Guiding First-Time Home Buyers in San Antonio: What They Need Most Going Into 2026
Buying your first home is exciting — but also overwhelming. Most first-time buyers aren’t looking for shortcuts. They want clarity, realistic numbers, and someone who can explain each step in plain language. Caroline Decherd and Susanne Marco at Park Properties Group specialize in guiding first-time home buyers with transparency, education, and local expertise so they understand what happens next from the moment they start saving to the day they close.
Below is what first-time buyers in San Antonio consistently want answers to — and how Caroline and Susanne help simplify the process.
1. Understanding Affordability & the Monthly Payment
Most first-time buyers begin with the same question:
“How much house can I actually afford?”
Caroline and Susanne walk buyers through:
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How lenders evaluate income, debts, credit, and payment-to-income ratios.
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What’s actually included in a monthly payment — principal, interest, property taxes, homeowners insurance, mortgage insurance, and HOA dues when applicable.
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How that compares to their current rent so buyers can picture a realistic monthly number.
2. Down Payment, Cash to Close & Assistance Programs
Many buyers overestimate how much they need down. Caroline and Susanne break down:
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Typical down payment ranges.
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True closing cost expectations in San Antonio.
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When and how to ask for seller credits.
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Which down-payment-assistance programs exist in Texas and San Antonio, including income/occupancy requirements.
3. Loan Types, Rates & Pre-Approval
Caroline and Susanne explain the differences between:
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FHA, Conventional, VA, and USDA loans.
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Why pre-approval matters for strong offers.
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How rate shopping works and how it affects credit.
4. The Step-By-Step Buying Timeline
First-time buyers want to know exactly what happens from start to finish:
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Budgeting & lender conversation
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Pre-approval
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Touring homes
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Making an offer
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Inspections
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Appraisal
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Underwriting
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Closing
Caroline and Susanne provide customized timelines so buyers know what’s normal, what costs are refundable or non-refundable, and what delays can occur.
5. Homes, Neighborhoods & Trade-Offs (Updated)
Buyers often need help understanding:
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How to evaluate neighborhoods based on commute preferences, lifestyle fit, amenities, and long-term resale potential.
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Local factors such as neighborhood school options and district boundaries.
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What to look for at showings so they don’t miss condition issues or fall for staging illusions.
6. Choosing the Right Team
First-time buyers want to know what a real estate agent actually does. Caroline and Susanne explain:
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How buyer agents are paid.
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How they negotiate.
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How they coordinate with lenders, inspectors, insurance, and title companies.
A responsive team prevents last-minute surprises and protects buyers from costly mistakes.
Your First Home Starts With a Conversation
If you’re thinking about buying your first home in 2025 or 2026, Caroline and Susanne will walk you through every step with clarity, honesty, and local expertise.
