Module 2 Lesson 11 of 12
STRATEGY

Making Offers in San Antonio

Pricing strategies tailored to each San Antonio market type - know when to use 70%, 75%, or 65%.

The Standard MAO Formula

MAO = (ARV × 70%) - Repairs - Your Fee

This is your starting point. But in San Antonio, you'll need to adjust the percentage based on the market type and current conditions.

San Antonio Market-Specific Offers

PREMIUM FLIPPER 78209, 78212

65-68%

MAO Percentage

$15-25K

Target Fee

$50-100K

Typical Repairs

Higher price points = tighter margins. Flippers need more room because their holding costs are higher.

FAMILY FLIPPER 78258, 78260

68-72%

MAO Percentage

$12-18K

Target Fee

$35-60K

Typical Repairs

Sweet spot for most buyers. Faster closings, reliable ARVs, strong buyer demand.

HYBRID 78245, 78250

70-73%

MAO Percentage

$10-15K

Target Fee

$25-45K

Typical Repairs

Market to both flippers AND landlords. Landlords may pay more because they care about cash flow, not just profit.

LANDLORD 78227, 78242

72-76%

MAO Percentage

$8-12K

Target Fee

$15-30K

Typical Repairs

Landlords calculate differently - they care about cap rate and cash flow, not flip profit. Can often pay more than 70%.

Real SA Deal Examples

Example 1: 78209 Alamo Heights (Premium Flip)

ARV $525,000
× 65% (premium market) $341,250
- Repairs -$75,000
- Your Fee -$20,000
Max Offer to Seller $246,250

Example 2: 78227 West Side (Landlord)

ARV $165,000
× 75% (landlord market) $123,750
- Repairs -$20,000
- Your Fee -$10,000
Max Offer to Seller $93,750

When to Adjust Your Percentage

Go Higher (72-76%)

  • • Landlord buyer already committed
  • • Minimal repairs needed
  • • Hot market with multiple offers
  • • Property is rent-ready
  • • Section 8 approved area

Go Lower (65-68%)

  • • Foundation issues present
  • • Uncertain ARV (limited comps)
  • • Slowing market conditions
  • • Property needs major systems
  • • Premium neighborhood (higher risk)

SA-Specific Negotiation Tips

1

Lead with Problems, Not Price

"Based on the foundation crack and the 40-year-old roof, here's what I can do..." makes the offer logical.

2

Use Local Comparisons

"The house on [Street Name] just sold for $X, and it had a newer roof..." SA sellers know their neighbors.

3

Mention Speed

"We can close in 2 weeks. BCAD shows your taxes are $4,500/year - that's $375/month you won't have to pay while waiting."

4

Offer Range When Needed

"I'm looking at $145-155K depending on what we find at inspection" gives you room to negotiate.

Key Takeaway

There is no one-size-fits-all in San Antonio. Premium flip markets need 65-68% to work. Landlord markets can go to 75%+ because landlords calculate differently. Know your market type BEFORE you make the call, and adjust your formula accordingly.