Video courtesy of Briggs Freeman Sotheby’s International Realty.

Click here to find Memorial Day Weekend events in DFW.

3204 Beverly Drive in Highland Park | Open 2:00-3:30

Strikingly unique home with tasteful Spanish and Mediterranean influences built-in 2002 is situated on one of Highland Park’s most prestigious streets. Designed by architects Boerders-Snyder with open floor plans featuring very high ceilings, wood floors, 2 beautiful courtyards, and an unbelievable Tuscan kitchen. Listed by Judy Sessions and Claire Bailey.

6630 Waggoner Drive in Preston Hollow | Open 2:00-4:00

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. 

6543 Woodland Drive in Preston Hollow | Open 2:00-4:00

This meticulous Terry Woldt home sits on a low maintenance lot in scenic Preston Hollow Park and all the features of sophisticated and convenient living– a huge master downstairs, gourmet kitchen, and guest bedroom suite with additional back kitchen, formals and outdoor screened porch with fireplace. Listed by Ilene Christ and Nancy Parks Uhrbrock.

1334 El Patio Drive in Lakewood | Open 1:00-3:00

Located in the heart of Lakewood, this home features many updates since its original construction in 2004. This Hill Country traditional has a downstairs master with an amazing open floor plan on the first floor. French doors lead out to massive covered porch and patio. The half-acre lot offers magnificent front and back yards. Listed by Andy Slowe.

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.

They wonder: Will I find the home that’s right for me? Will even have that many homes from which to choose? When will this low-inventory issue end?

Given the fast pace of the spring market, the answer, alas, isn’t crystal clear. But we asked the expert agents at Briggs Freeman Sotheby’s International Realty what prospective homebuyers might expect to see in the coming months. Here’s what they had to say.

Q: When will the low-inventory trend reverse, bringing more homes on the market?

Becky Frey

A: In the Metroplex, we just need to make it through the spring home-buying crush. Usually, the inventory begins to stack up a bit in the summer months, and we tend to have leftover summer inventory to add to the influx of new fall listings. Buyers should have more options when the weather starts to cool down – that has been my experience in my 30 years selling real estate in and around Dallas. 214.536.4727 | bfrey@briggsfreeman.com | beckyfrey.com

Susie Ryan

A: The low-inventory situation is like the chicken and the egg. The problem is that there’s nothing up the chain for current homeowners to buy should they sell their home. We have a client who has a house they can sell for $1.6 million, and they want to move up the $2 million range. However, there’s nothing on the market, or suitable homes sell before they hit the market. But that’s the job of an agent – to ferret out what is out there. 214.957.6886 | sryan@briggsfreeman.com | susieandpeteryan.com

Jonathan Rosen

A: It’s really a waiting game at this point. Many homeowners in the Metroplex are waiting for their home values to return to pre-recession values before they try to sell. With the market as tight as it is now, we’re inching toward those levels in some neighborhoods. And, though we’re starting to see more homes hit the market here and there, I’m not sure when we will see inventory levels rise to a healthy, six-month supply. 214.927.1313 | jrosen@briggsfreeman.com | jonathangrosen.com

Tom Hughes

A: Right now, we’re going through a period of high demand for homes. Because of recent positive economic news, buyers are there in all price points. Once many of these transactions close, I believe inventory will rise as others see how their property values have risen. The continuation of increasing home prices will convince more homeowners to put their properties on the market. We are beginning to see inventory increase slightly, attributed to homeowners seeing values rise. Hopefully by the fall we will see a more balanced inventory. 214.649.3323 | thughes@briggsfreeman.com

Briggs Freeman Sotheby’s International Realty is Dallas’ luxury real estate leader, with more than 190 agents in five offices located throughout the Metroplex and access to the global Sotheby’s network, including more than 11,000 agents in 600 offices worldwide. For more information on escapes and second homes, ranch and land, and luxury homes in the Dallas-Fort Worth region and beyond, go to briggsfreeman.com.

Agents at Briggs Freeman Sotheby’s International Realty agree that an accurate property value appraisal is important not only for tax purposes but also for setting a price for your home when you list it.

Once you have received your appraisal notice in the mail, you must file a written notice of protest with your local appraisal review board indicating you are dissatisfied with the appraisal before June 1 or 30 days after the notice was mailed, whichever is later.

“Property owners have the right to protest if they disagree with any appraisal district action on their property,” Combs said. “My office offers online resources to help taxpayers understand their rights under the law and work their way through the process.”

Many county appraisal districts provide an informal meeting where taxpayers can sit down one on one with an appraiser and discuss the value of their property. A great majority of disputes are settled during this process. Even if you hope to resolve your concerns at the informal meeting with the county appraisal district staff, you still must file your written notice of protest with the appraisal review board by the deadline.

Here are examples of what you can protest:

• Excessive value: if you believe the county appraisal district’s value on your property is too high.
• Unequal appraisal: if you believe the county appraisal district appraised your property at a higher proportion of its value than a representative sample of comparable properties.
• Failure to grant exemptions: if the chief appraiser denied your exemption application.
• Failure to provide notice: if the county appraisal district failed to provide a notice that is required by law.

The comptroller’s office has helpful videos on how to present your case at an appraisal review board hearing. They can be found here.

Briggs Freeman Sotheby’s International Realty is Dallas’ luxury real estate leader, with more than 190 agents in five offices located throughout the Metroplex and access to the global Sotheby’s network, including more than 11,000 agents in 600 offices worldwide. For more information on escapes and second homes, ranch and land, and luxury homes in the Dallas-Fort Worth region and beyond, go to briggsfreeman.com.

From DFW Style Daily:

NorthPark Center:

Location Details Here

Banana Republic: 35% off entire purchase. See store associate for details.

Express: 40% off all items. See a store associate for details.

Gap: Up to 40% off select styles.

H&M: 20% off one item.

Ted Baker London: 30% off storewide.

The Limited: 40% off everything in store.

Henri Bendel: $25 off every $150 purchase.

Mockingbird Station:

Location Details Here

Relativity Outdoors: Buy one item, get one item of equal or lesser value 50% off.

Movida: 30% off select items.

West Village: 

Location Details Here

Banana Republic: 35% off purchase.

Gap: 40% off purchase.

Lucky Brand: Additional 40% off sale items.

Rye 51: 20% off everything in store.

Accents: Buy one item, get the 2nd item 40% off.

Club Monaco: Additional 30% off sale merchandise.

L.Bartlett: 30 – 50% off spring merchandise, and 10% of proceeds go to the Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund through Saturday, May 25th.

Indigo: 20% off select jewelry.

Optique: 20% off all sunglasses.

Kendra Scott: Additional 15% off all sale items.

Epic Apparel: 20% off all swimwear and 25% off all summer items. Additional discounts on sale items.

LOFT: Select summer items $25 and under.

Dallas Boutiques:

Click links below for individual store location details.

Hemline: 20 – 50% off select items, through Saturday, May 25th.

Piermarini: 10% of sales benefit Miracle Players Foundation.

Tootsies: Extra 25% off all sale items.

Ditto Boutique: 25% off everything in store, plus an extra 25% off sale items.

Krimson & Klover:  Markdowns from $5 – $20 off, plus free earrings with purchase of $100 or more.

Uptown Consignment: 75% off select items, through Thursday, May 30th.

Melanie Gayle: 10% off one item, 15% off two items, and 20% off three items or more, apparel only.

Click here to see the original article on DFW Style Daily.

See more DFW Memorial Day events here.

Let your voice be heard and your glass be full at the Dallas Margarita Meltdown in Bishop Arts on Sunday, May 26 where some of Dallas best margarita-serving restaurants will go head to head for the title of Best Margarita.

Participating Restaurants: Meso Maya, The Rustic, Whiskey Cake, La Duni, Urban Taco, Mutts, El Fenix, Boulevardier, The Standard Pour and more.”

Click here to see more info on You + Dallas.

In her article, she interviews Briggs Freeman Sotheby’s International Realty agent Christy Berry:

Christy Berry, an agent at Briggs Freeman Sotheby’s International Realty in Dallas, uses the word “cozy” in about 5 percent of her listings. She says she doesn’t use it to illustrate space. Rather, she uses it to describe the home’s character and décor. “Cozy almost means small, and we don’t have small. Everything is bigger in Texas,” she says. “In Plano or McKinney, if you use the word ‘cozy,’ that would be a negative. You’d think, ‘Oh, my gosh, that’s very small.’ “

Read on:

In Dallas, homes described as cozy have a median size of 1,517 square feet. That’s 62 percent larger than the size of homes described as cozy in New York City, with a median size of 936 square feet.

“Cozy is one of those words that means very different things in different markets. Cozy in Texas is not what’s cozy in San Francisco,” says Jed Kolko, chief economist at Trulia, a real-estate website.

An analysis by Trulia shows that the Fort Worth-Arlington and Dallas-Plano-Irving areas are in the top five in the nation for the biggest definition of “cozy.” Home listings with the word “cozy” in them in those areas have a median square footage of about 1,500 square feet in those areas.

Click here to read the full article from the Wall Street Journal.

Briggs Freeman Sotheby’s International Realty is Dallas’ luxury real estate leader, with more than 190 agents in five offices located throughout the Metroplex and access to the global Sotheby’s network, including more than 11,000 agents in 600 offices worldwide. For more information on escapes and second homes, ranch and land, and luxury homes in the Dallas-Fort Worth region and beyond, go to briggsfreeman.com.

North Dallas / Preston Hollow

5506 Deloache Avenue – NEW PRICE | POOL | Outdoor Living Area

6529 Aberdeen Avenue in North Dallas / Preston Hollow  - Pool | Outdoor Living Area

Upon arriving at 6529 Aberdeen your are greeted by a stunning French style custom built home. This beautiful Preston Hollow home offers beauty, quality, comfortable living, clean lines and location. The impressive arched entry hall and beautiful hardwoods invite you in for a treat. The beautiful arches carries into the generously sized formals and lead you through a galley to the family room and wonderful kitchen. The light filled family room with french doors overlooking the covered patio and sparkling pool is at the heart of the home. The stoned fireplace and built-ins create a cozy atmosphere for relaxing. Listed by Shelley Koeijmans.

6729 Mimosa Lane –  Outdoor Living Area

Beautiful traditional with quality finishes. Kitchen and breakfast open to main living areas & lush outdoor spaces featuring waterfall and Koi Pond. Gracious dining rm with fireplace. The perfect family rm with fireplace & wall of windows to backyd. Master suite(down) overlooks backyard, with large Calif Closets. Study down. Additional bedrooms and game room up. Handsome wood Floors, high ceilings, deep crown moldings, granite surfaces, a cook’s kitchen.  Listed by Shell Stegall.

4445 College Park Drive - Outdoor Living Area

Stunning Contemporary with quality and design. Clean lines and natural light. Single level updated home in Hockaday Square Neighborhood. Museum finished walls, electric blinds with hardwoods throughout. Gourmet kitchen with all stainless steel appliances and butler’s pantry. Master retreat with spa bathroom. Media room with bar area. Open floor plan for entertaining and art collecting. Standing seam metal roof. Specimen Live Oaks and quality landscaping. This home emotes sophistication and function. Walking distance to the Northaven Trail and the Town North YMCA. Listed by Kate Mote

Highland Park / University Park

3525 Dartmouth Avenue in Highland Park – New Price

This gracious custom French home, designed by Larry Boerder and built by George Lewis, has been meticulously updated. Quality and charm exude throughout this exceptional home, from the lovely stucco exterior and beautifully-landscaped grounds, to the inviting entry with views to the back yard. Listed by Michelle Wood.

6315 Westchester Drive in University Park – New Price

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.

4630 Edmondson Avenue in West Highland Park – New Price

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. A terrific home in a great neighborhood! Listed by Susan Matusewicz.

5441 Emerson Avenue in Highland Park – New Price

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.

4434 Gloster Road in North Dallas / Preston Hollow  – Outdoor Living Area

Spectacular setting on this expanded 1950 ranch style home. Beautiful back yard and pool. Flexible layout with 3 living areas, a study and 4 bedrooms, two of which could be master suites. Just a few decorative touches will complete the well-located Manchester Place property.

Listed by Elly Holder and Gretchen Brasch.

Visit briggsfreeman.com for more great luxury homes for summer in Dallas and beyond.

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

See more Park Cities news on BubbleLife.  

This fantastic estate Located in the heart of TCU and the Colonial:

3301 Avondale Street

Rare opportunity to live on one of the most desirable streets in Fort Worth! 2 story home with pool, exquisite 1,020 SF guest house with living area, bedroom and bath. The primary home has 2 living areas, three bedrooms, two and 1/2 baths and an additional room upstairs which could be used for an office. Kitchen opens to the family room which overlooks the pool and outdoor area. Listed by John Zimmerman.

These other communities in DFW also offer fantastic opportunities for golf course living:

TPC Craig Ranch

With beautiful homes centered around a community dedicated to healthy living, residents of the TPC Craig Ranch  in McKinney spend their days outside enjoying a full array of events and activities. Homes at Craig Ranch combine sophisticated living with endless opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors, including the TPC Craig Ranch golf course.

Named one of the top seven master-planned communities in DFW by MetroStudy, Craig Ranch includes homes for every stage of life, spanning up to luxury residences at 17 Green and The Estates. Homes are built around the TPC Craig Ranch´s rolling hills, the on-site, state-of-the-art Cooper Fitness Center and Spa, trails for running and cycling, as well as unique facilities for triathlete training, and popular playing fields. Luxury homeowners receive access and memberships to both the golf course and the fitness center.

5724 Settlement Way

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.

5804 Settlement Way

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.

The Vaquero

This outstanding community in Westlake, with 300 residences and lots, has become home to many business executives and professionals who enjoy its proximity to the Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport and the convenience of being just 30 minutes from downtown Dallas and downtown Fort Worth.

With a 24-hour attended entrance, Vaquero is a great place to raise a family and enjoy peace of mind when traveling. Westlake offers great opportunities for children, including the nationally ranked, town-owned Westlake Academy. 

1905 Little Blue Stem Court

Beautifully crafted details compliment quality construction of this Simmons Estate Homes house in Vaquero golf community. Over 10,000 square feet, this home features 5 large bedrooms with media room, office, multiple playrooms and well-appointed outdoor living spaces. Open yard space of over a half-acre is perfect for kids and pets. Listed by Jeff Watson

2104 Cedar Elm Terrace

Exquisite French Estate located in the Gated/Guarded Golf Course Community, Vaquero. Enjoy views of court yards, golf course, or the pool from virtually every room in the home. On the 4th hole of the Tom Fazzio designed golf course and situated to not only maximize views, but to also eliminate stray balls. Listed by Wynne Moore.

See briggsfreeman.com for more luxury homes in DFW’s top communities.

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

NBC DFW has compiled a list of the top 20 summer concerts in Dallas (not sure why Mumford & Sons, playing June 11, didn’t make the cut— maybe because it sold out so fast!)

Here are a few of our faves from their list:

Coldplay – June 22, 6 p.m. – American Airlines Center: Coldplay continues their world tour by coming to Dallas in June, which is good because we’ve wanted to hear a live version of “Paradise” for a while.

ZZ Top, 3 Doors Down, Gretchen Wilson – June 24, 7 p.m. – Gexa Energy Pavilion: A triple bill of “outlaws” (that’s what the tour is called) shows up to Fair Park this June.

100.3 FM Jack’s Throwback – June 30, 6 p.m. – Gexa Energy Pavilion: While plenty of classic bands are touring through DFW, Jack’s Throwback takes the tribute route, offering dirt cheap tickets for bands covering Van Halen, Journey, Def Leppard, and more.

Vans Warped Tour – July 3, 1 p.m. – Gexa Energy Pavilion New Found Glory, Taking Back Sunday, Yellowcard, a billion others: Okay, not a billion, but like “90″ or so the website says. There will be bands. Everywhere.

Rascal Flatts, Little Big Town, Thompson Square – July 13, 7 p.m. – Gexa Energy Pavilion: Big country stars come to Dallas for sure to be hot show. Yeah, we mean the temperatures.

Tenacious D – July 20, 8 p.m – Palladium Ballroom: Rock comedy band Tenacious D, which includes Jack Black, comes to Dallas to play tracks from their first album in six years. MIND BULLETS.

Chicago and the Doobie Brothers – July 21, 8 p.m. – Gexa Energy Pavilion: Technically, this is “some of Chicago” and “some of the Doobie Brothers” playing, because each classic band has gained and lost some members during their lengthy careers. Don’t worry, though, they’ll play their hits.

Aerosmith & Cheap Trick – July 28, 8 p.m. – American Airlines Center: Steven Tyler heads back to his night job (because his day job is judging American Idol) along with Joe Perry and the rest of Aerosmith.

Journey with Pat Benatar and Loverboy – August 25, 7 p.m. – Gexa Energy Pavilion: Though we really like Journey’s new lead vocalist (Google Arnel Pineda to see why), there’s something about Pat Benatar’s (picture) music that keeps us enthralled.

Click here to see the full lineup of top summer concerts in Dallas on NBC DFW.

Photo credit: Getty Images via NBC DFW

Professional triathlete Matty “Boom Boom” Reed will appear at 6 p.m. In addition to winning the Dallas Triathlon, Reed was named USA Triathlon’s Athlete of the Year for 2008. He won the U.S. Olympic trials and placed thirty-second at the Beijing games.

The new Playtri store is the biggest triathlon store in the world, offering the most bikes, gear and tools for triathletes, the company says. The address is 7951 Collin McKinney Parkway, Suite 1500, in Craig Ranch.

The Playtri store features an extensive triathlon retail store and the only full-service Shimano Service Center in the Metroplex. Playtri’s coaches and trainers have already begun sessions at the Craig Ranch location.

“This opening marks a continuing expansion for us – we already have a store in Dallas and we are looking to open additional locations throughout the DFW Metroplex this year,” Playri founder Ahmed Zaher said when announcing the new store. “Our company goal is to make a healthy lifestyle through triathlon a mainstream way of life.”

Click here to explore opportunities for living at Craig Ranch’s exclusive 17 Green and The Estates neighborhoods.

Briggs Freeman Sotheby’s International Realty is Dallas’ luxury real estate leader, with more than 190 agents in five offices located throughout the Metroplex and access to the global Sotheby’s network, including more than 11,000 agents in 600 offices worldwide. For more information on escapes and second homes, ranch and land, and luxury homes in the Dallas-Fort Worth region and beyond, go to briggsfreeman.com.

The global real estate market steps into 2013 with a more confident stride. The economic gloom of the last 12 months or more appears to be lifting.

The most obvious sign of revival has been the rally in equity markets, with some bourses touching their highest levels since 2008. A last-minute New Year tax agreement in the U.S. has helped spur the rise (although it gives only temporary respite from the “fiscal cliff”), and it has been reinforced by more encouraging economic news. In China, evidence is growing that the recent slowdown was a temporary pause and that the economy is gaining momentum again.

Even the Eurozone, which has presented the gravest threat to the global outlook over the last two years, appears to be on the mend. Economic data continues to be downbeat, but the evidence from bond spreads is that the threat of a currency breakup is steadily receding.

The Eurozone is certainly not out of the woods, and many debtor nations face another challenging year. But, although caution is still in order and any improvement will be slow, the major event risks seem to be reducing, and conditions are falling into place for recovery.

As you will see from the information in this report, the first quarter of 2013 was a positive one for luxury residential real estate.

United States

Dallas
Demand for real estate has been strong in the first quarter of 2013. Year to date, our company volume is up more than 46 percent compared to this same time frame last year, which was a record-breaking year for our company. Our unit count (closed units) is up more than 53 percent compared to this same time frame last year.

Pending sales and closed sales are up, and days on the market are down by more than 20 percent. Our housing supply is low — almost 20 percent below levels in 2012.

New construction is on the rise and will soon become a factor in the sale of homes. Building permits are up more than 25 percent, homes under construction are up more than 18 percent, and completions are up more than 32 percent. Briggs Freeman Sotheby’s International Realty had its best week of business ever at the beginning of April, with more than $118 million of sales transactions closed.

All indications are that we will have yet another record-breaking year. We are seeing multiple offers on properties that are well-priced and in good condition. We are having some appraisal issues as our market trends upward with the comparable sales data lagging behind.

Miami
The South Florida market continues to show progress. Broward County overall showed inventory absorption with an 18 percent decrease in the number of properties for sale over the first quarter of 2012.

Sales showed a slight increase, while prices rose on average 13.7 percent. The Miami-Dade overall outlook is similar, with a slight uptick in the number of sales, while prices jumped 15.2 percent.

Turning to the luxury market, residential properties in the $1 million to $5 million range showed sales increases around 30 percent over the same quarter last year, outperforming the $5 million-plus market and the $500,000-$1 million market, which posted modest increases.

In Miami-Dade, the single-family home market jumped 40 percent in the number of homes sold, while prices increased 7.5 percent. The condo market posted gains as well, with the average price per square foot now $721.

The 33160 zip code area, which includes Sunny Isles and Aventura, continues to be the leader in the number of units closed, posting a whopping 72.7 percent increase in sales over the first quarter last year, while prices increased 8.3 percent.

The Coconut Grove/Miami/ Brickell market also posted big increases. The average price per square foot is hovering at the $500 mark.

In Broward County, the condo market in the $1 million-$5 million range increased a dramatic 85.7 percent, sounding the signs of real recovery in that market, where prices overall are still lower than most Miami-Dade markets.

The increases in this segment of the market show the return of the working wealthy, which have been mostly absent from the recovery so far. These buyers join a good number of foreign buyers still in the market primarily from Brazil, Venezuela, Canada and Russia.

The emergence of financing in this market also contributes to the increases. Although the majority of sales are still cash, financing to these well-qualified buyers is available from a variety of lenders.

Palm Beach
Starting in December 2012, the Palm Beach residential market has literally exploded. There were 23 residences sold in the month of December alone, with a single buyer purchasing four adjacent parcels for approximately $130 million.

Sold volume of single-family residential properties on Palm Beach Island increased from $57.6 million in the 2012 first quarter to $135.9 million during the first quarter of 2013 — a 135 percent increase. Similarly, the average sale price leapt 28 percent from $3.2 million to $4.1 million.

Many agents believe that individuals and, in some cases, fund managers are looking to real estate to diversify their investments. It appears as though the smart money is counting on real property to maximize their returns.

Boston
Offers are coming in above the asking price. This trend is a fairly new phenomenon for Boston. In fact, back in the beginning of 2011, Boston condominiums were trading for 96 percent of their asking price, which was 92 percent of their original asking price.

This indeed is impressive and encouraging for sellers, to say the least, although in today’s marketplace, activity has lessened the list vs. sale differential. During the early months of 2012, when the market was beginning to positively turn around, sellers were accepting offers that were 97 percent of the final asking price, which was 94 percent of the price when the properties were first put on the market.

Thus far in 2013, this accelerating business has only become more dramatic. Sold properties are now closing at 99 percent of the asking price, which is still 98 percent of the original asking price.

This undoubtedly is leaving little to zero wiggle room for those individuals looking to negotiate and purchase property on their own terms. Sellers simply are not as desperate as they were in years past, and with the peak demand to buy Boston property among the populace, sellers can literally pick and choose at multiple offers with pleasure.

Subsequently, buyers’ agents have been forced to urge clients to put in an offer of at least the asking price — if not more — and this is happening more frequently.

New York
New York City is currently the No. 1 market in the world, taking the spot from London, according to the latest Knight Frank Report. The market is booming at the top end, with lack of inventory being the biggest issue. Record prices are being paid for co-operatives and condominiums.

Downtown is very hot; new condo 150 Charles sold very quickly. Most overseas buyers purchase condominiums. Apartments needing renovation are more difficult to sell.

Chicago
The market has been experiencing a severe lack of inventory, a trend that started in the fall of 2012. Multiple-bid situations are quickly pushing prices higher and making appraisals an issue. New construction is creeping back into the market, and sources anticipate brand-new rental towers will choose to go condo based upon buyer demand.

Washington, D.C.
Luxury buyers are back, with a 24 percent increase (Q1 2013 vs. Q1 2012) of home sales over $1 million in the Washington metropolitan area. Homes are selling quickly, with 33 percent of $1 million-plus sales in Washington, D.C., on the market for less than one month.

There is an inventory shortage at all price points. Today, only 6,000 homes are for sale in the entire D.C. metro area, down from an April 2008 high of more than 25,000 homes.

Greenwich, Connecticut
The market has definitely picked up, with single-family home contracts up year-to-date by 7.8 percent. The $5 million-plus-dollar market (off the water) is actively trading. Quite a bit of old inventory is under contract.

Bidding wars, which seemed a thing of the past, are now popping back up. New construction starts are up, including two new homes in the $8 million range. Confidence (in value) for Greenwich properties is at the highest level in four years.

Hamptons
The Hamptons market is heating up: The warmer temperatures are bringing both buyers and renters, and there is a shift toward a seller’s market for the first time since 2006.

Bidding wars are happening in all segments, especially the properties in the lower ranges (under $2 million). Generally the market is extremely active up to $10 million, with little quality inventory from $5 million-$10 million.

Seattle
The Seattle area is witnessing a dramatic housing market rebound since completing its post-recession correction during the first quarter of 2012. Major employment growth from retail titan Amazon.com — which alone has sparked more than 3 million square feet of new office space demand in downtown Seattle — coupled with regional expansion at Fortune 500 companies such as Boeing, Microsoft, Starbucks and Nordstrom, is drawing thousands of relocating professionals to the Emerald City, including a significant group from China.

At the same time, improved liquidity in the single-family neighborhoods surrounding the job centers has allowed empty-nesters, many of whom have been unable or unwilling to sell in recent years, to move into condominiums and purchase second homes in other markets. However, given the credit crunch that has canceled or deferred all new for-sale projects since 2007, there will be effectively no new deliveries of in-city condominiums until at least 2015.

Demand has risen much quicker than supply. This has caused a seller’s market with less than two months of inventory available.

Teton County, Wyoming
Total sales volume soared in Q4 2012, making 2012 the best year since 2007. As the second home market continues to recover, Wyoming as “America’s Wealth-friendliest State” (per Bloomberg) continues to attract buyers from out of state — namely California, New York and Illinois.

Teton County local economy remained strong in 2012 due to an increase in visits to nearby national parks (Yellowstone and Grand Teton), as well as the addition of nonstop service from Newark to Jackson.

There is a renewed interest in raw land (less than 3 percent developable). Total sales volume in Q1 2013 was up 47 percent YOY with residential sales up 67 percent. Total units sold in Q1 2013 were up 34 percent YOY. Average sales price of single-family homes is up 28 percent YOY, and overall inventory is down 17 percent.

Telluride
Since the first of the year, tracking closely with the sunset of lower capital gains and tax rates, we saw a substantial decline in sales activity in Q1. These conditions have finally begun to thaw with a flurry of showings and contract activity in late March and early April. Buyers continue to be North American in origin, with some Latin American buyers mixed in. Particular concentrations of buyers continue to be from Texas, New York, Florida and California.

There have been a growing number of inquiries from wealthy Californians interested in exploring relocation of their primary residence to their Colorado second home to flee the growing tax burdens California has instituted.

Aspen
December 2012 was, by far, the best in more than four years, followed by three straight months of lackluster figures.

Buyers are mainly from the United States. The international crowd has picked up some in the past few years, mostly from the UK and Australia, but the majority of buyers come from Texas, California, New York and Florida. There has been an increase in buyers from the Midwest.

Oahu
The first quarter of the year has produced outstanding activity. All key market components show signs of a strong environment.

A review of activity for single-family homes shows a strong market and impressive growth in all categories of market statistics. The first quarter saw an increase of 6.9 percent in the number of closed sales, with the quarter ending with an increase of 39.5 percent in pending sales compared to the same time last year.

The month of March ended with particularly significant results when compared to March 2012. The median sale price for March 2013 was $640,000, an increase of 2.4 percent over last March, while median days on market dropped 50 percent. It is essential to note that the number of active listings in March dropped 22 percent from the same time last year, leaving only 2.4 months of available inventory.

The condominium market also performed extremely well. There were 411 closed re-sales in the month, an increase of 21.6 percent coupled with an increase in the median sale price of 9.1 percent, at $340,000. Meanwhile, the month saw a decrease of 35.9 percent in days on market. Overall, the month ended with 2.7 months of inventory compared to 4.5 months last March, a decrease of 40 percent.

To summarize, market factors show a healthy and active market, and all indications are that 2013 will be a successful year.

Other Markets

Toronto, Canada
Compared to the first quarter of 2012, sales in Q1 2013 were down by 14 percent, due to a lack of inventory. Average sale prices were up by 3.8 percent, compared to the same time period last year.

There is a severe shortage of properties to sell; therefore the market is seeing multiple offers on almost anything for sale — excluding condos — up to $1.5 million. Condo sales are down, while the inventory of new condos is high and increasing. We currently have 140 new condo buildings under construction.

In particular, the market for new condos in the top tier (over $2 million) has experienced a significant and sustained softening of demand.

French Riviera
The first quarter of the year is always a quieter time for the French Riviera; however potential buyers are arriving from global locations, including many from Eastern European countries. Concerns over new French taxation laws continue to concern international buyers and sellers in the region. Also, recent economic news across Europe and the strength of the Eurozone markets means that potential buyers and sellers need the best fiscal advice from key international partners offering support to buyers and sellers.

Opening sale and the final sale prices vary by between 10 and 15 percent, and more than 80 percent of buyers are international, i.e., non-French.

Briggs Freeman Sotheby’s International Realty is Dallas’ luxury real estate leader, with more than 190 agents in five offices located throughout the Metroplex and access to the global Sotheby’s network, including more than 11,000 agents in 600 offices worldwide. For more information on escapes and second homes, ranch and land, and luxury homes in the Dallas-Fort Worth region and beyond, go to briggsfreeman.com.

Carry The Load National Relay Midpoint Recap Video from CarryTheLoad on Vimeo.

The national group, which supports Heroes on Water, Assist the Officer Foundation of Dallas, Friends of Dallas Fire-Rescue, Tip of the Spear and Sons of the Flag Burn Foundation, will stage a Memorial March at Reverchon Park and the Katy Trail from May 26-27. The 20-hour march will include many walkers who carry weighted packs symbolizing the “load” that service people carry every day on behalf of our nation and citizens.

Briggs Freeman Sotheby’s International Realty is sponsoring the event, which will also include live music, catch and release fishing, zip-lining, a DPS helicopter display, food and drink and other family activities. Also look for more 6,000 American flags, representing U.S. service people who have died in freedom efforts in Iraq and Afghanistan. The flags will line the Briggs Freeman Plaza at the Reverchon Park entrance to the Katy Trail. For more information or to donate visit carrytheload.org.

See more DFW Memorial Day events here.

3525 Dartmouth Avenue in Highland Park

This gracious custom French home, designed by Larry Boerder and built by George Lewis, has been meticulously updated. Quality and charm exude throughout this exceptional home, from the lovely stucco exterior and beautifully-landscaped grounds, to the inviting entry with views to the back yard. Listed by Michelle Wood.

6315 Westchester Drive in University Park

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.

4630 Edmondson Avenue in West Highland Park

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. A terrific home in a great neighborhood! Listed by Susan Matusewicz.

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.

4434 Gloster Road in North Dallas / Preston Hollow

Spectacular setting on this expanded 1950 ranch style home. Beautiful back yard and pool. Flexible layout with 3 living areas, a study and 4 bedrooms, two of which could be master suites. Just a few decorative touches will complete the well-located Manchester Place property.

Listed by Elly Holder and Gretchen Brasch.

Visit briggsfreeman.com for more great deals on luxury real estate in Dallas and beyond.

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

See more Park Cities news on BubbleLife. Best Deals of Summer

An extravagant estate in Southlake’s premier Laurelwood community! The home is full of opulent design and stunning finishes throughout.

Every detail of this home is simply resplendent. The grande dining room is fit for the most elaborate parties. The spacious Mediterranean kitchen features a large center island and a second island with a bar, as well as double ovens and plenty of cabinet space.

Guests will enjoy relaxing and watching a move in the theatre room, or pick up a game of billiards in the game room.

Of he 6 bedrooms, the master retreat is fit for royalty, with a luxurious spa bathroom, private balcony, and a morning bar.

The outdoor oasis features a multitude of mature landscaping and cabana with outdoor kitchen.

Listed by Wynne and Perry Moore with Briggs Freeman Sotheby’s International Realty. Click here to see more about this home.

See more top properties in our recent Home of the Week features.

Click here to see beautiful luxury homes for sale in Dallas-Fort Worth and beyond.

Mockingbird’s website offers up the details: “Give someone you love an extra thoughtful gift or create a one-of-a-kind piece for yourself at our mini-market of local Etsy vendors at West Elm in Mockingbird Station. The evening will feature an array of handmade gift ideas, accessory workshop, refreshments and fabulous gift bags. While you’re there, enter our $5 raffle, benefitting Genesis Women’s Shelter, for a chance to win an amazing West Elm prize package.”

Click here to find out more!

The Park Cities is full of great shopping, dining, great schools, and more! Click here to find fantastic homes for sale in Highland Park and University Park from Briggs Freeman Sotheby’s International Realty.

A combination of skyrocketing real estate prices in China and a slowdown in that country’s economy has led wealthy Chinese to look overseas for dependable investments.

The solid economy in the Metroplex, combined with a stable and growing real estate market, has made the Dallas-Fort Region a strong attraction for wealthy Chinese investors.

“Dallas is at the forefront of a renewed interest in land of all types—commercial, investment, residential, ranch and more. In fact, we’re already seeing a resetting of prices due to the rising demand for lots and parcels of all sizes,” said Robbie Briggs, CEO of Briggs Freeman Sotheby’s International Realty. “Recently one of our agents to the west had a developer come in and buy up every remaining lot in a residential project, closing out the entire inventory in one transaction. We see that as a great indicator of the confidence developers have in the increasing value of Texas land.”

Indeed, according to a report by CNN Money, “China’s wealthiest citizens are looking to secure their riches and improve the quality of their lives. And many of them are looking to do it overseas.

“One in three wealthy Chinese have investments abroad, according to a new survey from China Merchants Bank and Bain & Company. That’s roughly double the number of high net worth individuals who reported making similar investments in 2011.

“Of those who have invested abroad, roughly 60 percent plan to increase their foreign holdings.

“The search for overseas returns comes as China seeks to retool the investment-driven economy that lifted tens of millions out of poverty and gave rise to a class of ultra-wealthy citizens.” Click here to read the full report by CNN Money.

“The central government has actually been trying to bring down overheated real estate prices and adjust the structure of the market since 2010, with varying degrees of success,” Jamil Anderlini of the Financial Times writes. “Officials did manage to halt the doubling and tripling of prices seen in some regional property markets in the wake of the global financial crisis but only after many cities imposed draconian bans on price rises or purchases of second homes.”

Briggs Freeman Sotheby’s International Realty is Dallas’ luxury real estate leader, with more than 190 agents in five offices located throughout the Metroplex and access to the global Sotheby’s network, including more than 11,000 agents in 600 offices worldwide. For more information on escapes and second homes, ranch and land, and luxury homes in the Dallas-Fort Worth region and beyond, go to briggsfreeman.com.

Follow our Pinterest board at pinterest.com/UpdateDallas and you’ll never miss a beat with what’s been happening on the blog!

If you’re unfamiliar with Pinterest, it is a sort of virtual pinboard where you can create a visually-organized collection of your favorite things (you can read more about it here). Our pinboards are full all kinds of luxury homes in Dallas-Fort Worth and beyond, plus much more!

Here’s just a sampling of what you can see:

On Modern Homes & Architecture

Unique Modern Architectural Homes in Dallas and Beyond | Sophisticated Lionel Morrison designed modern home offers serene spaces. Art collector owner installed state of the art lighting. Large windows with views of gorgeous gardens. Pristine grounds, total privacy with mature magnolias & other plantings, gated driveway into courtyard and three car garage. Chic pool and deck. At 5911 Glendora Avenue. See pin.

On Marvelous Mansions

Great Dallas Mansions Worthy of Great Gatsby Status | “Of course, Daisy would also have loved her some Preston Hollow, especially in a French-inspired chateau overlooking the rest of the world flowing down Inwood Road. Those lights in the distance? Those are the four torchieres surrounding the lit water fountain in the front circular drive at 9806 Inwood Rd.“ See pin.

On Incredible Luxury Kitchens

Our Top 12 Luxury Kitchens | This fabulous Spanish Mediterranean kitchen features exceptional custom cabinetry and very Mediterranean blue, yellow, and white tilework in the backsplach and around the kitchen island bar. At 3204 Beverly Drive. See pin.

On Haute Home Interiors

How to Create a Luxe Outdoor Living Space! | Gather Together: Create a cozy seating area for you and friends to enjoy the shade. A corner bench with an outdoor coffee table or a row of rocking chairs welcome conversation as you cool off from the sun. See pin.

On Home Staging & Curb Appeal

Spring Home Staging Tips to Help You Sell Fast— Finishing Touches. Special ideas for home staging that will make your home stand out! See pin. 

On All Around Dallas (pins link to previous articles about fun things to do in Dallas!)

Staycation Ideas in Dallas Fort Worth! When you live in a state as great as Texas, there’s no need to go far for a great vacation! For that matter, you don’t even need to leave DFW! Here are some great for the exploring the Dallas-Fort Worth area. See pin.

See more on our pinboard at pinterest.com/UpdateDallas.

Related: 

Businesses Using Virtual Pinboard to Increase Brand Awareness

See Sleek Luxury Kitchens in the Latest Reside® Magazine

The Celebrity Home: See Inside Luxury Bedrooms of the Stars!

6633 Desco Drive in Preston Hollow

Elegant Mediterranean-style home in Preston Hollow with clean lines and open spaces. A large barreled ceiling entry opens to formals and great room. Downstairs master bedroom views pool. Sleek kitchen features granite countertops and high-end appliances. Custom built in 2007, amenities include home theater, outdoor living space with WBFP, built-in grill and outdoor shower, and more. Listed by Pete Ryan and Susie Ryan.

3629 Overbrook Drive in Uptown/Turtle Creek

Exclusive Northern Hills Conservation District cottage-style home conveniently located 2 blocks south of Highland Park, the Katy Trail, Turtle Creek and shopping. Architecturally charming front porch sets the style for the intriguing interior. A traditional floor plan includes oversize windows and hardwood floors throughout. Formal living room with fireplace connects with sunroom. Oversized dining room and den which overlooks lovely landscaped backyard. Listed by Chari Singleton and Maria Orr.

9107 Cochran Bluff Lane in Bluffview

Luxury and security meet in this newer construction home. Built in 2011, this Mediterranean-style home is in the gated community of Enclave at Bluffview. This is a private neighborhood of only 16 homes known for its luxury finishes, varied architectural styles, low maintenance lifestyles, and convenient location near Downtown Dallas. The coveted Bluffview area has quick access to the Tollway, shopping, dining, and entertainment. This home is tucked in a lot at the end of the neighborhood which provides privacy among this close-knit community. Listed by Becky Frey and Natalie Hatchett.

5312 Briar Tree Drive in North Dallas

From its gated courtyard entrance featuring a lovely waterfall pool, to sweeping views of the Bent Tree Country Club golf course, this luxurious Bent Tree Village country club home is exceptional in every detail. Comprehensively updated over the last five years by the current owners, the property’s main level features grand living and dining areas with transomed french doors, two fireplaces, beautiful marble and hardwood floors, an updated kitchen, wine cellar, a guest suite and two spectacular outdoor living areas. Listed by Fiona Richards.

4500 Roland Avenue #803 in Highland Park

Premier Park Plaza Luxury Penthouse, two-story, in Highland Park, all downtown views, master suite with his and her bathrooms and closets and sitting area on first floor. Soaring ceilings, hardwoods, marble entry, beautiful moldings and built ins, 2 fireplaces, skylights, open floor plan, great storage. 2 bedrooms with private baths upstairs with game room and sauna. All first floor spaces open to the terrace.  Listed by Doug & Jeanne Shelton.

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

The report, compiled by California-based ZipRealty Inc., ranks Highland Park ISD 7th in the nation. Highland Park received a school score of 9.2 and had a median home price of $287 per square foot.

{Related: See homes in the HPISD area at newly reduced prices}

To arrive at the school score, ZipRealty measured the  performance of each school district, including elementary, middle and high schools, on a scale of 1 to 10, with 10 being the highest. The ranking considers test-score data and student/teacher ratios.

“Lots of factors – not just price per square foot – go into determining home values,” ZipRealty CEO and President Lanny Baker said. “Among the most important of these factors for many families today is the quality of local schools in relation to the price of their local real estate. In our ongoing effort to help home buyers make important decisions, we are thrilled to bring these two sets of data together,” he notes.

Here is ZipRealty’s Top 10:

1. Westonka Public Schools, Minneapolis area (school score 9.6/median price per square foot $112)
2. Geneva Community Unit School District 204, Chicago area (school score, 9.4/median price per square foot $123)
3. Lake Oswego School District, Portland area (school score 9.6/median price per square foot $167)
4. Tredyffrin/Easttown School District, Philadelphia area (school score 9.2/median price per square foot $177)
5. Eanes Independent School District, Austin area (school score 9/median price per square foot $207)
6.  Briarcliff Manor Union Free School District, Westchester, N.Y. (school score 9.9/median price per square foot $250)
7. Highland Park Independent School District, Dallas area (school score 9.2 /median price per square foot $287)
8. Mercer Island School District 400, Seattle area (school score 9.3/median price per square foot $295)
9. Lexington School District, Boston area (school score 9.7/median price per square foot $321)
10. Irvine Unified School District, Orange County, Calif. (school score 9.2/median price per square foot $328)

Follow the news in the Park Cities at Update the Park Cities. Click here to see the latest business news and insight from top Dallas-Fort Worth Realtors. Click here to see luxury homes for sale in Highland Park, across Dallas-Fort Worth and around the world.