Actually, Robert Wilonsky over at the Dallas Morning News reports the same thing.

That group would be the Texas Real Estate Council, or TREC.

The Real Estate Council is basically 95% of the top commercial real estate businesses in North Texas: developers, builders, brokers, attorneys, architects, investment bankers, accountants, finance and title professionals. TREC likes to strengthen and support the commercial real estate industry, and serve the community through government advocacy, education and professional leadership.

Candace says “the Real Estate Council of Dallas has been searching for its next big community-focused real estate project to invest in after helping fund Klyde Warren Park” — yeah, they got Klyde Warren park going, a winning number.

According to the TREC website, it’s a done deal. TREC has committed $125,000 to fund a study to look at the implications of the freeway either being repaired or going bye bye.

“We felt this was a good way that we can be engaged in the discussion and help a process that could determine the future of downtown Dallas,” Linda McMahon, president and CEO of The Real Estate Council, told the Dallas Business Journal.“We want to look at all options and not just tearing down the freeway. We want to look at what could possibly happen if it was either redesigned or removed.”

To explain: I-345 is a 1.4-mile elevated freeway connecting U.S. 75 to Interstate 30 and Interstate 45 on the east side of downtown Dallas. You have surely driven it, and maybe like me, been terribly confused by it. The freeway is a mess and needs major expensive work, and the Texas Department of Transportation needs to figure out whether they will band-aid it, or spend an aircraft carrier’s worth of money to rebuild it.

There are two young, active urban planners behind this: Patrick Kennedy and Brandon Hancock. In general, they hate Interstate 345 and they hate cars, think everyone ought to get off their butts and walk or bicycle. That’s what we all need to do, but I would like to know how we are supposed to do this in our Jimmy Choos and with no plastic bags for our groceries, just asking. I don’t know, I guess do like we do in NYC.  For the most part, they have some excellent points: highways are being de-constructed in other cities. And while not all of Dallas can be walkable, downtown Dallas can be, if we work on it. If we don’t live there, we can drive in and plop the car somewhere for the whole time. Since 2012 these two have been trying to get rid of the highway, as explained in their website for the plan,  A New Dallas.

Patrick Kennedy has, I think, some great points about what we could do with the land unearthed by tearing down the highway. He says the land could be freed up for development of, I guess, affordable housing — townhomes? apartments? condos? –and the development would better connect Deep Ellum to the Central Business District. Heavens knows we need affordable housing there, and I would love to see trees and grass instead of heat-sucking concrete.

Plus the overpass is just ugly. I guess we could recycle chunks of the old highway creatively, to create cool patios, fences, climbing walls.

Mark Lamster, the architecture critic of the Dallas Morning News, who thinks we need retail options lining the Arts District, agrees with the tear down guys.

Lamster says I-345 is “a noose that segregates the urban core from the rest of the city, suppressing its vitality and economic prospects.”

I don’t think it’s a noose, it’s just like one big huge concrete statute that blocks everything. Steve Blow at the Dallas Morning News thinks the whole debate is hogwash — “It’s about the silliest notion to come along in years,” he wrote.  Texas Department of Transportation seems to be ignoring the tear down movement, saying it will repair I-345, sustaining it for another 25 years. In other words, a facelift.

Mayor Mike Rawlings has gone on record as saying the plan deserves more consideration, a second look.

So. The Real Estate Council will take a look/see, and investigate whether having a freeway slice through the center of the city is the best and highest use, or what use it is, now and 50 years from now.

Could the land really be used more effectively? And where would the existing traffic, estimated at between 160,000 and 200,000 per day, go? What if you are driving south on 75 to get to Houston? North to get to Plano? And don’t reroute drivers to Northwest Highway: 80,000 cars per day and not even a freeway!

Pretty soon traffic will have the same stigma of low income housing: NOT IN MY HOOD!

I am glad we are giving this proposal a serious second look. But if we do tear down I 345, it should be done in conjunction with a “freshening” of downtown Dallas streets. End the one-way street madness, maybe even add some streets and side roads. Downtown Dallas streets are a schizophrenic mess for anyone who drives or attempts to walk much, that is, until you get to Klyde Warren Park. And that’s in the Arts District.

I had lunch yesterday with a prominent Dallas commercial real estate executive who knows this town like the back of her hand. What is the future of Dallas residential, I asked? Oh, things will get more expensive, she said, utilities, land costs, fuel. People will have to live in smaller homes. I asked why restaurants downtown were not able to keep their doors open, what with all the new high rise living nearby. There are not enough people living in those high rises to sustain the business, she said: you cannot depend on the homeowners for every meal. Then I asked what part of town she thought was really, like really going to take off.

Her answer: Knox-Henderson.

It’s walkable, it has restaurants and soon, a Trader Joes, shops, ambiance, zip, and you can cross the street without feeling like a mac truck going 80 mph is going to mow you down.

Then there is also an expansive patio with fab views of the downtown/uptown skyline. The best thing about this is’s like having a whole, huge extra room for entertaining that you don’t heat, cool, or pay taxes on.

This pup will set you back $599,900. That’s less than $600,000. Call Inwood Mortgage right now and say, “charge it. I want the miles.”

“I sell homes all over town,” says Faisal, “I have business in the Park Cities, lots of homes in Kessler Park, Bluffview and Preston Hollow properties, and of course Uptown and downtown.”

Which may very well be why he wanted to stake out on his own, and build his own brand at Briggs-Freeman Sothebys now while the market is iron hot. Faisal sold $40 million in real estate last year, and is on track to do the same in 2014.

“I’m pleased to be part of a brokerage that joins local expertise with global reach,” he says. “I strongly believe in combining high-tech marketing and high-touch service for the benefit of my clients.”

Faisal says he is launching his website, and will be incorporating a lot of video.

“My clients are very excited,” he says, “particularly my international clients who are very interested in Dallas properties.”

No wonder he has so many international connections: the South Floridian native grew up in Palm Beach, Florida, and earned a degree in building construction from the University of Florida. From his extensive experience with builders and developers, Faisal has an innate understanding of all aspects of creating refined living spaces–from concept to finish out.  And he has had corporate experience: in addition to his past career as a Business Analyst and Corporate Sales Manager for Continental Airlines, he has worked with numerous Fortune 500 companies.

Faisal is a member and supporter of the Dallas Architecture Forum, Preservation Dallas, the Dallas Contemporary and the Dallas Museum of Art.  He gives back to the community through fundraising for Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing and Visual Arts, UNICEF and DFW Rescue Me.

And he is the proud father of an English bulldog, Gator. Faisal, we want a picture!

Nancy Guerriero and Janelle Law are friends and business partners who have grown an impressive following of loyal clients. The two-woman team at Dallas City Center Realtors are not only gorgeous, but they’re smart, fun, and posting some impressive numbers.

So that’s why Guerriero and Law are this week’s Featured Realtors, sponsored by Jeff Lindigrin of Great Western Home Loans. Jeff takes great care as a lender, as he should. Of course, every sale should have a lender that works just as hard to get a great deal as their Realtor. What has your lender done for you lately? Find out what you’re missing by contacting Jeff Lindigrin with Great Western Home Loans today.

Jump to read more about these two amazing Realtors!

CandysDirt.com: How did you get into real estate?

Nancy Guerriero: When my mom needed help with rental properties and house numbers – I was good at the math and enjoyed the process! So it began at age 12.

Janelle Law: I started redoing and gutting homes out of a passion and to make a better place for my 2 children.

CD: You specialize in serving clients in some of Dallas’ close-in neighborhoods. Tell us: What are some unique challenges that Realtors face in this market?

Guerriero: Helping clients understand the process and guiding us both to their goals. Keeping clients focused and helping them comprehend the varying numbers, economies of the different parts of town and most importantly – making it enjoyable.

CD: Where is home for you in Dallas?

Guerriero: I have lived in four wonderful Dallas areas, as well as a few cities and countries, but right now home is a condo overlooking the Ritz, downtown Dallas, American Airlines Center, and Harwood!. The 20-foot windows with an unbelievable view of the city skyline made us forget we were downsizing

Law: I live in a wonderful duplex in the Park Cities. For me, it’s all about schools and convenience for my family.

CD: And you drive a … let me guess, Range Rover?

Guerriero: I drive a knocked out black jeep that we lovingly call “our Darth Vadar”. It’s the only way for us to handle all of our staging and all of the unique finds we have on our new website mostlyunusual.com.

Law: I drive the Mercedes!

CD: What’s your favorite ‘hood in Dallas and why?

Guerriero: We could go on and on about falling in love repeatedly when we are in different neighborhoods, and it’s all true! In Bluffview it’s the creeks and trees; Preston Hollow has great lush lots, the Northaven Trail and both areas are a great central location for all of Dallas areas. They both have great restaurants, services, and anything you need. The Park Cities is a little town with parks, recreation areas, privacy, and its own town services. It’s small close knit set of two little towns in the middle of everything! The Katy Trail is in the Park Cities as well as where I live now, the One Arts Plaza area. There one walks to everything! The museums. The concerts. The large parks. The theater. In Uptown there are 200-plus restaurants, as well as spas … it’s a new world. My husband grew up in fabulous Lakewood and Lake Highlands. Those areas have the amazing Arboretum, the huge recreation area of White Rock lake, and a very strong community with great schools and tight-knit, wonderful neighborhoods.

CD: What was your best/highest sale?

Guerriero: Helping a young blackhawk pilot going to Afghanistan, but really helping anyone find a home. I also get a kick out of finding ways to make money on investment properties – it’s a trip and a good challenge!

CD: How much did you sell last year?

Guerriero:  Enough to feel very blessed!

CD: What words of wisdom do you often share with clients?

Guerriero:  The same that I say to myself — “Breathe and let’s go!”

CD: If you ever change careers for an encore you’ll…

Guerriero:  This is my “third career” but a lifelong vocation, so I will always enjoy it and have a passion for understanding the economies of dirt.

Law: It has been a true passion for me so walking away isn’t an option. I would miss it every day.

CD: Do you have a second home? If so, where?

Guerriero: Yes, on a beautiful primitive island called Roatan where my office overlooks the dolphins. We have some great properties there as well, so come visit.

Stop the presses for literally one of the most beautiful homes in Dallas. If this home hasn’t made the list, any list, then there is something wrong with the judges. 9346 Sunnybrook was built in 1987 by Tina Bailey, one of Dallas’ premiere private estate home builders. Tina, a talented friend whose daughters attended school with mine, also built the exquisite 16,375 square foot mansion of Jim and Julie Turner on Deloache in 1993. Julie just knows how to build a home and pour southern charm, elegance and convenience into every single square inch, almost instinctively. Not only is the construction sound, but the rooms flow like a river of champagne, with ease and grace.

But the other thing you get with this magnificent home is the triple solid gold security of location, location, location. You could line the walls with Fort Knox bullion and still retain your property value. You are down the street from the 4.12 acre, 18,392 square foot Dedman estate on the corner of Sunnybrook and Park Lane, another significant Dallas stunner. You are across the street from the stunning contemporary masterpiece Tatum Brown has just completed for Mark E. Kane. Scoot over around to DeLoache and there is Bella Custom Home’s $11,750,000 masterpiece, listed with Mark Cain. I’m telling you, put solid gold on the floors and your investment is safe here.

The gated entry opens into a circular drive of southern perfection. The central foyer is classic with a winding wrought-iron stairway with curved railing, chandelier and arched doorways. The floors are marble with inlaid wood. On either side is the classic lay-out of formals, both living and dining with fireplace. The Great room is ahead, with French doors opening to the terrace with pool beyond. There is also a large bar off the Great room. The kitchen has been remodelled and is probably the most contemporary room in the house with state of the art appliances, built-in coffeemaker, abundant storage, and a huge, thick slab of carrera marble countertop as island.

The pool area has been updated and reworked, and the backyard looks like a page from a shelter or garden magazine. Listed with Dave Perry-Miller and Ryan Streif, Dave Perry-Miller. That this house is asking $3,995,000 is pretty amazing given it’s surroundings. When you knock on the door for a loan, banks like to hear that.

I think Inwood Mortgage is just going to love 9346 Sunnybrook.

We’re living in high cotton now!

Well, I got to tour Belk Friday, the new, hip, and oh so southern department store at the old Marshall Fields/Saks Fifth Avenue store at the Dallas Galleria. You recall how we interviewed the store’s (hot) manager, Salem Boohaker, he’s finer than frog hair split four ways. We helped him find a place to roost in Uptown. And he found me plenty of places to roost in his new store, from the custom designs by Cynthia Rowley to the Kate Spade department. Belk is only one of two flagship stores to have the designer within the great store.

Belk is celebrating its first flagship location in Texas with a not-to-be-missed charity shindig benefiting Susan G. Komen on April 3. They’re gonna have more people there than Carter’s got Liver pills.

At CandysDirt, when we shop we are happy as a dead pig in the sunshine. So we are giving away one pair of tickets worth $100 to one lucky couple to attend this ‘do because I found out today we can shop while we party!

To be clear, Belk will provide one pair of tickets (worth $100) for two (2) very luckier than spit CandysDirt.com readers for their charity event on April 3.

The attire, by the way, is cocktail, and we will be there with enough money to burn a wet mule!

Now what do you have to do to win these precious, coveted charity event tickets? Simple: send us the best southern saying you know that we might could use to name a weekly CandysDirt feature on the southern home. Something like Silk Purse or Sow’s Ear? High Cotton or Bull Tits. Get my drift sugar pie?

You think of it and let us know by this coming Monday. You must put it in the CD comments, not FaceBook. Mark Zuckerman, now there’s a guy with enough money to burn a wet mule. Then we’ll pick a winner, go party at Belk, and get as drunk as Cooter Brown. Bless your heart!

HAVE YOU NOTICED? WE GOT GUSSIED UP! Blogs are just like houses because they can be remodeled and redecorated as often as you like. Well, or as long as your wallet holds out. We have not just been redecorating here, we took CandysDirt.com down to the studs, blew the bank, and found a new partner! Then we went out and bought some shoes to match!

It is with great pleasure that we present a new look for CandysDirt.com– cleaner, bolder, transitional. Same great content, of course, only more of it. Like always, we tell you all about Dallas the Dallas Real Estate world with behind the scenes reporting, profiles, who’s buying, who’s selling, and of course, how much.

Changes you will notice:  we have positioned the blog posts back to the traditional “downward scroll” because we think it’s just easier to read. The site is now optimized for mobile and tablets as well as desktops. Hot Builders and Neighborhoods are off to the right and in direct eye sight. We are now pulling recent comments so you can see what everyone’s saying and totally eavesdrop!

We still have the same page categories to cover everything of quality you need to know  when it comes to Dallas Real Estate.

To do this, we partnered up with a Brooklyn-based company called BlankSlate who specializes in all things media + real estate: brand-building, media, websites, content development, and digital campaigns. BlankSlate is a technology and creative team that forges local connections between brands, businesses, publishers, and audiences. These folks are state-of-the-art:

“In an environment where businesses are now publishing alongside traditional publishers, the need for content creation and ways to deliver it has expanded greatly… but feeding the ‘content beast’ and delivering it well is easier said than done.”

Oh, we have no problem creating content over here at CandysDirt.com. There are a million great real estate stories in the Naked City, and we find every one of them. BlankSlate has partnerships with a number of hyperlocal real estate blogs across the country: they know their stuff and deliver it creatively. One of their partner blogs should sound familiar: Swamplot, out of Houston.

CandysDirt.com is BlankSlate’s first venture into the Dallas residential real estate market.

Bear with us as we tweak the new site and get everything working like clockwork. Today we are getting our ads back up. Let us know if you see any problems. We have so great things to come from this partnership, be sure to sign up to get CandysDirt.com in your mailbox each and every day so you can get the latest DIRT on Dallas real estate news.

It’s Monday afternoon, and wine awaits me at a hip pocket about to go on the market. So I must decide which wonderful southern-style phrase folks sent in response to our charity ticket give-away wins the gin for this Thursday evening.

You have heard by now of Belk, the new, hip, but oh so southern department store coming into the old Marshall Fields/Saks Fifth Avenue store at the Dallas Galleria. You recall how we interviewed the store’s (hot) manager, Salem Boohaker, found him finer than frog hair split four ways. We helped him find a place to roost in Uptown. Then he gave me a gift of Juicy Couture cosmetics last Friday. I mean, how does it get any better?

Belk is gearing up to open its first flagship location in Texas with a not-to-be-missed charity shindig benefiting Susan G. Komen on April 3. They’re gonna have more people there than Carter’s got Liver pills.

We like to shop (a lot) at CandysDirt. When we shop, we are happy as a dead pig in the sunshine. So we thought it very much related to real estate to give away one pair of tickets worth $100 to one lucky couple to attend this ‘do. All they had to do was send in some fun Southern phrases that we could then use on the blog.

Here’s what we got:

“It sure dills my pickle that I might not get to go to this event if I don’t win tickets!”, this from Katie Hill. Hate to dill your pickle, Katie!

“I’d be grinning like a possum eating a sweet potato if I were chosen!”, this from Peter Stawicki. Not bad. I didn’t know possums liked sweet potatoes. Maybe that’s why I have so many in my yard!

“Those shiny floors in that there store look slicker than owl crap on a glass doorknob.” This from Allen Keith, who works with designer extraordinaire Margaret Chambers.

Oh now what a perfect way to describe those floors, or any very shiny surface. Of which we see so many.

The winner is…  Allen Keith, with Katie Hill as runner up.

Allen, see if you can get me all your info faster than a knife fight in a phone booth because I am busier than a one-armed monkey with two peckers!

(Did I just write that?)

Are you a fan of blue and white? How about Chuck E. Cheese? Oh do I have the house for you!.

This home had me SCREAMING in delight when I saw it last week Friday. 4923 Deloache will give you all the excitement you need to stay up all night. After all, it’s just MONDAY!

Once again we are in the Zen den of Preston Hollow, not too far from last Wednesday’s Inwood Home of the Week on Sunnybrook. 4923 Deloache is a gated French manor one a one acre, treed and wooded lot. Remember you are down the street from the 4.12 acre, 18,392 square foot Dedman estate on the corner of Sunnybrook and Park Lane, soon-to-be one of Dallas’ most significant homes. You are around the corner from the stunning contemporary masterpiece Tatum Brown has just completed for Mark E. Kane. And right across the street on DeLoache is Bella Custom Home’s $11,750,000 masterpiece, listed with Mark Cain. Lest I fail to mention it, across the street, also, are the Haemiseggers, as in David and Nancy Nasher who have not one but two lots.

Like I said, put solid gold on the floors and your investment is safe here.

It seems that this is what the owner, Richard Frank, did to this home. Designed by starchitect Robbie Fusch, the home was built in 2002 but so completely, beautifully, delicately redecorated, I almost did not recognize earlier photos as being the same home. See here what I mean?

landscape genius Harold Leidner created the beautiful landscaping.

Granted, I am a total whore for soft French, aqua and blues. Just bury me with blue and white, who cares what I’m wearing! I honestly don’t know when I’ve seen such fabulous design. That dining room and those dining room chairs? TO DIE FOR! The craftsmanship in this home is also divine: distressed timbers, limestone counters everywhere, herringbone wood floors, limestone floors in the kitchen and breakfast room, thick marbleslabs & cast stone fireplaces. The roof is slate with copper gutters. The 30 by 18 master bedroom is downstairs with an adjoining wet bar and exercise room. The master bath, a dream in white marble, has separate his and her’s, closets the size of the Louvre. Then there are five en suite bedrooms, each room huge and magnificent, almost better than the next. The smallest bedroom measures 18 by 18, and most are 27 by 17. Upstairs we find a dual media/billiards room, and a large project/craft room, which ought to be standard fare in any house. Have to admit, I’ve never seens a crafts room with such a beautiful marble craft table. Entertain outdoors under magnificent, Harold Leidner-approved tree lighting, enjoying his delicate landscape brilliance. There are also cooling misters, which means you can utilize the pool cabana and outdoor kitchen even in August.

This home is marketed for $6,450,000. It had been listed for $6.9 back in 2003. By the way, you could say this is the house that pizza built. If this is the Richard M. Frank I think it is, he sold CEC Entertainment Inc. stock worth $7.13 million, according to filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. CEC is the parent company of Chuck E. Cheese’s. That was in 2010. Frank pocketed $2.06 million from selling 50,900 shares in the Chuck E. Cheese pizza-and-games chain at an average price of $40.58 a share. Alas, don’t know what position Mr. Frank is in now, and maybe this doesn’t even relate, but some CEC shareholders were none too happy this January with the company’s plans to sell to New York-based private equity firm Apollo Global Management LLC. Three parties filed complaints against the company, and three shareholders are seeking class-action status, alleging that CEC’s directors breached fiduciary duties to stockholders by agreeing to an inadequate tender price, the adoption of a shareholder rights plan and certain provisions in the merger agreement that allegedly make it less likely that the CEC board will be able to consider alternative acquisition proposals. All I know is, my kids loved Chuck E Cheese’s and if I had a dollar for every kids party I attended there well, you know what? I just might be able to buy this glorious home.

I wondered why it took so long to sell 6424 Mimosa, but then, I totally forgot that, about 14 months ago, we were in this thing called a MAJOR RECESSION.

Looks like 6424 Mimosa was listed last May — less than a year, not too bad actually, for a luxury-laden home.

So Mike just unloaded 6424 for $1,925,000. It had been reduced to $2,295,000. Listing agent was David Nichols over at Mathews-Nichols, and Dave Perry-Miller agent to the Stars (literally!) Julie Provenzano closed the home for the buyer on March 27. Which leads me to wonder if another Stars player bought it! Mike must be happy. The home is on 0.433 acre and features both sleek stone and hand-scraped wood floors, two staircases, fabulous formals, an oversized kitchen, temperature-controlled wine closet, a master bedroom suite with steam shower, three bedroom suites, a huge exercise room, a gameroom with wet bar and humidor, a backyard that is a total oasis with a putting green, brick gazebo with fireplace plus one of the most gorgeous saltwater pools I have ever seen.

You know those “NO” signs all over Preston Hollow? Maybe you’ll start seeing them out as far as Central Expressway and as far west as Webb’s Chapel. Laura Miller and Mitchell Rasansky, both former Dallas City Council persons, Rasansky 6 years on the Council, Laura Miller 4 plus a Mayoral term, now think folks who live along Northwest Highway ought to have a say. They contacted City Councilman Lee Kleinman, District 11, who is pitch-hitting for Jennifer Gates, District 13, who recused herself because of a conflict of interest,  to tell him he needs to expand the group scrutinizing the proposed Transwestern multi-family development at Preston and Northwest Highway to other neighborhood associations from Central Expressway to Stemmons. (Taking a breath, that sentence was about as long as Northwest Highway.) The following letter sent to Kleinman was also signed by John Carona, Steve Wolens, Will Hartnett, and Mike Cantrell. Miller apparently proposed a 600 people strong meeting to cover the entire Northwest Highway area and development. They want total community input on a master plan for the little strip of land Behind the Pink Wall. And they would like Kleinman to be there to listen. I spoke with Lee Kleinman. Stay tuned.

Letter from Councilman Lee Kleinmann

“We want to express our appreciation to volunteers who are giving their time and support to this effort,” says Jan. “We have truly been blessed in our lives and hope that others will join with us and Family Compass to help make sure that the children in our community can grow up in a safe and caring environment.”

Fun night, fabulous cause, and I would love to see you at our table!

More than $180,000 was raised in 2013 and we hope to break this record in 2014.  We invite you to become an integral part of our gala by becoming a sponsor with this online registration form. Like Family Compass, I believe every child brought into this world has a fundamental right to a healthy family environment, a solid and nourishing home, the opportunity to succeed in school and the capacity to experience life without violence.

Every child has a right to simply be a child.

For ticket information, please contact Tiffani Davis, Director of Development. And I hope to see you April 11 at A Legendary Evening!

When people come to visit from out of town and want to see the sights in Dallas, I always take them for a stroll or drive, depending on the weather and how long we can survive without air conditioning, down Swiss Avenue. It’s one of my favorite streets in Dallas, and it has an incredible collection of well-preserved historic homes and a fantastic neighborhood association full of proud homeowners. It is truly unique!

Of course, a home on Swiss Avenue isn’t for everyone. There are certain obligations a home with this address requires: upkeep, for starters, tends to be the most daunting aspect of homeownership for those who wish to live on Swiss.

But, what if you could rent one of these stately Southern mansions without the obligation to buy?

If this notion has piqued your interest and pricked your ears up, then you’ll love our Lease of the Week: a stunning four-bedroom, five full and one half bath Prairie Style mansion at 4912 Swiss. It’s available for $7,000 a month through Pascale Payne of Ultima Real Estate. Originally built in 1915, this home is located at the western end of Swiss Avenue, which is near the recently restored neighborhood marker. There are usually fewer cars and less foot traffic on Swiss Avenue west of Munger Blvd., which is great for a family with younger children.

This home is completely updated and perfect for entertaining. If you’re relocating to Dallas and looking for a home that will impress your new coworkers and clients, then you can’t do much better than a home on Swiss, and as far as homes on Swiss, this is an excellent choice!

This home is great for a family, too, and if you’re relocating from out of state and want a home with room for visiting family, this is a great option thanks to the updated guest home. In all, it has 4,876 square feet, which includes a finished basement that would be a fantastic home theater or studio, gameroom, and an office. You also get formal living and dining rooms, an updated kitchen with stainless steel appliances, and a fabulous pool in the backyard.

The master suite is spacious and features tons of windows and a sitting area. The master bath is also updated, with a custom double vanity and a jetted tub, with a shower in the adjoining wet area (a growing trend in master baths that are limited due to historic footprints). I like this layout as it means less mopping when my husband foregoes toweling off before walking ALL OVER THE BATHROOM SOAKING WET. Yes, he’s one of those people.

Aaaaaaanyway, if you find that you fall in love with this home, well, it’s for sale, too. It’s priced at $995,000, which is somewhat in line with the comps in the neighborhood.

What do you think?

Is this Tony Romo’s foundation to his new home in Glen Abbey? To tell the truth, we are not sure. This photo was tweeted by

 ‏@Matt_Mendoza15, who claims this is the launching pad for the new Romo estate. The Romo house WILL have a huge basement, I hear.

It makes sense. Why? Because I know Tony is building a 30,000-plus-square-foot home, all under one roof, at 18 Ash Bluff Court. He has a 3.339 acre creek lot. I’ve heard the architects are Robbie Fusch and Tom Weber, and Mark Molthan is the contractor. The house plans call for a full basement, so this could be it.

The new Romo home is next door to Peter Shaddock, a well-known, highly respected Dallas builder and architect with excellent tastes. In fact, you could say Peter is a Home Connoisseur. We need him on this blog!

The lot, appraised at $3,272,550 just for the dirt,  had been started by an oil man who just abandoned it. Word it Peter Shaddock is such a perfectionist he spent his own money to clean up the oil baron’s lot so it would be pretty to look at before Tony even started building.

Also heard he is more than delighted to have The Romo’s as his neighbor.

You have to BUY it first, of course!

I told you that Mike Modano had put his Epping Lane home on the market about the same time he sold his home with former wife Willa Ford on Mimosa. And I may have showed you the old photos of this house before the new Mrs. Mike Modano, the brilliant Allison, got her hands on it. And oh what a talent Allison has — look at how she has transformed this home into a soft, stunning, light bright palette of delicious hues, Carrera marble and the most tasteful fixtures.

This home has so very, very much: after all, it is 9244 square feet. Maybe it was TOO BIG for Allison. There are, after all, formals, a Great room and study, both with fireplaces. Upstairs is another living area and gameroom, five guest bedroom suites, an exercise room and enough storage to hold five sets of twins’ gear. There is a four car garage to hold everyone’s car in 15 years, plus the best outdoor kitchen and living area south of LBJ.

To say the home has been recently refreshed and remodeled is the understatement of the year. Hand scraped wood and limestone flooring is everywhere.  The large front yard and circle driveway gives instant drive-way appeal, and just think how much fun it will be to entertain with that drive-up! The foyer has a traditional curved iron staircase. It leads to the Great room, flanked by a large dining room and warm wood paneled office – MIKE’S DEN! The office has built-ins, a fireplace, and French doors to a private outdoor courtyard — imagine having a business meeting right there! The family room has a corner fireplace and French doors overlooking the outdoor living area, pool, and grounds. Convenient  bar with an icemaker, refrigerator, and sink off the family room. The kitchen, breakfast room, and a cozy home/mom’s office with a fireplace make this area the heart of the home. A center island with marble countertop includes a vegetable sink, and there is ample additional counter space and glass front cabinetry. The appliance are stainless Viking appliances which include two ovens, a 6 burner gas cooktop, warming drawer, built-in refrigerator and freezer, microwave, and dishwasher. The breakfast room overlooks the rear grounds and outdoor living areas as well. There is a butler s pantry and temperature controlled wine closet between the kitchen and dining room.

Here’s another huge plus: the master bedroom is on the first floor and so luxurious: 11 foot ceiling, beautiful wood flooring, sitting area with bay window viewing grounds and pool, and commode. A serene retreat, the master bath has Carrera flooring and countertops, his and her sides, an oversized shower, whirlpool tub, and 2 large closets. In addition to the master, there is another downstairs bedroom with private bath on the first level. It has access to the outside living areas.

Ah, so this is a house for two masters!

Four additional bedroom suites, each with a private bath, are upstairs. And there are so many extra living spaces up here, you might could tire yourself into a fun canoodle by room hopping. There is yet another large living area with a bar (I’ll just park right here) that your guests will love.  There is a large gameroom or media room, an exercise room, and a wonderful craft room or office on the second level. Three staircases in the home make it easy to live in all the spaces as well as keep your quads in shape.

Outside, there is a covered sitting and dining area with a fireplace, fabulous outdoor kitchen, complete with refrigerator, grill, and ice maker. The pool is a beautiful focal point for the rear grounds with its waterfall and spa. There are two large grassy areas which make this a perfect outdoor retreat.

A three car attached garage and an additional one car space are enclosed by an electric gate. The motor court in this area creates a wonderful space for more parking or a children s play area. This exceptional property has every amenity! Go tell Inwood Bank. “I want it!”
The agent: Joan Eleazer for Briggs Freeman Sotheby’s Internationl

At yesterday’s East Dallas MLS Meeting, we talked about the changes going on over at Move.com and Zillow’s almost unstoppable growth. Took a little poll: 100% of East Dallas MLS partners do not like Zillow. This morning I learn that Zillow has now partnered with a Beijing-based peer to give Chinese residents access to search home data in the U.S.

This is so smart it hurts. See why consumers love the site? Chinese mainland clients were the second-largest foreign buyers of U.S. homes last year.  The Chinese spent $2.3 billion in the U.S. 2013, trailing the $2.6 billion invested in Britain over the same period. Chinese buyers spent $425,000 on average on a home in the U.S. as of the end of March 2013, with 69 percent of deals reported as all-cash purchases, according to Zillow. Can hardly wait to get Robbie Brigg’s take on this!

When I was at Luxury Portfolio in Las vegas, I learned why: the Chinese two-child policy.  Here are bullet points from my notes -

-Chinese buyers have been coming in to the US for the last ten years, predominantly interested in the condo market.

-Many times the purchase is for a child going to the University.

-Profile of the Chinese buyer: very sophisticated purchasers, 95% of their children are college graduates with a wealth of culture and experience. They are enthusiastic and have a great curiosity for life. Group tourings are common, and American brokers/Realtors may not be used to this.

-$200 billion dollars will be invested in markets outside of China by Chinese investors.The Chinese buyer is very loyal, they bring back their friends and family.

-In China it is easier to find a spouse than a business partner.

-Awareness of educational opportunities is of prime importance.

-Real estate is less of an emotional buying process, the investment aspect is very important

- Feng Sui!

-Lucky numbers! No new construction tower in Vancouver has a 4th floor. Four in Chinese means death. But it can also mean north, south, east, west.

“Seattle-based Zillow said in a statement on Thursday it has signed a deal with Beijing Yisheng Leju Information Services Co. in a deal that will see a co-branded website translated into Chinese but operated by the U.S. company. The site will operate from early summer this year, giving users of Leju, an affiliate of E-House (China) Holdings Ltd., access to home search data in the U.S. Chinese retail and institutional investors have increasingly sought opportunities in overseas property markets as prices soared in major cities at home. A total of $11.5 billion was invested in overseas property last year alone, according to real estate consultancy Savills.”

Oh no, NAR did not buy Ashley Madison (www.ashleymadison.com) from Avid Life Media for an undisclosed sum. Ashley Madison encourages extramarital relationships, with the tagline, “Life is short. Have an affair.”

That was a hilarious April Fool’s joke over at Rob Hahn’s The Notorious Rob. But on second thought, that may not be such a bad idea. Many affluent couples buy second or even third homes in lieu of getting a divorce — a much better investment!

While everyone in Preston Hollow has been busy saying “No” to Transwestern over their plans to build a luxury apartment complex on five or so acres Behind the Pink Wall, developer Luke Crosland has been quietly gearing up for a 29 story luxury apartment tower in the heart of Preston Center to be called The Highland House. Specifically, the site proposal is for 8215 Westchester Drive, currently a two-story medical office building. An application for re-zoning has been filed with the city and the Plan Commission will hear the case on April 17th.

Current zoning in Preston Center allows for 9 stories max.

A meeting was held Thursday at The Athena with  City Councilwoman Jennifer Gates and her plan commission representative, Margot Murphy, Laura Miller, former Texas State Representative Steven D. Wolens (Laura Miller’s husband) and about 30 interested homeowners to discuss the proposed building. Residents who attended the meeting tell me it is likely the April 17 date will be postponed.

Many of the Preston Hollow homeowners who have been following the Transwestern deal just found out about this new structure last week. Apparently, University Park residents are not too thrilled because this complex could feed additional students into University Park’s already bursting-at-the-seams school system.

One concerned UP resident wrote her concerns to Luke Crosland in a letter:

“increased enrollment (in UP) has been a huge factor. There are lots of things contributing to this and the last thing we need is a new high rise in our district. I understand that families with children are not your target market; however, there likely will be some families with children living there. The district is already going to need to use portable buildings to accommodate current growth, and this will only add to the problem.”

Other concerns are parking, traffic and congestion, but I have been told the first five floors of the complex will be for parking. The developer, who I have not yet contacted (but will) maintains that this complex will be for high income, retired residents who live a “lock and leave” lifestyle, will likely not have children and therefore will minimally impact the school district:

“The Highland House project is not only going to be marketed to empty nesters, the entire concept and amenity package is designed primarily to appeal to older, active individuals and couples, primarily those downsizing from large homes in the Park Cities and Preston Hollow that wish to remain in the neighborhood they have known for many years.  The large units, very high rents, fewer bedrooms and high levels of personal service included in the project make it more attractive to those wishing to escape the issues and cost of maintaining a large, underutilized home.  The apartment concept is also ideal for those looking for a “lock and leave” lifestyle, spending several months a year at other homes in other locations, which is generally a childless demographic.”

Photos and more information forthcoming, stay tuned!

For a couple weeks now I have been hearing rumors that a drug and rehab home or facility was going to be built in the heart of Preston Hollow, right at the corner of Walnut Hill and Preston Road.

Four 50′s era houses have just been torn down on the south side of Walnut Hill Lane, almost directly across from Preston Hollow Presbyterian Church, directly across from a cul-de sac of newer homes on Walnut Hill Circle. The homes were all valued from $199K to $220K. According to Dallas County Appraisal District, the four homes are owned by Romeo and Gayla Guerra of Plano: 6034, 6048, 6108, and 6118 Walnut Hill Lane.

I phoned them this morning at their business in Plano. The call was carefully screened. I was given Mr. Guerra’s assistant. I asked her what was going on with those lots. Might they be for sale?

“He is not sure what he is going to do with those lots,” she began. ” He was thinking of maybe helping out society and making homes for abused children or a property for people needing help with drugs and alcohol.”

I asked if he would just consider selling one of the lots.

“He will sell them all together for $2.5 million,” she said.

When I asked her if it was even possible for someone to build a facility or facilities like that within the current residential zoning, she no longer wanted to talk.

I have placed a call to Jennifer Gates, who I’m sure at this moment is about to pull her hair out. At the meeting yesterday about Luke Crosland’s 29-story luxury apartment complex planned on .5 acres on Westchester in Preston Center, Jennifer told one homeowner that nothing has been filed yet on those Walnut Hill properties, BUT, by law you ARE allowed to have a group home consisting of up to 8 people on one tract of land without approval. If you tried to combine tracts of land you would need additional approval. I reported on group rehab homes in the Meadows area several years ago — dusting off those notes. But I BELIEVE that yes, you are perfectly able to have a private drug rehabilitation home absolutely anywhere you want, even in the heart of Preston Hollow.

In zoning cases, residents within 200 feet of any proposed zoning change must be notified.

Stay tuned. Photos forthcoming.

It’s one of those cold, gloomy Monday mornings that turned into a perfect day. Kind of like this house. I had 100 plus peeps for barbecue last night, and whenever I entertain large groups it opens my mental vistas to floor and traffic patterns in homes that make party-giving more of a breeze: like 9995 Hollow Way in Preston Hollow. This home is like a peaceful retreat where you can still throw great parties on .90 acre with expansive interior windows that bring the outdoors in. That is particularly wonderful if you happen to have, say, 100 people coming and Mother Nature decides to open up and sprinkle away, as she did Sunday night. Sometimes the party just has to stay inside!

This 5,290 square foot Austin contemporary was designed by Mark Barry of Barry Bull Ballas. Every room took maximum viewing advantage of the richly treed lot which sits at the southwest corner of Walnut Hill Lane and Hollow Way.  There are four bedrooms, four full and two half baths, a three car garage that opens onto Hollow Way , and the master bedroom on the first floor.  The home also squeezes in a mud room, library and game room, and three large bedrooms are upstairs. I love that this house is not a mega monster of 8,000 plus square feet that totally hogs the lot. For years, this home was a rambling, beefed-up 1950′s ranch known more for it’s plain-jane gated entrance off Hollow Way that once housed two nuns and a rather famous couple: extremely positive juju and many fun parties. In 2003, the current owners bought it, lived in the home and then, in 2012, tore it down and built this sleek sophistication of wood and stone. The floors are beautiful wood, stone, tile and concrete, and the stacked Austin stone walls carry through the interiors to exteriors, a technique employed to make the window almost seem invisible. There is rich use of warm woods, unusual granites, and vaulted ceilings with stunning light fixtures. Of course the kitchen is locked, loaded and ready for the gourmet cook.

The pool is unusually large and a focal feature of almost every window, especially the master. Originally listed for $2,750,000 the home is reduced to $2,499,000 which is fair given that it’s on Walnut Hill Lane. Listed with Christy Berry of Briggs Freeman Sotheby’s, who also has nearby 9806 Inwood Road.

But of course, that busy Walnut Hill Lane street connection nets you a nice savings from the Dallas County Appraisal District.

And to think that in 2003, this home actually sold for $745,000 and everyone thought, JACKPOT!

Last Thursday an interesting radio phenomenon took place: Paige and Curtis Elliott of Dave Perry-Miller & Associates, and home owner/designer Anna Seyffert, had the guys from KVCE AM 660 out to the house for a live radio broadcast at their listing,  Anna’s house, 6607 Desco Drive in Dallas. The show, Real Estate Talk with Willie Lambright was broadcast Sunday at 5 p.m. on 660 AM The Answer, and then ALSO on KVCE AM 1160 – DFW’s Business Authority at 10am weekdays. — with Paige Spellman Elliott and Curtis Elliott.

Let me tell you about this house. Better yet, let PaperCity tell you: Anna Seyffert is an interior designer, co-owner of Spun Creative Group, a company she started with her graphic-designing daughters Natalia Saenz-Duran and Tatiana Saenz-Camu. Seyffert has the chutzpah to test unusual products found on the design market in her own home first — and this time she did it with an entire house. Looks like her daring has paid off: The Elliots listed the house March 20, and a contract is already pending:

“The jutting green-hued contemporary structure boasts screaming red aluminum bicycles by Mexican artist Ariel Rojo on the left of the lawn; a water focal point similar to a wading pool runs along the entire length of the home; and the eight-foot-tall electric yellow Cellocia Borunda sculpture by Sebastian blooms to the right of the mammoth glass front door. “It’s about choosing things you can live with,” says Seyffert, “and not being afraid to try new things.” Fear is a word that is noticeably absent from this Mexico City transplant’s creative lexicon. As an interior designer who is co-owner of Spun Creative Group, a company she started with her graphic-designing daughters Natalia Saenz-Duran and Tatiana Saenz-Camu, Seyffert tests the most unusual products found on the design market in her own home first — envision white faux-crocodile leather tiles as flooring in her master bath or the powder room’s three-foot faucet that extends from the center of the mirror down into the basin. “How do you tell your clients to do something you haven’t tried?” she questions. Her risk-taking theory is evident in her remodeled 5,589 square-foot house that has 22-foot-tall kitchen ceilings, Danby marble-encased cooking surfaces, a two-ton steel central staircase and a steel-and-wood cantilevered poolside grill canopy that weighs more than a GMC Denali. With 33 windows and an exterior as well-hewn as her living areas, Seyffert’s affinity for natural light and concentration on outdoor spaces have won her copious national awards, such as the Spark Modern Fires Design Competition. “She likes to push engineering boundaries,” says her contractor, Joe Shannon of Veritas Developers, who oversaw the two-year renovation of what once upon a colorless time was one of those original and inconspicuous ’50s ranches.”

6607 Desco Drive is a breathtaking modern contemporary home the power agent couple listed for Anna, at $2,500,000.  It s an amazing rebuilt, remodelled and reworked, circa 1952 ranch that you must see to believe. Contemporary with a capital “C”, it features a spacious artistic entertaining floor plan, downstairs master suite with fireplace, Chef’s kitchen with high end appliances and built-in wine closet, four bedrooms with study or fifth bedroom with full bath, beautiful hardwood and limestone flooring, stainless steel fire pit, outside shower, specialty lighting, gardens, pool and spa.

Now how about having a radio show in your listing, pending or not?