Dallas TX Living

DFW Connector project in Grapevine to begin mid-February

2010-01-28T19:06:00.001-08:00

(Grapevine) - Construction on the DFW Connector project, which runs along SH 121 and SH 114 north of D/FW Airport in Grapevine, is scheduled to begin in mid-February.

The $1.02 billion project is being built under a comprehensive development agreement between the Texas Department of Transportation and NorthGate Constructors. The agreement allows for NorthGate to design and build the project simultaneously, which is expected to shorten the time needed to complete the Connector.

The eight-mile initial phase of the Connector includes constructing tolled lanes, new frontage roads and expanding free lanes, which is expected to double roadway capacity. The project is expected to be complete by 2014.

[Fort Worth Business Press]

One McKinney Plaza in Uptown to get $5M renovation

2010-01-28T19:04:00.001-08:00

Uptown Dallas - Gaedeke Group LLC said it will spend more than $5 million to expand and upgrade the One McKinney Plaza tower at 3232 McKinney Ave. near Hall St. in Dallas.

A 14,000-sf, two-story wing of One McKinney Plaza facing McKinney Ave. will be remodeled for retail space, and the ground floor lobby area will be enlarged from 2,123 sf to 11,299 sf with new construction.

Work will begin next month and will take about eight months.

The 24-year-old office project has been less than 80 percent leased since Bally's fitness center closed its doors in the building last year.

Hank Haney to speak at North Texas Golf Expo this weekend

2010-01-28T08:57:00.000-08:00

The North Texas Golf Expo will celebrate its 20th event Friday through Sunday at Dallas Market Hall. Renowned instructor Hank Haney (Saturday 10:30 a.m.), PGA Championship winner Y.E. Yang (Saturday 1:30 p.m.) and Golf Channel analyst Charlie Rymer (Friday-Sunday) will be featured speakers. The event features a wide variety of golf-related products and services. Other featured speakers:

• Eldridge Miles, senior director of golf instruction at Castle Hills, will speak at 2 p.m. Friday.

• Tripp Davis, designer of Old American Golf Club in The Colony with PGA Tour pro Justin Leonard, will answer questions from Rick Arnett of Avid Golfer Magazine at 6:45 p.m. Friday.

• Two-time Re/Max World Long Driving champions Jamie Sadlowski and Art Sellinger on Friday, and long driver Nyle Pruitt will appear Saturday and Sunday.

• LPGA Hall of Famer Sandra Haynie and Buddy Fichera of Winstar Golf Academy will talk about fundamentals and mindfulness approach to golf at 2:45 p.m. Saturday.

• Junior Golf Day on Sunday will include presentations by Spencer Ebeler of Hank Haney Vista Ridge; Ryan Kossick of the Northern Texas PGA; and Tony Martinez of Keeton Park GC.

Full Story at Dallas News

The M Streets in Dallas

2010-01-03T20:26:00.000-08:00

The M Streets in Dallas is a popular area of old, history-rich homes located on the outskirts of downtown Dallas, bordered by the pubs, bars and nightspots of lower Greenville Avenue. The area consists of homes priced from the $300s to the upper $900s, and contains many homes that have been completely demolished and rebuilt, or otherwise gutted and redeveloped. The area has proven to be a worthwhile investment for home owners who have sold their homes in the area for several times the buying price in years past.

Architectural Styles of the M Streets in Dallas

One of the greatest features of the M Streets neighborhood is the architectural style of the old homes. The area offers homes in the following architectural styles: Tudor, Craftsman, Mediterranean Revival, Ranch Houses, Colonial, Pre-War, Post-War, Spanish Eclectic, Monterey and Classical Italianate, among others.

Dallas Neighborhoods

Dallas Highrises & Condos

2009-12-17T10:57:00.000-08:00

Dallas is booming today with Dallas luxury highrise condos, apartments and townhomes. Whether you're looking to buy or lease a new condo or one of Dallas' best luxury highrises, you can find what you're looking for at http://www.JulieYates.com/.

2011 Cedar Springs | Dallas Highrises & Condos

2011 Cedar Springs is a Dallas Highrise offering condos for sale and for lease. Located in Victory Park, this luxurious real estate development offers convenience and luxury at its finest, with downtown Dallas skyline views, active nightlife nearby and magnificent floorplans, polished concrete, granite, marble, stone and exposed ceilings, you'll feel like you're living in a work of art.

Learn more about 2011 Cedar Springs in Dallas.

3525 Turtle Creek | Dallas Highrises & Condos

3525 Turtle Creek is a Dallas Highrise community located in where else? Turtle Creek, near the Crescent, McKinney Avenue and Downtown Dallas Uptown. This chic location is listed in the National Registry of Historic Places, has housed many a celebrity in the past. 3525 Turtle Creek offers numerous unique, classic floor plans, as well as a 24 hour doorman, complimentary valet service for residents and visitors, a shaded swimming pool, and workout room.

Learn more about 2535 Turtle Creek.

The Azure Dallas Highrise

2009-11-28T15:53:00.000-08:00

The Azure, in Dallas, Texas is a luxury highrise residence located off the North Dallas Tollway, on the western edge of downtown Dallas. This Dallas Highrise offers everything you'd expect from a world class, 5 star luxury highrise.

The Azure offers the following luxurious features:

Dazzling Dallas Skyline Views

On-Site Concierge

5 Star Restaurant

Maid Service & Dry Cleaning

Pristine upper-level pool

Stainless Steel Appliances

Floor to Ceiling Windows

On-Site Work-Out Facilities

Azure Dallas Highrise

Dallas Highrises Condos & Lofts

2009-10-02T14:41:00.000-07:00

Dallas Highrises Condos & Lofts

The first thing you'll want to do is find out about the Dallas area to see exactly where you'll want to live. This is no easy task because your options are so vast. Dallas condos, highrises, and lofts are offered in various areas. Julie Yates Realty with their team of full-time, professional real estate agents is here to help you.

Coldwell Banker: Dallas homes for corporate transfers highest in Texas

2009-09-23T14:54:00.000-07:00

Coldwell Banker: Dallas homes for corporate transfers highest in Texas
By Steve Brown / The Dallas Morning News

Corporate transferees will have to dig a little deeper to pay for digs in Big D.

At least that’s what Coldwell Banker Real Estate says in its annual home price comparison index, which tracks the cost of homes in more than 310 U.S. markets in areas that would appeal to "typical corporate middle-management transferees."

With an average price of $332,375, Dallas has the highest cost in Texas. The 2009 price estimate is up six grand from last year’s estimate.

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A Residential Home that is a Certified Wildlife Habitat in Dallas, TX

2009-09-23T14:44:00.000-07:00

A Residential Home that is a Certified Wildlife Habitat in Dallas, TX
dBusinessNews.com
September 22, 2009

DALLAS – September 22, 2009 – Residential Architects Stephen B. Chambers Inc., an architectural firm that specializes in modern and traditional residential design, remodeling, and historic renovation, recently completed a Dallas residence in the Devonshire area using many of the principles of sustainable design. Particular attention was paid to efficient use of space and the conservation of energy, water and other natural resources on the site.

Provide food in Garden for local wildlife“The client’s primary goal in the design of this new home was to downsize to a single level, low maintenance, high efficiency home,” says Steve Chambers. “Protecting the environment, and conserving the site’s natural resources also were important elements. As we progressed through the design process, we carefully studied how to create a Modern Texan design that integrates with nature and provides a habitat for migratory birds and butterflies.

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Texas ACT scores up for fourth year

2009-08-19T09:27:00.000-07:00

By Terrence Stutz / The Dallas Morning News

AUSTIN – Texas high school students registered a fourth straight year of improvement on the ACT this year, narrowing the achievement gap between Texas and the nation on the college entrance exam.

Black and white students from the Class of 2009 showed increases from last year, while the average score of Hispanic students remained the same, according to a report from the ACT released Wednesday.

White students, in particular, had substantial gains this year and helped boost the state's composite score on the ACT to a record high. The test measures skills in English, reading, math and science.

The average composite score in Texas – reflecting the results of all four subject-area tests – was 20.8. That was the closest the state has ever been to the national average, which this year was 21.1. The exam is scored on a scale of 1 to 36.

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Telecom grows out of its corridor in Dallas-Fort Worth

2009-08-19T09:25:00.000-07:00

By Victor Godinez / The Dallas Morning News
August 12, 2009

Telecom is back in the Dallas area, but a corridor isn't big enough to hold it anymore.

During the 1990s and the first years of the new millennium, a thin patch of land wrapped around North Central Expressway in Richardson was seen as the center of the telecommunications industry.The Richardson Chamber of Commerce dubbed the stretch the Telecom Corridor, a branding effort that stuck.

That brand lost much of its luster in 2000 and 2001 as telecommunications companies with significant local operations floundered, filed for bankruptcy or just went under.

But just when it seemed that the region might have to surrender its telecom credentials, new companies have filled the void. And this time, for a variety of reasons, Richardson is playing only a supporting role.

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New jobs for Dallas-Fort Worth are a welcome side effect of healthcare reform

2009-08-19T09:14:00.000-07:00

By Mitchell Schnurman / Star-Telegram.com
August 18, 2009

One argument for reforming healthcare is that it could save U.S. jobs. Don’t be surprised if it creates a lot of new ones, too, with North Texas being a major beneficiary.

Every reform plan being discussed would cover some of the 47 million uninsured in America, and Texas has more of them than just about anywhere else. Reformers also are pushing for more treatment in the doctor’s office, rather than costly emergency rooms.

Under these scenarios, we’ll need more nurses, aides, physician assistants and family doctors. And if reform succeeds in embracing technology and electronic records, as planned, there should be higher demand for tech workers and data processors, too — another likely plum for this region.

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Dallas-area foreclosures fall 17%, but postings rise

2009-08-19T09:11:00.000-07:00

By Steve Brown / The Dallas Morning News
August 14, 2009

Dallas-Fort Worth home foreclosures showed a significant drop in the first half of 2009.

But the 17 percent decline in residential properties sold at foreclosure probably has more to do with efforts to modify troubled consumer mortgages than a turnaround, analysts say.

Lenders sold more than 9,200 houses, condos and townhomes at foreclosure auctions during the first six months of the year, according to a study of the data provided by Addison-based Foreclosure Listing Service. That's down from more than 11,000 foreclosed homes in the same period of 2008 in Dallas, Tarrant, Collin, Denton and Rockwall counties.

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The W Residence Condominiums | Dallas Highrise | Dallas Condos

2009-07-24T14:02:00.000-07:00

The modernly designed W Hotel and Residence Condos located at Victory Park, feature all the amenities of a high end hotel to their residents. The lobby is host to Ghost Bar, while the rooms feature luxury appliance provided kitchens and bathrooms. Each room has a direct phone line to hotel amenities provided by the 24 hour Whatever/Whenever Concierge, 24 Hour Hotel Ambassador, 24 Hour Controlled Access and Security, beautiful pool area, 2 fitness centers, exclusive entertainment room, 5,000 square foot spa, and special rates and VIP service in W hotels world-wide.

The W Residence Condominiums

Turtle Creek North | Dallas Highrise | Dallas Condos

2009-07-24T13:51:00.000-07:00

Turtle Creek North is located at 3701 Turtle Creek. This luxury condo is a green oasis with excellent city views close to numerous upscale restaurants, shops, and nightspots. Turtle Creek North condos offers a 24-hour front desk attendant, valet, pool, and fitness center.

Turtle Creek North

The Vendome | Dallas Highrise | Dallas Condos

2009-07-24T13:50:00.000-07:00

The Vendome residents enjoy a beautiful lobby with 24 hour hotel style concierge service, valet service, state of the art security system, luxurious pool, and fitness facility.

The Vendome

The Terrace Condos | Dallas Highrise | Dallas Condos

2009-07-24T13:49:00.000-07:00

The Terrace Condos at Victory Park offer a beutiful view and a block away from the American Airline center. Amenities include 24 hour concierge and security, rooftop pool, and fitnesss center. Located minutes from the Dallas urban scene, minutes to Victory Park. Condo units offer private terrace, access to swimming pool, spacious rooms, clean lines, skyline views and high-ceilings. 24 hour concierge. Light and bright highrises for you.

The Terrace Condos

The House | Dallas Highrise | Dallas Condos

2009-07-24T13:48:00.000-07:00

The House is a highrise building showcasing the impressive design stylings of Stark and Yoo. The 130 foot lap and wading pool is surrounded by private cabanas, a hot tub, outdoor fireplace, and dining and entertainment areas. In addition to the pool area, The House also offers a library, fitness center, and guests of residents are offered their own apartment.

The House

The Centrum | Dallas Highrise | Dallas Condos

2009-07-24T13:45:00.000-07:00

The Centrum offers floor to ceiling windows, panoramic views of downtown Dallas, large covered terraces, 10 foot high ceilings, recessed lighting, gourmet kitchens, spacious and open floorplans. Minutes to Turtle Creek and and downtown. Elevator, private workout facilities, three on-site restaurants, 24 hour staffing, valet parking, private underground parking garage.

The Centrum

The Beverly

2009-07-24T13:33:00.000-07:00

The Beverly located at 3621 Turtle Creek Blvd is a 40 unit highrise condo. Located in the heart of Turtle Creek, The Beverly is across from William Dean Park and minutes from Katy Trail. It has a beautiful lobby, lovely landscape, spacious gym, and art building.

The Beverly

Soco Urban Lofts | Dallas Highrise | Dallas Condos

2009-07-24T13:31:00.000-07:00

Soco Urban Lofts features a rooftop pool and sundeck, state of the art 24 hour fitness center with tanning bed, phone-controlled building access, controlled access garage parking, and a resident lounge.Gourmet kitchens, granite counters, exposed pipes, concrete floors.

Soco Urban Lofts

Ritz Carlton | Dallas Highrise | Dallas Condos

2009-07-24T13:29:00.000-07:00

Ritz Carlton hotels known for their luxurious setting, offers residencies with access to the same amenities such as: 24 Hour Concierge, Award winning restaurants, 12,000 square foot spa, resort style pool, and private fitness centers, as well as housekeeping, laundry, dry cleaning and room service.

Ritz Carlton

Azure | Dallas Highrise | Dallas Condos

2009-07-24T13:28:00.000-07:00

The Azure Highrise offers resort-style amenities and award winning contemporary design. Azure boasts furnished kitchens and high security garages with 24 hour video surveilance, and conceirge with screens to prescreen guests and elevators programmed to provide restricted access. Azure also takes pride in their spa, lobby, garden, and private theater. Easy access to uptown, downtown and the Tollway. 24 hour valet service, conceirge, junior Olympic pool, fitness center, media room and more. Great location. Prestigious address.

Azure

The Athena Condominiums | Dallas Highrise | Dallas Condos

2009-07-24T13:27:00.000-07:00

The Athena Condos offer an incredible view in a quiet setting. 24 hour guarded entry, an excercise room, and an indoor pool and sauna are the highlights of Athena.This building offers many long-term residents. No pets.

The Athena Condominiums

8181 Douglas | Dallas Highrise | Dallas Condos

2009-07-24T13:25:00.000-07:00

Described as luxurious Urban Living, 8181 Douglas, is also kept safe with a 24 hour concierge and elevators with keyed access to each floor. Residents also enjoy a beautiful pool and fitness center.

8181 Douglas

588 Lofts | Dallas Highrise | Dallas Condos

2009-07-24T13:24:00.000-07:00

Available in Two-story floorplans and 9-10ft ceilings, 588 Lofts are spacious and offer many features and services. Fireplaces, a fitness center, covered parking, a pool, and a hot-tub with a view provide residents with things to do, while services offered include: planned social activities, house keeping services, and concierge services. 588 Lofts are hip condos in the social-rich Uptown Dallas area. Highrise penthouses, spectacular downtown Dallas views. Park, wood floors, concrete floors, posh kitchens. Walk to shopping, bars and restaurants.

588 Lofts

509 Elm Place | Dallas Highrise | Dallas Condos

2009-07-24T13:22:00.000-07:00

509 Elm Place, blocks away from Victory Park, The American Airlines Center, The West End, and Main street, offers great location at a fraction of the cost. Elm Place features a basement garage, fitness center, and 24-hour courtesy desk.

509 Elm Place

3525 Turtle Creek Condos | Dallas Highrise | Dallas Condos

2009-07-24T13:21:00.000-07:00

3525 Turtle Creek, now listed in the National Registry of Historic Places, was once home to many celebrity and well known inidividuals. Offered in many different configurations, 3525 features a 24 hour doorman, complimentary valet service for residents and visitors, a shaded swimming pool, and workout room.

3525 Turtle Creek Condos

2220 Canton Lofts | Dallas Highrise | Dallas Condos

2009-07-24T13:19:00.000-07:00

2220 Canton Lofts boasts a great view, ideal location and several amenities. Located centrally between Dallas Farmer's Market and Deep Ellum, many Dallas attractions are within walking distance, assisted by the DART bus and rail stations only 4 blocks away. Pets are allowed and the premise also features on-site security patrol, concierge, downstairs gym, rooftop pool, a jogging trail and parking garage.

2220 Canton Lofts

21 Turtle Creek Condos | Dallas Highrise | Dallas Condos

2009-07-24T13:17:00.000-07:00

21 Turtle Creek Village is a Dallas, Texas highrise community with lush landscaping in Turtle Creek. These posh condos offer an outdoor pool, hot tub, gym, conference room, clubroom, and a library. Newly remodeled lobby and friendly staff. 21 offers 1-3 bedroom condos are offered in neutral color schemes. Wood blinds, berber carpet, huge closets, dens, nice bathrooms, large balconies, utility rooms per floor. Great value in upscale neighborhood close to Downtown Dallas!!!

21 Turtle Creek Condos

2011 Cedar Springs | Dallas Highrise | Dallas Condos

2009-07-24T13:14:00.000-07:00

2011 Cedar Springs is in the Victory Park / Uptown area just steps to American Airlines center and Victory Park. Great views of downtown Dallas. Individual units offer cool features such as polished concrete, granite, marble, stone, exposed ceilings and so much more.

2011 Cedar Springs

1999 McKinney Avenue | Dallas Highrise | Dallas Condos

2009-07-24T12:08:00.000-07:00

1999 McKinney offers two-story loft style arrangments a salt water pool, spa, and 24 hour security. Located on the Northern edge of Dallas' Central Business Disctrict and within walking distance of the American Airlines Center. This building offers fabulous views of downtown Dallas, tons of amenities in every unit such as granite countertops, stained concrete floors, wood floors, modern bathrooms, excellent floor plans, great for entertaining.

1999 McKinney Avenue

1505 Elm Street | Dallas Highrise | Dallas Condos

2009-07-20T11:15:00.000-07:00

1505 Elm Street is located in the heart of downtown Dallas. This luxury highrise community offers 24-hour free valet, 24-hour concierge and security, gym, sauna, massage room, huge theater, roof-top pool with party pavilions, Moroccan room, private storage, wine cellar with private locker, billiards room, and free wireless internet.

1505 Elm Street

Dallas-Fort Worth foreclosure postings slip below 5,000

2009-07-17T13:50:00.000-07:00

By Steve Brown / The Dallas Morning News

The number of Dallas-Fort Worth homes facing foreclosure has dropped below 5,000 for the first time in five months.

But filings in the four-county area are still 5 percent higher than a year ago.

August's foreclosure auctions will include 4,796 properties in Dallas, Tarrant, Collin and Denton counties, Addison-based Foreclosure Listing Service said Thursday.

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Newsweek names HPHS among best in U.S.

2009-07-17T10:34:00.000-07:00

Highland Park High School is listed this month among the top high schools in the nation by Newsweek magazine. Newsweek includes HPHS, ranked number 23, for its students' participation on Advanced Placement exams.

This is the sixth year Highland Park High School has made Newsweek's "Top 100" listing. HPHS is the highest ranked comprehensive high school in Texas, outscored only by magnet and charter campuses.

Newsweek's article, "America's Best High Schools," compiled a listing of 1,500 high schools, with public schools ranked according to a ratio that divides the number of Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate or Cambridge tests taken schoolwide by the number of graduating seniors in the school.

Using that ratio, Highland Park High School scored a 6.108, up from 6.035 in 2008, and 5.727 in 2007.

"We are excited to be named to Newsweek's list of the best high schools in America once again," said HPHS Principal Patrick Cates. "This recognition validates the work our students and teachers do every year in our Advanced Placement program. Our program is one of the largest in the country, and we believe that it prepares students for success in any college or university anywhere. This ranking brings honor to our school, our school district, and our communities."

Click HERE to read the article.

Sleepovers open architects' eyes on nursing home design

2009-05-29T09:28:00.000-07:00

May 27, 2009

By BOB MOOS / The Dallas Morning News

Even in a wheelchair and with sweat pants and T-shirt, David Dillard didn't look like the other nursing home residents.

He was 25 years their junior, and he seemed much more curious about his surroundings than anyone else, chatting up the staff and residents and paying careful attention to door widths, hallway lighting and window heights.

Dillard wasn't at the Pilgrim Haven skilled care center in Los Altos, Calif., because of an illness, injury or long-term disability. The 58-year-old Dallas architect of senior living communities was there to live the life of a nursing home resident for 24 hours.

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Dallas will get 4 year public university in 2010: UNTD

2009-05-29T09:25:00.000-07:00

Aaron Smith The 33 News

The city of Dallas will be getting its own four year public university in 2010. Governor Rick Perry announced yesterday that the UNT Dallas campus will be expanding to accommodate more students at an affordable cost.

The University of North Texas Dallas campus is now one of 11 independent universities across the state. The announcement came this week from governor Rick Perry.

The schools vice chancellor says it'll happen quick. John Ellis Price says, " In fact, we hope to begin moving dirt later part of June or July for construction of the second building."

The existing campus was opened in 2007 as public, but has only accommodated upper classmen until now. But after enrolling the states requirement of at least 1,000 full time students, UNTD can expand and stand alone.

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Flamenco instructors eager to put dance form on display at Dallas festival

2009-05-29T09:21:00.000-07:00

By NANCY VISSER / The Dallas Morning News

Troy Gardner's first instrument was the clarinet. And he hated it.

"Whoever heard of an exciting clarinet?" he asked.

But as an adult, he heard a clarinet solo at the Majestic Theatre and was dumbfounded.

"I discovered for the first time that this instrument made these rich noises and had this effect," he said. "I wish I had known this in the sixth grade."

That personal lesson in discovering an art form's potential is one reason he and his fiancé, Delilah Buitrón, pulled together this weekend's Dallas Flamenco Festival.

Full Story

Existing-Home Sales Rise in April

2009-05-29T09:17:00.000-07:00

May 27 - Existing-home sales rose in April with strong buyer activity in lower price ranges, according to the National Association of Realtors@.

Existing-home sales (http://www.realtor.org/research/research/ehsdata) -- including single-family, townhomes, condominiums and co-ops -- increased 2.9 percent to a seasonally adjusted annual rate(1) of 4.68 million units in April from a downwardly revised pace of 4.55 million units in March, but were 3.5 percent below the 4.85 million-unit level in April 2008.

Lawrence Yun (http://www.realtor.org/research/chief_economist_bio) , NAR chief economist, said first-time buyers continue to influence the market but there also is a seasonal rise of repeat buyers. "Most of the sales are taking place in lower price ranges and activity is beginning to pick up in the midprice ranges, but high-end home sales remain sluggish," he said. "The Federal Reserve needs to help restore liquidity for the jumbo mortgage market by buying these loans under the TALF program."

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Hard times can put a strain on ethics

2009-05-29T09:14:00.000-07:00

By SHERYL JEAN / The Dallas Morning News

Discussions about business ethics seem to occur only after major scandals like Enron, WorldCom or Bernie Madoff.

Unethical behavior occurs even in good times. But what happens when you throw in a recession, job losses and pay cuts?

Texas has lost tens of thousands of construction and real estate jobs since the recession began in December 2007. Will ethics take a back seat as pressure increases to maintain the status quo or keep growing during the worst economy since the 1930s?

Real estate agents and salespeople must have a state license – as do many other professions from electricians to elevator inspectors. Real estate brokers also must follow disclosure rules, act in good faith and avoid misrepresentation, dishonesty or fraud.

Full story

Credit crunch still pinching Dallas market

2009-05-29T09:11:00.000-07:00

By STEVE BROWN / The Dallas Morning News

Don't expect to see many "sold" signs in the Dallas commercial real estate arena. The global credit crunch has all but dried up debt for investment real estate purchases.

Sales of investment properties, including office buildings, shopping centers and warehouses, are down more than 50 percent in North Texas this year.

And unless the lending environment changes, don't look for a surge in the number of deals, top local investment brokers predict.

Full Story

UT-Arlington's newest offering: a course in distressed real estate

2009-05-29T09:07:00.000-07:00

By STEVE BROWN / The Dallas Morning News, May 28th

In one of the surest signs yet of today’s property market woes, the University of Texas at Arlington is offering a course on dealing with distressed commercial real estate.

“As far as we now know, we're the only university addressing this current problem with a dedicated certificate program," said Michael Buckley, who will teach the course with UTA business professor Fred Forgey.

Buckley is the head of a real estate development advisory firm who previously taught at Columbia University.

The 13-week graduate level classes will start this fall and are aimed at real estate professionals who need help dealing with problem properties.

"We must equip our students with new practical and applicable skills for today's economic environment," Don Gatzke, dean of the UT Arlington School of Architecture, said in the announcement.

Full story

Survey: More buyers interested in foreclosed homes

2009-05-22T07:07:00.000-07:00

May 21, 2009

By STEVE BROWN / The Dallas Morning News

With home foreclosures soaring in most parts of the country, the number of interested buyers of these properties is growing.

More than half – 55 percent - of Americans quizzed for a new survey said they would consider purchasing a previously foreclosed house. That’s up significantly in the last
few months, according to the survey which was done by Harris Interactive.

The survey of almost 2,400 consumers was done in early May for Internet real estate firms Trulia.com and RealtyTrac.

Full story

What's on Dallas real estate investors' minds? Lots!

2009-05-21T07:55:00.000-07:00

April 17, 2009

By STEVE BROWN / The Dallas Morning News

The biggest homebuilding slowdown on record has left the Dallas-Fort Worth area with lots of empty lots.

How many? Enough to last more than five years, according to the latest estimates.

"Home starts have declined almost 67 percent while the lot supply has fallen only 2 percent," said local housing analyst Ted Wilson.

For investors, those unwanted properties offer the potential for profit.

Full story

DFW to flip the switch on Lancaster Avenue sculptures

2009-05-19T09:24:00.000-07:00

By Gaile Robinson

FORT WORTH – The silver dirt devils twirl down the street in a Rockettes-like unison. They are all tall and slender, with showy animation and glittery surfaces that belie their steel construction. Their spacing is a little off, as they have been placed where the traffic median allows and the street isn't quite straight, but this adds to their animated qualities.

This conga line of silver twisters is the newest addition to the public art holdings of Fort Worth. The six beauties that pirouette down the median of Lancaster Avenue are called the Avenue of Light for their nighttime radiance. They are capable of imitating any color in the rainbow and will do so for appropriate holidays or festivities.

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Dallas Cash for Houses

Texas cities tops for retail

2009-05-19T09:04:00.000-07:00

by Austin Business Journal

Four out of the top five metropolitan areas deemed most likely to experience quarterly retail sales growth for the remainder of 2009 and into 2010 are in Texas, according to research from Pitney Bowes Business Insight.

Austin ranked first on the list, with what PBBI’s research called “consistent healthy growth in gross metropolitan product, personal disposable income and consumer expenditures, coupled with a decline in personal bankruptcies.”

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Richardson Real Estate | Dallas Homes for Sale

Texas Home builders more upbeat

2009-05-19T08:35:00.000-07:00

by Charlotte Business Journal

U.S. home builders’ confidence in the market for newly built, single-family homes has risen for the second consecutive month. It is now at the highest level since September, according to the National Association of Home Builders/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index.

“Builders are responding to what they perceive to be some of the best home-buying conditions of a lifetime,” says Joe Robson, NAHB chairman. “You’re not likely to get a better deal in terms of mortgage rates than what’s available right now. Combine that with the affordable prices, multitude of home choices and $8,000 tax credit for first-time buyers that are now available, and you have a very appealing set of reasons to make a move.”

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North Dallas Real Estate

We've picked a colorful bouquet of DFW spring festivals

2009-05-19T08:23:00.000-07:00

May 18, 2009 by Bindu Varghese

Festival season is here. And it's as colorful as the spring blossoms making their appearances in gardens everywhere. Whether you'd like to spend time with the family strolling through the grounds of the Dallas Arboretum, which kicks off its Dallas Blooms floral celebration this weekend, or want to escape to the Scottish highlands (at the Texas Scottish Festival & Highland Games, in June), we've rounded up some festival highlights for springtime outings. Of course, we'll be covering them through the season and adding new ones, so stay tuned.

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Dallas Highrises & DFW Condos

As Texas Rangers streak, everything looks good

2009-05-19T08:04:00.000-07:00

May 18, 2009 by Tim Cowlishaw

ARLINGTON – It takes a bit of everything in order to produce not only a three-game sweep of the defending division champion Angels, but also a six-game homestand sweep of both Seattle and Los Angeles.

Ultimately, it took the kind of sacrifice that Josh Hamilton is almost too willing to make, flying cleats-first into the right-centerfield wall to rob Howie Kendrick of extra bases and to steal another victory for the high-flying Rangers.

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Dallas Real Estate

Eastfield College to host East DFW Metroplex Piano Festival

2009-05-19T07:28:00.000-07:00

Eastfield College will host the Eastfield Metroplex East Piano Festival June 15-20. Pierrette Mouledous, Director of the Piano Department, has assembled an impressive faculty of educators with specialty in piano performance to teach the week-long camps. Instructors will focus on elements of stylistic interpretation and technique from classical, jazz and liturgical piano repertoire for students age 7 and up; tuition starts at $75 (audition on June 9 from 2-5 p.m. is required for intermediate and advanced workshops which occur June 17-20).

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Dallas Homes for Sale

How will the City of Dallas reduce a $190 million deficit?

2009-05-18T08:48:00.000-07:00

DALLAS - A $190 million budget shortfall is tipping the scale in Dallas.

Plans to balance the budget affect North Texans, even those living outside city limits.

Besides the hundreds of jobs at stake, cuts will likely impact the roads we drive on, and the animals we see at the zoo.

But chopping the red won't be easy.

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Newsweek names HPHS among best in U.S.

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DFW to flip the switch on Lancaster Avenue sculptures

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Eastfield College to host East DFW Metroplex Piano Festival

How will the City of Dallas reduce a $190 million deficit?

Rare Comic Books Go Up For Auction In Dallas

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Dallas is No. 2 on Web site listing of “America’s Top 100 Places to live for 2009”

National home builders president predicts early recovery for Texas market

Texas housing poised to rebound quickly, builders group leader says

Dallas area home sales, median prices tumble in first quarter

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Thousands demonstrate in Tea Parties around North Texas

Auditions for the musical ANNIE at The Richardson Theatre Centre

Richardson Texas Tea Party

Dallas-area home prices fall nearly 5%

Dallas Homes Foreclosure auctions drawing lots of bidders

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February existing home sales rise by 5.1 percent

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March 23, 2009

Stocks jump on bank plan, rise in home sales

Dallas-Fort Worth area to have new warning guidelines for storm emergencies

Dallas community calendar

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US existing home sales fall 5.3 percent in January

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Koi turn up dead in Fort Worth Japanese Garden after accidental chlorination