Way back when I first started writing for daltxrealestate.com, the idea was that I give everyone enough information (or the ability to find that information) to make an educated decision about both public schools and neighborhoods they’d like to live in.
And for about the last six months, I’ve been noodling around with a concept that I’m thrilled to say is finally launching next week — SCHOOL + HOUSE. Part traditional open house for prospective buyers, part meet-and-greet with local school officials and parents, SCHOOL + HOUSE is designed to bring everyone you’d ever want to talk to about the Dallas Independent School District in one place, with the added bonus of getting a Realtor who is a fountain of knowledge about the neighborhoods that feed those schools.
Because some of the best knowledge about schools comes from the parents who are there every day. They’re informed, involved and ready to give anyone the ins and outs of sending your child to the schools in the neighborhood.
A few months ago, sitting around a fireplace with my friend Heather Guild, who also happens to be both a Realtor and a Lakewood neighborhood expert, I told her about what I was thinking. I knew we might not get to work together soon because of the crazy fast way inventory seems to turn around in Lakewood, but I also had several other potential neighborhoods I was eyeballing for this experiment.
But then earlier this week Heather sent me a smoke signal and said she had a GREAT listing — an adorable Tudor in Lakewood that was less than $500,000. Would I be interested in launching my cockamamie (my words, not hers) idea with an open house at this spot?
Heck. Yes.
So here I sit, inviting you all to drop by to 6815 Vivian Avenue next Tuesday, June 28. We’ll be there from 6 to 7:30 p.m., ready to talk Dallas ISD and show you a great home. Between the great parents we’re inviting and the school officials, you’ll have lots of brains to pick. Newly-elected District 2 trustee Dustin Marshall has also graciously agreed to drop by and talk to everyone as well.
And then, of course, you’ll have the great team of Heather Guild Group to tell you about both the house and the neighborhood as well. With a combined 33 years of real estate and five children between them, these women have East Dallas real estate (and the neighborhood school scene) covered — seriously. The Heather Guild Group, made up of Heather Guild, Skylar Champion, and Haley Wagstaff of Dave Perry-Miller Real Estate, is consistently ranked among the top realtors in Dallas by all of the people that rank such things — D Magazine, The Advocate, you name it — and for good reason. You’ll not find three people who work harder to exceed their clients’ expectations.
And about that home. Built in 1930, the three-bedroom, two-bath, 1,750-square-foot home features multiple porches outside (a party host’s dream), an updated kitchen with stainless steel appliances and double ovens, wood floors throughout and lots of windows with plantation shutters. The master has a walk-in closet, and although some might say the bathroom is a schoosh too small for a master, but these ladies have thought of everything, including snagging an architect to draw up some plans for enlarging that bathroom, if the buyer should desire.
Oh, and the price — $475,000, a great price for a home with such tremendous curb appeal.
And even if you’re already a Lakewood resident and are just interested in finding out more about your school options, head over! If you’re a Realtor who would like to be able to answer buyer questions about the district and want to access that knowledge, you’re invited, too. And if Lakewood isn’t your bag (what?) keep your eye out for more locations over the next year (Midway Hollow, I’m looking at you in August).
A big, big, big thanks to Haley Wagstaff, Skylar Champion and Heather Guild for hosting, and to additional sponsors Rooted Dallas (a Lakewood company, natch) for providing gorgeous succulents throughout the property for the evening, and Bill Ajello of The Lending Partners for providing refreshments.
