Confirm who may enter
Write down who has keys and who may approve urgent work.
For vacant houses in San Antonio and Bexar County
A vacant house needs a simple, written plan.
Secure the house, confirm insurance, arrange local checkups, watch the monthly cost, and decide what comes next.
Free No account or contact information Private on this device
Who made this site?
Bexar County Home Buyers, a private home-buying company. The tools are free and do not send us your answers. Discussing a possible purchase is a separate choice.
Start here
Which situation sounds most like yours?
You do not need to know the professional term. Choose the closest statement.
The basics
Do the right work in a clear order.
Tell the insurance company
Give the exact vacant date and ask for coverage in writing.
Check inside and outside
Use dated photos from the same places every week or as the policy requires.
Protect water and temperature
Know the main shutoff, thermostat plan, and who can respond.
Keep the outside cared for
Watch grass, trash, mail, doors, windows, fence, pool, and posted notices.
Track cost and time
Add the monthly bills and choose a date to review the decision.
Free tool
Build a plan for the vacant house.
Four answers show what to handle first. You can choose “I’m not sure.”
Next steps
One thing at a time.
What to do
- Check for immediate danger or active damage.
- Confirm locks, keys, doors, windows, water, and power.
- Call the insurance company and choose a local contact.
What to do
- Create a photo checklist and visit schedule.
- Forward mail and activate account alerts.
- Check taxes, permits, and vacant-building rules.
What to do
- Compare actual monthly costs.
- List repairs and get matching written estimates.
- Compare keeping, renting, repairing, and selling.
Official sources
Go to the agency responsible.
Rules and accounts change. These links open the official source.
Safety comes first.
For active crime, fire, a gas smell, medical danger, collapse risk, or immediate threat to life, call 911. Do not send an untrained person into an unsafe or unsecured building.
Common questions
Clear answers to get started.
Confirm dates, rights, and requirements with the responsible agency or qualified professional.
Does every vacant San Antonio house register?
No. The program applies only in certain areas and situations. Check the official map and any notice received.
How often should someone check it?
Ask the insurance company. A weekly check with dated photos is a reasonable starting point for many vacant or higher-risk homes.
Should I shut off the water?
It depends on plumbing, season, insurance, alarms, irrigation, heating, and who can respond. Use qualified help.
What if someone may be inside without permission?
Do not confront them or send someone inside. Call 911 for active crime or immediate danger; otherwise use law enforcement and qualified legal guidance.
Can I cover windows with plywood?
Do not assume permanent plywood is allowed. Confirm current city standards before installing materials.
Next step
Secure what matters today, then choose the next review date.
Use the free tool first. If you later want to discuss selling the property in its current condition, that conversation is optional and separate.