Watch to preview some of the fantastic luxury homes you can tour this weekend!

Click here to see all of the exceptional luxury homes holding open houses this weekend from Briggs Freeman Sotheby’s International Realty. Here is further information on the homes shown in the video above:

6315 Westchester Drive in University Park | Open 2:00-4:00

Wonderful opportunity to own special Mediterranean home in fabulous location. Has been expanded and updated to blend with original charm and proportion. 9 and 10 ft ceilings down, living room leads to study and family room, both with sets of French doors leading to lush outdoor living. Listed by Joan Eleazer.

6630 Waggoner Drive in Preston Hollow | Open 1:00-3:00

This gracious traditional home located in the heart of Preston Hollow sits on a beautifully landscaped corner lot on Waggoner Drive. A solid wall of windows line the back of the house for a panoramic view of the pool and spa. Conveniently located near private schools, shopping and fine dining, this is a must see! Listed by Baird Reed and Jeannie Nethery. 

4630 Edmondson Avenue in Highland Park | Open 3:00—5:00

Recently updated, this  two-story traditional sits on one of West Highland Park’s most desirable streets. Formals, chef’s kitchen, a game room and study make it perfectly suitable for a single professional or a lively family. Listed by Susan Matusewicz.

11272 Russwood Circle in Preston Hollow | Open 2:00—4:00

This exceptional Preston Hollow Ranch offers a unique light and bright floor plan with open living spaces. Multiple living areas include three fireplaces. Master suite offers separate his and hers baths. Lofted game room with a separate bedroom and full bath attached. Listed by Sandy Petruska and Courtney Petruska.

5804 Settlement Way in McKinney | Open 2:00-4:00

This beautiful turnkey contemporary residence has 180 degree panoramic views of the renowned TPC golf course. Situated in the gated community of 17 Greens this contemporary townhome, designed by IBB is tastefully done with soft furnishings and art pieces to create modern ambiance with an open floor plan and lock and leave lifestyle. Listed by Christy Berry.

5724 Settlement Way in McKinney | Open 2:00-4:00

Walking through the French doors one encounters the gorgeous entertaining area overlooking the sweeping golf course and lake views.  The well-appointed kitchen and breakfast area, with hand scraped wood floors, state of the art appliances, offers an abundance of light and an open floor plan. Listed by Christy Berry.

Click here to the full list of luxury homes open to tour this Sunday from Briggs Freeman Sotheby’s International Realty.

Click here to see more beautiful homes for sale in the Dallas-Fort Worth area from Briggs Freeman Sotheby’s International Realty.

The post Fantastic Open Houses in the Park Cities & McKinney This Weekend! appeared first on Update The Park Cities - Highland Park & University Park.

Not so fast.

This fast pace means things can happen quickly – and confusingly. We asked some of the expert agents at Briggs Freeman Sotheby’s International Realty what every client should expect from a good agent. Here’s what they had to say.

Q: What should you expect from a real estate agent in this competitive market?

Ginger Nobles

A: In this kind of market, a lot of people think they don’t need an agent because things are selling so quickly. But buying and selling real estate is more complicated than just getting the home under contract. An agent has an innate knowledge of closings, which can be tricky. It’s a minefield when you consider things like inspections, re-negotiations after inspections, and the mortgage process. A good agent guides you through these things smoothly. 214.212.4434 | gnobles@briggsfreeman.com | noblesbaldwin.com

Christy Berry

A: In a fast-paced market, buyers and sellers need an agent who is networking with other agents and looking at houses every day. The market changes weekly now, and agents must keep current with the changes and communicate them to clients. If you’re a buyer, expect to hear from an agent whenever something new comes on the market that fits your criteria. A seller should get feedback about how a home is showing whenever it comes in – at least weekly. 214.693.1600 | cberry@briggsfreeman.com | christyberryrealestate.com

Tessa Mosteller

A: Your agent should be able to talk to you about a wide range of properties that are on the market – and not officially on the market. Only an agent can keep you informed about homes that are sold by word of mouth or within a network of agents. And that behind-the-scenes information should allow your agent to match you with another suitable home right away when things move quickly. 214.505.1248 | tmosteller@briggsfreeman.com

Claire Dewar

A: With such low inventory, your agent needs to know all the details of what is on the market – what the houses look like and how much they sold for – to guide your search and target your offers. Your agent should provide full-time service, because matching buyers to homes demands focus. After you’re in your new home, a good agent checks in occasionally to update you on homes that had caught your eye or homes that have just hit the market. 214.808.6045 | cdewar@briggsfreeman.com

Click here to see the latest business news and insight from top Dallas-Fort Worth Realtors. Click hereto see luxury homes for sale in Dallas-Fort Worth and around the world.

The post Expert Q&A: What Should Your Agent Be Doing for You? appeared first on Update The Park Cities - Highland Park & University Park.

These helpful packing and moving tips will ease the process so you can spend more time enjoying your new home. Here are a few tips we found especially helpful, from Buzzfeed:

• Pack an overnight bag containing all the essentials. Chances are, you’ll be too tired to unpack your things. You’ll want your essentials within easy access, including a change of clothes if you’re going back to work the next day as well as all your toiletries. It’s also a great way to transport a laptop, which could run the risk of getting stolen during a move.

• Pack the items you will need FIRST in a clear plastic bin. This includes things like a box cutter, paper towels, trash bags, eating utensils, select cookware, power strips, phone chargers, toilet paper, tools, etc. The clear bin allows you to see inside; it also separates itself from the myriad of cardboard boxes.

• For extra padding, pack your glasses and stemware in clean socks.

• Pack plates vertically, like records. They’ll be less likely to break.

• Keep drawers intact by covering them with Press’n Seal. Dresser drawers are like their own moving boxes — this will keep you from having to unpack and re-fold their contents. It’ll also make moving the actual dresser much more manageable.

• Buy a roll of stretch wrap. It works like Press’n Seal but on a bigger scale. You can group items together, and it’ll protect your furniture from getting scuffed and scratched.

• Keep sandwich bags handy for holding any small parts of things you have to take apart, like curtain rods or mounted flat-screen TVs. Tape the sandwich bags to the back of the item they correspond to. ALSO: use this method with the cords for your electronics.

• Take a photo of how your electronics are connected so you can remember how and where all the wires go.

• Change your address at least two weeks prior to moving. This might seem like a no-brainer for important things like utilities and cable but don’t sweat the small stuff. You’ve also got Amazon, PayPal, credit cards, your bank, magazine subscriptions, and your mail to worry about.

Click here to see the full list of moving tips from Buzzfeed.

Getting your home ready to sell? Planning a move to Dallas Fort-Worth? Visit briggsfreeman.com to find top DFW Realtors who can help ease your transition into a wonderful new home.

The post Moving Tips That Will Make Your Life Easier appeared first on Update The Park Cities - Highland Park & University Park.

Here are a few of our favorites from the video:

Sarah Jessica Parker’s Master Bedroom | “Sarah Jessica Parker and Matthew Broderick’s laid-back Bridgehampton master bedroom mixes crisp white walls, bedding, and curtains with colorful accessories, including an aqua Christopher Spitzmiller lamp and apple-green vintage armchairs. Designer Eric Hughes grounded the room with a sisal rug and hung grommeted IKEA curtain panels for a relaxed, beachy feel.”

Courteney Cox’s Master Bedroom | “In Courteney Cox’s master bedroom designed by Trip Haenisch, the custom-made head- and footboards are zinc, the selenite bedside tables are by Blackman Cruz, and the bedding is byDeborah Sharpe Linens; the two-tone Swag Leg chair is by George Nelson, and the rugs are from DDC.”

Megan Mullally’s Master Bedroom | “Photographs by Sze Tsung Leong are displayed in Megan Mullally’s master bedroom designed with the help of Ames Ingham ; vintage mercury-glass lamps are paired with Holly Hunt side tables.”

Ivanka Trump’s Master Bedroom | “The custom-made headboard in the master bedroom is upholstered in an alpaca velvet, and the task lamps are reproductions of an Édouard-Wilfred Buquet design; Kelly Behun designed the side tables of ebonized wood and shagreen and the lacquer console, the stools are 1940s French, and the prints are by Mariah Robertson.”

Keep reading and see more details on other celeb bedrooms here on The Celebrity Home.

Want to sleep like a celebrity? These celeb-worthy luxury bedrooms will have you dreaming of bright lights and the red carpet:

The Dans Bois Crete Mansion at 9806 Inwood Road in Preston Hollow | Listed by Christy Berry

3821 Beverly Drive in Highland Park | Listed by The Eleazer Group

3640 Middlewood Drive in Fort Worth | Listed by John Zimmerman

1801 Lantana Court in Southlake | Listed by Wynne Moore

6807 Lupton Drive in Preston Hollow | Listed by Jeannie Nethery and Baird Reed

6001 Bransford Road in Colleyville | Listed by Nancy Dennis 

8181 Douglas Avenue #410 in University Park | Listed by Lindy Mahoney

4445 College Park in Preston Hollow | Listed by Kate Mote

4610 Wildwood Road in Bluffview | Listed by Claire Dewar

1216 Saddlebrook Way in Bartonville | Listed by Nanette Ecklund-Luker and Brian Luker

Visit briggsfreeman.com to find more celebrity-style luxury real estate in DFW and beyond.

Click here to see more beautiful homes for sale in the Dallas-Fort Worth area from Briggs Freeman Sotheby’s International Realty.

The post The Celebrity Home: See Inside Luxury Bedrooms of the Stars! appeared first on Update The Park Cities - Highland Park & University Park.

The annual REAL Trends 500 report, which analyzes sales data from the country’s most successful real estate firms, ranks Briggs Freeman Sotheby’s International Realty among the best firms in 2012.

REAL Trends considers data, verified by independent accountants, for more than 1,000 brokerages. Only 500 hundred are ranked in the REAL Trends report, based on sales volume. BFSIR, with 185 agents in five offices throughout the Metroplex, competed against firms with hundreds of agents.

BFSIR ranks 6^th in the nation for the greatest increase in transactions from 2011-2012, with 1,609 transactions that represent a 133 percent increase.

“This national recognition is a reflection of how strong the economy is in Dallas and across Texas,” said CEO Robbie Briggs. “That strength has allowed us to expand so our agents can sell the luxury lifestyle across the Metroplex.”

BFSIR also ranks 19^th in average sales volume per agent.

“More than 50 percent of our agents produce over $5 million per year,” said Gene Taylor, executive vice president and director of sales and agent development. “It gives our clients a huge pool of luxury real estate experts to choose from. We’re privileged to have this team.”

BFSIR is the only Dallas firm ranked in both categories.

Confirming its position as the leader in luxury real estate in the Metroplex, BFSIR also ranks 12^th for highest average sales price, at $772,967 – the only Dallas firm in the top 15.

BFSIR also ranks high in the following categories:

• 8th – of all U.S. Sotheby’s affiliates ranked, based on transactions. Five of the top 8 affiliates have at least twice as many offices as BFSIR.

• 97th – for closed sales volume for 2012, at $1,243,704,230. BFSIR ranked 198^th in 2011.

• 97th – in The Billionaire’s Club of 122 firms that closed at least $1 billion in sales in 2012. BFSIR closed over $1 billion in sales for the first time in 2012.

Briggs Freeman Sotheby’s International Realty is the oldest privately held real estate boutique in Dallas. With five Metroplex offices and 185 associates, the firm specializes in significant properties, from historic to contemporary, and represents all areas of Dallas, from the Park Cities to Southlake. For more information, visit briggsfreeman.com. Also see updatedallas.com for the latest in real estate news. CEO Robbie Briggs independently owns and operates Briggs Freeman Sotheby’s International Realty.

Briggs Freeman Sotheby’s International Realty can help you find a home in the best locations in the Metroplex. Click here to see more luxury homes listed in Dallas-Fort Worth and around the world. Click here to see the latest business news and insight from top Dallas-Fort Worth Realtors.

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Wow! Even after the surge of home sales we saw last week, we see the trend of strong sales numbers continuing on as the summer season approaches.

Here’s a look at some of the top homes sold recently in Dallas through Briggs Freeman Sotheby’s International Realty: 

2525 N Pearl Street 905, sold by Bryan and Amanda Crawford.

3429 Cornell Avenue, sold by Claire Dewar.

3504 Bryn Mawr Drive, sold by Tessa Mosteller and Lucinda Buford.

3521 Dartmouth Avenue, sold by Michelle Wood.

6322 Dykes Way, sold by Ellen Terry and Todd Terry.

4344 San Carlos Drive, sold by Tessa Mosteller and Lucinda Buford.

5239 Edmondson Avenue, sold by Gretchen Brasch and Elly Holder.

5538 Preston Haven Drive, sold by Jenny Wood.

6314 Lavendale Avenue, sold by Christy Berry and Jonathan Rosen.

8504 Chadbourne Road, sold by Becky Frey.

626 N. Windomere Avenue, sold by Jennifer Stolarski.

4502 College Park Drive, sold by Lynn Larson.

5302 Wenonah Drive, sold by Claire Dewar.

5018 W Hanover Avenue, sold by The Eleazer Group.

4416 Mill Creek Road, sold by Katye Sloan and Jeffrey Lester.

4515 Ashford Drive, sold by Martha Miller and Molly Hurt.

4800 Willow Run Court, sold by Jessica Bonanno.

5113 Vandelia Street, sold by Pogir & Pogir.

5131 Boca Raton Drive, sold by Amy Detwiler.

5635 Southwestern Boulevard, sold by The Eleazer Group.

5719 Southwestern Boulevard, sold by Meredith Ferrell.

6027 Shetland Drive, sold by Cherine Hedge and Traci Hummel.

6115 Boca Raton Drive, sold by Jackie & Cory McGuire.

6208 Franwood Terrace, sold by Terry Newton.

6604 Blessing Drive, sold by Elisabeth Queal Davis.

6806 Tulip Lane, sold by Cathy Orr Barton.

6916 Azalea Lane, sold by Martha Miller and Molly Hurt.

7207 Kenny Lane, sold by Betsy Cameron and Janis Wells.

7617 Pebblestone Drive #5, sold by Lee and Ellen Lewis.

11211 Inwood Road, sold by Trey Bounds.

2460 Worthington Street, sold by Lisa Besserer.

2885 Woodside Street #301, sold by Christy Berry.

4223 Southcrest Road, sold by Lee and Ellen Lewis.

4230 Travis Street #16, sold by Adele Broughton.

4414 Cedar Springs Road #208, sold by Bryan and Amanda Crawford.

Click here to see the latest business news and insight from top Dallas-Fort Worth Realtors. Click here to see more luxury homes sold in Dallas-Fort Worth and around the world.

See more Park Cities news on BubbleLife.

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When Victory Healthcare announced this spring it would buy Craig Ranch Hospital as part of its plans for expansion in the Dallas-Fort Worth market, it did more than open up healthcare options for community residents.

It gave a significant boost to the goal to grow commercial, retail and medical at Craig Ranch. As a master-planned community, Craig Ranch aims to create a livable, sustainable community that blends residential, commercial and resort-quality recreational amenities.

Each announcement of a new business locating to Craig Ranch is evidence the strategy is working, said Demian P. Salmon, who handles all commercial business for Craig Ranch.

“We have an ideal setting here for everything from corporate offices to retail operations that want to expand in the Metroplex,” Salmon said. “We’re located in McKinney, one of the fastest-growing cities in the region; we’re 30 minutes from DFW International Airport and not much farther from downtown Dallas and Fort Worth; and our residents love to have shopping and dining close by and healthcare choices right in the neighborhood.”

In 2012, the city of McKinney named 185 acres in Craig Ranch as McKinney’s Corporate Center. Chosen for its highly visible, easily accessible location, amenities and extensive infrastructure, the McKinney Corporate Center at Craig Ranch will be the hub of McKinney business. Craig Ranch also sits at one of Collin County’s primary and busiest crossroads – the four-corner convergence of the cities of Plano, Allen, McKinney and Frisco – making it ideal for businesses.

“Commercial growth in Craig Ranch is a winning idea for both businesses and residents,” Salmon said. “When your neighborhood is also a growing business hub, that means economic stability, convenience to retail, professional office and medical services, and even summer jobs for the kids.”

For more information on living in Craig Ranch contact Christy Berry of Briggs Freeman Sotheby’s International Realty. Phone: 214.693.1600.

Click here to see more luxury homes listed in Dallas-Fort Worth and around the world. Click here to see the latest business news and insight from top Dallas-Fort Worth Realtors.

The post Craig Ranch: The Business of Building a Vibrant Community appeared first on Update The Park Cities - Highland Park & University Park.

Click here to browse the e-magazine and see luxury homes from Sotheby’s International Realty. Special editions of Reside include California, Northeast US, Europe, and Asia editions, which can be found here.

Speaking of incredible kitchens, you can keep up with some of the most luxurious kitchens in Dallas-Fort Worth homes by following us on Pinterest. Check out our Incredible Kitchens pinboard for more!

Here’s a look at 12 extraordinary DFW homes on the market now that have fantastic luxury kitchens:

The Dans Bois Crete Mansion at 9806 Inwood Road in Preston Hollow | Listed by Christy Berry

3204 Beverly Drive in Highland Park | Listed by Judy Sessions and Claire Bailey 

1905 Little Blue Stem Court at the Vaquero in Westlake | Listed by Jeff Watson

3000 Burney Lane in Southlake | Listed by Wynne Moore

3821 Beverly Drive in Highland Park | Listed by The Eleazer Group

505 King Ranch Road in Southlake | Listed by Wynne Moore

6729 Mimosa Lane in Preston Hollow | Listed by Shell Stegall

6955 Lakewood Boulevard in Lakewood | Listed by Judy Sessions and Claire Bailey

3710 Euclid Avenue in Highland Park | Listed by Ginger Nobles and Susan Baldwin

1801 Lantana Court in Southlake | Listed by Wynne Moore

3901 Turtle Creek Boulevard #8 in Uptown/Turtle Creek | Listed by Ellen Terry and Todd Terry

4337 San Carlos Street in University Park | Listed by Ginger Nobles and Susan Baldwin

Click here to see more beautiful homes for sale in the Dallas-Fort Worth area from Briggs Freeman Sotheby’s International Realty.

The post See Sleek Luxury Kitchens in the Latest Reside® Magazine appeared first on Update The Park Cities - Highland Park & University Park.

Six cities in the Metroplex have been rated among the 10 Best Texas Cities for Young Families by nerdwallet.com, a personal finance site that ranks cities for livability.

Earlier this month, the Dallas Morning News ranked the best neighborhoods for families, including: Frisco north of Eldorado Parkway around the Dominion at Panther Creek and Panther Creek Estates; Southlake; Frisco east of Preston Road and north of the Sam Rayburn Tollway — around Stonelake Estates, Hillcrest Estates, Custer Creek Farms, and Estancia at Ridgeview Ranch; McKinney; Flower Mound; Prestonwood in Far North Dallas; University Park; and Frisco west of Stonebriar Mall.

Using data from the U.S. Census Bureau and Greatschools ratings, nerdwallet.com looked at 52 Texas cities and placed these Metroplex locations among the top 10:

(2) Allen – “Allen is affordable, with a growing population, high median household income and rating of 9/10 on Greatschools.  This city is an ideal place for young families to settle down.  The Allen Independent School District is excellent.”

(3) Flower Mound – “Flower Mound is one of the country’s highest earning cities, with 62.8% of households earning over $100,000 per year.  The public schools in the city earned it a 10/10 on Greatschools, making this an ideal city for parents looking for schools where their children will thrive.”

(6) Frisco – “Frisco’s top-notch schools, high median household income and high population growth make it clear that this city is great for young families.  Frisco is home to branches of Equifax, MillerCoors and Oracle.  Frisco’s urban forests have earned it the designation of ‘Tree City USA.’”

(7) McKinney – “McKinney’s excellent school system and high growth rate make this city an appealing option for families looking to settle near The Metroplex.”

(9) Richardson – “The affordable housing and high population growth make this city ideal for young families.  Richardson’s thriving economy is largely due to the fact that it is home to both the University of Texas at Dallas and the Telecom Corridor.”

(10) Carrollton – “This growing city offers plenty to young families.  Carrollton is home to several large employers, including Halliburton Energy Services.  Located just outside of Dallas, Carrollton offers small-town comfort as well as big-city accessibility.”

In determining the scores, nerdwallet.com’s analysts considered three questions: (1) Does the city have a good public school system?; (2) Can you afford to live there?; and (3) Is the city growing and prospering?

Want to know who else made the list? Click here to read the full article and chart. Briggs Freeman Sotheby’s International Realty can help you find a home in one of these top-rated cities. Click here to see more luxury homes listed in Dallas-Fort Worth and around the world. Click here to see the latest business news and insight from top Dallas-Fort Worth Realtors.

The post The Robbie Report: DFW Has Best Texas Cities for Young Families appeared first on Update The Park Cities - Highland Park & University Park.

Click here to see a full list of exceptional luxury homes new on the market now in Dallas-Fort Worth from Briggs Freeman Sotheby’s International Realty. Here is further information on the homes featured in the video above:

3915 Gillon Avenue in Highland Park

This exquisite home reflects the taste and expectations of sophisticated buyers seeking exceptional living. Its clean lines, open spaces, sleek finishes are paired with luxury amenities. To be sold with its custom Furnishings, the home’s classic high-end elements detail timeless interiors. Tranquil beauty is respected in this prime location in one of the most prestigious neighborhoods of Highland Park. Listed by Carol Storey and Clair Storey. 

3901 Turtle Creek Boulevard #8 in Uptown/Turtle Creek

Elegant custom home in gated Place Des Vosges. Stunning three-story wrought iron circular stairway creates an impressive first impression. French limestone and wood flooring. Two bedrooms down, elevator, small yard with tranquil water feature and covered patio. The second level offers an oversized Dining Room with glass front temperature controlled wine storage. Listed by Ellen Terry and Todd Terry.

5441 Emerson Avenue in Highland Park

Chic Texas Modern Home sits on beautiful treed lot. Reconstructed in 2011, this home boasts a light and bright floor plan with sleek and clean finishes. A covered front porch resides under a canopy of mature trees. The front living area has a white quartz ledge stone wrapped fireplace and opens into the kitchen and dining area. A great neighborhood that is close to the best Dallas attractions! Listed by Christopher McGuire and Jackie & Cory McGuire.

8181 Douglas Avenue #320 in Highland Park

Sleek, soft contemporary in sought after Highland Park School District. 3 beds and 3.5 baths completely remodeled with sophisticated finishes. Walls of windows and nice open floor plan with balcony. Exclusive building only has 14 homes with 2 units per floor. Very private, 3 car garage . Must see! Comes furnished or without furnishings. Listed by Lisa Besserer.

5618 Harbor Town Drive in Addison/Far North Dallas

Situated on a gorgeous half-acre lot in Bent Tree North, this incredible contemporary estate boasts over 7,500 square feet with 5 bedrooms and 7.1 baths. The interior is characterized by warm wood-paneled ceilings, designer finishes and expansive spaces. Outside, the pool and spa offer views of the golf course and pond nearby. Listed by Christy Berry.

Click here to see a full list of luxury homes new on the market this week from Briggs Freeman Sotheby’s International Realty.

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