Is It Hard to Sell a House in San Antonio?

Overview of the San Antonio Real Estate Market

San Antonio’s population growth drives the demand for housing, and its promise of job opportunities continues to attract new residents, especially Gen Zers.

Local television station, KENS 5, reports that the city had close to 19,000 new residents in 2022.

With its various amenities, including good public schools, low crime rates, a vibrant food scene, low tax rates, and diverse cultural offerings, it’s no wonder that more people keep flocking to this sought-after area.

The current housing market in the Alamo City is displaying some interesting trends. Recently, the number of homes for sale has risen significantly by more than 20% from 2023. 

Since the number of homes for sale has risen in this area, buyers, including cash home buyers, have many more choices. Sellers need to make their homes more appealing in terms of price and appearance to stand a chance in the market. 

Neighborhood-Specific Analysis

With homes spending an average of 45 days on the market, San Antonio homeowners wishing to sell might need to be patient and strategic in their pricing and marketing efforts. 

But what role does each specific neighborhood play, and what are the current market trends? Let’s have a look at a comparative market analysis when it comes to your home’s location:

Alamo Heights

Alamo Heights is a desirable neighborhood known for its high quality of life, excellent schools, and charming environment, making it an attractive location for buyers. 

The real estate market is currently somewhat competitive. 

The median home price in this neighborhood is currently $1.1M, showing an increase of 38% from last year.

Recent Market Trends and Average Time on the Market

Homes in Alamo Heights now sell much faster than before, with the average property spending just 34 days on the market, down from 42 days last year. 

This quick turnover points to a high buyer interest and a competitive market. 

The rapid increase in home prices and the reduced time on the market means sellers can expect quicker sales and multiple offers for their properties.

However, despite the high demand, homes tend to sell for about 6% below the list price, so sellers need to price their homes slightly below market value to attract prospective buyers. 

Stone Oak

Selling a house in Stone Oak offers a mix of opportunities and challenges. It’s a great neighborhood with attractive amenities, good schools, and a comfortable suburban environment. 

Although the current median listing home price in this area is $495, showing a slight decrease from last month, it’s still a buyer’s market.

Recent Market Trends and Average Time on the Market

Homes in this neighborhood sell relatively quickly, averaging 42 days on the market. 

The market remains balanced despite this slight increase compared to 2023 and recent months. Neither the buyer nor the seller is holding a significant advantage.

The balanced market means there will be many interested buyers, making it likely that homes will sell at or near their asking price. 

Meanwhile, with the trend of increasing days on the market, sellers might need some patience and possibly make some strategic improvements to their homes in order to speed things up and attract potential buyers.

Downtown San Antonio

With its urban feel, Downtown San Antonio is a great neighborhood for those who love arts and culture, history, nightlife, and city living 

With a greater supply than demand for houses, the real estate market in this area is less competitive than in other neighborhoods. 

In May 2024, homes sold for a median price of $635K, a 23.3% increase from last year.

Recent Market Trends and Average Time on the Market

Homes are taking longer to sell. So, while prices are climbing, buyer interest and competition remain low.

Due to the increase in median days on the market compared to last year, the median sale price has risen sharply in recent months. 

In this buyer’s market, sellers can still find motivated buyers who are willing to negotiate, especially if their property is well-presented and competitively priced. 

Sellers have to capitalize on Downtown San Antonio’s urban appeal instead and target buyer demographics that are particularly seeking city living. 

However, with homes taking an average of 133 days to sell, homeowners must be prepared for a potentially long selling process. The surplus of available homes also means less competition among buyers, making it harder to secure offers quickly.

The Dominion

One of the best-guarded subdivisions in San Antonio, The Dominion is a great choice for buyers looking for upscale living. With 3 public schools rated good or higher by GreatSchools and a short drive to Six Flags Fiesta, this neighborhood is a great suburban area for families.

Currently the market in The Dominion is not very competitive, and homes tend to stay on the market for a long time.

The median sale price for a home in this luxurious neighborhood was $1.1M last month, reflecting a modest increase of 14% from the previous year. 

Recent Market Trends and Average Time on the Market

Homes in this area typically sell after about 54 days on the market, showing an increased trend for median days on the market compared to 2023 and last month. 

Since it is a buyer’s market, sellers may face more competition and potentially a longer time to secure a buyer. 

Moreover, the buyers in this expensive neighborhood may be more price-sensitive, which makes competitive pricing and property presentation all the more important. 

These buyers will also have high expectations for property condition and features, so sellers must ensure that their homes are in top-notch condition to attract serious offers.

Terrell Hills

Terrell Hills is known for its charming, established community and desirable location, mainly attracting buyers looking for a prestigious neighborhood. 

With a less competitive market, selling a house in this neighborhood is a game of patience and strategy.

The median sale price of a home in Terrell Hills is currently $564K, reflecting a significant 15.8% drop from last year. 

This decrease means sellers must be realistic about their pricing to attract buyers. 

Recent Market Trends and Average Time on the Market

Homes typically stay on the market for about 42 days, a decrease from previous months but still higher than last year.

Since Terrell Hills is experiencing a buyer’s market, sellers must remain patient while searching for buyers. 

People are more selective and prefer well-priced, quality homes, which can be a huge selling point for properties that are competitively priced and in good condition.

Monte Vista

Monte Vista is one of the most upscale, prominent neighborhoods in San Antonio. It is very appealing to buyers looking to become part of a small community. The commute to downtown takes only a few minutes, making this area a perfect choice for city professionals.

Monte Vista’s real estate market is quite competitive right now, leaning heavily toward buyers. 

Despite the challenges, there IS a bright spot: the median home price in Monte Vista has increased significantly, rising 10.5% over the past year to $663K. 

Sellers need to stay ahead with proper pricing and ensure their homes are in great condition. The abundance of available homes has shifted the market dynamics, giving buyers more negotiating power. 

Recent Market Trends and Average Time on the Market

On average, homes in this neighborhood sell for about 2% below their list price, so sellers may need to be flexible with their pricing.

Although the trend for median days on the market has decreased since last month, it is still slightly higher than last year. Typically, homes take about 83 days to go pending, which can feel like a long and uncertain wait for sellers.

Substantial appreciation of property values can be a strong incentive for sellers to maximize their investments.

Factors Affecting Home Sales in Different Neighborhoods

The various neighborhoods in the San Antonio area each have their own unique characteristics that influence home sales. These factors include:

Location

Homes that are close to city centers, major highways, and public transportation tend to be more desirable because they offer greater convenience for commuting, shopping, and accessing services. 

Downtown San Antonio, for example, is one of the most transit-friendly neighborhoods, while Terrell Hill has easy access to key city locations via major highways.

Amenities

The presence of parks, shops, and restaurants in a neighborhood provides lifestyle benefits that attract potential buyers who are looking for a vibrant living environment. 

Terrell Hills is one of the best places to live, with its rural feel and plenty of bars, restaurants, coffee shops, and parks.

Reputation

Safe, friendly, and well-maintained areas are much more desirable, while neighborhoods with negative perceptions, such as high crime rates or poor upkeep, may struggle to attract interest. 

Monte Vista, for example, is a small and well-kept town. Downtown San Antonio and Alamo Heights are two of the most secure neighborhoods in San Antonio.

School Districts

For families, the quality of local schools is often a top priority. Homes in areas with highly rated schools like Alamo Heights usually sell for higher prices because parents want to ensure good education opportunities for their children.

Community Services

Access to community services like libraries, healthcare facilities, and public transportation can greatly improve the quality of life for residents. 

According to new research by Healthgrades, Methodist Hospital Stone Oak ranks in the top five percent for patient safety.

Role of Local Zoning Laws and Future Developments

Strict residential zoning helps preserve neighborhood appeal by controlling development and maintaining community aesthetics. 

Upcoming infrastructure projects and commercial developments are driving factors of housing demand. 

Community-focused projects, such as more green spaces, better facilities, etc., raise housing demand, while disruptive projects can deter buyers.

Tips for Selling Your House in San Antonio

Selling your house in San Antonio can be a rewarding experience, whether you decide to make some repairs beforehand or market your home as is.

Ashley Massey, global real estate advisor and author of “Fast Track Agent,” says, “We’ve got our major cities Austin, San Antonio, Dallas, Houston, and it’s really just bringing a lot of people in with new job opportunities and new ways of life.”

If you want to stand out in the local market, follow these basic tips to attract some of these potential financed or cash buyers: 

Make Necessary Repairs

Fix any noticeable issues such as leaky faucets, cracked tiles, or broken windows. Small repairs can make a big difference in how buyers perceive your home’s overall condition. Consider hiring a professional cleaning service to ensure every corner is spotless, including carpets, windows, and baseboards.

Research the Market

Understand the current market conditions in San Antonio. Look at recent sales of similar homes in your neighborhood to gauge a realistic price range. In a buyer’s market, pricing your home slightly below similar listings can attract more interest and potentially spark a bidding war. In a seller’s market, you have more freedom to price the property higher.

Use Social Media

Promote your listing on social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Targeted ads can reach potential buyers based on their location and interests. Using high-quality images in your posts and offering virtual tours can make your listing further stand out online and attract more viewers.

Work with a Local Real Estate Agent

An experienced real estate agent who knows the San Antonio market can provide valuable insights and help you develop a marketing strategy tailored to your neighborhood. They can also use their extensive network to find potential buyers for your San Antonio home.

Conclusion

With the right approach, selling a house in San Antonio can be a smooth and successful process. By preparing your home thoroughly, pricing it appropriately, and marketing it strategically, you can attract the right buyers and achieve a favorable sale.

Understanding your specific market and being flexible in your approach will enhance your chances of success. Embrace the selling process confidently and make informed decisions to maximize your home’s potential.

If you’re looking for a hassle-free experience and want to sell your San Antonio home quickly, contact our team at A-List Properties. A-List Properties. Our compassion and experience set us apart from all other real estate agents. We buy houses for cash in any condition. Save money and contact us today. We can even help with the moving process.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How competitive is the San Antonio housing market right now?

San Antonio’s market is currently quite competitive, as it leans more toward the buyer’s favor. Sellers need to put in extra effort to ensure their property is noticed by interested buyers. 

What factors affect home sales in San Antonio?

Key factors that affect home sales in San Antonio include location, amenities, reputation, school districts, crime rates, community services, zoning laws, and future developments

What are some popular neighborhoods to consider in San Antonio?

San Antonio has several neighborhoods with favorable real estate markets, such as Alamo Heights, Stone Oak, Downtown San Antonio, The Dominion, Terrell Hills, and Monte Vista.