It is with great sadness that we inform you of the passing of our dear friend and colleague, Ron Stillwell.  Ron passed away, peacefully, in his home on March 13, 2023.  He was born June 18, 1946, in Clarksville, Texas to Bob and Vera Stillwell.  At the age of 5, he moved to the West Texas town of Abernathy where he grew up.  As a young boy, he and his older brother Jimmy would pretend to be cowboys, named Tommy and Dellon.  They rode stick horses and had cap guns and would spend hours pretending they had herds of horses and cattle.  In high school, Ron played football, and was the class president of his senior class of 1965.

After working at LTV in Greenville, TX, he moved to Dallas in 1970, where he began a successful career in real estate.  Ron worked at Wanda Case Realtors, Red Carpet Realtors, RE/Max About Dallas, ERA Hughes D’Angelo, where he met his wife and best friend of 39 years, Becky Stillwell.   They married on January 6, 1984.  Ron was currently an agent for Elle Realty. 

He had a tremendous work ethic and many great accomplishments in his career including buying, remodeling and selling over 250 houses in East Dallas and Pleasant Grove.  His love for his career was matched by his commitment to his family and community, especially Owenwood United Methodist Church and White Rock United Methodist Church.

Ron was the best father there ever was.  From coaching his children's sports teams, to taking them on numerous camping trips, Ron was a steadfast and positive presence in their lives, and through their adulthood.  Ron’s friends describe him as being the most caring, selfless and kind person who never turned down a piece of pie!  Ron did love his pie!  He was an active member of his Sunday School class - The Harmony/Seminar Class, the White Rock Lion’s Club, People Helping People Organization, and was also a huge supporter of local musicians.

Ron is preceded in death by his parents, Bob and Vera Stillwell; mother-in-law and father-in-law, Lois and Dan Dorn; sister, Bobbie Strickland and 3 brothers, Dean, Johnnie, and Harold Stillwell; and many loving friends.

He is survived by his wife, Becky Stillwell; daughter and son-in-law, Kelly and Herman Guerra; son, Robby Stillwell; and daughter, Susie Stillwell; the three joys of his life, his grandsons, Luke Guerra (14), Jack Guerra (11), and Beau Guerra (3); brother and sister-in-law Jimmy and Patty Stillwell; and many cherished nieces, nephews, extended family, and close friends he loved dearly.

Ron will be sorely missed by us all.  

In today’s competitive housing market, Kim will work day and night to help you get your dream home.  Kim has had many repeat clients over the years that come back for the relationships she builds as your realtor.  Give Kim a call whether you are buying, or selling.

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RECENT ELLE CLOSINGS

Below are some happy and excited Elle Realty clients.  We've had several closings in the past week.  The photos are of buyers and sellers.  Give our agents a call!  They would love to help you sell, or buy your property!

Join us for our new office Open House.  October 15, 5 - 7 PM.

Please RSVP below.

I am amazed by some of the photography we see on MLS - the things agents put out there without explanation and for no good reason, other than, of course - full disclosure.  But in this case, I must ask myself, "Why?"  How is this even considered a bathroom?  Did no one think that this might be an issue?  At first I thought maybe it's still under construction, like this website - but it appears to be what the flipper/homeowner/someone intended.  

It is an agent's responsibility to convey to sellers any condition that we observe that could impede the sale of their property.  I assume that the agent at least mentioned this being an unworkable situation, and I know that just because we offer our advice and opinion doesn't mean a client will take it.  In a case like this, I think I would have to suggest that the seller find another agent.  

Because one must wonder... if a bathroom looks like this, what does the stuff we CAN'T see look like?  It's highly doubtful that a licensed plumber did this. Was any electrical work done during this "renovation"?  If so, was it done by a licensed electrician?  In what other ways did poor planning or lack of proper funds for the flip impact the integrity of the house?  

I have talked with many buyers who purchased a "lovely" flip - "it was beautiful" they will say.  "We fell in love!" ... and then.  The sewer collapsed and there were additional issues - to the tune of $12,000 in repair.  The electric panel wasn't updated to accommodate the new appliances to the tune of $2000 in repair, and the list goes on.  

If you are buying - even a brand new house - GET IT INSPECTED. Inspect everything!  If the house is older, spend a few more dollars for a pressure and leak test on the plumbing.  Do not ever assume that because it looks pretty, it has been fully updated.  What you can't see CAN hurt you.  And conversely, if you are shopping for a place and you encounter a scene like this, take it like a neon sign that says "RUN"!  

Nothing is perfect, but it's okay to demand that at the very least, the functionality of the house is not flawed or somehow dangerous.  So when you're ready to buy, set aside extra cash for thorough inspections of the property.  It could be the best money you ever spent.  And those who are thinking to sell?  Be pro-active and get an inspection.  Find out ahead of time what MUST be done to ensure a smooth sale and fewer problems when the time comes.