Midtown Tulsa Real Estate - Lori Cain: Oklahoma: Tulsa: Midtown Tulsa

Market Report Snapshot June 1-September 1, 2010: Lewiston Gardens, midtown Tulsa

There are currently eleven listings in Lewiston Gardens, ranging from $122,000 to $290,000 list price. No listed properties are pending at this moment.

Five homes sold during this period ranging from $145,000 to $189,900 sales price.

One property really brought down the average price per square foot, but it was significantly over-sized for the neighborhood and not priced competitively from the onset of the listing period. One condo that sold in the subdivision was omitted for the purpose of this market report.

Without that home factored in, the average price per square foot sold during that time period was $125 and average sales price of $168,500.

Lewiston Garden boundaries are Lewis to the west, 15th Street to the north; 21st Street to the south; and the Broken Arrow Expressway to the east.

Market Report Snapshot June 1-September 1, 2010: Lewiston Gardens, midtown Tulsa

Lewiston Garden's architecture almost mirrors that of Florence Park, and is the neighborhood west of Florence Park, separated by the BA Expressway.

Lewiston Gardens is a beautiful neighborhood in midtown Tulsa with easy access to the Broken Arrow Expressway, close to the University of Tulsa, Utica Square, resaurants and shopping on Cherry Street and Saint John's hospital.

Just as Florence park and other midtown Tulsa neighborhoods, Lewiston Gardens boasts friendly sidewalks, mature trees and unique historic homes that make midtown Tulsa the corner of Tulsa where you'll want to live!

Originally Posted at: Midtown Tulsa Real Estate - Lori Cain

Utica Square, midtown Tulsa's finest shopping centre

In midtown Tulsa, we refer to Utica Square as "The Square," as it's been our beloved shopping center since the early 1950s.

It's an outdoor shopping centre and resembles a village of yesteryear with many landscaped gardens, fountains and multiple chiming clocks. It's an enjoyable experience to just visit "The Square" on a nice afternoon and walk past the shops, visiting with friends you will surely meet there. 

The Square fits in nicely with our midtown Tulsa community because of its charm, history and aging trees - it feels like part of our neighborhood. Many shops and restaurants are locally-owned - there is a great mix of our hometown favorites and national chains.

Utica Square, midtown Tulsa's finest shopping centre

You can do everything at Utica Square in one trip. You can purchase groceries, wine, fill your prescriptions, buy greeting cards and purchase a birthday gift. Of course, you can dine in many fine restaurants, shop for clothing and register for your bridal or baby shower.

Utica Square has become much more than a place to shop. During the summer, hundreds of midtown neighbors head to The Square every Thursday evening for "Summer's 5th Night," where we enjoy a free outdoor concert, bring our picnics and catch up on neighborhood news.

An annual event not to be missed is "Lights On!" when over 700,000 Christmas lights throughout the shopping centre are turned on Thanksgiving evening. Santa is there to kick off the holiday season and we sing holiday carols. 

I'm not sure how many years we've enjoyed "Art in the Square," but it's a free event where local artists showcase their work along the walkways at the Square. I actually stumbled into this event many years ago while having breakfast at the Wild Fork with a girlfriend. Art in the Square is scheduled this year for Saturday, October 2, 2010, from 10am to 5pm.

If you are moving to midtown Tulsa or want to discuss your midtown Tulsa real estate needs, call me - I'll meet you for coffee at The Square!

Russell Stover Candies photo in Utica Square compliments of Keith Wondra, Flickr Creative commons http://www.flickr.com/photos/historian77/3835197953/

Originally Posted at: Midtown Tulsa Real Estate - Lori Cain

Weekend Events in Tulsa OK - August 13 - 15, 2010

As always, it's a busy weekend in the greater Tulsa area - do get out an enjoy the many activities available!

Trailblazer 5K Run & Block Party
Date: Friday, August 13, 2010
Trailblazer 5K Run & Block Party! It will be a beautiful evening at Centennial Park (6th and Peoria)
Web: http://www.tauw.org/tauw/

Rhythm on the River
Date: Friday, August 13
Rhythm on the River features Camaro Rock, known for their take on 70's and 80's rock

Murder Mystery Dinner Theater
Date: August 13, 2010
Time: 7pm
Location: Dave & Buster's - 6812 S 105 E Ave

Green Country Recreation Show
Date: August 13 - 15, 2010
Location: Expo Square QuikTrip Center

Cinderella (Childrens Theater)
Dates: August 13-15
Location: Spotlight Theater, 1381 Riverside Drive
Time: 2:00pm
Contact: For reservations call 587-5030

2nd Saturday-Free Family Day at Philbrook Museum
Date: Saturday, August 14th, 2010
Location: Phillbrook Museum of Art, 2727 S. Rockford Road
Time: 10:30am-4:00pm
Web site: http://www.philbrook.org
Price: Free and Open to the Public
Enjoy art and spend time together on these days designed especially for families. You'll participate in hands-on art projects; explore artworks in the Museum collection and special exhibition through family friendly tours; go on adventurous scavenger hunts and much more.

Choreography for the Camera Workshop
Date: August 14 - 15, 2010
Time: 1-4pm
Location: Liggett Studio
Web: http://www.livingarts.org

Enjoy your weekend!

Originally Posted at: Midtown Tulsa Real Estate - Lori Cain

Harvard Meats, locally-owned business in midtown Tulsa

It's important to us in midtown Tulsa to support locally-owned businesses, which is one reason we patronize Harvard Meats, a butcher off of Cherry Street at 15th & Harvard. And what's even better about having a local butcher around the corner is that they sell other locally made grocery items such as breads, vegetables, fruit and cheeses.

The owner, Duke Dinsmore, responded to the midtowners' request for affordable organically raised meat products - so yep, their stuff is organic meats and locally produced selections. THAT'S the midtown service we appreciate!

And their prices are reasonable - actually lower than Target and Wal-Mart who have begun to offer organic items.

Harvard Meats, locally-owned business in midtown Tulsa

I dropped by the other evening to pick up chicken breasts for dinner and picked up fliers of their current specials while I was there. You can purchase combination packages of meats and produce, but if you don't like the package as is, you can mix and match equal dollar amounts. So if you don't want okra, you can get extra corn, and you can switch out pork chops for ground chuck.

They offer a 10% discount to ALL seniors - anyone over the age of 55. They also offer the same discount to city professionals, such as policemen, firemen, military and EMTs/paramedics. How cool is that?

Harvard Meats makes it super easy to pay - major credit cards and food stamps are accepted.

Less than half a mile from the University of Tulsa, Harvard Meats is truly a grocery and authentic butcher within walking distance for many in the heart of our midtown Tulsa neighborhoods.

Do stop by soon and visit their web site to see all that they offer!

Originally Posted at: Midtown Tulsa Real Estate - Lori Cain

With malice toward none, with charity for all. Abe Lincoln resides in midtown Tulsa.

I thought it appropriate to share this on election day. This wood-carved statue of Abe Lincoln is in our neighbor's front yard in the Buena Vista subdivision of midtown Tulsa.

"With malice toward none, with charity for all, with firmness in the right as God gives us to see the right, let us strive on to finish the work we are in, to bind up the nation's wounds, to care for him who shall have borne the battle and for his widow and his orphan, to do all which may achieve and cherish a just and lasting peace among ourselves and with all nations."

The excerpt of the Second Inaugural Address chosen for the stump is written above and included in the photo below.

Abraham Lincoln

Second Inaugural Address

Saturday, March 4, 1865

Lori is a residential Realtor with Chinowth & Cohen Realtors serving the greater Tulsa area, and specializing in midtown Tulsa real estate. Please visit Lori’s web site, LoriCain.com or call 918-852-5036.

Originally Posted at: Midtown Tulsa Real Estate - Lori Cain

Historic Midtown Home on 1-acre lot for sale: 2823 E 49th Street, Tulsa $225,000

What stories these walls could tell. This area of midtown was farm and dairy land when this home was built in 1930. This charming and historic home nestled on an acre lot is in the prestigious Patrick Henry and Edison school districts.

Updates and additions have been made over the years. The original kitchen is now used as a butler's pantry and includes a half-bath. A larger kitchen and den was added in the 70s. What was once a side sleeping porch has been converted to an office and is separated from the formal dining area by beautiful French doors.

A master suite to include a master bedroom with fireplace, glamour bath, walk-in closet and sitting area has been framed out on the second level, but not finished. It awaits your drywall, paint and finishing touches.

Historic Midtown Home on 1-acre lot for sale: 2823 E 49th Street, Tulsa $225,000

The two bedrooms up both have handy built-ins and there is a full bath accessible to both.

So many things original to the home are intact and the richness and the historical significance of the home are visible everywhere -- from the high ceilings, plaster walls, original light fixtures and handsome hardwood floors.

There are two fireplaces downstairs, a bedroom, full bath, walk-in closet and separate utility on the first level. Like many homes built in this era, a basement is there for your safety during tornado season.

The current owner added a 600+ square foot detached workshop, perfect for an art studio or any type of side business/hobby.

View more photos of this grand home, see a map or request a showing! Visit this grand home of yesteryear and explore the possibilities of the mansion it could be today.

Lori is a residential Realtor with Chinowth & Cohen Realtors serving the greater Tulsa area, and specializing in midtown Tulsa real estate. Please visit Lori’s web site, LoriCain.com or call 918-852-5036.

Walkability Score - what is it and why it's important to Midtown Tulsa real estate

People are looking for alternatives to driving, whether it be for environmental, financial or health reasons - or a combination of each. People truly do want to walk to the grocery, a restaurant, the park or a library.

As defined by Wikipedia, "Walkability is a measure of how friendly an area is to walking. Walkability has many health, environmental, and economic benefits." 

Walkable neighborhoods strengthen our community in that residents tend to meet and associate with their neighbors. Not only does that make living in your neighborhood more pleasant, it includes an obvious deterrent to crime.

Walking is good for our health. Studies show that the average resident of a walkable neighborhood weighs less than one living in a sprawling neighborhood.

Walkability Score - what is it and why it's important to Midtown Tulsa real estate

What makes a neighborhood walkable? [Source: WalkScore.com]

• A center: Walkable neighborhoods have a center, whether it's a main street or a public space.
• People: Enough people for businesses to flourish and for public transit to run frequently.
• Mixed income, mixed use: Affordable housing located near businesses.
• Parks and public space: Plenty of public places to gather and play.
• Pedestrian design: Buildings are close to the street, parking lots are relegated to the back.
• Schools and workplaces: Close enough that most residents can walk from their homes.
• Complete streets: Streets designed for bicyclists, pedestrians, and transit.

Midtown Tulsa is a very walkable area. We are blessed with mature trees and sidewalks, parks every few blocks, hiking, running and cycling trails along the River Parks, and more. Plus, we can walk to restaurants and groceries, farmer's markets and drug stores. Midtown Tulsa is the best corner of Tulsa!

So how walkable is your neighborhood? Go to this "walk score" web site, enter your address and find out! Tulsa is becoming a more 'walkable' city and we invite those considering a move to Tulsa to walk around with us!!

Lori is a residential Realtor with Chinowth & Cohen Realtors serving the greater Tulsa area, and specializing in midtown Tulsa real estate. Please visit Lori’s web site, LoriCain.com or call 918-852-5036. 

Great starter home in established midtown neighborhood, move-in ready 4025 East 27th Street, Tulsa, Oklahoma $109,899

This charming midtown home has a great floor plan and is move-in ready. Fresh paint, beautiful hardwoods, new flooring in kitchen, dining area and utility and ceiling fans throughout. Please view our virtual tour of this great home!

Bedroom closets are larger than most midtown homes, plus there is a hall closet in the entry and a full linen closet in the hallway. The bathroom has a tub/shower combo and the vanity has his/her sinks.

The kitchen is large with beautiful cabinetry and built-in appliances, a corner sink and counter-top seating. The adjacent dining room is quite large and could easily fit a table and hutch.

The formal living area is very large and includes a large pane window bringing in much sunlight. There is a bonus room which could be used as a fourth bedroom, gameroom, playroom, den or office.

Great starter home in established midtown neighborhood, move-in ready 4025 East 27th Street, Tulsa, Oklahoma $109,899

Unlike many midtown homes, this one has an inside and separate utility. Both the front porch and back patio are covered and the back yard is totally fenced. A shed is included for storage of lawn equipment and the yard has been professionally landscaped.

Don’t miss the programmable thermostat and beautiful brick exterior! This home is convenient to shopping, dining, expressways, airport and more!

Garage has been converted to additional living space, but Seller is happy to convert back to a garage. Seller can assist with Buyer’s closing costs, too!

View our virtual tour of the property!

Lori is a residential Realtor with Chinowth & Cohen Realtors serving the greater Tulsa area, and specializing in midtown Tulsa real estate. Please visit Lori’s web site, LoriCain.com or call 918-852-5036.

What is a garage really worth when you are selling a home in midtown Tulsa?

How much does the absence of a garage affect the value of your property when you're selling a home in midtown Tulsa?

Depending on the area of midtown, many of us have no garages or we have detached garages, a detached carriage house (used for living space) and often a porte-cochere (carport one can drive through). 

My girlfriend who lives in Swan Lake sold a home last fall in the Patrick Henry district - darling home with a 3/4 acre lot - but no garage. This property should have sold in one week, yet every prospective Buyer wanted to see surveys and get estimates to add a garage.

Another home Seller is preparing his mother's home for sale in an area of midtown perfect for 1st-time home buyers. Although the converted garage is probably the best insulated portion of the house, I told my Seller that he probably ought to convert it back to a garage before we put the house on the market.

What is a garage really worth when you are selling a home in midtown Tulsa?

I currently have a midtown home for sale where the garage was converted to living quarters that were handicap accessible. It's a nice and spacious 3-bedroom home and the converted living space could be a 4th bedroom or den. We are advertising in the public remarks that the Seller will convert the space back to a functional garage if the Buyer chooses. Few inquiries, thus far.

So, what's the big attraction of a garage if there is a shed or some other location to store your lawnmower and yard tools? Is it that everyone cares that much about hail damage on their automobiles?

Few of our garages in midtown Tulsa are attached to the primary residence, so I can't see safety being the issue.

What say you? What is a garage really worth when you are selling a home in your area of the world?  

Lori is a residential Realtor serving the greater Tulsa area, and specializing in midtown Tulsa real estate. Please visit Lori’s web site, LoriCain.com or call 918-852-5036.