TexasEscapes.com HOME Welcome to Texas Escapes
A magazine written by Texas
Custom Search
New   |   Texas Towns   |   Ghost Towns   |   Counties   |   Trips   |   Features   |   Columns   |   Architecture   |   Images   |   Archives   |   Site Map

Counties
Texas Counties


Texas Towns
A - Z





Columns

Columns | Go Far With Kovar

Increasing the value of your home

by Taylor Kovar

January 17, 2023
Hi Taylor - I just bought a house, and I'm really focused on making sure it retains its value. Aside from maintenance and such, what are some ways to hold - and hopefully increase - overall worth?

Hi Carmen
- This is an essential thing for homeowners to focus on. Property value usually trends upward, but that's never a guarantee. Here are a few ways to increase your new house's worth over time.

1. Maximize space. Whether your home has two bedrooms or four, you want to feel like there's plenty of room. As the years go by and you collect more things, it's easy to get accustomed to cramped quarters and limited storage, but that can be a big deterrent when it comes time to appraise. There are a few ways to make your house feel bigger, one of which is actually making it larger with an addition. If you have the money to invest in a new room, you should see a good return on that money when it comes time to sell. If you don't want to make the house physically bigger, you can build shelves, cabinets and pantry spaces that create space without adding square footage.

2. Tech-savvy.
You don't want to overdo it with the programming and computerizing of your house, but smart home security panels and thermostats can add a lot of appeal. As long as there isn't a steep learning curve, prospective homebuyers will generally like the idea of a house with good security features and a heating and cooling system that is effective and efficient. Any system that lets you save money on utility bills makes financial sense in the immediate future and for resale purposes, so you should think about innovative and efficient lighting sources, bathroom fixtures, kitchen appliances, etc. You don't have to turn your home into something out of a sci-fi novel, but keep an eye out for smart devices you think will fit nicely in your house.

3. Keep up outdoor appearances.
If home value is a concern, you can't overlook your front or backyard. Even if you just have a small patch of grass, figure out a way to make it look nice. You'll also want to be sure you go with a setup you don't have too much trouble maintaining. People often bite off more than they can chew when it comes to landscaping, and if you abandon your efforts part way through you could end up with a pretty ugly yard. Find a look you like that you have time to maintain, and stick with it

Home upkeep costs a good deal of money, but that investment will pay off if you take the right approach. Keep the above items in mind as you work on your home, and hopefully, the value will continue to rise!

© Taylor Kovar

"Go Far With Kovar" January 17, 2023 Column


Legal Disclaimer: Information presented is for educational purposes only and is not an offer or solicitation for the sale or purchase of any specific securities, investments, or investment strategies. Investments involve risk and, unless otherwise stated, are not guaranteed. Be sure to first consult with a qualified financial adviser and/or tax professional before implementing any strategy discussed herein. To submit a question to be answered in this column, please send it via email to Question@GoFarWithKovar.com, or via USPS to Taylor Kovar, 415 S 1st St, Suite 300, Lufkin, TX 75901.

Texas Escapes Online Magazine »   Archive Issues » Home »
TEXAS TOWNS & COUNTIES TEXAS LANDMARKS & IMAGES TEXAS HISTORY & CULTURE TEXAS OUTDOORS MORE
Texas Counties
Texas Towns A-Z
Texas Ghost Towns

TEXAS REGIONS:
Central Texas North
Central Texas South
Texas Gulf Coast
Texas Panhandle
Texas Hill Country
East Texas
South Texas
West Texas

Courthouses
Jails
Churches
Schoolhouses
Bridges
Theaters
Depots
Rooms with a Past
Monuments
Statues

Gas Stations
Post Offices
Museums
Water Towers
Grain Elevators
Cotton Gins
Lodges
Stores
Banks

Vintage Photos
Historic Trees
Cemeteries
Old Neon
Ghost Signs
Signs
Murals
Gargoyles
Pitted Dates
Cornerstones
Then & Now

Columns: History/Opinion
Texas History
Small Town Sagas
Black History
WWII
Texas Centennial
Ghosts
People
Animals
Food
Music
Art

Books
Cotton
Texas Railroads

Texas Trips
Texas Drives
Texas State Parks
Texas Rivers
Texas Lakes
Texas Forts
Texas Trails
Texas Maps
USA
MEXICO
HOTELS

Site Map
About Us
Privacy Statement
Disclaimer
Contributors
Staff
Contact Us

 
Website Content Copyright Texas Escapes LLC. All Rights Reserved