Cutthroat. Ruthless. Creative. Gossipy. All that and a huge dose of the pretty people is what made the TV show “Million Dollar Listing” such a guilty pleasure.
The Bravo television series featured both Los Angeles and New York versions of killer listings and the real estate agents who were trying to sell these properties in very competitive markets to very demanding, very wealthy clients. Pass the popcorn because this was fun to watch.
What always amazed me was not the platinum blonde highlights or the — ahem — enhancements some of the “reality stars” had purchased for themselves, but the creative marketing. Marketing in real estate can vary from the info sheet rolled up on the front lawn to the sign in the yard, from advertising on daltxrealestate.com to a broker’s open with some great appetizers.
Last weekend, though, I experienced a different level. I was looking for the camera crews because I just knew I was part of “Million Dollar Listing: North Texas.”
Mixing it Up Like Million Dollar Listing
The Right Mix Ranch, a 24-acre property in Joshua, was the site of what might be called an event, a party, a happening. First, there were invitations to the selected guests. Once invitees responded, the otherwise secret address was shared. In Johnson County, the ranch is about 20 minutes past Fort Worth’s Clear Fork on Chisholm Trail Parkway.
Exit the toll road, and custom signs pointed the way toward the rural site. An allee of tall, beautiful trees alerted visitors that they had arrived. Names are checked at the gate, and the electronic gate swings open to drive up the pavement to parking. The parking lot is full of Realtor cars — shiny late-model, high-end SUVs so perfect for squiring buyers around town.
Whisked Away to Joshua, Texas
Associates from Engel & Volkers provided the beautiful part, dressed in smart casual clothes in various combos of white and black. As soon as the car was parked, the visitors were retrieved by a golf cart and whisked up the slight hill to where the action was. Past the oversized putting green with golfers taking turns and small lakes sparkling in the sunshine was the hub of activity, just outside the largest of the ranch’s five houses.
Roxann Taylor, owner-broker of Engel & Volkers DFW, was perfectly coiffed and dressed in all white as she greeted visitors on the deck. Nearby were raffle registration, a barbecue food truck, and a map of the ranch. Guests were free to roam through the main house or the two-story house with an amazing view from the balcony. Wander more and there was a greenhouse and three very compact tiny houses, each carefully appointed with the necessities in three different styles.
The property was just listed on MLS, but it was previously marketed — there’s that important concept again — as a commercial property. Thoughts of what it could be surely flashed through minds. Wedding venue? Spiritual retreat? Hunting get-away? Tiny house village? Luxurious development?
Whatever the outcome, the privilege of deciding the property’s future is listed at $6.6 million.
