Last week Joe Kacynski joined Allie Beth Allman & Associates after more than nine years with a boutique brand.
“I really didn’t want to leave where I was but they (Allie Beth Allman) just offer so much that will help me grow my business,” he said. “They also have great name recognition in the area that many of my clients are moving to.”
Kacynski’s specialty has been historic homes in East Dallas, particularly the Hollywood Heights neighborhood he’s called home for the better part of two decades. A Los Angeles native whose job and family brought him to Texas, he initially didn’t know what to make of Dallas. Then he discovered a Spanish-style house that reminded him of home, in a neighborhood with its own distinct vibe.
“My agent never even mentioned Hollywood Heights or Lakewood. It was a very niche market back then,” he recalls. “I found East Dallas just driving around one day by myself.”
Former Dallas Cowboy Cheerleader turned successful real estate agent Elizabeth Wisdom of Allie Beth Allman & Associates just listed this 1950s ranch home at 5304 Southern Avenue for $659,000. Located in one of Dallas’ most desirable neighborhoods, this 1,938-square-foot home has two bedrooms and two baths located on a large 0.31-acre corner lot. (more…)
By the time Virginia Cook Realtors officially shut down this week, the vast majority of agents from the firm’s six locations had already found new homes. Many of them were hesitant to talk about the experience out of respect for their former boss. Those who did generally shared the sentiment that they were saddened by the company’s demise but also grateful to find new firms that fit their personalities and business goals.
When Virginia Cook’s closure plans were initially revealed, search committees were formed at the Forest Lane and Park Cities offices to help agents decide where to go next. Representatives from multiple firms were then brought in to make their pitches.
Our Steal: Miranda Gonzales with Keller Williams Urban Dallas has listed 13436 Forestway Drive for $455,000.
Once a rural community on Dallas’ edge, this area has turned into a hot-and-happening hood, with plenty of restaurants and retail — and acclaimed Richardson ISD schools, to boot. Yes, this week we are taking you to Northwood Hills/Valley View, where suburban tree-lined streets and large lots make the houses here feel like home. The two we’ve locked eyes with are made for summer. Plus, they’re priced to sell, too. Each comes with generous interiors and oasis-style pools but with price points that are miles apart.
Which would you choose the Midcentury Modern splurge or the Renovated Contemporary steal? Take your pick and let us know in the comments.
LRK’s McKenzie: 22-story, 183-units ranging from 998 to 2,699 square feet
Don’t know about you, but I am doing a big huge about face when it comes to renting.
First of all, tax changes. Second of all, tax changes: we pay more in property taxes, and cannot deduct them or most of the mortgage interest, so why, at a certain point in your lives when you have built all the equity you can, are you KILLING yourself keeping up a house?
One honest answer is that, even with 3,500 apartments under construction in Dallas, I had never seen a Dallas apartment where I might want to live.
Until I saw The McKenzie.
The granite in most “luxury” apartments is so thin a good sneeze might crack it. There is never enough storage. The bathrooms are cramped, the closets have minimal shelving, and the “common” areas never look like you could really hunker down with a book and a decent glass of wine.
Until I saw The McKenzie.
The amenities in this building are overwhelming and, dare I say, almost better than home. My home anyhow. I don’t have 24/7 valet and concierge service, I’d love it.
The McKenzie is the baby of StreetLight Residential’s Doug Chesnut, founding partner. He was an early believer in bringing true luxury leasing to Dallas, and the McKenzie, named after his wife’s family, is his crowning glory:
“These residents are not concerned about rent but about the quality of the units and the services. Our average renter is coming out of a large home, in their late 50s and 60s, and many have second homes or ranches where they spend a lot of time. They want the amenities, but on a lock and leave basis.”
And rent is not so much of an issue starting at $3,500 a month. For many people, that is their property tax payment. Residents still get access to a pool deck with views of downtown, a full fitness center, multiple private lounges, a library, entertaining kitchen, a private resident entertaining area/bar, and several outdoor seating areas. There is even a boardroom and private walled garden. John Hawkins of Hawkins Welwood Homes finished out the stunning amenity areas, and John built half of the resident’s homes in Preston Hollow. So everyone tells me they feel right at home.
But seeing is believing. We want to show you the interiors, the Board room, the Salon, the Founders Room, the entertainment kitchen, the pool deck and outdoor garden and all…
Every week, we bring you some of our favorite properties having open houses that weekend. We pick three fabulous open houses in Dallas (and the ‘burbs from time to time) you shouldn’t miss.
This is ourCandysDirt.com Open Houses of the Week column and our houses range in price from $325,000 to $1.225 million today. Which ones will you visit?
The home of Kathryn and Hal Cook at 7000 Baltimore is on this year’s Park Cities Learning Differences Association Pool and Garden Tour on April 26.
Ever wanted to get a closer look at the landscapes of the Park Cities? Here’s your chance to see two amazing University Park gardens to benefit the Park Cities Learning Differences Association. Their hosting their 41st annual pool and garden tour on Thursday, April 26, from 6 to 8 p.m.
This year’s tour will include stops at the homes of Kathryn and Hal Cook (7000 Baltimore) and Susie and Mark Barnett (6767 Turtle Creek Blvd.) — both of which are absolutely stunning!
We love bringing you an insider look at hot North Texas properties with ourCandysDirt.com Open Houses of the Week column. Every Thursday, we pick three fabulous open houses in Dallas (and the ‘burbs from time to time) you shouldn’t miss.
This week, our houses range in price from $439K to $1.6 million. Which one is your favorite?
