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In real estate, the market is usually classified as either a buyer’s or seller ’s market. These two terms simply indicate who has the advantage in the current market. For example, in a buyer’s market, there is more supply than demand...and vice versa in a seller’s market. In March of 2014, Forbes named San Antonio the #3 top seller’s market in the US…and it has only grown stronger in the past year! As more and more people join the housing market, interest rates go down for buyers and prices become more favorable for sellers. For the buyer, this means that competition is greater for each house. This is a good thing because it means that the city’s real estate market is thriving, and people want to live in San Antonio! The most important part of real estate is location! So, where is the market trending? Where is everyone buying? Currently, northern San Antonio is booming with new, up-and-coming neighborhoods, along with some established, thriving areas. The Northwest side in particular is expanding at an exciting rate. Below are some of the bestselling communities in the city. 1. Alamo Ranch | Northwest | $150k-$575k 2. Canyon Springs | North Hwy 281 | $129k-$800k 3. Fair Oaks Ranch | North I-10 | $146k-$600k 4. Northwest Crossing | Northwest | $17k-$178k 5. Sonoma Ranch | Northwest | $244k-$659k

5. What to look for in a

REALTOR®

When buying a home, it’s important that you find a knowledgeable, reputable REALTOR® specific to your needs and personality. You’ll want to ensure that your agent is certified in all the necessary areas. For example, if you’re working with luxury real estate, you might want to check and see if your REALTOR® has experience with upper-tier home sales. Your agent should know the San Antonio area very well so that he or she can help you find the right neighborhood for you. Since San Antonio is quite spread out, there is a lot of ground to cover. If you choose a REALTOR® who isn’t familiar with the city, there’s a real chance you could miss out on the best home for you and your family. Locally sourced realtors will also have connections with local lenders, builders, or others who might need to be involved in your home buying process.

6. How fast are homes selling?

Because the demand for housing in San Antonio is so great right now, the San Antonio Board of Realtors reported that homes sold in May 2015 only stayed on the market an average of 59 days! Homes are selling quickly right now. This means that, if you’re buying a home in the San Antonio real estate market, you might want to act fast. Know what you want and be ready to start the buying process if you feel the time is right. That being said, remember to stay calm and not rush into such an important decision...one of the reasons it’s important to have an experienced REALTOR® on your side who is knowledgeable about the San Antonio area!

7. What do interest rates look like?

Seeing as it’s a seller’s market, interest rates in San Antonio are currently on the low side of the spectrum. According to the San Antonio Economic Development Foundation, these low interest rates have continued to drive forward San Antonio’s real estate market! Each dollar you spend as a buyer goes further than ever before. This only further confirms that your decision to buy a home in San Antonio is a good one.

SHOPPING & DINING

What makes a city a top shopping destination? According to Forbes.com, it’s “options, ease and affordability,” and that esteemed publication places San Antonio in the top ten of America’s 25 Best Cities for Shopping. You’ll have lots of fun whether you’re a bargain hunter, designer diva or window shopper.

Alamo Quarry Market was constructed on the 1908 historic site of the Alamo Cement Company and carries the architectural flavor as many of the old structures are integrated into the center’s design. Follow the smokestacks to San Antonio’s premiere open-air lifestyle center featuring Regal 16Plex Cinemas, more than 75 distinguished stores and a fabulous collection of fine and casual dining. Alamo Quarry Market is located within minutes from the airport or downtown, just off Hwy 281. For additional information visit www.QuarryMarket.com. For a truly unique experience, the New York Times recommends La Villita, a charming “little village” of art galleries, shops and boutiques, steps away from the River Walk and downtown hotels. Handcrafted items available here, many made by local artisans, include copperware, jewelry, pottery, paintings, and textiles. Browse among the fascinating collection of eclectic objets d’art in La Villita’s antique store.

Alamo Quarry Market

255 E. Basse Rd., San Antonio, TX 78209

La Villita Historic Arts Village

La Villita, San Antonio, TX 78205 Have a leisurely lunch and cold drink in one of the cafés, and in the evening, enjoy steaks, seafood or other continental fare at one of the two elegant restaurants in historic buildings overlooking the River Walk.

The rich culture of San Antonio abounds throughout the plazas of Market Square. A three-block outdoor plaza lined with

Market Square - El Mercado

514 W. Commerce, San Antonio, TX 78207

restaurants, shops and produce stands near San Antonio’s city center, Market Square is the largest Mexican market in the U.S. It is one of America’s top -ten outdoor markets according to Frommer’s. Dozens of shops sell everything from hand-embroidered dresses to leather belts. Market Square’s working artists, musicians, dancers and major cultural events give it a rich and lively cultural atmosphere. Visitors browse through 32 shops at “El Mercado,” and 80 specialty shops in the Farmers Market Plaza. Market Square is also the scene of many Hispanic festivals where food and beverage booths spring up alongside Guadalajara lamps while the sounds of mariachi music blends with the excitement of San Antonio locals and tourists.

San Antonio’s internationally acclaimed shopping destination boasts over 200 specialty stores and restaurants, including Saks Fifth Avenue, Apple, Armani Exchange, Michael Kors, GUESS by Marciano and Montblanc and The Cheesecake Factory. Home to the largest cowboy boots in the world. Courtesy shuttle service to North Star is available from most Airport Area Hotels.

Resembling a monolithic glass house teeming with life, Rivercenter Mall blends many of the conveniences of indoor shopping with a genuine outdoor feel. In the heart of the city on the River Walk, the mall is home to an array of shops, restaurants and entertainment venues - including: Macy’s, Morton’s Steakhouse, a movie theater, an IMAX theater and the Rivercenter Comedy Club.

When the summer sun burns bright, continue your River Walk experience indoors at the remodeled and expanded Rivercenter Mall. Scheduled for completion in fall 2015, the mall will host over a hundred shops, restaurants, and recreational activities. New offerings will include Dave & Buster’s, H&M, It’s Sugar candy shop, Jimmy Buffet’s Margaritaville and Yard House modern public house, boasting more than 100 beers on tap and globally-inspired cuisine.

Conveniently located off Interstate 35 between San Antonio and Austin, San Marcos Premium Outlets® features 140 stores including Saks Fifth Avenue Off 5TH, Last Call by Neiman Marcus, Prada, Gucci, Fendi, Victoria’s Secret, Tory Burch, Diane Von Furstenberg, Nike Factory Store, Polo Ralph Lauren, Coach and more all at a savings of 25% to 65% every day.

North Star Mall

7400 San Pedro, San Antonio, TX 78216

Rivercenter Mall

849 E. Commerce St. Ste. 895, San Antonio, TX 78205

San Marcos Premium Outlets

3939 IH-35 South #900, San Marcos, TX 78666