Pre-List Checklist for the San Antonio Home Seller

Springtime is a busy time in the San Antonio real estate market. So, if you're thinking about putting your home on the market, now's a great time to do it. But before you do, you'll need to make sure your property is ready to show. A home in top shape brings in top dollar. For your convenience, I've provided a helpful pre-list checklist for the San Antonio home seller. Before you list, make sure you check off everything on this list first.

 

Pre-List Checklist for the San Antonio Home Seller

Curb Appeal

First up on my pre-list checklist is the curb appeal. Buyers start sizing up a property from the moment they pull up to it. Make sure your lawn is mowed and the shrubs are trimmed. Get rid of weeds as soon as possible. Cracked, peeling paint throws up a red flag for buyers. If the outside isn't taken care of, what other problems lurk inside that have gone unaddressed? For a warm welcome, add a bench or rocking chairs to the front porch. Paint your front door. Add potted plants with colorful flowers. And replace the old welcome mat with a brand new one.

A Little Elbow Grease

What's next on this pre-list checklist? Cleaning. Wash your walls, baseboards, and windows. Sweep away any cobwebs lingering in the corners of your rooms. Deep clean carpets and upholstery, especially if you have smokers or pets in the house. Change out any burned out light bulbs. Oil squeaky hinges. Tighten up loose doorknobs and drawer pulls. Basically, you need to have everything sparkling clean. Once you've done the deep cleaning, maintain this state by making it a point to pick up after yourself every single day. That way, when your agent calls you to tell you a buyer will be dropping by in 20 minutes, you only need to perform a quick touch-up to make your home show ready.

Pack it Up!

Buyers look through everything...and I do mean everything. Get a jump on your eventual move by packing up all non-essential items right now. Go through your closets and keep only the things you need to get you through the week. This helps make even a tiny closet look huge. And who doesn't want more closet space? Toss out old magazines, junk mail, and any other paperwork you no longer need. Pack up any extra pots, pans, bakeware, etc. that you don't use on a regular basis in the kitchen. Organize your pantry and cabinets because buyers do look there. Stack your dishes in an orderly fashion. Pare down your massive coffee cup collection to just four or five. You want to show potential buyers how much storage space these cabinets offer. And don't forget to clear out the garage as much as possible, too. If that means renting out a storage unit until your home sells, so be it. Less is definitely more!

Use Your "Buyer's Eyes"

Finally, the last item on your pre-list checklist is to walk through your San Antonio home with "buyer's eyes". Leave your personal feelings behind. If you were looking at this home for the first time, would you buy it? What stands out, both good and bad? Fix whatever needs to be fixed before you list no matter how minor. These little things add up to a big discount on the sale price in the buyer's mind. And that's not what you want them to be thinking about.

Fiesta San Antonio Giveaway Reminder

Fiesta San Antonio starts on the 19th. It's your last chance to enter our Stone Oak Living give-away. Prizes include tickets to Valero Texas Open's 19th Hole Fiesta, as well as the three main parades (the River Parade, Fiesta Flambeau and Battle of Flowers). First, visit and "like" our Stone Oak Living Facebook page. Then, share the "Fiesta Plans" post on your Facebook page for a second chance at winning a prize. Finally, "like" my Fiesta Plans? blog post. But you'd better do it today. Winners will be announced soon. Good luck!

Christine Aldrete Banks, CRS, SRS, RSPS
www.stoneoakliving.com
830-279-8678
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