Tulsa Rises in Best Performing Cities Index

Tulsa's economic strength continues to be recognized in the rankings.  The Miliken Institute released its Best Performing Cities 2009 index and Tulsa rose from #72 in 2008 to #19 for 2009.  As reported in the Tulsa World, Tulsa's rise is due to lower foreclosure rates, lower unemployment rates, the strength of the energy sector and the steadiness of the housing market.

Homes Sales In Tulsa Improve in September

Home sales for Tulsa improved in September 2009 almost matching sales for September of last year.  As reported in the Tulsa World, 1057 properties were sold in September this year as compared to 1059 last year.  This was an increase of 9% from August.  Year to date sales continue to lag behind 2008 and are currently running over 8% lower. 

The first time home buyer tax credit extension has taken another step forward towards being passed.    A vote by the senate of 85-2 will move the bill toward a final vote.  President Obama has expressed that he will sign the bill.  In addition to giving a credit to first time home buyers, the extension provides an extra incentive for buyers who have been in their homes for 5 consecutive years out of the past 8.  Those who qualify will be offered a new credit up to $6500.

Tulsa OK Home Sales for July:  #1 for the Year

July was the best month for homes sales for 2009 in the Tulsa area.  An article in the Tulsa World shows that 1140 homes were sold in July, an increase over June of 2009 but still short of July 2008.  The $8000 first time home buyer tax credit has helped keep the market strong.  The tax credit will end November 30, 2009 so many first time home buyers have been entering the market over the summer.  Median home prices fell slightly, 3.7% from a year ago, to $131,000.  This is probably a reflection of the number of first time home buyers purchasing smaller homes

Tulsa on Top Again!

Tulsa has reached the top again!  The Tulsa World recently released that Tulsa has been named #1 for the best cost of living.  Business Facilities magazine lists Tulsa as #2 for its quality of life and #1 for the cost of living in metropolitan areas over 500,000.  Real estate prices which have remained low and stable are one of the factors taken into consideration.  Tulsa has been at or near the top on several lists this year, including  Relocate America that ranked Tulsa  #1 in 2009 among the top 100 places to live in America.

Tulsa homes sales for June 2009 rose above the same month in 2008 for the first time this year!  Numbers released by the Tulsa World today shows that 1110 homes were sold in June of 2009 which is nine more than were sold in June 2008.  Low interest rates and the $8000 tax credit for first time home buyers have been motivators for the upswing in the market. 

 

As announced in the Tulsa World today, the BOK Center continues to be one of the top venues in the US.  Pollstar listed the BOK Center as #9 in the US and #23 in the US for the number of tickets sold at arenas from January through June.  Shows such as Elton John&Billy; Joel's "Face to Face" concert and "Walking with the Dinosaurs" have been instrumental in the high ticket sale numbers.  Many exciting shows are scheduled for the  the BOK Center in Tulsa including Rod Stewart, Paul McCartney, and Britney Spears.  The BOK Center has also been home to the Tulsa Oilers hockey games and Tulsa Talons arena football games. 

Tulsa Housing Sales Rise in May

As reported in the Tulsa World, homes sales rose again in May...  although they are still behind last years numbers.  973 homes were reported sold in May which is up 6.7% from April.  The median homes price has continued to hold steady this year but is also down from last year. 

Recent data released in the Tulsa World shows that the Tulsa, OK real estate market continues to hold strong despite the national economy.  Although sales of homes in January were down with closings dropping from 676 in January 2008 to 536 in January of 2009, the median sales price was up 4%.  The average sales price also increased to $155,074 which was over 10% higher than the month and year before.  Nationally, the median homes price was down almost 15% from the previous year.  The $8000 tax credit for first time home buyers that was included in the stimulus plan is being credited for recent increased activity in the market.

As reported in the Tulsa World, the Tulsa housing market continues to be among the top markets in the nation!  Economy.com recently released a report showing Tulsa tied for number 6 among the best performing home markets.  Because Tulsa's home values have shown a slow but steady growth, the market has not been impacted by the boom and bust of other major markets.   Tulsa is predicted to lose 1.1% of its value in the housing market before it starts to recover.  Only 2 cities in the report are expected to show no loss, McAllen TX and Syracuse NY and there are no cities expected to see appreciation.