Southlake

As one of the top 2012 DFW real estate areas to watch, Southlake is likely considered to be one of Fort Worth’s most successful cities. Located in the counties of Tarrant and Denton Counties, Southlake enjoys a prime location near Grapevine, Colleyville and Keller.

It wasn’t until 2008, however, that Southlake really began making a name for itself when it was named by Forbes.com as the most affluent community in the United States. In addition to its exceptional real estate opportunities, Southlake features such points of interest as Southlake Town Square and Bicentennial Park, a park with 74 acres of sprawling green space.

Plano

The Dallas population boom of the 1960s spurred the growth of Plano. Now, more than 40 years later, Plano is a popular area that features beautiful homes, impressive shopping and loads of outdoor recreational activities and parks.

Located near Dallas, Plano is now considered to be one of the most successful master-planned communities in North Texas. Plano has become a popular area in which to reside, in part because of the many corporations and business located here.

Points of interest in Plano include an historic downtown area and the shopping malls of Collin Creek and the Shops at Willow Bend.

Carrollton

Carrollton is a popular city in North Texas that boasts a prime location near the DFW Metroplex and the Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport. It was also ranked as one of the “100 Best Places to Live” by Money Magazine and one of “America’s Best Places to Move” by Forbes.

This area is also quickly growing in popularity because it is home to the Baylor Medical Center of Carrollton. Other points of interest in Carrollton include its 1,230 acres of parks and recreational areas and the Indian Creek Golf Club.

• Don’t get hung up on the aesthetics! – It is often difficult to look beyond a room’s paint color or a homeowner’s carpet choice, but the truth is that all of these things are merely aesthetic and are easily remedied if they aren’t to your liking. If you focus on a home’s aesthetics, instead of its bones (e.g., room size, home location, and its overall condition), you could be missing out on a great North Dallas property.
• Don’t compromise your comfort level! (financially) – It may be quite tempting to push your comfort level and go for the home that has the higher price tag, but you could find yourself regretting that choice for years to come. Instead, determine your maximum budget amount and stick to it.  One of the easiest ways to avoid doing this is to only look at homes that are within your budget.
• Don’t overlook the importance of the neighborhood! – A North Dallas property is only as good as the neighborhood in which it is located. In other words, regardless of how fantastic you feel your home is, if the home values in the area are on the decline, your home may not be the investment you had hoped it would be. Instead, only consider areas that are growing, both in terms of residents and property values, so you can better protect yourself against a poor investment.
• Don’t go too fast! – The home buying experience is often an exciting one, and it is quite easy to get wrapped up in the excitement. But it is just as important to slow down so you can be sure you are making the best decisions for you and your family. An overly excited home buyer is often an overwhelmed home buyer, and that could spell disaster when it comes to embarking on the largest financial decisions you will ever make.

In addition to boasting many new home communities and countless amenities like shopping centers and public parks, Coppell has a number of fantastic community programs that support a strong community:

Community Gardens

The Coppell Community Gardens supports community gardens, as well as a farmer’s market and environment education. This community program is overseen by a group of dedicated volunteers who lend their time to provide a market for locally grown food and donate organic produce to needy families. The community gardens are also a valuable source for education on sustainability practices and youth community services.

Some of the programs within the Community Gardens program include: Share the Harvest, Adopt-A-Plot, Composting Education, and the Coppell Farmers Market.

Coppell Green Team

The Coppell Green Team is described as a “multi-tiered recognition program designed to foster environmental awareness and promote sustainable behavior.” It works alongside Keep Coppell Beautiful and the Coppell Chamber of Commerce to make sure businesses and organizations are taking the necessary steps to help the environment.

The goal of the Coppell Green Team is to promote environmental sustainability through environmental sustainable practices.

Keep Coppell Beautiful

Keep Coppell Beautiful is a program designed to encourage individuals and businesses to engage in activities to promote a beautiful city. Some of the activities and education overseen by Keep Coppell Beautiful include: encouraging waste reduction, litter prevention, beautification and environmental sustainability.

Just some of the awards granted to Keep Coppell Beautiful include: Keep Texas Beautiful Gold Star Affiliate (2011, 2010, and 2009), Keep Texas Beautiful Governor’s Community Achievement Award (2011), and Keep America Beautiful President Circle Award (2010 and 2009).

Some of the major events overseen by Keep Coppell Beautiful each year include: Clean Coppell City-Wide Cleanup, Coppell Earthfest, Texas Recycles Day, Texas SmartScape classes and tour, Denton Creek Clean-Up and the computer and electronics recycling program.

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.

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 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.

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.

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

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.

What will it take to experience a solid recovery? It appears that it will only happen once we begin to clear out the glut of foreclosures in the market. Once the inventory of foreclosures and short sales has been greatly reduced, we can expect to see rising real estate statistics nationwide.

Most real estate experts agree that we are still in the midst of the housing crash, but that the forecast will begin to improve once the foreclosure issues – and the legal issues that surround them – begin to resolve.

Across the Nation

The market overall across the nation has shown signs of hope, as some areas of the country have already begin experiencing an increase in home prices. Other markets have stabilized, which is a good sign, as well.

Because the overall job sector has improved across the country since 2010, and more than two million private sector jobs being created, the real estate market is expected to follow suit.

U.S. Home Prices

Most experts note that, across the country, home prices will continue to slide downward, at least until the first part of 2012.

In August, statistics showed that sales of distressed properties were way up, along with short sales and real estate owned properties. However, these distressed property sales also meant
that home prices declined by four percent when compared to a year prior.

A Recovery in the Works?

Mark G. Doutzour, a chief economist at Texas A&M University’s Real Estate Center, paints a different picture about the U.S. real estate economy. In fact, he expects a recover of the economy to occur after the 2012 election.

Home prices across the nation rebounded in March by 2.2 percent, and median home prices rose to nearly $160,000. However, these statistics are almost 6 percent below what they were a year prior, and the median price is close to 2002 levels. In addition, almost two out of five homes sold in March were distressed properties, which usually sell at a discount.