News

Big is Apparently Very Back: Re-Visiting The Stephenson Compound on Walnut Hill Lane

By Candy Evans | May 16, 2012 |

Champ d’Or is sold and Richard Malouf is getting 30,000-plus square feet, so mega square footage must be back in style. More proof that big is back when it comes to the uber rich building homes in Dallas real estate. And if you cannot find a lot big enough for your dream mansion, you just buy several and tear down whatever the hec is on them. Voila, dream compound!Readers have been emailing me, asking me who is building what appears to be a compound of homes on Walnut Hill Lane, Old Preston Hollow, south side between Hollow Way and Meadowbrook.

Wednesday Wishful Thinking: Tour These Dreamy Preston Hollow Estates Today

By Joanna England | May 16, 2012 |

If you are dying to see what Preston Hollow luxury looks like, today’s your day. Two gorgeous Preston Hollow estates are open for tours today, and they are not to be missed!

Looky-loos Stealing Prescription Drugs In Homes? Time to Batten Down the Vicodin!

By Candy Evans | May 16, 2012 |

WFAA-TV reports something that veteran Realtors have long known: sometimes potential buyers have sticky fingers and stick their hands not just into jewelry drawers but the medicine cabinet. In this case, veteran Virginia Cook agent Kyle Rovinsky, a good friend of CandysDirt, said a client distracted him while her boyfriend ransacked the medicine cabinet to fish for prescription drugs.…

Is Bank of America’s Loan Forgiveness Program One Big Joke?

By Joanna England | May 15, 2012 |

Thousands of homeowners underwater on their Bank of America mortgages could receive one of the 200,000 letters the bank is sending out offering partial loan forgiveness. According to Bankrate.com, BofA borrowers have to clear a pretty significant series of hurdles in order to qualify for the “principal reduction program”

The Return of Multiple Offers: Brisk Market, Eat Wheaties, Say Prayers. But It Ain’t 2005

By Candy Evans | May 15, 2012 |

Not only am I hearing of multiple offers on choice listings in Dallas and as far north as Frisco, but now I know of several homes selling that never even made it into MLS. I am starting to become concerned that with so many homes by-passing MLS, we will not be getting a clear handle on true sales figures. According to the experts, there are pockets of healthy markets around the country: Orange County, D.C. and Dallas/Houston/Austin. But Calculated Risk blog, which I became obsessed with during the housing meltdown, says today’s dynamics are very different.

The Credit Doctor Says: Good Credit — Don’t Leave Home Without It!

By Candy Evans | May 15, 2012 |

When you buy a home, consider it a voyage. There is real joy in the journey as much as the destination. In real estate, that couldn’t be more true! But as with any trip, you’d better be prepared before you hit the road. Just as you wouldn’t set off on any important trip without a map and itinerary…