Midtown Tulsa Real Estate - Lori Cain

Your best offer...wasn't the best you could make

Thu, 10 May 2012 06:54:11 -0700

Since I lost TWO contracts with two seperate Buyers in multiple-offer situations in the past ten days, I thought it would be appropriate to re-blog Bryan's post. While we're not USE to multiple offers in the greater Tulsa real estate market, they are coming back. IF you find the perfect home for you and there are multiple offers, you only get ONE SHOT at purchasing that house. PLEASE follow your Realtor's advice!

Via Bryan Robertson, Real estate broker Los Altos & Silicon Valley Luxury Homes (Sereno Group):

In many competitive real estate markets, home buyers are coached by their agents to write their "highest and best" offer to get the home. In a multiple offer situation (which is becoming more common again), a buyer has ONE SHOT to win. As a home buyer, you write your "best" offer but...not really. You probably held back a little, right?

Real Estate Is Like Poker

When it's the final table, last two players...you and the seller...you have to go "all in" to win. Take the Palo Alto market for example. You write a full price offer on a house listed at $1.1M knowing you could write at $1.2M - that isn't your best offer. The house sells at $1.2 leaving you wondering what happened. A hot market like Palo Alto requires going "all in" to win. The same applies to Cupertino and Los Altos in many cases. Don't hold back!

The Need To Save

As with anything else, you want to get the best deal possible. I get that. My job as your agent is to get you the best deal possible. But, you have to actually get the deal. Making offers that don't get accepted is just a waste of time. So, you'll get guidance from me telling you what your highest and best offer need to be. That guidance is based on what is happening right now. I beat out 34 offers on a house in Cupertino, trust me, I know what you need to do to win.

What's Your Best Offer?

The offer I tell you to write will be your best offer. That's my job and what you pay me for - guidance on what the best offer is. I'll tell you the price and terms. We can certainly talk through all the points but just remember - this is what I do every day. You'll want to hold back. Don't. Let me guide you and you'll walk away with a good deal but a winning deal.

If you have enjoyed reading my blog, please subscribe HERE!

Want to know more about me? Just Google Me!

Bryan Robertson, Broker Associate | T: 650.799.9951 | Email: bryan@serenogroup.com | Website: http://www.BryanRobertsonHomes.com |CA License: 01191946 | Sereno Group - Los Altos branch | 369 S. San Antonio Road | Los Altos, CA 94022

Find Me Online!

Recent Articles from Bryan's Blog

Los Altos Neighborhood Tour - Old Los Altos

Los Altos Neighborhood Tour - Rancho

The Definitive Guide to parks in Los Altos

New House Construction Costs in Los Altos

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________

Let's Get Connected!

Please visit my web site if you are shopping for Tulsa homes for sale in Midtown Tulsa OK or call 918-852-5036 if you need more information about Midtown Tulsa Real Estate.

In addition to my advanced grasp of the internet to market your Tulsa home for sale, I include a home staging consultation with every listing AND professional photography - at no aditional cost to you!

While you're at my web site, please sign up for my monthly e-newsletter to receive a complimentary calendar of events for activities in the midtown Tulsa area!

Lori is a residential Realtor with Chinowth & Cohen Realtors serving the greater Tulsa area and specializing in downtown Tulsa and midtown Tulsa real estate.

Google Me

Tulsa Home Buyers in Multiple Offer Situations – be prepared to FIGHT!

Thu, 10 May 2012 06:08:22 -0700

Representing home buyers, I lost out in TWO multiple offer situations in a ten day period. Ouch!

When a Buyer finds themselves in a multiple offer situation, they need to put together an offer that will be most attractive, because you ARE COMPETING. Multiple offers create a "frenzy, auction-type" atmosphere. Not only does more than one person want the same home, everybody wants to WIN!

A few questions to consider in a multiple offer situation include:

How will you feel if you lose this home to the other bidder? Will you feel slightly disappointed or will you feel miserable?
Do you have a 2nd or 3rd choice that you would be happy with?
Does THIS home offer features that you are not likely to find in other homes? Is it unique and does it meet your wants and needs?
If you pay slightly over list price while getting a very low interest rate, will the amount of your monthly mortgage payment increase enough to prevent you from paying more? OR, does the thought of paying more than list price just not sit well with you?

The National Media is still telling the public that "it's a Buyer's market," inferring that Buyers can bring Sellers to their knees and have their way with them. Please remember that all real estate is local and that is not the situation in the greater Tulsa real estate market.

The single best way to make your offer more attractive is to offer a higher sales price. Additionally, don't litter your offer with requests - keep it simple and clean. If you have a good work history, are paying a significant amount down; or are flexible on closing date, make those factors known to the Seller's Realtor.

If you've found the home of your dreams and wind up in a multiple offer situation, be prepared to fight for it. And if you have an Ace to play, NOW is the time to play it!

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________

Let's Get Connected!

Please visit my web site if you are shopping for Tulsa homes for sale in Midtown Tulsa OK or call 918-852-5036 if you need more information about Midtown Tulsa Real Estate.

While you're at my web site, please sign up for my monthly e-newsletter to receive a complimentary calendar of events for activities in the midtown Tulsa area!

Lori is a residential Realtor with Chinowth & Cohen Realtors serving the greater Tulsa area and specializing in downtown Tulsa and midtown Tulsa real estate.

Google Me

Relocating to Tulsa? Learn Tulsa's Highway System!

Mon, 07 May 2012 05:32:54 -0700

Relocating to Tulsa? Learn Tulsa's Highway System!

Relocating to Tulsa or any city can seem like a daunting task because you don't know the neighborhoods, what your commute to work will be like or what amenities will be close by. It's great if you can make multiple trips to Tulsa to shop for a home, but if you only have one opportunity to shop, you need to learn a lot online.

Tulsa has a fabulous expressway system. Highways 75 and 169 are fairly parallel to each other and are north/south. Highways 51 and Interstate 44 (also known as Skelly Bypass) are east/west, but are not parallel. So, depending on where you are going, if you live in south Tulsa and want to drive downtown, you may take Hwy 169 north to Highway 51 (also known as the Broken Arrow or BA Expressway), then drive west to your destination.

If you live in the Jenks area and are headed downtown, you would travel Hwy 75 north. If you lived in Owasso, you would take Hwy 169 south to I-244 (also known as the Crosstown Expressway) and travel west to your destination. What you need to communicate to your Tulsa Realtor are the criteria that is most important to you in a home - space, size, condition, school districts, proximity to golf courses, shopping, etc. If you plan to travel to work at 7:00am, the commute is probably going to be easy regardless of which area you travel. However, if you plan to work 8:00-5:00, you'll want to plan your route carefully.

Relocating to Tulsa? Learn Tulsa's Highway System! Several bedroom communities outside of Tulsa proper are good options - including Owasso, Collinsville, Sand Springs, Sapulpa, Jenks, Bixby and Broken Arrow - depending on how large of a home you desire or possible acreage desired. Obviously your price range is going to have a great impact on options available, so please speak to a Lender before you begin to shop. Tulsa midtown homes are higher priced per square foot than outlying areas and many of our garages are detached. If you want to live in midtown Tulsa, you're going to have to make some compromises.

The custom searches a Tulsa Realtor can set up are awesome and once set up, we can communicate via your web portal - making notes as to which are busy streets and how the commute from that house would be. And here are some Tulsa proper driving directions, explaining how our street grid system works!

If you are relocating to Tulsa, give me a call and we'll talk about your situation. Plan a trip to visit - I'd love to give you a tour!

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________

Let's Get Connected!

Please visit my web site if you are shopping for Tulsa homes for sale in Midtown Tulsa OK or call 918-852-5036 if you need more information about Midtown Tulsa Real Estate.

While you're at my web site, please sign up for my monthly e-newsletter to receive a complimentary calendar of events for activities in the midtown Tulsa area!

Lori is a residential Realtor with Chinowth & Cohen Realtors serving the greater Tulsa area and specializing in downtown Tulsa and midtown Tulsa real estate.

Google Me

Midtown Tulsa Real Estate – when “urban infill” is abused

Mon, 30 Apr 2012 06:56:17 -0700

Midtown Tulsa Real Estate - when "urban infill" is abused

For those who have not been to Demetrius' and my home at 19th & Cheyenne, we are between Boulder and Riverside, just north of the 21st Street Bridge. We have a lot of new exciting projects along Riverside, including the marvelous expansion of the biking and walking trails and the addition of the Blue Rose Cafe on the river. It's definitely a "hip" place to live, as Deme only has to walk one block to Veteran's Park for many of 5K runs in the city -- and, of course, we have the fabulous view of the July 4th fireworks. In the winter, we watch children sledding in the snow down the hill at Harweldon. We have a beautiful view of the river and many lovely neighbors who have invested much money in restoring their homes.

Years ago, the single-family dwelling to the south of us was damaged in a fire and ultimately condemned. The lot was purchased by a developer for $87,500. He is requesting variances from the Board of Adjustments to allow him to crowd a TEN-UNIT, 15-GARAGE apartment complex on this 1/4-acre lot which has historically housed a single-family dwelling. His plan is "conceptual," but he estimates the units will be 600-1000 square feet each and will rent for $800-$1000 per month.

Our neighborhood already has a huge on-street parking challenge because of guests visiting existing apartment tenants. We catch a lot of overflow parking from the Blue Rose, Dresser Mansion, Veteran's Park, Elwood's and various RiverParks activities. When WE have a party or fundraiser, OUR guests typically park at the Mental Health building behind us on Boulder and walk through the alley.

Because of our parking challenges, we often find our driveways blocked, it's difficult to get OUT of our neighborhood during festivities, we worry that emergency vehicles can't get INTO our neighborhood, people do NOT observe our speed limit and cars park in front of our fire hydrants. ADD to this problem? REALLY?

Midtown Tulsa Real Estate - when "urban infill" is abused

In addition to parking problems, this proposed crowded development will have apartment tenants blindly BACKING OUT onto 21st Street, which is a one-way arterial street to Riverside. AND, for those residents wanting to travel east into Tulsa, they will travel north on Cheyenne to get turned around - thus, adding more traffic to our neighborhood street where children play.

Urban infill is the process of developing vacant or under-used parcels within existing urban areas that are already largely developed. While we ENCOURAGE infill, we expect that the infill be appropriate for the neighborhood, accommodate existing architectural style, -- and not create additional public safety and storm water issues.

Why should the developer's right to make a profit be given more consideration than OUR investments in our personal homesteads? Why should he not build within the zoning restrictions KNOWN to him at the time of his purchase? He could easily build a single-family dwelling and sell it at a profit. Or, if he's insistent on rentals, he could build an upscale duplex or triplex within existing zoning restrictions.

Our hearing with the Board of Adjustments is Tuesday, May 8th at 1pm at City Hall- 175 East 2nd Street. If you also oppose the granting of the requested variances, we invite you to join us. If you are unable to attend, but would like to write the Chair of the BOA a letter, please do so - you can drop off at my home or I will make arrangements to pick up from you! Letters are due to the BOA by Thursday May 3rd and may be directed to Frasier Henke, Chair BOA. Please email to cback@incog.org and copy me at razncain@cox.net.

Call me if you have any questions or suggestions: 918-852-5036.

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________

Let's Get Connected!

Please visit my web site if you are shopping for Tulsa homes for sale in Midtown Tulsa OK or call 918-852-5036 if you need more information about Midtown Tulsa Real Estate.

While you're at my web site, please sign up for my monthly e-newsletter to receive a complimentary calendar of events for activities in the midtown Tulsa area!

Lori is a residential Realtor with Chinowth & Cohen Realtors serving the greater Tulsa area and specializing in downtown Tulsa and midtown Tulsa real estate.

Google Me

Even If Real Estate Prices Go Down......Interest Rates May Go UP

Sat, 28 Apr 2012 18:55:25 -0700

Jane is a savvy California REALTOR and makes an excellent point in this post. If you are waiting for housing prices to continue to drop while interest rates are creeping back up, you will gain nothing. NOW is the time to buy!

Via Jane Grant, "Temecula Homes", Southwest Real Estate:

This information came straight from Fox Business, and in this article it states very clearly that "Even if real estate prices go down, interest rates may go up", which will nullify any gain you would hope to obtain from any price decrease. No one can predict the market and waiting could be the worst thing an investor can do.

Other real estate "Investment 101" bullet points:

No one knows where the bottom of the market is until it is on the way back up.

Go for the long haul - Rarely do people increase their wealth by owning property for short periods of time.

All investments fluctuate in value over time.

Long-term investing in cash flow-producing assets like real estate is the way to go.

In the long run, say 10 years down the road it won't matter that there were price fluctuations in prior years, it's the overall equity that investors earn their equity.

Don't be concerned about waiting until prices inch down a few percentage points, as stated because if interest rates go up from where they are then the wait was not beneficial.

Buy a property to live in as your personal residence and change it to a rental. Owner occupants can get better financing and can put down a smaller down payment if needed. Moving out in a year or two into another personal residence that can become a rental property a couple of years later.

How accurate are Zestimates?

Jane Grant is a licensed Real Estate Broker in California, DRE 01109492

FACEBOOK, LinkedIN, U-Tube, Twitter, Trulia

Search For Murrieta Homes and Temecula Homes

Temecula Wine Country Homes

Temcula is on Relocate America's best places to live

Temecula Schools Get High Marks

Temecula Golf Course Homes

Temecula Hot Air Balloons

Temecula Neighborhoods

Temecula Wine Country Getaways

Call for a list of homes that meet your search criteria: 866-621-0155

Call me toll free at 866-621-0155, for a list of homes in Southwest Riverside County!

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________

Let's Get Connected!

Please visit my web site if you are shopping for Tulsa homes for sale in Midtown Tulsa OK or call 918-852-5036 if you need more information about Midtown Tulsa Real Estate.

While you're at my web site, please sign up for my monthly e-newsletter to receive a complimentary calendar of events for activities in the midtown Tulsa area!

Lori is a residential Realtor with Chinowth & Cohen Realtors serving the greater Tulsa area and specializing in downtown Tulsa and midtown Tulsa real estate.

Google Me

Buying & Selling midtown Tulsa real estate at the same time: How is it possible?

Tue, 02 Jun 2009 20:10:22 -0700

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 estimate the amount of time your home will be on the market, but because we don't have crystal balls - the best laid plans will sometimes surprise us. The custom searches Realtors are able to set up now allow you to view prospective midtown Tulsa homes for sale comfortably from your home so that you can rule out what you don't like and identify homes that meet your needs.

Ideally, you and your Realtor will be out shopping for midtown Tulsa homes for sale on Saturday and Sunday while cooperating Realtors are showing the home you wish to sell. Yes, it's entirely possible that you will find a home that you fall in love with before your home sells, but that usually works out. Every Buyer I've worked with in that situation wound up finding a home later that they loved more, so I remind my Buyers that if it wasn't meant to be, there's probably a good reason.

Once you receive an offer on your midtown Tulsa home for sale, you hopefully have your choices of homes you would consider purchasing narrowed down to a few. Now, shop fast! As you negotiate the details of the home you are selling, you will be preparing an offer on the home you'd like to buy.

In a perfect world, you will wind up at the closing table selling your home at 10:00 am and be back at the closing table at 1:00 to purchase your new home. You may have your household belongings in a moving truck while all the paperwork is being signed, but it CAN be a smooth transition.

Remember that Buyers and Sellers don't have to be adversaries - and a GOOD Realtor will do all he/she can to keep a transaction together. I am remembering a transaction where the Seller needed two additional days to close on the home they were purchasing - my Buyers were moving from a rental, so in trade for extending the closing date two days, we asked the Sellers to pitch in additional monies on repairs. There is always a solution and a possible" win-win" for all.

So, yes, you can shop and sell at the same time. Jump in and start the process!

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________

Let's Get Connected!

Please visit my web site if you are shopping for Tulsa homes for sale in Midtown Tulsa OK or call 918-852-5036 if you need more information about Midtown Tulsa Real Estate.

While you're at my web site, please sign up for my monthly e-newsletter to receive a complimentary calendar of events for activities in the midtown Tulsa area!

Lori is a residential Realtor with Chinowth & Cohen Realtors serving the greater Tulsa area and specializing in downtown Tulsa and midtown Tulsa real estate.

Google Me

What personal items remain in your Tulsa home for sale?

Thu, 26 Apr 2012 07:49:56 -0700

What personal items remain in your Tulsa home for sale?

Our state contract clearly specifies what items remain in your Tulsa home for sale, such as window treatments, light fixtures, fireplace inserts, built-in appliances, pool equipment and more. When we list your Tulsa home for sale, we ask if there are any items you would like to exclude, such as a chandelier for which you may have sentimental value.

But what about the pool table and the mounted flat-screen television? It's expensive to move a pool table and it needs to be re-leveled. And that mounted flat-screen television is the perfect size in the perfect spot. You might discuss those items with your Realtor before you list your Tulsa home for sale, because your potential Buyer is likely to ask for those items.

Typically we put in the "Realtor Remarks" section of MLS (Multiple Listing Service) that "items a, b and c are negotiable." It would save a little time crafting an offer on your Tulsa home for sale if it were spelled out that the pool table can or can't remain with the house.

What personal items remain in your Tulsa home for sale?

Buyers naturally fall in love with how your home is furnished, and that's a big part of the reason they chose to purchase your home. If you are downsizing and would like to sell some of your furnishings to your Buyer, leave a note in a table tent as to what's available and at what price.

Beware that Lenders do not want to see a list of couches and furniture in the real estate contract. They don't object to Buyers asking for a pool table or refrigerator to remain with the house, but the real estate contract is for real property - and the strict definition of that. If furnishings are to be negotiated, that should be done through a separate supplemental agreement.

So look through your Tulsa home for sale before you put it on the market and discuss with your Realtor what items you suspect a Buyer might ask for and whether or not they may be negotiable. If you want to take the pool table with you, state that upfront to avoid confusion!

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________

Let's Get Connected!

Please visit my web site if you are shopping for Tulsa homes for sale in Midtown Tulsa OK or call 918-852-5036 if you need more information about Midtown Tulsa Real Estate.

While you're at my web site, please sign up for my monthly e-newsletter to receive a complimentary calendar of events for activities in the midtown Tulsa area!

Lori is a residential Realtor with Chinowth & Cohen Realtors serving the greater Tulsa area and specializing in downtown Tulsa and midtown Tulsa real estate.

Google Me

Home Maintenance Tip - Chimneys, Rain Gutters, Grading

Thu, 29 Mar 2012 06:36:15 -0700

I love re-blogging David's home maintenance tips. Proper chimney flashing, guttering and grading will extend the life of your home and help you avoid costly repairs. Water around your home is never a good thing!!

Via David Selman (Selman Home Inspections):

Home Maintenance Tip - Chimneys, Rain Gutters, Grading

(Chimney & Fireplace)
Chimneys should be inspected for loose or deteriorated bricks or mortar. If covered with stucco or other siding, look for cracks, loose materials and peeling paint. Chimney caps should be inspected for loose or broken sections as should the protruding clay chimney liners. Chimney flashings should be inspected for leakage. Efflorescence (a white salt build-up on the chimney) indicates moisture within the chimney and further investigation is required. Metal chimneys should be checked for rust, missing rain caps and loose braces. All chimneys should have a spark-arrestor and screen installed. Inspection and cleaning of your fireplace and chimney by a professional chimney sweep annually is highly recommended and very affordable.

(Rain Gutters)
Gutters and downspouts should be checked for blockage, leakage (from rust holes or leaking joints) and areas requiring re-securing or re-sloping. Paint deterioration should also be repaired. Downspout seams should be checked for splitting (the seam is usually against the wall). A split downspout is often plugged with debris. Water accumulates in the downspout, freezes and splits it open. Damaged rain gutters and downspouts can cause serious damage to your homes exterior.

(Low Soil Conditions)
The grading immediately adjacent to the house should be checked to ensure a slope of one inch per foot for the first six feet away from the house (where practical). Catch basins should be cleaned and tested. Low soil conditions should be corrected with additional fill material to prevent water ponding near the foundation. Generally, only 4-6 inches of the foundation perimeter beam should be visible.

Selman Home Inspection,

"Accurate Investment Protection You Can Trust"

For more safety and home maintenance tips, I encourage you to take advantage of our free Home Maintenance Guide.

Save
$25
Selman Home Inspection Savings Coupon!

PRINT THIS COUPON AND SHARE IT! Use this coupon to save $25 on a home inspection performed by Selman Home Inspection. Save $25 on a Buyer, Seller or Warranty Home Inspection. Offer expires 12/31/2012. Call 469-371-3228 to schedule your inspection services and redeem savings. Coupon must be redeemed when your inspection is scheduled. Not valid with any other offer, coupon or discount. www.SelmanHomeInspections.com
Offer Expires: 12/31/2012

David Selman
Advanced Professional Inspector
Lic.# 10299
FHA/HUD # F537
Septic Cert #113423

Phone: 469-371-3228

Email: david@SelmanHomeInspections.com

"Accurate Investment Protection You Can Trust"

Websites:

Dallas Home Inspection

Fort Worth Home Inspection

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________

Let's Get Connected!

Please visit my web site if you are shopping for Tulsa homes for sale in Midtown Tulsa OK or call 918-852-5036 if you need more information about Midtown Tulsa Real Estate.

While you're at my web site, please sign up for my monthly e-newsletter to receive a complimentary calendar of events for activities in the midtown Tulsa area!

Lori is a residential Realtor with Chinowth & Cohen Realtors serving the greater Tulsa area and specializing in downtown Tulsa and midtown Tulsa real estate.

Google Me

Your Tulsa Home For Sale – it’s ALL in the photos!

Thu, 15 Mar 2012 09:12:04 -0700

Your Tulsa Home For Sale - it's ALL in the photos!

When your Tulsa home for sale goes on the market, you want to make sure that your home is in top-notch condition and that professional photos are distributed throughout the internet. Home Buyers are shopping online, so if they don't like what they see in the photos, they are not going to consider viewing your home.

I always encourage Sellers to stage their Tulsa home for sale, and staged homes will photograph better. The professional photographer on our team, Leslie Gregory, says that staged homes are easier to photograph and the photos require less editing. Her results are always high quality, crisp photos - inviting prospective Buyers to view - and purchase!

While searching online for half-million dollar properties for an out-of-state Buyer coming in this weekend, I was shocked to see listings with a single view of the kitchenor no photo of the salt-water pool. Before listing your Tulsa home for sale, please ask for examples of how your Realtor markets their listings. If they're taking photos on their own or with their iPhone, find another Realtor!

Photos of your Tulsa home for sale should be professionally taken, and there should be lengthy and descriptive photo captions for each. Don't leave the Buyer guessing whether the oven is convection or if the inside laundry is separate - describe each room at length in the photo caption.

The attraction and EMOTIONAL connection to your Tulsa home for sale begins with the photos. Buyers will be thinking, "I LOVE this open kitchen - look at all the storage and the beautiful island!" Or when viewing your living area or master bedroom, you want them to think, "there's plenty of room for my furniture!" Are you not falling in love with the wrap-around porch photo above?Can't you SEE yourself sipping tea on that porch?

Insist on quality photography, virtual tours and extensive verbiage when marketing your Tulsa home for sale. Make sure that it will be syndicated throughout the internet! Please consider our home selling team when listing YOUR Tulsa home for sale!

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________

Let's Get Connected!

Please visit my web site if you are shopping for Tulsa homes for sale in Midtown Tulsa OK or call 918-852-5036 if you need more information about Midtown Tulsa Real Estate.

While you're at my web site, please sign up for my monthly e-newsletter to receive a complimentary calendar of events for activities in the midtown Tulsa area!

Lori is a residential Realtor with Chinowth & Cohen Realtors serving the greater Tulsa area and specializing in downtown Tulsa and midtown Tulsa real estate.

Google Me

3751 East 4th Place, Tulsa OK 74112: 3 bed, 2 bath, 2 car brick home near TU

Tue, 13 Mar 2012 12:07:15 -0700

3751 East 4th Place, Tulsa OK 74112: Large, Immaculate home near TU: offered at $125,000

It's not easy to find an immaculate 1800+ square foot, full brick, vintage home for sale near Tulsa University, but we have one that meets your every need!

Sitting on a 0.328 corner lot and across from Will Rogers High School is a beautiful home with three large bedrooms, two dining areas, two living areas, a 2-car attached garage AND inside laundry!

The home built in 1948 has been restored and updated beautifully. Original hardwoods are handsomely finished throughout; tile is in the kitchen and hall bathroom; the den is carpeted. The entire home has recently been painted with designer colors and the vintage details you expect, such as crown molding, are found throughout. You can enter from the front door and covered porch on 4th Place, or you can enter the home from New Haven through the den by the attached 2-car garage.

The den is a large, comfy area perfect for lounging and entertaining. Off the side is a half-bath which also includes the stackable washer/dryer - probably originally kept in the garage. The den is really large and offers several options for furniture arrangement. Off the den is an exit to the outdoor patio.

Stroll through now to the kitchen - updated tile counter-tops, backsplash, contemporary lighting and wood flooring make this chef's kitchen a dream. Storage and counter space are abundant, and there is plenty of room for a table in your breakfast nook.

Beyond that through a swing door is a formal dining area with a huge amount of sunlight pouring in from the north. The formal dining area is combined with the formal living room which is accessed through the proper front door via the covered porch.

The formal living room includes a beautiful brick fireplace and windows to the north and south. All rooms have been updated with designer paint and contemporary lighting.

The three bedrooms are quite large for homes built in this time frame, and all three bedrooms have cedar-lined closets. The master bedrooms has two windows and two closets.

The hall bath is directly between the den and bedroom areas - easy access from either side.

The yard is fenced and the back patio includes a metal arbor with detachable top.

This home for sale near TU is perfect for young professionals, a growing family, or students wishing to share a home. Please call today for a showing: 918-852-5036! And enjoy our virtual tour below!

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________

Let's Get Connected!

Please visit my web site if you are shopping for Tulsa homes for sale in Midtown Tulsa OK or call 918-852-5036 if you need more information about Midtown Tulsa Real Estate.

While you're at my web site, please sign up for my monthly e-newsletter to receive a complimentary calendar of events for activities in the midtown Tulsa area!

Lori is a residential Realtor with Chinowth & Cohen Realtors serving the greater Tulsa area and specializing in downtown Tulsa and midtown Tulsa real estate.

Google Me

SHOWING INSTRUCTIONS for Tulsa home Sellers

Sat, 10 Mar 2012 05:43:35 -0800

How important are SHOWING INSTRUCTIONS for Tulsa home Sellers?

Tulsa home Sellers depend on the guidance and advice from their Tulsa Realtor on how best to get their home sold, and showing instructions are a key factor. All Tulsa home Sellers want to make their home as ACCESSIBLE as possible to cooperating REALTORS.

This means your showing instructions should NOT require that your Listing Realtor be present for showings. It is difficult enough to map out and schedule showings for 5-8 homes without having to accommodate another busy Realtor's schedule.

DO NOT be present during showings. It is okay to remain at your property until prospective Buyers arrive if they can't give you a definite time they'll be there. But when they DO arrive, please LEAVE. Walk the dogs, go to a neighbor's home or simply go for a cup of coffee. Buyers are intimidated when the Seller remains on the property and they will rush to get through your home. You WANT them to view your home leisurely.

We will request one hour's notice to show, but if you only get a five-minute warning, please don't turn Buyers away. I would rather them see your home with dirty dishes in the sink than to skip seeing your Tulsa home for sale entirely.

There's no doubt that it's stressful for Tulsa home Sellers to always keep their home tidy while it's on the market. The absolute easiest thing a Tulsa home Seller can do to help expedite a sale is to make showing instructions easy.

Our showing instructions are included in the MLS (Multiple Listing Service) and are not seen by the public. So, if an appointment is not needed Monday through Friday, 8am to 5pm, spell that out in your showing instructions.

If you text-message, make that option available for Realtors to schedule a showing appointment.

If you think your Listing Realtor is giving you special attention by offering to be present during showings, please think that over again.

When YOU are out house shopping, would you be comfortable with the Seller's Realtor hovering over you and listening to every comment?

Simple and flexible showing instructions are important for Tulsa home Sellers. The more traffic you get, the more likely you will receive an offer.

So, make your showing instructions attractive and let's sell your Tulsa home for sale!

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________

Let's Get Connected!

Please visit my web site if you are shopping for Tulsa homes for sale in Midtown Tulsa OK or call 918-852-5036 if you need more information about Midtown Tulsa Real Estate.

While you're at my web site, please sign up for my monthly e-newsletter to receive a complimentary calendar of events for activities in the midtown Tulsa area!

Lori is a residential Realtor with Chinowth & Cohen Realtors serving the greater Tulsa area and specializing in downtown Tulsa and midtown Tulsa real estate.

Google Me

Midtown Tulsa Real Estate – the “hub” of Tulsa

Fri, 09 Mar 2012 11:07:30 -0800

Midtown Tulsa Real Estate - the "hub" of Tulsa

The popularity of midtown Tulsa real estate is ever-growing and this Tulsa REALTOR believes it's the smartest real estate investment you can make. I receive a lot of internet inquiries from folks relocating to Tulsa and they often ask "what IS so special about midtown Tulsa real estate?"

Here's an interesting inquiry I received last week from a gentleman relocating to Tulsa from Los Angeles:

"My preference would be an area that is a little more urban, but yet still accessible to bike trails and parks. I prefer more mature neighborhoods where the trees and landscaping are really fully grown (no newer subdivisions). I want to be where I don't have to drive far to get to the grocery store or grab a cup of coffee or get a drink. Older houses or townhouses with more character suit me. Would like to be close to libraries, museums and fun stuff - close to independent, locally-owned businesses and restaurants as opposed to big chains stores and restaurants. I like hills. I hate commuting, and I will most likely be working downtown. Prefer brick. From what I've been able to tell from a bit of internet searching and checking out homes on your website, I'm currently thinking that the Midtown Tulsa area would probably coincide the most with the ideal place I'd be looking for."

And my response,

"What you've described as far as your ideal area of town - close to parks, mature trees, locally-owned businesses and restaurants - IS midtown Tulsa. Midtown has the highest "walk-ability" score of all of Tulsa. We have the most parks and of course, we have the RiverParks (walking and cycling trails). We take great pride in supporting our locally-owned restaurants and businesses in midtown. There is a plethora of casual or fine dining in midtown on Cherry Street, Brookside or Utica Square. Midtown is just south of downtown Tulsa, which is going through a major revitalization. In midtown, you'll find the most farmers' markets, art galleries and museums. Yes, midtown Tulsa is where you'll want to be."

We cherish our historic homes in midtown Tulsa and frequent our parks and biking trails. In midtown Tulsa, you'll find the runners, cyclists, recyclers, artists, professionals and cultural diversity.

In midtown Tulsa, we support the Bluedome Arts district, the downtown pop-up shops, the ballet, the symphony, the many farmers' markets and local restaurants that offer organic and vegetarian options.

Midtown Tulsa is as much about a lifestyle and an attitude as it is about our beloved vintage homes. If you are relocating to Tulsa, let me give you a tour of midtown Tulsa and set up a search for you of midtown Tulsa real estate.

Midtown Tulsa - it's the little corner of Tulsa where you'll want to live!

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________

Let's Get Connected!

Please visit my web site if you are shopping for Tulsa homes for sale in Midtown Tulsa OK or call 918-852-5036 if you need more information about Midtown Tulsa Real Estate.

While you're at my web site, please sign up for my monthly e-newsletter to receive a complimentary calendar of events for activities in the midtown Tulsa area!

Lori is a residential Realtor with Chinowth & Cohen Realtors serving the greater Tulsa area and specializing in downtown Tulsa and midtown Tulsa real estate.

Google Me

Selling real estate - who is the decision maker?

Mon, 05 Mar 2012 08:36:47 -0800

Selling real estate - who is the decision maker?

One of the first things I learned in Marketing 101 in college was to make sure you are speaking to the decision-maker when making your sales pitch - and that holds true in every profession, even real estate.

Recently a friend of my husband's contacted me about purchasing some midtown Tulsa real estate. He was not finding what he was wanting and asked me to help him out.

In addition to the description of his dream home, he very clearly told me that his ten year-old daughter would be spending weekends with him, and that she would be involved in their selection process.

A week later, I contacted him to tell him that I had found THE perfect home for he and his daughter. I called the Listing Realtor to let her know that the ten year-old daughter was the decision-maker, so she asked her Sellers to leave out freshly-baked cookies (which we all devoured).

Everyone LOVED the home. It was the perfect midtown home - all of the desired amenities, updates, layout - and the perfect location. While the Buyer was taking a second tour of the home on his own, I asked his daughter if SHE liked the home. Her response? "I like the home a lot, but not as well as the house we looked at in south Tulsa."

Well, what went wrong here? I had found them the perfect home and was ready to write a contract.

"What is it about the south Tulsa home that you prefer?" I asked.

"I can ride my bicycle between my Mom and Dad's houses," she replied.

And then I knew the deal was dead.

Sure enough the Buyer emailed me the following day to thank me for my time. He said that IF he chose to purchase in midtown Tulsa, THAT would be the home. But, now he is taking his daughter's desire to cycle between her parents' homes into consideration.

Overcoming objections is something they also taught in Marketing 101, but there was really no way to overcome this little girl's valid desire to be close to both parents.

Now, if I want to continue working with this client, I would find out where the ex-wife lived and search for his dream home within a quarter-mile radius with no busy streets in between. [Smile.]

Lesson learned: It's not always the person with the ability to write the check who is making the decision. Whether you are working with Buyers or Sellers, dig deep to find out their true desires and determine WHO is the decision maker!

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________

Let's Get Connected!

Please visit my web site if you are shopping for Tulsa homes for sale in Midtown Tulsa OK or call 918-852-5036 if you need more information about Midtown Tulsa Real Estate.

While you're at my web site, please sign up for my monthly e-newsletter to receive a complimentary calendar of events for activities in the midtown Tulsa area!

Lori is a residential Realtor with Chinowth & Cohen Realtors serving the greater Tulsa area and specializing in downtown Tulsa and midtown Tulsa real estate.

Google Me

Tulsa Public Schools

Sun, 04 Mar 2012 14:31:50 -0800

Tulsa Public Schools has a great web site. They include some history of Tulsa and describe why we are known as "green country."

Also, Tulsa is considered the cultural and arts center of Oklahoma with two world-renowned art museums, one of the largest concentrations of art deco architecture and a full-time professional opera and ballet. Tulsa was named one of America's most livable large cities by Partners for Livable Communities, Forbes and Relocate America.

So, you wouldn't expect anything but the best from our public school system. The web site has an easy boundary map and lists of elementary, junior high and middle schools and high schools.

Read about our Tulsa school board members - all active community leaders elected to their post. Please contact any of them directly if you have a question about a school in the district they represent - their contact information is listed on the site.

Tulsa Public Schools Park Green Team by Tracy Kouns

Lots of information is included on this site, including policies, programs, bus routes and schedules and meetings. You can check out the TPS Student Progress Portal, the "No Child Left Behind Act" annual report card, and school profiles.

Tulsa Public Schools is committed to providing a quality learning experience for every student, every day, without exception.

Dual Language Immersion Program students (TPS photo by T.J. Gerlach)

An online "School Lookup" function has been added to the Tulsa Public Schools web site. This will allow parents to enter their home address to identify and access their child's home school locations and transportation information. This new feature provides the elementary, middle and high school information for your property address.

If you are relocating to Tulsa Oklahoma, I think you'll be pleasantly surprised at what you learn about our Tulsa Public School system! If I can help you with further information, don't hesitate to call!

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________

Let's Get Connected!

Please visit my web site if you are shopping for Tulsa homes for sale in Midtown Tulsa OK or call 918-852-5036 if you need more information about Midtown Tulsa Real Estate.

While you're at my web site, please sign up for my monthly e-newsletter to receive a complimentary calendar of events for activities in the midtown Tulsa area!

Lori is a residential Realtor with Chinowth & Cohen Realtors serving the greater Tulsa area and specializing in downtown Tulsa and midtown Tulsa real estate.

Google Me

3 bedroom on 1 acre close to Tulsa's Hard Rock Casino - qualifies for RD financing ZERO down

Sat, 03 Mar 2012 15:08:22 -0800

3 bedroom on 1 acre close to Tulsa's Hard Rock Casino - qualifies for RD financing ZERO down

30355 S Beechwood Lane Inola OK 74036
MLS # 1206597
Offered at $125,000

This traditional brick home is just 13 miles east of Tulsa's Hard Rock Hotel and Casino, so it's an easy highway commute wherever you're going. Nestled in the established Williamsburg Estates, this home sits on a full acre (m/l).

The front yard is nicely landscaped and has a circle drive. Enter through a full sized covered patio.

The home's entry has a hall coat closet and is open to the den. The den has a vaulted ceiling with one beam in the center. Features in the den include a floor-to-ceiling brick fireplace, built-ins and canned lighting.

Adjacent to the den is the formal dining area with a huge window bringing in sunlight from the east.

And adjacent to the formal dining area is the kitchen and breakfast nook. You will find plenty of counter space and storage. The breakfast nook is roomy, has a ceiling fan and a window looking out to the north.

Off the breakfast nook is the huge inside laundry with ample cabinetry and storage. Also off the breakfast nook in the entrance from the attached 2-car garage.

The three bedrooms are on the opposite end of the home. The master bedroom is over-sized and can easily fit king-size furniture. It also has an over-sized walk-in closet and private bath.

The second bedroom also has a walk-in closet and is freshly painted.

The third bedroom has a large window facing the west and is painted a really cheery color of blue.

The hall bath has a nice marble vanity and bathtub/shower combo.

A doorway from the den leads to the newly-poured patio where you can relax under the gazebo and enjoy the quiet sounds of the country.

Open plan, updated, new roof, new circle drive, new patio. Short highway drive to Tulsa and qualifies for RD (Rural Development) financing - zero down! And acreage!

Please call today for a personal showing and enjoy our virtual tour below!

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________

Let's Get Connected!

Please visit my web site if you are shopping for Tulsa homes for sale in Midtown Tulsa OK or call 918-852-5036 if you need more information about Midtown Tulsa Real Estate.

While you're at my web site, please sign up for my monthly e-newsletter to receive a complimentary calendar of events for activities in the midtown Tulsa area!

Lori is a residential Realtor with Chinowth & Cohen Realtors serving the greater Tulsa area and specializing in downtown Tulsa and midtown Tulsa real estate.

Google Me