Articles Tagged "Irving"

After a busy day, our real estate agents want a satisfying home-cooked meal with someone else doing the work. When these moods strike, they head for the retro charms of these delightful diners around the Dallas-Fort Worth area. 

• Mama's Daughters' Diner - 2412 W. Shady Grove Rd., Irving, TX 75060
  As the owners of Mama's Daughters' Diner proudly proclaim, "the only thing you'll find instant here is our service." Mama Norma, along with her daughters and granddaughters, turns out a menu of scratch-made comfort food favorites, such as meatloaf, chicken-fried steak, and biscuits & gravy. Daily specials offer your choice of entree with three sides for only $10.99. Save room for freshly-baked pie or cobbler. Stop in for lunch on a day of viewing Irving homes for sale. Hours are 7 a.m. - 8 p.m. on weekdays and 7 a.m. - 3 p.m. on weekends.
  
  
• Norma's Cafe - 605 W. 15th St., Plano, TX 75075
  While the diner's namesake is no longer involved, the owners of Norma's Cafe carry on the proud tradition she started back in 1956. Norma's is probably best known for their generous breakfasts, which include Mexican-style dishes. The menu also features nostalgic blue-plate specials with vegetables, homemade rolls, and cornbread. Satisfy your sweet tooth with a slice of their famous Mile-High Pies™ in five different flavors, or get one to go after touring Plano homes for sale. Norma's is open seven days a week from 7 a.m. - 8 p.m.
  
  
• Lucky's Cafe - 3531 Oak Lawn Ave., Dallas, TX 75219
  From the pastel neon sign out front to the old-school kitchen pass-through, Lucky's Cafe provides a comfortingly retro ambiance just minutes from Dallas homes for sale. But the food gets a modern update with farm-to-table dishes made with locally-sourced ingredients. Due to popular demand, Lucky's began serving their breakfast menu all day, so you can enjoy decadent banana cognac pancakes or hearty pot roast hash anytime. Vegans and vegetarians may be delightfully surprised to find several meatless options, such as sweet potato hash and veggie enchiladas. Lucky's is open every day from 7 a.m. - 9 p.m.
  
  
• Local Diner - 477 W. Bethel Rd., Coppell, TX 75019
  Local Diner, right down the street from Coppell homes for sale, may have been founded in 1989, but they have the classic food and friendly customer service down pat. "Breakfast by the Number" is scaled-down portions of their full-size meals, with budget-friendly prices that start at just $3.25. Each month, the spotlight is on a new special such as September's Fair Food Feast of lemonade, corn dog, and funnel cake fries. Become an insider when you join the E-Club. Members receive a 10 percent discount daily, along with a birthday gift and other special offers. Hours are 6:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. daily. 
  
  
• Spiral Diner & Bakery - 1314 W. Magnolia Ave., Fort Worth, TX 76104
  Beef is king around Forth Worth homes for sale, yet Spiral Diner & Bakery defied expectations by opening a successful restaurant featuring a completely plant-based menu. Burgers come in a choice of cashew-quinoa, veggie, or "beyond" patties, while Mexican dishes are topped with their signature cashew-based nacho cheese. Cakes and cookies baked on-site are vegan, dairy-free, and egg-free. Hours are 10 a.m. - 10 p.m. daily.

For a real treat, get your diner meal to go and gather around the dining table in your Dallas-Fort Worth home. Contact us at RE/MAX DFW Associates for experienced help with all your real estate needs. 

With more than 7.6 million residents in total, the DFW area is consistently one of America's fastest-growing and most attractive urban areas. In 2022, it crossed the threshold to become the #3 largest metroplex in the United States, and it continues to entice newcomers from far and wide.

Our real estate agents are always glad to welcome anyone who is considering becoming a part of the unfolding DFW story. There are homes to meet every taste, need, and budget throughout the DFW's many colorful and historic communities. And you're sure to love meeting the many small businesses.

Let's drop in on some of the best places to enjoy a coffee in Dallas-Fort Worth:

• Pax and Beneficia – 3550 Grapevine Mills Boulevard North, Suite 100, Grapevine TX, 76051
  Pax and Beneficia has locations near Grapevine homes for sale and Irving homes for sale to suit your needs no matter where you are. Prizing people and coffee in equal measure, it prides itself on being a place that strengthens the local sense of community. The spirit of hospitality is alive and well alongside artisan coffees from local producers and international fair trade brands alike.
  
  
• Houndstooth Coffee – 1878 Sylvan Avenue E150, Dallas, TX 75208
  With eight locations, including several throughout Austin and Dallas, Houndstooth Coffee has the potential to become one of your favorite places if you choose Dallas homes for sale. It is one of the region's top success stories, getting started right in the area and bouncing back after tough years in 2020 and 2021. This is one place where you can truly become a regular right in Dallas-Fort Worth.
  
  
• Staycation – 201 South Texas Street, Richardson, TX 75081
  Staycation is the place to visit near Richardson homes for sale if you want a fun and memorable way to get your morning coffee fix. Situated in "a little house on the corner of Polk and Texas Street," it's not quite like any other cafe on this list. The simple yet delicious menu is full of flavorful coffees, teas, and pastries baked by local pastry artisans. The coffee is exclusively Tweed brand, a Texas favorite.
  
  
• Peaberry Coffee to Go – 2446 West Kiest Boulevard, Dallas, TX 75233
  Peaberry Coffee to Go bills itself as "The home of Kiestwood Iced Coffee." Its elite Kiestwood Reserve 004, sourced from Kenya, has a distinctive floral aroma with blueberry notes. You'll find all kinds of creative and funky concoctions at Peaberry, including such unusual sights as the breakfast taco, the ceremonial matcha, and the churro latte. Remember: It's pickup and curbside only, no delivery.
  
  
• Crude Coffee Bar – 804 South Main Street Suite #120, Fort Worth, TX 76104
  Looking for a "pick me up" near Fort Worth homes for sale? If so, you're in luck. Crude Coffee Bar has been serving up a unique blend of barista-style craft coffees and handmade, small-batch desserts in a warm and friendly environment since getting its start as a family-side business back in 2008. A range of exciting seasonal selections awaits you any time of the year at this classic cafe.

Contact us to find out more about homes and amenities in Dallas-Fort Worth.

The North Texas housing market is downshifting quickly, with Dallas-Fort Worth being the only U.S. market to see a decrease in home sale prices last month, according to a report released today.  DFW home prices are down 1.9% year over year in July, according to the latest Re/Max National Housing Report.

And what a difference a month makes.  Last month, DFW led the U.S. for home price increases, with June prices up 29.3% over the previous year.   In hard numbers, home sales prices in DFW fell to $413,900 in July from $422,000 in July 2021.   Homes in DFW spend an average of 23 days on the market before selling.

Higher interest rates and inflation, as well as record home prices, triggered a sharp drop in demand for housing, said Todd Luong, a realtor with Re/Max DFW Associates:  "Here at our Re/Max office in Dallas-Fort Worth, our listings are currently getting on average 2.7 showings per week," Luong said. "Last year, at this same time, our listings were earning on average 5.9 showings per week. That is a huge drop in buyer demand compared to the previous year. Record home prices and higher mortgage rates have forced many potential buyers out of the market, especially first-time homebuyers."

While the latest trends may disappoint some sellers, buyers now have more choices and better opportunities for good deals, Luong said.   Luong said that the DFW housing market has been challenged with low inventory for years and reached an all-time low earlier this year, with only a two-week supply. Now, however, inventory is increasing.  "Although buyers have more choices now, it is still not a balanced market as we only have about a two-month housing supply," Luong said. "In a normal market, you have about a five to six-month supply of housing."

A new report from Zillow also found falling home values, although the numbers didn't match Re/Max's precisely because of different study methods and different geographic definitions of DFW as a metro area, among other reasons.  According to Zillow's findings, the Dallas-Fort Worth metro area's typical home value is $396,904, down 1.1% since June, the first month of decline. Values are up 55.4% since July 2019.

Zillow also reported that the mortgage payment on a typical home in DFW is $2,633 a month, including taxes and insurance. That's up 77.4% compared to July 2019.

According to Zillow, inventory in DFW has risen 10.2% since June, and the share of listings with a price cut in July was 22%, compared to 15.6% in June.  Nationwide, after two years of unprecedented growth, home values fell for the first time since 2012 as competition for houses eased, according to Zillow's July market report.

The slowdown is being driven by decreased competition among buyers. Zillow's analysis says that affordability pressures have pushed many to the sidelines, and buyers are waiting in the wings to resume their search if and when prices relax a bit.  Skylar Olsen, Zillow's chief economist, called the flattening of home values "a badly needed rebalancing.  This slowdown is about discouraged buyers pulling back after the affordability shock from higher rates," Olsen said. "As prices soften, many will renew their interest, and we will continue our progress back to 'normal.'"

Luong said he sees positive signs in the market.  The interest rate for a 30-year fixed mortgage dropped below 5% after peaking in June. More than 290,000 new jobs were added in Dallas-Fort Worth last year, so North Texas has one of the strongest labor markets in the country.   "Reasonably priced homes that are in good condition and move-in ready are still selling very fast," he said. "However, the bidding wars have subsided considerably across the board."

• Dallas Business Journal, August 19, 2022

Like the rest of you, our real estate agents eagerly anticipate new and exciting culinary trends. Unsurprisingly, the DFW is on point with restaurants featuring Filipino cuisine, popcorn, robot service, and other 2022 trends predicted by The Takeout. 

• Inihaw Avenue - 4835 N. O'Connor Rd., Suite 106, Irving, TX 75062
  Inihaw Avenue takes its name from the Filipino term for grilling and barbecue, which is a cooking method near and dear to the hearts of people around Irving homes for sale. Signature dishes, such as grilled lemongrass chicken and crispy pork belly with shrimp paste, are cooked to order for maximum flavor and freshness. Save room for halo halo, the traditional Filipino dessert with crushed ice, fruit, flan, and ice cream. Hours are 11 a.m. - 7 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 11 a.m. - 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday.
  
  
• Kabayan Filipino Store & Cafe - 2305 S. State Hwy. 121, Lewisville, TX 75067
  Perhaps anticipating the interest in Filipino cuisine around Lewisville homes for sale, the Villaneuvas opened Kabayan Filipino Store & Cafe just over five years ago. The popular spot includes a cafeteria-style dining area, along with a market where you can pick up Filipino packaged food, frozen dishes, and meats by the pound to enjoy at home. Weekends feature karaoke and live music. Kabayan is open 10 a.m. - 7 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. Sunday.
  
  
• Doc Popcorn - Dallas Farmers Market, 920 S. Harwood St. #179, Dallas, TX 75201
  Healthy popcorn? Yes, it's possible. Doc Popcorn is made with non-GMO kernels and popped with 100 percent pure corn oil. Everything is natural, with no artificial coloring, flavors, or sweeteners. Choose from sweet or savory flavors such as pizza, caramel apple, and cookies 'n' cream. Can't decide? Go for a combo like the Denver mix, with triple white cheddar and caramel bliss. Hours are 11 a.m. - 7 p.m. daily except Wednesday and Friday when hours are extended to 8 p.m.
  
  
• The Poppin Shop - 900 S. Main St. #335, Keller, TX 76248
  You might think that 30+ flavors of gourmet popcorn would be enough to satisfy anyone's snack craving. But The Poppin Shop, located just minutes from Keller homes for sale, ups the ante with a wide assortment of fudge and candy to indulge your sweet tooth. Popcorn sizes run from the single-serving goodie bag to the 20-gallon bag that holds 100 servings. The shop also offers a variety of colorful tins, from one gallon to 6.5 gallons, for convenient gift-giving. Hours are 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. weekdays, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Saturday, and 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Sunday.
  
  
• Starship Deliveries - University of Texas at Dallas, 800 W. Campbell Rd., Richardson, TX 75080
  If your family has a student at UT Dallas, right down the street from Richardson homes for sale, chances are they've had coffee or sandwiches delivered by a robot. Starship Deliveries has a "staff" of 30 robots that travel 4 MPH and carry up to 20 pounds. Orders are placed through the service's mobile app, which accepts payment by credit or debit cards. Vendors currently participating include Papa John's, Panda Express, and Einstein Bros. Bagels. 

We may like food, but we love Dallas homes for sale even more. Whether you're buying or selling, contact us at RE/MAX DFW Associates to learn more.

When winter arrives, nothing beats a tasty mug of hot chocolate. There's never a bad time to enjoy this sweet treat, but just in case you needed a reason to celebrate, you'll be glad to know that National Hot Chocolate Day is right around the corner! 

When you're ready to warm up, we suggest heading out and paying a visit to one (or more!) of these locations. 

1. Neuhaus Cafe & Chocolate Boutique: 5959 Royal Ln., Suite 626, Dallas, TX 75230
   ​​​​​​​When you're ready to take a break from exploring Dallas homes for sale, head over to Neuhaus Cafe & Chocolate Boutique. This popular cafe has a relaxing atmosphere that's perfect for taking a break and enjoying a sweet treat. Not only do they have an extensive lunch and dinner menu, but they also have some of the world's best chocolates. As you might expect, they make their hot chocolate from scratch using their own recipe. We're not sure what the secret ingredient is, but it's delicious! If you really want to enjoy yourself, we recommend pairing your drink with one of their decadent desserts and taking some candy home for later.
    
2. Magnolias Sous Le Pont: 2727 N. Harwood St., Dallas, 75201
   A charming coffee house located in the Harwood District, Magnolias: Sous Le Pont has a French-inspired menu and a hip, arty ambiance. It's the perfect escape when you need a break from your busy day. You'll love the friendly baristas and delicious hot drinks. While you're there, be sure to ask about the daily cookies or grab a cinnamon roll or chocolate croissant.
    
3. Vaquero Coffee Co.: 109 Houston St., Fort Worth, TX 76102
   Located in downtown Fort Worth, Vaquero Coffee Co. has been pleasing locals since 2018. They pride themselves in crafting each drink they serve, so you're always guaranteed a perfect cup. Here you'll find delicious chocolate-themed drinks like mocha, white mocha, and even peppermint mocha. Pair your treat with one of their great CranWalnut muffins or a cookie from the renowned Great One Cookie Company of Dallas, TX. When you're done, take a drive around the area so you can get a look at some of the beautiful Fort Worth homes for sale.
    
4. Pax & Beneficia Coffee: 5244 N. O'Connor, Suite 150, Irving, TX 75023
   Pax & Beneficia Coffee was created based on three core principles: crafting, camaraderie, and contribution. They carefully craft every cup of coffee they serve, encourage camaraderie among all of their patrons, and contribute to local and global nonprofit organizations. If you've been thinking about buying one of the beautiful Irving homes for sale, you'll definitely want to get to know this great cafe. Not only do they have excellent hot chocolate, but they also make an incredible mocha coffee. Both pair perfectly with their Nutella & Fruit Toast!
     
5. Bread Winners Bakery Bistro: 3301 McKinney Ave., Dallas, TX 75204
   Want to quench your hot chocolate craving with something a bit different? Head over to Bread Winners Bakery Bistro and order a Mexican Hot Chocolate (made with cacao nibs, sugar, and cinnamon) or a cafe mocha. Pair them with a signature cupcake, cake balls, or homemade cookies. Bread Winners Bakery also has an excellent brunch and dinner menu and plenty of dessert options like cheesecakes, tortes, and homemade pies with fresh-made whipped cream, so come hungry and plan to indulge! 

Contact us today to get started.  

November 3rd isn't only Election Day; it's also National Sandwich Day. Hot or cold, thin or high, there is no wrong way to make a sandwich. Everybody has their own ideal combination of bread, meat, and cheese, and this simple creation has become the staple of the all-American lunch. 

Our real estate agents love our local sandwich shops and pulled together a list of six recommendations we think you should check out on National Sandwich Day.

• Uncle Uber's Sammich Shop - 2713 Commerce St., Dallas, TX 75226
  Uncle Uber's is known for their "sammiches," which they say are the holiest and mightiest sandwiches. They offer a robust menu filled with dozens of custom combinations. We recommend the roast beef, which has tasty thinly sliced beef, melted provolone, and Au Jus sauce. Best of all, Uncle Uber's is conveniently located near several of these beautiful Dallas homes for sale.
  
  
• East Hampton Sandwich Co. - 1605 S. University Dr., Fort Worth, TX 76107
  With five locations around town, East Hampton Sandwich Co. is becoming a Dallas / Fort Worth staple. Besides a variety of "hot signature" and "cold signature" sandwiches, East Hampton Sandwich Co. also offers four different delicious lobster rolls. This East Hampton location is conveniently located a few minutes away from great Fort Worth homes for sale.
  
  
• Captain Nemo's Steak Submarines - 1426 N. Irving Heights Dr., Irving, TX 75061
  Captain Nemo's has been serving their famous sizzling steak sandwich for 47 years. In addition to steak, their menu is full of several other tasty sandwich options. Add a bowl of "The Captain's Chili" to your order for a perfect meal. You can dine-in or takeout for lunch or dinner Monday through Saturday. After stopping by, take a look at these Irving homes for sale.
  
  
• Patriot Sandwich Company - 1507 S. Loop 288 #203, Denton, TX 76205
  Located near these Denton homes for sale is the Patriot Sandwich Company, a veteran-owned sandwich shop that serves breakfast and lunch. Menu items are named after military lingo, and local hometown heroes are honored on the restaurant's wall.  They also offer a wide range of custom-made sauces that are made daily onsite.
  
  
• Sourdough Bread Deli - 4120 W. 15th St., Plano, TX 75093
  If you're near Plano, grab a sandwich at Sourdough Bread Deli. This sandwich shop truly prides itself on quality. Their menu features a wide range of poultry, meat, and fish sandwiches, all made on delicious sourdough bread made every morning from scratch. All vegetables are prepared daily, and meats are never pre-cooked. While you're in the area, take a look at these Plano homes for sale.
  
  
• The Tin Cup - 1025 W. Abram St., Arlington, TX 76013
  This laid back sandwich shop is family owned and operated and offers dozens of sandwiches, paninis, and salads. We recommend trying the "Alamo," which has the perfect mix of chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, avocado, and mozzarella.The Tin Cup is located just a short drive from these Arlington homes for sale.

One of the best parts about living near in or around Dallas / Fort Worth is that there are always new restaurants to try. For more local business recommendations, contact us today!

McKesson Corp., the nation's largest pharmaceutical distributor, announced last week that it will relocate its headquarters from San Francisco to Las Colinas in April.  The company, which delivers prescription drugs and medical supplies, has more than 75,000 employees globally and had revenue of $208 billion last year. It ranks sixth on the Fortune 500 list, behind only Walmart, Exxon Mobil, Berkshire Hathaway, Apple and UnitedHealth Group.   With its move, McKesson will become the second-largest company by revenue to be based in North Texas, surpassing AT&T Inc. The largest, Exxon Mobil, is also headquartered in Las Colinas.   Dallas-Fort Worth had 22 Fortune 500 company headquarters this year. That'll grow next year with the addition of McKesson and another California transplant, San Francisco-based Core-Mark Holding Co., which is relocating to Westlake.

https://www.dallasnews.com/business/health-care/2018/11/30/medical-industry-giant-mckesson-move-headquarters-irving

Less than 20 minutes from the heart of Dallas, the city of Irving, TX offers endless options for shopping, dining and entertainment. Some of our real estate agents' favorite spots in the DFW area can be found right here, and today we want to highlight one of the area's best restaurants – Saltgrass Steakhouse in Irving, TX.

Irving's Award-Winning Steakhouse

Saltgrass Steakhouse serves Certified Angus Beef® steaks – the finest in the world – which exceeds even USDA Choice beef in taste and tenderness. The restaurant also has a lot more to offer besides steak, but let's face it. The beef is the main attraction here, and rightly so.

From Pat's Ribeye to the Silver Star Porterhouse and Maudeen's Center Cut Filet, Saltgrass Steakhouse excels when it comes to prime cuts of char-grilled beef, slathered in fresh garlic butter and seasoned with their signature Saltgrass-7 Steak Spice. Their lunch and dinner menus also offer incredible burgers, mouth-watering ribs, fresh seafood, poultry and some of the best ribs around. Besides, the appetizers, sides and desserts alone are worth making a trip for. Try the Two-Fork Cheese Cake, or the homemade beer bread, served warm with honey butter. All breads, dressings and soups are made from scratch daily.

The bar at Saltgrass Steakhouse serves up craft beer in frosty mugs, along with top shelf agave margaritas, an incredible variety of excellent cocktails and an extensive wine list. Stop in for a drink, and there's a good chance you'll be tempted to stick around for a full meal.

A Historic Texas Tradition

Saltgrass Steakhouse got its start in 1991 in Houston, and now has dozens of locations all over the country. The original location sits right alongside the legendary Salt Grass Trail, a historic route used by cattle herders in the 19th century to drive their livestock south to graze on the fertile salt grasses of the Texas Gulf Coast.

It was a journey known far and wide for producing the best beef in Texas, a tradition that Saltgrass Steakhouse carries on today. The trail ride was revived in the 1950s, and has continued to this day, becoming an annual celebration of the original Texas spirit.

The Irving, TX location of Saltgrass Steakhouse is just minutes from some of the best attractions in Irving, including Lakeview Park, the Sam Houston Trail, Luna Vista Golf Course and the Elm Fork of the Trinity River. Downtown Dallas is just 20 minutes away, and Fort worth is just a 30 minute drive.

Irving TX Real Estate Professionals

If you're looking for Irving homes for sale, be sure to check out Saltgrass Steakhouse while you're in the neighborhood. And remember that you're more than welcome to contact RE/MAX DFW Associates any time to learn more about life in Irving, TX!

Visitors have called the Mandalay Canal Walk at Las Colinas a "hidden secret path." Those of us with homes in Irving know the walkway is easy to find. It follows the path of the man-made waterway as it joins Lake Carolyn. The Canal Walk is one of the unique features that help make the Las Colinas planned community a wonderful place to call home.

Our REALTORS® in Irving understand that the Canal Walk at Las Colinas is no secret. Still, we believe it's important to offer friendly reminders of just how beautiful and peaceful our community can be.

When you walk the canal
The Canal Walk gives you access to a beautiful ground level city view. You follow a patterned-brick path that syncs with the waterway's arcs and curves. You wander past gleaming office buildings, hotels, arched entryways, and architecture with a distinctive European flair.

Walking the path is a unique way to appreciate the Las Colinas fusion of futuristic growth and old world charm. Best of all, it's a great way to see the commercial district without traffic getting in the way.

More than just a walk
The path is tree-lined and peaceful, ideal for a solo morning walk, an afternoon lunch with coworkers, or a romantic evening stroll. Some restaurants, shops, hotels, and local entertainment venues border the walkway. Others are nearby or a doable walking distance.

As you walk, you'll also see towering buildings, floral accents, and secluded inlets with man-made waterfalls. The celebrated Mustangs of Colinas sculpture and museum are nearby as well.

And if you don't feel like walking
If a peaceful walk isn't enough to satisfy your need for motion, you'll find a few options along the way.

• Stand Up Paddle
  If you can imagine yourself surfing and rowing at the same time, you might enjoy stand up paddling. As a Stand Up Paddle participant, you'll learn to "walk on water" using a boat/surf board style device. After you complete your introductory training you'll be able to paddle the canal instead of walking the path.
  
  
• Gondola Cruises
  When you see a gondola cruising the Las Colinas canal, you'll feel you've been transported to Venice. Gondola Adventures will schedule your tour on a traditional or electric-powered gondola. You can ride a gondola simply for access to a unique view of Las Colinas or arrange a special occasion cruise. P.S. Be prepared to kiss your partner as you pass under a bridge.
  
  
• DART Transportation
  If you want to see the canal but prefer not to walk, you can hop aboard a DART Area Personal Transit train. It's easy to make an APT connection from the Las Colinas Urban Center Station. It will speed you along the canal route if you decide not to walk.
  
  Station stops provide People Movers to transport you throughout the community. APT service is free.

Get to know your community
We believe it's important to know your community. Contact RE/MAX DFW Associates when you need information on buying or selling your Irving home or if you simply want information about the businesses, activities, and entertainment in your community.