Dallas doesn’t have a great track record of protecting its historic houses and neighborhoods. Development has often meant demolition and it has been a challenge at times to help people see the value of preserving and protecting older structures and areas around the city.
But the tides seem to be shifting. Realtors are on the front lines and can make a huge impact moving forward.
That’s where the Historic House Specialist designation comes in. A couple of times a year, Metrotex and Preservation Dallas team up to offer a two-day seminar for MCE credit and a certification for Realtors. The event includes lectures from local experts on architectural history and styles of Dallas, the preservation ordinance, property tax incentives, how to research the history of a building, and more.
I was lucky enough to sit in on the last one in March and I have to sing its praises. The caliber of presenter was unparalleled —I took 42 pages of notes on everything from preserving historic wood windows and spotting a Dilbeck, to researching the history of a building and learning about early Dallas developers.
The seminar includes a bus tour of historic neighborhoods in Dallas on the second day, as well as a signed copy of Virginia McAlester’s A Field Guide to American Houses, and a complimentary one-year individual membership to Preservation Dallas.
When I took it, the seminar was sold out and that’s the usual state of affairs — it is limited to 25 people and usually has a wait list.
The Historic House Specialist seminar is $230 and includes lunch and a light breakfast on both days. Realtors will receive eight hours MCE credit. The class will be held in the Wilson Carriage House behind Preservation Dallas, 2924 Swiss Ave. from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sept. 12-13. Register online with MetroTex Association of Realtors or by calling 214-540-2751.
P.S. If you just can’t get enough, there’s an Advanced Historic House Specialist seminar coming up Oct. 11.
