It’s October and it seems that people are getting out more and more in Dallas. I was having coffee with my dear friend Billy Fong, of PaperCity, who adores fashion like I do and we found ourselves discussing the sad state of affairs specifically that of our favorite retail therapy haunts. But almost immediately we came to a joint agreement that Dallas is different. Sure, we may not be buying the new cocktails dresses to wear to our favorite charity galas, but we are still finding ways to “get dressed” to do things around town. The result is a more casual, yet still polished look. I mean, personally, I cannot seem to get out of my Golden Goose sneakers. I have also seen more men than ever rocking beards behind their masks. It’s a peculiar time in the world and the world of fashion, however, as Billy says, we must #remainresilient. 

As I’ve mentioned before, we moved into a high-rise apartment building until our tornado home can be rebuilt-which finally is happening, and I am in awe of the license plates I am seeing daily now in the parking lot. Think New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania just to name a few. But the one I am seeing the most? California! In fact, not a day goes by that one of my showings is not for someone from California. These customers are flying in on their private jets, viewing and purchasing a couple of homes, and plotting their moves to the Lone Star State, hence the increase in our over $3 million dollar homes sales category. It seems they are purchasing quickly to avoid the new taxes being implemented there soon where high-income earners could see a whooping 16.8 percent state income tax.

If you were thinking of remodeling yourself (I am cringing because I am currently in the thick of it), expect to have hold-ups on appliances in addition to your general costs to increase substantially. Lumber prices are through the roof with 1,000 board feet rising to $640 from around $280 at the beginning of 2020. The reason? A lot of our lumber comes from the North and those states were completely shut down during the initial COVID quarantine days. Who would have guessed it would actually set off a building boom because of people being trapped at home and in need of a refresh or an entirely new construction. Another element that added stress to the market was the mad rush by restaurants to build outdoor dining to keep their businesses afloat.

And while fall is certainly going to look and feel very different this year, I am welcoming it with open arms. After all, is there anything better than outdoor dining during a crisp October day in Dallas? Meet me at Mercat Bistro!

 

Christy

Christy BerryOctober 2, 2020