Colonial Style Home in The Heart of Highland Park - 3452 Mockingbird Ln, Highland Park, TX 75205

Catalyst Real estate Experts Just Listed this Gorgeous Home in Highland Park, TX.

3452 Mockingbird Ln, Highland Park, TX 75205
Original hardwood floors in pristine condition. 8 ft
doors, 6" crown molding, plantation shutters, and 
built-ins galore. Generous formals ideal for 
entertaining. Spacious master bedroom suite and 2nd 
master downstairs. Butlers pantry, double oven, 2 gas
 fireplaces, floor-to-ceiling windows, and abundant 
storage.
This home has been cared for like you wouldn't 
believe! A few updates and you'll have your dream 

home in a dream location!
$1,200,000
MLS#13028747

For more details on this home CLICK HERE

Highland Park

Highland Park has earned a reputation for having some of the most expensive property prices in the Dallas area. Average Market price is $2,730,687. Currently there are 81 homes for sale in Highland Park, TX.

 Statistics for 2014

 List Price Min ................................ $470,000

 List Price Max................................ $14,500,000 

 List Price Median.......................... $1,975,000

 Sold Price Min................................$400,000

 Sold Price Max..............................$7,600,000

 Sold Price Median........................$1,622,500

The land now known as Highland Park was bought by a group of investors from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, known as the Philadelphia Place Land Association, for an average price of $377 an acre, with a total of $500,000. Henry Exall, an agent, intended to develop the land along Turtle Creek as Philadelphia Place, exclusive housing based on parkland areas in Philadelphia. He laid gravel roads, and dammed Turtle Creek, forming Exall Lake, before the Panic of 1893 brought a blow to his fortunes, halting development. Afterwards, he began a horse breeding farm. In the 1890s, Exall Lake was a common picnic destination for Dallas residents.

In 1906, John S. Armstrong (the former partner of Thomas Marsalis, the developer of Oak Cliff), sold his meatpacking business and invested his money in a portion of the former Philadelphia Place land, to develop it under the name of Highland Park. He chose this name as it was located on high land that overlooked downtown Dallas. Wilbur David Cook, the landscape designer who had planned Beverly Hills, California, and George E. Kessler, who had previously planned Fair Park and most of downtown Dallas, were hired to design its layout in 1907 "as a refuge from an increasingly diverse city." Notably, twenty percent of the original land was set aside for parks. A second development in Highland Park was developed in 1910.

In 1913, Highland Park petitioned Dallas for annexation, but was refused. The 500 residents voted to incorporate on November 29, 1913, and incorporation was granted in 1915, when its population was 1,100. The first mayor of Highland Park was W. A. Fraser. A third and fourth development were added to the town in 1915 and 1917, respectively. In 1919, the city of Dallas sought to annex Highland Park, beginning a lengthy controversy that lasted until 1945. J. W. Bartholow led the fight to resist the annexation. The final major land development occurred in 1924. In 1931, Highland Park Village was constructed, the firstshopping center of its kind in the United States. 

Because of its location near Dallas, Highland Park had, by the early 1930s, developed a moderately large (8,400) population, with a few businesses. Eventually the school districts and newspapers of Highland Park and University Park were combined. In the 1940s, after the failure to annex Highland Park, Dallas began annexing the land surrounding it. Reaching a population high of just under 13,000 in the late 1950s, Highland Park afterwards grew only by building houses on the remaining vacant lots, and by the destruction of old buildings. Since 1990, Highland Park has maintained strict zoning ordinances. Known for its quality housing, the town still has many parks running along Turtle Creek and is home to the Dallas Country Club.

Highland Park became somewhat famous in the early 1980s when the popular television show Dallas used to shoot on location there. The 2012 TV series GCB took place in the fictitious "Hillside Park", which is likely a stand-in for Highland Park; however, the residence in the show where the mother of the main character, "Amanda Vaughn", lived is actually located in East Dallas.

Listing Agent - Susie Andreano with Catalyst Real Estate Experts

214-612-9937

http://susie.ourdallashome.com/details.php?mls=37&mlsid=13028747

Source http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Highland_Park,_Texas

Statistics - NTREIS

Texas State Fair - September 26th, 2014

Gorgeous Home For Sale in Robson Ranch - Resort Community in Denton, TX

Luxury Retreat on the Lake with unmatched views and location.  As you walk out onto the huge covered patio you will see the custom pool and spa which are ideal as you take in the lake views and sit on the edge of the #4 green. If the back yard features weren't enough the Augusta model home is full of upgrades and custom touches from the granite, to the custom lighting.  Its like buying a brand new home without the huge price tag. Finally you have found the perfect place to call home.

 

 

Wake up with nothing to do or everything to do.

From the very first day you step into Robson Ranch Texas, you’ll notice the abundance of choices. Indoors and outdoors, there’s always something new to enjoy.

Wildhorse Clubhouse 

At the heart of Robson Ranch lies the 17,500 sq. ft. luxurious Wildhorse Clubhouse featuring a 400-seat ballroom with stage, multi-purpose activity rooms, spacious catering kitchen, east & west foyer lobbies and group meeting rooms.

Sports and Aquatic Center 

Robson Ranch Texas Sports Club is the hub of activity for fitness, aquatic and outdoor activities. The club features resort-style pool & spa, indoor pool with lap lanes, fitness center, dance-yoga-aerobics room, massage and steam rooms, multi-purpose activity rooms, lighted tennis courts, pickleball courts and a gymnasium with basketball, pickleball and volleyball courts.

Creative Arts & Technology Center

The Creative Arts & Technology Center provides classes, club meetings and studio space for arts and technology pursuits. The Center features a fully-equipped woodworking studio, craft rooms, library, ceramics studio, computer room and resident art gallery.

The  Wildhorse Grill

The popular Wildhorse Grill combines Texas-style elegance with traditional ranch décor and a menu to match. From the chef’s exciting new specialties each month to traditional favorites like the Diablo burger and classic Cobb salad, the culinary team is always listening to Robson Ranch Texas residents who want particular kinds of food – including healthy cuisine that’s also delicious.

The Great Outdoors

The great outdoors at Robson Ranch Texas features wide open spaces, softball field, dog park, walking paths, picnic area and fishing lake.

Golf Club

Designed by renowned Texas golf architect Gary Stephenson, the 18-hole championship course features strategically placed bunkers and hazards that present an enjoyable challenge for novices as well as avid golfers.

Shopping

The Denton and Dallas/Ft Worth area offer a variety of restaurants from fast food to fine dining. Several malls and outlet shopping are available within a short drive from Robson Ranch. The Grapevine Mall, Galleria Mall, Golden Triangle Mall, Denton Crossing and The Shops at Highland Village include great shops, restaurants and more.

 Contact Catalyst Real Estate Experts  today to schedule  an appointment to see this beautiful home

 469-500-4663 

 Search for homes www.OurDallasHome.com

resources: http://www.robson.com/communities/robson-ranch-texas

McKinney Texas - The best place to live in America!

America is a country full of diverse cities and has a vast of great places to live in. Choosing the best place for you and your family to live in is no simple task. But luckily Time Inc's Money magazine did the job of finding out the nation’s top small cities with populations between 50,000 and 300,000.

Guess what, our very own - McKinney, Texas top the list.  With its small town feel and charm this friendly place was ranked as the best place to live in America!  Located just 30 miles north of Dallas this is one of the fastest-growing cities in America.

Don’t be fooled by McKinney’s homey Southern charm because actually it is a thoroughly modern city. The area is a hotbed for growth-industry jobs. Companies in green energy, aviation, and medical services have already moved in the region and other Fortune 500 companies are just 15- to 45-minute commute away.

The downtown area offers a mix of art galleries, boutiques, and farm-to-table restaurants, farm-supplies stores and a lot more of unique shops to choose from.

Career and college prep are also big in McKinney’s schools. Housing options range from restored Victorians to Texas-style mansions With three-bedrooms averaging in the low $200,000s, the price is still right, though the market is heating up according to Time Inc.

This city offers excellent schools, beautiful parks and open spaces. Best of all are affordable and diverse housing with plenty of jobs and a vibrant downtown, what else are you looking for?

To search for Mckinney Homes go to www.OurDallasHome.com
To find out the your Mckinney Home's Value CLICK HERE

State Farm Insurance expands in Texas

The further expansion of the nationally-known insurance chain, State Farm Insurance Company is no secret. Headquartered in Bloomington, Illinois, State Farm Insurance is expanding its hub development in Arizona, Georgia and Texas. 

A 1.5 million-square-foot campus is under construction in Richardson, considered already the biggest office development underway in North Texas. But apparently it’s still not big enough since Developer KDC is adding a fourth, 500,000-square-foot office tower, which will also be leased to the insurance giant. 

Work has already started on the east side of Plano Road and the office tower is scheduled to be completed in mid-2016. At the southeast corner of Plano Road and Bush Turnpike are also planned additional retail space and apartments.

Early this year the State Farm Insurance moves forward with another round of hires as it staffs its regional headquarters in Dallas-Fort Worth.  200 part-time positions are filled focused on customer service, claims assistance and sales support needs for State Farm.

State Farm will take possession of one of the buildings at the end of this year. And thousands of workers will start relocating to the buildings in Richardson early 2015.

“This expansion positions State Farm for the future as we grow to meet changing customer needs and expectations,” Mary Crego, State Farm senior vice president, said in a statement.

What does it mean to you as a homeowner? That there will be thousands of buyers wanting to buy in your area, making now the time to take advantage of today's market!

To find out about the value of your home for FREE, visit www.ourdallashome.com/sell.php

What to do in Dallas Fort Worth this weekend - (September 19-21 2014)

THINGS TO DO IN DALLAS FORT WORTH THIS WEEKEND
(September 19-21 2014)

Irving Main Street Event
When: September 20, 2014 | 6:00pm to 10:00pm
Where: Irving Heritage District Dallas, TX

Description: Each year thousands attend this family affair, featuring live music, the Manifolds on Main Street Car Show, free rides and activities for children, a wide selection of vendors and great food.  5,000 attendees expected.

Website: http://cityofirving.org/808/Parks-and-Recreation

2nd Annual Oak Cliff Jazz Fest/Arts & Crafts Fair
When: September 20, 2014 | 11:00am to 10:00pm
Where: Unitarian Universalist Church of Oak Cliff Dallas, TX

Description: The Fest boasts 10 jazz/blues artists: Naughty Professor, Freddie Jones, Miss Marcy, Carolyn Lee Jones, Kids4Trumpets, Lady Diamond, Tutu Jones, Fingerprints, et al. Arts/Crafts Fair features talented artist/crafters selling their own art and/or handmade crafts & a few ethnic arts & craft items made in the USA or purchased via Fair (not Free) Trade. Advance tickets are $15 adult, $10 ages 11-18 at the website; at the gate they are $20 and $15. Please bring your own seating; no coolers please.

Website: http://www.oakcliffjazzfest.org

Dallas' Best BBQ & Brewery Tour, presented by Dallas Bites!
When: September 20, 2014 | 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Where: Babb Brothers BBQ, 330 Bedford St. Dallas, TX 75212

Description: Your chance to sample the best of Dallas' renowned BBQ, on a fun bus tour! We'll start at Babb Brothers BBQ in Trinity Groves for some terrific Q, then head to Community Brewing Company to sample great beers, along with BBQ from world-famous Pecan Lodge. Plus meat from Off the Bone BBQ, Mike Anderson's and other BBQ havens. Join the party! Includes bus transportation, water and soft drinks on the bus (you can bring your own beverages if you like), tour guide, samples, brewery and much more.

Website: http://www.dallasbitesfoodtours.com

Disco Ball 2014
When: September 20, 2014 | 6:30 PM
Where: 15201 Dallas Parkway Dallas, TX 75001

Description: You are invited to boogie for a wonderful cause! Leisure suits and platform shoes, mood rings and roller skates... it's all groovy. On Saturday, September 20, you can look forward to an amazing evening of celebration and community as we transform the InterContinental Dallas into a Disco extravaganza including cocktails, fine dining, entertainment, silent and live auctions, and of course… dancing! The night will be unforgettable as we’re excited to have the Emmy-award winning Jody Dean as our emcee for the evening.

Website: http://www.newbeginningcenter.org/disco-ball-2014

The Great Texas Food Truck Rally
When: September 21, 2014 | 12:00pm to 8:00pm
Where: Reverchon Park Dallas, TX

Description: The Great Texas Food Truck Rally is a gathering of the tastiest Dallas food trucks. The diverse patrons of the DFW area will undeniably bring their appetites to experience delicious gourmet dishes from a variety of food trucks. Attendees will enjoy live music, pouring out of speakers all day long from The Spazmatics and Hard Night’s Day! The Nodding Donkey is the rally’s Beer Garden sponsor, so be sure to check out what they’re brewing and pouring all day long!

Website: http://www.executivesinaction.org

To Have and To Hold Bridal Expo
When: September 21, 2014 | 12:00pm to 4:00pm
Where: Dallas Marriott Quorum by the Galleria Dallas, TX

Description: The To Have and To Hold Bridal Expo is an exciting and fun atmosphere for brides and their plus one (or two or three) to meet vendors and plan for their wedding all in one place. Each vendor has a passion for the wedding industry and enjoys meeting new brides and their families.

Website: http://www.2haveand2holdexpo.com

What First Time Home Buyer Needs to Know

Who says buying your own place for the first time is that easy? For first time buyers, its both exciting yet crucial to know what things they should keep in mind before finally purchasing their very own home.

Here are some things you need to consider before buying a home:

• Does it fit your needs?

It is important for a homebuyer to consider his lifestyle. One needs to purchase a home that fits his needs and preference of a house you are trying to buy. Is your salary enough to pay for the mortgage and insurance for the house? Are ok with the suburban type of environment or would you prefer to be in a quiet neighborhood or a house close to nature?       

• Weigh the costs of home ownership

            It is imperative for a homeowner to look at his finances closely. As a first time buyer, one must not only consider the monthly mortgage payment but including expenses that might come along as you purchase your home. Additional expenses such as utilities, property taxes, repairs, homeowner’s association fees and your lawn maintenance will have to be added. Do you still have an extra cash to accommodate all of these?

            Other things to consider before moving is the cost of living in that place you wish to transfer? Daily expenses should also be taken in to consideration.

• Location

Where is it located? Does it have a good neighborhood? Or does it have a good lightning during night time? These are some matters you need to consider first before finally purchasing your home.

• Demand full disclosure and a professional home inspection

Most states in the US would require a home seller to fully disclose the condition of the property they want to purchase. Such disclosure needed are the areas that would need repair, however some homeowner may not always reveal to the clients about the structural problems found at the house. It would also be better to contact a home inspector to save you up from all those future expenses on house repairs.

• Get it in writing

It is important to safeguard yourself from every commitment you’ll have after purchasing your home. It is best to have every part of your transaction/agreement in writing.

• What to do before completing the purchase

            First thing you need to do is to make sure your title is "free and clear" and     there are no problems with you supposing ownership of the property.Then, acquiring homeowners insurance. Finally, agree if the purchase of a home warranty is in your best interest. It should all be taken care of before "closing."

• Don't forget about taxes

Don't forget the paperwork for your annual federal or state income tax return. You can regularly deduct the property taxes, points and interest paid on a mortgage. Or you can set up a consultation with a tax accountant to learn more about the limits on these types of deductions.

Thrilling Weekend Gateway

Fun events that you shouldn’t miss this weekend September 13-14, 2014

360: Artists, Critics, Curators Speaker Series: Artist Thomas Heatherwick

When:  September 13, 2014
Where: 2001 Flora Street
             Dallas, TX 75201
Phone:  214-242-5100

DESCRIPTION

British designer Thomas Heatherwick has been addressed as a genius, even being called by Paul Goldberger in The New Yorker "the next Leonardo da Vinci" for the exceptionally inventive nature of his work. FREE with paid admission: Adults $10. Seniors $7. Students $5. FREE for Members and children 12 and under. Seating is limited. Reservations requested.

BrewFest 2014

When:  September 13, 2014
Where: Various Locations
             Dallas, TX

DESCRIPTION

Join Dallas Observer on Saturday, September 13th as we party the 4th Annual Dallas Observer BrewFest offered by Whole Foods Market. BrewFest is an outdoor beer-sampling event and festival that will feature over 150 beers from around the globe, local food vendors and live music! Twelve (2oz) beer samples are included in the ticket price. Doors open at 6:00 for VIP and 7:00 for General Admission. 21+ ONLY Tickets On Sale NOW. VIP Ticket includes: 12 – 2 oz. Beer Samplings from 150+ Beer Options PLUS Early Entry into Event one hour earlier at 6:00, access to VIP Area with liquor sampling and exclusive catered food. All Tickets Include: 12 – 2 oz. Beer Samplings, with additional sampling cards available for purchase at the event and Live Music Watch last year's BrewFest Video BrewFest 2014 is brought to You By: Whole Foods Market, Sunstone Yoga, Fiat of McKinney All Guests must be 21+, with a Valid I.D. More Information at the website.

Seize the Chocolate! Tour, presented by Dallas by Chocolate

When:  September 13, 2014
Where: 5118 Greenville Ave
             Dallas, TX 75206-3904
Phone:  972-814-5997

DESCRIPTION

No matter how you like to top your chocolate--dark, milk or white--you'll love trying selections from the some of the top chocolate places in Dallas. These include Nib Chocolates at Bolsa Mercado, Dude, Sweet Chocolate, Village Baking Company, Annie's Culinary Creations and Pokey O's. Price includes transportation in a private bus, many food samples, great drinks and tour guide. Buy 4 or more tickets and save $4 per ticket. Enter code ICE.

Off-site Animal Adoptions at Parr Library

When: September 13, 2014

Where: Parr Library

             6200 Windhaven Pkwy
             Plano, TX 75093

DESCRIPTION

Come find your new best friend at our off-site adoption event at Parr Library. We'll have pets available for adoption and an Animal Services Officer to answer any pet-related questions you may have.

League of Women Voters Kickoff - Get Out the Vote Campaign

When:  September 13, 2014

Where: Plano Medical Center Auditorium
              4001 W. 15th Street
              Plano, TX 75093

DESCRIPTION

Please join us for this event. Sharon Rowe, Collin County Elections Administrator is the guest speaker. For information, please contact our President, Janice Schieffer, president@lwvcollin.org or please see our web site, www.lwvcollin.org.

Mobile App Development Workshops

When:  September 14, 2014

Where: Davis Library

             7501-B Independence Pkwy
             Plano, TX 75025

DESCRIPTION

This introductory 3-hour workshop will be a combination of presentations and hands-on training, and does not require any programming background! Each student will create their own app and leave with the necessary tools to make more complex Android Mobile Apps. Presented in partnership with OASiS Texas & TiE. Participants need to bring their own laptop and charger and are also encouraged to bring an Android device and USB connector if possible. Registration required. Registration opens two weeks prior to each session. Free grades 6-12

 Frisco Music Scene

DESCRIPTION

Checkout the Music Venues in Frisco!

Dodies Live Restaurant

5566 Main Street, Suite 110, 214-618-2334

dodieslive.com

eSpiritu Bar

6142 Frisco Square Boulevard, 214-494-4500

espiritubar.com

The Frisco Bar

8:00pm Wednesday - Karaoke

8:00pm Friday - Sonar Lights

9:00pm Saturday - The Repeat Offenders

4851 Legacy Drive, Suite 504, 972-712-0808

thefriscobar.com

Grover's Grill & Bar

9305 Preston Road, 214-872-3454

groversgrill.com

Irish Rover

8250 Gaylord Parkway, 214-618-6222

therovertx.com

Manny's Tex-Mex Grill

6705 Main Street, 972-377-6765

eatatmannys.com

The Pub in Frisco

Live Music Nightly@ 9:00pm

Monday - Emerald City Live Band Karaoke
Tuesday - Friday Night Lights
Wednesday - Ashmore

Thursday - The Fury
Friday - In10City

Saturday - The Last Dragons Band

3231 Preston Road, Suite 3, 972-668-9702

thepubinfrisco.com

Stan's Main Street

7210 Main Street, 469-287-2961

stansfrisco.com

FC Dallas

When:  September 14, 2014

Where: Toyota Stadium

DESCRIPTION

Don’t miss this exciting event as FC Dallas face Vancouver in the 9200 World Cup Way! For more information, visit fcdallas.com

Cinemark classic series

What: Jerry Lewis as The Nutty Professor

Where: Cinemark Frisco Square

When: September 14, 2014

DESCRIPTION

Watch your favorite classic movies be brought back to life on the big screen as we play classic films for you and your love ones to enjoy! This week’s feature is Jerry Lewis’ “The Nutty Professor.”