First impressions

Best ways San Antonio homeowners can boost curb appeal this fall

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San Antonians should budget nearly $3,600 for their autumn outdoor projects to boost their curb appeal.

There are beautiful homes to be found throughout San Antonio, and if local homeowners want to maintain their curb appeal, there are a few tips and tricks to take advantage of this fall to set yourself up for success next spring.

So says Thumbtack's recent study revealing the top "Fall Home Projects That Will Boost Your Curb Appeal Next Spring." The study was based on an analysis of curb appeal projects from August 2023 to August 2024, which was ranked by project frequency.

Maintaining beauty doesn't come cheap. Thumbtack, a home services website, found Americans should budget nearly $3,600 for their autumn outdoor projects – such as gutter cleanings, sprinkler system winterization, tree trimming, lawn fertilizing, and more.

The report also made suggestions for outdoor weatherization projects, which San Antonians should heed now that Texas winters are less predictable due to climate change, they say.

"To protect your home from rain, cold, and snow, we recommend sealing your deck, caulking gaps, and insulating doors and windows," the report's author wrote. "These steps help keep warm air in and moisture out, ensuring your home’s exterior is ready for winter."

Homeowners who want to make a big impression with their lawn next spring should start working on it this fall, the report says. Projects like overseeding and aerating the yard, regular weeding, and pruning shrubs, trees, and perennials ahead of the winter months will help improve curb appeal for the next year, according to the report.

But if a homeowner prefers the trendy look of a less manicured (yet still green) yard, we're not here to judge. Leaving more room for greenery in the backyard can make a home look more lush.

2024 Houzz home design trends San Antonians love a cozy backyard where the green grass grows. Photo courtesy of J. Montgomery Designs, Inc.

What it all costs
Of course, service costs are a major factor when determining how much to budget for these projects. The national average cost estimate for tree trimming can ring up at $718, while pressure washing or shrub trimming can easily cost over $300.

"Some projects like leaf cleanup and fertilizing can be DIYed, but others like gutter cleaning and tree trimming should be left to the pros to avoid costly, and dangerous mistakes," the report said. "Bundling home projects like aerating, fertilizing, weeding, and overseeding with a lawn care professional can also help you save money as you plan ahead."

In 2023, Thumbtack estimated San Antonio homeowners would spend up to $14,582 for the year to boost their curb appeal on "medium-sized" home improvement projects like garage door or gutter replacements. For multiple large-scale projects – such as exterior repainting, property fence replacement, or sprinkler system installations – costs could add up to $27,000 in San Antonio. (No such annual figure was given in the new report.)

U.S. cities with the best curb appeal
The report also released its rankings of the top 10 cities with the best curb appeal nationwide. Atlanta, Georgia claimed the No. 1 spot for the second year in a row, followed by Austin (No. 2). Elsewhere in Texas, Dallas' curb appeal improved over the last year to land the city in the No. 4 spot.

The top 10 cities with the best curb appeal are:

No. 1 – Atlanta, Georgia
No. 2 – Austin, Texas
No. 3 – Charlotte, North Carolina
No. 4 – Dallas, Texas
No. 5 – Washington, D.C.
No. 6 – Denver, Colorado
No. 7 – Tampa, Florida
No. 8 – Orlando, Florida
No. 9 – Seattle, Washington
No. 10 – Raleigh, North Carolina

The full report can be found on thumbtack.com.

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Take A Walk

New multifamily community opens near Stone Oak restaurants and shopping

Rendering courtesy of Greyson Luxury Living

The new community offers 291 units.

A new multifamily community is now open to prospective residents in San Antonio. Greyson Luxury Living comprises 291 units at 1734 N. Loop 1604 West, with a focus on lifestyle amenities. But the location will be the main draw for many.

Apartment floor plans range from one to three bedrooms, starting at $1,317 for one bedroom and one bathroom, and working up to a base price of $2,611 for three bedrooms and two baths. The community's pet policy according to the website is: "We welcome all your furry friends at Greyson."

Residents will get reserved parking and a garage with EV charging stations, but it might not always be necessary to hop in the car. The apartments are directly adjacent to restaurants like Cover 3, Eddie V's Prime Seafood, and Blü Prime Steakhouse — not exactly everyday eats, but there's tons more at the Vineyard Shopping Center and the Stone Oak neighborhood's Blanco Market Shopping Center across the highway.

In addition to restaurants, the community is less than a five-minute drive from H-E-B Plus, Whole Foods Market, Target, fashion and furniture stores, and multiple fitness studios like StretchLab and LA Fitness.

A press release promises wood-style flooring, quartz and granite countertops, and ceramic tile backsplash. On the more utilitarian side, it offers single-basin sinks, kitchen islands, "spacious" pantries, a stainless-steel Energy Star appliance package, and washer and dryer connections. (Images shared by the complex so far appear to be more illustrative of the desired vibe than the actual space.)

Every floor plan also shows a private patio or balcony. The most expensive floor plan — the three-by-two — has a wraparound outdoor space.

For shared spaces, a resort-style pool with a tanning shelf (a very shallow area for placing lounge chairs) and bike storage encourage residents to get outside, and a dog wash station makes it easy to leave dirt and hair outside of apartments. There's also a fitness center, a clubhouse with wi-fi, elevators, and concierge services.

“We developed Greyson as a luxury multifamily community aimed to fit any type of lifestyle, and we are grateful for all of our partners that helped bring this project to life,” says Ed Garahan, partner and CEO at Carbon Companies, the development firm heading the project.

Carbon Companies also sold the Addison Medical Center Apartments, Ventura Ridge, Triomphe Apartments, and Pecan Springs Luxury Apartment Homes, with more in the works in San Antonio.

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