Real Estate in Holly Lake Ranch and Surrounding Areas

I’ve always believed that success comes from two simple things: honesty and hard work. My 22-year career in real estate illustrates the truth of this philosophy. From breaking records in my first year as a sales agent to building a multi-million-dollar real estate company from the ground up, I’m driven to lead with integrity and “outwork” everyone else.

As the founder of Lone Star Realty, I collaborate with an exceptional group of agents to showcase and sell a stunning array of waterfront and residential homes, farm and ranch properties, and rural tracts in 13 counties across East Texas, including my office on “World Famous Bass Fishing Lake”, Lake Fork. Since Lone Star Realty’s humble beginnings as a home-based company in 2003, it has grown into a network of four offices which have collectively closed almost $700,000,000 in sales, including more than $122,000,000 I have brought in personally.

Buying or selling any property represents a major transition; I help customers feel confident as they achieve milestones and realize long-held dreams. As a trusted guide, I connect with clients and understand their priorities throughout the process, from narrowing down initial options to negotiating the final purchase. Recognized by the Greater Tyler Association of Realtors for my industry acumen, I served on GTAR’s committees for 11 years. Recently I was nominated to 2021 Five Star Real Estate agent. This nomination came from my past clients.

Although I’ve lived and breathed real estate for over two decades, I started on a very different path. After graduating from the University of Texas in 1974 with a degree in Advertising and moving to East Texas with my wife Barbara, we launched Alexander Campbell, a women’s sportswear line, in 1985. The venture proved a success, becoming a multi-million-dollar sportswear company shipping to approximately 33 states in the US as well as Mexico, Canada and Puerto Rico. We sold the company in 1997 and, at my wife’s suggestion, both of us became licensed realtors in the summer of 1999. Wish I had made this decision when I was 25.

Our three children are a source of continual pride, as are our grandchildren. We love Great Danes and currently have two, a Mantle and a Harlequin. Outside of work, my wife and I are dedicated Longhorns fans. I enjoy fishing with Barbara at our lake house and playing golf whenever I get the chance with my family. My passion for my work, however, is my main interest. In these uncertain times, I hope to continue serving our customers with the same honesty and integrity that have helped my business flourish. As Mark Twain advised, “Always do right. This will gratify some people and astonish the rest.”

My wife (Sue) and I have owned and operated Holly Realty in the Holly Lake Ranch area for the last 16 years. We are pleased to be joining the Lone Star Realty team. We feel that the affiliation and association with Lone Star Realty will bring to the area we have been serving added value and added strength to the real estate sales and marketing effort for the Holly Lake Ranch area.

I was born and raised in Mamou, Louisiana, graduated from the University of Louisiana, Lafayette in 1969, lived and worked in the south Louisiana area until 1973 when we moved to Dallas. I was with the Social Security Administration and the Health Care Financing Administration for 13 years, went into private consulting working with physicians on the business end of their practices for 15 years before moving to Holly Lake Ranch. During my high school and college years and in my earlier post college years I was in radio and television work as an on-the-air personality, sales person and reporter. When I entered the real estate business it was as though all of my prior work history had been a preparation for working with people wanting to sell or buy real estate. There is not a day that goes by that I do not draw from my previous work history in dealing with buyers, sellers, lenders, title companies and the myriad of other professions we all deal with in the real estate business.

My ultimate objective in every real estate transaction is to have happy buyers and sellers at the closing table. Throughout the sales and marketing process I strive to make the whole process as easy and as painless as possible for everyone involved. Buying and selling real estate should, in my opinion, be a pleasant and satisfying experience for both parties. When a problem arises, we work to fix it; we avoid creating problems or stressful situations whenever and however possible.

Sue and I have four grown children and two granddaughters. We are a close knit family and enjoy spending time together. My other leisure time passions are golf, national politics and football.

Hello, I’m Dorla and I live with my husband Gary and our two adorable dogs.  I have two grown sons and 4 grandchildren.   I am a fairly new transplant to East Texas having bought a home in Holly Lake Ranch in 2012.   I was born in California, raised on a lake in Michigan.  At age 13 moved back to California where I worked and played hard!    My friends tease me and refer to me as a “Jack of all trades” but truth be known I love learning new things to stimulate me.   I love helping people and always have worked in the public’s eye.  My colorful past includes 12 years as a licensed nurse, 12 years as an independent contractor working Federal disasters as a FEMA housing inspector.  I filled in down time with inspections on catastrophic insurance claims and also did housing damage inspections for Farmers Insurance.

When I was available I was the captain on a scuba diving charter boat.   I love the water and held a USCG 100 Ton Masters license for approximately 25 years.  We lived on a 60-foot world cruising Ketch with the ocean as our back yard.   Upon selling the Ketch we moved to Oregon.   My brother in law, a realtor in Oregon, suggested I get my real estate license and it made a lot of sense since both my father and grandfather had been real estate brokers. I went to work for RE/Max on the central Oregon coast and found I had a real passion for the work.  My father took ill so I returned to California, it was there that I worked in property management for 8 years. 

My husband and I enjoy golfing as well as boating so I googled golf course homes.  I found Holly Lake Ranch and frankly it looked too good to be true.  After a week visiting the ranch we were anxious to purchase our home there.   I knew I wanted to sell homes and share the beauty of East Texas with others.   I still marvel at the beauty, fabulous wildlife, deer, lakes, beautiful Pines we are known for and the peaceful existence this area has to offer.  Every day here excites me!   

I will work hard, be honest and listen to your desires so I can guide you on your journey to fulfilling your dream!   If circumstances require you to move away, I will help you sell your home to continue your desired path. 

I am a member of the National Association of Realtors, Texas Association of Realtors, Greater Tyler Association of Realtors and the MLS.  I sincerely look forward to meeting and working with you!

I welcome the opportunity to work with Lone Star Realty.

It is my goal to help you create the wonderful experience I had while growing up on a farm in the Texas Panhandle. I graduated from West Texas State University and continued my education at the University of Texas at Tyler. As an educator for 30+ years, I first taught math and then spent the last 25 years as an administrator. I concluded my career in education after leading a STEM academy with the University of Texas of the Permian Basin located in Odessa, TX.

Living at Holly Lake Ranch for almost 20 years has been a wonderful experience for my wife, Cara, and our two boys. She has been the principal of James Poole Elementary for over 15 years. Both of our boys graduated from Texas A&M University. Our oldest son and his wife live in Fort Worth while he works as a project engineer. Our youngest son is now in his second year of Texas Tech School of Law.

It would be my pleasure to help guide you through the purchasing or selling process of your next property. My goal is to help make this financial decision a positive and enjoyable experience. As a former principal and assistant superintendent, I understand the importance of communicating and paying attention to every detail.

Being fluent in Spanish, I am able translate when needed.

Regardless of which chapter you are in your story, let Lone Star Realty become a part of your team that will allow you to continue your story and create even more breathtaking memories.

I have been a licensed Realtor for 36 years. My success and many years of experience as a Real Estate agent provides an abundance of expertise to you. Past clients say my tenacity, strong work ethic, people skills, enthusiasm, magnetic personality and commitment to always speak the truth resulted in skyrocketing my career. I am known as an artist when it comes to negotiating complex transactions and am skilled in high level marketing techniques.

My accomplishments are unequalled. During my first year in Real Estate, I earned an award in recognition of breaking the company’s 48-year sales record. I was voted “Rookie of the Year” and “Most Congenial Agent.” Leaps and bounds above the rest, I went on to become the Top Listing Agent, Top Volume Producer and Top Producer for over 15 years at a large Real Estate firm in the Dallas area. I regularly closed over 100 sales in a calendar year.

I am well versed in architecture, construction, and design. I have owned rental properties and managed tenants, renovated many homes, and have experience as a general contractor, bringing additional value to the table. My construction experience helps me view homes with an eagle eye, a true asset to my clients. I specialize in staging homes for sale, relying on my landscape, exterior, and interior design expertise to achieve the highest price possible. My effectiveness, knowledge, and commitment to service have been the “keys” to successful closings and incredibly happy clients.

Close to my heart are my family, church, and circle of friends. My pride and joy is my son, who graduated from Baylor University and University of Maryland Law School. My babies are our rescue dog and two rag doll cats!

I am proud to be a native Texan from Dallas, Texas. I have owned property in East Texas since 2004. My connections in the city often prove invaluable. My husband and I have a beautiful lake home at Holly Lake Ranch. I love riding trains across Europe and sailing in the British Virgin Islands. I am just as happy enjoining sunset cruises and fishing off our dock. I am a volunteer at Holly Lake Ranch on The First Impression Team which involves designing and implementing renovation of buildings and amenities and a member of the Welcome Newcomer’s group.

The relationships and friendships I’ve made by helping buyers find their dream home or helping sellers achieve their goals is the best part of being a Realtor. My exceptional communication and interpersonal skills provide my clients and customers comfort that their interests are being represented with the utmost professionalism. You can have confidence that you are in good hands when it comes to one of the most important decisions of your life.

I would consider it a privilege and honor for you to trust me with your Real Estate needs! Please give me a call anytime! 469.774.1550