December in Dallas can be a blast. I love the chilly nights, and the events that light up the city. My favorites are the Winnetka Heights Holiday Home Tour (conveniently this weekend!), Bells on Bishop (strolling carolers!), and The Arboretum’s Twelve Days of Christmas. Of course, I am an easy sell for an unscripted drive around the neighborhood to look at lights. I’ve even crossed the river to check out the fancy lights in Highland Park!

Emily Ruth and her boys are planning on having breakfast with Santa at the Hilton Anatole this year.

If you end up with company in town, it can be good to have a resource list or two handy. I’ve compiled several here for you. 

From the Advocate’s, Rachel Stone, always a font of good info. 

http://oakcliff.advocatemag.com/2015/11/10-things-to-do-in-december-around-oak-cliff/

Downtown events

http://events.downtowndallas.com/ and 

And here’s info for all the surrounding areas

http://frontrow.dmagazine.com/2015/12/50-things-to-do-for-christmas-in-dallas/

Happiest of holidays to you.

XO

J

Time again for the Rosemont Dad’s Club Bike-In Movie. This Friday at 7pm, two-wheel it over to 719 N Rosemont for family-friendly outdoor flick. What’s being shown is still a big secret, but I’ve heard it’s a 2015 film. Free hot dogs for the kiddos will be available, and $10 gets big kids (aka adults) a plate of BBQ. In its third year, this event is a crowd-pleaser.

Rosemont Dad’s Club donates funds raised to help supplement activities at Rosemont Elementary. They also donate time and resources to help maintain the fields at lower campus.

Make sure to pack a blanket or chairs for your seating pleasure. And in case you haven’t seen the forecast for Friday evening, it’s supposed to be perfect fall weather. Clear, with temperatures is mid to low 70’s. Enjoy!

Welcome to summer, or as I like to call it “Porch Season”. What’s that you say? Too hot for porches in summer? Absolutely not. And just to prove it, we have two new listings with fabulous front porches that will be cool regardless of the temperature outside.

The first is 115 N Clinton Ave, which will be available Monday. Check out that cute as can be swing and the artful arches. I can just see you, sitting there with your cold beverage of choice, enjoying the summer breezes. Simply fabulous!

The second is 822 Stewart Dr. This wonderful Tudor has a north-facing porch, and mature trees, so the whole thing is kept out of direct sun. And the porch is extra long so you can invite some buddies over to share in your coolness. Double points to this home for also having a pool.

So happy Porch Season, y’all. And if you need a porch, we’ve got one for you.

XO
J

Sometimes I wonder why people trust me. Have a look at these “before” photos. My friend and client Jenn actually bought this house, in this condition, after I made her leave work immediately to see it. We could easily say that Jenn has vision! To verify, just look at the “after” photos.

Great stuff right?

How did we do that?

For starters, Jenn was really clear about what she wanted in a house. She told me her size, price and location criteria.  She also wanted a place in which she could insert her own personal style. Together, we were aware that she would likely have to buy a fixer upper. Through my experience, I had ballpark knowledge of what her renovation might cost, as well as deep neighborhood insight on “fixed-up” pricing. So, when I saw her future home, I wasted no time in getting her in quickly.

Additionally, Jenn had done her financing homework, and was connected with a great lender (thank you Jerrett Morris). He got her a loan with home improvement budget, and then helped walk her through the complex process. Though the renovation took several months, many contractors, and a ton of personal time, she is now happily at home.

Thanks for trusting me, Jenn. Teamwork makes the dream work, baby.