Archive for March, 2009

Real Estate Careers

Tuesday, March 31st, 2009

You Choose Your Commission

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Positano: Tuscan-Inspired Living in Irving

Monday, March 30th, 2009

Rich, Tuscan-inspired architecture, along with a beautiful and scenic Las Colinas backdrop, set the scene for the luxurious, master planned community of Positano.

Residents of Positano enjoy a prime, central location in Irving’s Las Colinas, thus making a trip to one of the area’s best restaurants, shops and entertainment venues an effortless one. Positano is also conveniently located near the Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport.

Positano features 112 flats, eight lofts and 50 villas, all of which boast spacious, open floor plans and high-end amenities. Young professionals, families and empty-nesters will all find a Positano floor plan to meet their needs and budgets.

Fabulous Residence Features

Several features of these high-end residences include three, designer-inspired color schemes, 10-foot ceilings with wood beam accents, private and expansive terraces, porcelain tile floors, custom light fixtures, recessed lighting and gas fireplaces with raised hearths. The villas of Positano also boast private verandas.

Positano redefines multi-family living, as the spacious, beautifully designed floor plans extend far beyond standard condominium residences and instead reflect fine, luxury homes.

Community Amenities and Features

The mid-rise buildings of Positano are surrounded by 15 acres of beautifully landscaped grounds, all of which are gated and secured. Some of the architectural details of the buildings of Positano include concrete tiled roofs, stucco, brick and stone accents and beautiful detailing.

This pedestrian-friendly community features lush landscaping and beautiful, ornamental lighting.

Some of the amenities afforded to the residents of Positano include a cabana and community lounge, a state-of-the-art fitness center, a swimming pool and spa, a large sundeck, sand volleyball courts, barbecue grills and an expansive event lawn.

Flats in the Positano community start in the $260,000s; loft prices start in the $300,000s; and villa prices start in the $370,000s.

Dallas Ritz-Carlton Residences

Thursday, March 26th, 2009

In the midst of the doom and gloom real estate news on the Dallas front, the Ritz-Carlton Residences shine bright.

The first phase of the Tower Residences at the Ritz-Carlton quickly sold out in 2008, and home buyers are anxiously awaiting the completion of Phase II of the project. In fact, over 70 percent of the homes in Phase II are pre-sold.

At this point, the Tower Residences may be the only new, high-rise hotel residences in Dallas. Similar projects have either been suspended or canceled because of the weak national economy.

Located in the highly desirable Uptown district of Dallas, the Tower Residences will include 70 luxury homes which will feature high-end features and state-of-the-art amenities.

The Residences will boast a variety of floor plans, and will range in size from one to three bedrooms.

In addition, four, free-standing, Regency Row manor homes will be the highlight of The Residences.

Prices for the Tower Residences and the homes of Regency Row will range from $700,000 to more than $8 million.

The Ritz-Carlton, Dallas, DALLAS

Superb, Uptown Location

The Tower Residences enjoys a convenient location, as it is near the Central Business District, the Arts District, the American Airlines Center and plenty of chic restaurants, shops and clubs.

It also enjoys a close proximity to the Woodall Rodgers Freeway, Interstate 35 and US Highway 75.

Residence Amenities, Services and Features

The Residences sit atop the luxurious, 217-room Ritz-Carlton Dallas, on the building’s top 13 floors. The Residences enjoy separate, private entrances from the hotel, as well as separate elevators and parking.

The residents of the Tower Residences are afforded use of the many amenities of the Ritz-Carlton Hotel, including the ballroom, the meeting rooms and the state-of-the-art fitness facility. The Tower Residences are connected to the hotel by a glass and cast stone walkway.

Other services of the Residences will include a spa, 24-hour valet service, concierge service, in-room dining and housekeeping services. Amenities will include underground parking, private storage spaces and a private swimming pool.

The Residences of the Ritz-Carlton, upon completion, will be valued at more than $300 million.

Finding a Bargain in Today

Monday, March 23rd, 2009

Dallas’ downtown condo market has seen better days. With sales down more than 25 percent in the last few months alone (compared to a 15 percent in decrease for sales of single-family homes), the downtown Dallas condo market has finally cooled off and is now showing signs of halting.

Even up until last year, condos were a hot commodity in the Dallas market, but as with all of the other types of Dallas real estate, prices have begun a free fall and empty condos are commonplace in the Dallas real estate market.

Dallas skyline

Condo Developments on Hold

In fact, many of the condo construction projects have either stopped altogether or slowed down considerably. Many condo developers have even begun switching gears, and are now renting their condo units instead of selling them.

In fact, many condo developers are forced into rental units when, after months on the market, their condos just aren’t selling.

Prime Opportunity for Buyers

Where there is challenge, there is also opportunity – for buyers, that is.

If a fabulous, downtown Dallas condo is in your sights, then this may very well be the prime opportunity you’ve been searching for.

With a plethora of condo residences on the market, many of which have seen a significant drop in price, your options are great.

In fact, there are currently more than 200 units available for sale in Uptown alone. And throughout North Texas, the number of available condos and townhouses on the market now exceed 4,000.

With sale prices of downtown Dallas condos down from where they were just a year ago, the timing is golden for those homebuyers that have dreams of a luxury condo in the downtown Dallas area.

The Tower Condos

Wednesday, March 18th, 2009

The Fort Worth National Bank building (subsequently named the Texas American Bank and Bank One building), when it was built in 1974, was Fort Worth’s tallest building. Its grandeur and elegance were the first of its kind in the city, and stood as a beautiful beacon along Fort Worth’s skyline.

An F3 tornado ripped through downtown Fort Worth on March 28, 2000 and took 90 percent of the windows of the Bank One Building with it.

The Tower by Kevin Buchanan.

The striking, octagonal-shaped building was heavily damaged and, on February 26, 2001, was closed to the public for extensive renovation and asbestos removal. Costs soon began to skyrocket and the renovation process was halted. As a result, the beautiful high-rise stood boarded up and vacant for well over a year.

From 2004 to 2004, the building’s development and future stood in question, and many developers and city officials considered demolition as an answer to the building’s problems.

Luckily, however, the building was spared demolition by Tony Landrum of TLC Realty in 2004, and a complete renovation process took place. The renovation of the newly named The Tower was completed in 2005, ahead of schedule.

The Tower is now restored to its original grandeur and holds the title of the fifth largest building in Fort Worth. It enjoys a convenient location in the heart of downtown Fort Worth, and is just minutes from more than 80 local restaurants, and is just minutes from many of Fort Worth’s Fortune 500 headquarters.

The Tower Amenities and Features

This upscale, high-rise condominium building features such fine amenities and services as a sundeck and expansive swimming pool, a hot tub, a state-of-the-art fitness center, a large party room and a lobby library. It also offers reserved, secured parking and plenty of storage for its residents.

Some of the superb features found throughout the residences of The Tower include maple cabinetry, granite countertops, 10-foot ceilings, private balconies, floor-to-ceiling windows, hardwood floors, walk-in closets and, of course, unsurpassed views of the beautiful downtown and Sundance Square areas of Fort Worth.

Azure Condos

Wednesday, March 11th, 2009

Architectural excellence and an award-winning design are just the beginning of what the Azure Condos have to offer. A beautiful mixture of stone and metal detailing gives the Azure a striking appearance along the Uptown Dallas skyline.

Award-Winning Design Meets Unparalleled Architecture

Designed by world renowned designer James Cheng, the Azure boasts striking, modern architecture that sets the standard for high-end Dallas condo living. Some of the design features of the Azure include expansive, floor-to-ceiling windows, private terraces, fireplaces, hardwood floors, custom-made cabinetry, stone countertops and high-end appliances, including a Miele built-in coffee maker and a Sub-Zero wine cooler.

Located in the exciting, dynamic Uptown Dallas area the Azure Condos speak of luxury and convenience amidst a superb, urban setting. A quick commute to Uptown and Downtown is enjoyed from the Azure, making this condo community an ideal choice for professionals.

Carefree, Urban Living Meets Comfort and Convenience

Resort-style amenities, high-end services and fantastic, architectural detailing are found throughout the Azure Condos.

Some of the building amenities of Azure include:

  • Private, secured, garage parking
  • 24-hour valet parking services
  • State-of-the-art health club and fitness center
  • His/hers saunas
  • 17-seat theater for private showings
  • Private terrace for parties and other private functions
  • Resort-style, 130-foot swimming pool with cabanas
  • Beautifully manicured grounds with tropical flowers and relaxing waterfalls
  • Private boardroom for both large and small meetings and gatherings
  • Library with a fireplace for quiet reading and relaxing

Spacious floor plans, open design concepts and sleek, Euro design give residents of the Azure one-of-a-kind surroundings that enhance its dynamic, urban setting.

One-bedroom condominium residences in the Azure are priced from the $400,000s; two-bedroom residences are priced from the $700,000s; and three-bedroom residences are priced from $1.2 million.

Discovering the Splendor of Preston Hollow

Tuesday, March 10th, 2009

Amidst secluded, tree-lined streets and beautifully landscaped and manicured lawns you’ll find the extraordinary real estate of Preston Hollow.

This upper-class Dallas community speaks of elegance and luxury. Homes in this community often look like some of the estates found along the French countryside, and the neighborhoods are secure, safe and epitomize the luxury that is Preston Hollow.

Many Dallas celebrities call Preston Hollow home, and for good reason. The luxury and country-like setting of this exclusive neighborhood, in addition to its splendid, estate properties, are some of the finest homes in the Dallas-Fort Worth area.

Preston Hollow neighborhoods include:

  • Preston Hollow Addition
  • Sunnybrook Estates
  • Meadow Wood Estates
  • Meadowbrook Estates
  • Inwood Addition
  • Dentwood Addition
  • El Parado
  • Preston Downs
  • Preston Elms
  • Dentwood Addition
  • Maywood Estates
  • Ridgewood Addition
  • Batesons
  • Delfbrook
  • Landsdowne Estates
  • Woodland Estates
  • Jackson Heights
  • Thatcher Ella Rose
  • Radbrook Estates

Two of the most significant neighborhoods of Preston Hollow include Lake Forest and Churchill Downs, both of which feature newer luxury homes in a quiet, park setting.

Estates in the exclusive neighborhood of Preston Hollow often range in price from $800,000 to well over $4 million. Some of the real estate found in Preston Hollow, in addition to single-family homes, includes estate properties, condominiums, lots and townhomes.

Many luxury condos can be found in Preston Hollow, and are geared toward many of the wealthy entrepreneurs, celebrities and professionals that appreciate Preston Hollow’s convenient location and spectacular residences.

In addition to its one-of-a-kind residences and estates, Preston Hollow enjoys a convenient location to the Dallas-Fort Worth Metropolitan area, as well as the DFW International Airport and the North Dallas/Plano Business Districts.

Preston Hollow is served by the Dallas Independent School District. The private schools in this area, including Hockaday and St. Marks, are considered to be the most elite in the Dallas area.

The Reserve at the Dominion: Luxurious Living in Alamo Heights

Tuesday, March 10th, 2009

The Reserve at the Dominion is a gated community surrounded by the tranquil, rolling hills of Alamo Heights.

This master planned community boasts luxury homes amidst a quiet, country-like setting in San Antonio. Home prices for The Reserve at the Dominion range from $479,995 to $698,995. Home sizes range from 3,200 square feet to 5,651 square feet.

Convenient, Central Location

This luxury community enjoys a convenient location just two minutes from Interstate 10 and Loop 1604, and is less than 30 minutes from downtown San Antonio and the San Antonio International Airport.

Other, nearby points of interest include:

  • The Resort Course and the Palmer Course at the Westin La Cantera Resort
  • Silverhorn, Canyon Springs, Cedar Creek and The Quarry public golf courses
  • McAllister and OP Schnabel parks
  • The Market at Leon Springs
  • Downtown San Antonio
  • The Shops at La Cantera
  • Alamo Quarry Market
  • North Star Mall

Developed by Toll Brothers, a popular builder of luxury homes in the San Antonio area, The Reserve at the Dominion features only the finest design, construction and amenities.

This prestigious community is home to many of San Antonio’s elite, including entertainers, athletes and television personalities, just to name a few.

Community Amenities

The Reserve at the Dominion features such fine, community amenities as beautifully landscaped common spaces, The Dominion Country Club, the golf course of The Dominion Country Club, hiking and biking trails, a swimming pool, a children’s playground, recreational facilities and round-the-clock security.

The Reserve at the Dominion is served by the highly acclaimed Northside School District, which boasts many, national awards. There are also several, highly rated private schools that serve this community, including the Episcopal School of Texas, Judson Montessori, Eleanor Kolitz Academy and the Rolling Hills Academy, all of which are less than 15 minutes from The Reserve at the Dominion.

Supreme Real Estate is Plentiful in Dallas

Monday, March 9th, 2009

According to recent statistics, the average price for a home in the University Park neighborhood is $1.8 million, which is one of the highest average home prices in the entire state of Texas.

As part of the elite Park Cities area, University is Park is located alongside Highland Park, both of which consist of six square miles surrounded by downtown Dallas.

With a superb commute time of less than seven minutes, Dallas professionals often choose University Park because of its fantastic location and impressive real estate.

The community of University Park, although located just minutes from the skyscrapers and excitement of Dallas, enjoys a small-town community feel, complete with beautifully landscaped surroundings. For this reason, many families choose University Park as a smart alternative to city living.

Many of the residents in University Park are employed by Southern Methodist University, which is at the center of this upscale community.

The average cost of a home in University Park is $350,000, although it is commonplace to see many, larger homes being priced well above $1 million.

Why Residents Love University Park

  • Children in University Park attend the highly coveted Highland Park Independent School District, which is regarded as one of the finest school systems in the state of Texas.
  • More than 60 acres of green space and parks are located throughout University Park, making this community a quiet respite from the hustle and bustle of the city.
  • This small community boasts a very low crime rate. In fact, is has one of the lowest crime rates in the US.
  • The real estate of University Park is varied and exciting. From traditional to contemporary, University Park has a property to please even the most discriminating of buyers.
  • University Park boasts consistently low property taxes.

North Dallas Welcomes the Shelton Condos

Friday, March 6th, 2009

High-rise luxury living is alive and well at the beautiful Shelton Condos in North Dallas.

Fabulous North Dallas Location

Conveniently located in the Preston Center, near Interstate 635, the Galleria, the Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport and downtown Dallas, the Shelton Condos epitomize fabulous, urban living.

Residents of the Shelton enjoy easy access to some of the area’s best restaurants, shopping centers and entertainment venues, and many are just steps away.

The Shelton Condos feature 23 stories and 106 condominium residences, including three, two-story penthouses.

Most of the residences of The Shelton feature one, two or three bedrooms which range in size from 1,388 to 3,000 square feet. Smaller units start in the mid $460,000s, and the unfinished penthouses are priced from $3.8 million.

The exciting, urban setting fits nicely with the sleek architecture and modern styling of the Shelton, while the lush, landscaped surroundings offer a quiet respite from the hustle and bustle of the city.

The Shelton, in addition to boasting fabulous views of downtown Dallas, offers a low-maintenance lifestyle for easy, urban living.

Developed by Dunhill Partners and Bill Hutchinson, the Shelton has recently undergone extensive renovations, including the porte-cochere, the lobby and a myriad of community amenities.

Some of the community amenities of the Shelton include:

  • State-of-the-art fitness center
  • Putting green
  • Shuffleboard
  • Clubroom
  • Business center
  • Heated swimming pool
  • Private, poolside cabanas
  • Spa
  • Outdoor kitchen

The high-end services of the Shelton include high-speed elevators, controlled-access garage parking, 24-hour valet parking, full-time concierge service and state-of-the-art security features.

Residence features of the Shelton include:

  • Large balconies
  • Expansive, floor-to-ceiling windows
  • High-end stainless steel appliances
  • Hardwood flooring
  • Marble, granite and travertine bathrooms and kitchens
  • Jacuzzi tubs
  • Custom finishes