Second Shelters
09/25/17 8:51pm

Contention and Beauty Await New Owner of Molokai Ranch’s 87 Square Miles of Hawaii’s Molokai Island

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Leave town for a week and everything happens.  On September 7th, a third of Molokai Island was put up for sale for $260 million.  The property includes 300 parcels covering 55,575 acres with over 20 miles of coastline.  Granted, it’s not as showy as Larry Ellison’s 2012 purchase of 98 percent of the island of Lanai for $500-ish million, but Lanai is a bit larger at 141 square miles. A purchaser would still be able to brag about being one of the top five private landowners in the state.

Sure it’s a physically beautiful location that offers unprecedented privacy and bragging rights, but it also comes with a contentious local population who are vociferously anti-progress.  Current owner, Singapore-based GL Limited found that out for themselves.

Jump over to SecondShelters.com for more on Molokai’s nightmare neighbors.

Splurge vs. Steal
09/25/17 9:24am

Splurge vs. Steal: Pick Your Favorite State Thomas Townhome From These Two

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Splurge vs. Steal: Two State & Allen Townhomes | CandysDirt.com

Our “splurge” at 2719 State St. offers a rooftop deck with panoramic views of downtown.

Splurge vs. Steal is a new feature on CandysDirt.com. Every week, we look at two properties that offer something in common, but are miles apart in their asking price.  

One of the popular neighborhoods in Uptown is State Thomas, a Dallas Landmark District with a rich history. It began as the first steetcar suburb, later becoming a thriving African American community. But time was not kind to State Thomas and by the 1980s, decaying infrastructure, suburban flight, and lack of investment had taken their toll. 

Through the work of local property owners and the city, State Thomas saw redevelopment begin in the late 1980s. Today, the area thrives with nightlife, restaurants, recreation, and entertainment. Townhomes, apartments, and the largest collection of Victorian-era houses remaining in Dallas create a plethora of living options, none of them inexpensive: this neighborhood is hot and people pay a premium to live here. 

For today’s Splurge vs. Steal, pick your favorite State Thomas townhome from the two we’ve found. They’re both excellent examples of what’s available right now in the neighborhood, both with a brownstone feel. Leave us a comment with your pick! 

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09/25/17 9:21am

The Mortgage Report: A Look Ahead on Interest Rates, The Bond Market

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The bond market is still showing signs of weakness, but the big news this week is that, despite no increases in interest rates last week, more and more FED members are forecasting increases in the months and year ahead. This is why you need a trusted mortgage advisor, and we can’t think of anyone better than BobMortgage.

You may know him as Bob

Johnson, the senior mortgage advisor at Wallick & Volk, the nation’s oldest privately-held mortgage company. Bob Johnson has helped more than 25,000 families get into the homes of their dreams, in 20 plus years of lending service.

Now with five offices across the DFW metroplex, the nation’s oldest mortgage firm is helping thousands of consumers get into homes with the most up-to-date financial information possible. Wallick & Volk brings experience and integrity into every single loan, but they also deliver a highly personalized touch that conforms to each client’s need. Is it speed of delivery, unique products, total transaction transparency, or great pricing you need? Wallick & Volk has it all in a broker-friendly banking platform that can do the impossible when it comes to home financing.

THIS WEEK: Breaking down the outlook on FED interest rates, plus the bond market.

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Monday Morning Millionaire
09/25/17 8:12am

A Texas Hill Country-Feeling Contemporary in Dallas, Without The Long Drive

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Hill Country Contemporary

We just returned from a lovely weekend editorial retreat at Boot Ranch in the Texas Hill Country. I can safely say the entire CandysDirt.com staff fell in love with not just the beauty of the landscape, but also with the stunning homes.

If you can’t move to the Hill Country, but are longing for the lifestyle, we’ve found the perfect place in what has to be one of the best locations in Dallas. (more…)

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Saturday Eight Hundred
09/23/17 11:00am

Expanded Traditional at 5019 Elsby Avenue Charms as Picture-Perfect Family Home

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How cute is this house? So cute. Once we get inside, I have a few … notes. But on the whole, it is a lovely 1941 traditional featuring an uber-charming drive-up, tasteful updates, and lots and lots of room. With five bedrooms and five bathrooms in 4,210 square feet it’s really spacious – just perfect for a growing family. Becky Frey with Briggs Freeman Sotheby’s International Realty listed 5019 Elsby Avenue for $879,000.

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R.I.P.
09/23/17 12:39am

Catherine Chastain, R.I.P.

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This week marks a significant passing for the Dallas real estate community with the loss of Catherine Chastain, a brilliant mind in the real estate marketing realm, who helped many an agent sell a property with her innate skills and creativity. Catherine passed earlier this week after battling a long illness.

She was adored and revered by colleagues and friends for her sharp mind, devotion, and passion for life.

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Second Shelters
09/22/17 4:00pm

On SecondShelters.com: Take Advantage of New DFW Flights to Hawaii

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Today, September 22, marks the first day of fall. Do you have your winter vacation plans in place? If booking a flight from Dallas Fort Worth International Airport to Hawaii is on your to-do list, there’s good news: recent additions to American Airlines’ roster of flights from DFW to Hawaii. 

Find out how you can easily book your trip to the Big Island on SecondShelters.com.

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Fort Worth Friday
09/22/17 3:30pm

Enchanting Berkley Place Charmer on Ward Parkway

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Some Fort Worth Fridays are truly serendipitous. This week’s FWF was the result of a blocked-for-construction Windsor Parkway that detoured me through lovely Berkley Place. As with neighboring Ryan Place, some of the most beautiful properties lie in the quiet side streets. And so I landed at 2215 Ward Parkway, a street I had never been on.

There is much here that could instruct a modern builder. The façade is almost self consciously simple and yet so engaging. Built in 1941, it flaunts the disciplined symmetry of an earlier era. A special finish — white wash — converts the red brick into a soft rose, which harmonizes beautifully with pale blue trim color. Windows are correctly placed above windows, with the second floor windows crowned by discrete peaks.

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