Cheri Ettinger

09/04/2026

She said she finally felt truly heard. 🏡

Not sold to. Not rushed. Heard.

"Cheri caught things in that house we never would have seen. She told us exactly what to fix, what to skip, and we closed above asking."

That's the builder's eye at work. And that's the kind of care that doesn't stop at the closing table.

If you're buying or selling in San Antonio or the Hill Country, let's talk. ✨

Visit gritgirlrealtor.com to get started.

09/03/2026

She said, 'I just want my mom close.' 🏡

That one sentence changed everything about how we approached this search.

This family wasn't just buying a home. They were creating a life where three generations could actually BE together. Sunday dinners. Grandkids running through the backyard. Mom having her own space, but never feeling alone.

The challenge? They needed two properties that made sense financially AND emotionally. And they needed someone who could see past the surface of every home they walked through.

That's where my builder's eye came in.

I spotted the things that don't show up until inspection. I flagged the updates that would add value. And I helped them avoid the money pits that looked beautiful on Zillow but would've cost them dearly.

We closed on BOTH properties. 100% close rate. Zero surprises at the table. ✨

Here's what they told me afterward:

'We felt heard, not sold to. Cheri never rushed us. She just kept showing up.'

That's the goal. Every. Single. Time.

If you're navigating a big family transition. a move, a downsize, or helping a parent find the right fit. I'd love to be in your corner.

Drop a comment below or DM me and let's talk. No pressure, just a real conversation.

09/02/2026

This kitchen used to stop buyers cold. 🏡

Dark cabinetry only works when the layout earns it. Here's what the builder's eye sees: open sightlines, an island that anchors the flow, and lighting that makes the whole space feel intentional.

This improvement moved the needle because buyers stopped questioning the kitchen and started picturing their life in it.

That shift? It's the difference between an offer and a pass.

Thinking about selling in San Antonio or Hill Country? Let's talk prep. ✉️

09/01/2026

Not every renovation dollar comes back to you at closing. 🏠

I see it ALL the time. Sellers spend $30K on a pool thinking it'll boost their sale price. But here's what the data actually shows...

According to the Texas A&M Real Estate Research Center, pools in San Antonio return less than 50% of their cost at resale. Meanwhile, some of the highest-ROI improvements cost a fraction of that.

Here's what ACTUALLY moves the needle in our market right now:

✅ Fresh interior paint (neutral tones). Up to 107% ROI
✅ Garage door replacement. One of the top returns nationally, and it holds true in Alamo Heights and Stone Oak too
✅ Minor kitchen updates (hardware, lighting, counters). Not a full gut reno. Just the right touches
✅ Landscaping curb appeal. Buyers form opinions in the first 8 seconds

What DOESN'T perform as well as sellers expect?

❌ Luxury master bath additions
❌ Sunrooms
❌ That pool (I know, I know)

This is exactly where my builder's background changes the game for my clients.

I've spent 8+ years in luxury renovations and new construction. I know what buyers in 78209 and the Hill Country are actually looking for. and I know which improvements will cost you more than they return.

Before you spend a single dollar prepping your home to sell, let's talk. I'll walk through your home with my builder's eye and tell you exactly where to invest and where to save.

DM me or drop "READY" in the comments and I'll reach out! 👇

08/31/2026

Backyard glow-ups that sell above asking.

Most see pretty lights. I see premium value.

This outdoor living update wasn't just for show. Stonework, layered lighting, and a winding path turned a backyard into a lifestyle—and boosted resale by 70%+.

Curious what my builder's eye would spot at your place? DM me or comment "BACKYARD" and let's talk strategy. 🌿

08/28/2026

🏡 A $300K San Antonio home doesn’t necessarily mean a $300K-home budget.

When you’re house hunting, it’s easy to focus on the listing price and estimated mortgage payment. But there are other costs that can affect what you actually spend each month.

Think property taxes, homeowners insurance, HOA fees, utilities, maintenance, and more.

And those costs can vary from one San Antonio home to the next.

Before you fall in love with a house, it’s worth asking:

“What will this home REALLY cost me every month?”

I broke down the real monthly costs to consider when buying a $300K home in San Antonio.

If you’re thinking about making a move, I’m happy to help you look at the bigger picture. ❤️

Buying a $300,000 home in San Antonio? Your mortgage payment is only part of the cost. Here’s what to budget for property taxes, homeowners insurance, HOA fees, utilities, maintenance, and other monthly homeownership expenses.

08/26/2026

New construction or resale in San Antonio?

Both are genuinely good options right now. Here is the honest breakdown:

NEW CONSTRUCTION wins on:

Everything brand new with builder warranties
Rate buydowns saving you hundreds per month
Closing cost help from motivated builders
Move-in ready spec homes at competitive prices
Modern floor plans built for real life

RESALE wins on:

Established neighborhoods (hello, mature oak trees)
More locations across the city
Bigger lots
Sellers making real concessions in this market
Move-in without years of construction around you

The smart play? Look at both at the same time.

My New Home Buddy link lets you browse 40+ San Antonio builders for free. And I run a live MLS search for resale homes that fit your criteria simultaneously.

Most buyers start convinced they want one or the other. Most end up surprised by what they find when they look at both.

Browse new construction free: https://a.nhb.app/u/cheri-ettinger Call or Text: (210) 985-7940
All resources: https://linktr.ee/cheri.ettinger



https://lnkd.in/p/gqE9UmBS

"Should I buy new construction or resale in San Antonio?" It is the question I am getting more than almost any other right now - and the answer is almost never as simple as buyers expect. Here is the framework I walk buyers through: New construction right now offers something genuinely compelling: b...