That is what a network can do — especially when it’s one full of friendly Texans.

Even the greatest home could fall short of true dream status if you don’t love the neighborhood you’re in.

According to a joint study by the University of Alabama and the University of Texas at Arlington, curb appeal can boost a home’s value by 7 percent on average — and twice that for homes in slower real estate markets. So, whether you’re trying to add value before you put your home on the market or simply hoping to better match your personal design aesthetic, it’s well worth it to invest the time and money needed to update your home’s landscaping, front porch curb appeal and [...]

With the weather warming up, flowers in full bloom and the days getting longer, spring is the season of celebration and rebirth. As the world, well, springs back to life, it’s the perfect time to incorporate this spirit into your home decor, too. There are some key subtle touches you can add to your home now, for a sophisticated and stylish spring touch, reminding you every day of the beauty and growth of this (much welcome) new [...]

Each Friday, Robbie Briggs, CEO of Briggs Freeman Sotheby’s International Realty, writes about luxury, trends, business and more in the advertising pages of the Mansion section of The Wall Street Journal. Below is his letter of April 30, 2021.

FROM MY PERSPECTIVE

In life — and in business — a change of scenery can really change your perspective.

That’s why we’ve been shaking things up and moving some of our offices. Yesterday, we opened our new space in Fort Worth, [...]

Every Texan deserves their place in the sun — and every Texas home does, too. With so much time spent indoors during the height of the pandemic, the value of a great outdoor space — complete with comfortable seating, compelling details and ample room to lounge and unwind — is more apparent than ever before. Fortunately, after a little attention and some key upgrades, your backyard can blossom from a grassy patch to a dreamy [...]