Your San Antonio Realtor for Buying a Home
Buyers Agent - San Antonio Area
From your first home search to the closing table, we'll help you understand your options, evaluate properties, negotiate your purchase, and navigate the transaction. Call us at (210) 788-1034 or email us at aaron@samsonestop.com to schedule your free consultation!
Are you interested in buying a house? Let us serve as your dedicated Realtor and Real Estate Agent to help you identify your needs, and then work to find the right property at the right price within the San Antonio area. Click the below link to check out our home buyer's handbook that provides an overview of the home buying process:
What We Do for Home Buyers
Understand Your Goals
We'll discuss your budget, financing, desired location, lifestyle, property type, and priorities.
Help You Find Properties
We'll help identify homes that fit your criteria and provide guidance as you compare options.
Evaluate the Property
We'll help you consider factors such as price, condition, location, comparable properties, taxes, HOA considerations, and potential concerns.
Write & Negotiate the Offer
When you're ready to make an offer, we'll help you understand the terms and negotiate on your behalf.
Navigate the Contract
We'll help coordinate the transaction and keep you informed about important deadlines and requirements.
Get You To Closing
We'll help you work through the remaining steps leading to your final walkthrough and closing.
Your Home-Buying Journey
Initial Consultation
Tell us what you're looking for.
Determine Your Budget
Discuss financing, cash purchase options, down payment and estimated monthly costs.
Get Pre-Approved
If financing, obtain appropriate pre-approval before seriously shopping.
Search for Homes and Tour Properties
Identify properties matching your criteria. Visit homes you're interested in.
Make an Offer
We'll help you understand the offer terms and negotiate.
Contract & Due Diligence
Complete inspections, financing, appraisal and other required steps.
Final Walkthrough
Confirm the property is ready for closing.
Closing
Sign your documents and receive the keys.
HOME-BUYING PROCESS OVERVIEW
FINANCING OPTIONS: TYPES OF LOANS
(click each type to expand)
- Guaranteed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), VA loans are for eligible members of the U.S. military (active duty, veterans, National Guard and Reservists) as well as surviving spouses. There’s no minimum down payment, mortgage insurance or credit score requirement, but you’ll need to pay a funding fee ranging from 1.25 percent to 3.3 percent at closing.
- Typical Down Payment = 0%
- Typical Loan Term Offered = 15 years - 30 years
- Typical Minimum Credit Score = 620 (varies by lender)
- Insured by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA), FHA loans can be had with a credit score as low as 580 and a 3.5 percent down payment, or a score as low as 500 with 10 percent down. FHA loans also require you to pay mortgage insurance premiums, adding to your costs.
- Typical Down Payment = 3.5% to 20%
- Typical Loan Term Offered = 15 years - 30 years
- Typical Minimum Credit Score = 580 (varies by lender)
- Conventional mortgages are loans not backed by the federal government. To qualify, borrowers generally need good credit, stable employment, and a down payment. These loans often come with lower interest rates and do not require private mortgage insurance (PMI) if you can provide a down payment of at least 20%. Conventional mortgages are versatile and suitable for primary residences, second homes, and investment properties.
- Typical Down Payment = 5% to 20%
- Typical Loan Term Offered = 15 years - 30 years
- Typical Minimum Credit Score = 620 (varies by lender)
- USDA-insured loans are guaranteed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and are designed to promote homeownership in rural areas. These loans require no down payment and offer low mortgage insurance premiums, making them an attractive option for low- to moderate-income buyers. To qualify, the property must be located in a designated rural area, and borrowers must meet income limits that vary by region and household size.
- Typical Down Payment = 0%
- Typical Loan Term Offered = 15 years - 30 years
- Typical Minimum Credit Score = 660 (varies by lender)
- Income/Revenue Supporting Documents
- Personal & Business Tax Returns (2 Years)
- W-2s & 1099s (2 Years)
- Pay Stubs (3-6 Months)
- Supporting Documentation For Supplemental Income (retirement, child support, SSI, disability, etc.)
- Assets Supporting Documents
- Bank Statements (3-6 Months)
- 401k or Retirement Account Statements (3-6 Months)
- Brokerage Account Statements (3-6 Months)
- Other Asset Supporting Documents
- Other Required Supporting Documents
- Copy of Unexpired Drivers License
- Social Security Card
- List of Addresses For Past 2-5 Years
- Student Loan Statements (if applicable)
- Recorded Divorce Decree
- Bankruptcy Documents
- Collections Or Judgement Documents
- Any Info Pertaining To Pending Lawsuits
How Much Home Can You Afford?
Your purchase price isn't the only cost to consider. Buyers should consider:
- Down payment
- Principal and interest
- Property taxes
- Homeowners insurance
- HOA fees
- Mortgage insurance, when applicable
- Utilities
- Maintenance
- Closing costs
- Potential repairs
Before you fall in love with a home, let's make sure the overall cost fits your budget.
HOUSE CHARACTERISTICS TO CONSIDER:
(click each type to expand)
- Single Family Home
- Duplex
- Triplex
- Quadplex
- Townhouse
- Condo
- Move-In Ready
- Fixer Upper - Will Need Some Cosmetic TLC
- Extensive Rehab and Remodeling Needed
- # of Bedrooms
- # of Bathrooms
- # of Stories
- Desired Square Footage
- Desired Lot Size
- Garage Needs (attached, detached, off-street, street)
- Yard Needs
- Pool/Spa
- HOA (yes or no)
- Type of Foundation (slab or pier & beam)
- Type of Air Conditioning (central AC, mini splits, etc.)
- Type of Heating Source (Gas, Electric)
- Desired Neighborhood Amenities
- Desired Area
- Desired Zip Codes
- Desired School District
- Desired Elementary School
- Desired Middle School
- Desired High School
- Maximum Budget (max total offer price)
- Maximum Initial Monthly Mortgage Payment Amount
- Leave room to anticipate increases to escrow within the monthly mortgage payment
- Maximum Amount Available For Closing Costs
First-Time Home Buyers
Buying your first home can feel overwhelming. You don't have to figure it out alone.
We can help you understand the process from:
"I think I'm ready to buy"
through:
"Here are the keys to my new home."
We'd be more than glad to explain the following terms and guide you through these related items within your home-buying journey:
- Pre-approval
- Down payment
- Closing costs
- Home search
- Offer
- Inspection
- Appraisal
- Financing
- Closing
Buying a Home as a Veteran or Military Member
As a USAF veteran, I understand that military buyers may have unique questions about buying a home, location, PCS moves and VA financing.
We can help you navigate the real-estate side of your purchase and connect you with appropriate resources for financing questions.
Buying New Construction?
New construction can be very different from purchasing an existing home.
Consider:
- Builder incentives
- Base price vs. upgrades
- Lot premiums
- HOA
- Estimated property taxes
- Construction timelines
- Warranty
- Builder contracts
- Inspections
- Financing incentives
Even when buying from a builder, you may benefit from having your own buyer representation.
Should You Get a Home Inspection?
A professional home inspection can help identify potential issues that may not be obvious during a showing. Depending on the property, buyers may also consider specialized inspections such as:
- Foundation
- Termite/pest
- Sewer
- Pool
- HVAC
- Roof
- Plumbing
- Electrical
Inspection needs may vary by property.
Helping You Make a Smart Offer
An offer isn't simply about the purchase price. Depending on the situation, buyers may need to consider:
- Purchase price
- Earnest money
- Option/termination provisions
- Financing
- Closing date
- Seller concessions
- Repairs
- Contingencies
- Personal property
- Other contract terms
We'll help you understand the terms of the offer before you make your decision.
Why Buy With Sams Realty Group?
Local San Antonio Knowledge: We understand the market where we live and work.
Experienced Representation: You'll have a licensed Texas real estate professional helping you navigate the transaction.
Practical Guidance: We focus on helping you understand your options—not simply getting you into a house.
One-Stop Support: Our broader business also provides insurance, loan servicing, business consulting, and other real-estate-related services.
Let Us Help You Find Your Next Home!
Contact us via phone at (210) 788-1034, or via email at aaron@samsonestop.com. We'd love to speak with you to answer any questions you may have, or to schedule a free consultation to discuss how we can help you on your real estate journey!
Important Forms and Notices
Link To Information About Brokerage Services (IABS): IABS Form - Aaron Sams
Link To Consumer Protection Notice (CPN): CN 1-5_0