Buying a home in San Antonio is an exciting yet complex process. From setting the right offer to negotiating terms that benefit you, every step matters.
If you want to secure the best deal possible, understanding the art of negotiation is key.
Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer or an experienced investor, this guide will walk you through proven negotiation strategies to help you buy with confidence—and how LRGRealty can work on your behalf to ensure you get the best possible deal.
Understanding San Antonio’s Real Estate Market
Before jumping into negotiations, you need to understand the market conditions. Is it a buyer’s market or a seller’s market?
Buyer’s market: More homes for sale than buyers, giving you the upper hand in negotiations.
Seller’s market: High demand and low inventory, meaning competition is fierce, and sellers have more leverage.
Currently, San Antonio offers a mix of both, depending on the neighborhood. Some areas, like Alamo Heights and The Dominion, remain competitive, while others may have more room for negotiation.
LRGRealty’s agents are experts in analyzing local trends, ensuring you make an informed offer without overpaying.
Key Negotiation Points When Buying a Home
When buying a home, negotiation isn’t just about price. There are several other factors you can negotiate:
| Negotiation Factor | What It Means | How It Benefits You |
|---|---|---|
| Purchase Price | The amount you offer for the home. | You can negotiate a lower price if market conditions allow. |
| Closing Costs | Fees due at closing, including lender fees, title insurance, etc. | Sellers may agree to cover part or all closing costs. |
| Home Repairs | Fixes needed based on the inspection report. | You can ask the seller to make repairs or offer a credit. |
| Appliances & Fixtures | Items included in the home sale. | Negotiating for these saves you money on replacements. |
| Move-in Timeline | When you take ownership. | Sellers in a hurry may accept a lower price for a faster closing. |
Pro Tip: Never assume everything is included—always clarify what stays with the home!
7 Smart Negotiation Strategies
1. Get Pre-Approved for a Mortgage
A pre-approved mortgage shows sellers that you’re a serious buyer and gives you stronger negotiation power.
2. Understand the Seller’s Motivation
Find out why the seller is moving. A seller relocating for work may be more flexible on price or closing costs.
3. Use an Experienced Negotiator (Like LRGRealty!)
Realtors at LRGRealty are expert negotiators who know how to craft compelling offers that protect your interests while securing the best terms possible.
4. Don’t Overcommit Emotionally
Getting too attached can weaken your position. Stay objective and be willing to walk away if terms aren’t in your favor.
5. Request Seller Concessions
Sellers can offer credits toward closing costs, home warranties, or even a lower price. Always ask!
6. Time Your Offer Wisely
Homes that have been on the market for over 30 days are ripe for negotiation. Meanwhile, offering during off-peak months (November–January) can get you a better deal.
7. Make a Strong Yet Strategic Initial Offer
Don’t start too low—offending the seller can kill negotiations. Instead, offer slightly below market value to leave room for counteroffers.
Avoid These Common Home Buying Mistakes
Skipping the home inspection – This can lead to expensive surprises later. Always get one.
Not knowing your budget – Avoid falling in love with a house you can’t afford.
Focusing only on price – Terms like closing costs and contingencies are just as important.
Not working with a skilled realtor – The right agent can save you thousands.
LRGRealty’s expert negotiators ensure you don’t make these costly mistakes.
Finalizing the Deal: The Closing Process
Once negotiations are settled, the final steps of your home purchase begin. This phase ensures that every detail is in place before ownership transfers to you.
It typically takes 30 to 45 days, but timing can vary based on financing and contract contingencies. Here’s what to expect in each step of the closing process:
1. Final Home Inspection
If you negotiated for repairs or seller concessions, now is the time to verify that everything was completed as agreed. A final home inspection allows you to:
Confirm that all requested repairs were properly addressed.
Check for any new damages or last-minute issues.
Ensure appliances, plumbing, and electrical systems are in working order.
If any problems arise during the final walkthrough, your agent may renegotiate or request an escrow holdback until the issues are resolved.
2. Home Appraisal
Lenders require an official appraisal to confirm the home’s market value. The appraiser evaluates:
Recent sales of comparable homes in the neighborhood.
The property’s condition, upgrades, and overall value.
The home’s location and desirability in the San Antonio market.
If the appraisal comes in lower than the purchase price, renegotiation may be needed to adjust the price or restructure financing.
3. Securing Your Financing
During this stage, your lender finalizes the loan approval process. This includes:
Verifying income, assets, and employment.
Ensuring your credit remains stable (avoid major purchases or new credit lines).
Locking in your interest rate and reviewing final loan terms.
If any last-minute concerns arise, your lender might request additional documentation before issuing the clear to close approval.
4. Title Search & Insurance
A title company will conduct a search to ensure the property has a clean title—meaning there are no outstanding liens, disputes, or ownership claims. Additionally, you'll need:
Title insurance: Protects against future ownership challenges.
Homeowners insurance: Required by lenders to cover damage and liability.
Your lender may require additional coverage, such as flood insurance, depending on the property’s location.
5. Closing Day: Signing the Final Paperwork
The final step is closing day, where all legal documents are signed, and the property officially becomes yours. Here’s what happens:
Review and sign the Closing Disclosure, which outlines your loan terms, payments, and closing costs.
Pay any remaining closing costs (unless covered in negotiations).
Transfer funds through a wire transfer or cashier’s check.
Receive keys to your new home once everything is recorded with the county!'
Your LRG Realty agent will be by your side throughout this process, ensuring a smooth transaction and guiding you through any last-minute hurdles. With expert representation, you can confidently finalize your home purchase in San Antonio.
The Bottom Line
Negotiating a home purchase in San Antonio requires strategy, market knowledge, and the right representation. From making a competitive offer to securing closing cost concessions, every step can impact your final deal.
By working with LRG Realty’s expert negotiators, you’ll have an advocate ensuring you get the best price and terms possible. Whether it's negotiating repairs, securing seller incentives, or streamlining the closing process, having an experienced realtor makes all the difference.
Buying a home is a major investment—make sure you have a skilled team on your side to navigate the process smoothly and successfully.
At LRG, we specialize in guiding military families, veterans, and homebuyers through this process. Our experienced team is here to help you get preapproved and find the perfect home that fits your budget and needs. Contact us at 210-879-8220 or message us on our website. You can also follow us or message us on Instagram and Facebook! Also, check out our TikTok!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a fair initial offer on a home?
A good rule of thumb is offering 3-5% below asking price in a normal market. However, in a seller’s market, you may need to offer at or above list price to stay competitive.
Can I negotiate after the home inspection?
Yes! If major repairs are needed, you can request the seller fix them or offer a credit to cover costs. LRGRealty’s agents can handle this negotiation for you.
How do I avoid overpaying for a home?
Research comparable sales in the area. An experienced realtor from LRGRealty will provide a comparative market analysis (CMA) to ensure you make a smart offer.
What if the seller refuses to negotiate?
If a seller isn't willing to budge, you can:
Offer non-price incentives (like a quicker closing).
Look at other homes that may be more flexible.
Decide if you’re willing to pay the asking price.
How do I get the seller to cover closing costs?
One strategy is offering full price but requesting seller-paid closing costs in return. This allows both parties to win.
What’s the best way to win in a bidding war?
Include an escalation clause—this states you’ll outbid competing offers by a set amount (e.g., $2,000 over the highest offer up to a maximum price).
When is the best time to buy a home in San Antonio?
Late fall and winter (November to January) are the best times to buy, as fewer buyers mean less competition and better deals.
What is earnest money, and how much do I need?
Earnest money is a deposit (1-3% of the home price) that shows sellers you're serious. It’s credited toward your purchase at closing.
Should I use a real estate agent to negotiate?
Absolutely. LRGRealty’s agents are trained negotiators who understand how to get the best deal possible while protecting your interests.
How long do negotiations take?
Negotiations can take anywhere from a few hours to several days, depending on the seller’s response time and counteroffers.
