Top 10 Home Updates - 06/30/09 08:01 PM
Check out some of these suggestions to get your home move-in ready. In today's market, it's key to knock the socks right off of the Buyer's feet when they see your home. Cindy suggests some great areas for improvements!
Via Cindy Bryant~Houston's Home Staging & Professional Home Stagers~RVP RESA~ASHSR (Redesign Etc.~Specialist in Staging Vacant Properties.):
If you are looking to sell, you might want to read  Remodeling Magazines 2009's Cost vs. Value Report (CSV).  This will give you an idea of where you'll get your biggest Return On Investment (ROI) before you begin your remodeling project.

These are the top 10 … (0 comments)

freedomfest 2009: Tulsa Fireworks - 06/28/09 10:16 AM
River Parks' annual free fireworks display will take place on July 4, 2009. See below for activities and parking instructions.

West bank: Kids can enjoy free inflatables, a rock climbing wall and other activities at the River West Festival Park. Vendors will offer food and beverages for sale. There will be live music from about 6 to 9 pm which will continue immediately after the fireworks display. Paid parking will be available for $5 per vehicle.
East Bank: Live music will begin around 6 pm on the east bank of the Arkansas at 1924 S. Riverside Drive, the former home … (0 comments)

East Hampton, NY Staging Consultation - 06/27/09 05:37 PM
Sellers, please take a moment to read this blog about home staging written by a stager from New York. Different geographic regions -- same concept. In this case, all of the Seller's furniture/decor was used -- just some rearranging and some fresh paint made a huge difference. Remember that Buyers make their first impression of your home very quickly! Lori
Via Allegra Dioguardi Home Stager The Hamptons- Suffolk Co. Long Island (Styled and Sold Home Staging):
I recently had the opportunity to do a two hour/owner occupied Home Staging Consultation in East Hampton, NY.
The two hour consultation was formerly my "bread and … (2 comments)

Repairs - how much should Buyers ask the Seller to pay for when writing a contract? - 06/27/09 10:23 AM
By the time you and your Realtor select a property and sit down to write the sales contract, your Realtor has probably been pointing out some areas of caution, such as wood rot or a hot water heater that needs to be raised.
In the sales contract, we ask for a dollar amount for repairs, replacement or treatment for which the Seller will be responsible.  This is the amount the Seller will obligate himself to pay and must be prepared to spend. However, if you agree that the Seller will be responsible for $1000 in repairs, but only $200 is spent, … (4 comments)

Experiences Selling on Craigslist Teach About Real Estate Selling - 06/26/09 08:39 AM
This Dallas Realtor gives a great explanation of why our Seller's home should be priced accurately.
Via Loreena Yeo - Broker|Realtor(R) of www.Frisco-TX-Homes.com (214) 783-2210 (3:16 team REALTY):
This past week, I have been having a blast selling some personal items on Craigslist. I learnt an invaluable experience about safety's do's and dont's on Craigslist. The selling became almost a dog fight at one point. Buyers scrambling to my home to be the first one there (first come, first serve basis). Then, I realized I have another opportunity to share about selling and pricing - especially for our real estate business.
 
Pricing … (3 comments)

8000 Reasons Get Your Butt In Gear: Deadline for First Time Homebuyer Tax Credit Looms - 06/25/09 03:29 PM
This article was written by a Realtor in California. Although our timelines are a little different, the concept is the same. Beware of the Lenders getting bogged down, and let's get to work!
Via Janet Guilbault California Mortgage Banker/Broker:
First time home buyers: Are you still at the computer, doing endless "research" on how to snag the $8000 TAX CREDIT for buying a house this year? 
Does the November 30th deadline seem like a million years away as you think about fireworks (not turkey leftovers)?
First time home buyers: Get your butts in gear. NOW.
This is the wrong time to claim you … (0 comments)

Homebuyers - which inspections should you do? - 06/24/09 11:30 AM
After you and the Seller are in agreement of the major components of a real estate contract (sales price, amount of earnest money, closing date, etc.), you will want to perform inspections on the property you intend to purchase. Typical inspections include structural, termite and EMP (electrical, mechanical and plumbing). Additional inspections are available to you and are outlined in the real estate contract, but these are the basic three that should be performed.
Your Realtor should already have pointed out if there is wood rot that may not pass an FHA appraisal or have noted that the hot water heater … (1 comments)

USDA Loans - The Rural Housing Loan - The Basics - 06/23/09 05:17 PM

Via Jeff Belonger -- The FHA Expert.com -- FHA Loans -- FHA mortgages - USDA loans (Infinity Home Mortgage Company, Inc):
USDA loans in many areas are becoming more popular, yet many loan officers still don't know much about them, hence why they still aren't talked about much. Just as FHA loansweren't used as much as they should have from 2000 - 2006, because subprime and some conventional loans were easier for the loan officer to give to the consumer, even though it might not have been the best loan for them. I am sure in some cases, FHA loans are … (2 comments)

Earnest money - what is its purpose? - 06/23/09 02:09 PM
Several Buyers have asked me lately WHY they have to write an earnest money check when submitting a contract or they question why it is cashed prior to closing.
An earnest money deposit is to show the Buyer's sincerity. Period. Once all the terms of the contract (sales price, repair cap, closing date, etc.) are agreed upon by all parties, the Seller will take his property off the market, the Realtor will discontinue marketing the property and the earnest money is deposited -- usually in the Listing Realtor's escrow account.
Should problems arise with financing or inspection results, the earnest money … (2 comments)

Custom Searches - how they work & why they're better than searching on your own! - 06/23/09 10:07 AM
I can set up a search through MLS to help you look for your dream home. I can search by geographical boundaries, school district, square footage, number of bedrooms, age of home, list price, etc. This sets up a web "portal" for you, and you are notified by e-mail when anything new comes on the market that meets your search criteria. Once you receive the link, you click on it to view the properties that meet your criteria. You can then view photos and virtual tours, and basically preview homes before ever getting in your car. You can rank homes as … (4 comments)

Continental Antique Show June 26-28, Tulsa Expo - 06/20/09 09:39 AM
Jun 26, 2009 - Jun 28, 2009 Continental Antique ShowLook, apraise, haggle, come back to it, buy-a collector's dream.Location: Expo Square Central Park Hall 4145 East 21st Street Tulsa, OK 74114 June 26:  10am - 6pmJune 27:  10am - 6pmJune 28:  11am - 4pm
AdmissionAdults and Seniors: $6.00Children under 12 are FREE$1 off with newspaper coupon
Contact Infomation:Continental Antiques (800) 423-6846 or Norma Pieratt (281) 332-6073 Expo Square (918) 744-1113
… (0 comments)

It's the start of another day in paradise ...or ... home is where the heart lies! The TRUE value of home ownership! - 06/18/09 07:50 AM
This post is so true, regardless of where your sanctuary might be! Lori
Via Richard Weisser Coweta Fayette Real Estate ERA United Realty:
As I sit out here on the deck early in the morning, watching a light mist roll over the landscaping, I am inspired to declare that this is a fine place to reside!
And while I am not on the beach in Waikiki nor gazing over my beloved Smoky Mountains, there is no other place that I'd rather be right now.
And while my "estate in land" may seem to be run-of-the-mill or ordinary by most established standards, it is … (0 comments)

How Realtors Work (and get paid) -- the mysteries revealed! - 06/16/09 11:13 AM
This discussion includes the duties & responsibilities of the Listing & Selling Realtors who work together to sell your property or find you the perfect home.
Listing Your Property
When you decide to sell your home, you will hire a Realtor to "list" your property. Realtors will charge the Seller a commission, such as 6%, which is what we'll use in this discussion for sake of easy math. Half of this commission goes to the listing Realtor and the other half is offered to a selling Realtor. When your property is advertised on MLS (Multiple Listing Service), another Realtor may bring you … (3 comments)

So you’re thinking of buying your 1st home? Step by step directions! - 06/13/09 01:29 PM
You’re already shopping online. I know that, because you wouldn’t be reading this blog if you weren’t. :-)
You are going to need a good Lender and a good Realtor. You really should contact a Lender first, but if you’re unsure of where to go, choose a Realtor, and take his/her recommendation of Lenders. Realtors know from experience which Lenders are reputable and responsible.
You’re likely going to use FHA financing, which requires a 3.5% down-payment. This can be gifted from a relative, but the Seller can not pay it. You can ask the Seller to pay your closing costs, but … (1 comments)

Living In HiFi: Lortondale Home Tour - 06/12/09 11:24 AM
Presented by Modern Tulsa
The Modern Tulsa Committee will be holding their first annual "Living In HiFi" modern home tour on Saturday, June 13th, 2009. "Living In HiFi" will be an annual home tour showcasing Tulsa's wealth of modern residential architecture. This year's tour will feature homes in the Lortondale neighborhood, highlighting the mid-century modern design of the 1954 subdivision. The tour will take place from 5:30p-8:30p with an after-party starting at 8:30p. For more information, contact Dustin Thames: dustinthames@gmail.com.
The Tulsa Foundation for Architecture is a resource that recognizes, records, and encourages preservation of the built environment and advocates quality … (0 comments)

Home Loan Checklist - Purchase - 06/11/09 08:19 AM

Via Frank Marta Texas Home Loan Specialist (Gold Quest Mortgage):
Here is a loan check list that is needed to begin the Home Loan process:   ___      Most Recent 30 days of pay check stubs  ___      Last 2 years Tax Returns (1040's) with 1099's and/or W-2's (2007 & 2008)  ___      Most recent 2 months Bank Statements  ___      401 K, Stocks and bonds documentation  ___      Id and Social Security Card (Copy)  ___      Resident Alien (Green Card) or work permit (Front and back copies)  ___      Child support documentation (receiving or paying)  ___      Other income documentation (Alimony, Military pay, SSI, etc...)  ___      Lease agreement … (0 comments)

Are You a Ready, Willing and Able Buyer? - 06/11/09 08:16 AM

Via Judy Jennings - Realtor® Serving Plymouth & Barnstable Counties (Cedrone and MacDonald Real Estate):
I had a client that was very interested in purchasing a property and wanted to go out and start shopping right away.  "These are all the things that the house must have.... here is what I am willing to pay.... I have excellent credit so that will not be a problem... I will have to sell my house, but I want to find a suitable replacement first."
Well, you might be ready, and almost willing, but you are not quite able at this point. That is, not … (0 comments)

Buying "as is" -- why look at them ? - 06/10/09 09:35 PM
I'm working with several 1st-time homebuyers who have FHA financing and limited funds for closing.
I discourage them from looking at homes selling in "as is" condition, because if the Seller refuses to pay for repairs, the Buyer will be responsible for Lender-required repairs. I don't want my Buyers spending $400 on an appraisal and another $500 on inspections, just to find out that $2,000 in piering is required.
I can spot warning signs of structural damage or notice that the hot water heater is not raised to be compliant, but some repairs are just unable to be predicted.
So, if … (8 comments)

Downtown Living Tour June 27-28 - 06/10/09 09:09 PM
The Tulsa Foundation for Architecture will host the third annual Downtown Living Tour, a self-guided tour of five selected residences and a bonus site in the downtown area on Saturday, June 27 and Sunday, June, 28, 2009.  Saturday tour hours are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday tour hours are 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.  Advance ticket purchases will be available in May at Dwelling Spaces, 119 S. Detroit for $15 per person or two for $25.  The Patron Party to kickoff the event will be held Friday, June 26 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.  Patron Party tickets are … (0 comments)

Learning how to communicate - phone, text, e-mail or OTHER - 06/09/09 12:15 AM
I've always been a technical geek type. I owned a computer that my father built in the mid 1980s before I had a microwave or VCR - and long before you could walk into Best Buy and purchase a computer.  So, I'm surprised that it's taken me this long to begin blogging, but that's another story.
I had a transaction with a Realtor who would not return my e-mails or phone calls, although I felt she was a competent professional and that we would have a pleasant transaction. Filled with frustration during a meeting where I could not call her again, … (40 comments)

Abandoned Pets -- please report to OK Alliance for Animals - 06/08/09 09:53 PM
Local Realtors are working with the DA and sheriff's office to make sure that when homes are foreclosed, the residents are notified that they should surrender pets to the animal shelter or a rescue group when the move, if they cannot take their pets with them.  If you hear of any incidents where people leave pets when they move, they should contact Jamee Suarez-Howard at the Oklahoma Alliance for Animals, at info@animalallianceok.org.
… (0 comments)

$8,000 tax credit for 1st-time homebuyers explained - 06/06/09 01:12 PM
A tax credit of up to $8,000 is now available for qualified first-time home buyers purchasing a principal residence on or after January 1, 2009 and before December 1, 2009. Unlike the tax credit enacted in 2008, the new credit does not have to be repaid. The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 expands the first-time homebuyer credit to include purchases made before Dec. 1, 2009.
In its efforts to stimulate the economy and revive the housing market, Congress has enacted legislation providing a tax credit of up to $8,000 for first-time home buyers.
But time is of the essence … (0 comments)

First-time home buyers need to step it up! - 06/05/09 12:52 PM
I was scheduling showings yesterday and THREE out of the five properties my Buyers wanted to see had just received contracts. Today, two out of ten just went under contract.  The deadline to qualify for state bond money is fast approaching, and the deadline to close to qualify for the stimulus incentive will creep up as well. All the while, interest rates are rising.
So, does this mean it's a good time to sell? You betcha!  Five people I spoke with in the last two days just SOLD their home, so the Buyers are out there signing contracts.
It's a great … (0 comments)

The Price of Procrastination - 06/05/09 12:07 PM

Via Integrity Mortgage Funding:
Everyone Wants a Lower Price, But What About the Impact of Interest Rates?When shopping for a home, the natural tendency of any buyer is to want to pay the lowest price possible. It's important to keep in mind, however, that the sales price is not the only factor that determines what your monthly payment will be. In fact, the impact of higher interest rates can easily nullify any benefit of waiting for a lower price.Why Should I Rush to Buy? While you may have heard discussions in the media about the decline of property values in many markets, … (0 comments)

iPhone or Blackberry? Recommendations, please! - 06/05/09 11:36 AM
I just bought a new computer and I can't sync my Blackberry with Vista. I spoke to my cell phone provider about it, and they evidently have no upgrade available. I'm finally out of contract, so am thinking of switching to an iPhone. Obviously, my calendar/contacts are useless on my phone since I can't sync with my OutLook calendar.
I love my BB because it has a big keyboard, and I text a lot. But, the full screen of the iPhone is attractive, and I'm told I'll get use to texting with my finger.
Reccomendations before I make the big switch?
… (4 comments)

Buyer Representation: It's Key and It's Free - 06/04/09 10:29 AM
Many, many years ago when I traveled in the summer to visit my Dad, I would call airlines individually to compare rates. I mentioned this to my Dad who asked why I didn't just call a travel agent to do the work for me. I assumed that a travel agent charged for that service, so I did the leg work myself. Wrong. Travel agents were compensated by the airlines, resorts and others in the travel industry. They could have provided me with the most convenient and inexpensive flight and made all reservations, taken care of all details, if I had just … (3 comments)

Buying & Selling midtown Tulsa real estate at the same time: How is it possible? - 06/02/09 08:10 PM
I have two clients in this dilemma: one is down-sizing from a midtown Tulsa 3-story condo to a one-level home, and the other couple needs to leave their midtown Tulsa starter home for something larger to accommodate their growing family. Both are nervous about how it is possible to buy/sell at the same time, so I thought I would address the steps.
First, you have to put your midtown Tulsa home for sale on the market.  Unless you can afford two mortgage payments at the same time, you have to shop while you sell. Your Listing Realtor should be able to … (8 comments)

 

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