Areas with .25 acre+ under 400K (Dallas, Plano: cul-de-sac, for sale, new home)

[bencronin04]

So we've taken the plunge and are purchasing a house in Richardson. As a result, my parents are wanting to move within about 15 minutes of us to stay close to the grand kids. They are wanting a lot with at least .25 acre, preferably large. The house doesn't really matter as it will be a tear down or complete remodel. They'd like to be in a safe area, but do care about the local schools as this will be their final house and are not concerned with resell value. Budget around 400K, but the lower the better. Looking to see if anyone has any ideas on where they could start looking, thanks in advance.

*IF they find a house that is north facing, updated and has almost everything they want, the budget would jump to about 900K.

[BigDGeek]

Originally Posted by bencronin04

So we've taken the plunge and are purchasing a house in Richardson. As a result, my parents are wanting to move within about 15 minutes of us to stay close to the grand kids. They are wanting a lot with at least .25 acre, preferably large. The house doesn't really matter as it will be a tear down or complete remodel. They'd like to be in a safe area, but do care about the local schools as this will be their final house and are not concerned with resell value. Budget around 400K, but the lower the better. Looking to see if anyone has any ideas on where they could start looking, thanks in advance.

*IF they find a house that is north facing, updated and has almost everything they want, the budget would jump to about 900K.

There's an empty lot for sale just south of Arapaho and east of Newberry. I don't know if it's on MLS, but that lot has been vacant for years. Previous house there was lost in a gas explosion. The lot backs up to a shopping center, which I'm sure is part of why it's still for sale.

There's a FSBO for a failed flip in Heights Park, but I don't think the lot is large enough. The existing houses there are 1800-1900 sq ft, so a new large house would look ridiculous (and **** off the neighbors).

Might try looking in Canyon Creek and The Reservation for teardowns. Most of Richardson Heights and Heights Park isn't ripe for teardowns, though some of the creek lots in the cul-de-sacs have already gone that way.

[TheOverdog]

You can find a .25 acre lot in south Central Plano for closer to $250k.

1617 Wisteria Way, Richardson, TX 75080 this house is on .26 of an acre for $214k right in Richardson on Campbell & Custer.

Basically should be really easy to find at less than $400k.
Much larger than .25 may be harder to find as that's the common 1970s plat.

[Beaching]

Richardson as suggested in the Canyon Creek area
Central Plano as well around Plano Sr High School and that vicinity.
If they want a bit more land and tear down, look at the older homes in Sachse & Murphy.

[Parenting101]

They can find a nice tear down at walking distance from old down town of Plano. There are some nicely preserved historic homes there. There is always some fun things going on in that area so lots to eat and do. Plano's Courtyard Theater, Library, Haggard Park and train museum are awesome. It's a great and affordable place to retire for Collin/Dallas counties. If they miss Dallas then they can hop on the DART.

[dfwre11]

I would also recommend looking in Murphy/E. Plano/Wylie/Sachse which has newer homes and is also close by to Richardson (east of I75). There are several new home constructions and there are homes available for ~$400k with 0.25acre lots.

[bencronin04]

That's another point I forgot to mention. They want to stay as close to Dallas as possible as well. Maybe something in north Dallas, Lake Highlands area?

[TurtleCreek80]

Originally Posted by bencronin04

That's another point I forgot to mention. They want to stay as close to Dallas as possible as well. Maybe something in north Dallas, Lake Highlands area?

I love the Northwood Hills part of FND. It's around Alpha/ Spring Valley & Hillcrest (Parish Lower School area), zoned to RHS. Huge lots and large 1960-1960's ranches. 1-story homes are great for aging parents! The redo's are going to cost a lot more than $400k, but it's a situation where you could spend $600-700k on a tear down and have ample budget to gut reno the thing. Many homes in the neighborhood do go for $1-1.5M so they wouldn't be over-improving for the area.

[bencronin04]

Thanks for all the suggestions, keep em coming!

[jbsb]

If I could swing it, I would be in the Northwood Hills neighborhood in a heartbeat. Seems to match all of your parameters as well.