San Antonio, TX

San Antonio is a town that has a rich cultural and artistic heritage. Whether it's a massive restoration and preservation projects like The Alamo or celebrating local figures in the art scene, the community values the cultivation of the arts. If you're an artist or an art lover looking to buy in San Antonio, look no further than Southtown, the city's vibrant and diverse center of arts and culture.

Southtown: Heart of the San Antonio Art Scene

In the Southtown Arts District you'll find galleries like Studio Fantomas, a large collection by local artist Alejandro Augustine Padilla, and performing arts venues like URBAN-15 but that is not all the neighborhood has to offer. Southtown residents also benefit form craft breweries, restaurants, and

The days of Texas being a place to go for affordable housing are quickly coming to an end.  The Texas economy consistently ranks as one of the strongest in the country, and every time a magazine publishes a top 10 list of fastest-growing cities Austin, Dallas, Houston... they're all there.  As a result, the luxury condo market in Texas has been red hot, and developers seem to be trying hard to outdo each other to raise the bar on the quality and amenities of the new high-rises.

Have a look at the ten most expensive condos currently for sale, as of February 11, 2015

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#1:  $8.5M - Dallas - Ritz-Carlton Residences
At the top of the list is this 4 bedroom, 5.5 bath full-floor penthouse at the Ritz Carlton in Dallas.
It doesn't get much better than

Rarely available Bandera Floor Plan at the Vidorra. This spacious 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom unit offers upgraded hardwoods throughout, large walk-in closet, gorgeous kitchen with abundance of counter top space, stainless steel appliances, and a 200 square foot + balcony overlooking Downtown San Antonio. Balcony access from living room + master. Building amenities include 24-hour concierge, fitness center & pool, conference rooms, business center, 20th floor sky room, guest suites. True urban living with close proximity to Hemisfair, Southtown, and Downtown.

215 Center Street 501 is Offered at $275,000

Listing Courtesy of Mallory Baird of Corie Properties

Please Call Mallory at (210) 670-5282 for More Information and Availability

This premium, fully upgraded 31st floor condo has never been lived in. Enjoy the sleek sophistication of this home with breathtaking views, contemporary finishes with added designer light fixtures, modern paint colors, black out electric shades, and custom closets in both bedrooms. The beautiful chef's kitchen includes Bosch appliances, Sub-Zero refrigerator, upgraded counter tops & backsplash, plus a touch faucet.

The Alteza offers a rooftop pool, jacuzzi, club house, gym, valet, concierge, and many other hotel amenities.

610 E Market Street #3114 is offered at $695,000 or may be leased for $3,950 per month

Listing Courtesy of Mallory Baird of CORIE Properties

Please Call Mallory at (210) 670-5282 for More Information and Availability

Written by Brian Enright

Millions of Americans love watching fireworks on the 4th and New Years Eve.  In fact we like them so much that we pile in the car, sit in the heat for hours to get a good spot and then suffer the traffic to get back home.  What if you could just step out onto your terrace for the best view?  Then when it's over and everyone else has to schlep back to their car you just step inside for another glass of wine.  If that sounds like a good way to enjoy the show then take a look at the list below.  We asked each Highrises.com partner agent and high-rise specialist which buildings have the best fireworks views.   Consider a condo in these buildings if you like to entertain on holidays.  OR find a friend who lives in one of them...

Are you thinking about putting your condo on one of the many vacation rental sites like AirBNB but not certain if your HOA allows it?  Here are some steps to help you navigate the process of renting out your condo for a short term vacation rental and avoiding personal liability.

CITY RESTRICTIONS

The first step is to look at the laws that your city has regarding short term rentals.  Many cities have restrictions on short term rentals (typically less than 30 days) that if not followed can lead you to penalties and fines.  You can easily check to see what your regulations are by doing a Google search with your city name and the key words “short-term rental regulation”.  There have been hotel and zoning laws enacted by your city far before the AirBNB

Forbes Names “Where to Invest in 2015” 

Forbes came up with this data based on several factors including population, average home price, population growth, annual job growth, unemployment, annual price growth, over/under priced and home price/rent ratio.

To view available properties, click on the city name.

1. Austin, Texas
2. Provo, Utah
3. Houston, Texas
4. Orlando, Florida
5. Dallas, Texas
6. San Antonio, Texas
7. Denver, Colorado
8. Boise, Idaho
9. Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
10. Fort Worth, Texas
11. Phoenix, Arizona
12. Salt Lake City, Utah
13. Atlanta, Georgia
14. North Port, Florida
15. West Palm Beach, Florida
16. Jacksonville, Florida
17. Twin Cities, Minnesota
18. Tacoma, Washington
19. Sacramento, California
20. Grand Rapids, Michigan

Highrises.com is already

This is one of our new favorite things!  The USU was created for urban dwellers, and is especially useful for high-rise residents as it provides much-needed storage space right in your parking space.  USU launched in Austin, TX, where they have hundreds of units in buildings throughout the city.  Because of the demand USU has expanded and can now ship and set up their storage units throughout the United States.  If you could use about 60 cubic feet of extra storage give them a call at 512-981-5735 or visit the USU website.  They even provide "white glove" delivery and set up right in your parking space.  Click here to see their brochure.

www.TheUSU.com

We have great news in the United States real estate market today.  Last month, in November, foreclosures are down 37% when compared with one year ago’s market in November 2012.  This exciting data released from RealtyTrac showed that in just one month (October 3013-November 2013) the number of foreclosures are down 15% to a total of 113,454 homes reporting foreclosures in November 2013.  This brings the number of foreclosures the lowest they have been since August 2006.  The foreclosures include bank repossessions, scheduled auctions and notices for default.  

According to the US Census, privately owned housing building permits are up 13.9% in October 2013 when compared with the years previous permits in October 2012.  Also, in the third quarter prices