Dallas Dirt

Join Candy Evans on Dallas Dirt as she interviews John Corona, founder and CEO of Associa, the largest home management firm in North America. Discover how John started his company right out of college, the challenges he faced, and the classeslearned along the way. The discussion covers the importance of community in real estate, the role of HOAs, and the impact of technology and AI in property management. Learn about Associa's commitment to quality, employee training, and maintaining high standards across their numerous communities.

On this episode of Dallas Dirt, host Candy Evans engages with Phillip Huffines, President and CEO co-owner of Huffines Communities, to discuss his journey from selling fireworks to becoming a notable figure in North Texas real estate development. Huffines provides a candid look into building communities, addressing challenges, and understanding the nuances of the real estate industry.One candid take — Huffines said that city regulations and impact fees — are one-time charges levied by local governments on new development projects to help fund capital improvements and facility expansions necessitated by the growth like roads, schools, police and fire, and parks — can add as much as $30,000 to the price of a home. This episode of Dallas Dirt offers a closer look at the complexities of real estate development through the lens of Phillip Huffines. The discussion underscores the interplay of regulations, market forces, and community planning in shaping North Texas's housing landscape.

On this episode of Dallas Dirt, host Candy Evans takes listeners on a journey to the Texas Gulf Coast to discover Cinnamon Shore, a premier vacation home community in Port Aransas, Texas, with mother-and-daughter team Lee Ann Peters and Jodi Peters. At this luxury vacation rental and homeowner community on Mustang Island, palm trees line the sidewalks and bright flora dot the community, Learn about Cinnamon Shore's unique charm, its inspiration from Florida's 30A, and how it has grown into a sought-after destination for Texans. The Peters share their journey from Atlanta to Texas, and the coastal lifestyle at Cinnamon Shore, including walkable neighborhoods, top-notch amenities, and sustainable building practices. The episode highlights the community's development phases, the impact of events like Hurricane Harvey and COVID-19, and future growth plans, all while maintaining the quaint, seaside village feel of Port Aransas.

On this episode of Dallas Dirt, host April Towery sat down with members of a grassroots coalition to bring affordable housing solutions to the spotlight — Bryan Tony, organizing board chair of the Dallas Housing Coalition, and Ashley Brundage, board chair and CEO of Dallas-Area Habitat for Humanity. The Dallas Housing Coalition was formed back in June 2023, when more than 75 grassroots organizations joined forces to convince the Dallas City Council to allot $200 million for housing in the 2024 bond election. Ultimately, voters approved $82M across three propositions and the Coalition has grown to more than 245 organizations and individuals.Tony presented a stark picture of the housing deficit, citing data from the Child Poverty Action Lab and other research institutions. The studies reveal a shortfall of nearly 40,000 housing units for families earning less than 50% of the area median income — a gap that continues to drive housing costs upwards. Brundage echoed the need for diverse housing options to cater to all income levels and individuals at various life stages. "We have to create more housing," she said.

In this episode of Dallas Dirt, host April Towery sat down with Jamee Jolly, President and CEO of The Real Estate Council (TREC), to discuss the unique dynamics of Dallas's commercial real estate market, the importance of community involvement, and TREC's role in shaping the city's future.Jolly, who took the reigns at TREC just two and a half months ago, returns to the organization after a stint at Uptown Dallas Inc. TREC stands as a trade association for commercial real estate in North Texas, representing developers, banks, title companies, and more. She explains the role of TREC, its symbiotic relationship with the City of Dallas, and why digital kiosks on sidewalks are just a bad idea.

On this episode of Dallas Dirt, host Candy Evans sat down with Dallas City Councilmember Omar Narvaez to dive into some of the biggest developments shaping the city. From game-changing transportation projects to innovative urban planning, Narvaez shared his perspective on what’s driving Dallas forward and the challenges that come with growth.High-Speed Rail: Bridging Dallas and HoustonOne of the standout topics was the high-speed rail project, a transformative initiative Narvaez says could reshape the region. “Dallas has accomplished something no other city in Texas has,” he said, pointing to how the city is learning from Japan’s successful transportation-oriented developments.The rail line aims to connect Dallas and Houston with a fast, efficient, and environmentally friendly option, slashing commute times and easing traffic. “We’re talking about taking 12,000 vehicles off I-45 daily,” Narvaez said, noting that the electric trains will deliver zero emissions. “It’s going to be a game-changer.”Urban Growth and Green SpaceNarvaez also highlighted urban development projects and efforts to expand green spaces. Dallas now boasts the top park system in Texas, a designation bolstered by projects like Klyde Warren Park’s expansion. “We secured federal funding for it, and now other cities are looking at us as the blueprint,” he said.On housing, Narvaez called for changes to state laws to support more diverse and sustainable options like condominiums. “We need to build denser and smarter,” he explained, emphasizing the importance of infrastructure upgrades to meet the demands of a growing population.Narvaez envisions Dallas as not just a city keeping pace with innovation but one setting the standard for urban living. “We’re at the top of our game,” he said. “And we’re just getting started.”

In this episode of Dallas Dirt, host Candy Evans sits down with Leo Amaya, Vice President of Crescent Estates Custom Homes, to explore the allure and evolution of luxury homes in Dallas. They discuss standout projects like the Crespi Estates and the Julian, as well as the market trends driving demand, including multi-generational living and the meticulous details that set these custom homes apart.If you're not familiar with Crescent Estates, you no doubt know its parent company, Centurion American, known for transformative projects like the Cabana Hotel, the Statler, and the Collin Creek Mall redevelopment. However, Crescent Estates focuses on crafting custom-built homes—many of which have been spotlighted on CandysDirt.com.Highlights03:47 Starting a Career in Real Estate06:23 Crescent Estates Custom Homes: Current Projects07:45 The Crespi Estates: A Historical Gem11:06 Designing Luxury Homes: The Details Matter16:36 Who's Eyeing This House?17:19 Generational Homes: The New Trend20:16 Real Estate Market Predictions22:11 Turtle Creek and Uptown Developments23:29 The Julian: A Luxury Highrise

 This episode of Dallas Dirt is seemingly a little different. Lately, we've been interviewing real estate leaders, city council members, and real estate developers, but our guest this week is John Botefuhr — an East Dallas resident who's been on several citizen advisory boards for projects spanning from Vision Garland Road to a Deep Ellum TIF. On this episode, John discusses some of the housing density issues that face Dallas and shares why he thinks all this contention led to a better-educated citizenship in Dallas. 

On this episode of Dallas Dirt, Candy Evans sat down with Carolyn Rosson, President and CEO of the Ebby Halliday Companies, the largest brokerage in Texas. This episode dives into Carolyn's inspiring rise from agent to CEO, her experiences under the mentorship of Ebby Halliday, and how she continues to elevate her agents in today's market. Learn the importance of community engagement, mentorship, and local knowledge in real estate. Discover how tailored training programs, mastermind groups, and educational events like the EHC Summit foster agent success. 

In a recent episode of Dallas Dirt, host April Towery sat down with Paul Ridley, the District 14 Dallas City Councilman, to unpack the newly approved ForwardDallas comprehensive land use plan, why Dallas needs more housing — of all kinds, and his plans for re-election. 

In this episode of Dallas Dirt, Candy Evans sits down with Abteen Vaziri, founder and CEO of Uptown Companies Incorporated, and a recent New York transplant on a mission to transform Dallas's real estate landscape. Vaziri's explains the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program, designed to stimulate the U.S. economy through job creation and capital investment by foreign investors. Vaziri also discusses the dynamic between public and private sectors in fostering real estate growth. He highlights successful models of public-private partnerships like the resurgence of the Statler Hotel project that benefitted from multiple funding sources, including EB-5 financing and historical tax credits.

 Join Candy Evans on this episode of Dallas Dirt as she interviews the dynamic real estate duo, Brit Ewers and Zach Staats of the Ewers team. Specializing in Las Colinas, Irving, and Dallas, Britt and Zach share their journey of real estate mastery, from their beginnings to their innovative marketing strategies. Discover insights into the transformation of Las Colinas and the Dallas Medical District, the appeal of townhomes, and the booming amenities in these communities. Plus, learn valuable tips on maintaining client relationships and hear about the Ewers team's exciting projects and personal pursuits in the Dallas area. 

 Dallas Dirt Host Candy Evans engages with Elizabeth Beck, District 9 Fort Worth City Council representative, and Wes Hoblit, Managing Director of the Fort Worth Master Plan office. The discussion highlights Fort Worth's burgeoning real estate market, the impact of the DFW airport, the challenges of urban planning, responding to rapid population growth, and the importance of maintaining housing affordability. Beck and Hoblit also emphasize the efficiency of Fort Worth’s permitting process compared to Dallas, and discuss the city's strategic initiatives, including a new land trust and transit projects like the Tex Rail extension. The episode underscores Fort Worth's appeal as a livable city with diverse housing options, historical significance, and future developments like Panther Island. 

 In this episode of Dallas Dirt, host April Towery sits down with District 9 Councilwoman Paula Blackman to discuss the latest happenings at City Hall. Topics include the recent bond election results and their impact on White Rock Lake and District 9, the comprehensive land use plan ForwardDallas 2.0, homelessness initiatives, the city's Vision Zero plan to reduce traffic fatalities, and the city manager search. Blackman also shares insights into budgeting priorities and ongoing projects aimed at improving the community.  

Wondering what's been happening with the torn-down Valley View Center? It’s been a year and a half since an early morning fire there at Preston and 635 accelerated the developer Scott Beck’s timeline for demolition. Host April Towery sat down with Beck, the CEO of Beck Ventures, for an update and a better understanding of the property's tumultuous development timeline.Beck discusses the development of Dallas Midtown, formerly known as Valley View Mall, which aims to create a walkable mixed-use neighborhood with high-rise buildings and additional tax base for the city. Beck explains the challenges faced during the demolition of the mall, including asbestos issues and homeless encampments. He also addresses the issue of affordable housing in the district and the importance of starting with market-rate apartments to drive density and retain population within the city.

 In this episode of Dallas Dirt, we delve into the development of Fields, a 2,500-acre property in North Texas, with special guests Lee Osteguin and Grady Yates from Ebby Halliday Realtors. The conversation explores the ambitious vision for Frisco’s growth, the luxurious amenities within Fields Frisco, and the exclusive gated community known as The Preserve. Lee and Grady also discuss the significant involvement of the Hunt family and Hunt Companies in this transformative project, which promises to elevate high-end living in the region. 

 Host Candy Evans sat down with Fred Balda, President of Hillwood Communities, for this episode of Dallas Dirt to discuss housing en masse, particularly their new developments at Harvest, Tree Line, and Landmark. The Fort Worth-based Perot company specializes in master-planned communities, which include signature developments like AllianceTexas, Circle T Ranch, and Frisco Station. 

Every time a contentious zoning case goes before the Dallas City Council, Dallas City Plan Commissioner Melissa Kingston has already seen it, likely heard from angry citizens about it, and voted on it. In this episode of Dallas Dirt, host April Towery sat down with Kingston to discuss ForwardDallas and give a look behind the scenes of how the City Plan Commission works. The episode, which was recorded in May, comes on the heels of many highly contentious neighborhood meetings, where factions have formed. Kingston shares her take on these pro-neighborhood and pro-housing parties that have been a vocal minority of voting Dallas homeowners, what city staff have done, and what some possible solutions are.

The City of Dallas' largest-ever bond package passed in May 2024, but what happens now? Jenny Nicewander, Director of the City of Dallas Office of Bond and Construction Management joins host April Towery on this episode of Dallas Dirt to discuss next steps, that massive police training facility, and why these millions of dollars won't fix your potholes.

In this conversation, Candy Evans and JP Piccinini discuss the recent NAR settlement and its impact on real estate agents. They touch on topics such as the high commissions charged by agents, the need for more professionalism in the industry, and the importance of education and training for agents. They also discuss the role of real estate associations, the value of using a full-time agent, and the potential for major changes in the real estate industry.

How does a Realtor survive such a landmark case as the National Association of Realtors class action lawsuit? Work harder, says Jim Fite, President and CEO of Century 21 Judge Fite Realty. The veteran shares his insights on the history of real estate and the current lawsuits affecting the industry. Plus, the long-time broker emphasizes the importance of communication and training for real estate professionals and highlights the fiduciary relationship between agents and clients.

In this episode of Dallas Dirt, city hall editor April Towery sat down with Council Member Adam Balzaldua to discuss homelessness, the controversial Forward Dallas, and the challenges his southern Dallas district faces.

On this episode of Dallas Dirt, host Candy Evans sat down with New Leaf Custom Homes founder Scott Powell to offer an insightful look at the custom home building process. A native of Lake Highlands, Powell and his wife Melissa are the youthful driving forces behind the success of New Leaf Custom Homes in North Texas.He discusses the challenges of finding lots in Dallas and the trend of remodeling homes. Powell emphasizes the need for proper planning and design upfront to manage budgets and avoid costly changes later on. He also talks about the integration of their pool company and the benefits of having in-house designers and architects. 

Brent Jackson, founder of HiFab Homes, joins the Dallas Dirt podcast to discuss an innovative solution to affordable housing — high-quality, efficient, and well-designed modular homes. Headquartered in Grand Prairie, HiFab Homes has collaborated with Lake | Flato, the San Antonio-based architectural firm known for sustainable and modern design, to create these factory-produced homes. HiFab Homes prioritizes speed and design, with homes being built in 21 days on the line and 45 days in the field. HiFab Homes aims to reduce waste and environmental impact in the construction industry.

On this episode of Dallas Dirt, the conversation revolves around office conversions in commercial real estate. It's no secret that office buildings across the country are sitting half-vacant, but this trio of an architect, a commercial real estate broker, and a land use consultant says adaptive reuse is the answer. Join host Candy Evans as she sits down with Founding Principle of Vision Architecture Studio Kevin Wallace, President of Metcalfe Commercial Realty Tom Metcalfe, and Masterplan President Dallas Cothrum to discuss how the commercial office sector can learn from lessons from retail post-2008 and how these office conversions to residential can help answer the call for middle-sector housing.

Fresh off federal income tax season comes your local appraisal board notices and inevitable property taxes. On this episode of Dallas Dirt, host Candy Evans sat down with founder and CEO of propertytax.io Glenn Goodrich to get a handle on how and why your home is appraised. They discuss the surprising ways appraisal districts assess a home's value and how to protest it.

Yes, another episode about Forward Dallas. On this Dallas Dirt, guest host April Towery spoke to one of the committee members who helped draft the controversial Forward Dallas, the comprehensive land use plan that is seemingly turning residents against the city. Opponents have accused the city staff of having an agenda, but guest Nathaniel Barrett points out it was the Comprehensive Land Use Committee that made the recommendations that seem to have upset active homeowners in affluent Preston Hollow and nearby single-family neighborhoods.

Your kids have taken field trips here. Probably, you did too. But the future of the city's oldest park and collection of late-1800s buildings is uncertain. Come May 26, Old City Park will change hands from the Dallas County Heritage Society to the City of Dallas Parks and Recreation department. In this episode of Dallas Dirt, senior columnist Karen Eubank sat down with Dallas County Heritage Society CEO Michael Meadows to understand what happened to the park's beloved donkeys Willie and Waylon, why the park was losing hundreds of thousands of dollars, and what's possible for this Dallas park.

Parks may seem like a luxury, but what value do city parks bring? In this episode of Dallas Dirt, April Towery asks Rudy Karimi, the District 14 Parks and Recreation Board member for the City of Dallas, that question on the heels of a massive $345 million bond package proposed to voters."World-class cities prioritize parks," Karimi said. They discuss the importance of parks for the city's development, the recently approved bond package for parks, which will go before Dallas voters on May 4, 2024, and the public engagement process for a proposed skate park in Dallas. They also touch on the master plan for Old City Park, opportunities for combining parks with housing, and upcoming upgrades to recreation centers. 

If you live in Dallas, you may not know about the Forward Dallas land use plan, but you’ve probably heard the rumor about that “zoning thing that will allow apartment buildings in single-family neighborhoods.” On this episode of the Dallas Dirt podcast, we bust that myth and several others about this city planning initiative, and trace down the source of confusion.CandysDirt.com Dallas City Hall Editor April Towery sits down with Interim Director of Planning + Urban Design Andrea Gilles and Chief Planner Patrick Blaydes to discuss what’s become a controversial land use plan titled “Forward Dallas.”

“Did someone die in this house,?” is a natural curiosity question. If it’s an old home, the answer is yes. But what exactly is it that scares people from buying a so-called "murder home"? Tune in to this episode of the Dallas Dirt podcast, where guest host Shelby Skrhak discusses true crime and murder homes with Dallas Realtors Heather Guild and Elena Richey. As longtime friends, Heather and Elena look at true crime through a real estate lens as hosts of their Crime Estate podcast. They share how to disclose that a death has taken place on site and offer do's and don'ts for staging a so-called "murder home." Shelby dives into details of some of Dallas's most notorious murder homes, including the Rowlett home where convicted murderer Darlie Routier killed her two sons, and the Wylie home where Candy Montgomery was acquitted of slashing her friend Betty Gore with an axe. Fans of true crime will want to tune into this real estate-focused episode.

When your name is Dallas, you root for the city,' but Dallas is losing people to the suburbs because of politics, says Dallas real estate consultant Dallas Cothrum. The land use expert calls out poor practices by city councils past, highlighting the Trinity East natural gas drilling controversy and its lasting impact on Dallas in this packed episode of the Dallas Dirt podcast with Candy Evans.

In this Dallas Dirt podcast, Candy Evans discusses estate jewelry with Lyn Skibell, owner of Skibell Fine Jewelry. They explore repurposing inherited jewelry, emphasizing the sentimental value and creative possibilities of turning something that’s not your style into something you love. The conversation also touches on the importance of updated jewelry appraisals for insurance and highlights the current trend of individuality in jewelry preferences. 

Dallas City Council Member Chad West joins CandyDirt.com City Hall Editor April Towery for a frank discussion on the lack of affordable housing in Dallas. West calls out a "shady" meeting, and discusses priorities for an upcoming city bond — a hot topic being debated among the council right now. 

The world of Dallas real estate is ever-evolving, and staying at the forefront requires insights from industry leaders. Dallas Dirt did a deep dive into the real estate landscape in Dallas versus Austin with Jerry Mooty, the CEO and principal of Texas @properties Christie’s International Real Estate Office. In this interview, Mooty discusses the launch of @properties Christie's International Real Estate, its growth in Austin, the company's new Sports and Entertainment division, and what athletes are looking for in Dallas real estate. Host Candy Evans also touched on Mooty's familial connection to the Dallas Cowboys and Jerry Jones, and asked Mooty for his personal opinions on the Dallas real estate market for 2024. 

Join Tam Pham, a seasoned general contractor and visionary founder of “Steel Toe Stiletto”, as she shares insights into the art and science of preserving Dallas' most neglected historic homes.“I’ve proven over and over that I can take a shanty and turn it into a show house,” Pham says.From navigating stringent preservation guidelines to overcoming structural intricacies, Pham’s expertise shines as she discusses the delicate dance between preserving the past and embracing modern functionality.“I think every old home deserved to be saved,” Pham says.

Dallas mortgage banker, Lisa Peters of Cardinal, financial offers inside or tips for securing the best mortgage rate for your home, cleaning up your credit report, and a surprising source of free money from the government. Host Candy Evans, and Peters gab about the surprising growth areas in Dallas Fort Worth And offer perspective as long time Dallas residents On this episode of Dallas Dirt. You’ll learn a few things from this conversational episode. 

Hear the biggest Realtor marketing do’s and don’ts from Remington Reece, Creative Director for Texas powerhouse brokerage Ebby Halliday Companies. Learn why you should allocate a portion of your marketing budget to experimenting with new ideas, how to impart credibility with design, and why you should never market yourself as “trustworthy.” Join us for this thought-provoking conversation that will reshape your approach to Realtor marketing in Dallas.

In this episode of Dallas Dirt, host Candy Evans sits down with a rising star of the real estate scene, Darwin Stephens, and explores the nuances of real estate without the traditional hard sell. Candy dives deep into Darwin's approach, unraveling the secrets behind his ability to connect with clients authentically. Discover the art of selling without the pressure, as Darwin opens up about building meaningful relationships, understanding client needs, and navigating the real estate landscape with finesse.Tune in to gain valuable insights into the mind of a real estate professional who has mastered the balance between professionalism and approachability. Whether you're a seasoned agent looking for fresh perspectives or someone considering a career in real estate, this episode offers a wealth of wisdom from a trailblazer in the field.

Join host Candy Evans in an exclusive interview that goes beyond the Bravo screen as she sits down with Real Housewives of Dallas star, D'Andra Simmons, and her Realtor, Christine McKenny. In this episode, discover the inside scoop on the stunning Highland Park home that's capturing the spotlight in the Dallas real estate scene.Candy delves into the details of the property's unique features, its rich history, and the personalized touches that make it a true gem. From the elegant interiors to the luxurious amenities, get a firsthand look at what makes this residence a standout in the prestigious Highland Park neighborhood.