Archive for the ‘Tarrant County’ Category

Tarrant County: Luxury Homes Welcomed

Saturday, January 14th, 2012

Tarrant County is often synonymous with luxury real estate. This expansive county, which is ideally located in the heart of North Texas, is home to both Arlington and Fort Worth. With the swiftly growing cities of Arlington and Fort Worth (both are considered to be two of the fastest growing cities in North Texas), it only makes sense that the smaller communities and cities in Tarrant County are experiencing the same type of interest from homeowners.

Luxury homes in Tarrant County are the norm and not the exception. In fact, there are a number of wealthy cities in this county that are highly sought out by families and professionals alike. In particular, there are three neighborhoods where luxury homes in Tarrant County are located at every turn:

Westover Hills

If you are in search of luxury homes in Tarrant County, your first stop will likely be Westover Hills. Located near Fort Worth, Westover Hills is home to many older homes and a number of influential families. In fact, Westover Hills held the distinction of being the wealthiest city in Texas in 2000, based on the average household income of its residents.

Homes in Westover Hills generally start in the $700,000 range, although many of the homes here are priced well into the millions. Estates here are often 10,000 to 20,000 square feet in size, and a few estates have been valued at nearly $9 million.

Colleyville/Southlake

If Westover Hills is considered a haven for older estates, Colleyville and Southlake is where many of the newer mansions and estates are located. Located in northern Tarrant County, Colleyville and Southlake boast a considerable amount of new construction, and homes here can run anywhere from $200,000 to well into the $5-$8 million range.

Dalworthington Gardens

Located in the heart of Arlington, in the southern part of the county, Dalworthington Gardens is a city with a rich history (one of its first residents was Eleanor Roosevelt). Many homeowners are drawn to this area because of the wide variety of real estate options found here. It is quite possible to find a home in Dalworthington Gardens for as little as $150,000 or as much as $3 million.

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.

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.

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

A Closer Look at Two Fort Worth Bella Flora

Tuesday, November 1st, 2011

Located just 20 minutes from downtown Fort Worth are the new home communities of Bella Flora and Bella Ranch. Amidst large, one-acre lots, just 10 minutes from downtown Fort Worth, are Bella Flora, exclusive, gated homes and Bella Ranch, spacious and affordable family homes.

Other nearby locations include: Interstates 20 and 820, Highway 377, the White Stone Golf Club and the Benbrook Lake Marina. There are also a number of entertainment and medical districts located nearby.

The communities of Bella Flora and Bella Ranch are located in the highly coveted Aledo Independent School District, thereby attracting many Fort Worth families.

These Fort Worth luxury subdivisions offer a variety of features and amenities to suit many lifestyles. Here is a closer look at these two Fort Worth luxury subdivisions:

Bella Ranch

Bella Ranch, which is now building new model homes, features single-family homes that range in size from 3,200 square feet to more than 5,000 square feet. The homes in Bella Ranch are priced from $270,000 to more than $500,000. These homes, which are said to be of the craftsman and contemporary styles, are a part of a secure, gated community. Many of the homes in this neighbourhood have wooded and creek views.

Bella Flora

Bella Flora is a stately, master-planned community that boasts everything from a cobblestone entry to serene, one-acre lots. The homes of Bella Flora are at least 4,000 square feet in size, and homebuyers here can choose their own builder.

The community of Bella Flora features beautiful walking trails and private lakes, and most properties feature wooded views and lakefront views.

The homes of Bella Flora offer exquisite living in the heart of Fort Worth, thereby allowing many city professionals to call this premier community home. Just some of the countless amenities found throughout many of the homes in Bella Flora include: vaulted ceilings, hardwood flooring, Brazilian granite countertops, Italian marble and travertine, custom cabinetry, outdoor living rooms and fireplaces, and lagoon-style swimming pools. Many of the homes in Bella Flora are backed up to the community’s walking trails, making outdoor recreation effortless and enjoyable.

Strawberry Fields – Mansfield’s premier custom home community

Wednesday, September 7th, 2011

Penny Lane, The Long and Winding Road, Abbey Road. To any self respecting Beatles fan these names bring up memories of golden hits by the Fab Four. To residents of Mansfield, Texas these names bring up visions of the streets in one of it’s premier communities, Strawberry Fields.

Take a short trip down a small country road where trees canopy the approach to the private community. Winding streets, Cozy cul-de-sacs, rambling creek and mature trees provide the ideal setting for stunning homes featured by top custom home builders.

Each home displays the careful design of its architect and master craftsmanship of its builder. From exquisite estates to vintage style homes and old world architecture, Strawberry Fields offers a quiet setting for spectacular homes in one of the most prestigious neighborhoods in Mansfield. Limited to just 70 homes in the community and with prices starting in the low 500’s it is the perfect place to call home. Just like the song says “Strawberry Fields Forever”.

Southlake Luxury Home Communities

Thursday, August 18th, 2011

Southlake, a suburb of Fort Worth, is an upscale community renowned for its excellent social infrastructure and its beautiful homes. In fact, Southlake luxury homes are some of the finest in Fort Worth. And with a median household income of more than $170,000, it is no wonder that Southlake luxury homes are abundant.

Southlake is located within the Carroll Independent School District, which received an Exemplary rating by the State of Texas. In addition, the U.S. Department of Education has recognized five of the schools within the Carroll Independent School District as National Blue Ribbon Schools.

Southlake luxury homes are found throughout this affluent community; in particular, there are a number of exclusive neighborhoods that feature estate and luxury homes with design features that will knock your socks off.

Here are some of our favorite Southlake luxury communities:

Fort Worth Summertime Activities

Wednesday, July 20th, 2011

Fort Worth summertime activities are varied and super fun! Whether you want to soak up the sun and head outdoors, or stay in the air-conditioned confines of a theater or museum, your options for Fort Worth summertime activities are virtually endless!
Here are some of our favorites:

  • Fort Worth Stockyards

Fort Worth

Tuesday, July 5th, 2011

Sure, choosing Fort Worth

Southlake

Monday, June 13th, 2011

Southlake has become one of the most highly desirable residential communities in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex because of its ideal location, its lovely array of fine real estate and its highly acclaimed schools. Median home sales here have therefore remained strong and new luxury homes here range anywhere from $500,000 to over $2.5 million.

Many Texans head to Southlake because of its fine array of quality neighborhoods that boast beautiful homes and amazing community amenities and features.

Here is our list of the Top Five Neighborhoods in Southlake (in no particular order):

  1. Palomar Estates