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Norman Brinker’s Dallas Home

Though it’s now owned by oncologist Dr. Dennis H. Birenbaum, and on the market with Polly Kinzie of Allie Beth Allman for $6,300,000, I will always think of 9410 Alva Court as the home of Dr. Terry James, who built it, and the great Norman Brinker, who James sold it to in the ’90’s.

$8000 Tax Credit Enticing To Young Dallas Homebuyers

A reader writes:

Candy, I didn’t realize there was this $8,000 credit for buying a home.  I’m seriously considering it.  I just don’t know enough about what things cost and what neighborhoods I might like, which is why I enjoy reading DallasDirt.  I guess we’ll need a Realtor to show us around but — they scare me. Will Realtors work with small potato clients like us? – SR”

Realtors scary? Actually, dear agents, there is a perception that if you are not Mr. and Mrs. Gotrocks, you are not worth a sneeze, much less sale. But this email, from a local young professional, is exactly why I am bullish on our local (read: affordable) market.  Here’s the deal: these young kids are working and busy. They Twitter and Facebook and still find time to volunteer at the SPCA. It won’t take long before they learn, over the water cooler, that Uncle Sam is gobbling their paycheck and owning a home may help out.  Inch by inch, these kids will be getting into the market, even though the toughest thing about buying your first home is scraping up enough dough for the down payment.  As of May 29, first time home buyers can fashion that $8000 tax credit into their down payment and to help with upfront home buying costs.

The Most Amazing Toilet In Dallas

The seat opens  by itself,  cleanses, dries, powders and sanitizes your bottom. Then it closes. Ladies, the days of the open toilet seat are behind us!

Bishop Avenue Re-Zoning? What’s The Story

I am hearing that  Planning & Zoning cut out portions of the new Bishop Ave. re-zoning effort, only to be passed on to Dallas City Council to possibly override? Decisions to be hammered out tomorrow — dear Dirt lovers from south of downtown, please tell me what is going on down there!

Laura Bush Brings The World To Preston Hollow

On Good Morning America, first interview from Daria Place. So no wonder Cindy Sheehan was also in the hood, recently.

Update: Mrs. Bush says she and the former president really do have a private life.

HBA of North Texas Surplus Sale

Is coming up, June 18. Remodelling? Fabulous way to pick up some high-quality construction items, everything from wood, cabinets, tile, carpet to insulation. Details forthcoming.

Champs D’Or: And The Lucky New Dallas Agent Is…

Joan Eleazer at Briggs Freeman. Joan is, once again, listing 1851 Turbeville Road waaaaaay up there in Hickory Creek. What all is included (or not included) in that new lower price of $27,500,000, I am trying to determine. Also trying to figure out what, if anything, the owners of the property, Alan and Shirley Goldfield, he the cellphone mogul, she the one who re-created Chanel’s Paris boutique in her master closet, they being the couple who never actually lived in the home, are actually selling: this new bargain basement price includes less land than the 140 acres served up in the last $65.5 offering… and then. My dirty little mind is hard at work, and I cannot help but wonder if this switcheroo has anything to do with the fact that some very mega California VIP’s are working with Briggs Freeman about a serious relocation to Big D.

Dallas Home Sales

Here’s a real shocker: Dallas home sales are down from last year — but prices down just an itty bit. But wait. Didn’t Trulia just say that Dallas has one of the highest price reduction rates in the country? When I saw that story, first thing came to mind: how in the Beejesus does Trulia know anything about anything in an undisclosed price state? Beats me. As we told you in last week’s Real Estate Round Table, that $8000 first-time home-buyer’s credit – you have to have not owned a home for at least three years and must earn less than $120,000, although higher salaries can be pro-rated — is really getting first time home buyers off the fence, into the homeowner’s pool. I’ve been interviewing a few first time home buyers to gather thoughts — stay tuned.