Top 3 Ways to Find the Perfect Tulsa Home

Are you looking for the perfect Tulsa home? If you think this is an impossible feat, there are three steps that can be followed allowing you to find the right home for your needs. Ensuring that you get the “right fit” to begin with is imperative. When you buy a home, it is one of the biggest investments you will make over your lifetime. A home cannot be returned when the buyer decides they really do not like it after all. Take a look at the following steps that can be quite beneficial to choosing your perfect Tulsa home.

Step #1

Take the time to sit down and decide what you are looking for that is necessary in a home versus what you would like to have. Some of the things you might need are a certain number of bedrooms and bathrooms. Do you have a large family or a small family? You need either a kitchen that is large enough for eating in or a dining room. Consider the closet space that is available. How much outside space is available at the Tulsa home? Do you have children who will be playing outside or pets that need a yard? This is another consideration when looking at prospective homes.


Step #2

This is all about location, location, location. The home may have a good price, allowances that are beneficial or tax incentives that sound really good. But, is it where you want to live? What are the schools like? How far are you going to have to drive to work and back? Is the neighborhood safe? These are just a few of the questions you will want to ask yourself about the Tulsa home you are considering. Neighbors are another aspect. You may want to knock on a few doors and introduce yourself to see what type of people live in this neighborhood.

Step #3

Affordability is the key to homeownership. Find a home that you can afford that will still allow you to put money away. Sit down, work out a budget and list all the expenses you have currently. Determine the maximum amount that you can comfortably make payments on and still meet other obligations and use this as the basis for your Tulsa home shopping. Too many times people get in over their heads and this can cause problems.

If you would like more information about Tulsa homes, please give me a call at 918-231-5734 or visit my Contact Us page and send me a quick message.  I’ll respond right away!

Tulsa OK Home and Living Savings Available Everyday!

Tulsa OK home residents have a new way to shop. Groupon is an online savings site that allows users to put in their city and find deals up to 90% off the retail price. You can have the deals for the day delivered to your email, Twitter or your Facebook account. You can even have it delivered to your mobile phone. The vouchers can be printed, taken to the business where you are going to use them and you have instant savings. From Tulsa OK home improvement to restaurants; there are a whole host of savings ideas that can be enjoyed or given as gifts.

Groupon allows Tulsa OK home residents as well as the area businesses to benefit. The deals that are offered are usually anywhere from 50% to 90% off the regular business. They go to thousands of people that subscribe to Groupon. When they are used or given as gifts and used by others, the business gets a lot of new customers. Therefore, Groupon is beneficial to both the customers and the retailers.

You can target the deals in your Tulsa OK home area by simply filling out a basic application with your age, sex and zip code. The deals that are delivered to your email or mobile phone are for businesses in the area in which you live. In addition, there are still cool deals of the day that are featured for each city.

For example, this is just one of the deals that have been offered recently. For $25, Tulsa OK home residents could get two hours of handyman services from a local home renovation company. Whatever home repairs needed done, such as fixing a leaky faucet, clearing leaves or putting up a mailbox, the Groupon voucher could be used to get the service for only $25.

This is just a sample of one of the services that are delivered on a daily basis to allow savings on services and products that area residents can use or give as gifts. This is a great new way for Tulsa OK home owners to find what they need or want. The handyman service, for instance has a value of up to $100, so the savings are tremendous. Check out the latest deals in your area by going to Groupon and putting in your zip code.

If you would like more information about Tulsa homes, please give me a call at 918-231-5734 or visit my Contact Us page and send me a quick message.  I’ll respond right away!

Things to do in Tulsa OK - Akdar Shrine Circus

There are many great things to do in Tulsa OK and the Akdar Shrine Circus is one. The 66th Annual Akdar Shrine Circus will be in Tulsa beginning February 24 thru the 27th. The Tulsa Fairgrounds Pavilion will be the location for all the fun, excitements and thrills the circus provides for all age groups! The Circus will be the opening for the Akdar Shrine in Tulsa. When looking for things to do in Tulsa OK, you will not want to miss these four days of fun featuring nine terrific performances.

The Shrine Imperial Session held in 1911 originated the charter allowing a Shrine Center in Tulsa. This year, Tulsa’s Akdar Shrine is 100 years old and going as strong as it did in the beginning. Over the years, thousands of men have enjoyed membership in the Tulsa Akdar Shrine Fraternity. The circus is an annual event and enjoyed by many as one of the many things to do in Tulsa OK.

Tickets can be purchased online by going to www.exposquare.com or ordered by phone by calling 981-836-2500. There are discount coupons for the circus at Arby’s Restaurants in the area, the Western Sun Federal Credit Union and Bob Hurley Auto Dealerships. Free children’s tickets can be picked up at area Quik-Trip stores. Reserved as well as general admission tickets are available at the Tulsa Fairgrounds Ticket Office and general admission tickets are also available at all Warehouse Market stores. With so many places to get tickets, you will have no reason to miss one of the best things to do in Tulsa OK when the circus comes to town.

Beginning on Thursday, February 24th, you can enjoy the show at 6:30 p.m. Continuing on February 25th, the Akdar Shrine Circus will perform two great shows at 2:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. On Saturday, February 26th, there will be three - one at 10:30 a.m., 2:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. There will also be three shows on Sunday, February 27th at 10:30 a.m., 2:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. wrapping up this terrific round of things to do in Tulsa OK.

If you would like more information about Tulsa homes, please give me a call at 918-231-5734 or visit my Contact Us page and send me a quick message.  I’ll respond right away!

Oklahoma Named #5 in States to Recover First

Tulsa homes are among the ones in five states that are projected to recover the fastest from the problems plaguing the housing market over the past several years. The number of home sales and new construction will vary from one state to another. The problems are not over yet, however they are considerably less than they were. Tulsa homes as well as homes in North Dakota, South Dakota, Iowa and Nebraska are the five areas expected to recover more quickly than the rest of the country.

Homes in North Dakota have the lowest delinquency rate on mortgages of all the other states at 0.9%. In addition, tying with South Dakota, the third quarter unemployment rate was 3.7%. South Dakota has the second lowest delinquency rate on mortgages at 1.5% and a rise in home prices from 2005 to 2010 of 0.5%. Iowa has a mortgage delinquency rate of 2.2% and Nebraska is at 2.0%. These homes in these states, as well as Tulsa homes, have not suffered the severe drop in prices the rest of the country faced. The average for the rest of the country was a 20% drop while Iowa remained just about level and Nebraska had only a 3.5% drop.  

Oklahoma had only a 2.3% drop and the pattern in these five states shows the central areas of the U.S., including Tulsa homes will most likely recover first. In addition to these five states Arkansas, Colorado, New Mexico and Kansas are expected to be four more that will recover more quickly. Rebounding from the historic financial woes will be a slow process. The states that are projected to do the best make up only 20% of the U.S. housing market and the ones that still face many obstacles make up more than 50%, so the recovery in these states will not have a big impact on the number of housing recoveries nationally.

The predictions come from the economists at the International Building Show and the Portland Cement Association, who are in agreement that the states that were successful during the boon times will be the ones that are the slowest to recover from the recession. Tulsa homes included in numbers for the state of Oklahoma, which is showing only a 2.9% mortgage delinquency also has a low unemployment rate of 6.9%. Homes in Rhode Island, Florida, California, Michigan and Nevada are expected to make a slower recovery.

If you would like more information about Tulsa homes, please give me a call at 918-231-5734 or visit my Contact Us page and send me a quick message.  I’ll respond right away!

Tulsa Foreclosures - Knowing the Signs of a Scam

If you are one of the many facing Tulsa foreclosures, you need to be aware of scams that are circulating, essentially bilking millions of dollars from unsuspecting home owners. The schemes include promising to provide immediate relief to those who are facing Tulsa foreclosures and/or demanding cash for their services. The services they say will be provided are free of charge from HUD-approved agencies that provide counseling for home owners in this situation.

How will you know if you are a possible victim of a scam? There are a few warning signs that you should be aware of and a few questions you should ask yourself.

1. Were you asked to sign over the title to the property you own?
2. Have you been asked to make your mortgage payments to someone other than the mortgage company or stop making them altogether?  
3. Did someone tell you that you must pay for counseling services?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, stop and find out whom you are dealing with and determine if you are a possible victim of fraud. The high number of Tulsa foreclosures as well as many across the country are resulting in all types of schemes that are being used to rob people of their property and their money.

Being informed is the best way of protecting yourself from scam artists who will take advantage of the situation that many home owners are facing presently. Anyone who guarantees you they can provide immediate relief from Tulsa foreclosures should trigger alarm bells. There is free counseling available that will provide you with a number of options from which you may choose if you are facing foreclosure. This is available from HUD-approved housing counseling agencies and they can help with negotiations with your lender. They do not charge a fee. To access this service, call 1-800-995-4673.

For those who are facing Tulsa foreclosures, keep in mind that you should never work with someone without your lender’s knowledge, especially when it comes to making mortgage payments or signing over ownership of your home. Never sell your home to someone without using a real estate professional or title company. Know whom you are dealing with and you just may save yourself from being a victim of a scam intended to take advantage of the situation.

If you would like more information about the Tulsa foreclosures, please give me a call at 918-231-5734 or visit my Contact Us page and send me a quick message.  I’ll respond right away!

10 Things NOT TO Do Before Buying a Home in Broken Arrow

Before looking for a lender for a home in Broken Arrow, find out what you need to do to make your request as near perfect as possible. There are a few tips you will need to know that can work to your advantage when you are shopping for a home in Broken Arrow.

• Do not purchase a vehicle if you want to purchase a home in Broken Arrow. This will cause your debt-to-income to jump up and is a detriment to buying a home.

• Do not purchase furniture or other big ticket items on credit. This also has a negative impact on your debt-to-income ratio and makes loan options less favorable.

• Do not change jobs before applying or during the time your application for a loan for a home in Broken Arrow is pending.

• Do not deposit large amounts of money in your bank account. The money you will be using for a down payment should be in place and remain there for a couple of months prior to the loan.

• Make all your payments on time including credit cards. Showing responsibility goes a long way towards a loan for a home in Broken Arrow.

• When filling out the application for the loan, make sure you state all debts and do not inflate income. This is fraud and is serious.

• Make sure you have money in your account for closing costs. This will be a part of the financing and you will probably have to pay part or all of the closing costs.

• Do not co-sign a loan for anyone. Even though you will not be making the payments on the loan, it changes your debt-to-income ratio and this is not a good idea when you are trying to purchase a home in Broken Arrow.

• Do not do anything that will result in inquiries on your credit report. This looks as if you are shopping for more credit and is not good when trying to get a loan for a home.

• Do not change banks at this time. Stay with the one you have as this shows stability and is more favorable in the eyes of a lender.

If you would like more information about the home in Broken Arrow, please give me a call at 918-231-5734 or visit my Contact Us page and send me a quick message.  I’ll respond right away!

Bixby and area Home Safety Tips for the Holidays

Keep your Bixby home safe from intruders and thieves. Unfortunately the Christmas season brings with it a rise in the number of robberies and thefts. The importance of keeping yourself, your family, home and vehicle safe is even more paramount at this time of year. The best way to safeguard your Bixby home and family is to stay alert and be cautious.

A few tips to help you to stay safe and aware of your surroundings will go a long way toward protecting your possessions, home and family. Here are some that should be a part of your plans as you enjoy the holiday season.

1. Always lock your home. This includes windows, doors and any other access points. Do the same with your car even if you are only going to be out of it for a few minutes.
2. Keep valuables in a safe place. This includes your credit cards and checks. Do not put gifts in plain sight of a window. Arrange for package delivery to a neighbor if you will not be home.
3. Do not carry large amounts of cash. When shopping keep track of your credit cards and checks. Carry your purse tucked under your arm; never in a shopping basket.
4. Stay alert to who is around you and park in well-lit areas. Check inside and around your car as you approach.
5. Do not advertise that you are leaving your Bixby home unattended for the holidays. Do not cancel newspapers or your mail. Have a friend or member of the family to check the home while you are gone and take in your mail and newspapers.
6. Keep your Bixby home safe by making sure your outdoor Christmas decorations do not block your view of the yard. Do not create places for thieves to hide.
7. Instead of having checks delivered via the mail to your Bixby home, try direct deposit. This is much safer.
8. If something seems suspicious around your Bixby home, contact your local police department and have them check it out rather than doing so yourself. This is not the time to be brave. Allow the professionals to do their job. 

If you would like more information about Bixby homes, please give me a call at 918-231-5734 or visit my Contact Us page and send me a quick message.  I’ll respond right away!

Best Christmas Events in Tulsa 2010

Christmas events in Tulsa will provide a terrific time for the whole family with the holiday parades, the spectacular Christmas lights and the beautiful music of the season. The parade will introduce the arrival of the holidays with many floats adorned in their Christmas finery and the brass bands playing. Of course, Santa will join the festivities! There are many parades during the Christmas events in Tulsa so you can see them all day long just by finding your favorite spot to stand and watch.

Included are Sand Springs on December 3rd featuring the Festival of Lights Christmas Parade. On December 4th the Broken Arrow annual Christmas Parade will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Main Street. The theme of this year’s parade will be “A Winter Morning Sleigh Ride.” On December 11th, Sapulpa will begin the holidays with their annual Christmas parade. With merchants lighting their store fronts all along the parade route in downtown Sapulpa, there will also be many activities going on within the stores.

Christmas events in Tulsa will include the Tulsa Parade of Lights on December 11th and the following events will be ongoing for this year’s holiday celebrations.

• Lights On! through January 1st in Utica Square where shopping will be accompanied by the festive lights and the much-loved Santa House and the kids can stop for a visit. The Nutcracker Vignettes are a tradition and this is another place to visit while shopping as the figurines portray The Nutcracker for the enjoyment of all.

• Rhema Holiday Lighting will be part of the Christmas events in Tulsa beginning in November and going through January 1st.

• The 26th Annual Festival of Trees will be ongoing through the 12th of December at the Philbrook Museum of Art.

• Cascia Christmas Walk will be held on December 5th from 11:00 a.m. to 4 p.m.

• On December 5th the Christmas events in Tulsa will feature the Jenks Festive Holiday Home Tour from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

• Winterfest will be ongoing through the 3rd of January at the Bok Center.

In addition music will be a large part of the celebrations in Tulsa with the following performances:

• Handel’s Messiah - December 19th

• 90th Annual All-Lutheran Messiah - December 5th and 5th

• 15th Annual Red Dirt Christmas - December 18th

• Tulsa Boy Singers - December 17th

• Tulsa Festival Ringers - December 1st

• Tuesdays at Trinity - December 7th, 14th , 21st

• Holiday Supper - December 5th

• All Souls Holiday Concert - December 12th

• Council Oak Men’s Chorale - December 3rd, 4th, 7th

• Signature Symphony - December 3rd, 4th  - “A Tulsa Christmas featuring Kelly Ford and Cathy Venable”

• Oklahoma Jazz Hall of Fame - December 5th, 12th, 19th

All of these Christmas events in Tulsa are guaranteed to be a great time for ringing in the holidays.

If you would like more information about the Christmas events in Tulsa, please give me a call at 918-231-5734 or visit my Contact Us page and send me a quick message.  I’ll respond right away!

3 Ways to Save for your Bixby Home Down Payment

Buying a Bixby home today usually requires a down payment. The good news is this is not nearly as much as it was in previous years. During the 1900s many lenders required a 50% down payment before they would lend the money on a home. The average today is 20% and there are options that do not require that much. One option for buying a Bixby home is to use an FHA lender. They typically only require 3.5% as a down payment. Of course, if you can afford more, go ahead and do so because this will lower your mortgage. The more you can put down the lower the mortgage amount you will pay.

What are the ways you can come up with a down payment for the Bixby home you want to purchase? One way many people are finding is to save a tax refund for this purpose. The tax exemptions you claim when filling out your paperwork for employment can allow you to claim all your dependents or zero.

If you claim zero, your employer will take more taxes out of your check, but this will be returned when you file in the form of a tax refund. If you have a hard time saving money, this allows you to get it all in one lump sum and could be enough for the down payment on your Bixby home.

You can of course, go the route that many people do and borrow the money from your parents. There are tax laws that allow an amount to be gifted from each parent without negative tax results. If a gift is not possible, ask them for a loan for the down payment on your Bixby home with a interest rate that would be better than one you could get from a bank. This would be a good situation for all parties involved.

Another way of getting the down payment for your Bixby home is to see if the seller will pay it. There are many motivated sellers that will give the down payment as a credit. In addition, some will even pay closing costs. The amount you can receive varies so you should check with your lender. There is one program, the Nehemiah program that allows sellers to provide 6%.

If you would like more information about the Bixby home, please give me a call at 918-231-5734 or visit my Contact Us page and send me a quick message.  I’ll respond right away!

Tulsa OK Home Local News Update

Tulsa OK home owners might be pleased to know that sales were up just a bit in August. Does this mean things are improving? The sales are still lagging behind the 2009 figures. There were 738 homes that changed owners in August which was an increase in the Tulsa OK home sales of 5.4% from July.

It is not time to celebrate quite yet as the number of homes that sold through the 31st of August was a lower number of homes than were sold  during the first 8 months of 2009. Median sale prices were at $140,000 in July and fell to $131,000 in August. However, the median price for a Tulsa OK home is still above the figure, 127,652 which was recorded as the median price a year ago.

Local Market Monitor, a group based in Cary, NC that does real estate analysis has identified Tulsa OK as the top market for the cautious investor. The new report which was released in October, has put the Tulsa OK home area in the first spot out of 315 metro areas. Second place was taken by Oklahoma City.

According to predictions, the Tulsa OK home market should remain flat for the next year, then rise by 1% the next year. By the third year it should rise 2%. This was contained in the report on Tulsa in which the group also fixed the average price of a Tulsa OK home at $150,400.

If you would like more information about Tulsa OK homes, please give me a call at 918-231-5734 or visit my Contact Us page and send me a quick message.  I’ll respond right away!