This weekend I ventured South on 75, leaving the 'burbs of McKinney behind me for a weekend in the Big D. The occasion? My sister-in-law was turning the Big 3-0 and a girls weekend at swank Hotel ZaZa was JUST the place to go to celebrate. Since McKinney is only a short 30-40 minute drive from the Dallas nightlife it was a no-brainer.

Hotel ZaZa is a one-of-a-kind boutique hotel that has the feel of New York, LA and Hollywood all rolled up into one FUN Dallas Hotel. Not only do business travelers and locals love ZaZa, but Kid Rock thought it was cool enough to hang at over the 4th of July weekend, and NKOTB had already made an appearance before I checked in! Guess ZaZa has "The Right Stuff", huh? (Sorry, couldn't resist the pun).

While downtown, I couldn't escape my passion for real estate. As we ventured out to dinner at Patrizio in Highland Park I was in heaven admiring the Uptown real estate offerings. The occasions where I have worked in downtown Dallas have always been some of my favorites. It's a nice change of scenery for this McKinney girl.

As I reflected on and pondered the fun that IS house hunting in Dallas, I momentarily put myself in the shoes of a relocation buyer. Relocation buyers are often some of the more STRESSED OUT buyers. Why?

1. THEY ARE UNDER A SERIOUS TIME CRUNCH! Many times these buyers only have a 3-day weekend to view, re-view and put an offer or offers on their new home.
   
2. They also may be worried about SELLING THEIR CURRENT HOME.
   
3. Add to this moving to a city that they may have NEVER EVEN STEPPED FOOT IN!
   

Add 1 + 2 + 3 = recipe for one extra-tall shot of a Stress Cocktail!

What is the solution for this stress? RELAXATION AND PAMPERING, of course!

Hotel ZaZa is the ONLY choice for such an occasion in my book. The four story hotel is surrounded by many fine dining choices, a plethora of upscale shopping (many a girls outlet for stress!) and an unbelievable view of the famous Dallas skyline (**insert Dallas theme song here**) as a backdrop for  pondering home choices from your balcony. Maybe you'd rather make your home pros and cons list poolside while working on your tan! OR, perhaps you're a foodie and nothing calms your nerves like fine dining at ZaZa's Dragonfly restaurant. You fitness fanatics won't be dissapointed either - there's a 24 hour fitness facility to accomodate your early morning, pre-house hunting workout.

But really, the cherry on top? ZaSpa! Hotel ZaZa's own hidden spa can massage away your home finding fears. Sounds like heaven, right? No matter how you slice it, you're COVERED!

Let's not forget the accomodations. Accomodations are plush. Splurge for one of their themed concept suites if that's available to you - the Rockstar, Zen or the Texas theme, of course! However, the guest suites are ALL fantastic.

The only thing you're missing to this stress-free house hunting equation is THE RIGHT REALTOR (R)! Make sure yours is one that knows how to really:

1. LISTEN to your needs,
2. KNOW WHAT YOU'LL NEED BEFORE YOU EVEN HAVE TO ASK FOR IT,
   
3. and PROVIDE EXCEPTIONAL CUSTOMER SERVICE...
4. oh yeah, and HAVE FUN WHILE FINDING THE HOME OF YOUR DREAMS WHILE REPRESENTING AND WORKING FOR YOU!
   

It's true...Everything IS bigger in Dallas, but your stress level doesn't need to be!

Oh, wait...you need to FIND the RIGHT REALTOR(R)? Call d + b real estate - McKinney's newest boutique real estate company - that knows NOT ONLY McKinney real estate, but Dallas real estate and Collin County real estate inside and out. 972-838-5394.

Images from Hotel ZaZa Facebook Fan Site