In real estate, sometimes the most meaningful deals start with the simplest conversations. One of my favorite client success stories began when a man walked into my open house, casually mentioning, “I’m not really in the market. I’m just getting ideas.”
I smiled and welcomed him in.
As we walked the home and chatted, he opened up about a vision close to his heart. He was hoping to find land in Highland Park or University Park to build four duplexes—one for each of his grandchildren.
A Rare Opportunity Appears
Just two days before, I had attended my real estate networking group where agents from across brokerages share off-market and coming-soon Dallas properties. I immediately thought of a rare double lot in Highland Park I had just learned about.
It already had a duplex on one lot and a fourplex on the other. The property was perfect for his vision, but there was one catch: it was nearly double what he had planned to spend.
I shared the address anyway. After driving by, he called me back almost immediately: “Tiffany, I saw that lot. I have to have it. I’ll figure out a way to make this happen for my grandkids. Give me all the info you’ve got!”
Turning a Dream Into Reality
My client is a savvy businessman and quickly explored using a 1031 exchange, a real estate strategy that allows investors to defer capital gains taxes by reinvesting in a like-kind property. It’s one of the smartest ways to preserve wealth while expanding an investment portfolio.
Meanwhile, I contacted the Town of Highland Park to confirm setback lines and ensure his plans for the future duplexes could be approved.
We both jumped into action. We knew once word got out about this property, multiple buyers would rush in and the price could soar. Together, we crafted an offer the seller couldn’t refuse—strong, fast, and with the flexibility of an extended closing date to allow time to complete the 1031 exchange.
The seller accepted, and just like that, we secured the property.
The Hidden Opportunity That Boosted the Investment
Originally, the property had six rental units plus a small space previously used as an office.
As we walked the property, we realized that the unused office could easily be transformed into a seventh rental unit by adding a kitchenette and a few upgrades.
This small but smart improvement will:
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Generate additional rental income
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Help cover taxes and expenses
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Maximize cash flow while he waits to begin construction
It was a simple idea that will make a big difference for the bottom line of this Highland Park investment property.
A Legacy Investment That Pays for Itself
Today, six of the seven units are already leased, and my client is updating the final unit to rent to a family eager to get into Highland Park ISD for the upcoming school year.
The rental income from the property now comfortably covers carrying costs, giving my client the breathing room to thoughtfully plan his future project.
Best of all? The property will eventually become a dream legacy: four duplexes, each serving as a home for one of his grandchildren.
The Power of Relationships and Strategy
This deal came together because of three key factors:
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Relationships – My access to an exclusive off-market property through agent networking.
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Speed – Moving quickly to present an offer before a bidding war could start.
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Knowledge – Leveraging a 1031 exchange and identifying opportunities to increase rental income.
This is why I love what I do. Real estate is more than buying and selling—it’s about helping families create generational wealth and leave a legacy.
Are You Ready to Find Your Legacy Property?
If you’re dreaming of finding a one-of-a-kind property in Highland Park, University Park, or Dallas, I’d love to help you write your success story. Whether it’s an off-market opportunity, an investment property, or your family’s forever home, I’ll help you make it happen.
👉Contact me today to get started on your real estate journey.
