Everything you need to eliminate stress from your next move. Affordable moving, packing, and unpacking on residential, commercial, local, and long-distance moves.
The main focus of the company has always been great personal service and attention to detail. We differentiate ourselves from other moving companies for the following reasons:
We are an independently owned moving company based out of McAllen, Texas. In addition to being a full-service moving company serving local and statewide moves, Chapa’s Moving Service offers packaging, loading, and unloading for our clients who prefer to move themselves.
Thinking about buying a home in San Antonio? Whether you’re relocating to the Alamo City or you're a longtime resident ready for homeownership, the home-buying process can feel overwhelming. Home buyers in San Antonio face a competitive and fast-moving market, with interest rates that are likely to remain high.
The good news? The median home price is just $250,000, well below the U.S. median of $425,000. There are also programs that can help make homeownership more accessible.
This complete guide will walk you through how to buy a house in San Antonio TX, from setting a budget and getting pre-approved to closing on your dream home.
How to Buy a House in San Antonio TX - Steps to Buying a Home in San Antonio
Ready to jump into the process of buying a home in San Antonio? Here are the basic steps for San Antonio home buyers.
Step #1. Set a Budget for a Home in San Antonio TX
The first step in buying a home in San Antonio is knowing what you can afford. San Antonio’s real estate market is more affordable than other major Texas cities like Austin or Dallas. However, prices can still vary widely depending on the neighborhood, property type, and home size.
Start by reviewing your income, expenses, debts, and savings to get a clear picture of your financial health. Mortgage lenders generally recommend keeping your total monthly housing payment - which includes the mortgage, taxes, homeowner's insurance, PMI, and HOA fees - at or below 28-30% of your gross monthly income.
What should you expect to pay when buying a home in San Antonio TX? The median home price is $250,000. In desirable areas, expect to pay more. The median price is $523,000 in Stone Oak, $400,000 in Alamo Ranch and North San Antonio, and $597,000 in Downtown San Antonio.
Don't overlook the suburbs while house hunting! Here are median prices in popular San Antonio suburbs:
Explore First Time Home Buyer Programs in San Antonio
As a San Antonio first time home buyer, you may qualify for a program that puts homeownership within reach. Here are programs for first time buyers buying a home in San Antonio.
Consider Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI) & Other Hidden Costs
Many first time buyers in San Antonio focus on the price of the home. Don't let additional costs catch you off guard.
Hidden costs of buying a home in San Antonio include:
Mortgage insurance. With a conventional loan, you'll pay monthly private mortgage insurance (PMI) premiums if you put down less than 20%. These premiums are usually 0.22% to 2.25% of your mortgage amount per year. USDA and FHA loans have similar mortgage insurance premiums based on your down payment.
Property taxes. The average property tax rate in Bexar County is 2.2%. That means an average annual tax bill of $5,500 with a median home value of $250,000.
Homeowners insurance. You'll pay an average of $2,700 per year for $300,000 in dwelling coverage in San Antonio. That's far lower than the Texas average but higher than the national average.
Flood insurance. San Antonio is prone to flooding. Texans pay $800 per year on average for flood insurance.
HOA fees. If you're buying a home in San Antonio in an HOA, expect to pay about $100 to $350 per month.
Closing costs. These costs are usually 2% to 5% of the home’s purchase price and include fees for the lender, title company, appraisals, inspections, and more.
Repairs and maintenance. Older properties or fixer-uppers may require immediate attention, especially if you're buying a home in San Antonio for your growing family. A common guideline is to set aside 1% of your home's value per year for maintenance and unexpected repairs.
Step #2. Get Pre-Approved for a Home Loan
Once you’ve set a budget, the next step in buying a home in San Antonio is getting pre-approved for a mortgage. A pre-approval is a written estimate from a lender stating how much you're eligible to borrow based on your income, credit score, debt, and financial history. It’s not just helpful: it’s essential in today’s competitive market.
Getting pre-approved gives you a clear spending limit, so you can focus your home search on properties you will likely be approved to buy. It also shows sellers that you’re a serious, qualified buyer.
To get started, you’ll need to provide your lender with financial documents such as tax returns, W-2s, pay stubs, bank statements, and permission to check your credit. Compare offers from several lenders to find the best interest rate and loan terms. San Antonio has a variety of local and national lenders, so take the time to explore your options and choose the one that fits your needs best.
What Are the Basic Requirements for Buying a Home in San Antonio?
You'll want to make sure you qualify for a mortgage before you begin the pre-approval process. Here are the basic requirements to meet before buying a home in San Antonio.
Credit score of 620 or higher. There are some exceptions, such as an FHA loan, which allows much lower credit scores with a higher down payment. To secure the best interest rates, you will need a score of 740 or higher.
Debt-to-income (DTI) ratio no higher than 36-43%. With a conventional mortgage, you may need a DTI ratio no higher than 36%. A larger DTI ratio is allowed with FHA home loans or conventional loans with a larger down payment or excellent credit.
Income to afford repayment. You will need sufficient income to pay your housing costs and stay within the allowed debt-to-income ratio. W2 wages, disability benefits, retirement income, rental income, and self-employment income can all qualify.
Proof of steady employment. Typically, lenders want you to have steady employment for at least two years with the same job title or employer.
History of rent payments. A lender may request proof of on-time rent payments for the previous 12 months. This is more common for applicants with limited credit history.
Down payment. The minimum down payment varies by mortgage program. VA home loans and USDA mortgages allow you to put 0% down. FHA mortgages require at least 3.5% down. A conventional home loan requires at least 3% down. With a jumbo loan that exceeds conforming loan limits, you need at least 10%.
Source of funds. You must show proof of funds used for closing costs and the down payment, such as three months' of bank statements.
Gift letter, if applicable. If you are using gifted money for the down payment, you must provide a gift letter that states the money is not a loan, the amount gifted, and the relationship between you and the gifter.
Adequate reserves. You must show sufficient reserve funds to pay for closing costs and other costs of buying a house in San Antonio.
Mortgage Options in Texas
When buying a home in San Antonio, understanding your mortgage options can help you choose the loan that best fits your budget, credit, and long-term goals. Texas offers a variety of loan programs to suit different needs, whether you’re a first-time buyer, ready to downsize, or buying a second home.
Here are the main types of mortgage loans available in Texas:
Conventional loans. Offered by private lenders, these loans are ideal for buyers with good credit and a stable income. You’ll typically need a down payment of at least 3–5%, and PMI is required if you put down less than 20%.
FHA loans. Backed by the Federal Housing Administration, FHA loans are designed for buyers with lower credit scores or smaller down payments. You can qualify with as little as 3.5% down, but you’ll pay mortgage insurance for the life of the loan.
VA loans. Available to eligible veterans, active-duty service members, and some military spouses, VA loans require no down payment and no PMI. These are a great option for those who qualify.
Texas Veterans Land Board (VLB) loans. This state program offers low-interest home loans to qualified Texas veterans. Unlike a VA loan, it can be used for a home improvement loan or land purchase.
USDA loans. Designed for buyers in rural or suburban areas, USDA loans offer 100% financing with low interest rates and reduced mortgage insurance. Some outer parts of the San Antonio metro may qualify.
Jumbo Loans. If you’re buying a high-value property in San Antonio that exceeds conforming loan limits ($806,500 in 2025), you probably need a jumbo loan. These loans have stricter credit and income requirements.
If you are a first time buyer or low- to moderate-income buyer, you may qualify for special home loan programs when buying a home in San Antonio.
Step #3. Go House Hunting for San Antonio Homes With a Real Estate Agent
Once you're pre-approved, it’s time for the most exciting part of buying a home in San Antonio: house hunting! A real estate agent will guide you through the process, help you find the right property, and negotiate a purchase agreement on your behalf.
Realtors who specialize in San Antonio TX homes know the local market inside and out. They can recommend the best neighborhoods based on your budget, lifestyle, and priorities, whether you're looking for top-rated schools or proximity to work.
Your agent will also schedule showings, provide insights about property values, and help you compare listings.
Step #4. Submit an Offer on a House
After finding the perfect home, the next step in buying a home in San Antonio is submitting an offer. Your real estate agent will help you write a competitive offer based on recent sales in the area, the home’s condition, and current market trends.
An offer includes more than just your proposed purchase price: It also outlines your desired closing date, any contingencies (such as financing, appraisal, or inspection), and how much earnest money you're willing to deposit.
Once the seller receives your offer, they can accept, reject, or counter it. If a counteroffer is made, your agent will help you negotiate the terms. When both parties agree, you’ll sign a purchase agreement, and your offer becomes official.
Step #5. Close on Your New Home
The final step in buying a home in San Antonio is closing, when the keys officially become yours! Once your offer is accepted, the home enters escrow. During this period, you'll complete a home inspection, finalize your loan with the lender, and order an appraisal to ensure the home’s value matches the purchase price.
Your lender will also perform a final credit check and verify all financial documents. You’ll receive a Closing Disclosure at least three days before your closing date that outlines your final loan terms, monthly payment, and closing costs.
On closing day, you'll sign all the necessary documents, pay your down payment and closing costs, and officially take ownership of your new home. Once everything is signed and the funds are transferred, you'll get the keys and can move in. Congratulations: You're now a homeowner in San Antonio, Texas!
Buying a Home in San Antonio? Prepare for Moving Day With a Free Moving Quote
Are you preparing to embark on the journey of buying a home in San Antonio? With a big moving day on the horizon, Chapas Moving Service is here to make your transition into your new home as easy as possible. Call our San Antonio movers for a free estimate on moving and storage services.
Chapa's Moving Service
We are an independently owned moving company based out of McAllen, Texas. In addition to being a full-service moving company serving local and statewide moves, Chapa’s Moving Service offers packaging, loading, and unloading for our clients who prefer to move themselves.
