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Broker Robbie Briggs of Briggs Freeman recently joined commercial real estate leaders Newt Walker and Lou Leibowitz to hear AllianceBernstein’s Senior VP Greg Young expound on successes and setbacks in the commercial market.

Undoubtedly, transaction volume has plummeted and delinquencies have spiked over the last two years. Young reported that we have likely seen the worst of property value declines, though the cycle has not yet reached bottom.

After reporting significant challenges, Young called attention to the promising market movement not often conveyed by the media:

• The Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Leading Indicators Index confirms significant improvement since 2009 lows.
• U.S. exports are above the global average and corporations are poised to spend.
• Global mergers and acquisitions have begun to rise once more, pointing to increasing confidence. Young emphasized that the global economy is central to America’s commercial real estate stability.
• Publicly traded companies (REITs) have stronger capital positions and have reduced balance sheet leverage.

Dallas’ commercial market has undeniably experienced both ups and downs. For example, local condo sales have been making a comeback, but developers have not been buying lots.

Accepting the uphill battle ahead, local commercial real estate executives continue to embrace patience and optimism, especially encouraged by the latest global and national activity. Steve Brown of the Dallas Morning News also takes a positive stance: ”The freeze on commercial real estate investment is starting to thaw, and office and industrial leases are rising.”

For the latest real estate updates, follow @UpdateDallas on Twitter.

Briggs Freeman COO Stephanee Bates with JP Morgan Chief Economist Anthony Chan

Average rates for 30-year fixed loans have hit an all-time low of 4.69 percent, down from the previous record of 4.71 percent set this past December.  While housing market activity has slowed partly due to the tax credit expiration, experts predict another boost as buyers take advantage of this unprecedented opportunity.

As reported by the Dallas Business Journal, J.P. Morgan chief economist Anthony Chan strongly encourages an optimistic outlook. Yesterday Chan spoke to real estate professionals from Briggs Freeman Real Estate Brokerage, confirming that the U.S. economy is gradually improving. Chan explained that the residential market has stabilized, and he foresees a 3 percent economic growth during the remainder of 2010.

His consistent concern is the struggling labor market, since real estate performance hinges upon employment. Unfortunately the U.S. average unemployment rate remains high and has been hovering around 9.7 percent. Texas, however, has been graced with an 8.3 percent rate and recently added 43,600 jobs.  More specifically, the jobless rate in Dallas-Fort Worth dropped to 8.1 percent in May, positioning the Metroplex for a speedier housing recovery than much of the nation.

Home prices are not likely to spike dramatically in the next two years, but Chan advises homebuyers to take advantage of the record-low mortgage rates that will soon rise.

For further details, see dallas.bizjournals.com. Also follow @UpdateDallas on Twitter for the latest real estate news.

Dog avenues and cat condos are some of the winsome spaces that will serve as temporary homes for rescue animals at the new planned SPCA facility – badly needed space that will help visitors see clearly the pet they just can’t live without. The large building off of I-30, west of downtown, will take $15 million to renovate, and the Rees-Jones Foundation has pledged a matching grant of $4 million.

Jocelyn White and Tricia Linderman are serving as co-chairs of the “Raise the Roof” committee, which must raise $2 million by the end of September for construction to begin, which will take $6 million. Enjoy images of the renderings – and help raise the roof!  To make donations or read more information about the SPCA and the Rees-Jones gift, visit spca.org.

Mayor Leppert and a select handful gathered at 4343 Beverly for a recent evening reception. A Spanish guitar set the mood as guests mingled and munched throughout the Mediterranean, catching the first glimpse of the home’s impressive craftsmanship.

Newly constructed by Terrasse — a high-end builder founded by Javier Arreola — this energy-efficient manse boasts high-ceilinged rooms that overlook beautiful gardens.

To read details about the home, visit briggsfreeman.com.

Tour today’s best! Especially valuable homes are now listed at unbelievably low prices. Briggs Freeman Real Estate Brokerage invites buyers to browse through the best deals on the market this Sunday, April 11.

To see featured properties and open house times, visit briggsfreeman.com.

Real estate brokers Robbie Briggs and Charles Freeman know Dallas neighborhoods. With Big D heritage that dates back over 100 years, both men have insider information about Dallas’ main attractions, as well as its hidden treasures.

Now it’s time to test your neighborhood knowledge with a fun trivia game, R&C Quest. Each month, Robbie and Charles will be photographed at one of their favorite Dallas destinations. Guess their location correctly, and you could pocket $100 to some of Dallas’ best venues.

Click the image above, and let the games begin!

Dallas real estate agents are reporting positive open house activity over the past several weeks. Coupled with the latest national statistics, this information points toward housing market stability and future growth.

Two weeks ago, LeeLee Gioia and Anne Goyer were somewhat surprised by the constant flow of folks that visited 5808 Falls Road for a Sunday open house. Eager to explore the gorgeous soft contemporary, Dallasites traveled from across the Metroplex – some with an agent, but several on their own.

Because so many people are now researching properties online, they are often incredibly serious shoppers by the time they attend an open house. LeeLee and Anne were both very encouraged by visitors’ genuine interest in their high-end property.

Agent Lisa Besserer recently showcased 9024 Broken Arrow and also reported signs of housing market recovery. The four-bedroom Georgian estate was part of a ‘Great Yards for Easter Egg Hunts’ home tour, which highlighted the property’s lushly landscaped grounds, extensive patio space, and negative-edge pool. Lisa was thrilled to see several “real buyers” rather than casual browsers or drop-by neighbors.

Adding a fresh twist to the traditional open house, Tessa Mosteller and Lucinda Buford have been hosting various shows at their listings. Whether it be jewelry, monogramming, or clothing, each show gives guests a fun reason to step inside a beautiful home. Have they been successful? Most definitely. In fact, the two ladies are displaying little girl dresses tomorrow (4/7) at 4112 Hanover, a light and bright home perfect for spring. For more information, contact Tessa at 214.505.1248.

To sum it up, Dallas agents confirm that consumer confidence has improved significantly, and serious shoppers are back browsing the web, driving the streets, and even taking time to tour the homes.

Click to see this Sunday’s opportunities.

Consider yourself cordially invited to Briggs Freeman’s Welcome-an-Offer Home Tour this Sunday, March 21. Wander through a wonderful assortment of homes…and be sure to bring your offer. Ranging from a magnificent chateau to a one-bedroom condo, this tour is a one of a kind chance to start the negotiations. View a few feature properties below, and then click for the full list. We’ll see you Sunday!

6230 Prestonshire

Opportunity knocks at this 2005 Oscar Ponder Mediterranean, boasting custom finishes, a sweeping staircase and beautiful sight lines. The exceptional backyard features a salt-water pool and spa, outdoor kitchen, and covered patio with fireplace. 5/5.2. $2,795,000. Sandy and Courtney Petruska. 2-4 p.m.

5131 Shadywood Lane

The owners must sell to settle an estate, and they are open to creative offers. There has been a reduction of $2 million from the original asking price. The exquisite new construction is situated on 1.2 acres of beautiful land in coveted Bluffview. 6/8.3. $5,200,000. David Leachman. 3-5 p.m.

1851 Turbeville Road, Denton, TX.

“Champ d’Or” Chateau. This owner is entertaining offers for all lifestyles as well as commercial ventures. Inspired by Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte near Paris, France, this 2002 mansion appears to be a 17th-century masterpiece long settled in its peaceful countryside. It’s also a great business investment: Leaders in economic development have deemed the area ripe for new business. Champ d’Or can serve as a core of amenities for numerous commercial possibilities.

The 25-acre estate comprises the 35,000-square-foot mansion, an adjacent lake, formal gardens, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, and a tennis court. 6/6.8. $27,500,000. Joan Eleazer and Layne Pitzer. By appointment only.

4420 Bordeaux

One of the best opportunities in town for a new country-French estate in the heart of the Highland Park French streets. Built with the finest materials, the home offers a den with a vaulted, beamed ceiling and wood-burning fireplace, a gourmet kitchen, and a luxurious master suite. 6/6.2. $4,999,000. The McGuire Team. 1-3 p.m.

Details and tour times for the additional 13 properties are listed at briggsfreeman.com.

What makes a home historic? According to Katherine Seale, executive director of Preservation Dallas, the answer lies in memories. “Historic houses are wonderful sanctuaries! They are more than just decoration and design; they are witnesses to life’s important moments – kitchen secrets, homework reports, family dinners, and holiday gatherings.  Historic houses are a reflection of hundreds of thousands of memories that just can’t be captured in a new house,” Ms. Seale said. 

Tour the following historic properties – all in the Park Cities – that Briggs Freeman associates are holding open this Sunday from 1 to 3 p.m.:

4405 Belclaire Avenue

Designed in 1938 by Fooshee and Cheek (who designed the Highland Park Village), this elegant home on a 75-foot lot has since been redesigned by Richard Drummond Davis. Within, the five-bedroom, five-and-a-half bath Terrasse home, natural light fills satisfying spaces, defined by wide archways and an easy flow.

4400 Lorraine Avenue

Built in 1935 and respectfully updated, this home is graced with Tudoresque details. Leaded glass windows and half-timbering enhance the white brick façade, which opens to a wide hall and gracious formals. Situated on a wide corner lot, the Terrasse property has three-bedrooms, three-and-a-half-baths and boasts hardwood floors and an updated kitchen.

3606 Lovers Lane

The two-bedroom, two-bath home, situated on a “hidden” lake of which most are unaware, this 1950 mid-century modern home was designed by Todd Dale, an associate of O’Neal Ford’s. Two swans grace the lake waters, filled with bass and catfish. The house is set back on its 150-by-135-foot lot among towering trees. The dining room gives one the feeling of being on a promontory over the water.

3524 Greenbrier Drive

Built in 1938 and steps from Caruth Park, this home boasts timeless charm – and a dining room perfect for Christmas dinner! The first floor comprises a center hall plan, with a downstairs master and a generous family room overlooking the backyard and saltwater pool. We invite you to Visit the four-bedroom, four-bath home with an updated kitchen during the tour.

Click the property photographs for more details about the listing.  To read more about the tour, click here.

The Dallas Business Journal hosted a well-attended Industry Outlook 2010 breakfast and panel discussion at the Westin Galleria Tuesday morning. Moderated by KERA’s Dennis McCuistion, the speaker panel included an impressive group of CEOs from various industries. The overall consensus was that we are fortunate to be in Texas and specifically Dallas. Here is the insight they offered:

Banking:

Elaine Agather said that her bank was lending, but the money was a bit more expensive and many of their clients are more conservative than ever, choosing to remain in cash and waiting for investment opportunities. Her major concerns for 2010 were credit card debt, national debt, and the commercial real estate sector.

Energy:

Jason Few expects that gas prices will remain low, and therefore has no reason to believe that electricity prices will escalate dramatically.  He supports deregulation of his industry, and is confident that Reliant is in a solid position due to technological advances and potential growth in Texas’ nuclear plants.

Pro Sports:

Bill Lively addressed the positive effects that the Super Bowl will have on North Texas’ economy.  Over 280 sponsoring companies have already joined the local effort to make this Super Bowl 2012 the first of many to come.  With Cowboys Stadium’s “50 yard line” location between Dallas and Ft. Worth, Lively foresees that many businesses will benefit from Super Bowl XIV.

Health Care:

Doug Hawthorne astounded the audience with the fact that Texas has the largest uninsured population in the country. Though this issue creates an assortment of problems for Texas hospitals, he reported that Texas Health Resources remains strong.

Retail:

John Menzer spoke positively about Michaels and Aaron Brothers, and is hopeful to keep making modest improvements in 2010. Unemployment certainly has a negative effect on retail, so much of his business’s performance depends on the economy’s continual recovery.

Manufacturing:

A producer of pumps and valves for the energy sector, Mark Blinn does 70% of his business outside of the U.S. in markets such as China and India.  He predicts a positive future for Flowserve, since many foreign countries are beginning to modernize their plants.

While none of the panel speakers were exuberant about the economy in 2010, each had a positive attitude and spoke with a bright glimmer of hope.