1. DISASSOCIATE YOURSELF FROM YOUR HOME 

I know, this one is difficult.  Your home is full of precious memories and treasured times spent with those you love, but if you ever hope to make the move, you have to look at your home as a product – same as you would look at a box of cereal sold on the grocery store shelf.  That also means removing any personal photographs or heirlooms that would make it more restrictive for the buyer to overlook.  You want them to say, “I can see myself living here!” not analyzing your family portrait circa 1992.

http://www.buzzfeed.com via awkward family photos

2. YOU MUST DE-CLUTTER!

Families merging, new births, outdated clothes, unwanted Christmas gifts, things stored away for a rainy day.  Eventually, your home is bursting with stuff!  Some of it may be really great stuff, but you’ve got to sort through all of it so that you can decipher what needs to go.  Nobody likes walking through a messy, crowded space.  This can get sentimental, but when going through things, ask yourself, “Do I really need this?  Is it being utilized?  Do I look and feel great wearing it?”  If the answer is no, get it off your hands!  There are fabulous charities in San Antonio that will be more than ecstatic to take these items; you will feel great about doing a good deed and your house will feel more spacious!

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3. ORGANIZE TO IMPRESS

How would you feel if you were taking a tour of a home and when you opened the pantry door to gaze inside, boxes came crashing down on you?  It would more than likely be difficult to redo that impression. How would it feel to open a medicine cabinet and see everything in tidy bins and labeled?  I, myself, would be thinking “if this owner keeps something this small organized, he or she has probably also taken very good care of this house.”  Though tedious, organization speaks volumes!

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4. MAKE THE HOUSE SPARKLE

Did you ever hear your grandmother spout, “Child, cleanliness is next to godliness.”  You probably rolled your eyes and snickered, but she did have a point.  A perfectly charming house, if left to mold, mildew, dirt, and stains could negatively distract a buyer; however a mediocre house cleaned to the nines could suddenly offer a buyer a refreshing new optimism.  While your home is on the market, you should make every effort to keep the place in tip-top shape!

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5. MAKE MINOR IMPROVEMENTS

No one said you had to do a full scale renovation to be competitive in the seller’s market, but if there are noticeable easy repairs to be made, use some of that stored up elbow grease and get to work!  You want to make sure that light bulbs are replaced, doors don’t jam, holes in the wall are patched up.  This will actually go a long way to show buyers that you have put some TLC into your home.

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6. SCRUTINIZE YOUR HOME FROM A THIRD-PARTY PERSPECTIVE

This one can be challenging, but you want to make sure you have done everything in your power to ensure that your home has a strong possibility to sell.  You need to walk through each room, stand out in front of the house and evaluate, “Would I buy this house?,” “Do I think it looks appealing?”  If you’re incapable of doing this on your own, ask a family member or friend, or better yet – there are plenty of capable staging professionals out there – including T Stevens Real Estate!

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7. NEVER UNDERESTIMATE CURB APPEAL

As unfortunate as it may be, a buyer will never even enter the premises of your house if they don’t like what they see on the outside.  You may have brand new hardwood floors, a recent remodel from some fancy design firm, or a priceless chandelier; but if your outside is looking shabby, buyers will write you off.  That exterior photo on your MLS listing and the drive-by that buyers will inevitably do carry a lot of weight!  You must evaluate your landscaping, your exterior structure, and the condition of any paint.  You will feel so much better once you plant some pretty flowers, I promise!

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*Refrences from homebuying.about.com

Did you know that King William Historic District is the oldest historical neighborhood in the state of Texas?  Pretty cool, right? If you haven’t partaken in King William Fair or stopped by the ever-popular event known as “First Friday,” you should make plans to do so soon!  It is your obligation as a loyal San Antonio citizen…

Follow along with T Stevens Real Estate as we explore San Antonio Magazine’s list of 101 Fun Things To Do This Summer!  If you’ve never been on a Hill Country Wine Tour, you are missing out my friend!

4655 Tanner Peak

San Antonio, Texas 78247

This beautiful two-story brick home is situated on a half cul-de-sac lot in the desirable Steubing Ranch community. The open and versatile floor plan is great for entertaining and offers 2 living areas, a family room with a brick fireplace, a formal dining room and an island kitchen with an eating area, walk-in pantry, built-in oven and a breakfast bar. The master retreat is complimented by a sitting area, walk-in closet and a full bath with recent tile flooring, a large walk-in shower and a double vanity. For added convenience there is an upstairs game room and reading nook. Outside, you can enjoy the mature trees, landscaping and covered patios.

Did you know that Mark Twain once called San Antonio one of America’s four unique cities?  Want to know the other three?  Here’s some hints: Golden Gate Bridge, Red Sox, and Bourbon Street.  

26002 Alto Cedro

San Antonio, Texas 78261

Make plans now to take a cooking class, you won’t regret it, I promise!

1316 Frontier

Spring Branch, Texas 78070

Situated on over an acre of level usable land this charming two story home is ideally located near shopping, restaurants and schools. A versatile floor plan features an inviting living room and a family room with a high ceiling, rock mantel fireplace and an abundance of natural lighting that brightens up the home. The kitchen includes recent stainless steel appliances, slate tile flooring and a large bar top. Retreat to the private master suite which offers a sitting area, outside access to the patio, a walk-in closet and an updated full bath with separate tub and shower and a double vanity. The convenient home office has beautiful French doors, plantation shutters and an inset ceiling. An extended flagstone patio and fire pit makes the back yard perfect for entertaining guests. 

Searching for something entertaining to do this summer?  Don’t forget to make a stop at Blue Star Arts Complex!

3408 Northmoor

San Antonio, Texas 78230

This spacious townhouse style condo has three generous bedrooms and a detached two-car garage. Two large living areas on the main level flank a charming staircase and have tile flooring. The family room has a beamed ceiling and is open to the breakfast area and kitchen. Off the kitchen there is a large utility room with extra storage space. This condo has large bedrooms upstairs including a full master suite with a walk-in closet. A private patio area is accessed from the breakfast room. Recent paint and fixtures, a community pool and a great location near UTSA, the Medical Center, shopping and dining add to the appeal of this home.