If only THESE walls could talk…

Nestled on a creek with towering trees and rolling countryside, lies a 3/2/2 LA Spanish Villa rumored to be a source of refuge for a collection of many characters over the years. To paraphrase one owner’s short description, “We visualize Clyde and Buck Barrow and their running mates spending an evening here playing cards, drinking moonshine and whiskey… before heading to their families homes just down the road in West Dallas.”

Though there is no public record available, Villa Blanco (as referred to by the current owner) was said to be built by the Catholic Archdiocese of Dallas as a residence for nuns; others say a way-house built for the railroad, and yet the only definitive explanation of past inhabitants refers to a period of time between the late 20’s and 30’s where locals came to gamble, drink and carouse at their local speak easy. It’s evident upon arrival, that this mysterious and highly intriguing structure has a story that few, if any can tell.

Now legally addressed as 1934 Lansford, this secluded .85 acres rests in a cul de sac with an impressive Spanish courtyard perfect for warm summer pie socials and celebrations; a guest house/studio with kitchen, living room, bedroom and bath; a native garden to provide shaded and quiet getaways; and a vast amount of character unmatched by any house I’ve had the pleasure of visiting. Seclusion at its finest, you can close your eyes and picture the rolling countryside the way it must have been in 1900 when it was thought to have been built.

As one of the true mysteries in Oak Cliff, somewhere lays a journal detailing its early life and origin. Until then, we can only speculate. Sources close to Kathy and Steve say that H&H will be listing this one-of-kind gem in the coming days.

Is this the New Oak Cliff?

 

Austin-based PSW Real Estate is planning to build 32 houses on the Incap land bounded by Kings Highway, Mary Cliff, Kyle Ave and Montclair. A main cause for concern is the possible increase in traffic to the area. PSW managing member Ryan Diepenbrock said they have successfully built similar projects of up to 50 homes allowing only one access street to the area.

The development would bring 32 single-family homes anywhere from 30-35 feet in width, but not to exceed 28 feet in height. They are not defined as ‘Zero-lot’ line homes, but Diepenbrock said that rear garages might reach some property lines. The PSW plan could offer Craftsman-style homes somewhere in the $400k range.

Who knows, with the lack of inventory right now, this might be a great boost for the area! Stay tuned as this project is still in the early stages, which should make for interesting council meetings this spring.

Join ‘Presenting Sponsor’ Hewitt & Habgood Realty to kick off a killer Mardis Gras weekend of events in Oak Cliff starting with the 4^th annual Dash for the Beads on Saturday, Feb. 9, 2013. Dress in your best costume to run, walk or cheer on your favorite two or four-legged friend. Heck, bring the kids or just come and warm up in the heated Rahr beer tent (Nice). Whatever your social standard allows, come experience the fun of Oak Cliff and kick off the weekend in fun and style.

COURTESY OF GO OAKLIFF…

Dance the night away with the 4th annual OCarnivale Masquerade Ball on Saturday, at The Kessler Theater in Oak Cliff with live New Orleans-style swing music provided by the great Club Wood and the Inner City All Stars. Delicious Creole cooking and New Orleans style Hurricanes will have you wondering why we can’t do this every weekend! Make sure you wear your dancing shoes, as you’ll rarely find yourself sitting down. It is without a doubt one of the best parties in Oak Cliff!

Lastly, throw down on Sunday’s enormous crawfish boil with family and pet friendly activities all day until the Mardi Gras Parade takes place from 4pm to 6pm. The parade route will be on Davis Street, from Montclair to Madison, and ending in the Bishop Arts District.

Hello 2013!

Just as things get better – they get even better! As we bid farewell to 2012 and usher in a new year, forecasts show that the 2013 Dallas real state market will be hotter than the summer of 1980. (Yowzas!)

The Dallas Morning News reported that the local home market took off in 2012 with higher prices and a double-digit increase in sales. With available home inventories reaching their lowest point in more than a decade, the result has pushed Dallas’ real estate market toward a seller’s oasis.

In short, with interest rates at near record lows, the average buyer is able to afford more “bang for their buck.” The only caveat? Banks have increased their required minimum credit score to avoid a future industry collapse.

Synopsis?

Pay down your debt, improve your credit score and invest in real estate because colonizing the moon is still an idea of the somewhat distant future!

If you’re looking for something fun to do this weekend in OC, break out your best ‘YMCA’ moves with the greatest disco band in the land… Le Freak! The third annual Kessler City Limits is brought to you by the Kessler School Board with all proceeds going to The Kessler School. Dust off your Cousin Eddie leisure suit and patent leather shoes and stroll over to the Kessler Theater to sweat out your best dance moves sure to end up on the internet somewhere. Ticket prices include libations and food from Smoke/Bolsa.

For more information please visit http://www.thekesslerschool.com/fundraising-events.php?id=1

As presenting sponsors, the Hewitt & Habgood Realty Group and Dave Perry-Miller & Associates proudly invite North Texas and surrounding communities to the Old Oak Cliff Conservation League’s 38^th annual Tour of Homes on Oct 13 and 14 from 12-6pm.

This year will feature 12 architecturally distinctive locations that celebrate the allure and uniqueness among historic Oak Cliff communities. The tour covers an area from Kessler Park southward to the Wynnewood North neighborhood, ranging from early 1900’s construction to contemporary/modern dwellings.

Highlights on this year’s tour include the Tyler Street Methodist Church with over 100 years of history, to the modernist residence at 1317 West Canterbury Court which offers contemporary architecture in one of Kessler Park’s premier locations.

This year’s tour hopes to match or exceed the accomplishments from last year by increasing public awareness and encouraging people to experience and tour the Oak Cliff community. Last year’s event sold over 2,000 tickets and set a record generating over $30,000 for the Conservation League.

“The Old Oak Cliff Conservation League home tour is so valuable on many different levels,” Steve Habgood said.  ”Not only do attendees get to experience a cross section of what north Oak Cliff architecture and neighborhoods have to offer, but the Old Oak Cliff Conservation League is able to contribute the funds raised back to the neighborhoods to benefit the community.”

 The Old Oak Cliff Conservation League’s mission statement is to “preserve and enhance the architectural, historic and cultural heritage and natural resources of Old Oak Cliff through direct action and public education.” The home tour is one avenue to reach out and promote Oak Cliff to a broader community as an exceptional place to live.

“As a resident, it’s exciting to introduce those who are unfamiliar with North Oak Cliff, to the architectural styles and natural beauty the area possesses,” manager of Dave Perry-Miller’s Intown Office Becky Connatser said. “It’s truly a hidden gem worth experiencing.”

For more information on the 2012 Old Oak Cliff Conservation League Home Tour, please visit http://www.ooccl.org.

If you want to know about real estate in Dallas and enjoy interesting reads, click on the article and check out what Candy Evans has to say about one of our Oak Cliff listings.

This week, June 14-17, marks the inaugural Oak Cliff Film Festival, which is sure to bring an addition to the eclectic and artistic mix of people in the Oak Cliff area.

Scheduled events include outdoor movie viewings at the Dallas Zoo, movie-making forums, a ‘Re-tracing the steps of Lee Harvey Oswald’ bike ride to the Texas Theater, trip to the gravesite of Clive Barrow and much, much more.

“It’s exciting to bring this inaugural event to Oak Cliff,” co-founder Eric Steele said.

“There is going to be a number of films and activities you won’t see at any other film festival in the country, and will help highlight Oak Cliff and what it has to offer.”

Hewitt & Habgood and Dave Perry Miller are also proud to announce their affiliation and neighborhood sponsorship for this year’s event.

If there is any doubt that this event will live up to the hype, check out the story that caught the ear of the New York Times at http://www.nytimes.com/2012/06/03/us/dallas-has-its-own-indie-film-scene-and-now-a-festival.html.

For more information on tickets, show times and events, visit http://oakclifffilmfestival.com.

Artists Rendition

This weekend, March 2-4, come and commemorate the opening of Dallas’ own iconic bridge! We couldn’t think of a better way to introduce the Metroplex to North Oak Cliff than a celebration for the new Margaret Hunt Hill Bridge. A weekend of activities complete with performances by Lyle Lovett, Street Corner Symphony, Jonathan Tyler & the Northern Lights and local Texas talents will set the stage for a dedication that is sure to be Texas-sized. A scheduled fireworks display, celebrity chefs, a levee run and bike ride will all contribute to an exciting weekend with the Dallas skyline as the perfect backdrop. The bridge, designed by Santiago Callatrava, will undoubtedly pave the way for new development and accessibility to one of Dallas’ most established and historical areas.

The bridge will become a pedestrian walkway across the mile long stretch that will include entertainment from world renowned street artist Doug Rouse, local bands/celebrities and plenty of local bites. Scheduled events during the weekend include the 8^th annual Trinity River Levee Run on Saturday to begin at the base of and follow across the bridge into the Arts District. A Bike Bridge Tour with Bike Friendly Oak Cliff is set for Sunday, March 4, which will have interactive booths with Trinity River Corridor Partners showcasing completed river projects thus far.

If you’re interested in more information about this fun and exciting weekend, please visit www.mhhbridgecelebration.com.

January has passed, and it appears as though the sun is beginning to peak from behind the clouds with regards to Dallas Real Estate. If last month is any indication what the year holds in store locally, then 2012 could be the best market we’ve seen in several years.

Our preferred lender, Christian Johnson with GB Shelter Mortgage, sends out a weekly market update that provides a broad overview of the economy and its effects on the lending industry. He mentioned that unemployment had again dropped, and the overall economic forecast looks encouraging.

After reading his weekly email, we thought it would be nice to get his thoughts on the local housing market thus far in 2012.

“I took more loan applications in January than in any previous month in 2011,” Johnson said. “Buyer confidence is up, and overall, there is a positive sentiment right now.”

Johnson added that rates for a 30 year fixed are 4% and 15 year fixed is 3.375% and should remain steady until after the election. Inflation is also holding, but Johnson warned that although the US economy is doing better, other world markets are hurting right now.

“It’s going back to the way it used to be. People are actually buying houses for the right reasons such as putting a roof over their head instead of thinking of it solely as an investment.

For more information, please contact our preferred lender ChristIAn Johnson at 214.763.8767