Archive for December, 2011

The Top 10 Golf Course Communities in Dallas-Fort Worth

Tuesday, December 27th, 2011

If you want the most comprehensive list of the top 10 golf course communities in Dallas-Fort Worth, you’ve come to the right place! Teeing up in the Dallas-Fort Worth area is easy, as there are more than enough golf courses to suit even the most discriminating golfer!

So, what are you waiting for? Grab your golf bag and hit the links in Dallas-Fort Worth!

1. Eagle’s Bluff – This 18-hole golf course was named one of “America’s Best Residential Golf Courses” and a “Golf Course of Distinction” by Golf Week. This course sits along Lake Palestine, thereby providing a picturesque backdrop to the course.

2. The Bridges at Preston Crossings – This Fred Couples signature course is a challenging course that is characterized by rolling hills and towering oak trees.

3. The Reserve at Sugar Tree – This course is surrounded by a master-planned community of the same name and is characterized by its heavily wooded surroundings and large estate homes.

4. Bent Tree Country Club – This golf course features wide-open spaces that are kind to golfers of all levels. The country club has hosted the LPGA and senior tours since the 1980s.

5. Bridlewood Golf Course – Located in Flower Mound, Bridlewood is an 18-hole championship golf course that also boasts a 14-acre practice facility and a 12,000-square-foot clubhouse.

6. Brookhaven Country Club – Located in Farmers Branch, the Brookhaven Country Club features three courses: the Master’s course, the President’s course and the Championship course.

7. Brookhollow Country Club – This private course is both traditional and challenging and was ranked by Golf Digest as the 8th best in the state of Texas in the late 1990s.
8. Canyon Creek – This private course, which is located in Richardson, is kind to players of all skill levels.

9. Chase Oaks – Chase Oak is a Plano course that boasts an 18-hole championship course and a nine-hole regulation course. This course was rated for its “playability” by the “Dallas Morning News.”

10. Coyote Ridge – Known as one of the most challenging courses in North Texas, Coyote Ridge is a Carrollton public course that is surrounded by towering oak and pecan trees. This course also boasts excellent practice and clubhouse facilities.

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The Latest News on the Fort Worth Real Estate Market 2011

Wednesday, December 21st, 2011

North Texas real estate – in particular, the Fort Worth real estate market 2011 – has fared quite nicely over the last six months, but it still has its share of struggles.

The summer months in Fort Worth saw home sales increasing in the double digits. September wasn’t so shabby either, as sales in this month were 14 percent higher than they were a year prior, according to the Texas A&M Real Estate Center.

Although the upswing in September home sales for the Fort Worth real estate market 2011 were impressive, it pays to note that sales the year before were plagued by expiring tax credits.

Taking a longer look at the market in Fort Worth, however, and it’s evident that problems still exist. Sales in Fort Worth during the first nine months showed a decline of three percent, with higher-priced homes dominating the market.

At the height of 2007 one-year averages for home sales in Fort Worth were more than 1,000. Currently, this number has declined to 656. Across the state, however, monthly home sales in August were higher than they were in both 2009 and 2010.

Slow Growth Examined

The slow growth experienced in Fort Worth tends to be a bit puzzling, as this area is still experiencing significant job growth. Sure, job growth here is slower than a few years ago, but the area is still seeing it take place.

It appears that the major factors for a slow recovery for the Fort Worth real estate market are tougher mortgage standards and a drop in confidence regarding home ownership. Foreclosures continue to plague the market, as well, and these numbers are running at nearly twice the historical norm.

Confidence issues in the Fort Worth real estate market are a result of consumers struggling to land a mortgage because of a lack of down payments and high credit scores. In fact, according to the National Association of Realtors, across the country 18 percent of all contracts to purchase a home were cancelled due to higher-than-average lending standards.

What is most interesting is that job market growth has affected one sector, and that’s the rental market. Apartment occupancy rates are on the rise, along with monthly rents. Texas A&M states that multi-family construction is up across the state, as well.

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Posted in Tarrant County | No Comments »

The Top 10 Hottest Markets in Dallas

Monday, December 19th, 2011

Where is Dallas’ most desirable real estate located? Although this answer may up for debate, we have located 10 real estate markets in Dallas that have consistently enjoyed rising property values and swiftly moving real estate.

Here is our list of the top 10 hottest markets in Dallas (in no particular order):

1. University Park – We love University Park because of its wide array of affordable real estate and its excellent location. Dallas professionals often choose University Park because of its ideal proximity to downtown Dallas, as well as Methodist University.

2. Highland Park – Highland Park is a highly desirable community in Dallas that has consistently experienced increasing property values. Highland Park is home to many of Dallas’ socialites, politicians and celebrities, and it’s quite common to find massive homes here, complete with beautifully landscaped grounds and maids’ quarters.

3. Carrollton – Carrollton is always a sure bet for real estate, as many Dallas professionals call this Dallas community home. Gated communities and lofty estate homes are a common sight here, and downtown Carrollton is a lovely area teeming with shops and upscale restaurants.

4. Irving – Irving, although established in 1902, really gained in popularity when Las Colinas, a massive, mixed-use complex that is home to a number of Fortune 500 companies and upscale homes, took shape. Because of the many business opportunities available in Las Colinas, Irving has continued to enjoy growth in population and real estate values.

5. Downtown Dallas – For Dallas professionals, downtown Dallas simply can’t be beat. In addition to living within walking distance to the countless companies and corporations that call this area of Dallas home, residents here enjoy towering skyscraper homes that boast everything from rooftop swimming pools to concierge service and pristine homes, complete with floor-to-ceiling windows and gourmet kitchens.

6. Perry Heights – We like Perry Heights because of its diverse population and its higher-than-average home values. From city professionals to first-time homebuyers, Perry Heights is a beautiful and affordable area in which to reside in Dallas.

7. State Thomas – State Thomas, as one of the most historic neighborhoods in Dallas, boasts Victorian-style homes, as well as new construction along the Woodall Rogers Freeway.

8. Knox Park –Knox Park has become quite a popular neighborhood in Dallas because of its wide variety of residential neighborhoods that are both affordable and attractive. Located close to Katy Trail and many of Dallas’ business districts, Knox Park residents enjoy suburban living and city conveniences.

9. Plano – Plano is, without a doubt, one of the most affluent suburbs in Dallas and real estate here is highly desirable. Often referred to as the “All American City,” Plano was also recently named the 11th best place to live in the United States by Money magazine.

10. Deep Ellum – The arts and entertainment district of Deep Ellum is just one of the reasons why this beautiful suburb of Dallas is so revered. Located just minutes from downtown Dallas, Deep Ellum is now a hub for young, urban professionals.

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Southlake’s Premier Retirement Community of Watermere at Southlake

Wednesday, December 14th, 2011

Southlake real estate is highly desirable, and that goes for Southlake retirement real estate.

Southlake’s premier retirement community, Watermere at Southlake, is touted as a “luxury, gated-entry retirement community” that includes villas homes and condominium homes. This community boasts “lock and go” living, meaning it is maintenance-free living, and it is reserved for residents over the age of 55. From lawn care and landscaping to housekeeping and general maintenance, this community boasts plenty of features for the active adult.

In addition to enjoying a prime, Southlake location, Watermere is also conveniently located just 10 minutes from the Southlake Town Center and just 15 minutes from the Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport. There is also a wide variety of shopping and dining establishments located within minutes from this exciting community.

Southlake real estate in Watermere is exceptional, but so are the amenities found here. In fact, the amenities of Watermere, like the beautiful clubhouse and the state-of-the-art fitness center, are said to rival those found at the finest five-star resorts.

Within the clubhouse are a number of fantastic amenities and features, including: La Mer Restaurant, River Bend Café, Stone Bridge Lounge, a media room, a banking and travel center, an indoor lap pool and a day spa.

Every resident of Watermere at Southlake is afforded the following amenities:

• Gated entries
• Wireless emergency response system
• Professionally maintained lawn and landscape
• All exterior maintenance
• Housekeeping service
• Scheduled transportation to the Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport, nearby shopping centers and medical centers, the Sky Creek Ranch golf course, local cultural and sporting events, and planned activities
• Insurance on the home
• Water, sewer, high-speed Internet service and cable television service
• Homeowner’s only clubhouse, which includes restaurants, an outdoor dining terrace, conference and meeting rooms and a state-of-the-art fitness center, complete with personal trainers and an indoor heated swimming pool and hot tub
• Jogging and hiking trails
• Plenty of greenspace, including connecting parks and lakes
• Golf privileges at Sky Creek Ranch Golf Course
• A day spa that features a hair and nail salon and private massage rooms
• Internet café and library
• Many social and education events reserved specifically for residents

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Posted in Tarrant County | No Comments »

Merry Christmas Activities and Fun in Dallas

Wednesday, December 7th, 2011

Dallas is a dynamic and energetic city that takes Christmas quite seriously! If you want to experience the best of Christmas, turn your sights to Dallas, where Merry Christmas activities and fun in Dallas are as commonplace as cowboy hats and rodeos!

Here are just a few of the Merry Christmas activities and fun in Dallas:

• Galleria Holiday Celebration – The Dallas Galleria is transformed each holiday season into a Christmas wonderland. From its massive Christmas tree in the middle of the ice rink to its ice skating Santa Claus and choreographed shows, the Galleria is a true Dallas Christmas tradition. Don’t forget to catch the carollers and other musicians who perform throughout the holiday season!

• Fair Park – Dallas’ Fair Park is a beautiful example of the holiday magic that abounds in Dallas throughout the Christmas season. Fair Park boasts the beautiful Esplanade Fountain, which actually “dances” to the beat of the holiday music, the 33 Christmas trees and the breath taking light display that lasts until New Years.

• The Trains at North Park – Christmas in Dallas is never complete without the trains at North Park. This display, which benefits the Ronald McDonald House of Dallas, boasts more than 40 trains and covers an area of nearly 3,000 square feet. From vintage toy locomotives to elaborate miniature scenes, this event is a must during the Christmas season!

• ICE! Exhibit – The Gaylord Texas Resort in Grapevine is home to the ICE! Exhibit, a display of hand-carved ice sculptures that feature everything from gingerbread houses to an entire train depot. Free cookies and warm parkas are just a few of the perks of visiting this Christmas tradition!

• Lone Star Christmas – Grapevine plays hosts to the annual Lone Star Christmas, a jaw-dropping indoor light show that boasts over one million lights and even a 40-foot Christmas tree. Other fun sites enjoyed here include electric train displays, live reindeer and a visit from Mrs. Claus.

• Christmas Pops – The Dallas Symphony Pops: Christmas Pops is an annual show that is presented at the Morton H. Myerson Symphony Center. Visitors here enjoy classic holiday hits and even an audience sing-along.

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