Key Takeaways
- Competition drives price: San Antonio marketplace creates 8-15% higher offers than single-buyer deals by forcing investors to outbid each other
- Military advantage: JBSA creates constant PCS turnover — investors are always buying in SA, and military sellers need fast, reliable closings
- Most affordable major metro: San Antonio's median of $282,000 is the lowest among Texas's big four cities — high investor demand for rental yields and flip margins
- 55 days on market traditionally: A cash marketplace closes in 7-14 days, cutting months off your timeline
- Best method depends on your situation: Your timeline, property condition, and whether you are PCSing or staying local should drive the decision
San Antonio is the seventh-largest city in the United States, home to Joint Base San Antonio (the Department of Defense's largest joint base), and one of Texas's fastest-growing metros. With a median home price of $282,000 — the most affordable among the state's major cities — San Antonio attracts an enormous pool of cash investors hunting for rental properties, fix-and-flips, and long-term holds across Bexar County.
That investor demand is great news if you need to sell fast. But the method you choose matters enormously. On a San Antonio median-priced home, the gap between the best and worst selling approach can exceed $55,000. We ranked all 8 common methods by offer price, speed, fees, flexibility, and overall seller experience.
#1: Cash Buyer Marketplace (Best Overall)
A cash buyer marketplace broadcasts your San Antonio property to hundreds of competing cash investors simultaneously. Instead of negotiating with a single buyer who has no incentive to pay a fair price, you create an environment where investors bid against each other — and that competition is the single biggest driver of a higher offer.
How It Works with Propcash in San Antonio
- Submit your property details — takes about 2 minutes
- Property broadcast to 500+ vetted San Antonio investors — your listing reaches cash buyers across Bexar, Comal, Guadalupe, and Medina counties
- Receive an average of 3.2 competing offers — typically within 24-48 hours
- Choose the best offer or decline all — zero obligation
- Close in 7-14 days — or on your timeline
Why It Ranks #1 for San Antonio Sellers
San Antonio's affordability makes it a magnet for cash investors. At $282,000 median, investor margins on rentals and flips are significantly better here than in Austin, Dallas, or Houston. That deep investor pool means more competition for your property — and San Antonio sellers on Propcash typically see $20,000-$30,000 more than single-buyer offers.
Military families especially benefit. PCS orders do not wait for MLS listings, open houses, or buyer financing contingencies. A marketplace lets you get competing offers within 24 hours and close before you report to your next duty station.
- Cost to seller: $0 — no fees, no commissions
- Best for: Any San Antonio homeowner who wants speed AND a fair price
- Downside: Still below full retail price (but significantly closer than any other cash option)
500+ San Antonio investors compete for your property. More competition = higher offers.
Get Competing Cash Offers#2: Top Local Real Estate Agent
Listing with a top San Antonio agent offers the highest potential gross sale price — but the time, cost, and effort required are substantial, especially as the market shifts.
What to Expect in San Antonio
- Commission: 5-6% of the sale price — that is $14,100-$16,920 on the San Antonio median of $282,000
- Repairs and staging: Most agents recommend $5,000-$12,000 in pre-listing improvements
- Timeline: San Antonio homes currently average 55 days on market before going under contract, plus another 30 days to close — that is 85+ days total
- Showings: Weeks of open houses, private tours, and keeping your home show-ready
San Antonio's Market Is Shifting
Active inventory in San Antonio has risen 12.4% year over year, giving buyers more options and more negotiating power. Homes are sitting longer, price reductions are increasingly common, and sellers listing with agents face growing competition from the expanding supply. Roughly 14% of San Antonio contracts fail before closing due to financing issues, inspection disputes, or appraisal gaps.
After subtracting commissions, repairs, carrying costs (mortgage, Bexar County property taxes, insurance, utilities for 3+ months), and closing fees, the net proceeds gap between an agent-listed sale and a competitive cash marketplace narrows considerably — especially for homes that need work.
- Best for: Move-in ready homes where the seller can afford to wait 90+ days
- Downside: Expensive, slow, uncertain — and rising inventory makes it harder to stand out
#3: iBuyers (Opendoor, Offerpad)
iBuyers use algorithms to generate instant offers on homes. Opendoor is active in the San Antonio metro, making this a viable option for some sellers with newer, well-maintained homes.
How It Works
- Submit your address and property details online
- Receive an algorithm-generated offer within 24-48 hours
- Schedule a home inspection (the offer adjusts based on findings)
- Choose a closing date (typically 14-60 days)
The San Antonio Catch
iBuyers charge 5-13% in service fees — often higher than a traditional agent's commission. On the San Antonio median of $282,000, that is $14,100-$36,660 deducted from your proceeds. After fees and repair adjustments, sellers typically net 87-91% of resale value.
The bigger issue for San Antonio sellers: iBuyers are extremely selective. They will not buy older homes in historic districts like King William, Monte Vista, Lavaca, or Dignowity Hill — neighborhoods that define much of inner-city San Antonio. Homes with foundation issues (common on SA's expansive clay soils), significant deferred maintenance, or unusual layouts are also disqualified.
- Best for: Newer San Antonio homes in good condition, built after 1990, in suburban subdivisions
- Downside: High service fees, nets 87-91% of resale, and many SA homes are automatically disqualified
#4: "We Buy Houses" Companies
You have seen the billboards along I-35 and Loop 410. HomeVestors ("We Buy Ugly Houses") and WeBuyHouses.com dominate San Antonio signage, along with dozens of smaller operators blanketing Bexar County with mailers, yard signs, and Facebook ads.
The Problem: One Offer, No Competition
When a single buyer makes a single offer, there is zero incentive to pay you a fair price. These companies know most sellers who call them are motivated — facing foreclosure, PCSing from JBSA, managing an inherited property, or dealing with a difficult tenant. They price accordingly.
Typical offers: 50-70% of fair market value.
On the San Antonio median of $282,000, that means accepting $141,000-$197,400. Compare that to competing marketplace offers that typically land at 75-90% — or $211,500-$253,800 on the same home. The difference is $14,000-$112,000 left on the table.
Many "we buy houses" operators in San Antonio are actually wholesalers. They put your home under contract at a low price, then sell that contract to a real investor for a markup — often $10,000-$20,000 — without ever intending to buy your home themselves. San Antonio's large military community makes it a prime target for wholesalers who know PCSing families are under time pressure.
- Speed: Fast — can close in 7-14 days
- Best for: Extreme urgency where every single day matters more than price
- Downside: You leave the most money on the table of any option
#5: FSBO (For Sale By Owner)
Selling without an agent saves the listing commission (2.5-3%), but the trade-offs in San Antonio's current market are steep.
The Reality of FSBO in San Antonio
Only 7% of national home sales are FSBO, and they sell for an average of 23% less than agent-assisted sales according to the National Association of Realtors. In San Antonio, where inventory is climbing and buyers have increasing leverage, FSBO listings are routinely overlooked in favor of professionally marketed properties.
Texas Property Code Section 5.008 requires sellers to complete a detailed Seller's Disclosure Notice covering the property's condition, known defects, and environmental hazards. San Antonio sellers must also disclose known foundation issues, previous insurance claims, and any material facts that could affect the property's value. Omitting information exposes FSBO sellers to lawsuits and rescinded sales.
You will handle photography, MLS listing (requires a flat-fee service), showings, negotiations, and closing paperwork entirely on your own.
- Best for: Experienced sellers with time, legal knowledge, and marketing skills
- Downside: 23% lower sale prices on average, massive time commitment, and legal exposure from Texas disclosure requirements
#6: Real Estate Auction
Auctions create urgency and can generate competing bids, but results are unpredictable and costs are significant.
How It Works in San Antonio
Your property is marketed for 4-6 weeks, then sold to the highest bidder on auction day. The auctioneer sets a minimum reserve price. If bidding does not reach the reserve, your property may not sell — and you have already paid for the marketing.
The Costs
- Buyer's premium: 5-10% added to the winning bid (paid by the buyer, but it reduces what they are willing to bid)
- Seller fees: Some auction houses charge 1-3% to the seller
- Marketing costs: $2,000-$5,000 in advertising regardless of whether the property sells
Residential auctions are not common in San Antonio for standard single-family homes. They tend to work for unique properties, large estates, and court-ordered sales. The 4-6 week marketing period also means this is not a genuinely fast option despite the urgency that auction day creates.
- Best for: Unique properties, luxury homes, or court-ordered sales
- Downside: 4-6 week timeline, unpredictable pricing, limited buyer pool, and costs even if the property does not sell
#7: Sell Directly to a Local Investor
Finding a local San Antonio investor through networking, real estate meetups, or referrals gives you a direct buyer — but no competitive leverage.
One Investor, One Offer
A trusted local investor can be more reliable than a random "we buy houses" company. They may have a track record in your San Antonio neighborhood and be transparent about their process. But it is still one buyer making one offer with no competition pushing the price higher.
Without comparable offers, you have no way to verify whether the price is fair. The investor knows this — and their offer reflects it. San Antonio's investor community is well-connected through groups like the San Antonio Real Estate Investors Association (SAREIA), meaning the investor you are negotiating with likely knows exactly what other investors would pay. You do not have that same information.
- Best for: Sellers who already know and trust a specific San Antonio investor
- Downside: No competition means no way to verify fair pricing
#8: Trade-In Programs
Trade-in programs like Homeward and Knock both operate in the San Antonio market. They let you buy your next home before selling your current one — eliminating the timing gap that forces many sellers to accept weak offers.
How It Works
- The trade-in company makes you an offer on your current home or provides a guaranteed backup offer
- You use that offer to make a competitive, non-contingent bid on your next San Antonio home
- Once you move into the new home, your old home is listed on the open market
- If it sells for more than the guaranteed offer, you keep the difference
The Limitations
Trade-in programs are designed for move-up buyers — not sellers who need cash fast, are PCSing out of state, face foreclosure, or own distressed properties. Fees typically include a 1-3% service charge plus listing costs. The guaranteed backup offer is usually below market value, and strict eligibility requirements exclude homes with significant damage.
- Best for: San Antonio homeowners buying their next home simultaneously who need to remove the sale contingency
- Downside: Not designed for fast cash sales, distressed properties, or sellers who are not buying another home
Side-by-Side Comparison: All 8 Options
| Method | Typical Offer (% of FMV) | Speed to Close | Fees / Costs | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cash Marketplace | 75-90% | 7-14 days | $0 | Speed + fair price |
| Real Estate Agent | 95-100% | 85+ days | 5-6% commission | Move-in ready, no rush |
| iBuyer | 87-91% | 14-60 days | 5-13% service fee | Newer homes, good condition |
| "We Buy Houses" | 50-70% | 7-14 days | $0 | Extreme urgency |
| FSBO | 75-90% | 60-120+ days | 0-3% (buyer agent) | Experienced sellers |
| Auction | 70-90% | 30-60 days | 5-10% buyer premium | Unique/court-ordered |
| Local Investor | 55-75% | 7-21 days | $0 | Known/trusted investor |
| Trade-In Program | 85-95% | 30-90 days | 1-3% + listing costs | Buy-before-you-sell |
Which Option Is Right for Your San Antonio Situation?
The best method depends on why you are selling. Here is a decision guide based on the most common situations San Antonio homeowners face:
- PCS or military relocation from JBSA: Cash buyer marketplace (#1). PCS orders come with hard deadlines — you cannot wait 85+ days. A marketplace delivers competing offers within 24 hours and closes in 7-14 days. No showings, no financing contingencies, no risk of a deal collapsing before you report.
- Facing foreclosure: Cash buyer marketplace (#1) for speed plus fair price. Texas non-judicial foreclosure moves fast — if you have fewer than 7 days, a "we buy houses" company (#4) may be your only option.
- Going through a divorce: Cash buyer marketplace (#1) — competing offers establish a verifiable fair price both parties can agree on. Fast close helps you divide assets without months of uncertainty.
- Inherited a San Antonio property: Cash buyer marketplace (#1) — sell as-is without investing in a house you did not plan for. No repairs, no property management, no ongoing Bexar County tax bills.
- Tired landlord: Cash buyer marketplace (#1) — exit your San Antonio rental as-is. Many SA landlords hold aging properties with deferred maintenance that costs more to fix than the rental income justifies.
- Foundation issues: Cash buyer marketplace (#1) — SA sits on expansive clay soils that cause widespread foundation shifting. Repairs run $5,000-$25,000+, and traditional buyers walk away at inspection. Cash investors price foundation work into their offers.
- Move-in ready home, no rush: Real estate agent (#2) — if you have 3-4 months and a home in excellent condition, an agent can maximize your gross sale price.
In 6 out of 7 scenarios above, the cash buyer marketplace ranks first. Competition is the most reliable mechanism for getting a fair price when selling for cash — regardless of your specific situation. San Antonio's deep investor pool and affordability-driven demand make competition especially effective here.
Frequently Asked Questions
How fast can I sell my house for cash in San Antonio?
Cash sales in San Antonio can close in as little as 7 days. A competitive cash marketplace averages 7-14 days from offer acceptance to closing. Traditional agent-listed sales currently average 55 days on market before going under contract, plus another 30 days to close — that is 85+ days total with no guarantee the deal will close.
What's the fastest way to sell a house during a PCS move from JBSA?
A cash buyer marketplace is the fastest reliable option for military families PCSing from Joint Base San Antonio. You can receive competing cash offers within 24 hours and close before you report to your next duty station. No showings, no repairs, no financing contingencies. San Antonio investors buy from PCSing families constantly and structure deals around hard report dates.
How much do cash buyers pay for San Antonio houses?
It depends entirely on competition. A single cash buyer — like a "we buy houses" company — typically offers 50-70% of fair market value. On the San Antonio median of $282,000, that is $141,000-$197,400. Marketplace competition pushes offers to 75-90% of fair market value — $211,500-$253,800 on the same home. The gap between one buyer and competing buyers can be $14,000-$112,000 on a single transaction.
Do I need to make repairs before selling my San Antonio house?
No. Cash marketplace investors buy San Antonio homes as-is, including properties with foundation problems, roof damage, cosmetic issues, and deferred maintenance. Investors price repair costs into their offers rather than requiring you to fix anything. This is especially valuable in San Antonio where foundation issues and aging roofs are common — repairs that can cost $10,000-$30,000 and scare off traditional buyers.
Is it a good time to sell in San Antonio in 2026?
Inventory is rising in 2026, giving buyers more negotiating power on the traditional market. However, investor demand remains strong because San Antonio's $282,000 median is the most affordable among Texas's major metros — attracting cash buyers seeking higher rental yields and better flip margins than Austin, Dallas, or Houston offer. A competitive marketplace captures that demand regardless of broader market conditions.
Get the Best Cash Offer for Your San Antonio Home
The method you choose to sell matters as much as the property itself. A single cash buyer making a single offer has no reason to pay you a fair price. Multiple investors competing for your San Antonio property changes the equation entirely — and SA's affordability and military-driven turnover make this market one of the best in Texas for competitive cash offers.
Whether you are in Alamo Heights, the Southside, Helotes, Converse, New Braunfels, Schertz, or anywhere across the San Antonio metro, your home has value — and the right process ensures you capture it.
See What San Antonio Investors Will Pay for Your Home
- 500+ investors compete — not one lowball offer
- Sell as-is — no repairs, no cleaning, no staging
- Close in 7-14 days — or on your timeline
- No fees or commissions — keep your full offer
- Zero obligation — just see what investors will pay
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, tax, or financial advice. Real estate laws, tax rules, and market conditions vary. Consult with a Texas real estate attorney or tax professional for advice specific to your situation.