Note From Paula:
The President of the Inwood Home Owner's Association recently asked me what residents could do to maintain the value of their homes in the neighborhood of Inwood.  I replied "Keep the houses well maintained AND updated".  The market in San Antonio is currently a buyers market.  Homes in Inwood are competing with new homes.  Homes that are listed are in a 'price war' and a 'beauty pageant'.  Sellers must understand this if they  want to sell their homes.  I asked several friends to write articles on updating.  Here is one that Chris Dillard and Peggy Zettner wrote for distribution.

Many homes in Inwood were built over 20 years ago, and just as there comes a time to go through our closets and discard unsightly suits, dresses or shoes from the past, there also comes a time when we need to update our homes as well.  Whether it's a major remodel or simply adding fresh paint and new fabrics, by bringing your home up to date you'll surround yourself in comfortable style and put value into your home.  If you're still living in the mauves and hunter greens of the 80's, it's time to take a serious look, not just at the appeal of your home, but at the 'dollar per square foot' your home will demand should you need to sell.  And now, more than ever, you need to increase your home's equity.  I recently accompanied a real estate agent and previewed 3 homes listed in Inwood.  It was easy to see why two of the three homes have been sitting on the market for months.  These homes were sixteen to twenty years old and nothing had been updated since.  On the other hand, a home that underwent a complete update this year went on the market and sold in less than a week for their asking price.  So what can we do that will make a difference? 
 As we've known for years, the kitchen is the heart of the home. A major re-do would include granite or quartz countertops, new appliances and fixtures and new flooring.  If you don't have the budget for all that, look at new paint or wallpaper (which, by the way, is back in style big time!), freshening up your cabinets, adding new hardware, and bringing your color palate up to date.  The second room of importance is probably the master bath.  Are you still walking on carpet in your bathroom?  Think about replacing it with a natural stone or tile floor.  You can update your countertops to granite or tile, replace your shower enclosure with frameless glass and add new wallpaper and fixtures.  Go for a look of serenity and calm. This all sounds like a major undertaking, but if you work with a qualified designer or decorator and a reputable contractor, you will have the guidance and confidence to not only get through the project, but reap the rewards of a stylish and efficient new home which will demand top dollar in the market.
First impressions are everything.  What's the first impression you get when you walk through your front door?  By taking care of your home, you will contribute to the quality of life and add to the value of Inwood in this competitive market.
If you would like a referral for a talented and respectable designer, decorator or contractor, call Interior Trade Cartel at 494-1602.  We are a complete wholesale design showroom 'to the trade' and will be happy to give you referrals!
Owners and Inwood residents,
Chris Dillard & Peggy Zettner