October 2016 – Ebby Halliday – Ebby Halliday Blog

October 28, 2016

Fresh Listing Friday: Darling Oasis

Happy Friday, all! This week’s Fresh Listing Friday is an immaculate Darling-built home in Tucker Hill – a well-established community of McKinney that features one-of-a-kind architecture and an abundance of parks and open spaces. The residence at 7501 Townsend Boulevard offers a charming exterior and an intelligently designed interior.

Need-to-know Details:

• Energy-efficient, Darling custom priced at $650,000
• 4,123 square feet: 5 bedrooms, 4 baths and 1 haf-bath
• Abundance of natural light, hardwoods, stainless-steel appliances, updated fixtures and hardware
• Media and game rooms
• Brick patio, three-car garage

Front Exterior

Entryway

Formal Dining Area

Study

Living Area

Kitchen/Dining Area

Master Suite

Media Room

Rear Exterior

Community Pool

To view this listing, contact Katherine Niesman at 469-734-7977 or Katherine@Ebby.com.

October 27, 2016

Ebby Halliday Realtors Breaks Ground on New Allen Office

Ebby Halliday Realtors officially broke ground on its new Allen Office yesterday morning. Members from throughout the Ebby Halliday Family of Companies, community leaders and local officials gathered at the site of the new office — at the southeast corner of State Highway 121 and Watters Road — for the groundbreaking ceremony.

“This state-of-the-art office will greatly enhance our ability to serve the needs of the area’s growing number of home buyers and sellers for many more years to come,” says Mary Frances Burleson, president and CEO of the Ebby Halliday Companies, which includes Ebby Halliday Realtors, Dave Perry-Miller Real Estate and Williams Trew Real Estate, as well as affiliated companies Texas Premier Title, Home Team Insurance and Home Team Mortgage Company.

The new 10,500-square-foot stand-alone building, designed by architect Michael Twichell, whose work includes The Shops at Legacy in Plano and the Angelika Film Center in Dallas, will replace the company’s current Allen office, which opened in 2006. Near the intersection of State Highway 121 and U.S. Highway 75, Ebby’s new Allen office will offer a highly visible location and the latest in technology. A “one-stop residential real estate shop,” it will also offer title, mortgage and insurance services.

“The location of our new office is phenomenal,” says Diane Hausler, who has served as sales manager of Ebby Halliday Realtors’ Allen Office since 2010. “It is ideally situated near the thriving StarCreek development and offers easy access to the entire 121 Corridor.”

The new Ebby Allen Office will feature collaboration centers where Associates and clients may meet to discuss residential real estate needs. Cutting-edge technology, including Apple TVs, will help the office’s Associates assist buyers with their home searches and sellers with their understanding of current local market trends.

“We are assisting clients with one of the most-expensive and important transactions of their lifetime,” says Hausler, who has been with Ebby Halliday since 2002. “It is important that we utilize all of the resources that we can to best serve their needs.”

Hausler says the new Allen Office will offer area residents, those who may be considering calling Allen and the surrounding area their new home and top-producing real estate agents an opportunity to be a part of something special. The Allen Office of Ebby Halliday Realtors, currently home to 65 high-producing agents, serves all of the 121 Corridor. The new office will accommodate approximately 100 agents.

“Our new office will be a gathering place where people can learn about the area, all it has to offer, and why we love Allen so much,” Hausler says. “We’re invested in the 121 Corridor and look forward to serving area residents – and those just arriving here – for many years to come.”

October 24, 2016

9 Ways to Rework Your Kitchen for the Holidays

Expecting family over for the holidays? According to a recent survey by WalletHub, D-FW ranks No. 9 on the list of top warm-weather destinations during the holidays.

Whether your family books a room at your place or pops in throughout the length of their trip, you want to make sure your kitchen is spot-on, and now is the perfect time to get started. Following are nine fixes for an impressive refresh.

1. Cabinetry

1925 Fairmount Avenue | Fort Worth | $530,000

Dated cabinetry can serve as the biggest eyesore. Liven yours up by sanding them down, adding fresh paint and then installing snazzy hardware.

2. Countertops and Sink

2255 Forest Hollow Park | Dallas – Stonegate at Forest Hills | $559,000

Newer countertops provide a stunning look. Consider changing your sink as well. And, if there’s still wiggle room in the budget, look at updating your faucet – it can really complete the new look.

3. Appliances

6735 Kingsbury Drive | Dallas – Merriman Park | $470,000

If appliances aren’t working properly, it’s obvious they need to be replaced or fixed before family visits. It’s best to change out the refrigerator first – an appliance that is used daily. Then, match the replacement to existing equipment.

4. Backsplash

7229 Yamini Drive | Dallas – Jan Mar | $939,000

Subway-tile backsplash adds an updated yet classic look. Going for neutral colors adds brightness and leaves room for more versatility.

5. Lighting

4642 Edmondson Avenue | Highland Park | $1,395,000

Who wants a dark kitchen? Not your family. Consider purchasing and installing recessed ceiling cans. Although small, they highlight, brighten and add a modern touch.

6. Paint

1750 Trace Bella Court | Westlake | $5,798,880

Probably one of the easiest and least expensive ways to spruce up a room. Neutral shades allow for brightness and more versatility, but soft greens and blues add a nice twist.

7. Flooring

5007 Purdue Avenue | Dallas – Briarwood | $849,000

Dated linoleum or vinyl isn’t the most attractive. Opt for real-wood planks, which add a classic addition to any kitchen.

8. Statement Piece

2260 Hermitage Drive | Allen – Shaddock Park | $699,999

Similar to what it does for fashion, a statement piece serves as an interesting, attractive and relatively eye-catching item that reflects your style. A pot rack or a unique light fixture can easily be installed by homeowners, adding a big impact for a small price.

9. Openness

3207 Parkrise Court | Garland – Spring Park | $360,000

With good reason, the open floor plan trend continues to grow. Overcrowding in the kitchen is the last thing you want. Opt for knocking down a wall, allowing the central hub of your home to be a part of your living and dining areas.

October 21, 2016

Fresh Listing Friday: Southern Charm

Happy Friday, all! This week’s Fresh Listing Friday is situated in Frisco – one of the fastest-growing cities in America. The gorgeous traditional residence at 2005 Remington Lane is loaded with Southern charm, proving you don’t have to live in the country to experience small-town style.

Need-to-know Details:

• Gorgeous traditional, priced at $525,000
• 4,196 square feet: 5 bedrooms, 4 baths
• Open floor plan, white oak hardwoods, plantation shutters, stainless-steel appliances, marble countertops
• Media and game rooms, covered balcony
• Private backyard with arbor, large grass area

Front Exterior

Entryway

Sitting Area

Study Area

Formal Dining Area

Living Area

Kitchen

Master Suite

Media Room

Balcony

Rear Exterior

To view this listing, contact the Stacey Feltman Group at 214-356-8368 or StaceyFeltmanGroup@Ebby.com.

October 20, 2016

How to Pamper Your Holiday Guests

In addition to showcasing the luxury listings of Ebby Halliday Realtors, the fall 2016 issue of Grand Vie: Luxury in Living magazine offers a plethora of interesting editorial content, including “Home Away from Home,” featuring advice on designing the ideal guest room from design and lifestyle expert Kathy Fielder.

“With the holiday season quickly approaching, now is the time to consider your home’s guest accommodations and what you can do to make your friends and family members feel at home — in your home,” Fielder says. “The first tip I always provide clients, family and friends about their guest rooms? ‘Spend the night there to see if you would enjoy it.’

Fielder says the key to the success of your guest bedroom design is in the planning. Each detail should be carefully considered so that you optimize the space available.

Fielder recommends creating a Pinterest board or making some sort of inspiration board. When you do, you will start to see a pattern.

“Once you have decided on modern or traditional, eclectic or transitional, you’ll be motivated to choose your color palette,” Fielder says.

Color defines and breathes life into our spaces. It appeals to our senses, and studies show that our bodies physically react to color. That being said, it makes sense to choose the colors you will use in your guest bedroom wisely.

To read the full article by Kathy Fielder in the fall/winter 2016 edition of Grand Vie: Luxury in Living, click here.

October 19, 2016

8 Pumpkin Patches to Visit in North Texas

The (somewhat) cooler weather assures us that fall has finally begun. And, with it, many iconic traditions follow.

Whether baking pumpkin pie or spicing up seasonal décor, these North Texas spots offer many outstanding options for your great pumpkin search.

Country Critters Farm Pumpkin Patch

South of Mansfield, the Country Critters Farm features bounce houses, pony and hay rides, and duck races. Children can also enjoy cookies and apple juice during storytime. Then, choose a pie-size pumpkin from the pumpkin patch and decorate it to your liking.

Dallas Arboretum

The arboretum’s 11th annual fall festival features the 1-acre, nationally acclaimed Pumpkin Village in the Pecan Grove, which features more than 90,000 pumpkins, gourds and squash. Navigate to the Tom Thumb Pumpkin Patch to purchase and take home a pumpkin of your choice now through Nov. 23.

Dallas Farmers Market

Visit the Dallas Famers Market now through Oct. 31 and do double duty with shopping and pumpkin picking. Pumpkins and gourds of all shapes, sizes and colors will be available for purchase.

Flower Mound Pumpkin Patch

Travel to the Double Oak Ranch in Flower Mound and find hundreds of pumpkins to choose from, cornstalks, hay bales, baked goods, and refreshments. Visit flowermoundpumpkinpatch.com for more information.

Halls Pumpkin Patch

Take a trip to Grapevine and experience a 2-acre corn maze, hayrides, farm animals and, of course, pumpkins – fresh off the vine. Daily through Oct. 31. For more information, visit hallspumpkinfarm.net.

Preston Trail Farms

Formerly known as the Big Orange Pumpkin Farm, the family owned Preston Trail Farms offers feed, hardware, food, and gifts at its new location in Gunter. Pick pumpkins off the vine or peruse the pumpkin patch as much as you like. Don’t forget to visit the farm animals!

Storybook’s Pumpkin Patch

Owned and operated by the nonprofit River Ranch Educational Charities, Storybook’s Pumpkin Patch features a historic western town, made up of authentic late-19th-century buildings. Children can also enjoy pony rides, a petting zoo and hay maze. Don’t forget to collect your mini pumpkin on your way out!

Tucker Hill Pumpkinville

The fifth annual pumpkin extravaganza in McKinney features vintage farm equipment (courtesy of the Collin County Farm Museum), fall and Halloween décor, pumpkin painting, a petting zoo, activities, and games. Pumpkins vary in price. For more information, visit tuckerhilltx.com.

Photos courtesy of the Dallas Arboretum.

October 18, 2016

Fall Architecture Tour Honors Ebby Halliday

Ebby Halliday Realtors is proud to be the Presenting Sponsor of Preservation Dallas’ 2016 Fall Architecture Tour, which takes place October 29. Honoring the legacy of Ebby Halliday, the general tour includes the 1918 Jones House, 1931 Kimple House, 1951 Vaughn House, 1958 Cupaioli House and 1966 Newberger House. General tour tickets are $50, and patron tour tickets are $100, which include an additional tour house as well as the patron party house.

Jones House, 1918

The day begins at Central Christian Church with an architectural symposium. The discussion will timeline Dallas’ architectural and historical developments alongside Ebby’s life (1911-2015). President and CEO of Ebby Halliday Realtors Mary Frances Burleson is part of the panel.

Kimple House by Carsey & Linskie, 1931

Check-in begins at 8:30 a.m., the symposium begins at 9 a.m. and tour houses are open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Reservations are required and attendees must check in at Central Christian Church. Visit preservationdallas.org to purchase tickets.

Vaughn House by Robert Goodwin, 1951

Cupaioli House by Jack Wood, 1958

Newberger House by Lyle Rowley, 1966

Patron Party House – Hess House by Hubert Hammond Crane, 1926

October 14, 2016

Ebby Halliday Opens New Denton Office

Yesterday afternoon, Ebby Halliday Realtors hosted a Chamber of Commerce ribbon cutting at its new Denton office at 2430 S. Interstate 35E, Suite 130, across the interstate from the Golden Triangle Mall. An open house followed.

“This beautiful new office offers a superior location and is a statement of our commitment to serving Denton County and the surrounding area for many years to come,” says Ron Burgert, chief financial officer of the Ebby Halliday Companies.

The new, more than 4,000-square-foot office replaces Ebby Halliday’s longtime Denton Office at 3201 Teasley Lane, Burgert says. “Near the corner of I-35 and Lillian Miller Parkway, our new office offers a highly visible location and the latest in technology. Truly a one-stop shop for residential real estate, it also offers mortgage and insurance services through our affiliated companies, Home Team Mortgage Company and Home Team Insurance.”

The new Ebby Denton Office features collaboration centers where Associates and clients may meet to discuss residential real estate needs. Cutting-edge technology helps Associates assist buyers with their home searches and sellers with their understanding of local market trends.

“We are assisting clients with one of the most-expensive and important transactions of their lifetime,” says Ebby Halliday Denton Sales Manager Laura Brewer, who has led Ebby’s Denton office since 2011. “It is important that we utilize all of the resources that we can to best serve their needs.”

Brewer says the new Denton Office offers area residents, those who may be considering calling Denton or the surrounding area their new home, and top-producing real estate agents the opportunity to be a part of something special. Ebby Halliday’s Denton Office serves cities and rural areas in Denton, Cooke, Wise, Tarrant, Collin, Dallas and Montague counties. The company has had an office in Denton for more than 30 years. Brewer says the new office offers a more-visible location, comfortably accommodates more than 25 agents, and features a state-of-the-art training room.

Ebby Halliday Realtors offers more than 70 years of success serving the residential real estate needs of North Texas, as well as a longtime culture of caring for the communities it serves. The company was the first to use the Multiple Listing Service and today has an award-winning website that is one of the most-visited real estate sites in the United States with approximately 21,000 visits each day. And now, Ebby Halliday is leading the way in mobile technology, with an award-winning app and a responsive mobile website, making it easy for people on-the-go to get the information they need in real-time.

“Buying or selling a home can be complicated,” Brewer says. “Fortunately an Ebby Halliday Realtor is here to guide you through the process.”

For more information about Ebby’s new Denton Office, its Associates and everything real estate-related in the greater Denton area, visit denton.ebby.com or call 940-891-3229.

Fresh Listing Friday: Two-Story Stunner

It’s Friday, and we’re in love with this week’s Fresh Listing Friday! Located in Dallas’ Royal Highlands neighborhood, the home at 9616 Milltrail Drive is tucked away on a sought-after, tree-lined street and radiates exceptional quality, taste and tradition.

Need-to-know Details:

• Exquisite two-story traditional, priced at $585,000
• 3,690 square feet: 4 bedrooms, 3 baths and 1 half-bath
• Hardwoods, plantation shutters, Viking appliances, custom cabinetry
• Mudroom, game/media room
• Large backyard

Front Exterior

Entryway

Formal Living Area

Formal Dining Area

Living Area

Kitchen

Breakfast Nook

Mudroom

Master Suite w/ Private Study Area

Media/Game Room

Rear Exterior

To view this listing, contact The Selzer Group at 214-797-0868 or TheSelzerGroup@Ebby.com.

October 12, 2016

Spotlight on the North Texas Luxury Market

The North Texas region’s thriving economy continues to spur significant growth in luxury home sales. In the past year, 5.2 percent more luxury homes were purchased in Dallas-Fort Worth than during the prior 12 months.

If you are considering buying or selling a home in Dallas-Fort Worth, it would be our honor to be of service to you. With our highly effective marketing and advertising tools and our membership in Luxury Portfolio International, Ebby Halliday Realtors is ideally positioned to assist with your next luxury real estate transaction.

Whether you are considering buying or selling your home, or just staying put for now, we invite you to enjoy the fall/winter edition of North Texas’ leading luxury home publication, Grand Vie: Luxury in Living. We believe you’ll enjoy it as much as we enjoyed putting it together for you. To get started, click here.