Best of 2021: No Splurges Just Steals in North Lake Highlands

[Editor’s Note: While the CandysDirt.com team takes a hot minute this holiday season to recharge the ol’ Energizers, we’re serving up our very favorite stories from 2021. Enjoy!]

Shelby: Someone did it! They saw past what’s there and saw what’s possible. Someone saw a 3,000-square-foot home for sale in Lake Highlands for under $400,000. See the before and after of this amazing transformation.

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Okay, it’s time for some real talk. Every weekend I look for a pair of homes in the same neighborhood that represent two different price points: Usually an updated splurge or yet-to-be updated steal. 

So this weekend my search took me to a cluster of new listings in my childhood neighborhood around Chimney Hill Lane in North Lake Highlands. And let me tell you, the pictures don’t do these homes justice. Actually, the pictures kind of …

I’ll tell you this neighborhood is beautiful. Drive down the ever so slight slope of Chimney Hill and you’ll see beautiful custom homes built in the 70s and 80s that show pride in ownership. They’re all zoned for Richardson ISD and attend Lake Highlands schools, so they’re a real bargain. In fact they’re probably the only neighborhood in LH where you’ll find 3,000-square-foot homes for under $500k. 

So this week’s Splurge vs Steal is a little different. They’re all Steals. Just look past the outdated wallpaper and see what these homes could be. Your perfect Lake Highlands family home. 

The Steals

Address: 9926 Chimney Hill Lane in Dallas

From the listing: “Beautifully updated single story home with 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, study, 2 living rooms. Wonderful traditional with excellent floor plan, great curb appeal with lush landscaping & mature trees. Patio converted to living area (268 square foot NOT added to MLS square foot).”

Look past the lens distorted photos and picture this. A beautiful bright dining room with a centerpiece pendant lamp that shines through those floor-to-ceiling windows. 

Living room paneling transformed to white so that the cedar beam ceiling really shines and a new fireplace that leaves room for more windows on both sides. 

You can see this home has beautiful potential and for only $148 per square foot, you’ve got room to play. 

Before: An Tae of RE/MAX DFW Associates has listed 9926 Chimney Hill Lane for $389,000.

After: Angelia Ekholm of Ebby Halliday Frisco has listed 9926 Chimney Hill Lane for $589,000.

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Address: 9930 Chimney Hill Lane

From the listing: “Meticulously maintained and lovingly cared for from drive up to the sparkling pool. Four bedrooms and three and a half baths. The spacious tiled entry opens to generous sized living and dining areas. Entertain your friends and family in the lush backyard with almost 20 feet of covered patio looking out at the sparkling pool.”

I know buyers want everything move-in ready and already updated, but don’t be scared of new paint and floors. If you look at this photo above and can start rearranging rooms and walls in your head, then this could be a fun house to make your own. 

Living room, see the promise? Primary bedroom, look at all that space. And $133 per square feet? Come on!

Cecilia Case of Ebby Halliday – Lakewood / Lake Highlands has listed 9930 Chimney Hill Lane for $399,900.