HOW GOOD IS THE DALLAS MARKET?

Restorer: Donna Hipp, Restoration Contractors, Inc.



“The Dallas market seems to be flooded with buyers this spring, perhaps because of the severe winter weather up north. With the money market for new homes tightening due to high interest rates and other factors, the availability of loan dollars for restoration has never been greater. People are beginning to realize that they will get more for their money through restoration. We’re a relatively small organization, but we receive an average of eight calls per day from people who want us to come out and make estimates on their homes, or on homes they are thinking of buying, and these usually range from $75,000 to $100,000. Business is great!”

Builder: Jerry Stiles, J. Stiles, Inc.



“Through the efforts of the leaders of this city to bring people to Dallas, and due to the quality of life here, the demand for new homes is greater than I’ve seen it in the 10 years I’ve been in the business. That fact, coupled with the current labor and materials shortage, is bringing Dallas to the threshold of a potential housing shortage. Normally we have 30 to 40 homes ready for people to buy and move in. At present we have only seven or eight. Our sales are already over $6 million this year, and it was August of last year before we reached that figure. We’re looking for a $20-million sales figure for 1978-1979. We just can’t get the houses built fast enough!”

Newcomer: Alex Odishelidze, General Agent for State Mutual Insurance Co.

“I think Dallas is probably the last place in the country where you can buy a home for a decent amount of money. I’ve lived in New York and Miami, and there’s a feeling of decay there, with people juggling their checkbooks and their businesses because of the high taxes and the unbelievable cost of doing business on the coasts. Dallas is so refreshing. There’s the feeling of new earth being turned, of growth and vitality. I love my home and could not have found another like it anywhere that I know of.”

Broker: Erle Rawlins III



“People are becoming aware of the convenience and economic advantages of living close to the city center. The resulting demand for quality residential properties (for example, in the Park Cities) is causing values to rise dramatically.”