Now, don’t get us wrong: we’ve literally never heard anyone express anything resembling “regret” about buying a house in Boerne. But the buying and selling process involves about a thousand small steps, decisions, and preferences...and if you don’t know what you’re getting yourself into, you might take a few turns that don’t reflect your actual needs and wants.
Because every real estate market is different, Boerne’s unique set of factors (from landscape to location to median price) dictate a unique set of decisions. And thankfully, you aren’t the first to navigate these decisions. We’ve done the work for you: through various interviews and conversations, we’ve compiled a list of the most common pieces of sage housing advice from the Boerne homeowners who have gone before you. Because hindsight is 20/20, no matter which house you choose.
Image Courtesy of TourTexas.com
1. You can afford more than you think you can.
If you’re looking for an affordable housing choice, don’t be afraid to shop around in Boerne. While we know that the Boerne area may have a reputation as a luxury market, there are actually plenty of affordable options (with more on the way!). Plus, the Boerne area boasts property taxes that are significantly lower than nearby San Antonio. This lower tax rate means you can afford to spend more on your actual house and less on government fees. (Oh, and when making your housing budget, it’s also helpful to remember that your mortgage is tax deductible. Use this Tax Savings Calculator to help estimate the potential tax savings!)
2. Consider a high-acreage property.
A spacious backyard in the Hill Country is nothing to complain about…but if wide open space is your thing (and you have the budget), we highly recommend considering a home with more acreage! The Hill Country offers a vast expanse of gorgeous land, and there’s a property that fits nearly every demographic. Whether you want to let your dog run free on a few acres or send your horses to roam far beyond the equestrian quarters, high-acreage properties come in all shapes and sizes.
3. You can pick your schools.
Boerne's school district educates over 6,000 students over nine campuses, including three high schools, two middle schools, and five elementary schools. (You can read more about that here!) These schools have been recognized without fail at the regional, state, and national level! If you'd prefer one school over the others, be sure to check its proximity to your potential house and neighborhood.
4. Smaller can be better --and Boerne is the perfect place to downsize
We know that it’s easy to get “dazzled” by a high-square-footage property...but remember that a smaller property can actually have huge benefits. A smaller home can often mean cozier living space, greater attention to detail, less maintenance, and an emphasis on a simple Hill Country lifestyle.
5. Historic homes are worth a look.
Residents agree: one of the best things about Boerne is a distinct sense of history and culture. Along with this strong sense of heritage comes a wealth of historic homes. These gorgeous displays of architecture proudly display Boerne’s character and story.
6. Make sure you like German food...and music.
Thankfully, this isn't a problem for many of us. Boerne's distinctly German heritage fits in perfectly with our love for a good schnitzel! Little Gretal, anyone?
7. Consider building your own home.
When moving to Boerne, remember that you aren’t required to find a ready-made home. If you have the time and budget, we recommend considering the option of building your own home. Boerne’s wide variety of builders, design options, interior plans, and landscaping options (the Hill Country!), you really can create a dreamy home. If this is something you’re considering, here’s an inside scoop on Boerne’s best builders, as well as a list of pros and cons to building versus buying.
8. Boerne highly values its small-town values.
A town built on tradition, small-town values, a remarkable culture, Boerne truly offers a piece of Texas unlike any other...and our residents are passionate about keeping it that way! We strive to keep Boerne feeling “small”, even in the midst of growth. This means shopping local, staying involved in the community, getting to know your neighbors, and treating the town with the utmost respect.
If you still want to know more about Boerne, we have your back. Check out “Everything You Ever Needed To Know About Boerne” and contact one of our expert REALTOR®s to get started on your home search in Boerne!