Jessica Salinas – Realtor FAQ 1. What areas do you specialize in?I specialize in real estate across Lakehills, Bandera, San Antonio, and surrounding areas in Texas. Whether you’re buying, selling, or renting, I can help you find the perfect home or property. 2. What types of clients do you work with?I work with first-time homebuyers, renters, newlyweds, retirees, blue-collar workers, and military veterans. I understand that each client’s needs are unique, and I tailor my approach to ensure the best experience for you. 3. Why did you transition to real estate?After 18 years as a teacher, I wanted to make a difference in people’s lives in a new way. Real estate allows me to guide families through one of life’s biggest milestones—finding a home. 4. How long have you been a realtor?I became a realtor in 2022 and have spent the past two years learning the market, building relationships, and successfully helping buyers and sellers achieve their goals. 5. What do you love most about being a realtor?I love seeing my clients’ excitement when they find their dream home. It’s incredibly rewarding to help people navigate what can be a stressful process and make it as smooth and enjoyable as possible. 6. How do you help renters?I assist renters in finding homes that meet their budget and lifestyle. I also provide tips to prepare them for homeownership in the future, like improving credit scores and saving for a down payment. 7. What services do you offer sellers?For sellers, I offer expert guidance on pricing, staging, and marketing your property to attract buyers. I’ll help you get the best price in the shortest amount of time. 8. What should first-time buyers know before starting the process?First-time buyers should focus on budgeting, getting pre-approved for a mortgage, and understanding the costs of homeownership. I’ll guide you every step of the way, from touring homes to closing the deal. 9. How can I prepare my home for sale?Decluttering, deep cleaning, and staging are key. I’ll also provide a detailed market analysis and professional marketing to highlight your home’s best features. 10. Why should I work with you as my realtor?I bring 18 years of experience as a teacher, which taught me patience, clear communication, and problem-solving skills. I genuinely care about helping my clients and go the extra mile to ensure their satisfaction. 11. How do you stay connected with your clients?I stay connected through phone calls, emails, social media, and regular updates. I also create content like videos and helpful tips to provide ongoing value to my clients and followers. 12. What’s the best way to contact you?You can reach me at 512-762-8324 or by email at Jessicasellshillcountry@gmail.com You can also visit my website at Livinginlakehills.com for more information. There is also my Youtube Channel that you can visit : @livingintexasrealtor If there’s anything else you’d like to know, don’t hesitate to ask—I’m here to help!

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June 2024 San Antonio Real Estate Market Update   As we step into the heart of summer, it's time to look back at how the San Antonio real estate market performed in June 2024. Comparing this year’s statistics with those from June 2023, we can see some interesting trends and shifts. Here’s a detailed summary of the latest data from the San Antonio Board of Realtors (SABOR). Key Market Highlights Total Sales: In June 2024, a total of 3,239 homes were sold, representing a 6% decrease from the same period last year. This decline suggests a slight cooling in market activity. Average Price: The average home price has increased by 2%, now standing at $378,392. This indicates that, despite fewer sales, home values continue to rise. Median Price: The median home price has seen a minor decrease of 1%, bringing it to $314,900. This slight dip reflects a subtle adjustment in the middle range of the market. Market Dynamics Close to Original List Price: Homes are selling for 94.8% of their original list price on average. This figure underscores the importance of accurate pricing in today’s market. Days on Market: Homes are spending an average of 64 days on the market, which is unchanged from last year. This stability suggests a balanced market where supply and demand are in relative equilibrium. Price per Square Foot: The average price per square foot has dropped by 2%, now at $177. This decrease may indicate a slight easing in price pressures for buyers. Months of Inventory: The market currently has 5.2 months of inventory available. This level of supply is generally considered healthy and suggests that there are plenty of options for buyers. Average Residential Rental: The average rent for residential properties is now $1,913, reflecting the ongoing demand for rental properties in the area. Listings Activity New Listings: There were 5,386 new listings in June 2024, a 15% increase from last year. More homes coming onto the market could provide more choices for buyers and a competitive edge for sellers. Active Listings: The number of active listings has surged by 40%, reaching 14,643. This significant rise indicates a more dynamic and robust market with increased seller activity. Pending Listings: Pending listings have also increased by 11%, totaling 2,833. This rise suggests a healthy level of transactions in the pipeline, pointing to sustained market momentum. Conclusion The San Antonio real estate market in June 2024 presents a mixed but generally positive picture. With average prices on the rise, stable days on market, and increased inventory, both buyers and sellers can find opportunities in this dynamic environment. Whether you're looking to buy, sell, or rent, staying informed with the latest market data is crucial. If you have any questions or need expert advice navigating the San Antonio real estate market, feel free to reach out. We're here to help you make the best decisions in your real estate journey! Feel free to connect with me for personalized assistance and stay tuned for more updates and insights. Happy house hunting! #SanAntonioRealEstate #MarketUpdate #HomeBuying #HomeSelling #RealEstateTrends #SABOR

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 Understanding Foreclosure: Causes, Process, and Solutions Foreclosure is a challenging situation that many homeowners may face. Understanding the causes, the process, and the potential solutions can help individuals navigate this difficult time more effectively. This blog will explore the reasons for foreclosures, the steps involved in the foreclosure process, and ways to remedy a foreclosure, including the benefits of using a realtor to sell the property before foreclosure. (My name is Jessica Salinas, San Antonio and surrouding area realtor, and I am happy to provide some insightful information. Feel free to reach out to me at anytime with questions for a realtor.) Reasons for Foreclosures Foreclosure occurs when a homeowner fails to make mortgage payments, leading the lender to take legal action to repossess the property. Several factors can contribute to this situation: 1. Financial Hardship: Job loss, medical expenses, or other unexpected financial burdens can make it difficult for homeowners to keep up with mortgage payments. 2. Adjustable-Rate Mortgages (ARMs): Homeowners with ARMs may experience significant increases in their monthly payments, leading to affordability issues. 3. Divorce or Separation: The financial strain of a divorce or separation can lead to missed mortgage payments if the household income decreases. 4. Underemployment: Even if a homeowner is employed, a reduction in hours or wages can impact their ability to pay the mortgage. 5. Unexpected Expenses: Major repairs or other unexpected expenses can strain a homeowner’s budget, leading to missed payments.  The Foreclosure Process The foreclosure process varies by state, but generally follows these steps: 1. Missed Payments: The process begins when a homeowner misses one or more mortgage payments. Lenders typically send a notice of default after 90 days of missed payments. 2. Notice of Default: The lender sends a formal notice of default, giving the homeowner a specific period to catch up on payments (usually 90 days). 3. Pre-Foreclosure: If the homeowner cannot catch up on payments during the notice of default period, the property enters pre-foreclosure. At this stage, the homeowner can still negotiate with the lender to find a solution. 4. Public Notice: The lender files a public notice with the County Recorder’s Office, announcing the intent to foreclose. This begins the official foreclosure process. 5. Auction: If the homeowner fails to resolve the default, the property is scheduled for a public auction. The highest bidder becomes the new owner. 6. Post-Foreclosure: If the property does not sell at auction, it becomes an REO (Real Estate Owned) property, and the lender takes ownership. Remedies for Foreclosure Facing foreclosure can be daunting, but there are several ways homeowners can remedy the situation: 1. Loan Modification: Homeowners can negotiate with their lender to modify the terms of their loan, such as extending the repayment period or reducing the interest rate. 2. Forbearance: This is a temporary reduction or suspension of mortgage payments, allowing homeowners time to improve their financial situation. 3. Repayment Plan: Homeowners can arrange a plan with the lender to repay the missed payments over a specified period. 4. Short Sale: Selling the property for less than the mortgage balance with the lender’s approval can prevent foreclosure. 5. Deed in Lieu of Foreclosure: The homeowner voluntarily transfers ownership of the property to the lender to avoid foreclosure. 6. Bankruptcy: Filing for bankruptcy can provide temporary relief from foreclosure, giving homeowners time to reorganize their finances. Using a Realtor to Sell Before Foreclosure One of the most effective ways to avoid foreclosure is to sell the property before it goes to auction. Here’s how realtor like myself can help: 1. Market Expertise: A realtor can assess the market value of your property and set a competitive price, increasing the likelihood of a quick sale. 2. Marketing: Realtors have access to various marketing channels and can showcase your property to a broad audience, attracting potential buyers. 3. Negotiation: A realtor can negotiate with buyers and the lender to ensure the sale proceeds smoothly and any outstanding mortgage balance is settled. 4. Paperwork: The foreclosure process involves a significant amount of paperwork. A realtor can handle the documentation, ensuring all legal requirements are met. 5. Peace of Mind: Working with a realtor can alleviate some of the stress associated with foreclosure, providing professional guidance and support throughout the process. Foreclosure is a difficult situation, but understanding the causes, process, and potential solutions can help homeowners take proactive steps to protect their property and financial well-being. If you’re facing foreclosure, consider reaching out to a realtor for assistance in exploring your options and finding the best solution for your circumstances. Reach out to me for a FREE home price analysis, 512-762-8324 Jessica Salinas

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