Skylar Champion – Dave Perry Miller Real Estate – Dave Perry Miller Real Estate Blog

September 26, 2016

Sutton co-chairs 2016 Lakewood Home Festival

Nothings says you love your neighborhood quite like agreeing to co-chair one of its largest, most anticipated events. Dave Perry-Miller Real Estate Agent Skylar Sutton Champion is overseeing this year’s Lakewood Home Festival, and it promises to be one of the best yet. (She has also bravely signed on for next year!)

Skylar Sutton Champion of the Heather Guild Group is the chairman of the 2016 Lakewood Home Festival benefiting the Lakewood Early Childhood PTA

The theme for the 40th Annual home tour is “Explore Lakewood.” Champion says the six houses on tour will be ready come the weekend of November 12. She has been working tirelessly on the home tour, in addition to her jobs as mother and top-producing real estate agent.

“Typically home tours tend to focus on interiors, and we certainly will,” Champion said. “The theme we chose this year is a nod to Lakewood’s unique setting in this city – the mature trees, the rolling hills, the creeks and lake views — so we’re highlighting several houses that have seamlessly incorporated these natural surroundings into their aesthetic.”

Among her many responsibilities, Champion helped select the homes on this year’s tour. She previewed several contenders, and along with her committee, decided which met the general theme and pre-determined criteria. Finalists run the gamut from a 1927 Dutch Colonial Revival to a 2016 Southern Luxe Farmhouse.

“It’s been so much fun being on the inside the last couple of years, working towards a common goal to raise money for local schools and organize something our whole community loves and looks forward to year after year.,” Champion said.

As an 8-year resident of Lakewood, Champion wholeheartedly believes in all it has to offer today’s residents and families.

“We consistently have some of the best schools in Dallas,” she said. “It’s my honor to help raise money for the schools my own children will soon attend: Lakewood Elementary, JL Long Middle School and Woodrow Wilson High School. Last year, the event raised $187,000, and had around 2,000 people tour the various homes.. This year, we plan to top that, and I’m confident we will!”

“Incidentally, I love that my worlds are colliding in this event,” Champion continued. “My company has an office here in Lakewood, and has been involved in the home tour’s success for the last few years. Once again, they will sponsor the Auction Party on Friday night and the Candlelight Tour on Saturday night.”

In addition, several of Champions fellow agents are showing support by sponsoring homes, including: Heather Guild Group, Nancy Johnson Group and Scott Jackson’s team JacksonSells.

Champion is a member of the Heather Guild Group of Dave Perry-Miller Real Estate, and has recently been named among the Top 25 Producers in East Dallas by the Lakewood Advocate, and a Top Producer/D Best Real Estate Agent by D Magazine.

On Tour This Year

6521 Bob O Link Dr - This vintage Dutch Colonial home was built in 1941 on an oversized lot. The homeowners’ 2015 renovation includes period detailing and the interior, designed solely by the homeowner, combines classic traditional pieces with French country flair along with transitional accents. The second-floor balcony overlooks a beautifully landscaped front yard (pictured at top of story), and in the back yard, an outdoor living area overlooks the pool. — **6521 Bob O Link Dr** – This vintage Dutch Colonial home was built in 1941 on an oversized lot. The homeowners’ 2015 renovation includes period detailing and the interior, designed solely by the homeowner, combines classic traditional pieces with French country flair along with transitional accents. The second-floor balcony overlooks a beautifully landscaped front yard (pictured at top of story), and in the back yard, an outdoor living area overlooks the pool.

7208 Dominique Dr - A stately Southern Luxe Farmhouse, this home was built on a double lot in 2016. Inspired by the southern estates in East Texas, this magnificent home is a treasure of architectural delights. It blends contemporary, transitional, classic and rustic designs to create the perfect home for a modern family. The wraparound porch gives a nod to a simpler time while the floor-to-ceiling windows add to the bright, contemporary interior. Every detail of the home is custom designed, from the wallpaper, drapes and furniture to the finishes and lighting. The carriage house is also a “must see”. Sponsored by: Heather Guild Group, New Leaf Custom Homes and Maestri, LLC Architecture + Design — **7208 Dominique Dr** – A stately Southern Luxe Farmhouse, this home was built on a double lot in 2016. Inspired by the southern estates in East Texas, this magnificent home is a treasure of architectural delights. It blends contemporary, transitional, classic and rustic designs to create the perfect home for a modern family. The wraparound porch gives a nod to a simpler time while the floor-to-ceiling windows add to the bright, contemporary interior. Every detail of the home is custom designed, from the wallpaper, drapes and furniture to the finishes and lighting. The carriage house is also a “must see.” Sponsored by: Heather Guild Group, New Leaf Custom Homes and Maestri, LLC Architecture + Design

6935 Lakeshore Dr. - Commanding attention atop a rolling hill in the heart of Lakewood, this classic Dutch Colonial Revival was built in 1927 by famed Lakewood developer Lee Kraft, of Dines and Kraft, as his personal family home. The current homeowners completed a full remodel, renovation and addition in 2014, bringing the home back to its original beauty. The interior is a reflection of the homeowners’ love of travel and experiencing new adventures and cultures. The growing family cherishes time together and spending it with their children in the backyard. The home is a perfect example of preservation and adaptation for modern living. Sponsored by: JacksonSells and Chicago Title – Skillman/Lakewood Office — **6935 Lakeshore Dr.** – Commanding attention atop a rolling hill in the heart of Lakewood, this classic Dutch Colonial Revival was built in 1927 by famed Lakewood developer Lee Kraft, of Dines and Kraft, as his personal family home. The current homeowners completed a full remodel, renovation and addition in 2014, bringing the home back to its original beauty. The interior is a reflection of the homeowners’ love of travel and experiencing new adventures and cultures. The growing family cherishes time together and spending it with their children in the backyard. The home is a perfect example of preservation and adaptation for modern living. Sponsored by: JacksonSells and Chicago Title – Skillman/Lakewood Office

8 Nonesuch Rd. - Situated on an acre lot, this beautiful, traditional, two-story home was built in 1997. It is surrounded by large, enduring trees on land that once belonged to retail icon Stanley Marcus of Neiman Marcus. The current homeowners completed a major renovation in 2014 to fit the needs of their large, fun-loving family. The floor-to-ceiling steel doors at the rear of the home are the perfect frame to the backyard oasis. It is complete with a naturally landscaped pool, a deluxe outdoor living space, and multiple areas for entertaining, including a large fire pit. This home is truly an entertainer’s dream. — **8 Nonesuch Rd.** – Situated on an acre lot, this beautiful, traditional, two-story home was built in 1997. It is surrounded by large, enduring trees on land that once belonged to retail icon Stanley Marcus of Neiman Marcus. The current homeowners completed a major renovation in 2014 to fit the needs of their large, fun-loving family. The floor-to-ceiling steel doors at the rear of the home are the perfect frame to the backyard oasis. It is complete with a naturally landscaped pool, a deluxe outdoor living space, and multiple areas for entertaining, including a large fire pit. This home is truly an entertainer’s dream.

6723 Sunnyland Ln. - This urban contemporary home was built in 2016 on a cul-de-sac lot overlooking White Rock Creek. The interior is inspired by British designer Timothy Oulton and incorporates dark accents, crystal chandeliers, and polished concrete-and-walnut floors to complete the urban feel of the home. The walls of glass and the multitude of windows bring the outside in and create Lakewood’s very own modern Swiss Family Robinson “tree house”. While the home is glamorous and sophisticated, it is also homey and inviting. Even the family’s large Great Dane has her own room, complete with doggie door and custom built-ins. Sponsored by: Nancy Johnson Group and Republic Title Lakewood — **6723 Sunnyland Ln.** – This urban contemporary home was built in 2016 on a cul-de-sac lot overlooking White Rock Creek. The interior is inspired by British designer Timothy Oulton and incorporates dark accents, crystal chandeliers, and polished concrete-and-walnut floors to complete the urban feel of the home. The walls of glass and the multitude of windows bring the outside in and create Lakewood’s very own modern Swiss Family Robinson “tree house”. While the home is glamorous and sophisticated, it is also homey and inviting. Even the family’s large Great Dane has her own room, complete with doggie door and custom built-ins. Sponsored by: Nancy Johnson Group and Republic Title Lakewood

3201 Wendover Rd. - This iconic Early Texas Modern home was built by O’Neil Ford and Arch B. Swank in 1939 for Juanita and Alfred Bromberg, who lived there for 60 years. The unimposing, sleek-lined, modern home is nestled in the trees and sits on 10 acres of prime Lakewood Real Estate. Upon entering the property down the long, winding, gravel driveway visitors are transported from the city to a serene countryside estate complete with trails, bridges, wildlife, and the family dog, Duke, roaming freely. The home features numerous screened porches and balconies to escape into the forest and enjoy prime views of the meadows, babbling brooks and creeks. After acquiring it in 1999, the homeowners went to great lengths to preserve and return Lakewood’s famed “Hidden Jewel” to its former glory. The homeowner continues to maintain a deep appreciation for American architecture and design. His wife had been the president of Preservation Dallas prior to her untimely passing in 2009. The home, which is on the National Register of Historic Places, is rich in character and full of history — **3201 Wendover Rd.** – This iconic Early Texas Modern home was built by O’Neil Ford and Arch B. Swank in 1939 for Juanita and Alfred Bromberg, who lived there for 60 years. The unimposing, sleek-lined, modern home is nestled in the trees and sits on 10 acres of prime Lakewood Real Estate. Upon entering the property down the long, winding, gravel driveway visitors are transported from the city to a serene countryside estate complete with trails, bridges, wildlife, and the family dog, Duke, roaming freely. The home features numerous screened porches and balconies to escape into the forest and enjoy prime views of the meadows, babbling brooks and creeks. After acquiring it in 1999, the homeowners went to great lengths to preserve and return Lakewood’s famed “Hidden Jewel” to its former glory. The homeowner continues to maintain a deep appreciation for American architecture and design. His wife had been the president of Preservation Dallas prior to her untimely passing in 2009. The home, which is on the National Register of Historic Places, is rich in character and full of history.

Home tour photography by Jenifer McNeil Baker

June 24, 2016

Heather Guild Group’s Listing Is Site of First SCHOOL + HOUSE Event

THIS POST ORIGINALLY APPEARED ON CANDY’S DIRT, 6.23.16.

Way back when I first started writing for CandysDirt.com, the idea was that I give everyone enough information (or the ability to find that information) to make an educated decision about both public schools and neighborhoods they’d like to live in.

And for about the last six months, I’ve been noodling around with a concept that I’m thrilled to say is finally launching next week — SCHOOL + HOUSE. Part traditional open house for prospective buyers, part meet-and-greet with local school officials and parents, SCHOOL + HOUSE is designed to bring everyone you’d ever want to talk to about the Dallas Independent School District in one place, with the added bonus of getting a Realtor who is a fountain of knowledge about the neighborhoods that feed those schools.

Heather Guild Group's listing at 6125 Vivian will be the site of the first CandysDirt.com SCHOOL + HOUSE — Heather Guild Group’s listing at 6125 Vivian will be the site of the first CandysDirt.com SCHOOL + HOUSE

Because some of the best knowledge about schools comes from the parents who are there every day. They’re informed, involved and ready to give anyone the ins and outs of sending your child to the schools in the neighborhood.

A few months ago, sitting around a fireplace with my friend Heather Guild, who also happens to be both a Realtor and a Lakewood neighborhood expert, I told her about what I was thinking. I knew we might not get to work together soon because of the crazy fast way inventory seems to turn around in Lakewood, but I also had several other potential neighborhoods I was eyeballing for this experiment.

But then earlier this week Heather sent me a smoke signal and said the Heather Guild Group had a GREAT listing — an adorable Tudor in Lakewood that was less than $500,000. Would I be interested in launching my cockamamie (my words, not hers) idea with an open house at this spot?

Heck. Yes.

6815 Vivian Avenue in Lakewood is offered by the Heather Guild Group

So here I sit, inviting you all to drop by to 6815 Vivian Avenue next Tuesday, June 28. We’ll be there from 6 to 7:30 p.m., ready to talk Dallas ISD and show you a great home. Between the great parents we’re inviting and the school officials, you’ll have lots of brains to pick. Newly-elected District 2 trustee Dustin Marshall has also graciously agreed to drop by and talk to everyone as well.

And then, of course, you’ll have the great team of Heather Guild Group to tell you about both the house and the neighborhood as well. With a combined 33 years of real estate and five children between them, these women have East Dallas real estate (and the neighborhood school scene) covered — seriously. The Heather Guild Group, made up of Heather Guild, Skylar Champion, and Haley Wagstaff of Dave Perry-Miller Real Estate, is consistently ranked among the top realtors in Dallas by all of the people that rank such things — D Magazine, The Advocate, you name it — and for good reason. You’ll not find three people who work harder to exceed their clients’ expectations.

And about that home. Built in 1930, the three-bedroom, two-bath, 1,750-square-foot home features multiple porches outside (a party host’s dream), an updated kitchen with stainless steel appliances and double ovens, wood floors throughout and lots of windows with plantation shutters. The master has a walk-in closet, and although some might say the bathroom is a schoosh too small for a master, but these ladies have thought of everything, including snagging an architect to draw up some plans for enlarging that bathroom, if the buyer should desire.

Oh, and the price — $475,000, a great price for a home with such tremendous curb appeal.

And even if you’re already a Lakewood resident and are just interested in finding out more about your school options, head over! If you’re a Realtor who would like to be able to answer buyer questions about the district and want to access that knowledge, you’re invited, too. And if Lakewood isn’t your bag (what?) keep your eye out for more locations over the next year (Midway Hollow, I’m looking at you in August).

A big, big, big thanks to the Heather Guild Group for hosting, and to additional sponsors Rooted Dallas (a Lakewood company, natch) for providing gorgeous succulents throughout the property for the evening, and Bill Ajello of The Lending Partners for providing refreshments.

~ Written by Bethany Erickson, Candy’s Dirt

May 12, 2016

Heather Guild Spotlights Up-and-Coming East Dallas Elementary School Dan D. Rogers in Guest Post

Do you have a child nearing school age? Are you trying to sort through all of the information about the differences between Dallas ISD, Richardson ISD and the private schools in the area? The good news is that now, more than ever, you have so many good choices. As advocates for the neighborhoods we serve, we consider it our responsibility to know every East Dallas elementary school. Over the next few months we’ll be focusing on what makes some of the private and public elementary schools in East Dallas unique. Have a school or program you think deserves a spotlight? Let us know!

Dan D. Rogers East Dallas Elementary School

Located at the Northeast corner of Abrams and Lovers, Dan D. Rogers has undergone two significant changes in the past year. First, it was named as one of only six schools within Dallas Independent School District (DISD) to launch a personalized learning curriculum paid for by a grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. The personalized learning model is one of several “Choice School” curriculums designed to pair children with learning styles and content that best fit their personality and educational needs in order to help more children reach their highest academic potential.

Dan D. Rogers, an East Dallas elementary school at 5314 Abrams Road, is a DISD Choice School

[Side note: if you are considering sending your children to DISD, Choice Schools are THE hot topic among parents and educators. DISD plans to open 35 Choice Schools in the next five years.]

Personalized Learning Curriculum

The personalized learning curriculum is particularly appealing at Dan D. Rogers, which has 125 transfer students from refugee-populated Vickery Meadows. By charting a course for each child, educators are able to catch up children who are behind while simultaneously challenging the 13% of the student body that qualifies for talented and gifted (which, for reference, is slightly higher than the number of students that qualify at Lakewood Elementary).

In each classroom, students rotate through stations where the instruction they receive will be based on their particular needs. Through blended learning, students receive instruction via adaptive, e-learning technology and other digital resources as well as in small group or one-on-one instruction with the teacher. In the classroom, students are also engaged in independent or collaborative learning activities that support their particular needs. In the project-based learning lab, students are challenged to collaborate and communicate while using their critical thinking and creativity to solve real-world problems.

Dan D. Rogers Principal Lisa Lovato (left) received the Superintendent's Award for her leadership of the East Dallas elementary school — Dan D. Rogers Principal Lisa Lovato (left) received the Superintendent’s Award for her leadership of the East Dallas elementary school

REAL School Gardens

In addition to the personalized learning curriculum at this East Dallas elementary school, Dan D. Rogers recently received a new learning garden, designed and installed by REAL School Gardens. School gardens have been popular for several years as schools try to provide outdoor learning spaces to students, in particular those who don’t have regular access to outdoor spaces because they live in a multi-family setting. REAL School Gardens takes this concept several steps further. In addition to the typical flowers, herbs and vegetables, Real School Gardens are also designed with various types of teaching tools. These include seating, white boards, counting and measuring tools, language arts & math manipulatives, weather monitoring stations and more. In addition to the garden, REAL School Gardens provides a teaching curriculum that corresponds with the outdoor learning environment. Results from schools with these gardens have been outstanding, with 94% of teachers reporting more engaged students and an increase in passing test scores of 12-15%; with the biggest increase in scores in Science and STEM-related subjects. Watch this spring’s Dan D. Rogers REAL School Garden Installation video below.

From a community support perspective, parents in the neighborhood have also recently started a Dan D. Rogers Early Childhood PTA (ECPTA) to encourage nearby families to consider returning to the East Dallas elementary school, which has historically not enjoyed much local participation.

Homes for Sale Zoned to Dan D. Rogers

From a real estate perspective, neighborhoods that feed into Dan D. Rogers are a bargain! The median home price for a single family home feeding into Dan D. Rogers (among most recent sales) is $393,500. Compare this to homes in Stonewall Jackson Elementary with a median price of $497,500 and Lakewood Elementary with a $525,000 according to the most recent MLS data.

Here are a few homes for sale in East Dallas, currently zoned to Dan D. Rogers. If you like what you see or want to know more about the neighborhoods in East Dallas? We hope you will give us a call! 972.755.9085 | heatherguildgroup.com

~ Authored by Heather Guild

Haley Wagstaff, Heather Guild and Skylar Champion of the Heather Guild Group, all live, love and list in Lakewood and East Dallas

THIS POST IS PART OF A SERIES OF ARTICLES GUEST-AUTHORED BY VARIOUS DAVE PERRY-MILLER REAL ESTATE AGENTS.

January 11, 2016

Wagstaff Brings Lake Highlands Expertise to Heather Guild Group

Haley Wagstaff is coming home. Effective January 1, 2016, Wagstaff joins Heather Guild and Skylar Champion in the Heather Guild Group at Dave Perry-Miller Real Estate’s Lakewood office. It’s a reunion of sorts for Guild and Wagstaff who first met at the firm’s InTown office early in their careers.

“We couldn’t be more pleased about how well Haley complements our East Dallas focus with her strong background in both Lake Highlands and Lakewood real estate,” Guild says. “She fits right in with what we’re doing.”

During their time at InTown, the women bonded over the challenges of running a real estate business and a family at the same time. Now they look forward to creating a powerful synergy that will guide buyers and sellers to a positive, memorable real estate experience. Guild recently cast new vision for the group, explaining the role Wagstaff will play.

“We’ve found that many of our first time buyers like to explore all of East Dallas,” Guild says. “That means they inevitably want to see homes in the M-Streets, Lakewood, Lake Highlands and elsewhere. Because Haley is a resident of Lake Highlands and familiar with the schools, subdivisions, new developments, etc., and because she has worked extensively in this part of town, she will be a terrific resource for our clients, giving them a strategic advantage when it comes time to buy/sell.”

Adds Wagstaff, “I was already “living, loving, listing” Lake Highlands – this move just makes it official!”

In 2014, Wagstaff was named one of the Top 25 Realtors in Lake Highlands by the Lake Highlands Advocate. She also already ascribes to the Group’s philosophy that clients have a choice when it comes to selecting a real estate agent.

“Extensive market knowledge, impeccable customer service and skilled negotiating is why Heather Guild Group clients choose us,” Wagstaff says. “And why they come back again and again. I’m excited to give them one more reason to.”

December 15, 2014

Heather Guild and Skylar Champion United by Their Love For Lakewood

Heather Guild and Skylar Champion have joined forces as the Heather Guild Group.

Heather Guild and Skylar Champion first met through a mutual friend and discovered a joint love for supporting local schools — Skylar previously taught at Bradfield Elementary, and both women were actively involved in this year’s Lakewood Home Festival and Auction Party, which generates funds for Lakewood Elementary School.

“One of my passions is public education,” Heather said. “As a mom and a real estate agent, I know how important it is for our community to give our children access to a quality education, and I want to do all that I can to help.”

But when Skylar and her husband asked Heather to help sell their M Streets home, the two quickly discovered a new shared interest — real estate.

Heather has an eye for quality and impeccable taste. Fortunately, Skylar does too.

“Their home sold within hours after listing it,” Heather said. “Skylar’s home was show-ready and immaculately decorated. She made my job easy.”

Skylar and her husband asked Heather to represent them again when they bought a new home near Lakewood Elementary. With her business setting a record in 2014, Heather faced a conundrum looking forward to 2015: How could she keep growing her business while continuing to provide the personal level of service and attention to detail that her clients have come to expect? Her dealings with Skylar provided the answer.

“I knew she would be amazing at it, just from working with her,” Heather said. “She has such a good eye. And when we were working together, she was so in touch with the market — even in terms of what had sold six months ago — that I knew she would be a fabulous asset to my team.”

Skylar’s mother was a Realtor, so she’d always had an interest in real estate. But was she interested enough to devote herself to it full-time?

“I thought about it briefly, and I couldn’t find a single reason to say no,” Skylar said. “I just knew this was going to be a perfect fit.”

So the two friends have joined forces as the Heather Guild Group, adopting the slogan Heather has long used as a solo Realtor: “Living, Loving, Listing Lakewood.”

“Heather and I are both fortunate to live in Lakewood,” Skylar said. “We know how truly special this community is, and we look forward to sharing that with our clients.”