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Dallas Real Estate News, Ask Candy: What To Do With (Ahem) Noisy, “Active” Neighbors?

Great topic considering it’s Valentines Week:

“Dear Candy: I know this might be a strange question, but I am going crazy. I have a one bedroom condo and I hear my neighbors all the time. The noise is particularly bad at night time, if you get where I’m going. I don’t know what these people do for a living, but well, I’ll just say it: they have sex all night long. And they are not quiet about it. It has gotten so bad that I had to get earplugs and an Ambien prescription just to get some rest. (I think my doctor thinks I’m a drug addict, I was too embarrassed to tell her why I needed the sleeping pills.) Honestly, they never seem to do anything but — and I seriously wonder how they get through the day with so much night-time activity.

A longshot, but I am asking if there are any laws that maybe cover this — noise laws, decency laws, condominium association management, where do I go? A friend told me to pretend it’s Opera but you know, I work and really need my rest. Any help you can provide is appreciated.”

Boy, I need to do some research on this one. Does anyone have any advice for this poor, sleep-starved gentleman? (And why are condo walls so paper-thin?)

Romantic Dallas Real Estate: Deion Sanders Owns A Condo at The Azure

And it’s on the market for $7,500,000, according to the good folks at Top Ten Real Estate Deals. The Dallas County Appraisal District shows a slightly different value — $3,011,510. It appears he’s got in held in an LLC, TwentyOne, LLC,  and looks like he bought the unit, suite 3002, about a year ago. I can’t argue the price, but I can maybe argue square footage: Top Ten is reporting the square footage at over 9,000 square feet. That has to include patio because DCAD says the unit is 5081 square feet. And this is a two-story condo, with a terrace lounge with bar and full bath (so nice for guests, keeps your own potty pristine) and a private elevator to a rooftop private pool, roof garden and fireplace.

Mr. Deion also has that girnormous home on Preston Road in Prosper, on the Collin County tax rolls for $5,410,602. I’d say Deion really loves to dabble in real estate.

Trinity Trust Media Roundtable: What Does It Mean To Dallas Real Estate?

Today’s media update was just that, as Peter Simek pointed out on FB -– Peter, I am a little concerned about that Weightboarding — sounds more dangerous than snowboarding! The update was welcome, because I had been hearing that the Texas Horse Park is dead, and it’s not. Far from it: Ben Casey, Jr. said they will confirm a construction date in 2010, and I will be so happy when that happens. Can you imagine going horseback riding on your lunch break? Like Casey told me, the park will only be about six miles from downtown Dallas and I have dreams of cantering with the skyline in the background. But my ears perked up when I heard Larry Beasley, the Vancouver-based architect and architecture professor who is overseeing design, predict that 5,000 to 6,000 more people could be living in West Dallas in affordable, sustainable residences: cool, I said, how much? Too early, he said, but invited me to City Hall to see more of what he’s got on the drawing board. How can I refuse a handsome Canadian? P.S. Real estate market in Vancouver, B.C. sounds a lot like Dallas — never spiked, never collapsed. Now if we could just get as sustainable and car-free as Vancouver…

Update: Sorry, it’s Wakeboarding I’ve been told and appropriately corrected. As long as it’s not Waterboarding…

Real Estate Demo Central: What Is Going Down and Up At Lemmon & Central?

Readers who office at Cityplace report the demolition of two old medical buildings at the corner of Lemmon & 75. I know Obamacare is looming on the horizon, so maybe the docs decided to call it quits? (And can we expect more of the same?) Seriously, anyone know who bought that land and what is going on/in there? It has to be some of the priciest dirt in town. I’ll go over there and check the addresses as soon as this lovely weather clears up.

Dallas Real Estate News:Freezing Your A** In University Park?

Don’t be surprised if there are canceled showings in the northeastern quadrant of University Park today — some streets (Villanova, Wentworth, Centenary, Marquette) were without gas yesterday, which means those homes are still downright frigid today. I certainly hope homeowners didn’t have to freeze during the Superbowl!

Is Dallas Getting an In-and-Out Burgers, at Caruth and Central?

Really Nancy’s department, but this tidbit in The Advocate says that “real estate sources say”,  which always alerts my antennae. I’d love an In-and-Out Burgers joint here. My waistline would not, but they are honestly the best fast-food burgers I’ve had. (Dearest son, next time I fly to Cali can you meet me at the airport with one? Thanks.) Anyhow, let’s ask the real estate world of Dallas: does anyone know anything about an In-and-Out Burgers coming to Central at Caruth? My God, that place is going to be food central what with the gigantic new Whole Foods and Central Market and then fresh, fast burgers…

I’m off to the gym just thinking about it.

Carolyn Shamis, R.I.P: Putting On The Bling Just For You!

Look at this beautiful woman. If you’ve been in the real estate business in Dallas for the last 40 years, you knew Carolyn Shamis. I had always known who she was — how she loved ballroom dancing and danced the night away with those Cotton brothers in the 1980’s — but I recently got to know (and love) Carolyn within the last few years. She was a petite Joan Collins — but way nicer, with more class. We bonded instantly over our curly hair — me bemoaning my curl/frizz, comparing notes on how much we spend to straighten it, Carolyn telling me she was beginning to embrace her curly locks and one day I would, too. We both loved animals and real estate and she told me the story of how she became one of the the city’s most successful agents.

Carolyn specialized in Uptown, downtown and Turtle Creek, but also sold ranch properties or any home. Back when the popular television series “Dallas” was filming here, Carolyn found Patrick Duffey and Larry Hagman homes to rent — catapulting her to “realtor to the stars” fame. She handled the “Dallas” stars real estate transactions and partied with everyone on the set. (Those were the days when Dallas was full of star sightings: Charlene Tilton was in my Gym and Swim class.) Carolyn’s parents were Lebanese and she came to Dallas from a small town in Mississippi — this is from memory, so pardon and correct me if I am wrong — where her beloved parents owned a clothing store called The Hollywood Shop. Beautiful, high quality clothing was displayed and customers were treated like kings and queens, accessorized, coddled. I remember talking with Carolyn about small-town dress shops — in Elgin, Ill. we had “The Boutique” and I can still recall The Boutique’s elegant, wallpapered dressing rooms and the wine, cheese and tea that was served to everyone. We noted that few, if any, of those wonderful little clothing stores exist anymore, just huge department stores, shopping malls and the internet. Both our grandparents had emigrated to the U.S. and come through Ellis Island.

Carolyn was a secretary who decided to become a real estate agent and like most of us, she came to Dallas with no money. When she told her mother she had a job interview, mama sent her a dress from their family store, and she borrowed a friend’s car — a little sporty number. Off she went to see Virginia Cook at Henry S. Miller. There was Carolyn, petite, size 0, voluptuous, packed into the bright red suit her mother had sent for good luck.

I have no doubt there was also some cleavage.

This was probably the late 1970’s. Virginia Cook said, as any honest corporate woman would have said, Carolyn, honey, you need to wear something a little different if you are going to sell real estate in this town. These woman are not going to leave their husbands alone with you for more than half a second! (Then, she added, the car’s got to go, too.)

So Carolyn started her own company. Smart gal, she found a niche selling high rises. (Leave those suburban husbands with the prim and proper agents north of Northwest Highway!) Carolyn loved color, elegance and champagne. In fact, at lunch, she ordered her Perrier water in a champagne glass.

“Honey, if I can’t have the real thing, at least I’m going to pretend it’s the real thing.”

Carolyn was obsessive about her looks, like all of us, and believed that Dallas women took better care of themselves than women anywhere else. If they didn’t, she was nicely helpful. One day a realtor from another firm stopped into see her before her hair appointment — and Carolyn touched her hair — oh dear, she said, not good. A few days later Carolyn dropped by one of those mascara-hair wands (I have yet to get one) that you can use to cover hairline roots in-between touch-ups. Carolyn couldn’t have children, and from what she told me never had any of her own,  but she loved children. Well, not always. There was a time when children drove her nuts, until one day a repairman came up to her condo to fix something and brought his little girl.

“Don’t let her touch anything,” said Carolyn, and you can just imagine what her home was like — all white, pristine perfect. Well, that little girl touched her heart and changed Carolyn’s life dramatically, and she remained close to her, practically adopting her. Carolyn loved dogs ad pampered hers to no end, I think she said she actually remodeled her condo to accommodate the angel. She’d tuck a $10 bill in the pup’s (heavily bejeweled) collar and send her down in the elevator to the doorman for a walk!

Then there was her signature car, the Rolls Royces, and Sheer Dallas, the television series. Oh this woman was all about living life to its fullest!

I’m told she had cancer. But she never let on. Her website says she was born in 1942, but she always urged women to never let on their age. In any case, she was way too young to leave us.

I think Carolyn would be urging us to remember her for the beautiful, kind, energetic, fun spirit that she was. Here’s to champagne and bling and cleavage, lots of cleavage! Carolyn, we will miss you and we are grateful to have had the privilege of knowing you. I know that wherever you are, that place is now far better, prettier, brighter, happier, full of smiles and elegance, just because you are there.

For those of us left behind, feel free to leave your memories of Carolyn Shamis here after you read her “Twenty Four Things To Always Remember”:

Continue reading "Carolyn Shamis, R.I.P: Putting On The Bling Just For You!"

Dallas Real Estate Fantastic Lady Carolyn Shamis, R.I.P.

I have just received word that the beautiful and dynamic Carolyn Shamis passed away at her home last night. I had lunch with Carolyn not long ago and left feeling like I had a new very best friend. She never uttered a word to me about her illness. Details forthcoming.

Rod Dreher:Three Good Reasons Why You Should Never Leave Dallas

Yes, we in Dallas have the greatest real estate. But also, One, Mexican food —  even my Texas-turned-Cali son says that despite CA’s overpowering immigrant population, the Mexican food there is ugh; Two, Central Market (or Whole Foods, whichever is closer and the new Central/Park Lane store is going to be the biggest in the whole dang world), and Three, KERA — so says Rod Dreher. Hey Rod, I think the house is still available…

New Details Released in Jeanmarie Geis Murder-Suicide

On the day Jeanmarie and her two children were found dead in their home, someone scratched two words or names in to her kitchen cabinets over there on Blairview… Josh Hixson has the story.

Dallas Real Estate Icon: Ebby (Once Again) Pulls Out Her Uke

This time, to honor Caroline Rose Hunt at the Attitude & Attire Luncheon… lots of Realtors in the group and Sweet Charity has all the deets.

Dallas Dirt Seeking Precious Homes Under $200,000

Now don’t have an accident or anything, but if you see some real cuties pies while out and about this weekend, send me an address or even a photo. Thanks!

Rapper Jay-Z Sues Highland Capital Bank Over New York City Hotel Loan

The lawsuit has something to do with a hotel the Rapper, Shawn Carter, planned to develop on Manhattan’s West Side and the legal mud slinging accuses Highland and NexBank of “bleeding” funds from Carter. Highland says Carter’s group is in default on a loan. In any case, I wonder if there is an affiliation with Highland Capital Management and James Dondero, who are the backers of several significant high end mansions in the Park Cities area the most notable being, of course, 3500 Beverly.

Briarwood Beauty: D Sale of the Week

Low ceilings, well what do you expect from a home built in 1947? But see how the open stairway gives this home a lift you can feel immediately. Handsome devil.

D Sale of the Week: Beauty in Briarwood, Under $400,000

I am ready to jump on this home at 4710 W. Amherst Ave., smack in the heart of Briarwood. (It would be perfect for my daughter and son-in-law.) Updated in 2001, the home features a second story and downstairs master suite with large bath and great storage. You can see how they really opened up the first floor, from the foyer to the remodeled kitchen, which can be so tricky in these choppy 1940s cottages. The house is 1,720 square feet, with rich wood floors everywhere, three bedrooms (two are up with bath), utility room, fenced backyard with security cameras, and a pretty flagstone patio. Briarwood, like its next-door neighbor Devonshire, is of the hottest areas in town for first-time homebuyers and empty nesters who want a little less square footage and yard, mostly because the location right off Lovers and Inwood is so darn convenient. By the way, this is the home that an imposter on Craig’s List hijacked last week to lease out for $900 a month—not true. The home is listed with Martha and McKamy Tiner at Dave Perry-Miller for $399,000. Not too shabby.

Bubble Warnings From TARP Chief: Saving Real Estate, Saving the Banks

This is interesting: Neil Barofsky, Special Inspector General of the Trouble Asset Relief Program, warns that the Obama administration — ahem, his boss — is recklessly fanning another real estate bubble with all the propping programs in an effort to keep the banks in business and real estate afloat. That first time homebuyer credit did help generate a lot of starter home property sales — I shudder to think what we would have done without them. So what happens when the props are removed? I spoke to one Dallas agent today who had a $2.5 million home on the market for 18 months — no movement. Sellers refused to budge. That’s one of the toughest price points. She sees a slew of homes flooding the market this spring and thinks buyers will be buying but… with more inventory, prices will be softer, she says.

Sad News: Gina Campisi, RIP

Over on SideDish, sad news: Nancy Nichols is reporting that Gina Campisi, owner of Fedora Restaurant in One Arts Plaza, and the sister of Amber, was found dead today from an apparent suicide in her East Dallas home.

Better Mortgage Deals For Muslims?

Interestingly, the Quran teaches against usury, or finance charges, even for Muslims who wish to purchase homes. Which might make it a tad bit difficult for them even in this era of record-low mortgage rates. Muslims must not pay any interest for credit advanced or receive interest. So in dealing with U.S. banks, Muslims look for Islamic ways to purchase a home. I ask: are there any banks in the Dallas area that specialize in Quran-approved financing who specialize in Muslim home lending? Apparently many banks are offering zero-percent interest rates to attract Muslims and help them buy homes.

Dallas Condo News: CTMGT Buys Stoneleigh Heritage, Plans To Finish Out

Cheer up, Uptowners. That shell of a condo unit on Wolf Street near Maple won’t be a shell for long. Steve Brown says CTMGT beat out Hayman Woods – that would be as in Jonas Woods’, recall, formerly of Victory development eons ago — who bid $4 million for the bankrupt Stoneleigh Heritage Residences. CTMGT offered/paid $4.55 million.

Dallas Real Estate News: Guess Who Snapped Up the Stoneleigh (Condos)?

This just in: Just received word that CTMGT, LLC has bought the Heritage at the Stoneleigh out of bankruptcy. Reported sales price: $4.55 million.  (Question: I had heard at the ULI that Jonas Woods was trying to buy the Stoneleigh?) CTMGT is an affiliate of Centurion American Development Group, and the Carrollton-based developer hopes to start construction in the next six months.  Turner Construction will complete the exterior and two custom builders will be hired to do the interior units.

Folks, we are back in business!

Crime Alert, Fitzhugh Area

I’ve just received word of two Dallas Realtors who thought their lives were going to be snuffed out Sunday night/Monday morning at one a.m., sitting in their car,  when a perpetrator placed an 8 mm gun to one agent’s chest, demanding her purse. Gathering details now — fresh news just for you,  Baseball Mike.

Ask Candy: What Are They Filming In North Dallas?

A reader writes:

“Quick question and I figured you’d know.

Do you know what they are filming in that new subdivision on the north side of Forest between Preston and Hillcrest?

There are a ton of trucks and police cars (plus a big sign that says “set”) at that location.  Then in the back parking lot of the Unitarian church, it looks like there is a big staging area with more trucks and trailers.

Just curious if you knew.”

It’s Official: Allie Beth Allman & Associates Now Marketing The Ritz

What a morning  it was at Allie Beth Allman & Associates Monday: Crescent Real Estate Equities, LLC  execs drove in from Fort Worth to announce that Allie Beth Allman was going to pour new energy into selling the remaining 31 Tower II condominiums at The Residences at the Ritz-Carlton Dallas, and the four Regency Row townhouses currently under construction. Led by Kyle Crews, Juli Harrison, Melinda Jones and Josh Ellis — formerly of Traditions, the company that had been marketing the units —  that Ritz sales office in the Crescent will  relocate to the second floor of The Residences, so buyers checking out the place can drive up, get valet-parked, and enjoy that total Ritz experience. With the new ownership change at The Ritz Residences (John Goff recently re-acquired the property, now a joint venture between Crescent and Barclays), Managing Director Tom Nezworski said they decided to go boots on the ground and felt the ABA team, headed by Kyle Crews, could get the job done in today’s challenging market.

So what’s going to be different? Price? Negative — three Tower II residences sold in January for pretty close to asking,  a total of just under $6 million Crescent gleefully popped into the bank. If folks are buying, that asking cannot be too far off the mark. Plus Ritz buyers aren’t looking for K Mart specials.

“Our demographics,” said Nezworski, “are not driven by major price discounts.”

Ritz demographics value quality, service and the lifestyle, he says; and contrary to urban real estate legends, there is mortgage money out there for condo buyers: twelve Ritz units have sold with buyers able to obtain mortgages.

So no price reductions. The sales office is moving directly into the building. More marketing and advertising? Probably.  More financing options, and some of that marketing will likely be showing you how affordable the Ritz really is – -after all, you don’t have to buy the penthouse that’s still left in shell-state at Tower One. Lots more hand-holding for agents to “enhance the brokerage experience” for agents wanting to sell Ritz Dallas properties? You bet.

FYI: Ritz HOAs are $.77 per square foot, but charged only on interior square footage, not patios or balcony’s.

What today’s move tells me: Crescent is more than serious about selling those remaining 35 units — including the four Regency Row townhomes, which are are pricey with a capital P.  But that’s OK. Allie Beth Allman is our former president’s real estate agent for gosh sakes, and between Allie Beth and Pierce, Kyle Crews, Doris Jacobs, Erin Mathews, David Nichols, Ben Jones, Kari Schlegel, Frank Purcell,  et al, you have the Fort Knox of gold rolodexes (more like i phone contacts) bursting with high net worth names.  I have a feeling those folks are going to find some Ritz buyers mighty fast… faster even than Ritz room service.

Will Dallas Real Estate Agents Be Extinct In A Few Years?

Or at least forced to reduce commissions to keep up with the ever-encroaching real estate information available on the internet and mobile phone applications? These agents in Taxachusetts Massachusetts seem to think, yes.

What’s Happening at the Goss-Michael Foundation Gallery?

What’s happening at the Goss-Michael Foundation? Hopefully, nothing more than taking down the exhibit that ended January 23 and getting ready for The Dallas Art Fair which opens February 4 and features some dynamic out of town work from esteemed at least 54 galleries in top art cities — LA, Santa Fe, San Francisco and New York — including one of my faves, Jenkins Johnson in NYC and San Francisco, as well as our wonderful local galleries.

But I thought Goss-Michael might want to talk to the landlord about the placement of this for-lease sign.