Oak Cliff Fall Home Tour 2013

Oak Cliff is a regular in conversations around the Downhome Urban office. They have so many fun activities, great people who are really active in their community, and with all the great Better Block happenings this is one of my favorite places to be.

This past weekend the Old Oak Cliff Conservation League sponsored their annual Fall Home Tour, which raises money for the Oak Cliff grant program. With 12 homes on this year’s list, the tour did not disappoint. This is something you have to check out in person but I’ll give you a brief overview…

Great architecture! Whether the home was built-in the 1920’s or brand new, being in a conservation district brings great responsibility but amazing results.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Great finishes!!! All of these homes have been updated to some level. Here are some incredible materials.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

And of course fun design ideas!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

You can count on me to bring you all kinds of fun Real Estate happenings all throughout Dallas!

 

 

 

Home of the Week – 11

House envy… Yep! We are drooling over this week’s house. The bright atmosphere, the clean lines, the pool, the tree in the courtyard… Really its just so awesome!

Totally in love with this living room. The pops of color really make what could have been a stark white room, intriguing and inviting.

The master has a fabulous library, sitting area and gorgeous tile flooring!

And on top of all this, a beautiful pool.

Seriously, if moving weren’t such a pain… DownHome Urban would probably be moving every other month.

Home of the Week – 10

Aw, the Historic District. Some find it restricting and difficult because you have to adhere so strictly to the historic preservation guidelines… But oh goodness, those of us that cherish the beauty, the charm and company of others that feel the same!!! Today we are headed to Winnetka Heights. This cool community hosts neighborhood events; like supper clubs, block parties and landscaping tours! Who wouldn’t want to live here?? They even have an active online community to discuss neighborhood issues, find lost pets and a whole slew of other things.

So let’s take a look at a gem of a Prairie house, in the stunning Winnetka Heights area.

This charmer is almost 2000 sqft!! With a killer porch to enjoy some lemonade while you people watch… Yeah real old school stuff!!

Even has a huge backyard for family BBQ’s. And this area is just surrounded in majestic trees.

The outside is not the only selling point. The home has beautiful architecture, hardwood floors and even an exemplary elementary school… WHAT!??

 

Home of the Week – 8

Today we are looking at a house in “vintage” condition! The listing agent didn’t try to hide the fact the property needs updating. But instead highlighted the ability to remodel to taste or even add-on. Properties like these are great, because they are generally in established neighborhoods with larger lots, large trees and less turn around than many new neighborhoods.

This property in the Hillcrest Homes area, is a real gem. With over 2400 sqft, it has plenty of space for a growing family, and the renovation possibilities are endless!! Check out this cool sunroom!

The trees provide great oasis from the summer heat.

This home was built-in the 60’s, so could benefit from an energy audit and upgrades to the insulation, appliances and various areas to make the home more energy-efficient. The house has great bones and is just waiting for someone ready to make this an unforgettable home.

Come by this weekend for the open house and help dream up some possibilities!!!

Home of the Week – 7

Today we are headed to the Fairy Tales streets!! With names like Aladdin Drive, Dwarf Circle and Cinderella Lane, the area brings a great deal of wonderment. Then add in the beautiful established tree-lined streets and homes kept in pristine condition, you can not go wrong here!

This home was built-in 1955 for the Parade of Homes. It is every inch of beauty that the mid-century modern has to offer. The owners have kept the true feeling of a 1950’s home but have the openness we covet.

With large open living/dining rooms.

A sleek and modern kitchen.

Even the bathrooms feature amazing design. With an Arne Jacobsen sink and Philippe Starck faucet and bathtub set.

Preserving the history and beauty of older homes like this one is our passion here at DownHome Urban. Bringing the old into a new light and this is a shining example of our vision.

 

Home of the Week – 6

Let’s head to Plano today. The Shops at Legacy is such a hot little area. A complete walkable community. With shops, restaurants, service oriented businesses, really anything you need, is literally right out your front door. There are lots of fabulous apartments, but if you are looking to own your own peace of Plano, check out this gem!

Town Homes at Legacy allows you to own a property, but still maintain the low maintenance of an apartment. This unit was just finished in 2013!!! Even has that brand new house smell 🙂 With a focus on energy efficiency, this home includes a radiant barrier, double pane windows, a high efficiency water heater and many more!! As if saving money on energy and helping the environment were not enough, check out the design!

Beautiful wood flooring and an open concept living/dining/kitchen.

Sleek cabinets and granite counter tops.

And even a spacious porch! Everything a green-loving hipster (and all of us inspiring to be) could ever want.

But how do I know what I want??

This question may seem silly, because we believe we know what we want. It is just a matter of finding it. However truly this question is a big deal when it comes to Real Estate. First time home buyers get swept up with HGTV and think every house has granite or that they must MUST have 4 bedrooms because someone may visit and have to spend the night. Even people who have bought and sold several houses need to sit down and really come up with a couple lists.

A great REALTOR will sit down with a client (preferably in their current home) and conduct a thorough interview. This helps them become the expert on the buyer, in order to find them the perfect house. Let’s go over some questions to think about beyond, 3bed/2bath/2car garage.

• If you don’t have your heart set on a specific location, think about how often you go to the city, or lake, or your favorite shops. Include these into your location ideas, on top of your place of work or school.
• Honestly, how often do you have overnight guests? Do you need to have a room dedicated to for them or can a blow up mattress in the office suffice that once or twice a year Auntie Em drops by.
• Do you have children or will you in the period of time you will live in the house? What kind of schools, parks, activities will you need around you for them?
• Do you garden? Do you want to garden? Have you ever maintained a yard of any size and what are your feelings about keeping up watering and mowing?
• Think over how you spend your down time, are you an active couple that tries to go biking and hiking every weekend, we may want to live farther out of the city? Are you a socialite that NEEDS to be around people and happening things all the time, probably don’t want to get stuck in the suburbs?
• Do you have time, energy and money for a “fixer-upper” or will you need something that is move in ready?

Notice we haven’t even gotten to how many bedrooms, or the finishes in the property. Really be as detailed as possible with everything you are thinking. Then it will be a matter of prioritizing your list. It is RARE to find a property that meets all your hopes and dreams in the right price range and location! Even if you built it from scratch. So know going in, if you pick a great REALTOR they will take your big list and work with you on what is possible and what could be the unicorn house 🙂

Home of the Week – 5

Let’s head downtown today!!! To the heart of Dallas, the buildings, the art, the FOOD!!! Dallas is one of a kind for many reasons, but our downtown is simply amazing. There are dozens of museums, art galleries, sculptures and even green areas. Imagine living in the heart of all of this and more.

This is the view from the Terrace Condos on Houston Street. Breath taking right?

But, hey I don’t want to go all the way to the roof to have a view… Um, no problem!

This is the view from today’s fabulous property. This beauty has all the great features of a modern condo. A view…check!

A sleek kitchen…check!

And of course 23ft of windows to light up this beautiful space! This penthouse sums up Downhome Urban in four simple pictures. This is within walking distance of the new Perot Museum and the Arts District. You must see this property if you want the real downtown Dallas experience.

Home of the Week – 4

It is supposed to be 102 degrees today, even at 8am this morning it felt like the sidewalks could melt your face off. So I think we should talk about a house with a fabulous pool!!!

This beauty is tucked away in the Enclave at Windsor Ridge, located adjacent to the TPC golf course and Four Seasons Resort. This gated community offers a high level of security and is only moments away from shops, restaurants and businesses.

But this is what is so unique and wonderful about this house!!!

How incredible would it be to come home after slaving away in the sun and be able to grab a Rum Runner or Mai Tai and jump in the pool.

This home has many other fabulous features, such an open kitchen, upgraded cabinets, a master suite retreat. But on a day like today, that pool is the selling point!

 

Home of the Week – 3

Let’s jump over to the west side of the Dallas metro, to the Irving/Las Colinas area to check out the adorable townhome community of Fairway Vista. This beauty is more traditional for those that have been completely pulled into the modern design world.

This community is down the street from the Four Season Resort and award-winning golf course. The beautiful tree-lined streets and private pond, offer a retreat from the hustle and bustle of city life but with the low maintenance appeal that we have grown to love.

This unit has a fabulous walkway, lined with greenery. This unit has a beautiful smooth stucco finish and a tiled roof for a slight Mediterranean flare.

Large kitchen with upgraded natural wood cabinets and plenty of space for any home cook.

The first floor master suite tops of the retreat feel of this home. Featuring large closets and a magnificent master bath, and a trey ceiling.

This home has many more surprising features, from a secondary master suite on the second floor, ample entertaining space and even a second floor wet bar. This townhome is unique in many facets in this Fairway Vista area.