROS:
- Flexible terms – 10-30 years; choose the payoff plan that suits you best
- Competitive interest rates for well-qualified buyers
- No upfront mortgage insurance with 20% down
CONS:
- Stricter credit, income, and debt-to-income ratio requirements
- Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI) required if putting less than 20% down
Bottom Line: Best for buyers with a steady income, good-to-excellent credit, and a solid down payment. Especially suited to move-up buyers, investors, or anyone who wants the broadest selection of lenders and loan customization.
A government-insured mortgage known for low down payments and flexible qualification standards.
PROS:
- Down payments as low as 3.5%
- Qualifies buyers with lower credit scores and modest savings
- More lenient debt-to-income allowances
CONS:
- Requires both upfront and ongoing mortgage insurance premiums
- Lower Maximum loan limits may restrict property choices in high-cost areas
Bottom Line: Fits first-time homebuyers, younger buyers, or those with limited savings and minor credit challenges. Also, a strong choice for anyone rebuilding credit or returning to the market after financial setbacks.
An exclusive mortgage benefit for U.S. military veterans, service members, and some surviving spouses.
PROS:
- No down payment required
- No PMI, saving hundreds per month
- Favorable intrest rates and flexible credit standards
CONS:
- Stricter property condition rules
- One-time funding fee (often rolled into the loan balance)
Bottom Line: Best for active-duty, veterans, and qualifying military families. It offers the lowest upfront costs and ongoing savings—often considered the best value in home lending for those eligible.
Backed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, these loans help make rural and small-town homes more accessible.
PROS:
- No down payment required
- Low monthly mortgage insurance
- Designed to spur rural and suburban homeownership
CONS:
- Strict income and geographic eligibility
- Slower approval process in some cases
Bottom Line: Fits buyers looking for a home in designated rural or suburban areas, especially those with modest incomes and little saved for a down payment. Great for families and individuals seeking affordable housing outside urban centers.
A mortgage for high-value properties that exceed conventional loan limits (varies by location).
PROS:
- Enables purchase of luxury or higher-priced homes
- Customizable terms and flexible loan structures
CONS:
- Higher qualifying standards (credit, cash reserves, lower debt ratios)
- Typically larger minimum down payments and stricter documentation
Bottom Line: Tailored for financially strong buyers purchasing in expensive real estate markets, or those with substantial assets. The right option for executives, investors, and buyers moving up to luxury homes.
A home loan with a fixed interest rate for a set period (e.g., 5/1 ARM), then adjusts at scheduled intervals.
PROS:
- Lower monthly payments than fixed-rate loans
- Can be cost-effective if you sell or refinance before the rate adjusts
CONS:
- Risk of payment increases as rates adjust
- Harder to budget for the long term
Bottom Line: Best for buyers who plan to move, sell, or refinance within a few years—such as growing families relocating, or savvy buyers expecting a short-term residence. Not recommended if you value stability above all.
Have More Questions?
*This information is for educational and estimation purposes only and does not constitute an offer. Please consult a qualified professional for personalized financial advice.
Your Homebuying Journey
1 Get Pre-Approved
Get offer-ready fast by securing your budget and showing sellers you’re serious.
What you’ll do
- Check credit and debt-to-income ratio.
- Provide income, assets, and employment details.
- Receive your pre-approval letter.
How I help
- Connect you with vetted local lenders.
- Ensure pre-approval aligns with your goals.
- Strategize timing to strengthen offers.
2Start Your Home Search
Define your wishlist, choose areas, and line up tours tailored to you.
What you’ll do
- List must-haves vs. nice-to-haves.
- Pick neighborhoods, commute, and schools.
- Save & share favorite listings.
How I help
- Create smart MLS alerts & private tour routes.
- Pre-screen listings for fit and red flags.
- Surface off-market or coming-soon options.
3Attend Showings & Open Houses
Tour top contenders, compare features, and refine your shortlist.
What you’ll do
- Visit homes; note layout, light, and condition.
- Compare neighborhoods at different times of day.
- Rank favorites and sharpen criteria.
How I help
- Spot value drivers and red flags.
- Provide comps and pricing guidance per home.
- Coordinate access, Q&A, and disclosures.
4Make an Offer
Craft a competitive offer and negotiate terms with confidence.
What you’ll do
- Choose price, timeline, and contingencies.
- Send earnest/option money as required.
- Stay responsive for counteroffers.
How I help
- Data-backed pricing & strategic terms.
- Clean, clear contracts and timelines.
- Fast communication to win negotiations.
5Home Inspection & Appraisal
Verify condition and value so you can move forward with clarity.
What you’ll do
- Hire inspector; attend walkthrough.
- Review report & prioritize concerns.
- Coordinate appraisal with your lender.
How I help
- Recommend trusted inspectors & manage access.
- Translate findings into repair/credit options.
- Prep comps to support the appraisal.
6Negotiate Repairs & Contingencies
Resolve issues and lock in final terms that protect your interests.
What you’ll do
- Decide on repair requests vs. credits.
- Track all contingency timelines.
- Sign addenda for any changes.
How I help
- Prioritize safety & big-ticket items.
- Draft clear, reasonable requests sellers accept.
- Keep the deal compliant and on schedule.
7Finalize Your Loan & Paperwork
Clear underwriting, review your Closing Disclosure, and prep for signing day.
What you’ll do
- Upload any updated statements or letters.
- Review & e-sign your Closing Disclosure (CD).
- Bind home insurance & set up utilities.
How I help
- Coordinate with title, lender, and sellers.
- Monitor timelines to reach clear-to-close.
- Prep you for funds & day-of logistics.
8Closing Day
Sign documents, transfer funds, and get your keys — welcome home!
What you’ll do
- Bring ID and closing funds.
- Sign final docs at title office.
- Collect keys & celebrate.
How I help
- Confirm final walkthrough & fixes.
- Coordinate funding & recording.
- Provide post-close support & vendor list.
Your Homebuying Journey
1) Get Pre‑Approved
Get offer‑ready fast by securing your budget and showing sellers you’re serious.
What you’ll do
- Check credit and debt‑to‑income ratio.
- Provide income, assets, and employment details.
- Receive your pre‑approval letter.
How I help
- Connect you with vetted local lenders.
- Ensure pre‑approval aligns with your goals.
- Strategize timing to strengthen offers.
2) Start Your Home Search
Define your wishlist, choose areas, and line up tours tailored to you.
What you’ll do
- List must‑haves vs. nice‑to‑haves.
- Pick neighborhoods, commute, and schools.
- Save & share favorite listings.
How I help
- Create smart MLS alerts & private tour routes.
- Pre‑screen listings for fit and red flags.
- Surface off‑market or coming‑soon options.
3) Attend Showings & Open Houses
Tour top contenders, compare features, and refine your shortlist.
What you’ll do
- Visit homes; note layout, light, and condition.
- Compare neighborhoods at different times of day.
- Rank favorites and sharpen criteria.
How I help
- Spot value drivers and red flags.
- Provide comps and pricing guidance per home.
- Coordinate access, Q&A, and disclosures.
4) Make an Offer
Craft a competitive offer and negotiate terms with confidence.
What you’ll do
- Choose price, timeline, and contingencies.
- Send earnest/option money as required.
- Stay responsive for counteroffers.
How I help
- Data‑backed pricing & strategic terms.
- Clean, clear contracts and timelines.
- Fast communication to win negotiations.
5) Home Inspection & Appraisal
Verify condition and value so you can move forward with clarity.
What you’ll do
- Hire inspector; attend walkthrough.
- Review report & prioritize concerns.
- Coordinate appraisal with your lender.
How I help
- Recommend trusted inspectors & manage access.
- Translate findings into repair/credit options.
- Prep comps to support the appraisal.
6) Negotiate Repairs & Contingencies
Resolve issues and lock in final terms that protect your interests.
What you’ll do
- Decide on repair requests vs. credits.
- Track all contingency timelines.
- Sign addenda for any changes.
How I help
- Prioritize safety & big‑ticket items.
- Draft clear, reasonable requests sellers accept.
- Keep the deal compliant and on schedule.
7) Finalize Your Loan & Paperwork
Clear underwriting, review your Closing Disclosure, and prep for signing day.
What you’ll do
- Upload any updated statements or letters.
- Review & e‑sign your Closing Disclosure (CD).
- Bind home insurance & set up utilities.
How I help
- Coordinate with title, lender, and sellers.
- Monitor timelines to reach clear‑to‑close.
- Prep you for funds & day‑of logistics.
8) Closing Day
Sign documents, transfer funds, and get your keys — welcome home!
What you’ll do
- Bring ID and closing funds.
- Sign final docs at title office.
- Collect keys & celebrate.
How I help
- Confirm final walkthrough & fixes.
- Coordinate funding & recording.
- Provide post‑close support & vendor list.
Your Homebuying Journey
Navigate the path to your dream home with confidence and clarity.
Your Homebuying Journey
Smart Moves Start Here
Your all-in buyer’s guide for San Antonio and the Hill Country—financing essentials, neighborhood insights, and winning offer strategies tailored to help you find, secure, and close on the right home with confidence.
