Wisby-Smith Fine Art Dallas - 01/31/11 11:49 PM
With all the focus in the Dallas Fort Worth Metroplex on Super Bowl XLV, art is not forgotten.  Legendary artist Peter Max drew crowds to the new Wisby-Smith Fine Art Gallery, at Rosewood Crescent Court, in Dallas. Of special note in this exhibit, were the brightly colored, hand painted Dallas Cowboy and Texas Longhorn football helmets.
This 4,000 square foot gallery represents acclaimed artists from around the world, including works from Renoir, Picasso, Lichtenstein, and Chagall.   
Art collectors and art lovers should visit this elegant new gallery. With the ice and snow expected in Dallas over the next twenty-four hours, this would be a … (2 comments)

What Happens During the Option Period in Texas - 01/31/11 11:40 PM
When a Texas Real Estate Contract is completed, Buyers may request a specific number of days for an Option Period. In Dallas, many Buyers pay the Seller $100 for the Option Period. The number of days requested varies and is a negotiation point in the contract. During the Option Period, as defined in Texas real estate contracts, Buyers are allowed to have as many inspections as desired, of the property under contract. In choosing a general home inspector, Buyers should make certain that the inspector has been certified as a qualified and experienced member of a trade association. The Buyers' Realtor may share a list of inspectors, or the Buyers can … (1 comments)

Home Buying Process - Mystery Revealed! - 01/31/11 11:25 PM
Many first time home buyers ask me to help them understand the home buying process.  I have prepared the following list to help people understand the steps in purchasing a home.
Select a Realtor that makes you feel comfortable Determine your new house wants and needs Select a Lender who has a good track record in closing loans and has an open communication policy Work with Lender to determine your buying price range and obtain a financial pre-approval letter Work with your Realtor to select and view properties of interest Keep a log of properties visited, along with notes on the … (5 comments)

Texas Homestead Exemption - 01/30/11 11:44 PM
Calling all Texas property owners who owned their home on January 1, 2011!
File Your Texas Homestead Exemption before April 30, 2011!

Now is time to file your Texas Homestead Exemption  form in order to receive a discount on your property taxes.  According to current guidelines, filing only needs to be done once while you reside at the property.
The deadline to file for this exemption is April 30, 2011.  You can download the necessary form from your county appraisal district. Note:  if a property is located in two counties (one for school taxes and one for county/city taxes), you must file the necessary … (5 comments)

Larry North Fitness Center - Preston Royal Village - Dallas - 01/29/11 11:56 PM
If you are looking for a new fitness center, visit Larry North Fitness, in Preston Royal Village. The upscale, yet friendly, gym is located on the northwest corner of Preston and Royal.  The gym attracts local Preston Hollow residents, of all ages, and all fitness levels. From the time you walk through the double door entry, members, trainers and the management staff, greet you, with a smile.  You get the feeling that this gym is made up of family members with a commitment to lead a healthy life style. The personal trainers are highly trained individuals who care about their clients.
Classes … (0 comments)

Royal China Restaurant - Preston Royal Village - Dallas - 01/28/11 11:57 PM
Royal China Restaurant, located in Preston Royal Village, on the northeast corner of Preston and Royal in Dallas is the place to be on Friday nights.  Tonight the restaurant was packed with Preston Hollow locals from 6:00-10:00 pm.  Royal China Restaurant was recently transformed from its traditional Chinese décor, to an upscale look with bright colors.  One senses they are in the "it spot!"  Diners' eyes are fixed on the Dumpling Bar where dumpling dough is tossed from hand to hand, and noodle dough is pulled, twirled, and twisted. I can't even imagine having the strength and stamina that Zhang Xue Liang displays as he … (2 comments)

Thursday Night Live - Jazz in the Atrium - Dallas Museum of Art - 01/27/11 11:46 PM
Every Thursday in February 2011, the Dallas Museum of Art (DMA) is sponsoring Thursday Night Live. From 6:00 to 8:00 pm, the sound of Jazz in the Atrium will great you as you come in the south door of the DMA.  You can purchase a light dinner and beverages at the Atrium Café while you enjoy the music of the evening. The following groups will be performing in February:
 
3  February       Roger Boykin Trio
10 February      Greg Waits
17 February      The Rob Holbert Group
24 February      Nadia Washington

For additional information about the groups performing at Jazz in the … (0 comments)

Super Bowl XLV - 01/26/11 09:21 PM
Dallas is buzzing with Super Bowltalk and activities. Ten days to go before the Big Game!  Traffic has increased, with the arrival of The Teams and fans.  Restaurants and shops are already more crowded than usual.  Before this year, I did not fully understand the impact of Super Bowl visitors on ordinary daily life. My daily beat takes me to the area around SMU where the Packers are practicing. Given the influx of people ten days before the event, I now understand the economic importance of hosting the Game of Games!
If you have not heard about the NFL Experience, get … (7 comments)

I Am the New Year - 01/25/11 01:33 PM
Since it is still January and we are focused on achieving our goals for the year, I wanted to share the following inspirational piece with you.
I AM THE NEW YEAR
Author Unknown
I am unused, unspotted, without blemish,
I stretch before you three hundred
And sixty-five days long.
I will present each day
In its turn, a new leaf
In the book of life
For you to place upon
It your imprint
I AM THE NEW YEAR.
Each hour of every day, I will
Give you sixty minutes that
Have never known the use of man.
White and pure I … (2 comments)

Crossroads Diner - Dallas, TX - 01/24/11 11:45 PM
If you haven't visited Crossroads Diner in Dallas yet, you should!
Award winning chefs, Tom Fleming and Carl Strelecki, offer a heavenly menu for breakfast and lunch. Dishes are made from simple ingredients put together in new ways. It is a struggle to decide what to order on the tempting menu, from heavenly pancakes, to the signature sticky bun, to the creative frittatas. Many of the recipes have been in the Fleming family for generations.  I'm not certain which menu item is my favorite: cinnamon apple pancakes or the sticky bun.
Crossroads Diner is located near Preston Hollow, on Walnut Hill … (0 comments)

NorthPark Center - Preston Hollow - Dallas - 01/22/11 11:47 PM
Most people think of NorthPark Center as the premier shopping mall in Dallas.  Located at the intersection of Northwest Highway and Interstate 75, this Center has more than 200 stores and restaurants.  Department stores include Macy's, Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus, Dillard's, and Barneys New York.  Among the newest stores are H & M Preview and Henri Bendel.
North Park Center is more than a shopping mall. It is an entertainment center and a venue for special events. Many would argue that the AMC Theatres are the best in Dallas. The Center is host to a myriad of events throughout the year. 2010 events … (2 comments)

Finding the Perfect Neighborhood - 01/20/11 11:50 PM
When it comes to finding the home of your dreams, the community that surrounds the property is an important part of the equation.  Selecting a neighborhood that fits your needs can be overwhelming. 
If you are moving to a new geographic area and have trusted friends or relatives that live in the area, you are one step ahead. Ask them to share information about familiar neighborhoods.  If not, you can visit neighborhoods of possible interest on weekends and meet people who live in the area.  Ask open ended questions about the neighborhood.  What do you most enjoy about living in the … (1 comments)

Dreaded Buyers Representation Agreement - 01/19/11 11:53 PM
Many buyers ask about the significance of a Buyer Representation Agreement and some are fearful of signing the document.  A Buyers' Rep, as we in the biz refer to the document, protects the Buyer and the Realtor. In Texas, the standard Buyer's Representation Agreement does the following:
Clarifies who is representing you in your home search, so that you have the peace of mind that your best interests will be met. Defines the geographic area(s) to be researched, in order to find your new home.  The area(s) can be as broad as multiple counties, or as narrow as a specific neighborhood. … (3 comments)

Nasher Sculpture Center - Charles Renfro, AIA - 01/18/11 11:50 PM
This Saturday, January 22, noted architect Charles Renfro, will speak at The Nasher Sculpture Center, at 1:00.  The native Texan, whose work has been exhibited in Museums around the world, will discuss contemporary design, architecture and art.
Mr. Renfro, a partner at Diller Scofidio + Renfro, has been the principal designer of notable projects, including spaces at the Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, and museums around the globe. His architectural group is known for the integration of "architecture, visual arts and performing arts."
 Contact The Nasher Sculpture Center for additional information about this event and to make your reservation.

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Dallas Museum of Art Late Nights at the Museum - 01/17/11 11:49 PM
Friday night, January 21, is Late Night at the Dallas Museum of Art.  There will be more events than usual to help celebrate the DMAs 108th birthday!  
Festivities will begin at 6:00 PM, in the Atrium, to the rhythm of the University of North Texas African Percussion Ensemble.  Other musical events will include American folk music performed by Telegraph Canyon, jazz and blues with Roger Boykin, and Gideon F. Alorwoyie performing traditional African music. Brave Combo, from Denton will provide music for those who love to dance.
The DMA will have tours of current exhibits.  In addition, the Museum will … (0 comments)

Midway Hills - Dallas Neighborhood - 01/16/11 11:44 PM
What an opportunity to live south of LBJ Freeway!  Midway Hills is bordered by Forest Lane on the north, Walnut Hill on the south, Midway Road on the east and Marsh Lane on the west. Buyers should be aware that there are a few streets within these boundaries that are not included in the Midway Hills subdivision. The eastern portion of the subdivision, mainly north of Royal Lane, includes the Disney Streets which continue to increase in popularity.
There are currently 19 homes for sale in the Midway Hills Subdivision in Dallas.  Properties, on beautiful tree lined streets, are priced from … (0 comments)

Dallas Properties for Lease - Newport Apartments - 01/15/11 11:46 PM
While showing properties for lease today, I came upon a conveniently located complex, close to SMU and downtown Dallas. The Newport Apartments are currently undergoing a total renovation.  The one to three bedroom units range in size from approximately 757 square feet to approximately 1274 square feet.  Monthly leases begin at $800 per month. The complex will have onsite management.
The kitchens and baths are receiving total facelifts.  My client was thrilled with the granite countertops in the kitchens and the new stainless steel appliances. The heat and air systems have been replaced with energy efficient equipment. Each unit is prewired … (0 comments)

Dallas Burger Restaurant - Twisted Root Burger Co. - 01/14/11 11:18 PM
Twisted Root Burger
 Last night I enjoyed one of the best burgers I have eaten in a long time!  Twisted Root Burger located on Commerce Street in Deep Ellum, just east of Downtown Dallas, is an experience not to be missed.  From the moment you step in the front door, your senses are stimulated by divine aromas from the kitchen, the clever décor, and the names of sports figures and celebrities being called to the counter to pick up their divine burgers. 
Every burger appetite is satisfied with burgers made with Black Angus beef, buffalo, and wild game meats when available. Tasty veggie … (3 comments)

Russwood Acres - Preston Hollow Neighborhood - Dallas -Market Update - 01/13/11 11:51 PM
Russwood Acres - Preston Hollow Neighborhood - Dallas -Market Update
Russwood Acres is a neighborhood with homes of many architectural styles developed in the 1960s. The neighborhood is bordered by Northaven Road on the north, Royal Lane on the south, the Dallas North Tollway to the east, and Inwood Road to the west.  
There are currently four homes available for purchase in Russwood Acres ranging in price from $549,900 to $1,150,000.  The square footage of the homes ranges from 3,586 square feet to 4,369 square feet.
One property has an Active Contingent contract and one property is Pending.
Three homes have … (0 comments)

Dallas Arboretum Upcoming Events - 01/12/11 11:52 PM
Upcoming Event at the Dallas Arboretum

Year around the Dallas Arboretum has something to offer its visitors.  It is the perfect destination on a mild winter day. You can stroll through the colorful gardens, on the East Bank of White Rock Lake. Bring a picnic lunch and enjoy a leisurely meal, or sit on a bench and read your favorite book.
Adult Education Classes are available at the Arboretum, on January 22 and January 29. Click here for additional information.
The Arboretum is hosting a New Member Appreciation Morning on February 19. This is an opportunity to meet staff … (0 comments)

Dallas Museum of Art - Arturo's Art and Me - 01/11/11 11:27 PM
Did you know that on selected days each month you can visit the Dallas Museum of Art, with a child, between the ages of three and five years old, for an interactive art experience? Members of the Museum Staff work with one group limited to 15 adults and 15 children.
At the time of this post, there is still room on January 12 and January 13, to join the experience, "From Ordinary to Extraordinary."
What a great opportunity for a child and a special adult in his/her life to grow their relationship through art!
For additional information, and to make a … (0 comments)

University Heights, University Park Update - 01/10/11 11:39 PM
University Heights, surrounded by the City of Dallas, has experienced 51 sales in the last six months. The average sales price was $290.16/square foot. Six properties are currently under contract. At this time, there are 48 properties available for purchase, with an average list price of $344.51/square foot.   
Drive through this tree lined neighborhood bound by Preston Road to the West, Hillcrest to the East, Northwest Highway on the North and Lovers Lane on the South and take a look!  It's time to take advantage of historically low interest rates and consider a move to University Heights!
While you are … (1 comments)

Lakewood Trails Neighborhood - Dallas, TX Update - 01/08/11 11:54 PM
Market Update:  Lakewood Trails Neighborhood, Dallas, TX
Currently there are 11 homes available for purchase in the Lakewood Trails neighborhood of Dallas. The homes range in price from $262,500 to $1,179,000. The list price per square foot ranges from $150.79 to $190.85. There have been 11 sales in the neighborhood over the last 6 months, with an average sales price per square foot of $145.87. The highest sale in the neighborhood was $201.66 per square foot and the lowest sale $98.37 per foot.  Come and visit this tree lined neighborhood convenient to downtown Dallas!
… (1 comments)

Sparkman Club Estates Market Update - Dallas, Texas - 01/07/11 11:34 PM
Market Update for Sparkman Club Subdivision Located in Dallas, Texas   
Currently there are 13 homes available for purchase in Sparkman Club.  http://sparkmanclubestates.com/  The homes range in price from $189,900 to $699,000.  The average list price per square foot is $118.36. There have been 9 sales in the subdivision over the last 6 months, with an average sales price per square foot of $117.72 (up from $108.39 for the prior 6 month period). The highest sale was $151.16 per square foot and the lowest sale was $106.08 per foot. The highest priced sales are generally new builds or remodeled homes. 
Sparkman club is … (1 comments)

Dallas Arts district - State of the Arts - Dallas Museum of Art - DMA - 01/06/11 10:55 PM
Thursday, January 13, the Dallas Museum of Art (DMA) is offering visitors a great opportunity to catch up on what is happening on the Dallas Arts Scene.  Jeff Whittington, from KERA, will moderate a discussion about the integration of art, sports, and architecture in the City of Dallas.
Please visit the DMA website for additional information on the "State of the Arts" in Dallas.
 
… (1 comments)

Dallas Arts District - Thursday Night Live - Dallas Museum of Art - 01/06/11 01:47 AM
Thursday evening, the Dallas Museum of Art presents "Thursday Night Live."  From 5-9, members and students with IDs receive free general admission to the Museum.  General admission is $10 or less.  Jazz can be enjoyed in the Atrium.  Food and beverages can be purchased at the Atrium Café. The Museum will showcase the "Tenor Madness Concert," with Texas tenors paying tribute to Marchel Ivery.
In addition, artists Magdalena Grohman and Brian Fridge will hold a creativity workshop designed to stimulate your imagination in the Museum's "Center for Creative Connections".  The cost of this activity is included with your general admission.

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"Alexander Calder and Contemporary Art: Form Balance and Joy' - 01/05/11 11:52 PM
Now is the time to visit The Nasher Sculpture Center to view the exceptional "Alexander Calder and Contemporary Art: Form, Balance and Joy" show. This show runs through March 6, 2011.
"Art Magazine" has added this exhibit to its "Top Ten Shows in U.S. Museums."  Quite an honor!
In addition to Calder's work, the works of seven contemporary artists influenced by Calder are also featured.
For more information about museum hours, location and admission contact The Nasher Sculpture Center.
I hope everyone has an opportunity to view this special show!
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