Archive for August, 2011

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August 31, 2011

Top Reasons to Hire a Property Management Company for Your Rental Homes in San Antonio

PROPERTY MANAGEMENT

1. The Rental Criteria & Screening Processes that we use at Zars & Rogers REALTORS® weeds out unqualified or unsuitable tenants.  In this instance, you are provided with responsible individuals or families that are more likely to not only pay their rent on time, but also take care of the property that you have invested in.

2. Rental Properties that are managed by a Property Management Company tend to have lower eviction rates.  With vacancy time being less common, this equates to a higher overall return on investment. Zars & Rogers REALTORS® has systems and processes in place to complete background and credit checks on prospective tenants.

3. In the case that a rental home does become vacant, we utilize numerous resources to effectively market your property to quickly fill the vacancy.  This service includes marketing and showing the property to prospective tenants.  At Zars & Rogers REALTORS® we understand that technology is key & we utilize not only the basics, such as a yard sign & MLS listing, but also the newest forms of internet marketing and social media to attract prospective tenants.

4. Our detailed inspection checklists are utilized before, during, and after tenant occupancy and help to establish the condition of the property before a tenant assumes occupancy, ensure we catch issues before they become more costly, and help hold tenants accountable when the property becomes damaged.  This leads to reduced issues when dealing with security deposit deductions and returns after a tenant vacates the property.

5. You will not have to worry about collecting rent or scheduling repairs.  We will handle all of that for you.  Plus we will provide you with detailed and organized reports of expenses and income…so that you know exactly how profitable your investment is.

5. If you are ever interested in purchasing or selling rental properties to diversify your investment portfolio, Zars & Rogers REALTORS® is happy to help & our Proven Marketing Plan will get your property SOLD!

 

If you are looking to Invest in Rental Properties in San Antonio or currently have Investment Homes in San Antonio, give us a call (210)209-8711 or shoot us an email today so that we can help!

Posted in Properties: Apartments & Rentals | Leave a Comment »

August 30, 2011

Many Major Employers Call San Antonio Home!

Many Major Employers Call San Antonio Home! 

Here are some of the top employers who’s headquarters are right here in San Antonio…providing jobs for our residents!

USAA – Financial/Insurance - Employs 14,852

HEB Food Stores – Supermarket Chain – Employs 14,588

Bill Miller Bar-B-Q – Fast Food Chain – Employs 4,190

Frost – Financial Services – Employs 3,982

Valero Energy – Oil Refinery/Gasoline – Employs 3,777

Southwest Research Institute – Applied research – Employs 3,300

Harland Clarke – Check Printing – Employs 3,100

Clear Chanel Communications, Inc. – Media – Employs 2,800

Cardell Cabinetery – Custom Cabinets – Employs 2,429

Rackspace – IT Managed Hosting – Employs 2,412

Kinetic Concepts, Inc. – Specialty Medical Products – Employs 2,156

Zachry Holding, Inc. – General Contractors – Employs 2,000

NuStar Energy L.P. – Petroleum Pipeline/Terminal Operators – Employs 1,600

American Funds – Financial – Employs 1,500

Taco Cabana – Fast Food Chain – Employs 1,500

CCC Group, Inc. – General Contractors – Employs 900

DPT Laboratories – Pharmaceuticals/Cosmetics – Employs 800

Tesoro – Petroleum – Employs 800

Whataburger – Fast Food Chain – Employs 700

Southwest Business Corporation – Financial/Insurance – Employs 675

Broadway Bank – Financial – Employs 630

All of these great jobs right here in good old San Antone!

This is just another factor that helps keep San Antonio’s Real Estate Market going strong and another factor that keeps bringing new residents to San Antonio!

Let us know if you would like more information on San Antonio Real Estate!

Are you Relocating to San Antonio? Let us help you get to know the area!

Give us a call (210) 209-8711 or shoot us an email today!

Posted in Relocating to San Antonio, San Antonio Headlines | Leave a Comment »

August 29, 2011

Investment Homes in San Antonio, TX

Investment Homes in San Antonio, TX

If you are thinking about purchasing an investment home / rental property, experts say that low home prices combined with exceptionally low interest rates make this the best time in years to become a real-estate investor.

When choosing an investment home, you want to make sure that it is located in an area with a strong & steady real estate market.   San Antonio’s real estate market is currently among the top in the nation.

Another reason that makes right now a great time to own a rental property in San Antonio is that our rental market is booming!  Lenders have tightened up their criteria & down payment requirements and this has pushed many people into being renters instead of buyers.

 

With rental demand up, rental prices have been pushed up as well.  With rental prices up, it is much easier to purchase a property that will cash flow.

Since not all investment properties are the same, it is important to determine what type & price range of property will work best for you.

Whether you are a first-time or an experienced investor, you should work with a real-estate company that is experienced in investment property deals who can help you locate  properties that fit within your strategy.

 

San Antonio has many great areas & communities for investment properties, both pre-owned & new construction.  It is important to choose an area that is highly populated with a high renter pool.  Many other factors are important as well, schools, proximity to shopping & employers, and community amenities.

No matter how you look at it, San Antonio is a great place to invest in a home.

We have helped many investors find properties that fit their investment strategies and have assisted them with the entire process…From finding the right home or homes, negotiating the deal, contracting, closing, marketing the home to prospective renters, signing the lease, to property management.  We are here to help…every step of the way!

Are you considering purchasing an investment property in San Antonio?  Let us help!

Call (210) 209-8711 or shoot us an email today!

 

 

Posted in Buying Tips | Leave a Comment »

August 26, 2011

Great Reasons to Call San Antonio Home – National Recognition

Great Reasons to Call San Antonio Home – National Recognition

So…I was siting at a Title Company yesterday waiting on a client and I was sorting through the magazine selection on the table and picked up the 2011 Relocation Guide published by The San Antonio Chamber of Commerce.  It’s easy to forget sometimes how great we have it here in San Antonio…but I was quickly reminded as I thumbed through the pages…so much great information & statistics about our great city!

One thing that caught my eye was a list of how San Antonio “Measures Up”.  It provided information of National Recognitions that San Antonio has recently received…

# 1 – Best Overall Experience for Visitors (Travels America 2010)

#2 – Best City to Find a Job (Newgeography.com 2010)

#5 – Among Top 100 Places to Live (RelocateAmerica.com 2010)

#5 – Among Top 10 Cities Poised for Economic Recovery (RelocateAmerica.com)

#5  – Among Top 10 Best Cities for Recession Recovery (Forbes 2010)

#14 – Among Top 25 Best-Performing Large Metros (Milken Institute 2010)

#2 – Fastest-Recovering City in America (Forbes 2009)

Also…

Among Best Cities for New College Grads (Bloomberg Businessweek 2010)

Among Top 20 Strongest Performing Metros (Brookings Institution 2010)

Highest Numeric Population Increase Among Texas Cities, 2008-2009 (U.S. Census Bureau 2010)

Among Most Recession-Proof Cities (Forbes 2010)

That some pretty good stuff!

It is no wonder that so many people want to live here in San Antonio & that we see people relocating to San Antonio from all over!

Let us know if you would like more information on San Antonio Real Estate!

Are you Relocating to San Antonio?  Let us help you get to know the area!

Give us a call (210) 209-8711 or shoot us an email today!

Posted in Relocating to San Antonio, San Antonio Headlines | Leave a Comment »

August 24, 2011

San Antonio Leads the Market in Retail Job Growth

What is one of the topics we hear about most these day when we turn on the national news?  Jobs, Jobs, Jobs…And specifically, how there needs to be more of them!

Well, according to a new analysis of U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, San Antonio is doing pretty darn good when it comes to creating new retail jobs!  In fact, San Antonio is among the top cities in the United States!

The study took a look at retail job creation over the past 5 years (2005-2011) and out of the nation’s 100 biggest metropolitan areas, only 14 have more retail jobs today than they did five years ago.  Texas cities claimed the top 4 spots…McAllen, Austin, Houston & San Antonio!

Over the 5 year period, San Antonio added 96,100 retail jobs, which translates to a growth rate of 4.12 percent.

“The retail sector plays a key role in any economic recovery. Here’s the theory: If consumers spend more money, stores and restaurants will hire more workers, and conditions are bound to improve.” (bizjournals.com)

This is just one reason we are continuing to see a steady real estate market here in San Antonio.   Of course it doesn’t hurt that we have fantastic schools, great shopping & dining, and tons of fun stuff for all to enjoy!

Way to go San Antonio!

Let us know if you would like more information on San Antonio Real Estate!

If you have a home to sell in this area, let us provide you with a free market analysis & show you how our proven marketing plan will get your home sold!

Are you Relocating to Stone Oak or North San Antonio?  Let us help you get to know the area!

Give us a call (210) 209-8711 or shoot us an email today!

Posted in National Real Estate News, Relocating to San Antonio, San Antonio Headlines | Leave a Comment »

August 22, 2011

San Antonio River Walk Labor Day Arts & Crafts Show

As San Antonio residents, we sometime forget how fun it can be to head downtown & enjoy all that the San Antonio River Walk has to offer!  Great Restaurants, Shops, Nightlife…

Well, we are going to give you one more reason to act like a tourist…How about a fun arts & Crafts Show?

Friday September 2nd through Monday the 5th is the San Antonio River Walk Labor Day Arts & Crafts Show.

 

“Enjoy a stroll along the picturesque River Walk, stop to talk to our vendors who are anxious to share information about their craft, and take home an item that will enhance your home, wardrobe or garden.

Participating vendors display some of the most unique handmade merchandise available anywhere.

Whether its jewelry, pottery or fine art you are interested in, you are sure to find what you’re looking for!

All shows take place along the River Walk extension, near the Chamber of Commerce, from 11am to 11pm.” (www.thesanantonioriverwalk.com)

The San Antonio River Walk Labor Day Arts & Crafts Show should be a whole lot of fun for the entire family!

 

Posted in San Antonio City Events, Shopping, Dining & Nightlife | Leave a Comment »

August 20, 2011

San Antonio Parade of Homes – September 3-11, 2011

San Antonio Parade of Homes – September 3-11, 2011

“The Parade of Homes is San Antonio’s premier new home event, conducted by the Greater San Antonio Builders Association and presented by CPS Energy to provide ideas and information in an attractive community with a variety of spectacular houses by San Antonio builders.  Each year GSABA varies the Parade site, providing  new and exciting locales for visitors to experience. attendance for touring these fully decorated dream homes during this traditional San Antonio event ranges from 20,000-30,000 guests!” (GSABA)

Where will the Parade of Homes be this year??  Champions Ridge!  That’s right, during the 2011 Parade of Homes, guests will get to tour one of the most prestigious communities in the Stone Oak area in Far North Central San Antonio!  Champions Ridge is a securely gated & guarded, upscale community with estate sized homesites…many with exceptional views of San Antonio!

Champions Ridge is an established community with a great selection of quality built pre-owned homes as well as new construction homes & some of the only remaining estate lots in the sought after Stone Oak area!

As we have previously discussed (Stone Oak Real Estate – San Antonio, TX – Buy, Sell, Rent…), the Stone Oak & Far North San Antonio area is very desirable for its great shopping & restaurants, exemplary rated schools, and its proximity to major employers!

The 2011 Parade of Homes will feature some of San Antonio’s top custom builders including Adam Wilson Custom Homes, Burdick Custom Homes, Dale Sauer Homes, Mike Greenwood Custom Homes, Mike Hollaway Custom Homes, & Sitterle Homes Luxury Collection.

Homes in Champions Ridge range from $500k to over a million.

It is sure to be a great event!

 

Adult Admission is $12 at the gate, but can be pre-purchased at Local Home Depot Locations for $10.

Children ages 5-12 are $8 at the gate (can not be pre-purchased).

Children under 5 are FREE!

 

2011 San Antonio Parade of Homes Schedule

Saturday, September 3 8:30 a.m. -    6:00 p.m.
Sunday, September 4 8:30 a.m. -    6:00 p.m.
Monday, September 5 8:30 a.m. -    6:00 p.m.
Tuesday, September 6 -
REALTOR DAY		 9:00 a.m. -
12:00p.m..		 ONLY LISCENSED SABOR REALTOR MEMBERS WILL
BE PERMITTED DURING THESE HOURS
Tuesday, September 6 3:00 p.m. -    9:00 p.m.
Wednesday, September 7 3:00 p.m. – 9:00  p.m.
Thursday, September 8 3:00 p.m. – 9:00  p.m.
Friday, September 9 12:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. DATE NIGHT – Enjoy the beauty of the
Parade homes at night!
Saturday, September 10 8:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Sunday, September 11 8:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Posted in San Antonio City Events, Stone Oak & North San Antonio | Leave a Comment »

August 19, 2011

Back to School – Tax FREE Weekend 2011

Back to School – Tax FREE Weekend 2011

OK…How many of you are preparing for school starting back this coming Monday, August 22nd?  Getting the kiddos all ready, shopping for school supplies & back-to-school clothes…

Well, if you haven’t gotten all of your shopping done, you are in luck…This weekend is the state’s annual TAX FREE HOLIDAY!  Starting tomorrow, Friday the 19th through Sunday the 21st, you can purchase many items including clothing, backpacks and footwear with no sales tax!  What else can you buy tax-free?  School Supplies!  Certain restrictions on items apply…but here is a list of some of the qualifying items:

Eligible clothing, footwear and backpacks:

• Baby clothes

• Backpacks for use by elementary, secondary students

• Belts with attached buckles

• Boots (cowboy and hiking)

• Caps/hats (baseball, fishing, golf, knitted)

• Coats and wraps

• Diapers, baby and adult

• Dresses

• Gloves (generally)

• Gym suits and uniforms

• Hooded shirts and sweatshirts

• Hosiery

• Jackets

• Jeans

• Jerseys (baseball and football)

• Jogging apparel

• Neckwear and ties

• Pajamas

• Pants and trousers

• Raincoats and ponchos

• Robes

• Shirts

• Shoes (sandals, slippers, sneakers, walking)

• Socks

• Shorts

• Suits, slacks and jackets

• Sweatshirts and sweat suits

• Sweaters

• Swimsuits

• Underclothes

• Work clothes and uniforms

Qualifying school supplies:

• Binders

• Book bags

• Calculators

• Cellophane tape

• Blackboard chalk

• Compasses

• Composition books

• Crayons

• Erasers

• Folders (expandable, pocket, plastic, manila)

• Glue, paste and paste sticks

• Highlighters

• Index cards and boxes

• Legal pads

• Lunch boxes

• Markers

• Notebooks

• Paper, all types

• Pens, pencils, sharpeners, school supply boxes

• Protractors

• Rulers

• Scissors

• Writing tables

(List provided by mysa.com)

So…get your shopping mode on, because the savings start tomorrow!!

Posted in Schools | Leave a Comment »

August 17, 2011

San Antonio Housing Market Statistics – July 2011

San Antonio Housing Market Statistics – July 2011

Summer is typically the Buying & Selling Season and July is historically the busiest real estate month of the year.  July 2011 showed to be no exception!

According to the latest market report released by the San Antonio Board of REALTORS® (SABOR), San Antonio saw an 11%  increase in sales of single-family homes when comparing July 2010 (1519 sales) to July (1680 sales).

Median & Average Home prices did see slight decreases when compared year over year, with median prices currently at $157,000 (4% decrease) and average prices at $194,408 (6% decrease).

Even though prices showed a slight decreases, with the increase in sales and steady growth throughout the year, it is still safe to say that we are steady and that our market is strong.

Another sign that San Antonio’s housing market is strong is our decline in foreclosures.  San Antonio has had 21% fewer foreclosures over the first half of 2011 than we had over the first 6 months of 2010.

San Antonio continues to be a great place to own a home…and a great place to call home!

 

Posted in Housing Market Statistics | Leave a Comment »

August 16, 2011

San Antonio Concerts – August & September 2011

San Antonio Concerts – August & September 2011

Don’t you just hate it when you see a bunch of pics showing up on facebook or twitter of a people enjoying a great concert that is currently going on or that happened the night before…that you didn’t know about?? 

Well…we have decided to start providing a rundown of up-coming concerts here in San Antonio…so that you never miss out!

Here are some great concert events happening here in San Antonio between now & then end of Sepetmber…

There are some pretty Big Ones… KATY PERRY, LIL’ WAYNE, SANTANA, JOURNEY, DEF LEPPARD…

Cowboys DancehallSan Antonio, TX
Thu, 08/18/11
07:00 PM
Cowboys DancehallSan Antonio, TX
Fri, 08/26/11
07:00 PM
Fri, 08/26/11
08:00 PM
Cowboys DancehallSan Antonio, TX
Sun, 09/04/11
04:00 PM
 
 
Freeman ColiseumSan Antonio, TX
Mon, 09/05/11
07:00 PM
AT&T CenterSan Antonio, TX
Wed, 09/07/11
 
 
AT&T CenterSan Antonio, TX
Wed, 09/07/11
07:30 PM
AT&T CenterSan Antonio, TX
Fri, 09/09/11
07:00 PM
AT&T CenterSan Antonio, TX
Sun, 09/11/11
07:00 PM
Cowboys DancehallSan Antonio, TX
Fri, 09/16/11
07:00 PM
Sat, 09/17/11
08:00 PM
 
 
Tue, 09/20/11
08:00 PM
AT&T CenterSan Antonio, TX
Wed, 09/21/11
07:00 PM
AT&T CenterSan Antonio, TX
Sat, 09/24/11
Find Tickets »on Partner Site
AT&T CenterSan Antonio, TX
Sat, 09/24/11
07:30 PM
Mon, 09/26/11
07:30 PM
 
 
Freeman ColiseumSan Antonio, TX
Tue, 09/27/11
07:30 PM
AT&T CenterSan Antonio, TX
Fri, 09/30/11
08:00 PM

Posted in San Antonio City Events | Leave a Comment »

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