Welcome to Winnetka Heights in Dallas Texas. Here you will find turn-of-the century charm, lovingly preserved and restored. In addition to being close to downtown Dallas and Bishop Arts District, Winnetka Heights is one of the most intact neighborhoods of its time. In 1981 the neighborhood became the city’s sixth Historic District. And with more than 600 residential structures and 20 commercial structures, it is the second largest in Dallas. Wide boulevards, mature trees and pocket parks make it a joy to walk, ride or drive through this fabulous central Oak Cliff neighborhood.
In 1908 this neighborhood was named, and the developers began marketing to the millionaires of that era. It offered everything a family of prestige could want, adjacency to the downtown, new mansions, artisinal water and a location up on a hill. Why would being elevated matter? The Great Flood of 1908 showed the power of the Trinity River, as it overflowed its banks and swallowed parts of Dallas. Homeowners wanted to live far above the wild water. Today, Winnetka Heights includes brick and wood homes in Prairie and Arts & Crafts styles. And the Historic District preserves all the wonderful details. From stunning windows and doors, to graceful columns and stately fireplaces, Winnetka Heights has it all.
What was the market like for Winnetka Heights in 2021?
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Welcome to Kessler Park in Dallas Texas. Although some people think Kessler Park IS Oak Cliff, we’re here to tell you what makes this area its own special place. Does the name George E. Kessler ring a bell? That’s right! Kessler Park is also named after this famed city planner and landscape architect. And did you know that Kessler Park is actually association of several neighborhoods…including Kessler Square, Kessler Highlands, and Sam Dealey Estates? Together, they make up the eastern edge of historic Stevens Park Golf Course. They also share the Coombs Creek Trail with East Kessler Park.
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18. Stephens Park Estates 22. West Kessler
George Kessler’s dream project began in the 1920’s. At that time, Oak Cliff, with its rolling hills and tree-lined streets, had just been incorporated into the city of Dallas. Kessler planned for homes in the Tudor and Spanish Revival Styles, to grace the winding boulevards of the area. But Kessler Park expanded its boundaries and now includes styles such as Prairie, rambling Ranches, and even a few modern homes In 2005 the area became a designated Conservation District by the City of Dallas to protect its unique collection of original and contemporary homes.
What was the market like for Kessler Park in 2021?
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West Kessler and Stephens Park Estates in Dallas, TX
Welcome to West Kessler and Stevens Park Estates in Dallas, Texas. These two neighborhoods form the western boundary of the historic Stevens Park Golf Course. West Kessler is named for George E. Kessler, the pioneering planner and landscape architect. Stevens Park Estates neighborhood began development in 1926 on land owned by Annie Stevens, daughter of Dr. H.S. Stevens, a prominent Oak Cliff resident.
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18. Stephens Park Estates 22. West Kessler
The Stevens Park Golf course is the oldest city-owned course in Dallas. It was built in 1924 and originally had 9 holes, but was later expanded to 18. The course has some of the best views of the Dallas skyline, as well as a CCC-built pavilion and walking paths. It’s an amazing asset to both neighborhoods. At Plymouth and Oak Cliff Boulevard sits Annie Stevens Park, a great playground with swings, slides and tons of shade. There are several green spaces in the area, that make West Kessler and Stevens Park Estates a visual treat to walk or drive through.
What was the market like for West Kessler and Stephens Park Estates in 2021?
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If you’re thinking of buying a home, you’re probably wondering what you need to save for your down payment. Is it 20% of the purchase price, or could you put down less? While there are lower down payment programs available that allow qualified buyers to put down as little as 3.5%, it’s important to understand the many perks that come with a 20% down payment.
Here are four reasons why putting 20% down may be a great option if it works within your budget.
1. Your Interest Rate May Be Lower
A 20% down payment vs. a 3-5% down payment shows your lender you’re more financially stable and not a large credit risk. The more confident your lender is in your credit score and your ability to pay your loan, the lower the mortgage interest rate they’ll likely be willing to give you.
2. You’ll End Up Paying Less for Your Home
The larger your down payment, the smaller your loan amount will be for your mortgage. If you’re able to pay 20% of the cost of your new home at the start of the transaction, you’ll only pay interest on the remaining 80%. If you put down 5%, the additional 15% will be added to your loan and will accrue interest over time. This will end up costing you more over the lifetime of your home loan.
3. Your Offer Will Stand Out in a Competitive Market
In a market where many buyers are competing for the same home, sellers often like to see offers come in with 20% or larger down payments. The seller gains the same confidence as the lender in this scenario. You are seen as a stronger buyer with financing that’s more likely to be approved. Therefore, the deal will be more likely to go through.
4. You Won’t Have To Pay Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI)
“For homeowners who put less than 20% down, Private Mortgage Insurance or PMI is an added insurance policy for homeowners that protects the lender if you are unable to pay your mortgage.
It is not the same thing as homeowner’s insurance. It’s a monthly fee, rolled into your mortgage payment, that’s required if you make a down payment less than 20%. . . . Once you’ve built equity of 20% in your home, you can cancel your PMI and remove that expense from your monthly payment.”
As mentioned earlier, if you put down less than 20% when buying a home, your lender will see your loan as having more risk. PMI helps them recover their investment in you if you’re unable to pay your loan. This insurance isn’t required if you’re able to put down 20% or more.
Many times, home sellers looking to move up to a larger or more expensive home are able to take the equity they earn from the sale of their house to put 20% down on their next home. With the equity homeowners have today, it creates a great opportunity to put those savings toward a larger down payment on a new home.
Bottom Line
If you’re looking to buy a home, consider the benefits of 20% down versus a smaller down payment option. Let’s connect so you have expert advice to help make your homeownership goals a reality.
Welcome to East Kessler Park in Dallas, Texas. East Kessler Park was officially established in 1937 by developer Roy Eastus and the Stemmons Family. On the southern edge of the neighborhood is Methodist Hospital which was built in 1927 on land donated by the Stemmons family. This hilly, shaded neighborhood voted NOT to become a City of Dallas conservation district. There were so many home styles…it would be impossible to chose the ONE that exemplified East Kessler. They have an active neighbor association that gathers regularly.
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1. Methodist Dallas Medical Center 2. Kessler Parkway Park
One of the most frequented assets of East Kessler is the Coombs Creek Trail which winds along the northern boundary the neighborhood. Although it seems its always been there, this hike and bike path was just added in 2009. Only a handful of blocks in East Kessler have sidewalks, but the wide boulevard-design of its streets makes the area walkable Mature trees and rolling hills makes the neighborhood feel much further than 5 minutes away from the 3rd largest metro area in the United States.
