A buyers' market should be just that—a buyers' market. It's not a fence-sitting, waiting, loitering, delaying, dawdling, postponing, vacillating, hesitating, wavering, faltering, pausing, foot-shuffling market…it is a buyers' market. By its very name it means buyers should be doing one thing and one thing only—buying. So where are the buyers, and why aren't they buying?
The great irony of a buyers' market is that even though the opportunity to buy is high, buyer urgency tends to hit an all-time low. The media becomes the excited purveyor of negative news and uninformed advice, and buyers buy it all. Actually, it feels like the only thing they're buying.
Their reluctance is ironic since not so long ago buyers were incredibly excited about buying—and it was a sellers' market. Prices were escalating and it was perhaps one of the most difficult times to buy value and yet people were buying like there was no tomorrow. Buyers were afraid of losing out by not buying, even though the advantage was all to the seller.
Now a shift has occurred. Fear is still in the driver's seat but the tables are turned—the fear of paying too much seems to stop most in their tracks and immobilizes them. When they should have been afraid of paying too much they weren't, and now that they shouldn't be afraid of paying too much they are.
It's one of the great paradoxical moments of any market and the herd instinct at its most pure. Reluctance in the face of great opportunity becomes an agonizingly defining characteristic of a shift.
Dec 30, 2008
Dallas Real Estate & Gold Nuggets of Wisdom
Labels: buyers, Dallas, real estate, Realtors, sellers
Dec 29, 2008
Free Cookware from Tom Thumb expires Wednesday
My friend Barbara reminded me that Tom Thumb's free cookware give away expires this Wednesday.
A minimum of 40 points are needed per piece for a skillet and as many as 100 for a large roasting pan with a rack. They have various sized skillets and pans with glass lids. I've collected a few pieces already for my college son.
As of last night, the Preston Royal location still had a few pieces but they are out of the skillets and Dutch ovens. The Preston Forest location still had most sizes available. If you don't need any cookware, maybe someone else or your favorite charity would like it! [where: 75230]
Labels: North Dallas, Preston Hollow, Preston Royal
Dec 28, 2008
Looking forward to 2009
Take the world
as it is,
not as
it ought to be.
Labels: real estate
Dec 26, 2008
A peek at the market
Labels: Dallas, North Dallas, real estate, statistics
Dec 25, 2008
Merry Christmas
Dec 23, 2008
People are actually buying real estate now!
News from the trenches in the residential real estate business!
The phones are ringing off the hooks! Buyers are out viewing homes! All of my listings are being shown! I've got closings between Christmas and New Years! This is supposed to be the slow time of year. Thanksgiving til Christmas is typically the dormant time of year in real estate. But suddenly, you would think this was May. Could this be a sign of recovery? Maybe folks are realizing what a buyers market this is. Maybe the incredible interest rates are motivating them. Whatever it is, the Dallas market has awoken from its typical winter slumber!
[where: 75230]
Labels: agents, buyers, Dallas, North Dallas, Preston Hollow, real estate, Realtors, sellers
Dec 21, 2008
Faith is taking the first stepeven when you don't seethe whole staircase.Martin Luther King, Jr.
Labels: Dallas
Dec 19, 2008
The Smaller House Movement
Actually this growing trend is called The Small House Movement - but in Dallas that doesn't necessarily mean small (just smaller).
The 'bigger is better' mentality is changing in the real estate world. As we all become more environmentally aware and concerned about reducing our 'footprint' on the earth; the footprint of our homes is shrinking as well. And this idea doesn't appeal to just hardcore environmentalist. Some folks looking to downsize just want a simpler life. The practical side of smaller homes is the reduced cost to purchase, maintain, heat and cool.
I predict this trend to grow considerably in Dallas over the coming months and next couple of years. There are several builders specializing in these smaller homes like Tiny Texas Houses in Luling, Texas. And there are plenty of Dallas area builders ready and able to adapt their usual designs. While I don't think we'll see a big market for tiny 500 sq ft homes in North Dallas, I see the demand for smaller, upscale properties on the rise. I believe we will see less buyer demand for 7,000+ sq ft homes in favor of more practical-sized properties.
Many stylish smaller homes have features such as vaulted ceilings and expansive windows to make them feel roomier. They feature the amenities and conveniences of larger homes - just on a smaller scale. Functionality, efficiency and proportion are the buzz words of this trend; but style, quality and attention to detail will continue to be at the top of buyer demands for smaller homes in the Dallas market. [where: 75230]
Labels: buyers, Dallas, home improvement, real estate, Realtors, sellers
Dec 17, 2008
Finding the Best Realtor in a new town
So you're moving from one city to another and you need to find a home. Your best bet is a buyer's agent who knows the area and the prices, the lifestyles, the schools, etc. of that area.
- A. Call a friend or associate in the city for a recommendation.
- B. Look in the phone book or on-line for the most prominent agent.
- C. Rely on a relocation service to assign you an agent.
- D. Ask a Realtor you trust to connect you with an agent who shares your interests and lifestyle.
So why is answer D the obvious choice? Because the wants and desires of a hip, single, 28-year-old professional who loves live theater are not the same as those of 50-year-old couple with 3 teenagers who play lacrosse and volunteer two nights a week at their church. There is a perfect agent for each of these home buyers - but it isn't necessarily the same person.
I like to say that "I don't know everything. But I know the people who do." And its true.
I'm not the best agent for a young professional who wants to live in Uptown. But I know the best agents who are. I'm also not the best agent for a couple looking to retire to Cedar Creek Lake. But I can find them someone who is.
I have contacts with excellent agents across the country through Leading Real Estate Companies of the World. The Realtors associated with this company represent the gold standard of real estate professionals. You don't just pay a fee and get into this club. Realtors must meet a rigorous set of criteria which is customer focused on performance, value and quality service. This cooperative features a majority of the top luxury brokers in the country.
I'm the agent for people moving to North Dallas. I know the pros and cons of every neighborhood, the shops, restaurants, churches, schools,... If you're looking to move to North Dallas, give me a call. If you're moving to another area, give me a call as well. I can help you find the perfect agent who will meet your needs.
[where: 75230]
Dec 15, 2008
Pecan Seller from Preston & Northaven
Remember the lady who used to sell Texas pecans out of the back of her truck at the corner of Preston & Northaven Roads?
Well, Patty Miller still sells pecans even though she can't sell them at the old location. Like many Texans, she is facing hard times and really needs some business this season. Contact Patty at 214.404.4407 to order her really large (Texas sized) pecan halves, chocolate covered pecans or pecan pieces for $13.00 a pound. They come in 1, 2, 3, 5 and 8 lb bags and delivery is $10 for your total order. These must be the best pecans in the country - because the 5 million squirrels in North Dallas can't be wrong.[where: 75230]
Labels: Dallas, North Dallas, Preston Hollow
Dec 14, 2008
Living Nativity tomorrow night
Preston Hollow Presbyterian Church will stage their traditional and beautiful outdoor pageant, The Living Creche, this Monday and Tuesday evenings, December 15th and 16th, from 7:30 until 9:00.
The community is invited to view this annual, live re-enactment of the nativity. Why not make this part of your Christmas season as this church has since 1954? The church is located at Walnut Hill and Preston Road.
[where: 75230]
Labels: Dallas, North Dallas, Preston Hollow
Dec 12, 2008
There Blows Santa Claus
Labels: Dallas, Preston Hollow
Dec 11, 2008
Dallas Home Sales Statistics
North Dallas (south of LBJ, between Midway & Central):
Number of Sales: 478 (down 29% from this time 2007)
Average Sales Price: $980,190 (up 5% from 2007)
Park Cities:
Number of Sales: 624 (down 16% from this time 2007)
Average Sales Price: $1,206,042 (unchanged from 2007)
Northeast Dallas (east of Central, south of LBJ):
Number of Sales: 540 (down 21% from 2007)
Average Sales Price: $254,854 (up 3% from 2007)
Northwest Dallas (west of Midway):
Number of Sales: 453 (down 31% from 2007)
Average Sales Price: $241,262 (up 6% from 2007)
[where: 75230]Far North Dallas (LBJ to Plano from Central to Marsh):
Number of Sales: 864 (down 28% from 2007)
Average Sales Price: $341,612 (unchanged from 2007)
Labels: Dallas, North Dallas, Preston Hollow, real estate, Realtors, statistics
Dec 9, 2008
Save $3 million on a house!
There are many good real estate deals out there right now. And lots of folks want to know where the best deals are - not that they plan on buying one, they'd just like to know.
Value is relative. And what better example than this really, really nice home. Its been reduced a whopping $2,995,000 - from $12,950,000 to $9,995,000. For that kind of money you get 15,200 sq. feet and a 4 car garage, 2 pools, verandas and more luxury amenities than I can list here. It is truly a gorgeous home. So if you are looking for a deal, here it is. If your price range is considerably lower, here is a great deal as well. [where: 75230]Labels: buyers, Dallas, North Dallas, real estate, Realtors, sellers
Dec 7, 2008
Inexpensive Home Improvements
Given the current economy, many folks are looking for ways to spruce up their home for sale without breaking the bank. And this typically slow season is the perfect time to make some improvements. Below are some fantastic do-it-yourself, low-cost, easy ways to improve your home.
- Clean! We all get accustomed the the smells and smudges in our own homes. But a spic-and-span cleaning from the baseboards to the windows, can make a big difference in the appearance and aroma of your home.
- De-clutter. Most homes that I tour could easily loose half of the items in them to show off the house to it's full potential. Pack things up and you'd be surprised how much you don't miss the 'stuff'. Donate it, sell it, store it, or give it away to friends.
- Paint. It’s one of the least expensive and easiest ways to add value and style to your property. If you don't know how to choose colors or finishes, consult a professional.
- Replace Fixtures. Update light fixtures and replace outdated plumbing fixtures. Nothing dates a kitchen like old cabinet knobs. Some fixtures can simply be painted.
- Overhaul some of the furniture you already own by refinishing or recovering it. This could be anything from updating your coffee table to fresh bed coverings.
- Trim the landscape. This is the time of year to clean up the shrubs, limbs and flower beds.
[where: 75230]
Labels: decorating, home improvement, real estate, sellers
Dec 4, 2008
Historic Holiday Home Tour
If you're looking for some holiday spirit and nostalgia, take a tour of the elegant and historic Alexander Mansion decorated in its Christmas finest. The Dallas Woman's Forum maintains this turn-of-the-century beauty and is hosting the weekend tours beginning today. Tickets are $8-$10 and support the forum and their preservation of this historic landmark on Ross Avenue. The six rooms of the mansion that have been elaborately decorated and magically transformed are the Banquet Room, Library, French Parlor, Dining Room and Children's Playroom.
Labels: Dallas, real estate
Dec 3, 2008
New Bush Home in Dallas
Labels: Dallas, North Dallas, Preston Hollow, real estate, Realtors
Giving the Mailman a Hernia
The mailbox is overflowing so it must be December. In just one day, the junk mail and magazines were enough to give our mail carrier a hernia (and the Christmas cards haven't even started arriving yet). In an attempt to save a few trees, we've already registered to opt out of junk mail lists and I've done my best to get off catalog lists. But we still get massive catalogs from office supply companies and lots of glossy catalogs for watches, cars, wine, etc.
And has anyone noticed how ineffective the 'do not call' list has become? We get pre-recorded solicitations for things like health insurance even though we are on the do-not-call list. I listen through the message so I can press the button to be deleted from their list. But usually the prompt to be deleted cuts me off before I can press the button. Given a choice, I'd rather screen my calls than empty my mailbox into the recycling bin every day. And I'd rather a company waste their money paying a phone solicitor than cutting down trees. We can mute our phones easier than we can stop the junk mail. So why is it so hard? [where: 75230]Dec 1, 2008
New Preston Royal Restaurant?
Labels: North Dallas, PHNHOA, Preston Hollow, Preston Royal, real estate