December 2011
3 posts
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Framework Goes Up on 5426 Worth St.
The framework has gone up for the second historical green home project brought to the Junius Heights district since 5424 Worth St.
Right next door stands 5426 Worth St, a modern craftsman home co-developed by the Greener City Group and Sustainable Image. The project is a continuation of their “Dallas Green Home Project” that began earlier this year.
5426 Worth St is expected to...
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3805 San Jacinto Unit A - 2 Bedroom 2 Bath for...
Contemporary, tri-level loft with open floor plan conveniently located in a gate community off Ross and 75! Huge living area with natural pine floors and plenty of natural light. Perfect central location keeps you near it all - Arts District, Uptown & Downtown! 1907 square feet of perfection are available for rent at $1900/ month.
View more property photos here
Contact...
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Holiday Charity Bash 2011 - A Huge Success!
The 2011 Holiday Charity Bash at Sambuca was a Huge Success! It was a really fun night full of live music, complimentary cocktails, h’orderves and prizes! More importantly we were able to raise $1,100 for Carson’s Crusaders Foundation through your generous donations!
[caption id=”attachment_1020” align=”aligncenter” width=”380” caption=”(...
November 2011
8 posts
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MARKETWATCH: Texas Outperforms Nation in October...
Sales of existing single-family Texas homes in October were up 8 percent from a year ago, according to the most recent Multiple Listing Services (MLS) data compiled by the Real Estate Center at Texas A&M University.
More than 15,600 existing single-family homes were sold, data showed. The median home price was $147,500, up 2 percent from a year ago, and the state’s overall inventory...
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HARP Changes = Borrowers with Little to No Equity...
A Report From Our Lender, Nick at Guaranteed Rate
On Monday, Republicans and Democrats agreed to send a measure to vote that would increase the loan limits in certain high-cost areas for loans insured by the Federal Housing Administration. If passed by Congress, the limits reduced back in September would be increased again to help provide more financing opportunity for areas where housing...
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Home Sales Up 10% for October in North Texas
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TEXAS CLAIMS 'TOP BUSINESS CLIMATE' TITLE
NORCROSS, Ga. (Site Selection) –
Texas has claimed the top slot in Site Selection magazine’s “Top Business Climate 2011” contest.
The Lone Star State finished strong in the objective, data-driven component of the index used to determine the top business climates, as well as in the subjective input supplied by respondents to the magazine’s annual executive survey of site...
October 2011
5 posts
6 tags
MARKET WATCH: DFW Home Foreclosures Down 10% From...
DALLAS (Dallas Morning News) – A recent study by the Dallas Morning News suggests that DFW’s housing market woes may have hit bottom.
According to the study, home foreclosures in the first half of this year were down more than 10 percent from the same period last year, and more than 25 percent from the same period in 2008.
Lenders foreclosed on more than 7,800 DFW homes during the first...
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IMPROVING HOUSING MARKETS: TEXAS STANDS TALL
WASHINGTON, D.C. (NAHB) – Nearly a third of the 23 housing markets listed on the October National Association of Home Builders (NAHB)/First American Improving Markets Index (IMI) are in Texas.
The index reveals metropolitan areas that have shown improvement for at least six months in housing permits, employment and housing prices.
Texas markets making the list were Amarillo, McAllen, Midland,...
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Featured Property For Sale - 4130 Lorinser Ln
This is an outstanding opportunity to own a meticulously maintained home in a quiet enclave of newer homes built in cul de sacs near Preston Hollow. Excellent schools, shopping and restaurants are all nearby. Open floor plan with soaring ceilings and loads of windows surround large patio. Large Master Suite and Guest-In Law at opposite ends of first floor + office. Great flow throughout. Tons...
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Bringing Your Home Into Fall
Check out the latest blog from our partners at Guaranteed Rate:
This week at the corporate office in Chicago, we got our first taste of cold weather. As we begrudgingly pulled out jackets and froze our toes while trying to get the most out of our summer shoes, we all began to focus on fall preparations. But there’s much more that can be done in fall than just putting away our summer clothes, it’s...
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Building a Greener Dallas
Modtown Realty’s parent company, The Greener City Group, and Sustainable Image has successfully developed and closed their first Dallas Green Home Project in the Junius Heights District - 5424 Worth St.
Even in a down real estate market, there is an appetite for something unique and special, not to mention affordable. Building a Historic Craftsman Style home with modern interior designs...
September 2011
4 posts
10 tags
Twist and Shout
The Federal Reserve’s latest strategy to kick-start the economy has been dubbed “Operation Twist” by pundits, but it’s causing many people to shout. When the Fed announced its intentions to purchase $400 billion in long-term bonds on Wednesday, the Dow Jones Industrial Average immediately dropped 250 points. Then on Thursday, the Dow dropped 400 points more. In short, financial markets...
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A Novel Solution, But Can It Work?
We like it when people think outside the box. Radar Logic, a data and analytic firm, has sent a proposal to Washington on a loan-restructuring plan we find intriguing.
Mortgage News Daily offers an example of Radar logic’s plan in practice: A loan with an original balance of $190,000 has been paid down to $186,000, then goes into default. A foreclosure occurs and a subsequent sale of...
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Lower Your Debt and Save More
The 15 Year Solution
Since the great recession of 2008-2009, Americans have been de-leveraging: that is, paying down debt and saving more. One worthwhile strategy for paying down debt and saving more is to switch to a 15-year fixed-rate loan, which is one significant reason we have seen more interest in the 15-year loan in the past year.
If a borrower can swing a few hundred bucks more a...
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Obama Pledges to Refinance Millions of Mortgages...
Housing got only a brief mention in President Obama’s highly anticipated jobs speech Thursday night. But it was a pledge that some pundits say is finally a step in the right direction. Others say it’s likely to have little impact.
Obama told Congress that his administration is going to work with federal agencies to refinance millions of homeowners’ mortgages at today’s record-low...
August 2011
8 posts
1 tag
MARKET WATCH: Is This the New Norm?
We’ve gone down the higher-inflation, higher-interest rate road many times in the past, only to find ourselves doubling back. There is an interesting trend occurring with banks, though, that could persuade us to go down it once again.
One of the more vocal criticisms of banks is that they haven’t been lending as much as they should. There is some validity to the criticism; banks...
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Drew Colon on the Willie Lambright show
Drew Colon was a guest on Willie Lambright’s show on 1160 AM yesterday!
Topics covered include the advantages of buying a new home, energy efficiency, LEED certification, and how building standards have changed over recent years. He also explained why it is important to use a Real Estate agent, what to look for in a realtor, and what makes Modtown different.
In case you missed it, not to...
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MARKET WATCH: Another Argument for Housing
Over the past couple months, we’ve been arguing favorably for leveraged residential real estate. Much of our logic has been based on value and comparative advantage. On the latter, we recently noted how real estate is becoming attractive compared to the stomach-churning volatility of the stock market.
This week, we offer a value argument. The Wall Street Journal reports that many...
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North Texas Leads U.S. in Apartment Leasing Growth
Strong job growth has boosted demand for apartments in Dallas-Fort Worth, pushing the area to the top among metro areas in increased leasing activity during the second quarter.
There were 8,390 additional apartments occupied in North Texas in the April-June period compared with the previous three months, according to MPF Research. That was 2,040 more than Chicago, which ranked second among...
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Home Prices Nearly 7% Below a Year Ago
Despite a declining share of short sales and REO sales, and a seasonal increase in non-distressed transactions, CoreLogic says home prices in June came in 6.8 percent below June 2010.
Even with fewer distressed properties changing hands, short sale and REO transactions are weighing heavy on the overall market numbers. The extent of their impact is made clear in CoreLogic’s report.
The company’s...
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1348sf Deep Ellum Loft Available - Lease NOW pay...
[caption id=”attachment_836” align=”aligncenter” width=”266” caption=”3028 Commerce”][/caption]
With 1348 spacious square feet, this gorgeous split level loft is the perfect Live / Work space.
Store Front view off Commerce is right in the heart of Deep Ellum, Dallas’ arts and entertainment headquarters!
Bedroom upstairs, large living...
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Modtown Makes Your Life Easier
See what one of our clients had to say about their experience with our partner,
Utility Concierge - A FREE Utility Set Up Service for ALL Modtown Clients
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MARKET WATCH: The Final Hurdle?
With home prices firming around the country, negative equity appears to be the final hurdle to clear before selling, buying, and financing increase. CoreLogic notes that home-price depreciation over the past four years increased negative equity by more than $6.1 trillion. CoreLogic also reports that nearly 11 million, or 23 percent, of all residential properties with mortgages were in ...
July 2011
13 posts
1 tag
Chase & Bank of America Offer Modifications...
JPMorgan Chase and Bank of America are reportedly modifying loans for borrowers who haven’t asked for help, in some cases slashing mortgage balances in half.
The two major banks were among others recently criticized for mishandling federally sanctioned mortgage modifications and slammed for botching foreclosures.
However, according to a New York Times report, Chase slashed one...
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Government in Talks to Rent Out Foreclosures
The Obama administration is considering a plan that would take foreclosed homes off the market and rent them out—in a move aimed at clearing the glut of unsold foreclosed homes and preventing home values from falling any more, The Wall Street Journal reports.
The talks come at a time when national rents are on the rise and home prices have been falling. By taking advantage of these higher...
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A NEW SET OF STANDARDS
by Erica Lovall
Okay folks…new inventory! The Standard, off University, is about to open and start leasing August 1st. I walked through the “soon-to-be” office/clubhouse and everything looked great! Nice pool and fitness center, lovely grounds, etc.
Perfect for SMU students willing to spend $1100 or so.
Parking:
Attached Building Single Car Garages- $115
Attached Double...
12 tags
MARKET WATCH: Downtown Dallas’ landmark Interurban...
[caption id=”attachment_757” align=”aligncenter” width=”380” caption=”The Interurban Building was built in 1916 and converted to 118 loft apartments and ground-floor restaurant and retail space in 2005.”][/caption]
Downtown Dallas’ historic Interurban Building — a former rail station and office building turned into apartments and retail — has been...
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Housing and Economic Forecast Points to Rising...
Home sales are expected to stay on an uptrend through 2012, although the performance will be uneven with mortgage constraints weighing on the market, according to experts at a residential real estate forum today at the Realtors® Midyear Legislative Meetings & Trade Expo here.
Lawrence Yun, NAR chief economist, said existing-home sales have been underperforming by historical standards and...
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1 Million Foreclosures Delayed Until 2012
An estimated 1 million foreclosure-related notices for defaults, auctions, and home repossessions that should be filed by lenders this year will be pushed back until next year, according to the latest report by RealtyTrac.
While the delays could give home owners more time to catch up on their payments and try to avoid foreclosure, housing experts warn this means the looming shadow inventory of...
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MARKET WATCH: New Home Constructions Up 14.6%
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MARKET WATCH : What Does Additional Quantitative...
First off, “quantitative easing” is simply a euphemism for injecting more money into the economy, which the Federal Reserve does when it buys government bonds or other credit instruments with money it creates. This new money, in turn, is deposited with banks.
In the past three years, we’ve seen two major injections of money, known as QE1 and QE2, which wrapped up June 30 with the injection...
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Kid Cudi, Gorilla vs Bear Festival, & Katy Perry
Kid Cudi
Sunday, July 17
Verizon Theater
1001 NextStage Drive
Grand Prairie, TX 75050
8pm
Rapper Kid Cudi is signed to Kanye West’s GOOD Music label and gained national attention after his first single, “Day and Night,” made it to the top five of the Billboard Hot 100 chart in 2009. On Sunday, he performs at the Verizon Theatre in Grand Prairie.
Gorilla vs Bear...
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Friday a Big Day for Mortgage Rates
The market has been a mix of emotions over the past week, with quite a bit of rate fluctuation. China raising rates to combat inflation and ADP reporting some strong employment indications in the U.S. both contributed toward rate increases last week. European debt concerns along with indications that U.S. service industries expanded at a slower pace in June helped drive rates lower.
Last ...
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MARKET WATCH : Time to Remove the Monkey Wrench...
Many people are still shut out from the mortgage market due to either bad credit or insufficient down payment. This is producing a renaissance in rental properties. The Wall Street Journal reports that the average nationwide rate for apartments and home rentals is up 6.7 percent year-over-year. Rent increases for studio apartments and five-bedroom homes were particularly vigorous, rising 14.3...
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MARKET WATCH : Economy Gaining Steam
As we head back after Independence Day and the long weekend, many were grateful for the day off with all of the news and movement in the markets from last week. Although we head into a short work week, there is plenty to look toward in terms of mortgage rate drivers.
The economy gained some steam last week leading to some impressive stock market gains. Reports late in the week showed...
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Archetypes - Magnolia Art Gallery
ANDREW WILLIAMS
at Magnolia Art Gallery thru August 1
New York based photographer, Andrew Williams’ emphasizes the drama of architecture in his show titled “Archetypes,” now on display at the Magnolia Art Gallery.
“The Archetype series of photographs was inspired by a dream that I encountered.
It is based on geometry within architecture. The structures are multiplied...
June 2011
7 posts
10 tags
Samar Under the Stars
Yesterday I was reminded via twitter that all summer long Samar will be hosting their weekly event, Samar Under the Stars.
Every Wednesday, the late-night happy hour celebrates warm summer nights by featuring $5 house wine, $4 sangria, $3 domestic beer, half-priced hookah, and complimentary mezze along with live music.
I immediately notified my girlfriends and invited them along for an evening...
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Featured Listing - 3209 Cole Avenue #110 $225,000
This beautifully upgraded 2 story condo located in the heart of uptown has a very unique floor plan that you’ll absolutely love.
[caption id=”attachment_648” align=”aligncenter” width=”380” caption=”$225,000”][/caption]
Downstairs you’ll find 2 living areas, a wet bar and a cozy wood burning fire place.
Brand new Shaw hand scraped...
7 tags
A Live / Work Loft You'll Love - Right in the...
[caption id=”attachment_638” align=”aligncenter” width=”266” caption=”3028 Commerce St”][/caption]
With 1348 spacious square feet, this gorgeous split level loft is the perfect Live / Work space.
Store Front view off Commerce is right in the heart of Deep Ellum, Dallas’ arts and entertainment headquarters!
Bedroom upstairs, large living...
10 tags
MARKET WATCH : HUD Grants to Help Unemployed Stay...
The Department of Housing and Urban Development will offer interest-free loans to aid unemployed borrowers with their mortgage payments in 32 states through its Emergency Homeowners’ Loan Program.
Home owners who are eligible for the program will be able to qualify for up to $50,000 in interest-free loans for up to two years. Home owners who have had a drop in income of at least 15...
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MARKET WATCH: The Debt Ceiling, Economic Stimulus,...
As we closed last week, the stock market had posted weekly declines for the last 6 weeks straight, which means that mortgage rates continue to be very strong. Last week alone, stocks fell 2.2%, and without any real positive counteracting data, concerns continued to rise over economic weakness going forward. Credit fears continue in Europe with concern in Portugal, Spain, Greece, Ireland, ...
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Sour Grapes, Beach Parties, and the 4th of July
Mark your calendars :
Beach Party of the Century
Saturday, June 25
White Rock Lake
8300 E. Lawther Dr.
Dallas, TX 75238
10 am-10 pm
$15 adults, $5 kids
So it’s not exactly a trip to the Bahamas, but it’s about as close as we can get right now and it will be fun for the whole family! Dallasites are encouraged to flock to the banks of White Rock Lake for games...
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Restaurant Spotlight - BOLSA
One Of Our Favorites!
Bolsa is located on Davis Street just west of the Bishop Arts District in a historic building known as Settles Garage. The original owner built the core building block by cinder block himself and established a reputation for great service. Bolsa has paid tribute to the Settles Garage by restoring many original elements from the original garage doors on Davis to the...
December 2010
1 post
9 tags
Erica Lovall - 721 Colten James Ln.
A stylish townhome located near Downtown offers charm and modern convenience in an exciting urban setting.
Just seconds away from fine dining, shopping, and nightlife destinations, you’ll find it hard to run out of fun things to do.
Complete with bamboo wood flooring on the main floor, stainless steel appliances and granite countertops. The rooftop deck allows for a...
November 2010
5 posts
16 tags
Dallas Apartment Deals of the Week- 1 and 2...
Great specials going on this week if you’re needing to move for the month of December. In Lakewood near Downtown: Property #601 1 bedroom 812 SF for $933/mo 2 bedroom 1075 SF for $1189/mo Located off Greenville, You’re in the Heart of the M Streets. Perfect for SMU students or those looking to be close to it all! Enjoy a collaboration of modern architecture and urban design with...