Dallas Real Estate 2012, The Year & Star Agents in Review: Guess Who Will Be The Stars of 2013?

Written by Candy Evans on January 8, 2013

Pretty in Pink

My official 2012 real estate wrap is up on CultureMap.com, whose Dallas debut is definitely one of the best things that happened to our city in 2012. Talk about changing the face of Dallas media! (We need it!) I spent New Year’s Eve and most of last week musing over the biggest and best Dallas real estate deals and agents of the year — and really, truly, I have to say it all started with the April auction sale of Champs D’Or, which made awesome broker agent Clay Stapp a mighty happy man as he brought the buyer. I expect more great things from Clay Stapp & Associates in the coming year.

Let us not forget Joan Eleazer, Queen of 2012 Real Estate. I christen her the most patient agent in the history of the universe. How many times did Joan have that mansion listed and unlisted? Shortly before the auction she had her whole family up there — husband, daughter Layne Pitzer and precious grandchildren. Ironically, I think she was also the very first agent who tried to sell Champ.

The Hickory Creek estate had been on the market for about ten years, I think, I lost count. I think when it sold it somehow became a catalyst for other big sales, because from what I hear, agents put on their running shoes this spring and never stopped sprinting.

Troy Aikman’s Highland Park estate came on the market and we all crooned — ohhh Troy! In May he sold off an acre of land he had incorporated into his homestead in 2008, then lowered the price of his home (minus the extra lot) to $14 million.Then, come September, he took the house off the market in September — zip. Smart man: Troy’s house became a cash machine. Was that the very savvy advice of his agent, Allie Beth Allman?

You want to talk uber pricey condos? Tim Headington listed a $14 million dollar penthouse on the 21st floor at the Residences at the Ritz Carlton – Pogir, a star Realtor at Briggs-Freeman, has the star listing and frankly, I’m seeing Pogir’s name everywhere. The Ritz is selling like hotcakes, stay tuned to some celeb news over there real soon. I can hardly wait for Museum Tower to rev up marketing, whichthey have begun with a striking price guarantee and oh yes, now rumors that Jack Matthews may be shopping for a high rise luxury project. Someone told me Tim Headington may also be interested, but that I have not confirmed, so do not repeat it.

Downsize? My husband keeps talking about it. No way — if anything, homes of the Dallas rich and famous are getting bigger. Dallas Stars player Loui Eriksson’s Preston Hollow home is under 7,000 square feet, not only tastefully decorated with wallpaper on the ceiling and a “wow” backyard, it’s only $2.5M. Golfer Justin Leonard listed and sold his six bedroom Highland Park home for $6 million, and I’m guessing it must have been too small. He built a 14,000 square foot, $8 plus million dollar home on Euclid. Hunter Mahan and his bride Candy are building a 19,000 square foot home in Preston Hollow which includes a full basement in that square footage. Hunter’s home in Colleyville is still on the market for $1,499,000 with . Not that I do not love Colleyville and Westlake, but I am thrilled to see a major sports figure move closer in. Ex-Longhorn and NBA star LaMarcus Aldridge’s Southlake home was listed for a mere $1.75 millionwith a custom resort style pool with waterfalls, a spa, a flagstone-lined patio and fire pit that is one of the prettiest I’ve seen.

And I have seen them all. From the street, of course...For more click here.

I am pretty excited to be among the other participants this year and very excited to get involved in a “behind the scenes” experience with our city.

Each year up to 55 individuals are selected to participate in a ten-month educational program that consists of a two-day retreat, nine monthly day-long sessions, monthly preliminary assignments, and a class project. Participants receive in-depth exposure to the critical issues facing the greater Dallas community through lectures, discussion groups, on-site visits, simulations, and other leadership development activities. Issues to be addressed during the year include human services, government & politics, economic development, health care, criminal justice, education, and arts & culture.

The location and format of each session is different. The program enables participants to develop their leadership capacities, build strong relationships and prepare themselves for the challenges of the years to come.

When the up to 55 participants are selected each year, it is with an eye toward diversity, to encourage a collaboration of ideas and viewpoints. The program is

not a starting point, but rather a professional development opportunity for men and women who are both acknowledged and aspiring leaders.

There are quite a few people in our community who have gone through the program that I admire and haver looked to as mentors, so this is a treat for me to be able to have this opportunity.

Thank you!

Forrest Gregg

There are fewer homes for
sale in North Dallas than there were this time last year. Yet more people are
looking for homes to buy based on the number of showings taking place in homes
for sale.
Let’s compare the statistics for the hot summer week of July 22nd
through July 29th – both in 2011 and 2012.

In that one July week last
year there were 1,004 home showings in zip codes 75205, 75209, 75225, 75229 and
75230. Those were scheduled showings through CSS, the service that schedules
Realtor showings in the Dallas area.

These represent actual showings
where a potential buyer visits the home with their agent. These are not folks
wandering through open houses. Of those 1,004 showings, they could have been
1,004 people looking at one home each or they could be 502 people looking at two
homes each, 251 people looking at 4 homes each, etc.

That same July week
this year there were 1,385 showings in those same zip codes. Now either more
people are shopping for homes or potential buyers are looking at more homes than
they normally do. Based on what I am seeing and hearing out in the field, I
believe there are more buyers than there were a year ago.

In July 2011
there were 1,480 properties for sale in North Dallas zip codes 75205, 75209,
75225, 75229 and 75230. July 2012 isn’t finished yet, but as of today, there
were 953 properties for sale in those zip codes.

So we have fewer homes
for sale but more showings of homes for sale. If you were wondering if this is
the time to have your house on the market – the answer is Yes!

Here are the 4 things on Home Buyers Checklists:

1: Modest Floor Plans: So long McMansions! Surveys show that Americans are considering smaller homes. The ideal home size sought by Americans in 2011 was 1,401-2,000 sqft. Builders estimate that in 2015, the average size of a newly built home will be 2,152 sqft.

2: Organization and Comfort: A National Association of Home Builders survey identifies the top 10 amenities buyers are looking for in the new home construction…Walk-In closet in the Master Bedroom; Low-E Windows; Separate shower and tub in the Master Bedroom; Linen Closet; Programmable thermostat; Energy efficient appliances and lighting; Great room; 9-foot plus ceilings on the first floor; Insulated front door & Laundry room.

3: Smaller Price Tags: Today, more buyers seek homes that cost less than $200,000. The median home price in the US has plunged 38.1% in the past five years.

4: Improved Energy Efficiency: Homebuyers want to create a smaller footprint and save on energy bills. They want homes with greener features like an energy-efficient heating and A/C system, Energy Star appliances, an efficient design, more natural light, extra insulation in the attic and other insulation such as panels or foam. Green homes made up 17% of the overall residential construction market in 2011 and by 2016 experts predict that number could climb to 38%.

If you have any more questions or are looking for an agent who KNOWS how to find what you are looking for in a new home then look no further…we here at CLAY STAPP+CO are at your service!

Visit us @ claystapp.com

1: Why did I save this stuff? When you unpack items in your new home, you’re likely to come across a lot of stuff you find you can live without. What seemed essential in the old place just loses its luster in your new space.

2: But I thought this love seat would fit in here! Despite our best plans, old furniture can turn out to be a poor fit in new spaces. You don’t necessarily have to live with the mistake. Prep it for sale.

3: Who are these people, anyway? A garage sale will bring out the neighbors. Despite the bargain seeking and good-natured haggling, garage sales are great low-pressure social situations. People are free to browse without the pressure of making conversation. Small talk arises more naturally. People can come and go without obligations.

4: Who just bought this place, anyway? It’s an opportunity to be a good neighbor. Put out some snacks and drinks. Be easy about your prices and event throw in a few things for free if someone’s buying. Use the event as an ice breaker rather than a profit maker. A lot of first impressions can be made here…why  not make good ones?

If you’ve still go stuff to bring to the curb, put the post-move garage sale on your to-do list for the move. Did you know de-cluttering is also one of the key steps to prepare a home for sale? For more tips & tricks please don’t hesitate to contact any of our agents here at CS+CO

CLAY STAPP+CO

claystapp.com

Here are a few ways to foster friendly connections:

1: Compliment and/or ask questions about your neighbors home: It is obvious your neighbor has a great garden? Solar panels? An enthusiasm for the classic car he washes on Sundays? Open up a conversation with a polite compliment and genuine curiosity.

2: Ask for advice on a project you’re considering: While you can probably google about any home project you’re considering, it’s also an opportunity to ask your neighbor if they know anything about it. This could be a home maintenance project, a business or community event.

3: Partner up for home maintenance tasks: Working with someone is a great way to build rapport. Are you thinking about pressure washing your house? See if your neighbor wants to tag team the project together. You can split the labor and the cost of the equipment rental (to say nothing of a cold one after the job is done!)

Going it alone is harder than overcoming our resistance to meeting “the strangers” next door. Break the ice, build the neighborhood. You’ll be glad you did.

CLAY STAPP+CO

www.claystapp.com

Here are the Top 3 Reasons:

1:Rising Rents: Just like the Texas Temperatures, Rents are rising everywhere, which are encouraging developers to get off the sidelines and begin constructing homes and apartment buildings. Rising rents mean a stronger demand, which is always good news for builders. In addition, many of those renters, facing higher rents, have made the move to homeownership, thereby spurring growth for single-family homes. Many Dallas residents, once they consider they can secure a mortgage that is the same, or even lower, than their rent, have begun making the move to being a home owner!

2:Optimistic Job Market: The job market has strengthened significantly since last year, leading many Dallas-Fort Worth residents to either get better jobs or get more secure jobs. The more secure individuals feel in their career, the more likely they are to consider purchasing a home. A better job market=A better Real Estate Market!

3:Better Lending: Hitting Rock Bottom isn’t always perceived as a positive but  when it comes to interest rates it’s a major plus for home buyers. Lenders have finally begun easing up which means more Dallas-Fort Worth residents are eligible for home loans. Lowers down payments and such allows for more renters to become home buyers.

If you have any questions or are looking for your first/next HOT Home, we here at CLAYSTAPP+CO are always happy to assist you!

claystapp.com

Our venerable & thriving company is headed up & owned by Clay Stapp, “one of the best Real Estate Agents in Dallas”, says D Magazine. Not only did he receive that prestigious ranking but now Clay has been voted by the Dallas Business Journal as “one of the top 40 executives under the age of 40.” This illustrious title has been given to those who are at the top of their game professionally, and personally have demonstrated a commitment to the North Texas Community. Clay will be featured in a special edition of the Dallas Business Journal on August 24th & recognized at a cocktail party at the Granada on August 23rd.

Clay is truly an exceptionally savvy & ingenious Broker, Boss & Real Estate Agent. He is the oil that makes the CLAYSTAPP+CO machine run smoothly!

http://www.bizjournals.com/dallas/

1. Make a list of all categories of experts whom buyers or sellers might want to consult, including home inspectors, termite inspectors, structural engineers, environmental specialists, lenders, and attorneys.

2.List at least three experts under each category. You can make your choice on the basis of past experience or recommendations from others. Don’t forget to disclose any experts on the list who are affiliated with your company.

3.Give the same list to every seller or buyer you work with. That way, you make clients aware of their options and the need to use specialized experts if they have concerns in a particular area. And by doing so, you ensure that every buyer or seller consistently gets the same list of names.

4.Don’t ask for or accept any referral fee or other compensation from any individuals or companies on your list.

We here at claystapp.com trust our instincts & so should you. So don’t hesitate to call any one of our agents or office staff for advice!

Set the stage: Select a location that’s quiet, neutral, pleasant, and away from distractions and confusion. These days, so much is done over the phone and email and signed online with DocuSign so negotiations can go pretty quick. You don’t want to get too caught up and rush into something. Consider offers and counter offers thoroughly but don’t drag you feet in responding and lose the deal.

Be prepared: Never start without doing my homework. Verify any outstanding facts before the negotiation begins. ( Later fact-finding can cause a negotiation to be bogged down! )

Leave attitudes at the door: It’s very simple…treat everyone in the negotiation with respect, regardless of personal opinions. If anyone disagrees, disagree with the idea, not the person.

Watch non-verbal cues and body language when you can:  Tone of voice on the phone can also be telling.

Hold something in reserve: Discuss concessions with clients beforehand and only offer these concessions when you absolutely need to concede something.

Negotiations should never choke over a minor point. Get an agreement on major points such as price and terms and put lesser times aside to return to later.

Never volunteer too much information: Knowledge is power in a negotiation. Telling the other side any information, however insignificant it may seem, could weaken my clients’ position.

Thank you,

CLAYSTAPP+CO

claystapp.com