It’s not just Dallas. It’s not just Fort Worth. We’re part of a region, growing as one. So, call it Dallas-Fort Worth or call it the Metroplex.
“You can’t really say Dallas,” said Robbie Briggs, President and CEO of Briggs Freeman Sotheby’s International Realty, which opened an office in Fort Worth in December. “You have to say Dallas-Fort Worth. It’s a region.”
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Photos and video / Briggs Freeman Sotheby’s International Realty
Everywhere you turn, it seems people are talking about North Texas. Recently I’ve read reports appearing in publications from The Wall Street Journal to local business presses, all predicting continued economic growth through 2015 and beyond.
The strong economy in North Texas is bringing business to our area, and with that comes opportunity. Major corporations such as Toyota are moving here and bringing thousands of new people to our area. A recent discussion at a Dallas Regional Chamber meeting focused on how Toyota’s move was inspiring other corporations seeking relocation options to seriously consider the opportunities available in North Texas.
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After a car-trip to “Polo on the Prairie” required a surprising number rest stops, the word “diabetes” became a part of the Briggs’ family vocabulary.
“Our daughter, Anne, was only eight years old at the time of her Type 1 Diabetes diagnosis,” said Robbie Briggs, President and CEO of Briggs Freeman Sotheby’s International Realty, who along with wife, Nancy, sponsored the recent “Fund the Cure” luncheon benefitting the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. “As any parent can imagine, it’s very difficult to see this beautiful, perfect child and know that this is something that you can’t fix.”
At the time of her diagnosis, JDRF hoped for a cure in the next decade. Twenty-two years later, enormous strides have been made toward treatment, prevention and, soon, a cure. “Today, we are able to lead full lives and I believe that we are very close to a cure,” said Anne Briggs who spoke at the luncheon. Anne and childhood friend Benton Bagot, are leading a new generation of JDFR supporters to continue the march toward a cure.
“I believe there is a silver lining in everything, and meeting the people at JDRF was certainly one of ours,” said Robbie Briggs. “Their dedication to research and finding a cure will get us there.”
For information on the latest research and opportunities to support JDRF, please go to diabetes.org.
President and CEO Robbie Briggs independently owns and operates Briggs Freeman Sotheby’s International Realty with six offices in Dallas, Uptown, Lakewood, Ranch and Land, The Ballpark andSouthlake.
Photo / Shutterstock
Homelessness, drug abuse, violence, prostitution – these are among the social problems that have left far too many once-proud neighborhoods in shambles. While it may be a simple solution for some to throw up their hands, move to another part of town and declare it “someone else’s problem,” thankfully there are dedicated people in Dallas who don’t agree.
Where some see problems, others see opportunities. Successful outreach programs are innovatively bridging longstanding gaps, creating blueprints for other communities to follow and paving the way for a more unified Dallas.
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It was 200 years ago this September that a Washington, D.C. attorney, Francis Scott Key, wrote a firsthand account on his observations of a British bombing of American troops at Fort McHenry during the War of 1812. Later it was set to music, and in 1931 Congress named Key’s “Star Spangled Banner” our National Anthem.
Few things are more emblematic of the American Dream than this patriotic song. On July 10 at Globe Life Park, a group of men proudly marched onto the field and sang our National Anthem. They sang loudly, with pride and ownership of America’s finest song.
Little did most of the crowd know, while buying snacks and finding their seats, settling in before the first pitch of the Texas Rangers game, that these Men of Nehemiah are recovering drug abusers, alcoholics and worse. At one point most were homeless, living on the streets. Prior to changing their lives through this wonderful outreach program, they experienced a bottom that most of us will never know.
Their stirring performance at the baseball stadium was a vivid reminder that the American Dream is accessible and achievable. It comes in all shapes and sizes, and no two person’s versions are the same. I’m not suggesting everyone will own a business, become super wealthy, and hobnob with Tom Cruise or LeBron James. However, to better oneself by taking full advantage of the myriad opportunities our country has to offer – just as the Men of Nehemiah have – is as feasible today as ever.
I’ll remember that scene at home plate for a long time. It was inspirational and serves as an eloquent reminder that the American Dream is alive and well.
Click here to see the latest in real estate news. CEO Robbie Briggs independently owns and operates Briggs Freeman Sotheby’s International Realty with six offices in Dallas, Uptown, Lakewood, Ranch and Land, The Ballpark and Southlake.
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Real estate experts at Keeping Current Matters (KCM) have outlined compelling reasons to list a property now to take advantage of eager buyers and limited competition. Expert agents with Briggs Freeman Sotheby’s International Realty back up those reasons. Read on …
Only Serious Buyers Are Out—At this time of year, only those purchasers who are serious about buying a home will be in the marketplace. You and your family will not be bothered and inconvenienced by mere “lookers.”
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This three-bedroom townhome at 2911 Bookhout Street in Uptown is close to the Katy Trail, West Village and Downtown Arts District – all attractive amenities in Dallas’ growing luxury lease market. Photo / Briggs Freeman Sotheby’s International Realty
According to U.S. Census data, 35 percent of Americans choose to lease instead of own their current home. In the case of automobiles, Google Trends reports leases accounted for 27.5 percent of new car purchases last year, up from about 11 percent in 2009. Those are provocative statistics. While many have never even considered leasing as an option, preferring to own their home, these days we’ve seen a shift. That doesn’t necessarily mean that “rent” is the new “own.” However, it’s a trend not to be ignored.
With that in mind, Briggs Freeman Sotheby’s International Realty has responded to the market. I’m excited about our newly developed leasing department. The fact is, until recently we’d not been focused on leasing – now we are. While the math is certainly different for each market, the leasing trend in Dallas is red hot, particularly by virtue of the fact that the city has become more and more urban. About two-thirds of the buildings being constructed downtown right now are rentals.
In years past, Americans bought a house and stayed there forever. Now, we live differently. People are moving to Dallas from regions where it’s more challenging to sell their home – without a leasing department, we’d miss the opportunity to help these clients. We have 15 great people in the department, including leasing agents, who are focused on exploring opportunities. They know the market well, and provide clients with sound leasing strategies.
Over time, it stands to reason that renters eventually become buyers. We don’t simply sell homes – we are in the relationship business. Through this new emphasis on leasing, that gives us an opportunity to begin relationships that we can grow over time. And I’m looking forward to that.
Robbie Briggs
President and CEO
Briggs Freeman Sotheby’s International Realty
1.847.780.6499
Click here to see the latest in real estate news. CEO Robbie Briggs independently owns and operates Briggs Freeman Sotheby’s International Realty with six offices in Dallas, Uptown, Lakewood, Ranch and Land, The Ballpark and Southlake.
Photo / Shutterstock
As seen in the Wall Street Journal Mansion section:
It’s a simple process to draw a number of direct parallels between business and warfare. More than 2,500 years after Sun Tzu’s historic 13-chapter military treatise, The Art of War was written, it remains one of the world’s most compelling battleground guides. Throughout history it has been widely considered the most compelling how-to for military strategists, relied upon by everyone from ancient samurai to Gen. Douglas McArthur and Mao Tse-tung, right up through the Gulf War leadership of Norman Schwarzkopf and Colin Powell.
While planning armed maneuvers and executing grand conquests, simple yet profound passages have stood the test of time: “Victory usually goes to the army who has better trained officers and men;” “Never will those who wage war tire of deception;” and “He will win who knows when to fight and when not to fight.”
Successful companies also rely on smart strategic planning – many of the same concepts the world’s greatest military leaders have employed for centuries. Similar principles used on the battlefield can often fit nicely into the boardroom. Four basic strategies that have worked in both military and business applications include: offensive, defensive, flanking and guerrilla. All of these have been tested time and time again and have long track records of success depending upon competitive circumstances.
The same concepts that apply to warfare are also indispensible in business. Teamwork, planning, measurements of success, understanding the enemy and choosing the appropriate strategy are all critical elements to developing the right blueprint for success.
While I don’t see us donning boots and fatigues anytime soon, there is much to learn from the strategic planning and tactical maneuvers of the military. And to think, the best place to start is a Chinese book published in the 16th century.
Robbie Briggs
President and CEO
Briggs Freeman Sotheby’s International Realty
1.847.780.6499
Click here to see the latest in real estate news. CEO Robbie Briggs independently owns and operates Briggs Freeman Sotheby’s International Realty with six offices in Dallas, Uptown, Lakewood, Ranch and Land, The Ballpark and Southlake.
Video / Briggs Freeman Sotheby’s International Realty
Sometimes the best things in life come in twos. Cup and saucer, a pair of aces, bread and butter, twin-babies and, in the case of real estate, second homes. An associate of mine has a saying: “You’re never too young to enjoy a second home. Vacation for a month, live for a lifetime.” I couldn’t agree more.
In some families, hometown is where it all happens. Kids go to college, marry and start careers all in the same place. Their legacy is written in a single spot, living down the street from mom and dad.
That’s not the Briggs story; our kids live all over the world. When the children (and grandchildren) return to Dallas, ironically true family time can actually be limited. They enjoy getting out, seeing how their hometown has changed. They visit childhood friends. And before you know it, it’s time to wave goodbye.
We have a second home in Maine, which has served a wonderful purpose. When we’re there, we are all together … hiking, swimming and fishing … the grandkids love it and so do we. After gathering there for so many years it’s not just a second home – it’s another home. Lots of friends live nearby that mean just as much to us as those in Dallas. It’s another place to build relationships and memories.
On the last visit, our daughter said, “Next summer I think I can be here for two weeks.” It’s our gathering place where we cook out and relax around the fire pit for good conversation.
Buying a second home for us, one with no distractions, and a single purpose – one another – has been the best family time of all.
Robbie Briggs
President and CEO
Briggs Freeman Sotheby’s International Realty
1.847.780.6499
Click here to see the latest in real estate news. CEO Robbie Briggs independently owns and operates Briggs Freeman Sotheby’s International Realty with six offices in Dallas, Uptown, Lakewood, Ranch and Land, The Ballpark and Southlake.
Amid lush Lakewood, this house at 6859 Westlake Avenue captures Texas’ bright light and takes advantage of the natural setting, with rooms that overlook gardens. Listed for $1,285,000. Photos / Briggs Freeman Sotheby’s International Realty
Today’s Real Estate Report, as heard on KRLD radio:
Since the early 1900s, Lakewood has been known as one of Dallas’ most vibrant and welcoming neighborhoods.
With great schools, fun shops and restaurants and a strong sense of community, the hills overlooking White Rock Lake are a favorite place to call home.
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Briggs Freeman Sotheby's International Realty