OHA Market Update Series - Sep 11, 2025
National: A well-designed privacy fence can create a sense of comfort and sanctuary that buyers love, even if it doesn’t always boost official appraisal value. The key is choosing the right style and placement so it enhances your home’s appeal instead of feeling unwelcoming.
Local: SpaceX is investing $8 million to expand its Bastrop facility by 80,000 square feet, with plans to grow by 1 million square feet over the next three years—bringing more than 400 new jobs and boosting Central Texas’ role in high-tech innovation. This expansion cements Bastrop as a rising hub for technology, manufacturing, and economic growth.
Intrigued? Keep reading.
(4 minute read)
National Real Estate Update
Housing Trends, Interest Rates, and Market Forecasts
Is a Privacy Fence a Smart Investment for Your Home?
When I walk into a backyard with a well-done privacy fence, I can almost feel the sigh of relief from the future owner. There’s just something about knowing you’ve got a little sanctuary—whether it’s for pets, kids, or just not making accidental eye contact with your neighbor while you’re in your bathrobe—that resonates with people. But is a privacy fence actually worth the investment? Let’s dig in.
Why Buyers Love Them
The experts mostly agree: privacy fences are a net positive. Buyers want a space that feels like theirs, tucked away from the outside world. It’s less about the fence itself and more about the sense of comfort and control it creates. That emotional response—“I can see myself living here”—matters a lot when buyers are walking through a home.
When It Can Backfire
Not all fences send the right message. A tall privacy fence blocking the front of the house, for example, can give off a closed-off or even unwelcoming feel. In neighborhoods with sidewalks and a welcoming vibe, hiding the house behind a wall can clash with the street’s character. On the flip side, if your home sits on a busy road, the same fence might be a selling point, blocking both noise and unwanted attention. Context is everything.
Cost and Materials
Here’s the part most homeowners want to know: how much does it cost? Depending on the material, you’re looking at $15 to $60 per linear foot, plus labor ($10 to $30 per foot). For a standard quarter-acre backyard, a vinyl or pressure-treated wood fence will typically run between $6,000 and $10,000 all-in.
As for materials:
Vinyl is the low-maintenance favorite—you don’t have to stain, paint, or fuss over it.
Wood is more budget-friendly upfront, but will need maintenance over time and runs the risk of rot.
Higher-end options like stone, stucco, or metal are durable but come with a bigger price tag.
Rules and Regulations
Before you start building, check the fine print. Cities often regulate fence height (Orlando, for example, caps fences at 6 feet). Some states, like California, even have “spite fence” laws that prevent overly tall barriers meant to block a neighbor’s view. And if you’re in an HOA, expect rules about material, height, color, and sometimes even which way the boards face.
Value vs. Perceived Value
Here’s the reality check: most appraisers don’t actually increase a home’s official value for a privacy fence. But here’s the flip side—buyers absolutely place value on them. If a fence helps a buyer fall in love with your home and feel good about writing a higher offer, then it does impact what your home sells for.
OHA’s HOT TAKE:
A privacy fence is rarely a bad investment, especially if it fits the style of the neighborhood and is done with the right materials. It might not add official appraisal value, but it adds emotional value—and in real estate, that’s often what tips the scales. Just be thoughtful about where you place it, the vibe it gives off, and whether it aligns with neighborhood expectations.
Because at the end of the day, your home isn’t just about square footage—it’s about how it feels when you step inside… or in this case, when you step outside.
👉 Thinking about making updates before selling, or curious what buyers in Austin are looking for right now? Let’s talk—I’d love to help you make smart choices that pay off.
Austin Area Real Estate & Community Update:
Market Trends, Local News, and Neighborhood Insights
SpaceX Expands in Bastrop with $8 Million Upgrade
Big things are happening just east of Austin—SpaceX is continuing to grow its footprint in Bastrop. The Project Echo facility at 858 FM 1209 is set to undergo an $8 million expansion, adding 80,000 square feet of office space by early 2026.
This is only the beginning. While this particular phase is scheduled to wrap by January 1, SpaceX ultimately plans to scale the facility by 1 million square feet over the next three years. The expanded space will include advanced labs and production areas dedicated to semiconductors, printed circuit boards, and Starlink manufacturing.
The impact is huge. Earlier this year, SpaceX was awarded a $17.3 million grant through the Texas Semiconductor Innovation Fund, fueling job growth and innovation. The expansion is expected to bring more than 400 jobs to Bastrop—strengthening not just the local economy, but Texas’ role in global technology and manufacturing.
As Rep. Stan Gerdes put it, “This investment is a game changer for Bastrop and for Texas.” I couldn’t agree more. It’s exciting to see world-class companies choosing Central Texas as their base for innovation, growth, and opportunity.
OHA’S HOT TAKE:
👉 With all this momentum, Bastrop and the surrounding communities are on the rise.
If you’ve been considering a move, investment, or just want to explore the opportunities this growth brings, now’s the time to start the conversation. Reach out—I’d love to help you find your spot in this fast-growing part of Central Texas.
Jennifer Carey
Realtor and Agent Success Manager at Open House Austin, real estate investor, and renovation enthusiast with Wimberley Airbnbs. She loves mid-century modern design, hiking Austin with her dogs, yoga and pilates, and has been enjoying gardening at her new home in East Austin🎶✨
