San Antonio Real Estate: A Comprehensive Guide

By Ciprian Morariu Published: October 19, 2023

Amidst the slowing down of real estate markets in the USA due to the rising interest rates, San Antonio has bucked this trend and remains as strong as ever. 

San Antonio is one of the leading real estate markets in the country. Located in south-central Texas, the city has favorable tax laws, warm weather, and a growing job market. In one hand, properties on the market are taking almost double the time to sell this year. On the other, the median home prices in San Antonio have grown 9.6% year-on-year. 

Inflation and rising interest rates have not affected the housing market in San Antonio which remains stable and competitive. Rising home prices and an attractive renter’s market makes it a strong seller’s market.

Given all these factors, San Antonio is a dream workplace for licensed real estate professionals.

Real Estate License in San Antonio

This post will take you through the various aspects of the San Antonio real estate market and how to become a realtor in San Antonio.   

Key Takeaways

  • Acquiring a Real Estate License in San Antonio
    • Licensing Process in San Antonio
    • The Path to Becoming a Realtor in San Antonio, Texas
    • Online Options for Real Estate Licensing in San Antonio
  • Exploring the San Antonio Area Real Estate Market
    • Characteristics of the San Antonio Real Estate Scene
    • Trends and Developments in San Antonio's Property Market
  • Connecting with Real Estate Agents in San Antonio, Texas
    • Qualities to Look for in a San Antonio Real Estate Agent
    • Top-rated Real Estate Professionals in the Region
  • Steps to Become a Realtor in San Antonio, Texas
    • The Journey from Licensing to Certified Realtor
    • Skills and Traits for Success in San Antonio's Real Estate Scene

Acquiring A Real Estate License in San Antonio

The state licensing board of each state issues licenses to aspiring real estate agents. The process of obtaining a real estate license will be the same regardless of the city or town you are in within the state. 

Getting a Real Estate License in San Antonio – The Stages

Steps for getting a real estate license in San Antonio

  • The basic norms to get a license are being 18 years of age or older, a good moral character, and American working rights.   
  • Fulfill the pre-licensing real estate course hours. For the state of Texas, it is 180 hours of coursework. For prep materials, choose from several state-approved real estate schools and a few on-campus options in the San Antonio area.  

However, most aspiring agents today prefer online courses from TREC-approved education provider. These prep materials are flexible and affordable and you can study from anywhere any time. 

  • After you complete the 180 hours of course work, apply for a license online with the Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC).  
  • The authorities will conduct a background check to confirm that you have a good moral character and a clean past.
  • Sit for the Texas real estate exam and pass the test
  • Choose a Texas broker who will mentor and support you initially. You can join a brokerage after paying the required fees for a desk and office space. Other small expenses might arise from time to time.
  • After a real estate license is issued, you are eligible to deal with buyers and sellers of property. 

Your initial expenses include cost of coursework from a state-approved institute, license fees, and exam fees. 

After becoming a licensed agent, you must go through continuing education for real estate agents in San Antonio, Texas. It will keep you updated with the latest laws and regulations.

The Path to Becoming a Realtor in San Antonio, Texas

Here is a step-by-step guide on how to become a realtor in San Antonio, Texas

Licensed real estate agents who are also members of the National Association of Realtors (NAR) are called Realtors. It is the largest trade association in the USA.

The path to becoming a realtor in San Antonio goes over three steps. First, hold a valid real estate license and actively engage in this industry. Next, you should not have any record of official sanctions against you for unprofessional conduct. Finally, there should not be any recent pending bankruptcy proceedings against you.   

After meeting all these conditions, you must join the National Association of Realtors’ local chapter by paying one-time fees. Pay annual membership fees to continue the status of a realtor. 

Online Options for Real Estate Licensing in San Antonio

Check the process to get a real estate license in San Antonio, TX detailed above. Take online courses to prepare for the licensing exam. After completing the required 180 hours, apply for a license, again online, with the Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC). 

Complete most steps for acquiring a real estate license in Texas, San Antonio online at your convenience.

Real Estate License San Antonio

Exploring the San Antonio Area Real Estate Market

Characteristics of the San Antonio Real Estate Scene

What makes the real estate landscape stand out from other cities in Texas is the low prices. As compared to other cities in the state such as Austen, the housing market and prices are relatively low. Combined with being affordable is the strong job market and the growing economy of the state. When these two are brought together, put your money in real estate in San Antonio for very high returns. 

Investors get attractive rental income from real estate property in San Antonio. Its warm climate, a range of cultural attractions, and a busy downtown area attract people from all walks of society. It is also a top tourist destination in the USA. 

San Antonio’s Property Market – Current Trends and Developments

The real estate scene is slowly on the rebound after the depression during COVID-19. Hence, it is profitable for people planning to sell a secondary home or their primary property.

The San Antonio area real estate market is on a high now. The number of home sales in the city is expected to rise by 2.5%. So will the average price of property by 4.6% in 2023. 

Currently, real estate prices are depressed in San Antonio, Texas. The median price in August for homes for sale was $298,805, a drop of 2.6% over last year. 

These stats show that there is no better time to invest in San Antonio area real estate than now. 

Connecting with Real Estate Agents in San Antonio

Qualities of a San Antonio Real Estate Agent

The qualities of real estate agents in San Antonio, Texas are the same as agents anywhere in the country. These include the power of effective communication and being proactive in keeping the client well-informed. On the client front, they adapt easily to client needs and scrupulously follow the time frame set for them. 

Agents in San Antonio area real estate know the market trends of the city. Hence, they will ensure that clients understand the market to price the property optimally and offer the best prices. Further, real estate agents in San Antonio always keep a tab on the best properties for sale. They will get you the top deals in town through accurate home valuation. 

Top-rated Real Estate Professionals in the Region

What can the top-rated real estate professionals in San Antonio do for you? Stats show that they handle 1.9x more properties than mid-level agents and sell homes 1.5x times faster. Top agents buy homes about 14% off the list price and yet make $13,844 more per year than others.

Among the top real estate professionals in the region are Keller Williams Legacy, RealEstateU, and Alexis Weigand Real Estate Group. They are five-starred and lead the pack but others are no less efficient. 

Steps to Become A Realtor in San Antonio, Texas

The Journey from Licensing to Certified Realtor

The process starts after completing all the steps required to get a real estate license in San Antonio, TX. After you have settled into your job, in a brokerage firm, you can focus on becoming a realtor. 

A real estate agent who is a member of NAR (National Association of Realtors), the largest trade association in the USA is called a realtor.   

Fulfill three conditions to become a realtor in San Antonio, Texas.

  • You must have been actively involved in the industry as a real estate agent.  
  • Must have a clean background without any official sanctions or reprimands for unethical conduct and activity.
  • Must not have any recent or pending cases of bankruptcy

If you meet all these conditions, join the NAR’s local chapter by paying one-time joining fees. Further, pay annual fees to continue as a member. 

Skills and Traits for Success in San Antonio’s Real Estate Scene

Real estate agents in San Antonio, TX, must be aware about the market trends and properties in the area. It is the key to success to personalized and active client service.