D

Paul McCartney Talked To Me Last Night About Dallas Real Estate

Well, in my head he did. Through his music. (Full disclosure: I emailed Live Nation last week to get an interview with Paul, never heard back. Told them we could talk “flats”.) But I think he liked Dallas, our energy, and our insistence at last night’s concert that he give three encores, which he ever so graciously did. But if Paul McCartney ever decided to move to Dallas, I think  Braden Power’s sexy home at 3816 Turtle Creek Drive would be the one. The two kitchens would be quite helpful for partying and late night, post-concert snacks, he’d think about Linda in the spa off the sweet master suite, write songs on the piano in the library, lyrics inspired by the black swans on Turtle Creek, and that gigunda master closet would hold all the guitars and the ukulele George Harrison gave him. But best of all, that pool in the foyer would sure keep Heather Mills out of his house and might even deter requests for increased alimony. Oh by the way, 3816 Turtle Creek is listed this week with Dave Perry-Miller at $7,900,000.

Dallas Real Estate: Cool Pool At The House

The pool at The House, on the fifth floor overlooking everything. HOA’s at The House are .47 per square foot of space you own, that includes water and a blanket insurance policy. You will have to pay your own electricity. There is 24 hour valet and security, two concierge on staff in the day, one at night. Premier Communities is the condo manager. David Griffin says financing has been arranged through Wells Fargo at market rates. The units are non-warrant-able like all condos: Fannie Mae guidelines prohibit them from buying mortgages (on the secondary market) from condos that do not have 51% of the units sold but Fannie Mae buys only conforming mortgages — that is, mortgages at or below $417,000. That would make the only units at The House eligible for Fannie Mae the one bedroom units priced at $399,000.

Dallas Realtor Rogers Healy Gives Comfort To Britney Spears

When the starlet is unhappy or distressed, she always seems to find comfort in Healy’s tee shirts.

D Sale Of The Week: A Lease, Actually, With 50-Yard-Line Bonus

D Sale this week is a lease deal so good I just had to spill the beans. The home is a trumped and tricked unit at The Vendome on Turtle Creek Blvd., just under 2,000 square feet, on the 15th floor with glorious views of the city overlooking Lee Park. The two bedroom, three and a half bath sky home is currently being leased by uber radio personality Ron Chapman and beautiful wife, Nance. (No, you don’t get to move in with the Chapmans.) The Chapmans have purchased a home in Dallas, have one year left on their lease and want to sublease this unit. And here’s the great deal: they are willing to take a major hit on their lease, offering this baby up for $4500 per month for a year. That includes all HOA dues and tips — the Vendome has a no-tipping policy for it’s beyond superb valet and delivery services. You cannot get a better address on Turtle Creek. You get quite simply everything — even, for those who need them, “mistress elevators” or so urban legend claims.

Now about that 50-yard bonus. The Chapmans own seats at the new Cowboys Stadium on the 50 yard line. They are offering two tickets to one Cowboys game to the realtor or agent who brings them a qualified tenant who fulfills the terms of the lease. Other stipulations also apply. Like the exclusion of the Cowboys season opener with the New York Giants — the Chapman already have plans to attend that game.

There you have it — would have been criminal to hold this in. Someone out there must need a chi chi home for a year and for $4,500 a month — well, the deal itself is so good it’s almost criminal. Your contact is Mike Kelly in Judy Pittman’s office at: 214.871.1110.

Dallas Real Estate Love In The L-Streets: Here’s Why Lakewood/Lake Highlands Rocks

Traditional or mid-century modern? I don’t know, but she has hardwoods, a renovated kitchen with light wood cabinets, 2370 square feet, four bedrooms, 2 baths, a wall of glass facing the creekview, and will only set you back $279,900! Check out 10836 Colbert Way in the uber hot L Streets — this home would be perfect for a first time home buyer looking to cash in on that $8000 tax credit and may be eligible for FHA financing. That plus the agent, Ed Murchison, is one of my faves in Dallas.

To get a better taste of Lake Highlands, check out this article I wrote for D Home: Neighborhood Spotlight: Lake Highlands

Sure Sign That The Real Estate Boom Is Returning

Saw this sign on the back of a pick-up truck while driving. Which can mean only one thing —Baby, it’s back!

D Sale Of The Week: Perfection On Pebblebrook

Calling all honeymooners, Mark Sanford would not have been crying in Argentina had he owned this home. Master-tub a must-see in this week’s listing, just reduced to $995,000 seconds before I hit publish. Dallas ranch homes really do make sense, and are making a huge resurgence. Not only does this home have it all — 4400 square feet, five bedrooms, four and a half baths, formals, three car back-entry garage, it is located in Russwood Acres, one of North Dallas hottest neighborhoods off Inwood and Royal. (Click here to see another hot North Dallas ‘hood.) Russwood (where President and Mrs. Bush also searched) boasts large lots like this half-acre honey loaded with leafy trees and beautiful lawns. 5340 Pebblebrook has been completely (and beautifully) remodeled with a state of the art kitchen, open spaces, granite slab counters, sauna in the tricked-out master bath, and a patio/pool area that screams “let me entertain you”.

Indeed!

It’s Official: DMN Announces Sawbuck/A.H. Belo Internet Real Estate Partnership

The Dallas Morning News announced this morning what we’ve been reporting for days:

A.H. Belo Corporation, publisher of The Dallas Morning News, is investing in Sawbuck Realty, an online real estate broker that will bring its services this year into A.H. Belo’s territories in Southern California, Rhode Island and North Texas.

Sawbuck is expected to announce today that A.H. Belo has joined Sawbuck’s two co-founders, Guy Wolcott and Steve Barnes, in a $2 million round of investment in the young company. The individual contributions were not disclosed.

I’m in a conference call with A.H. Belo and Sawbuck Realty right now. As soon as it’s done we’ll get you audio from that call. Until then, jump for the interesting part of the DMN story: (more…)

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.

D Sale Of The Week: Bentley Tibbs Texas Modern

This is what we all need post tax day: timeless, clean, uncluttered design as if all those files, papers and receipts have been swept away. 8707 Canyon is proof that home builders can erect more than a faux French chateaux and turrets that gobble up the lot. This home, designed by Dallas architect Bentley Tibbs, is a “Texas modern” new construction under 5000 square feet (4971) with four bedrooms, four and a half baths, formals and covered patio. Guests are greeted by a four foot waterfall directly across from the zinc-clad front door (zinc must be the material du jour: note that 6645 Northaven, Lionel Morrison’s Ricks Circle chef d’oeuvre, also has a huge zinc front door. Bullet proof?) Also soaring glass 12-foot window walls, transom windows, and artful use of warm, natural materials including oak, stone, and more zinc on the fireplace. The home sits on a sloping half acre in coveted Bluffview, where topography and trees rule. Neighborhood tidbit: Bluffview neighbors are said to be very picky about anyone who comes in and chops down trees — like you might lose a limb — so if you move here, don’t pack your tree saw. (Right on, neighbors!)

$2,049,000

Becky Frey for Briggs Freeman

972.380.7787

Bo, The New First Dog, Takes Texas Roots To D.C.

This angel is about to jettison the Portuguese Water Dog into fame and fortune, but in Dallas we know the PWD is the power broker’s preferred pup.

Portuguese Water Dogs: The New First Dog Has Dallas Area Roots

I have to say, we told you so back in February. Dave Perry-Miller gave me the low-down on the Portuguese Water Dog, since he has one, and we knew that pup would be perfect for the First Family. Now comes word that this is the official First Dog and the First Daughters have a precious new Portuguese Water puppy named Bo,  bred by Art and Martha Stern, long-time PWD breeders who live near Dallas and call their kennel Amigo Portuguese Water Dogs. The pup is six months old.  I can’t help but wonder if Dave PM had advance knowledge on this deal: apparently Bo is a gift to the First Family from Massachusetts Senator Edward Kennedy, who owns Bo’s litter-mate and is fond of the PWD. I know Dave is rather fond of New England, and spends time in Nantucket when he’s not selling Dallas mega mansions. Could there be a connection? (That’s Edith Wharton, right, and Henry James, Dave’s PWD — white dog on the left.)

Real Estate & The Texas Legislature: Is There A Transfer Tax In Our Future?

A few bills on tap in the Texas legislature aim to get more out of our pockets when we buy homes. Grrrrreat. They would impose a fee on the transfer of real estate to benefit the state’s Housing Trust Fund.  Realtors were in Austin last Tuesday hissing about  SB 950, SB 934, and HB 3163. Although the transfer fee in these bills seems small — $10 — other states that implemented similar measures saw their small fees turn from small change to a percentage of sales price, which Realtors fear could ultimately price some Texans out of the housing market. Besides, closing costs are pricey enough. The Real Estate Center at Texas A&M University concluded that the creation of a transfer tax on real estate could cost Texas $955.5 million in lost economic activity with 11,575 jobs lost, not to mention a few trips to Starbucks.

Neighborhoods We Love: Gastonwood/Coronado Hills

Otherwise known as the C Streets and one of the hottest little ‘hoods east of downtown. This is the land of the charming 1920’s and 1930’s Tudors, 16 blocks of darling homes ranging in price from below $200,000 to over $600,000 — most original and well-maintained, some new construction that blends well with the old, like 7053 Coronado.

Dallas Legs Will Love — The Shaving Bar

I have never seen this before and quite frankly, I’ve seen it all. Specialized bars for beer, wine, cocktails, spices, baby food, dog food, cosmetics, but never a bar for shaving your legs. My Brazilian bikini line has never been so delighted and wants to move into  4436 Brookview Drive.

Who’s to Blame? The Absentee Chicken or the Bad Egg

This NY Times article on whether to use a mortgage broker or go it alone with a bank caught my eye this weekend. On one hand mortgage rates are low. On the other banks are constantly changing their loan rules, they are sometimes very slow to respond, and several big players (Chase and the PMI Group) are refusing to work with brokers … because some brokers weren’t looking out for their customers.

The money quote:

“The ways brokers were paid created a conflict of interest and really meant that the broker to a very large extent was financially rewarded by betraying the trust of the borrower,” said Representative Brad Miller, a Democrat from North Carolina.

The article also goes on to provide some helpful tips for shopping home loans.

Rogers Healy And Associates Visit The Big D

Real Estate Dallas Dirt style.

Home-Buyer’s Heaven: House Porn You Can Afford!

This is so good, it is almost bad. Ebby Halliday’s web site (which is on our web site) now features a special section devoted to adorable cutie pie cottages all under — are you sitting down, got smelling salts handy — $600,000. You know how it is when you are house-hunting and must abide by what I call the F- word that starts with a “B”, (budget – yecht!). You see a home driving or online and fall totally in love and then, just like that hot man in the Maserati, it’s out of your reach. Not just married but too darn expensive. What a great idea to group listings that are yummy and attractive by price so you don’t go getting all hot and bothered only to find out — can’t touch!

Dallas Deal Of The Week: 5020 Elm Hollow SOLD!!!

What a great jump start to the spring market! Mega sale in The Creeks of Preston Hollow: 5020 Elm Hollow, Briggs Freeman’s premium $11,500,000 listing (known in some circles as the Luxe Show Home), built by Mark Molthan Platinum Series Custom Homes, listed by Stephanee Bates, closed March 23.  Erin Mathews with Allie Beth Allman brought the buyer. If you check the MLS, you will see that the sales price has been “Z’d” out and all parties have sworn to the secrecy of the buyer’s identity.

But DallasDirt has done some serious digging and hears the buyers may be Roger and Sue Linquist, formerly of 6508 Turtle Creek Blvd. Mr. Linquist is the CEO, Chairman of the Board, Director Founder and President of MetroPCS Communications, Inc. I hear that the price wasn’t all that negotiable — Elm Hollow sold for about $500,000 under asking price, give or take some change. Fabulous deal. I believe this is the second sale in The Creeks, and I bet the champagne corks are popping right now at Hillwood, not to mention Briggs Freeman and Allie Beth Allman — the closing was on Allie Beth’s birthday. Great gift!

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Deion Sanders at Tatum Brown, Allie Beth Allman Event

That’s Deion, me and Mark Danuser. Deion was SERIOUSLY looking at 3915 Gillon Avenue, another GORGEOUS Tatum Brown Custom Home. Everyone was there — Doris and Jack Jacobs,  Allie Beth and Pierce Allman, Stevie Chaddick,  Ben Jones, Tommy Thompson, and of course the entire Brown family. This home: $8 million and some change. Duke was there with his poor arm in a cast — now we know why Allie Beth Allman agents are topping the sales charts. (KIDDING!) Hope that arm heals lickety-split!

Architecture Better When Market Is Bad?

That’s the point Douglas Newby, a real estate broker who has specialized in architecturally significant homes for the last 30 years, is making over on his Dallas Architecture Blog.

Newby couldn’t give me any numbers to back the trend, but he did have a pretty solid argument. (more…)

Rogers Healy Now Listing In Preston Hollow, Plano

That darling young man who, on occasion, brokers deals for major football stars now has two multi-million dollar listings, one north of LBJ, 6800 Rainwood in Plano, the other in Preston Hollow at 6246 Stefani Drive. Stefani I know well — a beautiful area south of Royal, east of Hillcrest, with lakes and curved streets, very charming and very much in demand. And LOVE Rogers new website!

Weekend House Porn

Cutie pie, 6295 Martel, new listing, East Dallas, 2/2/2 $319,000: Scott Carlson Real Estate, Inc.

Century 21 May Be Up To 22

I knew that Century 21 Judge Fite Company Realtors had acquired or merged with Century 21 Austin Realtors in Irving last week and yes, at first I thought this was Century 21 Judge Fite buying a Century 21 in Austin, Texas. Fact: It is the Irving location, and I am trying to figure out the significance besides “bringing in more resources”.

Good News To Start The Day

Dallas is among the healthiest housing markets in the nation... Houston is number one, but we are not too shabby in the top five most robust.