How does affordable and attainable housing play into sustainability and equality in neighborhoods? DCH builds mixed-income developments that provide housing for a number of income levels and one of the questions we get asked the most and one of the things that can be most confusing is the concept of the AMI or Area Median Income. We will look at how it affects housing availability and eligibility, and provide answers to our FAQ, on AMI.
Read MoreCongratulations, here are the keys to your new home! Now, how do you maintain a home and a lifestyle that will build equity and add value to your home? There are so many guides to saving for a home, linked here, and applying for a home loan as a first time home buyer, linked here, but what happens when you get a home, how can you make sure it appreciates? Here are some practical maintenance tips, financial tips, and tips for becoming involved in your community to make sure your neighborhood thrives, to build value and equity for all.
Read MoreThe Beckley Apartments and DCH Headquarters site is minutes away from the trendy Bishop Arts District. We acquired the space, 711 N. Beckley in 2004. This construction was built in 1959 and had 6 units in need of restoration. We say restoration because this building, like many in Dallas, had great bones. It was built of red brick and contained only one-bedroom and one-bath homes. This type of configuration is antiquated in that it does not use space in the ways that we use it today, but there was an opportunity and DCH saw this.
Read MoreIs owning a home a dream? For many, home owning is a dream that seems like it will never become a reality. According to a recent survey by Intuit, it takes an estimated 51 months, or 4.25 years, for an average American household to save the recommended 20 percent down payment. The average home down payment is $54,145 for a single family home. This of course only tells a fraction of the story since housing costs, income, and living costs vary so wildly from metropolis to metropolis.
Read MoreDCH has the capability to turn underperforming properties into new homes and future homes (and headquarters) of small businesses in the Southern Dallas area. We follow adaptive reuse principles, where possible, and partner with community leaders and businesses to make neighborhoods more diverse and equitable. One way we want to help support our communities is to offer guidance and resources to help fulfill small business dreams. Owning a small business is a dream for many, and there are a number of resources in Dallas and Federally, that help make these dreams a reality. Here are just some of the available local grants, businesses, agencies, and entities that offer guidance, mentorship, and funds to build small businesses in our community.
Read MoreLast week, we discussed the importance of a business plan and knowing your audience and market. This week, we are going deeper into business planning and funding. A business plan will be necessary for funding. You need to know how much you need for operating, for a given time, and which loans you could qualify for. This week we are not discussing grants, but will be offering specific Dallas funding and grants, next week. These are the steps to apply for a traditional small business loan. We have compiled more resources on plans from the US Small Business Administration below.
Read MoreAs we wind down this year, there are some rituals that we like to do as a business to start the new year. Of course we do our finances and hang Christmas decorations, but we also like to look at lessons we have learned and sit in the bigness of gratitude we have for our community.
Read MoreWhen you think back to your childhood? How do you remember books? Were you read to? Do you remember a certain story that transported you to another place almost completely? Did you go to a library?
Read MoreThe Flats are one of the properties that we own and operate and are part of one of the more interesting neighborhoods with a rich history. We wanted to offer more information about this neighborhood and project from a lens of history and shift towards the future of Southern Dallas.
Read MoreDallas City Homes redevelops properties for attainable housing where people really want to start a life, not just live affordably. The Hillburn Hills location was striking from its’ inception as it offered ease of commute for residents, a thriving surrounding community of single family homes, and the potential for community-forward amenities, and access to great schools. Hillburn Hills redevelopment was made possible thanks to a grant and to the dedication of DCH and partners, and stands today as a testament to how affordable and attainable housing increases property values and stability of communities.
Read MoreDallas City Homes was honored to attend the ribbon cutting at a new multi media center reopened as Science Place Two. This government access media center is available to nonprofits, students, and interns arranged through various city departments. It is the product of unused fees of cable TV subscribers that were unable to be used for city improvements, only communications. City officials whose hard work culminated in this state of the art and accessible facility hope that it will bridge a gap in communication with the community through the city website, social media content production, and cable access channels. This center is geared towards telling the story of Dallas Neighborhoods and the Dallas story, by and for the residents.
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