A Charming Updated Oak Lawn Heights Craftsman That’s Been Worth the Wait

Sometimes waiting pays off. It did for Jason Melton and Chris Munoz. They had their eye on this Oak Lawn Heights Craftsman for years. Shaded by mature oak, pecan, crape myrtle, and cypress trees, it sits on a wide lot with an electric gate and a welcoming front porch.

“Every time this house was on the market, it was never the right time for us,” Melton said.

Five years ago, they snagged it. But they are on to another larger project, so you can now reap the benefits of a completely updated home.

In real estate, it’s not unusual to move a lot. After all, you get the first look at what’s hitting the market, and even Realtors like Melton cannot resist a great house. Melton and Munoz have moved 15 times in 20 years. They downsized when they purchased a second home in New Mexico, then COVID hit. They were in a 900-square-foot condo with two dogs for two years, and that was a lot of togetherness.

“The timing was right, and we grabbed it because there are only a handful of homes for sale in Oak Lawn Heights at any given time,” Melton said. “When we toured it, there was the typical 1925 kitchen and three little rooms next to it. The layout was odd. The kitchen was in the back, and part of it used to be a porch area. In 2021, we took all three rooms, opened them up to make a bigger kitchen, and enlarged the doorway.”

A former owner had created a laundry room in the hallway and closed it off. It was awkward, so Melton and Munoz took the laundry to the kitchen and concealed it behind cabinetry so they could create a sizable primary bathroom.

The 1,368-square-foot, three-bedroom, two-bathroom Oak Lawn Heights Craftsman has the perfect combination of original charm and modern updates. There are original wood floors in the living room, dining room, and all the bedrooms. And, of course, there’s the hallmark Craftsman built-in shelves around the fireplace.

Melton and Munoz did not just make a historic house even more charming — they did all the work we don’t see but certainly appreciate. The HVAC and ductwork were replaced in 2022 and 2023, and a tankless hot water heater was installed in 2021. Whenever you can, you want to buy a home that’s been owned by real estate professionals, builders, architects, or designers. They know what buyers want and need better than anyone. Melton and Munoz even installed a 220 electrical outlet and a new garage door and motor in the two-car garage in 2023. Now that is attention to detail!

It’s not only the house that is so desirable. Oak Lawn Heights is one of the most convenient places to live in Dallas.

“We have liked the proximity to everything. We just jump on the DART rail if we want to see a movie or concert,” Melton said. “It’s a very quiet neighborhood with great neighbors. Everyone watches out for each other, and we have a voluntary neighborhood association.”

With original charm, modern features, and livability vetted by real estate pros, this one will go fast, folks!

Jason Melton with David Griffin & Company Realtors has this Oak Lawn Heights Craftsman at 5114 Parkland Ave. listed for $649,900.