Explore Austin

Explore Austin's local lifestyle, culture and real estate. Be in the know with local guides, things to do, best places to eat and more.

Realty San Antonio’s Guide to Touring and Assessing Properties

Buying a new home involves exploring various properties, envisioning your future, and ultimately finding the place you'll call home. When it comes to touring properties, there are several important factors to consider that can greatly influence your decision-making process. Here's a comprehensive guide to ensure you make the most out of your property tours.

 

Be Mindful of Surveillance

In the age of advanced technology, it's important to recognize that the properties you tour might be equipped with surveillance systems. While it's natural to want to share your thoughts and impressions in real time, saving your comments is advisable until you're off the premises. Assume that you're being recorded during the tour, and refrain from discussing your…

The Best Hispanic-owned Restaurants in San Antonio

The Fruteria

Chef Johnny Hernandez, the visionary behind The Fruteria-Botanero, is celebrated for his innovative interpretation of traditional Mexican flavors. As the president of Grupo La Gloria and True Flavors Inc., he's a leading authority on Mexican cuisine and culture. His culinary journey began with the acclaimed La Gloria in 2010 and has since evolved into a diverse portfolio of signature restaurants and culinary projects. Born into a Mexican-American community, Hernandez's culinary path led him to the Culinary Institute of America in New York. After honing his skills at exclusive resort destinations, he returned to San Antonio in 1994, launching True Flavors Catering and earning national recognition. Influenced by extensive travels throughout…

San Antonio & South Texas Development | The Front Porch Podcast with Gabe Richter | Episode 3 | Rebecca Viagran

In this episode of The Front Porch Podcast, host Gabe Richter, CEO of Realty Austin | Realty San Antonio delves into the dynamic landscape of South Texas and its thriving business environment with Rebecca Viagran, CEO of the South Texas Business Partnership.

Together, they explore the keys to economic growth, uncovering innovative strategies that are fueling South Texas's transformation into a business powerhouse. They also shine a spotlight on the region's remarkable workforce development initiatives, shedding light on the opportunities for professionals and entrepreneurs alike.

 

But that's not all - Rebecca Viagran and Gabe Richter delve into the critical role of small businesses in shaping the region's economic future. They discuss how…

How to File for Your Homestead Exemption

If you’re thinking a homestead is just a fancy way of saying house, you’re partially right. This exemption is a way to give homeowners that qualify a tax break. Though the exemption process might seem complicated, it’s definitely worth your while to file. 

WHAT IS A HOMESTEAD EXEMPTION

A homestead exemption is a tax exemption for your property, and it works by lowering your taxable amount. Say you have a home that is worth $300,000, and you qualify for a $20,000 homestead exemption. This makes it so that you’re only paying taxes on your property as if it were worth $280,000. By removing part of your home’s value from taxation, you potentially save thousands of dollars a year.

A homestead can be a separate structure, condominium, or a manufactured…

San Antonio Housing Market Report July 2023

In the ever-evolving San Antonio housing market, staying up-to-date with the latest trends and market conditions is crucial for both buyers and sellers. By partnering with experienced agents and understanding the data, you can make informed decisions that align with your goals.

 

The San Antonio real estate market has shown impressive durability even as mortgage rates rise. Through there was a 6% decrease in closed listings compared to last month, the market's stability since July 2022 is a positive sign. As things even out, potential buyers might expect a more stable environment, offering a good opportunity for those who've been unsure about buying. This blog takes a closer look at the current trends and gives a glimpse into San Antonio's housing…

Austin Housing Market Report July 2023

In the ever-evolving Austin housing market, staying up-to-date with the latest trends and market conditions is crucial for both buyers and sellers. By partnering with experienced agents and understanding the data, you can make informed decisions for your future.

 

The Austin real estate market has shown impressive durability even as mortgage rates rise. Though there was a slight 0.6% increase in closed listings compared to last year, the market's stability since July 2022 is a positive sign. As things even out, potential buyers might expect a more stable environment, offering a good opportunity for those who've been unsure about buying. This blog takes a closer look at the current trends and gives a glimpse into Austin's housing future.

 

Why Home Pricing Matters: How to Get it Right

One critical factor influencing successful property sales is the skill of setting the right prices. Understanding the connection between pricing strategies and market dynamics can be the difference between a swift sale and a property lingering on the market. In this post, we'll explore the profound impact of accurately pricing homes in Austin's real estate market, supported by data-driven insights.

 

The Power of Proper Pricing

The sensitivity of the real estate market to pricing is no secret. Recent data reveals that nearly 9 out of 10 homes sold in Austin required a price change in the past month. This statistic emphasizes the importance of comprehending market nuances and aligning a property's price with its actual value.

 

Faster Sales…

Mortgage Programs and Strategies | The Front Porch Podcast with Gabe Richter | Episode 2 | Max Leaman

In this episode of The Front Porch Podcast, host Gabe Richter, CEO of Realty Austin | Realty San Antonio delves into the dynamic world of mortgages with Max Leaman, CEO of LoanPeople.

Max delves into various mortgage strategies gaining prominence, tailored to first-time home buyers, renovation enthusiasts, and those seeking innovative approaches. Discover how to leverage buyer purchasing power, optimize mortgage insurance payments, and incorporate future renovations into loans.

 

Looking ahead, Gabe Richter and Max Leaman peer into the future, sharing forecasts for the second half of the year and beyond. With their insights, you'll be equipped to make informed decisions and navigate the evolving mortgage landscape.

 

The Front Porch…

Home Shopping with Confidence: A Guide to Assessing Your Needs

Are you ready to take the exciting step towards homeownership? Finding the perfect home that meets your needs and suits your lifestyle can be a thrilling yet complex journey. In this guide, we'll walk you through the process of evaluating your home-buying needs and offer insights into various types of properties, from resale homes to new constructions and more. With our expert advice, you'll be well-equipped to make informed decisions and find your home.

 

Resale Homes and For Sale By Owner Homes

Resale homes represent the traditional route for most homebuyers. Our team of local agents will assist you in navigating through the multitude of options available in the resale market. We understand that your home isn't just an investment; it's where…

Relocation Guide

If you are considering a move to the San Antonio area, we have a free 68 page San Antonio Relocation Guide that is an invaluable resource. This comprehensive guide has information on Major Employers, Public Schools and Ratings, Private Schools, Pre-Schools and Day Care Centers, Colleges and Universities, Places of Worship, Healthcare Providers and many others.

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