Real Estate Information

Are you thinking of making the move to Tulsa, OK? If so, when considering Tulsa real estate you will naturally be drawn to the architectural and historical neighborhoods. One of the more prominent attractions is the Tulsa Performing Arts Center, which is a half of a city block in the beautiful area of downtown Tulsa. This center includes five theatres and a reception hall.

Cultural events abound and there are seven musical and dramatic companies. The Tulsa Opera, Tulsa Ballet Theater and several other symphonic companies are all a part of this hub. The area is made up of five districts pertaining to art, entertainment, history and architecture.

The Brady Arts District

Across the railroad tracks from the business district, lies an area that is one of the oldest in Tulsa, OK.  Surely this area will be taken into consideration when looking to purchase Tulsa real estate. The old two story brick warehouses are reminiscent of an era that has passed. This area is called the Brady Arts District,  the center of which is at Main Street and Brady Avenu.  Two great entertainment draws for this area are The Brady Theater and Cain’s Ballroom.

The Blue Dome District

Downtown entertainment would not be complete without the Blue Dome. This area of Tulsa is great for the different venue of bars and eateries such as the Blue Dome Diner, Dirty’s Tavern, Arnie’s Bar and The Continental. This area is also home every July to the Diversafest Music Festival & Conference which blocks off the streets surrounding this area. The streets fill up with the people who come to hear this music. Ten different stages are the setting for the festival that last for two days.

The Greenwood Historical District

North of downtown to the east of the Brady District an area which was once called Black Wall Street, this was the scene of the Tulsa Race Riot in 1921 when thirty-five blocks of businesses and homes were burned during the worst racial riot in the history of the U.S. The area has been revitalized and is now home to the Oklahoma Jazz Hall of Fame, Oklahoma State University, Tulsa and Langston University. This is also the home of the Greenwood Cultural Center. A large part of the history of Oklahoma Greenwood is sure to be a place you want to stop when getting acquainted with the city after purchasing your Tulsa real estate.

East Village

When looking for Tulsa homes take time out to visit the East Village. This is a neighborhood consisting of about 115 blocks. The Katy Railway borders one side. Detroit Avenue and Highway 75 is on the other. You will thoroughly enjoy this area that has photography studios, a hair salon, a living arts district and many other amenities for your convenience. The area is working on adding even more retail stores and restaurants.

Uptown

To the south of Downtown you will find the area known as Uptown. This may be one of the most interesting places you will visit as you search for your Tulsa real estate. The Hotel Ambassador is located here and is a landmark for the city of Tulsa. This was once the place where the wealthy oil tycoons stayed while in transition from one home to the next. They spent time here while their great mansions were being built. A SoBo district is full of coffeehouses and lounges. There are many here that have called this home for decades, and for good reason!

These places are just a few you will want to visit while browsing the Tulsa homes available for purchasing. Maybe you will stay at the Hotel Ambassador just like the oil tycoons did when they were waiting for their new home!

The Creek tribes of American Indians were the first inhabitants of Tulsa, OK when they settled here in the 1830s. Grown from a small settlement into the largest city in Oklahoma, the population is expected to reach one million people in the years between 2010 and 2012. This is an area steeped in history.

Living in Tulsa, OK

Tulsa, OK real estate is one of the best investments you can make. As the area grows the real estate market has followed suit and home values will climb accordingly. In 2005, Tulsa earned the title of one of “America’s Most Livable Cities.”

With two world-famous art museums, a professional opera and ballet it is no wonder Tulsa is considered the cultural arts center of Oklahoma. When searching for Tulsa, OK homes you could not choose an area more versatile and rich in amenities. The historical residential area is known as Midtown. These neighborhoods were constructed in the 1900s and vary in style from art deco to Greek Revival.

Highway 169 is the division between the historical district and the eastern part of the city. The east side of Tulsa is a community of Asian and Mexican citizens which are responsible for a large percentage of the manufacturing industry of Tulsa.

The Architecture

Live in an area which is defined by the architectural accomplishments of earlier times. The early 20th century brought Tulsa, OK real estate the art deco that is scattered throughout the older neighborhoods today. In the 1970s and 1980s the city gained another style when contemporary architecture was introduced.

Buildings that stand out in the crowd because they are first, second, third, and fourth tallest buildings within the state of Oklahoma are located in Tulsa. One that is noted for the exclusive architectural design is Oral Roberts University. This complex was built in a style called the Post-Modern futuristic style. The geometric designs of the structure in gold with sharp definitions make this a truly unique layout.

The Neighborhoods of Tulsa, OK

When you consider the purchase of Tulsa, OK real estate you may opt to look in the historical district which has upscale neighborhoods. The southern part of the city has many secluded homes and neighborhoods which simply define suburbia. One of the largest malls in Oklahoma, Woodland Hills Mall is located in this area as well as Southern Hills Country Club and Oral Roberts University.

The area of Tulsa west of the Arkansas River, West Tulsa, is where the wilderness preserves, parks and of course the oil processing refineries are located. The Northern Tulsa area is home to the Tulsa International Airport as well the third-largest community park in the nation, Mohawk Park.

What else could you ask for when you are looking for a great place to call home? With all the attractive extras available in the area, choosing from the Tulsa, OK homes for your next residence will be a pleasure.

The history of Oklahoma is apparent in the planning of the Wind River Development which is 175 acres of Jenks, OK homes of distinction. A gated community featuring homes from $250,000 to over $1 million, the area will be home to a six acre park with a 2500 square foot clubhouse.

Landscaping designed to impress and a pool as well as outdoor areas for socializing, Wind River Development is probably going to be the last area of distinction for this Jenks, OK real estate locale. East of the Arkansas River, the Wind River neighborhoods include White Oak, Cimarron, Tallgrass, Crosstimber, and Sequoyah Hill.

The Jenks, OK homes located in this area will be accessed via a boulevard which is surrounded by landscaping that is breathtaking. The entrances are going to be striking and as you travel the winding streets you will be amazed at the intermingling of the landscape with the natural beauty of the area.

Truly a jewel among the natural beauty of Oklahoma, Wind River speaks of prestige and grace. Masterfully planned by Castlerock Builders, LaBella Homes, Inc., Hollinger Custom Homes, Gem Properties, Inc. and Viking Builders just to name a few, this prime Jenks, OK real estate is an imaginative and resort-like area that will be occupied by a lucky few.

What makes this area so unique? The proximity to Riverside Parkway and the Creek Turnpike, but also because of the surrounding countryside and the lush landscaping you feel a world away from the amenities when living in Jenks, OK homes. It is still nice to know you are just a hop, skip and a jump away from shopping, dining and entertainment. In the planning stages is a bridge that will make this area even more convenient by crossing the Arkansas River to connect Tulsa to the Jenks area.

The homes will be another exceptional aspect as the builders are using the foresight to construct them of native materials. The neighborhoods from which you may make a choice are all exclusive in their own way. The lot sizes vary which will allow you to choose the size of the Jenks, OK real estate for your needs. White Oaks has 42 lots of 60’ x 120’. Cimarron contains 92 lots which are 65’ x 120’. Tallgrass is a 54 lot community with lot sizes of 70’ x 130’. Crosstimber, with 68 lots which are 85’ x 150’ is another neighborhood. One of the bigger lot sizes available is in Sequoyah Hill which features lots 100’ x 160’ but there are only 20 of these. 

When you choose this Jenks, OK real estate for the type of neighborhood that suits your needs, you will be assured of top quality and high standards. The builders in this area adhere to the same exceptional workmanship they have built their reputation on for years. Wind River is the Jenks, OK homes choice you will want for style, prestige, taste and the unique living that Oklahoma can offer.

If you weren't convinced in my last post, let me give you 5 more reasons to buy a new home in Tulsa, OK!

1. The savings you will realize by purchasing a new home will be realized on your taxes. Buying a home this year will allow many tax breaks and deductions that were not previously available. Your new Tulsa, OK real estate can actually save you money. If you are renting, think about the money you could be applying toward a home of your own.

2. The purchase of a new home will sooner or later pay off in the equity that you have. If you purchase a home that appraises for more than the purchase price, you have instant equity. By paying a substantial down payment you are increasing the equity and lowering your payments so your home payments could be less than paying rent.

3. The codes that Tulsa, OK homes are built by today are stricter than ever before due to the natural disasters that have been occurring around the country. If you live in an older home, it may not be as well constructed and withstand the extremes in weather that occur.

4. You may think you are waiting for interest rates to drop even more or for prices on homes to fall a little more. However, you can lose out on a good deal if you wait too long. The market is great for purchasing a home right now. If you wait much longer, the prices are liable to skyrocket and you will not be able to afford a new home.

5. Perhaps one of the best reasons to purchase Tulsa, OK homes at the present time is that you should have the chance to live in a new home. You have earned the right to be able to choose a home that belongs to you and is not subject to the demands and rules of someone else. Our homes are meant to be our retreat from the rest of the world. Make the choice now and own your home before the chance slips away.

If you have any questions or would like information on the newest subdivisions within the Tulsa, OK area, please contact me today!

Yes, its not shocking or new news that prices have dropped on homes, but the end is nearing and if purchasing a home is on your list of things to do, now would be the time. If you wait much longer you just may end up paying more for your new home. Real estate is a finicky market. The prices may go down but they will rebound. Homes are one of the investments that typically fare better than any other investment. So with no further ado, here are 5 reasons you should purchase your new Tulsa, OK home in 2009.

1. One thing is certain. You must live somewhere. The Tulsa, OK real estate that you will purchase is going to be your home. It is where you will raise your children and where your grandchildren will love to visit.

2. When you choose your new home from the Tulsa, OK real estate available you will be getting exactly what you want. You can choose the design, the number of bedrooms and bathrooms, the type of flooring, the option of a secluded lot and many other custom features. If you choose community living, the amenities are so much more sophisticated than they were even 5 years ago.

3. You can decide if you want the latest technology in appliances, the choice of a formal living and dining room and more spacious bedrooms. Do you need a room just for a home office or would you rather have the bedroom space? Do you need a three car garage? There are many decisions to make and you can have exactly what you want.

4. The homes are being built with more energy efficient features. There are more improvements being made when it comes to the efficiency of heating and cooling systems and windows. The savings in utilities is very substantial. This includes the appliances which are state of the art translating to more savings. The smart move is finding Tulsa, OK homes that are built with all these features that will be a big savings.

5. When you buy a new home you will soon find out that the maintenance is going to be much cheaper than if you had purchased an older home. Many people find after purchasing an older home, things start to break down. Then you are faced with many expensive repairs that have not been planned. The new Tulsa, OK homes being built are more advanced and should not need any major repairs for many years.

Owasso, OK is home to one of the state’s finest golf courses, the Bailey Ranch Golf Course, considered one of the regions great golf courses and is great fun to play. The 17th hole was awarded one of the “Five Great Holes You Should Play” by the Tulsa World in its Golf Guide.

Bailey Ranch Golf Club, owned by the city of Owasso, OK, is ranked as one of Oklahoma’s Top 10 Golf Courses you can play, and offers convenient access to Tulsa, OK. This Par 72 course, with a links style layout, winds through creeks, lakes, trees, thickets and native grasslands and offers four sets of tees, so golfers can choose their level of challenge.

The Bailey Ranch Golf Club has a pro shop, practice areas and The Bailey Grille that serves the basics, like great hamburgers, hot dogs and sandwiches. They also offer golf lessons for those that want to learn the game. They have also partnered up with Battle Creek Golf Club to offer a membership that allows benefits for playing either of the courses. Architect Bland Pittman, designed the course to allow different levels of challenge and be golfer friendly.

While the greens suffered some severe weather conditions in 2007, they have been renovated and the course is in much better shape. If you are interested in Owasso, OK real estate, it is possible to purchase an Owasso, OK home close to the fairways of Bailey Ranch Golf Club, and enjoy the landscaping of lakes, creeks and greens close to home.

Owasso, OK is just north of Tulsa, and offers a chance to come to Owasso for a round of golf with friends, and enjoy the nearby night life of Tulsa.  Bailey Ranch Golf Club is ready to be a part of your next golf experience- whether that is for private lessons, a stop by the pro shop for a golf gift or looking to buy a membership or an Owasso, OK home on the fairways. 

Owasso, OK real estate is one of the fastest growing residential suburbs of the Tulsa Metropolitan Area, and Oklahoma.  Owasso’s schools rank among the highest in the nation. It’s no wonder that Owasso, OK boasts it is a great place to live! It is home to a skateboard park and the largest community built playground in the State of Oklahoma. 

Owasso, OK offers all kinds of shopping and restaurants with many of the big name franchises already located there.  Just north of Tulsa, many people never venture far to find what they are looking for.  This growing community has their own medical centers and plenty of neighborhood parks.

A large percentage, (62%) of the Owasso, OK real estate is valued between the $100,000-$200,000 range, with a median price of an Owasso, OK home at $160,000, which is below the national average and has not had the declines seen in other areas of the country. 

While Tulsa, OK real estate has a median home price of $108,000, Owasso is a newer, suburban setting and has more of a middle income family demographic. It’s a great suburban setting for a growing family, with great schools, location, services and a stable real estate market.

Southern Hills Country Club offers exceptional service and warm Southern hospitality while providing its members and guests fine dining, recreation and social interactions. 

Some of the owners of the surrounding Tulsa OK real estate are going to be sitting on some prime land when the 2009 Amateur Championship comes to town that is known to draw thousands for the multiple day events.

Members of the Southern Hills Country Club, Tulsa OK get to enjoy benefits of some of the top golf championships on their home course and the privilege of playing this premier course. This fine club was originally built in the 1930’s on land donated by oil tycoon Waite Phillips and has recently has undergone a $22 million renovation that spanned 7 years.

Not only was the course renovated, but the renovation also included a new pool and fitness facility complex, new tennis courts, entry drive, men’s and patio grill renovations, kitchen, ballroom, banquet facility and locker rooms. A complete renovation of this par 70 course that surpasses the original country club built 70 years ago makes it prime Tulsa OK real estate by its own right.

With weekly Clubhouse passes available at $120, and daily grounds passes at $15 per day, the 2009 US Amateur Championship is an affordable entertainment option for golfers of all ages and an opportunity to see the Southern Hills Country Club, Tulsa, OK with its new renovations and championship hospitality. Tulsa, OK real estate is comprised of affordable housing and mansions of champions and oil tycoons, and the Oral Roberts University.  There will be plenty to see if you come to visit the area for the upcoming 2009 US Amateur Championship!

The oldest golf tournament in the country, the 2009 US Amateur Championship, will be held August 24-30, 2009 with a field of 312 golfers. A time-honored tradition that attracts some of the nation’s top amateur golf players will be held at the premier golf course, Southern Hills Country Club, Tulsa OK.

Being only one day older than the US Open Golf Tournament, it has started the professional careers of golf legends such as Jack Nicklaus, Tiger Woods and Robert Trent Jones.  This year promises to host some of the next big names to come up the golfing championship ranks.

Southern Hills Country Club, Tulsa, OK has a history of professional golf tournaments- most recently they hosted the 2007 PGA Championship and 2001 PGA Open.  This Perry Maxwell designed Championship Golf Course has hosted a total of three US Open Championships, and an unprecedented four PGA Championships along with seven other major golf championships. This prime piece of Tulsa OK real estate can now add the 2009 US Amateur Championship to their fine list of golf challenges.

The US Amateur Championship was once played by Charles Coe, an Oklahoma golfer that now has the Charles Coe Golf University in Oklahoma City named after him. The 2009 US Amateur Championship has a history of champions behind it in its promising, upcoming players, past successes, Southern Hills Country Club and the State of Oklahoma, which is home to many golfers.

As an extension to my last blog, here are some other ways to be creative when buying your first home in Tulsa, OK.

An Alternative to Tenants in Common (TIC)

Instead of using TIC, buy the property with someone you know and trust. You will share the mortgage and title to the property.

Pros: The cost will be a bit higher than paying rent although in some cases it could actually be cheaper after you pay the down payment. The Tulsa, OK real estate is gaining value and equity is being built by the purchasers.

Cons: Each state has different laws regarding joint tenancy. In some cases, one or the other of the owners can force the other to sell without the other’s permission. Check on the laws for purchasing Tulsa, OK real estate using the share method before deciding to go this route. Both people must agree on all aspects of owning the property as well as the upkeep.

Moving in with Either of Your Parents

This can be a way to save the money you need for a down payment. The savings can add up in as little as a year’s time.

Pros: The money you save can go a long way towards a down payment on Tulsa real estate that you wish to buy.

Cons: The arrangements should be worked out before moving in so that everyone knows what is expected of them. It is hard for two families to live in the same house.

No matter which option you decide upon to purchase your first home, you will be one proud person when you finally have the keys to your very own home. There is no feeling quite like the one you get when you put your key in the door, unlock it and step into your home for the very first time.