Discover Life In and Around Oklahoma City

"I Don't Take Referrals!" - Good or Bad?

Ryan Hukill - Edmond Realtor® (ShowMeOKC Team of Paradigm AdvantEdge) — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 12:59:41 -0500

I just read Peggy Chirico's post "I Don't Take Referrals!" and I must say, I'm amazed at how quickly many of the commenters there have jumped on an agent who chose not to accept a referral, calling him names without knowing his circumstances, all while claiming "I never turn down a referral!"

Is it possible that the agent in question has a business plan that he's committed to, that works for him, that doesn't include paying out referral fees?

Maybe he's got enough business that he's happy, and he's not interested in growing anymore?

I can tell you that personally I do take referrals, but I'm choosy. I only take the ones that actually stand to compensate me for my time and experience. I will not take referrals that end up draining my resources (time & money). I've had agents call me to refer an $80,000 listing, expecting a 40% referral fee. If I were to take such a referral, I'd spend more money to market that property than I would gross after the referral, broker split, and taxes. That's not even taking into account the time I'd have invested in getting it sold.

In the time I would've spent on that resource-drainer, I would instead work my client base and generat 2-3 other full-commission transactions.

I also recently had a local agent try to refer me a referral, if that makes any sense. By the time all was said and done, I would've ended up paying 2 referral fees, totaling 50% of the commission. Again, not worth my time.

Many facctors have to be considered when deciding whether or not to accept a referral; referral fee, sales price, how needy the client is, current market conditions, your hourly rate, etc.

When I was a new agent, without much already going on, I was much more willing to take on referrals, and when the market slows, I become more open to them as well. But when the market's cruising along well, and I have a pipeline full of full-commission clients, why would I take time away from them to make less working with someone else?

Any agent who's not taking these things into account, but instead just jumping up and yelling "YES" when they're asked if they'd like a referral, may need to re-think their business plan. Not ALL business is profitable business.

Many times, the referring agent may be well-intentioned, but actually harm the client by restricting the receiving agent with hefty referral fees. Personally, if it comes down to it, I'd rather not receive a fee and know that my client is getting a top-notch experience, than to take a referral fee and know that the receiving agent may not put forth as much effort, due to a minimized commission.

So, what say you? Are all referrals to be taken?

OKC's Report Card on Economic Security

Ryan Hukill - Edmond Realtor® (ShowMeOKC Team of Paradigm AdvantEdge) — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 17:08:57 -0500

Report card time's always a little unnerving isn't it? Will I be at the top, the bottom, or somewhere around average? What grade do you think our great city would earn? Better question; would you be at all surprised to find out that Oklahoma City got an A+ and ranked first out of the Top 100 Metros? I know I'm not surprised, but somehow, some folks still seem to miss just how great we have it here. According to MetroTrends.org,

Metropolitan Oklahoma City’s diverse economy – including government, universities, energy, and high-tech firms -- has held up well in the Great Recession. It didn’t fall victim to the housing boom and bust (2000 to 2007), so rents and house prices today are remarkably affordable and few homeowners are facing foreclosure. And the region scores high on lots of “top ten” lists -- most affordable (Forbes), most recession-proof (Forbes), and best to start a small business (Fortune Small Business).

Click through to see the entire ranking of the Top 100 Metros.

**Originally posted on ShowMeOKC.com, where you’ll find out more about Oklahoma City, Edmond, Moore, and beyond.

Home Maintenance #7 - Weatherstripping

Ryan Hukill - Edmond Realtor® (ShowMeOKC Team of Paradigm AdvantEdge) — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 19:23:18 -0500

In Oklahoma, it's generally pretty easy to tell if your home is drafty, but even if you don't feel drafts, you could still be wasting energy.

Try this quick test: Close one of your outside doors on a sheet of paper. If the paper pulls out fairly easily and doesn't tear, you're likely losing energy. You can also use the old candle or lighter test. Move a lit candle around your doors and windows (be very careful not to burn yourself) and see if that flame flickers.

Either test works, but that's real money leaking out between those gaps, so hurry and do something about it! if you need contractor recommendations, let us know, or if you plan to do the work yourself, here are a few how-to tips:

**Originally posted on ShowMeOKC.com, where you’ll find out more about Oklahoma City, Edmond, Moore, and beyond.

OKC - Best Place for Military Retirees

Ryan Hukill - Edmond Realtor® (ShowMeOKC Team of Paradigm AdvantEdge) — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 13:08:15 -0500

According to a recent USATODAY.com article, Oklahoma City is the best place for former soldiers to find civilian careers. The article states, "as the Iraq War winds down by year's end, tens of thousands of servicemembers are expected to return home, and many will seek second careers amid a sluggish economy and 9% unemployment." That said, we're proud to see Oklahoma City recognized as the top place for these honored veterans to plant their feet when returning home:

Oklahoma City is the best place for military retirees to find work, according to a ranking of 379 metro areas by Military.com and USAA, a financial service provider to military personnel.

Boeing Moves More Jobs to OKC

Ryan Hukill - Edmond Realtor® (ShowMeOKC Team of Paradigm AdvantEdge) — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 13:37:06 -0500

More exciting news for the Oklahoma City economy, as Boeing announces that they'll be moving more well-paid employees here from Wichita Kansas, by late 2013!

**Originally posted on ShowMeOKC.com, where you’ll find out more about Oklahoma City, Edmond, Moore, and beyond.

Castle Rock - 633 E Hillcrest Ln

Ryan Hukill - Edmond Realtor® (ShowMeOKC Team of Paradigm AdvantEdge) — Sat, 31 Dec 2011 10:27:15 -0500

This home is perfect in every way, move-in ready, and better than new, with blinds, full fencing, and landscaping! Located on a large corner lot, you'll have plenty of space to do as you please. Here are a few of the details:

4 Nice-sized Bedrooms
2 Full Bathrooms with upgraded tile
Large Eat-in Kitchen, which flows nicely with the living space
Pantry & Breakfast Bar
Large Covered-patios, front and back
2-car garage
Fenced Backyard

Additionally, the Castle Rock Community offers:

Close proximity to Hwy 4 & Hwy 152, providing quick access to anywhere in the city
Mustang Public Schools (Mustang Elementary, Mustang Middle School, Mustang High School)

LIST PRICE: $138,000 | MLS# 474145 Call 405.259.6565 or email us to schedule your private tour.

NOTE: If this home doesn't fit your needs, we can give you direct access to the most up-to-date listings for this area. Just click here and tell us what you're looking for. It's really that simple.

**Originally posted on ShowMeOKC.com, where you’ll find out more about Oklahoma City, Edmond, Moore, and beyond.

#okcW3 - Opening Night & Myriad Gardens

Ryan Hukill - Edmond Realtor® (ShowMeOKC Team of Paradigm AdvantEdge) — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 13:44:12 -0500

It's time for this month's ShowMeOKC W3! Have you been to Oklahoma City's Myriad Botanical Gardens lately? Do you have plans for New Years Eve? Even though it's winter and the greens aren't green right now, if you answered "no" to either of the above, you've gotta check this out (go fullscreen to get the HD vibe):

**Originally posted on ShowMeOKC.com, where you’ll find out more about Oklahoma City, Edmond, Moore, and beyond.

Home Maintenance Tip #5 - Hot Water

Ryan Hukill - Edmond Realtor® (ShowMeOKC Team of Paradigm AdvantEdge) — Tue, 27 Dec 2011 14:51:16 -0500

It may seem like a no-brainer, but when it's cold outside, your hot water heater has to work harder to heat your water. It also has to re-heat it more often, but did you know that you may be able to boost your water heater's efficiency by simply wrapping it in a thermal blanket?

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, adding an insulating wrap to your water heater can reduce heat loss by as much as 45 percent and save as much as 10 percent on water heating costs. If you're not sure whether or not your water heater needs a wrap, give your tank the "touch test." Tanks that are warm to the touch are losing too much heat and could benefit from additional insulation.

Here's the beauty; Thermal blankets are relatively inexpensive and can be purchased at most hardware stores. Check out this great little how-to video to learn more:

**Originally posted on ShowMeOKC.com, where you’ll find out more about Oklahoma City, Edmond, Moore, and beyond.

#okcW3 – Block Party OKC 2011

Ryan Hukill - Edmond Realtor® (ShowMeOKC Team of Paradigm AdvantEdge) — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 16:01:39 -0500

It's time for this month's ShowMeOKC W3! Have you heard of Block Party OKC? Oklahoma City Educare? How about the Exchange?

If you answered "no" to any of the above, you've gotta check this out (go fullscreen to get the HD vibe):

**Originally posted on ShowMeOKC.com, where you’ll find out more about Oklahoma City, Edmond, Moore, and beyond.

Coffee Creek - 3217 Sand Plum Ln

Ryan Hukill - Edmond Realtor® (ShowMeOKC Team of Paradigm AdvantEdge) — Fri, 24 Jun 2011 15:57:50 -0400

[Click Photo to See More]

This beautiful home in the Prairie Village at Coffee Creek addition of Edmond, sits on a well-landscaped corner lot and is move-in ready!

If you're looking for a great home in a great neighborhood, near all that Edmond has to offer, this one is a must-see:

3 Bedrooms
2 Bathrooms
Study or 2nd Living
2 Dining Rooms
2,050sf MOL
Fresh Paint, open floorplan, covered patio and more
Close proximity (walking distance) to Mitch Park, Cheyenne Middle School, and the Coffee Creek community pool

Additionally, the Coffee Creek Community offers:

Edmond Public Schools (John Ross Elem, Cheyenne MS, Edmond North HS)
Immaculately-maintained facilities
Clubhouses
Basketball Courts
Swimming Pools
Playgrounds
Direct access to Edmond's Mitch Park
Jogging Trails
18-hole, Par 70 Golf Course

LIST PRICE: $190,000 ($92.68/sf)

Call 405.259.6565 or email us to schedule your private tour.

NOTE: If this home doesn't fit your needs, we can give you direct access to the most up-to-date listings for this area. Just click here and tell us what you're looking for. It's really that simple.

**Originally posted on the ShowMeOKC Real Estate Blog, where you’ll find out more about Oklahoma City, Edmond, Moore, and beyond.

Let's Talk Kitchen Design With Roger Shollmier

Ryan Hukill - Edmond Realtor® (ShowMeOKC Team of Paradigm AdvantEdge) — Wed, 01 Jun 2011 01:15:33 -0400

As an active listing Realtor, I'm constantly reminded of just how important the kitchen is to a home's value. Afterall, it has become THE most popular room in the home, and the hub of the family's living.

I recently had the chance to visit with Roger Shollmier, owner of KitchenDesign.com and creator of the Galley Sink, about kitchen design, function and workflow.

Be ready to have your eyes opened to concepts you may have never considered, as I did. Enjoy!

**Originally posted on the ShowMeOKC Real Estate Blog, where you’ll find out more about Oklahoma City, Edmond, Moore, and beyond.

Piedmont Tornado Damage 05/24/2011

Ryan Hukill - Edmond Realtor® (ShowMeOKC Team of Paradigm AdvantEdge) — Thu, 26 May 2011 19:01:07 -0400

Yesterday, we closed our office so that we could be out & about, helping the folks devasated by Tuesday's tornadoes. As was expected, it was an emotionally exhausting day, as we saw and heard one story after another of that tragic day.

Here are a few of the photos we took, which don't even do justice to the long-term damage and loss that these folks have experienced. Please keep them in your prayers, and continue to donate your resources to help them get back on their feet.

**Originally posted on the ShowMeOKC Real Estate Blog, where you’ll find out more about Oklahoma City, Edmond, Moore, and beyond.

Selling Your Home - The Good and the Bad

Ryan Hukill - Edmond Realtor® (ShowMeOKC Team of Paradigm AdvantEdge) — Thu, 19 May 2011 22:34:31 -0400

Let's be honest; to say the past 6 months (or more) as a listing agent in the Oklahoma City metro has been sketchy and unpredictable would be grossly understating reality. In turn, this means that being a home seller in Central Oklahoma has been, well, sketchy and unpredictable.

The numbers (the statistics) don't lie. We've seen the number of homes sold in the metro take a pretty consistent dive but, surprisingly, home values haven't taken the same dramatic dive. Sure, they've softened in some areas, but overall the median home value has stayed pretty level.

So what's the real key to selling a home in this market? I'll give you a hint. It starts with a P. No, it's not pricing (although always critically important).

It's Patience. Take a look at this:

The chart you just saw is your visual wake-up call. It's the fact that none of us want to face, but fact nonetheless. Homes are taking longer to sell than they were this time last year, and not just a little bit longer; almost a whopping 19% longer. Instead of 85 days on the market last February, this February's average was 101 days on the market.

The real eye-opener is that this is the highest DOM average on this chart, dating back to January 2007, when I started tracking statistics on this site. Not only is this the highest number in the past 5 years, I even looked back to 2004 and never found another time when we were in the triple digits for days on the market.

So, the 3 staples I've preached for years are still there. Price, Condition and Marketing still rule the world of selling homes, but Patience is quickly creating a 4th vital category.

**Originally posted on the ShowMeOKC Real Estate Blog, where you’ll find out more about Oklahoma City, Edmond, Moore, and beyond.

Metro Area Neighborhood Garage Sales

Ryan Hukill - Edmond Realtor® (ShowMeOKC Team of Paradigm AdvantEdge) — Sat, 30 Apr 2011 01:10:48 -0400

This is apparently one of the BIG weekends for neighborhood garage sales, at least on the north side of the city. Maybe everywhere, I'm not sure, but everywhere I've gone this week, I've seen big signs! Here are the ones I do know about:

Cedar Pointe - Santa Fe, between Danforth & Covell
Fenwick - NW 164th, between Penn & Western
The Greens - N Meridian, between NW 122nd & Memorial Rd
Oakmond - NW 150th, between Western & Santa Fe
Providence - NW 178th, between Penn & Western
Sonoma Lake - NW 164th, between Penn & Western
Surrey Hills - Northwest Expressway, West of the Kilpatrick Turnpike
The Valley - N Western, between NW 164th & NW 178th
Woodvine - NW 164th, between May & Penn

View 043011 Garage Sales in a larger map

If you know of any others, please leave the info in the comments below. I'm sure the hardcore garage-salers out there will greatly appreciate it!

**Originally posted on the ShowMeOKC Real Estate Blog, where you’ll find out more about Oklahoma City, Edmond, Moore, and beyond.

5 States Where Housing Is Predicted to Recover the Quickest

Ryan Hukill - Edmond Realtor® (ShowMeOKC Team of Paradigm AdvantEdge) — Wed, 27 Apr 2011 10:54:30 -0400

Wondering about the housing market in Oklahoma? Most people around here are these days, but would you have guessed that Oklahoma is among the 5 States Where Housing Is Predicted to Recover the Quickest?

Oklahoma. Home prices in the Sooner State fell just 2.3% from peak to trough and mortgage delinquencies are 2.9%. Unemployment is 6.9%.

**Originally posted on the ShowMeOKC Real Estate Blog, where you’ll find out more about Oklahoma City, Edmond, Moore, and beyond.

Digital Signatures Celebrated on Earth Day!

Ryan Hukill - Edmond Realtor® (ShowMeOKC Team of Paradigm AdvantEdge) — Fri, 22 Apr 2011 10:51:34 -0400

If you're here much, you know that I'm a tech junkie and that I love green initiatives, which is why I'm so heavily involved at OKCMAR. Perhaps you've seen my constant (and probably sometimes annoying) push for digital signature legislation over the past couple of years. Whether you have or not, today is an extra-special Earth Day, because up until last week, Oklahoma was the only state in which digital signatures could not be used on real estate contracts. Thanks to some great legislators and a lot of hard work and long hours from many of our local Realtors and affiliates, that's finally changed! If you're wondering what the big deal is, here's how you and the earth will benefit from this legislation:

Buying and selling a house in Oklahoma will now be far easier, much more secure, and WAY more efficient than ever before.
The amount of paper and ink that will be saved by this measure will be astounding. In my experience, the average real estate transaction uses about 3/4 to 1 full ream of paper (check out how many homes closed in the metro last month).

Not to mention, it'll just be cool to sign your contracts on an Ipad, instead of getting writer's cramp putting pen to paper about 75-150 times. No more printing, signing, faxing back, re-printing, copying, etc. In recognition of Earth Day, and to celebrate the passing of Senate Bill 0657, the OKCMAR Green Resource Council is hosting an Earth Day Party at Boldt Construction this evening. Come join us!

**Originally posted on the ShowMeOKC Real Estate Blog, where you’ll find out more about Oklahoma City, Edmond, Moore, and beyond.

History of Oklahoma City Sheraton Hotel

Ryan Hukill - Edmond Realtor® (ShowMeOKC Team of Paradigm AdvantEdge) — Wed, 30 Mar 2011 16:33:14 -0400

It's always interesting to hear about the history of our city, especially from those with firsthand experience/knowledge, like Steve Lackmeyer. In a recent article, he highlighted his memories of Oklahoma City's Sheraton Hotel:

My sister and I had the run of the hotel that first week of January 1977. We were just kids — our father, Robert, was a partner in the development group that built the hotel and attached retail plaza.

**Originally posted on the ShowMeOKC Real Estate Blog, where you’ll find out more about Oklahoma City, Edmond, Moore, and beyond.

Highland Trails - 1098 Skyline Blvd

Ryan Hukill - Edmond Realtor® (ShowMeOKC Team of Paradigm AdvantEdge) — Wed, 23 Mar 2011 09:32:51 -0400

[Click Photo to See More]

This beautiful home, situated on one of the larger lots in the desirable Highland Trails community of North Edmond, features a standout floorplan with a large private bonus room on the same level as the rest of the home. This room would make a great Theatre Room, Game Room, Living Room, Play Room, or even a large 5th bedroom. GREAT NEWS!! This home may qualify for 100% financing through a USDA program. You owe it to yourself to see this rare find before it's gone. Here are a few more of the highlights:

4 Very Large Bedrooms
Large 2nd Living Room (NOT upstairs)
2.5 Well-appointed Bathrooms
Dual Showerheads in Master Suite
Large Open Kitchen w/ Beautiful Granite
Huge Back Yard w/ Covered Patio (.69 acre lot)
Upgraded Hardware & Fixtures
Well-maintained Landscaping
3-car Garage
Water Softener

Additionally, the Highland Trails Community offers:

Immaculately-maintained Facilities
Baseball/Softball Field
Basketball Court
Swimming Pool
Volleyball Pit
Playground
Clubhouse

Call 405.259.6565 or email us to schedule your private tour.

Click here for a printable flyer of this home.

NOTE: If this home doesn't fit your needs, we can give you direct access to the most up-to-date listings for this area. Just click here and tell us what you're looking for. It's really that simple.

**Originally posted on the ShowMeOKC Real Estate Blog, where you’ll find out more about Oklahoma City, Edmond, Moore, and beyond.

Boeing Begins Construction On New Building In Oklahoma City

Ryan Hukill - Edmond Realtor® (ShowMeOKC Team of Paradigm AdvantEdge) — Wed, 23 Mar 2011 09:26:44 -0400

According to News 9, the Boeing Company has begun construction on its new office building in Oklahoma City.

As was announced months ago, Boeing is moving several hundred jobs from California to Oklahoma City in an effort to cut operating costs.

We here in OKC look forward to welcoming new friends from California, and showing them what Central Oklahoma has to offer.

**Originally posted on the ShowMeOKC Real Estate Blog, where you’ll find out more about Oklahoma City, Edmond, Moore, and beyond.

Oklahoma City Welcomes Continental Resources

Ryan Hukill - Edmond Realtor® (ShowMeOKC Team of Paradigm AdvantEdge) — Mon, 21 Mar 2011 20:43:34 -0400

Welcoming new people to the Oklahoma City area is nothing new to us, and with several recent announcements of Boeing moving a few divisions to Oklahoma City, we've gotten a lot of practice lately. Everyone knows how much we love showing off our city. To that end, we're thrilled to now get to welcome the employees of Continental Resources who will be relocating from Enid to Oklahoma City, as the company relocates it's corporate headquarters to the current Devon Energy building.

“We're expanding rapidly as a leading oil and gas company,” Hamm said. “With our growth plans in the largest oil play in the U.S., the Bakken Shale and the Williston Basin, the timing is right to locate our corporate headquarters in Oklahoma City. “As we look toward the future, Oklahoma City offers a vibrant base to support our aggressive strategy while retaining our strong commitment to the state of Oklahoma.”

**Originally posted on the ShowMeOKC Real Estate Blog, where you’ll find out more about Oklahoma City, Edmond, Moore, and beyond.

Lansbrook - 6304 Sunnybridge Ct

Ryan Hukill - Edmond Realtor® (ShowMeOKC Team of Paradigm AdvantEdge) — Fri, 18 Mar 2011 14:37:25 -0400

(Click Photo to See More)

This is a beautiful tri-level home in the well-established, highly-desired Lansbrook addition of NW Oklahoma City. Perfectly designed for the large family or anyone needing a lot of space, this home features:

4 VERY large Bedrooms
Walk-in closets in every bedroom
2.5 Bathrooms
Large Granite Kitchen
Large Formal Living & Dining Areas, perfect for entertaining
Large Master w/ Juliet Balcony overlooking the tiered back yard
Tons of Character, provided by arched doorways & windows, rich woodwork, parquet flooring, and endless natural light
Oversized garage w/ built-ins
Located on a quiet cul-de-sac, right across from a park, with easy access to the nature trails, etc.

Additionally, the Lansbrook Community offers:

Putnam City Schools (Wiley Post Elementary, Hefner Middle School, PC North HS)
Community Clubhouse and Tennis Court
Community Pool, staffed w/ lifeguards
Convenient access to Lake Hefner
A beautiful lake area and creek
Several Playgrounds
Nature Trails

Call 405.259.6565 or email us to schedule your private tour.

NOTE: If this home doesn't fit your needs, we can give you direct access to the most up-to-date listings for this area. Just click here and tell us what you're looking for. It's really that simple.

MLS #446772 is listed with Paradigm AdvantEdge.

Let's Play "Name That City"

Ryan Hukill - Edmond Realtor® (ShowMeOKC Team of Paradigm AdvantEdge) — Mon, 14 Mar 2011 15:14:42 -0400

If you haven't been to Oklahoma City in a while, you might be surprised at the transformation. Come see us soon!

**Originally posted on the ShowMeOKC Real Estate Blog, where you’ll find out more about Oklahoma City, Edmond, Moore, and beyond.

Stonebriar - 800 NW 194th Ter

Ryan Hukill - Edmond Realtor® (ShowMeOKC Team of Paradigm AdvantEdge) — Fri, 11 Mar 2011 10:53:40 -0500

(Click Photo to See More)

This is a very elegant home in the centrally-located Stonebriar addition of Edmond. Perfectly designed for both entertaining and for family life, and built by Newhaven Homes, the Newport floorplan features:

3 Spacious Bedrooms
2 Well-designed Bathrooms
Large, Dramatic Formal Living & Dining Area
Nice office w/ French Doors
Well-appointed Island Kitchen
Granite & Stainless-steel appliances
Convenient Breakfast Patio
Abundant Natural Light
Open Floorplan
Fenced Back Yard w/ 2 Covered Patios
3-car Garage

Additionally, the Stonebriar Community offers:

Convenient Access shopping and restaurants
Fantastic Edmond Public Schools (John Ross Elem, Cheyenne MS, and North HS)
Community Pool & Clubhouse

Call 405.259.6565 or email us to schedule your private tour.

NOTE: If this home doesn't fit your needs, we can give you direct access to the most up-to-date listings for this area. Just click here and tell us what you're looking for. It's really that simple.

**Originally posted on the ShowMeOKC Real Estate Blog, where you’ll find out more about Oklahoma City, Edmond, Moore, and beyond.

Homeowners, Were You Overtaxed?

Ryan Hukill - Edmond Realtor® (ShowMeOKC Team of Paradigm AdvantEdge) — Wed, 02 Mar 2011 23:29:38 -0500

If you own property in Oklahoma County, you'll want to take note of this one! There's a big debate centered around the amount being charged for property taxes in OK Co, and they say you only have 20 days to appeal them.

If you feel like you might be one of the home owners who were overcharged, you'll want to contact the Oklahoma County Assessor's Office immediately.

**Originally posted on the ShowMeOKC Real Estate Blog, where you’ll find out more about Oklahoma City, Edmond, Moore, and beyond.

Real Estate Pros, WE NEED YOUR HELP!

Ryan Hukill - Edmond Realtor® (ShowMeOKC Team of Paradigm AdvantEdge) — Thu, 17 Feb 2011 11:46:46 -0500

I've been trying to hold my excitement back all morning, in anticipation of making this announcement, so I'll get right to it. A large group of local industry professionals, your colleagues, have been working hard for quite some time to figure out what has to be done to make it possible for us to legally use digital signatures in Oklahoma real estate transactions. Their hard work is moving things forward! The benefits to such an action are endless, but let me outline just a few for you real quick:

Save time - Imagine having your buyers & sellers sign an agreement or offer digitally on your laptop or iPad then immediately emailing it to the other necessary parties. No more printing, signing, copying & faxing. Just press "send."
Save money - With the digital signature, you won't need to print the offer to have your clients sign it. No need to buy as much paper, toner, or even portable printers & faxes.
Environmental effects - With your saving time and money as mentioned above, you'll also be putting less paper, toner cartridges, and broken hardware into the landfills.
Added Security - Digital signatures are actually more secure and verifiable than what we do today.

We are now officially one step closer to making it happen! State Bill 657 has passed the Oklahoma House and will now go to the State Senate. This is where you come in! I know we're all busy, but please take a few minutes out of your day to invest in the time you'll save in the future. Take a few minutes to contact your State Senator and voice your support for this bill. Find your Senator's contact information here and call or email them with a message along these lines:

Dear Senator, I am a REALTOR®. Real Estate practice has changed and buyers and sellers expect immediate response and electronic transmission of documents. It is very important to me, my business and the Oklahoma economy that SB0657, eliminating the requirement that real estate transactions use a registered certification authority, is passed. This is also a socially responsible bill as it will reduce the amount of paper used in every real estate transaction in our state. Thank you for your time- Your name

Additionally, please share this post with all of your friends within the RE industry and ask them to do the same thing. In fact, even people outside of the industry (i.e. friends, family, clients) can call in support of this. We can make this happen, and in the end we'll all do less running around town, faxing, printing, etc. We all want more time in our day to do more business and take better care of our clients, right? This is one way to make that happen. Thanks for your support, and please don't hesitate to message me if you have any questions or concerns about this initiative.

**Originally posted on the ShowMeOKC Real Estate Blog, where you’ll find out more about Oklahoma City, Edmond, Moore, and beyond.