Builder Magazine just named the San Antonio Area one of the Top 4 Healthiest Housing Markets in the country.
San Antonio earned this accolade due to its growing job market and stable existing home prices. San Antonio didn't experience the same level of appreciation seen in areas such as California, Florida, and Arizona.
Builder Magazine reported that the the median existing single family home price in San Antonio is 25% below the national average at $154,400, according to the National Association of Realtors.
San Antonio was not the only city in Texas to appear on this list. The top five healthiest housing markets in the United States are located in Texas - 1. Houston; 2. Austin; 3. Ft. Worth; 4. San Antonio; 5. Dallas.
FHA Increased Loan Limits - Effective March 6, 2009
HUD recently updated 2009 FHA loan limits as a result of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) signed into law on February 17, 2009. The new limits are the higher of the 2008 limits established in the Economic Stimulus Act (ESA) of 2008 or those implemented under the Housing and Economic Recovery Act (HERA) for 2009. As a result, loan limits for some counties have increased. The new loan limits will be effective till 12/31/2009 and are applicable for any loan where the loan application is dated on or after 01/01/09.
| MSA Name | MSA Code | Division | County Name | County Code |
State | One-Family | Two-Family | Three-Family | Four-Family | Last Revised | Limit Year |
| SAN ANTONIO, TX (MSA) | 41700 | BEXAR | 029 | TX | $332,500 | $425,650 | $514,500 | $639,400 | 01/01/2009 | CY2009 |
FHA "as is" appraisals 
FHA now permits an "as is" appraisal for existing properties when minor property deficiencies are present. These deficiencies generally result from deferred maintenance and normal wear and tear. Examples of these would be: missing handrails, cracked or damaged exit doors, cracked window glass, minor plumbing leaks and rotten or worn-out countertops.
As long as the defects do not hinder the Safety, Security, or Soundness of the property, the property is eligible for FHA financing without requiring they be repaired. NOTE: Foreclosed properties may require further evaluation.
There are numerous opportunities available to San Antonio's First Time Buyers. Most buyers already know about the $8,000 stimulus tax credit available to them thru the end of the year.
In addition to that, there are several state, county and city funded programs that assist buyers with funds to be used towards a down payment.
Bexar County has the American Dream Downpayment Initiative Program. This program gifts an amount not to exceed $10,000.00 in the form of a 5-year forgivable loan to be used towards the down payment on a home. The buyer must own and occupy the home for at least five years.
In order to qualify, the gross annual household income may not exceed 80% of the Area Median Family Income as established by HUD for the San Antonio area, adjusted for family size.
The property must be used as the buyers primary residence and must be located in the unincorporated areas of Bexar County or in Balcones Heights, China Grove, Converse, Elmendorf, Grey Forest, Helotes, Kirby, Leon Valley, Live Oak, Olmos Park, Selma, Shavano Park, Somerset, St. Hedwig, or Universal City. Please note that properties located inside the city limits of San Antonio are not eligible.
First Time Buyers must make a minimum equity contribution of at least 1% of the purchase price and must attend a Home-buyer's Education Class. New or existing single family homes including town-homes, condominiums and new manufactured housing are eligible. The property must be used as the buyer's primary residence.
If you are a San Antonio first time buyer and would like more information about down payment assistance programs, please contact Zilkia at(210)379-7000.
Boerne Middle School South's academic teams just ended another successful UIL tournament season.
Pleasanton Jr. High hosted the 2008-2009 District Hill Country UIL District Tournament on Saturday February 21st. Among the schools that participated were Pleasanton Jr. High. Medina Valley Middle School, Uvalde Middle School, Flores Middle School, Alamo Heights Middle School, Boerne Middle School North, Kendall Elementary (6th grade) and Boerne Middle School South.
The Boerne Middle School South Mustangs clinched the Hill Country UIL District Tournament by winning 1st place overall for both the 7th and 8th grades!
The students competed in various academic events ranging from spelling, math, science, and maps graphs and charts, to prose, oratory, poetry and calculator skills. Some of the students who earned top awards were Hayley Cantway, Kat Cardenas, Anitza Martins, Rebecca Vareed, Ellen Coulter, and Maggie Fisher.
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Looking to buy or sell in San Antonio, Boerne, Fair Oaks Ranch, Cordillera Ranch, Helotes, Shavano Park, Alamo Heights, Olmos Park, or Garden Ridge? You can trust me with your real estate needs.
Want to know a little about Zilkia? In many ways she is just like you. Wife... Mother... Daughter... Sister... Friend... Realtor.
Zilkia Olmeda-Martins is a multi-million dollar producer in residential real estate in San Antonio and the surrounding markets. Although she has only been a licensed Realtor for 3 years, she has earned numerous awards and accolades during this short time. In 2006, she earned the coveted "Rookie of the Year" award and was a top producer in her company. During the years to follow, Zilkia has continued to build on her success and has found a place as one of the top producing Coldwell Banker agents in San Antonio.
Zilkia was born and raised in Fajardo, Puerto Rico, the eldest of 3 siblings. While she was still a teenager, her parents decided to relocate to San Antonio, TX. She earned a Bachelor's in Business Administration with a concentration in Accounting from the University of Texas at San Antonio. Zilkia is married and resides in Boerne, TX with her husband and twin daughters. She is completely bilingual (Spanish).
Prior to her career in Real Estate, Zilkia enjoyed a diverse professional life. She managed and expanded the family business for many years while working on her degree. She also worked for IBM as a marketing representative and David Weekley Homes as a sales consultant. Although Zilkia enjoyed her experience with the corporate world, her entrepreneurial spirit kept leading her in a different direction. In 1997, she opened a children's resale boutique and ran it successfully for over 8 years. In 2005, Zilkia decided to pursue her true calling, real estate, and the rest is history.
Zilkia believes in giving back to the community and is involved with organizations such as the BoerneCAN Mentoring Partnership Program, the Puerto Rican Heritage Society, the Boerne Soccer Club, and the Boerne Middle School South PTO. Zilkia is a member of the San Antonio Board of Realtors, Texas Association of Realtors, National Association of Realtors, Council of Residential Specialists, and the Women's Council of Realtors.
One of the keys to her success is her emphasis in continuous education in all areas of real estate. She has earned the GRI designation, (Graduate of Realtor Institute) and is currently working on her CRS designation (Certified Residential Specialist). In addition, she is a Certified Negotiation Specialist, a Certified Relocation Specialist, and has taken numerous courses in topics such as Home Staging, Short Sale & Foreclosure, Marketing, and Lending Practices.
Zilkia understands the stress of buying, selling and relocating to a new area and she is committed to make your move as smooth and stress-free as possible. It is her sincere desire to build friendships, not just sell homes. She keeps in touch, not because it is her job, but because she wants her clients to be informed participants in process. Zilkia has assisted with arrangements for cleaning, repairs, moving unwanted debris, made a bed, done some dishes, packed and moved boxes.... but, isn't that what friends are for!
Buyers New Home Construction Many buyers don't see the need of working with a Realtor when they are purchasing a new home. The reality is that there are many benefits to working with a real estate professional. First Time Buyers I truly enjoy working with first time buyers. I will take the time to go thru each and every step of the process with you. There is no dumb question! Together we will consider: - How much can you really afford? - How to qualify for a mortgage. - How much cash you should put down. - How to buy a home with little or nothing down. - What it takes to get approved for financing. What banks and other financial institutions are looking for. - How much your payments will be. - The tax advantages of buying. - Is renting or buying better for you? As your buyer's agent, I will be there thru every step of the transaction to ensure that you are well informed and that your best interests are served. Negotiation One cannot forget the fundamentals in real estate negotiations. Negotiation is both a skill set and an art form. It requires the full understanding of the transaction and an ability to protect and enhance a client's options and position. A real estate transaction is inherently adversarial. Sellers want to sell for the most money and buyers want to get the best deal. It is my goal to always strive to achieve fair and good results for my clients. Relocation or Military Move I specialize in Military and Corporate relocation services. When moving to a new area, why take a chance on working with a non-professional; please allow me to refer you to a preferred broker in the area to which you're moving. Moving to San Antonio? Give me a call so that I may provide you with a FREE Customized Relocation Package- anywhere in the US and overnighted within 24 hours of your request.
Sellers
Why list with Zilkia?
Zilkia's Powerhouse Marketing Program is simply the most robust marketing system on the market. No matter the delivery channel, Powerhouse Marketingreaches more consumers every day than any other real estate marketing program in the area. If you are considering selling your home, take a look below at how Zilkia Olmeda-Martins is your PERFECT PARTNER!
Powerhouse Marketing
Internet Marketing
Buyers world-wide will see your home online with the following world-class web sites:
* google.com * yahoo.com
* Realtor.com * Trulia.com
* HomeScape.com * Cyberhomes.com
* FrontDoor.com * BestPlaces.net
* OpenHouse.com * LandAndFarm.com
* LakeSideHomes.com * Move.com
* WSJ.com * MSN.com
* iWon.com * Excite.com
* NetZero.com * Juno.com
* Telemundo47.com * NBC4.tv
* TelemundoLA.com * NBC5.com
* TelmundoChicago.com * NBC1O.com
* TheBostonChannel.com * WMUR.com
* NBC11.com * KTVU.com
* NBC5i.com * TelemundoDallas.com
* NBC4.com * WSBTV.com
* Click2Houston.com * Click2Weather.com
* ClickonDetroit.com * MoreTV32.com
* KIROTV.com * KPHO.com
* Channel4000.com * NewsNet5.com
* WeatherNet5.com * NBC6.net
* Local10.com * Telemundo51.com
* TheDenverChannel.com * KCRA.com
* WB58TV.com * WESH.com
* WFTV.com * LocaI6.com
* WPXI.com * KPTV.com
* TheWBALCahnnel.com * TheIndyChannel.com
* NBCSanDiego.com * 10News.com
* WSOCTV.com * NBC30.com
* WFSB.com * WSMV.com
* ChannelCincinnati.com * WYFF4.com
* KSAT.com * WPBF.com
* WGAL.com * WDSU.com
* ChannelOklahoma.com * KOAT.com
* WXII.com * KVVU.com
* WLKY.com * News4Jax.com
* WHIOTV.com * TheHawaiiChannel.com
* KCCI.com * WMTW.com
* KETV.com * Channel3000.com
* WAPT.com * WPTZ.com
* WJACTV.com * KFOXTV.com
* FOXReno.com * TheKSBWChannel.com
* TurnTo23.com * WTOV9.com
* WNBC.com * Zillow.com
* MySa.com
* More Websites Are Added Daily To Help Sell Your Home!
Sunday Showcase of Homes Our #1 Home Show is on KSAT TV channel 12, cable channel 13 every Sunday at 10:30am. The Sunday Showcase of Homes offers Sellers the opportunity to market their property through a professionally produced television program. In addition, CBHarper.com offers streaming media of each week's broadcast via thier website. Coldwell Banker Real Estate Guide Our magazine, at roughly 200,000 copies, features photos and property descriptions. The Real Estate Guide, published monthly, is circulated throughout San Antonio, Boerne, New Braunfels, Canyon Lake, and other surrounding areas. Color Brochures Professional color brochures are provided to each seller during the listing timeframe. Information about your property, such as pictures, price, and important selling points are included in each brochure. This important marketing vehicle also compliments the CBHarper "For Sale" sign that is placed on your property. Drive-by prospects can use these brochures to learn more about your home, and ultimately schedule a showing! Postcards ...are mailed to potential buyers in your area. The Powerhouse Marketing Program includes the mailing of "Just Listed" or "Just Sold" postcards to help market your available property. The postcards help to spur interest in your home by getting the word out quickly to the neighbors throughout your community. Home Facts Home Facts delivers instantaneous information about your home to drive-by prospects and potential home buyers over the telephone. It also ensures extensive exposure of the property! Newspaper Advertising When it comes to placement in the area's largest local newspapers, nobody beats CBHarper. People refer to the Sunday Real Estate Classified section of the San Antonio Express-News with over 780,000 readers. Our ad in this section drives those readers to our Internet site and to your "New to the Market" or "Open House" listing. Additionally, an affluent clientele and readership of 48,800 per week makes the San Antonio Business Journal a prime vehicle to market properties over $300,000. The New Braunfels Herald-Zeitung is the largest newspaper in Comal County with a subscription circulation of over 10,000. CBHarper listings are positioned prominently here as well. Centralized Showing Service CSS makes your property easy to show and provides feedback reports for each showing. CSS is also designed to reduce the time needed by REALTORS® to schedule appointments to view your home. This helps to improve the showing process by ultimately increasing the chance for a showing, while keeping you up to date on how the process is working overall. Exceptional Properties This program is designed for "unique" properties from $300,000 to $499,999. Similar to the Previews Program, Exceptional properties receive special marketing. In short, these are properties that are "Distinguished Listings That Are More Than You Expect". Coldwell Banker Previews International This program is designed for "unique" properties in excess of $500,000. The Previews Program has represented an impressive array of the world's most exceptional real estate. As part of this program, qualified properties receive special marketing.
Zilkia Olmeda Martins' Powerhouse Marketing means more buyers see your home. With the most comprehensive advertising system in the area, we are confident our program will exceed your expectations. Given the current state of our economy, we cannot overlook the number of foreclosures and short sales that are flooding our market. Zilkia has successfully negotiated and assisted many clients through the bewildering and disheartening process that often accompanies the unfortunate circumstances which may necessitate a short sale. Her focus and energy is directed in giving sound counsel and providing clarity. She understands that by the time a short sale or foreclosure is necessary, people are drained on a number of different levels. Her goal is to provide the information & support to get the home sold and whenever possible avoid more trauma.
"Thanks a million, Zilkia. You are the Realtor's Realtor!" Ed and SJ
"I couldn't have done this without you. Thank you!" Brenda
"I just wanted to say thanks for making my home buying experience a pleasant one! It was one hell of a ride - it was blast working with you!" Jesus
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