Archive for May, 2010

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Irving new Construction and Redevelopment Projects Continue at a Steady Pace

Wednesday, May 19th, 2010

Las Colinas new homes are plentiful, thanks to the strong Irving industry and economy. With regards to master planned developments, Las Colinas is exceptional, and some of the reasons why the economy in this Fort Worth suburb has continued to flourish is because of its constant quest for the latest and the greatest.

As one landmark falls (Texas Stadium), it seems another immediately rises (Convention Center).

Here are some changes taking place throughout Irving, and the impact that these changes will certainly have on Las Colinas new homes.

Texas Stadium

Sure, the Texas Stadium has had its last hurrah, but the development that takes its place will likely be worthy of Irving and its prime real estate.

At this point, Irving city leads have plans to develop this prime piece of property as a mixed-use development. Make no doubt, though, that the final plans will be just a memorable as the Texas Stadium was over the years. The redevelopment venture of the Texas Stadium is up in the air, as Irving officials note that this outstanding parcel of land will wait for only the most sensational development.

Once completed, officials expect the land to fetch at least $10 a square foot, given the fact that the land is located at the gateway to Irving and that Irving enjoys a prime proximity to four, major highways. At $10 a square foot, the land is expected to go for about $34.2 million.

Convention Center

The $130 million Irving Convention Center, which will be located in the famed Las Colinas area, will surely buoy along the economy, as well as the growth of Las Colinas new homes.

The building, once completed, is expected to become an iconic architectural landmark; particularly because the stadium will be gone. Another project planned in conjunction with the Convention Center will be a $255 million entertainment center, which will include a concert hall, strategic event programming and a number of bars and restaurants.

Officials expect that the entertainment center, along with the Convention Center, will spur tourism to Irving, which will increase business for a number of hotels, restaurants and bars.

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Exploring the Luxury Neighborhoods of Coppell

Tuesday, May 18th, 2010

Northwest Dallas and its suburbs provide some of the best real estate in Dallas. These trendy, suburban havens are highly sought after, and each has its own unique character, thereby drawing in a steady steam of buyers interested in real estate.

The Coppell real estate market, for example, is quite active and dynamic, even considering the host of real estate problems experience all over the country for the past year. Within Coppell are beautiful neighborhoods that offer upscale lifestyles and some of the best values in Northwest Dallas.

If you are interested in the Coppell real estate market, here is our pick of some of the best neighborhoods to be found in Coppell:

  • Big Cedar – Big Cedar is a luxury neighborhood that features about 40 homes that were constructed between 1992 and 1996. Homes in this neighborhood sell for between $550,000 and $700,000.
  • Copperstone – This master-planned community features about 130 homes that were constructed between 1996 and 1999. Homes in Copperstone are priced between $340,000 and $610,000. This community boasts a nearby community park, a community clubhouse, a neighborhood swimming pool, a neighborhood lake and tennis courts.
  • Estates at Cambridge Manor – The Coppell real estate market at the Estates at Cambridge Manor contain about 55 homes, most of which were constructed between 1995 and 1999. Homes in this community range from $500,000 to $650,000.
  • Forest Cove Estates – The 85 homes in Forest Cove Estates are priced between $320,000 and $380,000.
  • Gibbs Station – The homes of Gibbs Station, which were constructed between 1993 and 1998, sell for between $280,000and $570,000. Some of the neighborhood amenities of Gibbs Station include a neighborhood swimming pool, a park and greenbelt, a neighborhood lake, jogging paths and a children’s playground.
  • Magnolia Park – Magnolia Park, which contains about 110 homes, were built mainly from 1999 to 2003. Home in this community sell for between $550,000 and $690,000.
  • Old Coppell Estates – Old Coppell Estates contain about 30 homes, most of which were constructed between 1997 and 1999. Homes in Old Coppell Estates sell for between $450,000 and $660,000.

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The Top Ten Ways to Spruce up your Fort Worth Luxury Real Estate for Sale

Monday, May 17th, 2010

Fort Worth luxury neighborhoods have experienced a bit of difficulty over the last year because of the sour housing market felt throughout the country. The good news is that the market is picking up rather briskly, thereby allowing luxury homeowners to finally begin selling their homes. The bad news is that there still remains quite a bit of homes on the market in Fort Worth luxury neighborhoods.

However, instead of viewing this fact as a roadblock, consider it your chance to show home buyers why your Fort Worth luxury homes stands out among the crowd; and in order to do this, you will need to make sure that your home is near perfect and that even the smallest details have been addressed.

A recent article found in the US News & World Report showcased the things homeowners can do to sell their homes faster. So, if you own a luxury home in one of Fort Worth luxury neighborhoods, consider addressing the following:

  • Improve first impressions - We all know about first impressions and how important they are when selling our home, but when was the last time you really looked at your home’s first impressions? Now may be the time to freshen up such areas as your landscape, your front door and your front entry. After all, if you impress your buyers from the beginning, you will have a much better chance of selling your home.
  • Clean up the landscaping – A beautiful array of lawns are showcased throughout many of the Fort Worth luxury neighborhoods, so it pays to consider paying a professional landscaper to either freshen up what you already have or add some new landscaping. Remember: beautiful landscaping will make your home instantly more attractive!
  • Paint the interior - Even though the walls of your home suit your taste, they may not suit the tastes of your buyers. Therefore, one of the best things you can do is put a fresh coat of paint on all your interior walls. Choose warm, neutral colors that will attract a variety of buyers and make your home feel more welcoming.

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Luxury Home Sales in the Dallas-Fort Worth Area Continue to Show Signs of Improvement

Friday, May 14th, 2010

The better part of this year has seen modest gains for lower priced homes; however, luxury homes continued to struggle as more and more buyers chose less expensive homes because of lending restrictions or budgetary restrictions.

Waiting out the Recession

In addition, many luxury home buyers in the Dallas-Fort Worth area remained on the sidelines as they waited for the fallout from the recession and subsequent housing slump. There is no doubt that fear played a big part in the decision for many individuals not to purchase Highland Park luxury homes.

However, as the economy improves the real estate market gains momentum, it now appears as if the luxury market, including Highland Park luxury homes, are now enjoying the same gains as lower priced homes in the market.

A Surge in Luxury Homes Sparks Excitement

A surge in high-end, or luxury homes, in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, just in the Park Cities area alone, has allowed many Highland Park luxury home sellers and agents to sigh with relief. In fact, pre-owned home sales in the Park Cities area alone jumped more than 80 percent in the first quarter of this year; home sales also jumped more than 50 percent in North Dallas.

Most experts and analysts agree that the jump in luxury home sales is a very positive sign for the upcoming summer months. In short, luxury home buyers are finally giving themselves permission to act, thereby boosting the market considerably.

Sales of million-dollar homes, like Highland Park luxury homes, increased 23 percent year over year and sales of homes priced from $800,000 to $900,000 were up 56 percent during the same time period.

Comparing home sales of Highland Park luxury homes from just a year ago, when financing was extremely difficult and consumer confidence was in the gutter, is tremendous. The pickup clearly signifies a renewed level of consumer confidence; however, analysts point out that recovery, although very welcomed, will be a slow process.

It is also important to point out that luxury homes, like Highland Park luxury homes, likely saw an increase in sales because of the government tax credit and the low home prices. Homes prices in Highland Park, for example, were seven percent less than they were from just a year ago.

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The Top 10 Things to do in Dallas

Thursday, May 13th, 2010

What’s not to love about Dallas? This dynamic and energetic city is famous for its sights, sounds and attractions, thereby making Dallas a haven for both residents and visitors alike.

Dallas is where professional sports take center stage; where cultural events and the arts are appreciated and uplifted; where history is cherished and remembered; and where the fun is always on!

Here is our pick of the Top 10 Things to do in Dallas (in no particular order):

  1. Dallas World Aquarium – From crocodiles to manatees, the Dallas World Aquarium features 85,000 gallons of saltwater, teeming with marine life from all over the globe. There is also an outdoor lagoon exhibit that features Black-Footed Penguins!
  2. Dallas Museum of Art – The Dallas Museum of Art which is, of course, the highlight of the Arts District, features many renowned exhibits and treasures, ranging from the Golden Age of the Pharoahs to Picasso and art of Mexico. There is also a number of temporary exhibits at any given time.
  3. Dallas Zoo – Nearly 95 acres of zoo animals can be found at the Dallas Zoo. Some of the exhibits of this expansive zoo include the chimpanzee forest, the gorilla center and a nature trail with a variety of features habitats.
  4. Dallas Holocaust Museum – Center for Education and Tolerance – This beautiful museum includes a wide variety of items from the Holocaust, as well as a number of rotating exhibits. Visitors can receive private tours with a Holocaust survivor.
  5. American Airlines Center – A lesson is architecture and outstanding design, the American Airlines Center is home to the Dallas Starts and the Dallas Mavericks. Public tours are available.
  6. Museum of Nature and Science – The Dallas Museum of Nature and Science was founded in 1936 and has since displayed a number of rate and extinct wildlife and dinosaurs. There are a number of permanent exhibits, including a paleontology lab, a wildlife diorama and prehistoric Texas.
  7. Arts District – The Dallas Arts District is the home of many arts venues, including performing arts venues. From art and music to drama and dance, this is the place for all things cultural in Dallas.
  8. Cotton Bowl – The Cotton Bowl is a famous venue, mainly because of the New Year’s Day football game. It is also home to a number of sports events and concerts every year.
  9. Dallas Children’s Museum – Hands-on exhibits and planned play areas provide plenty of opportunity for exploration and imagination at the Dallas Children’s Museum.
  10. Dallas Arboretum – The Dallas Arboretum consists of 66 acres of lush parkland and beautiful landscapes.

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The Strong Sense of Community Found in Dallas

Wednesday, May 12th, 2010

The Uptown Dallas real estate market is quite healthy, considering the tough and rumble real estate market of 2009. In fact, Dallas’ Uptown neighborhoods still post impressive gains in terms of real estate, and it’s no wonder.

The Strength of the Uptown Dallas Real Estate Market

The real estate of Uptown Dallas is quite exceptional. In particular, Uptown Dallas condos are as precious as gold, as professionals and families alike are flocking to them because of the outstanding location and the even more outstanding homes.

If you are interested in luxury Uptown Dallas condos, then you owe it to yourself to look at the neighborhoods of State Thomas, West Village and Knox Park (Oak Lawn is also considered by some to be a part of the Uptown area).

Distinct Neighborhoods and a Pedestrian-Friendly Atmosphere

These three, distinct neighborhoods all possess a nice variety of Uptown Dallas condos that are bound to impress even the most discriminating of buyers. What makes the Uptown section of Dallas quite different from other areas of the city is the fact that is has become one of the few walkable areas in Dallas.

In addition to the pedestrian-friendly atmosphere of Uptown Dallas, this area also features an efficient transportation system, called DART. DART provides both bus and light rail service throughout the Uptown Dallas area.

Exceptional Uptown Dallas Condos

The Uptown Dallas condos are situated among some of the finest restaurants, bars and entertainment venues in the city, all of which can be easily accessed on foot, via a comfortable stroll. This urban oasis, which has undergone extensive transformation over the past 30 years, is now one of the most desirable areas in the city; to live and to play.

Uptown Dallas condos are incredibly sought after, for a number of reasons. Many individuals seek this area of Dallas out because of its pedestrian-friendly, tight-knit community atmosphere, while others enjoy the prime location and its close proximity to nearly all areas of the city. Finally, some individuals choose Uptown Dallas condos simply because they have developed a reputation for exceptional living.

If you desire a relaxing stroll to your favorite caf

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The Unique Districts of Downtown Dallas

Tuesday, May 4th, 2010

The downtown Dallas real estate market continues to be hot, hot, hot for a myriad of reasons; but the eclectic, hip downtown districts are definitely one of the driving forces for the dynamic downtown real estate market.

Downtown Dallas is separated into five, distinct neighborhoods, or districts, which include:

  • Arts District – The Arts Districts is, of course, the Mecca for all things cultural and artistic. It is where you can see all aspects of the Dallas visual and performing arts sectors; therefore it is the place to go for outstanding arts, stimulating culture and jaw-dropping performance arts. Just some of the must-see locales in the downtown Dallas Arts District are the Annette Strauss Artist Square, the Belo Mansion, the Dallas Museum of Art and the Nasher Sculpture Center.
  • Farmers Market District – Can you already smell the red-ripe tomatoes and envision beautifully crafted works of art? If so, then you know you’ve imaged downtown Dallas’ Farmers Market District. This is the place to go for fresh produce, homemade arts and crafts, fresh flowers and goodies galore.
  • City Center District – The City Center District of downtown Dallas, which is located beside the Arts District, is where you will find many of Dallas’ business, office buildings and hotels. From high-end boutiques to trendy restaurants and sky-scraping buildings, City Center District is where the excitement and the opportunities lie.
  • Reunion District – The downtown real estate market is booming, thanks to the Reunion District. As far as the downtown real estate market goes, this is the place to experience some of the most luxurious condominium homes within the city. Some of the more renowned locations in the Reunion District include the Hyatt Regency Dallas and the Reunion Tower.
  • West End Historic District – We just love the downtown real estate market in the West End Historic District for so many reasons. It is a place to live; a place to work; and a place to have fun and experience the beauty of this picturesque downtown district. Beautifully restored historic brick buildings of Dallas can be found here, as well as a great array of shops, restaurants and boutiques. Loft living makes up a large portion of the downtown real estate market here.

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