I'm a Homeowner, Now What? Guide to Responsible Homeowning
Congratulations, 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 More
DCH Foundations: Inside The Beckley Apartments and Beckley Suite D
The 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 More
DCH Learning Center: Building your Credit Towards Homeownership
Is 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 More
DCH Learning Center: Small Business Resources Dallas
DCH 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 More
DCH Learning: How to Apply for a Small Business Loan
Last 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 More
Dream Big in Dallas in 2023: Opening a Business
Happy New Year Dallas! We are so grateful to our community and so excited to kick off 2023. One of the ways we use this blog is to offer you tools to be able to succeed and make your dreams come true. One of the biggest dreams people have is to own their own business. One of the biggest misconceptions about owning your own business is that it is out of reach without a large amount of capital to invest. This January we are giving you the tools to start a small business, but also offering some insight into whether it is time to take your side hustle to the sidewalk!
Read More
DCH Christmas Carol: Dallas Housing Past, Present, and Future
As 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 More
DCH and Vista Bank Financial Literacy Workshop
Dallas City Homes was pleased to join Vista Bank for a workshop on Holiday Budgets and preparing your finances for saving in 2023. We have the workshop for viewing and the materials here. If you are interested in attending more of our workshops and events, please sign up below for our newsletter! Have a wonderful holiday!
Read More
DCH Financial Literacy Corner: How to Write a Holiday Budget and Stick to It
The Holidays are such a magical time in Dallas, bright lights, festive decorations, community gatherings, and support really can put you in the season to give gifts. This holiday season, however, there are even more reasons to save for your future. Housing in Dallas is one of the least affordable in the US, and with unstable rents, the importance of saving for a home cannot be overstated. Dallas City Homes certainly does not want to deliver a bah humbug blog, so we are offering tips for writing a holiday budget, sticking to the budget, and some fun free Dallas events to enjoy the season, sustainably.
Read More
Giving Back this Holiday Season
As we approach Thanksgiving, where we collectively give thanks, and proceed to the gift-giving time of year, Dallas City Homes would like to offer some ways to give back locally in the Dallas community. This can be a joyous time of year or a really challenging time of year as food prices soar, rents are unstable, and the pressure to provide mounts. Many organizations and programs are available to help manage finances in the face of a giant spending holiday and assist those unable to give gifts this holiday season. Let’s help Dallas celebrate the season by supporting our neighbors and coming together as a community.
Read More
Dallas Public Library
When 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 More
Fall Events in Dallas for Families
DCH has had an exciting start to fall with our North Texas Giving Day and National Night Out and we are galvanized by the support of our community and looking forward to the fall! On that note, we have some great events in Dallas for families coming up to showcase for our community. Many of these are low or no cost and great ways to celebrate the season and cooling temps. (what a relief!) Please get in touch using the links if you would like more information on these events, and leave a comment if you would like an event added!
Read More
National Night Out at Hillburn Hills
October 4th was National Night Out and Dallas City Homes celebrated this event with their community at Hillburn Hills. Never heard of National Night Out? Well, it hasn’t been around that long, but this initiative aligns with so many of the Dallas City Homes values, that we were really excited to jump in and become part of this movement.
Read More
History of the Dallas Farmers Market
With inflation inching up food prices, many people are looking for ways to spend less and get more. One simple way to save money and live healthier is by shopping at a farmers market. Dallas is located proximately to farms and the Dallas Farmers Market offers you access to locally sourced fruit, vegetables, spices, and meats. It also has a rich history of connecting the people to the land and the abundance that Dallas has to offer.
Read More
Five Components of Financial Literacy
The United States Treasury’s Financial Literacy and Education Commission defines financial literacy as “the ability to use knowledge and skills to manage financial resources effectively for a lifetime of financial wellbeing.” Financial Literacy is your key to homeowning and responsibly saving for your future.
Read More
DCH Foundations: The Flats
The 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 More
NTX Giving Day 2022
NTX Giving Day raised 66 million in 2021, and this year will hopefully mobilize more funds for North Texas nonprofits and charitable organizations. Dallas City Homes participates in NTX Giving Day and we continue to raise more funds, year on year, and reach more donors, thanks to this platform. We are excited for NTX 2022 to mobilize our donors and broaden our reach in the Dallas area during this event, and wanted to offer more information on this event and its importance in the national giving arena.
Read More
What is Attainable Housing?
What is attainable housing? How is attainable housing different from affordable housing? Attainable housing and affordable housing are potential solutions to ease the current housing crisis, but are the subject of much debate by policymakers and experts. The key difference is what an individual qualifies for in relation to where they live. It comes as a surprise to many that in the current market they may qualify for attainable housing. Operationally, the development of attainable housing vs affordable housing can help alleviate housing pressure without devaluing neighborhoods with very high-density construction to house only those qualifying for subsidized affordable housing. We explore the differences between affordable and attainable housing and how they shape communities, and the future of Dallas housing.
Read More
DCH Foundations: Hillburn Hills Redevelopment
Dallas 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 More
