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Don't Overlook the Fence

2012-02-16T11:07:00.001-06:00

Whether they are wood, chain link, or wrought iron, fences tend to disappear into the Edmond landscape. You find them in just about every neighborhood around town. And it’s likely that the home you purchase will have one. But who does the fence belong to anyway? If when the Oklahoma wind comes sweeping down the plain and knocks it down, who is responsible for the repair?

Unless it’s just a mangled mess, the fence is the last thing you will probably notice when previewing homes. You’ll be busy checking out the size of the bedrooms and trying to figure out where the TV will go. You know, the important stuff. But you don’t want to overlook the fence either.

Here are a few things you should know about fences when considering a home purchase;

When buying new construction the fence is not always included. However, it can sometimes be negotiated with the builder as an additional upgrade when making an offer.
Many home owner associations (HOA) have guidelines for the type of fence that is allowed. Be sure to request a copy of the covenants and restrictions. If there are restrictions regarding fence type, they will be listed in that document. That will eliminate a surprise if you plan to install a stockade fence and the neighborhood only allows black chain link.
If the house is on the perimeter of the addition and backs to a major street it may have a brick fence in the back. That fence may be owned and maintained by the HOA or it may be the responsibility of the homeowner.
Fences are not part of a standard home inspection.
Portions of fence line are sometimes shared. That means that when the fence originally went up, the two neighbors shared in the expense. So they also share in the repair and maintenance cost. If a fence is shared it will be disclosed by the seller on the Property Condition Disclosures.
Not all fences are placed on the property line. There may be areas beyond the fence that will be your responsibility to maintain. Edmond code enforcement will tag you if you’re not mowing all of your property.
Talk to you soon!

2009 First Time Home Buyer Tax Credit Recipient? Be a 2012 First Time Home Seller!

2012-02-15T09:36:00.002-06:00

I can't believe its already been three years. Where has the time gone?

In 2008, 2009 and 2010 there were a few different tax credits available to home buyers in the US. For many clients I worked with at the time, the most popular was the $8000 First-Time Homebuyer Tax Credit that was available from February 2009 through September 2010. Did you take advantage of it? Many of my clients sure did!

Back in 2009, the tax credit created quite a buzz in the real estate industry. To refresh your memory, folks received a sizable tax credit for buying a home. It was available to qualifying first time and move up buyers. As long as the house they purchased remained their primary residence for three years, the credit did not have to be repaid. If for some reason they had to sell or the house became a rental or vacation property, calculations were made by the IRS for repayment based on the seller's financial gain or loss.

Fast forward three years to 2012 Tax credit recipients will now begin to be able to make a move depending on when the house was purchased. It has to have been at least 36 months since the closing date to qualify.

If you received the tax credit when you bought your home, do you remember how much credit you received? If you decided to sell, do you know if you would have a repayment due? The IRS has created a handy tool to help you check your credit account status. It's the First-Time Homebuyer Credit Account Look-up. All you need to do is enter a bit of information; social security number, address and zip code.

Are you a 2009 First Time Homebuyer tax credit recipient? Then 2012 can be the year you become a First Time Home Seller! Let's talk!

Talk to you soon!

Of course, you should contact a tax professional for advice specific to your situation.

Hey Realtor Lady, Step Away from the Pepper Plant!

2012-02-14T17:29:00.001-06:00

My hands are more apt to be covered in a variety of paint colors than in good ole Oklahoma dirt. Yet every spring I aspire to have the greenest of thumbs. I would love to have a garden full of vegetables right in my own backyard. Heck, I'd be thrilled if I could harvest a pepper!

The truth is, I'm the grim reaper of gardeners. Sadly, right now there is a poor unsuspecting pepper plant bound for the Lowe's in Edmond. The little guy has no idea that in just a month or two, I will wake on a bright and sunny day. It will be the day of disillusionment. The day I decide to grow my own container garden. It happens every year like clockwork. I'll go to the store and pick him out from all the others. I'll buy the best soil, a new pot, and maybe some fertilizer. Then carefully bring him to my backyard where he will die of dehydration and neglect.

I promise that I have only the best of intentions when I buy the plants. Then real estate gets to rockin' and rolling and its dead plant walking all over again. They really never stand a chance.

That means that I am the very last person to give advice for gardening in Oklahoma. If you want the little buggers to survive that is! But because the urge to plant is still so strong, today I did a bit of research into the best planting dates. And wholly cow, I found out that in our zone (Edmond, Oklahoma), the best time to start a bunch of different vegetable seeds is this week! Now is the time to start lettuce, broccoli, tomatoes and even PEPPERS inside the house. Or, you can start the seeds outside next month. You can see the entire Almanac Planting Calendar for 2012 here.

I can't promise you that I won't kill another pepper plant this year. If you see me at Lowe's yell out, "Hey Realtor lady, step away from the pepper plants!"

Talk to you soon!

PITI Calculator

2012-02-10T10:40:00.001-06:00

A monthly mortgage payment is more than a house payment. Maybe you've heard your Realtor or lender mention what your estimated monthly PITI will be. There we go speaking Real Estate-ese again! PITI is an acronym for the four puzzle pieces that make up your monthly payment.

P is for Principal, the amount you borrow to purchase the house
I is for Interest, the amount you pay to the lender for borrowing the money
T is for Tax, your annual property tax escrow
I is for Insurance, your annual homeowner's insurance escrow

At closing, an escrow account is created for your tax and insurance. That's where your "pre-paid" closing costs are going. Then each month you pay tax and insurance a little at a time as part of your payment. The mortgage company then pays those bills annually on your behalf. Think of it as two less bills you have to hassle with.

The mortgage company requires you to pay these bills through an escrow account as a way to protect their investment. If you do not pay your property tax, a lien could be placed on the property. If you do not maintain insurance and the property is destroyed, there is not coverage. In either of those scenarios, the mortgage company could lose. So, they protect themselves by requiring tax and insurance be paid through an escrow account.

As you play online searching homes you may stumble on mortgage calculators. To be sure you are seeing a close estimate, only use PITI calculators. A PI (principal and interest only) calculator won't show you all the pieces of the puzzle.

Talk to you soon!

OK Liquor Laws ~ What Will be in Your Glass Tonight?

2012-02-09T20:05:00.001-06:00

So, what will be in your glass tonight?

Last week I was giving a tour of Edmond to one of my relocation clients. As we drove around town, I pointed out a few of my favorite spots. When I called her attention to Vin Dolce (a new wine bar in downtown Edmond) we discovered that we had a common interest in wine. That lead to a whole new conversation about local wine shops I frequent like 2nd Street Wine Company and Edmond Wine Shop.

If you are relocating to Oklahoma from another part of the country, some of the liquor laws here may come as a surprise to you. They were to my client.

Here are a few things you might want to know;

You can buy refrigerated 3.2 beer and wine coolers at grocery and convenience stores
Beer with more than 3.2 percent alcohol can only be purchased at a liquor store and cannot be refrigerated
Wine is only available at the liquor store
Liquor stores cannot sell the goodies that go with your cocktails (margarita salt, limes, mixers, etc.) or the accessories used to consume them (corkscrews, bottle openers, glassware)
Liquor stores are only open Monday through Saturday from 10-9.
No one under 21 may enter a liquor store (even an infant)

By the way, this list is from my personal observations as an average consumer living in Oklahoma for 15+ years, not the Oklahoma ABLE Commission.

My client and I joked that buying a bottle of wine in Oklahoma requires a bit of planning. That it does. So I'll ask again. What will be in your glass tonight? I think I will be enjoying Little Black Dress Merlot. Cheers!

Talk to you soon!

Tips From the Pet Detective Team

2012-02-08T09:04:00.001-06:00

Who remembers the Jim Carrey movie, Ace Ventura Pet Detective? It was a pretty silly movie where Carrey played a goofy detective who finds himself on the case looking for a missing dolphin. Then hilarity ensues.

Oklahoma has our very own team of pet detectives. They're not goofy and they're not searching for a missing dolphin. What they are is an incredible group of Central Oklahoma Humane Society volunteers! The volunteers spend time searching papers and online posts for lost and found pets. Then try to match them with pets in the shelter! How cool is that?

I learned about the Pet Detective Team last month. My daughter brought home a stray Jack Russell Terrier on New Year's Eve right at midnight. She thought for sure it was a sign he was meant to be with her. After I reminded her that she lives in a dorm at OSU, the search for his family began. We spent the following days posting found notices online and hanging signs around our neighborhood. In response to one of our ads, I received a message from one of the Pet Detective Team members. She offered some tips to help us find the dog's owner. Here are the suggestions she shared with me;

Search the neighborhood. Walk or drive through your neighborhood for several days to look for fliers. If you found an animal in your neighborhood then it probably lives in your neighborhood.

Advertise. Post found notices at grocery stores, community centers, veterinary offices, traffic intersections, at pet supply stores, dog parks and other locations. Also, place advertisements in newspapers and with radio stations. When describing the animal, leave out one identifying characteristic and ask the person who calls describe it. Include your immediate contact information, including numbers to call if you can not be reached. You can place a FREE found ad in most local and community newspapers and it will run for 7 days. Daily Oklahoman: 405-475-3000. This is really important for the folks who do not use the internet and who do check the papers.

Contact local animal shelters and animal control agencies. File a found pet report with every shelter within a 60-mile radius of your home and take a found flier to post. To find your local shelter visit http://www.okhumane.org/info/metro-area-shelters search online or check your phone book. If there is no shelter in your community, contact the local police department. Provide these agencies with an accurate description. If the animal is wearing a Rabies tag, call the Clinic phone number and they will be able to give you the owner’s contact info. You should also have a vet scan the animal to see if it is microchipped. This can be performed for free.

If you are unable to locate the owners and choose to place the animal in another home, the OK Humane Place Spay/Neuter Clinic may be able to help with low cost spay/neuter surgeries and vaccinations. Please call 405-947-7729 for more information. The Center for lost pets database is Nation Wide and can be accessed from this link: http://www.thecenterforlostpets.com

If a stray pet finds you, use the tips of a Pet Detective to reunite them with their owner.
Talk to you soon!

Welcome to Edmond, Submarina California Subs

2012-02-07T08:15:00.001-06:00

While you were out and about yesterday, did you see the balloons over by the AT&T Store on Danforth? There's a new sandwich shop next door and they're open for business! Submarina California Subs opened in Edmond yesterday. My daughter, teen 2, is a bit of a sub snob so we had to give it a try.

Submarina is a typical sub shop in that you order your sandwich at the counter. You know the drill, pick your bread, meat and toppings while the sandwich is assembled in front of you. The menu also includes several favorite and specialty combinations. They have salads and wraps too. I really like that the calorie count for each sandwich is listed right on the menu next to the description. See full menu here.

Last night, I had the ATC (sliced avocado, turkey and cheese). The hubs ordered the Santa Fe (chicken, jalapeno bacon, avocado and pepper jack). Teen 2 had a classic turkey.

I really liked that in addition to the standard toppings; you know lettuce, tomato, pickles, and onions they also offer sprouts. I would have liked to see spinach instead of iceberg, but I'll forgive them. You can get any sandwich served "Cali Style" which means that it has bacon and avocado, yummo!

The sandwiches come in three sizes; regular, large and extra large. We all ordered the regular. We were there for dinner and for me, it was after a run. I was starving when we walked in the door! So, I wish I would have got the large. I left there still a little hungry. The regular would be perfect for lunch though.

The service was a little slow and the kids making the sammies were oh so nervous (the poor guy was shaking like a leaf). But that's to be expected at a soft opening while they are still training the employees. I recommend Submarina. If you're looking for something new, give it a try! You'll love the bread!

Talk to you soon!

Top Picks for Valentine's in Edmond

2012-02-06T13:04:00.001-06:00

Roses are red...

Valentine's Day is just around the corner. You know what they say? Proper planning prevents poor performance! So, here's my annual guide to my favorite spots in Edmond for flowers, treats, gifts, and dinner. Take a second to make your plans and you'll be way ahead of the other guys! If your sweetie is hoping for dinner at Boulevard, scroll to the bottom and call today!

Flowers

Kickingbird Flowers and Gifts, 1251 E. Danforth 348-6866
Designs by Tammy, 1425 S. Santa Fe 340-3233
Madeline's Flower Shop 1030 S. Broadway 341-2530

Treats

Eileen's Colossal Cookies, 1333 N. Santa Fe 216-0244
Epicurean's Pantry, 1333 N. Santa Fe 471-5777
Red Velvet Bakery, 2824 E. 2nd 330-8127
Cupcakes to Go Go, 2524 W. Edmond Road 330-2190

Cards & Gifts

J's Hallmark, 832 W. Danforth 341-0841
Paper Lion, 1389 E. 15th 348-0952
Chirps and Cheers, 100 N. Broadway 509-6336

Dining

Boulevard Steakhouse, 505 S. Boulevard 715-2333 (as of today, the only reservations left for Valentine's Day are after 9:00pm)
Cafe 501, 501 S. Boulevard 359-1501 (reservations available, will have chef specials)
Othello's of Edmond, 1 S. Broadway 330-9045 (open menu and chef specials. reservations required for heart shaped Italian Cream cake, $12.50)
Lottinville's, 801 Signal Ridge Drive 341-2244 (still taking reservations, but availability is limited)

Do you have a favorite that I left off the list? Add it to the comments below!

Talk to you soon!

On the Run in Edmond

2012-01-31T20:57:00.002-06:00

I'm going off script. I planned for this post to be a summary of information that I learned while attending the Edmond Economic Preview at UCO today. When I got back to the office, I sat down at my computer to share it all with you. I really did try. But I just couldn't. After getting a glimpse of the spectacular weather we were having, I couldn't focus on writing at all. It was too stinking pretty to be inside typing away. I had to get outside and enjoy this springlike day, STAT!

BALTO 5K Finish

You may not know that when I'm not selling houses or all the junk inside of them, I love running! Now, I'm no Joyner-Kersee that's for sure! But on a day like today, I've got to hit the pavement and get a few miles in.

Are you a runner too? If you are, you're probably like me and the pavement calls your name!

As I drive around Edmond, I'm always checking out the available sidewalks. In most of the established areas, the main streets outside of the additions have sidewalks. The sidewalks and the grid street pattern, make a long street run pretty safe and easy to measure. But the further "out" toward new construction you go, the more limited the sidewalks become.

If getting out on the street is not for you, consider our city parks. Edmond has fantastic paved trails at the two large city parks; Mitch and Hafer. EC Hafer Park is located in Edmond at 9th Street and Bryant. The park trail is a 1.5 mile loop with several hills. You can continue on the trail outside of the park to the west side of Bryant behind Will Rogers Elementary School. Mitch Park is located in Edmond on the north side of Covell between Kelly and Santa Fe. It's just west of Cheyenne Middle School. This park has 5 miles of paved trails with a variety of elevations. These trails continue into the Coffee Creek addition east of Kelly. Mitch Park is the venue for several races throughout the year including the BALTO 5K and the Frigid 5.

I prefer to run by myself. I can blast the music and sort out all the problems of the world. Some of my best posts started as an idea while on a long run. But a solo run isn't for everyone. If you're new to the area and a runner, you might want to check out Edmond Running Club. They always have events throughout the year and can be a great way to get connected with other Edmond runners.

Tomorrow I promise to pull out all my notes from the Economic Preview and bring you up to speed! Talk to you soon!

15 W. Blanch in Edmond

2012-01-30T21:00:00.000-06:00

Today began by putting a sign in the ground!

I just listed an adorable two bedroom home in Edmond, 15 W. Blanch. It's a short bike ride away from UCO. It's a meticulously cared for home with 939 square feet. Now, don't let the small size scare you! Every square inch has been thoughtfully considered. For it's small size, it still has a very bright and open feel with plenty of storage space to spare.

The home sits on a large lot. Out back there is a huge storage shed. The owner tells me that the shed is lofted so you have even more space for the Christmas tree, suitcases, and much more.

Give me a call at 405-615-2796 if you want to take a peek inside!

Talk to you soon!

Market Snapshot for Edmond Real Estate in 2011

2012-01-26T12:12:00.002-06:00

Where the heck did January go? I mean really. This month is just flying by! I was scanning through my file of recent posts and realized that I had missed giving you an end of year 2011 real estate market report for Edmond. Most of you are thinking, "Numbers? No biggie." I get it. But for some, number crunching is a really big deal. It gives them a picture of what's going on in the market.

First a bit of fine print. All the data I am sharing today has been collected by the OKCMAR MLS between January 1, 2011 through December 31, 2011. This data does not account for properties that were sold without the involvement of a Realtor. Also, the data I am using today comes from a specific segment of the metro, the area of Edmond Public Schools.

As the graph below illustrates, during 2011 3679 homes were listed for sale within the boundaries of EPS. Of those, 647 are still active listings in the Oklahoma City MLS. 216 of those listings are currently under contract. 1810 of the listings have since sold with an average sold price of $237, 851 after an average of just 54 days on the market.

This is a quick broad stroke market snapshot for Edmond in 2011. Want to discuss what all these numbers mean? Does it indicate that now is a good time to list your house? Let me treat you to a fancy coffee, and we can review a market snapshot that is specific to your neighborhood. You can always reach me at 405-615-2796.

Talk to you soon!

Piedmont Estate Sale this Weekend

2012-01-25T08:38:00.000-06:00

Calling all treasure hunters! We're having an Estate Sale (rain or shine) this weekend that you won't want to miss.

Before I give you a sneak peek at the list of items available for sale, let me give you the key information. The sale is January 27-29. Hours are 9:00-3:00 on Friday and Saturday. Noon until 3:00 on Sunday (half price day). Sorry folks, no early birds! The sale is in Piedmont at 5215 Hart Drive. It's pretty easy to find. Hart Drive is about a half mile east of Piedmont Road and Apache (NW 206th/Covell) intersection. Watch for our blue and white signs.

Wondering what kind of treasures you might find? There is furniture; mid-century dining room, sofas, vintage chandelier, coffee tables, an executive desk, tall dresser and more. The kitchen is full with cookware, Tupperware, Fire King, Franciscan ware (Desert Rose), and small appliances. Collectibles include vintage soda bottles, miniature pitchers, radios, and collector plates. Too much to list!

Cash only.

See you this weekend!

Is Piedmont the Metro's Best Kept Secret?

2012-01-24T17:43:00.000-06:00

Is Piedmont the metro's best kept secret? Hmm, that's a good question.

Piedmont, Oklahoma can be found in Canadian County about four miles north of the Kilpatrick Turnpike. That's where I've been spending some time this week. We're preparing a house for an estate sale this weekend. I'm no expert on the area. So I thought as long as I'm there, I'd learn a little bit about it and share it with you. After all, I can sell homes anywhere in Oklahoma! Not just Edmond and Oklahoma City!

If you're looking for small town feel with fairly easy access to Oklahoma City, this may be an area to consider. The landscape is quite pretty. As we drove into town (it didn't take us long to get there) we passed many fields with horses and cows grazing. We even saw a few miniature ponies. It looks like many folks live on acreages but there are some additions with homes on standard city lots too.

With two homes already sold this year (it's only the third week of January) and sixteen more under contract, it would seem the area is gaining in popularity! A neighborhood that might be worth looking at if you are a first time buyer is Colony Pointe. It's a popular new development in Piedmont by Home Creations. Colony Pointe has new homes priced beginning at $118,000! Yep, I said it. Home prices beginning under $120,000! Want to go take a look? Give me a call at 405-615-2796 or stop by the Home Creations Model Home and tell them Kristyn Grewell at CENTURY 21 Goodyear Green sent you!

Piedmont isn't just for first time buyers though. Consider Windmill Park. Windmill Park is near NW 178th and Piedmont Road. Many homes in this addition sit on one acre lots and feature all the bells and whistles you expect in a fine home. You will find granite counter tops, stainless steel appliances, wood floors, oil rubbed bronze fixtures, crown molding, the works! Homes in Windmill Park range from about $250,000 to $300,000.

With a country feel and just a zip away from the turnpike, Piedmont may be one of the metro's best kept secrets! Start searching Piedmont Homes Now.

Talk to you soon!

By the way, you may want to know that kiddos that live in Piedmont attend Piedmont Public Schools. The system is pre-K through 12th grade with three elementary schools, one middle school, and one high school. They also have an early childhood center.

6 Housing Markets Gear Up for a Rebound

2012-01-23T16:47:00.000-06:00

I just had this article zip into my inbox and I had to share it with you right away! Look at which market is listed as number 6! Yea baby, it's Oklahoma City! We've had both population and job growth which puts us ready for the Housing Market Rebound!

6 Housing Markets Gear Up for a Rebound

It's Just One Square Mile But Coffee Creek Has it All

2012-01-23T07:30:00.000-06:00

It's just one square mile; Covell to Coffee Creek and Kelly to Broadway. But just about everything you need can be found in the area known as Coffee Creek in Edmond.

Yesterday I had the opportunity to help out an associate in our office by hosting an open house at his listing in Prairie Village at Coffee Creek. While I was in the area, it occurred to me that folks living in that neighborhood really do have access to so much right at their fingertips.

Long considered a residential area, Coffee Creek has seen the addition of several carefully placed businesses in recent years. What I love is that the commercial buildings almost blend into the residential landscape. The architectural styles they have chosen are all very much in keeping with the surrounding homes. There is a true sense of cohesiveness and community.

Residents of the area enjoy the convenience of a local daycare at My Small Wonders Child Care Center. Medical care at Integris Family Care, First Med Urgent Care, Coffee Creek Family Dental, Within Sight Vision (Dr. Hunter is great!) and Orthodontic Associates all can be found practically next door. When you have a sick kiddo, that's a really big deal! For the four legged family members, Pampered Pets is right there too. Other businesses in that square mile area include; a post office, Legacy Cleaners, Old School Bagel Cafe, Coffee Creek Wine Shop and Citizen's Bank. You really could walk or bike all your errands for the day.

You might be thinking that the one key element that was missing from my list is a grocery store. Not to worry! We've got you covered! Uptown Grocery Company will be opening at 1230 W. Covell on February 29. While not in that square mile, it will be just a stone's throw away. Just like the nearby Walgreen's and Lowe's Home Improvement stores.

So, all of your everyday errands are covered. What about recreation? Within the residential portion of Coffee Creek, homeowners enjoy neighborhood parks, pools and ponds. Not enough? The neighborhood trails link to the trails at Edmond's Mitch Park on the opposite side of Kelly. Once at Mitch Park, you can take advantage of several more miles of winding trails, ball fields, playgrounds, volleyball, Frisbee golf, a skate park and so much more.

Coffee Creek Golf Club is a part of the community as well. It is a public club that offers memberships. I'm not a golfer by any stretch of the imagination. But I do live with one. The hubs tells me that the course at Coffee Creek is considered narrow and tree lined. He also said that it was worth mentioning that they replaced the greens last year with a grass that will be more tolerant to the Oklahoma heat. If you're a golfer, it may be worth checking out.

Sound like a fantastic place to live? You bet it does! And the best part is, with a variety of price ranges ($165K-500K+), there is a home for almost everyone in the area. Here is a quick guide;

Search Coffee Creek Homes Now

Stonebrook at Coffee Creek: 190-250
Prairie Village at Coffee Creek: starting at 190
Links at Coffee Creek: starting at 170 (2 bedroom plans available)
Villas at Coffee Creek: starting at 230 (2 bedroom plans available)
Ash Grove at Coffee Creek: starting at 235
Coffee Creek: 250-500's
Wild Meadow at Coffee Creek: 250-300's
Amberwood at Coffee Creek: 300's
Carriage Park at Coffee Creek: around 350's
Heritage Green at Coffee Creek: around 400's

Ready to consider a move to Coffee Creek or want to schedule a tour? Give me a call at the CENTURY 21 Goodyear Green office, 405-359-7400. Just ask for Kristyn.

Talk to you soon!

Conserving Energy Around Your House

2012-01-22T10:23:00.003-06:00

While I was busy working yesterday, the hubs was busy at home. He added weather stripping to our back door and insulated a drafty window. Just a couple things to help our circa 1993 home stay a bit more comfortable and energy efficient. We have even talked about investing in a Nest thermostat. If you haven't seen one, they are really cool! The thermostat learns your living habits and adjusts the temperature accordingly. You can even make an adjustment from your computer.

All this talk about improving our energy efficiency got me wondering what else we could do around our house. While clicking around the web, I found this infographic from Horizon Bank that illustrates several ways we can make a few more simple changes. Check it out.

What simple changes can you make this weekend? Just a few simple changes could make a big difference. Not only can you save energy. You can also save you money on your monthly utility bill The secret bonus is that your more energy efficient home may be more attractive to prospective buyers when it's time to sell. Hmm, hadn't considered that!

I've got an open house to get to in Coffee Creek. But I think the hubs will be making another run to Home Depot. We need to add a water heater blanket.

Talk to you soon!

Running Around or Big Plans this Weekend?

2012-01-20T15:53:00.000-06:00

Everybody's looking forward to the weekend...It's Friday, Friday...! Now that I got that awful song in your head; what are you up to this weekend? Big plans or lot's of running around?

For me, it's a little of both. I've got a super busy Saturday starting with the OKC Home and Garden Show. You may have read earlier in the week that my office has a booth in the Cox building. My shift is Saturday morning from 10-12. If you're there, I hope you'll swing by and say hello. I'm kind of hoping I'll have a chance to see Mark Brunetz give his presentation Inside Clutter while I'm there, but I doubt I'll have time. I have to get back to Edmond to show a few houses and visit with a potential client about an estate sale. So, if you get to see Mark's presentation, be sure to let me know all about it! He's in the Cox building too.

They are forecasting pretty nice weather for Sunday. So I'm hoping to get a chance for a long run (training for a 1/2 marathon this spring) before my open house.

I'm going to have 704 Prairie Dunes Way over in Prairie Village at Coffee Creek open from 2-4. Prairie Village at Coffee Creek is in Edmond just north of Covell and Kelly. The neighborhood features a recreation center, pools, and parks. It's even walking distance to Mitch Park and Cheyenne Middle School. The home is new construction. It was built by Ken Chambers. It has three bedrooms, and two bathrooms, and a safe room in 1964 square feet. I almost forgot to mention that the Coffee Creek golf course is nearby too!

Whether you have big plans or just running around, maybe we will get a chance to see each other at the OKC Home and Garden Show or my Open House in Edmond Sunday. If not, I hope you have a fantastic weekend!

Talk to you soon!

By the way, if you're running around and see a house you're curious about, just text me the address (405-615-2796). I'll be working. So, it will be fast and easy for me to pull up the information for you.

100 Grand; Super Bowl for 16, 3 Electric Cars, or a House in Edmond

2012-01-17T20:40:00.001-06:00

What can you do with 100 grand?

For about $100,000, you could take 15 buddies to the Super Bowl to watch the game from the 50 yard line with you. Can't you just see it? It would be the best Sunday ever! You would totally be the king!

For about $100,000, you could be the change and help the environment. You could buy three of those little electric cars; one for you, one for mom, and one for your girl. That would be fantastic! The three of you would really be making a difference in the world. Until you need to haul more than a couple bags of groceries that is. Aw, you don't really need to bring your own golf clubs to the course. It'll be cool.

For about $100,000, you could buy a house in Edmond. Yep, a real house with bricks, walls and a roof for just 100 grand. Just imagine. You could live in it with your girl. Your buddies could come to your place and watch the game on the big screen. You could park your truck in your own garage. Are your wheels turning yet?

Here's a list of Edmond neighborhoods that have homes either currently listed or have sold (during 20110) for $100,000 or less.

Surbers First, this area is near Edmond Road and Kelly. Homes are typically below 1000 square feet and were built prior to 1950.
Bigbee's Santa Fe, this area is off Broadway between 2nd Street and Danforth. Homes are under 1000 square feet and built in the early 1950's.
Reynold's, this area is east of 15th Street and Broadway. Homes are around 1000 square feet and were built in the early 1950's.
Buell Hollis, this area is south of 2nd Street near Fretz. Homes are below 1000 square feet and were built in the early 1960's.
Campbell South, this area is near 15th Street and Boulevard. Homes are below 1000 square feet and built in the late 1940's.
Ketch Acres, North of Danforth between Kelly and Santa Fe, there are homes around 1100 square feet built in the late 1960's.
Meadowlakes, Off Kelly between Danforth and 2nd Street, there are homes between 900 and 1300 square feet built in the late 1960's early 1970's.
Sunset Heights, Near 15th Street and Fretz, there are homes under 1000 square feet built in the late 1950's.
Henderson Hills, South of 15th Street between Boulevard and Bryant, there are homes around 1000 square feet or more built in the early 1970's.
Terrace, South of Edmond Road and Kelly, there are homes around 1200 square feet built in the early 1970's.
Elwood Heights, Near Broadway and 33rd Street, there are homes around 1000 square feet built in the 1960's.
Swan Lake, South of Danforth and Kelly, there are homes up to 1500 square feet built in the 1980's.
Fair Hill, Near Western and Memorial, there are homes under 1600 square feet, built in the early 1980's.
Willowood, Near 2nd Street and Coltrane in Eastern Edmond, there are homes around 1200 square feet, built in the 1980's.
Oakbrook, Near Edmond Road and Santa Fe, there are homes under 1500 square feet built in the 1980's.
Capitol View Park, In southeast Edmond near Oklahoma Christian University, there are homes under 1800 square feet built in the 1970's.
Fairfield, North of 15th Street and Santa Fe, there are homes around 1200-1500 square feet built in the 1980's.
Nothgate, Near Broadway and Memorial, there are homes around 1200 square feet built in the 1960's.
Edmond Original, North of 2nd Street and Broadway there are homes under 1400 square feet built in the 1920's.
Westborough, North of Danforth and Kelly there are homes around 1000 square feet built in the 1980's.
Kelly Park, North of 15th Street and Kelly there are homes under 1500 square feet built in the 1970's.
Ripple Creek, Near 33rd Street and Santa Fe there are homes under 1500 square feet built in the 1980's.
Concorde, Near 15th Street and Fretz there are homes under 1000 square feet built around 2002.
The Crossing, Off Memorial between Boulevard and Broadway near Oklahoma Christian University, there are homes around 1000 square feet built in the 1990's.
Chowning Heights, Near Bryant and Danforth there are homes around 1000 square feet built in the 1970's.

I say go for the house! You'd look silly in the car and everyone knows you don't want to miss the Super Bowl Commercials!

Talk to you soon!

OKC Home and Garden Show Tickets

2012-01-16T10:02:00.001-06:00

The annual Oklahoma City Home and Garden Show is this weekend (January 20-22) at the fairgrounds. Guess who plans to be there? That's right, me! My office, CENTURY 21 Goodyear Green, will have a booth over in the Cox building and I'll be there on Saturday.

That means it's time for a giveaway on my brand new facebook page, Sell a Metro Home! One lucky fan will receive two free tickets to the show! If you're already a fan, you don't need to do a thing. Not a fan of the new page yet? Buzz on over, click like and you're entered! Good luck! I hope to see you Saturday!

Talk to you soon!

By the way, you can buy tickets to the show online for just 8 bucks each by clicking here.

Learn to Speak Real Estate-ese

2012-01-14T10:30:00.001-06:00

The other day I was at the office talking to my broker and she used a particular word like three times in the conversation. It was a word I had never even heard before and here she goes using it three times! I was feeling a bit like an idiot (to protect my pride, I won't share what that word was). Finally I had to ask, what the heck does that mean?

Honestly, sometimes I'm guilty of it too though. You know, speaking in Real Estate-ese instead of plain old English. Now, if we're working together and I do this, stop me! I don't want you to ever feel like you don't understand. Say, Kristyn, what the heck are you talking about? I'll happily stop and explain.

If you prefer to be bilingual, here is a guide you can use. It's not quite Rosetta Stone, but it will work!

Real Estate Terminology Glossary

ADJUSTABLE RATE MORTGAGE (ARM): A loan that allows the interest rate to be changed periodically.

ANNUAL PERCENTAGE RATE (APR): The total finance charge (interest, loan fees, points) expressed as a percentage of the loan amount.

AMORITIZATION SCHEDULE: A schedule showing the principle and interest payments throughout the life of the loan.

APPRAISED VALUE: The opinion of the value of the property at a given time, based on the facts regarding the location, improvements, etc. of the property and surroundings.

ASSESSED VALUE: The valuation placed on a property by a public tax assessor as the basis of property taxes.

BALLOON LOAN: A mortgage that has a substantial amount of the principle due at the maturity of the note.

BROKER: A person licensed by a state real estate commission to act independently in conducting a real estate brokerage business. Although the requirements for a broker's license vary from state to state, an individual usually must have one or more years of experience in the industry and pass an examination.

BUYDOWN: A payment to the lender from the seller, buyer or third party, causing the lender to reduce the interest rate during the early years of the loan.

CAP: A maximum amount of interest that can be charged.

CLOSING: The final steps in transferring ownership of a property from seller to buyer.

CLOSING COSTS: Fees and expenses, not including the price of the home, payable by the seller and the buyer at the time of closing.

CONTINGENCY: A condition that must be satisfied before a contract is binding.

CONVENTIONAL LOAN: A fixed rate, fixed term loan that is made without government insurance.

CONVERTIBLE ARM: Loans that give you the opportunity to convert to a fixed-rate mortgage, usually between the 13th to 60th month of the loan.

COOPERATIVES (CO-OPS): A buyer purchases shares in a co-op corporation, made up of the residents of the co-op property. The buyer owns the shares rather than owning the real property. In exchange, the buyer has the right to occupy the co-op unit.

CREDIT REPORT: A report on the past ability of a loan applicant to pay installment payments.

DEED: A legal document conveying title to a property.

DEPRECIATION: Refers to when a property's value decreases.

DOCUMENT PREPARATION: A fee charged by an attorney for preparation of legal documents for the transaction.

EARNEST MONEY: A payment given to the seller by a potential buyer indicating the buyer's intent to complete the purchase of the property.

ESCROW FEE: A fee charged by the title company to service the transaction, to escrow monies, and to cover documents. This amount varies with company. This fee is usually split between the buyer and seller.

ESCROW/IMPOUND ACCOUNT: Funds held by the lender for payment of taxes and insurance when due. This usually does not include any maintenance fees.

EQUITY: The owner's value or interest in a property.

ESCROW: The placement of money or documents with a third party for safekeeping pending the fulfillment or performance of a specific act or condition.

FHA MORTGAGE: A mortgage loan insured by the Federal Housing Administration, permitting lenders to offer better terms.

FIXED RATE MORTGAGE: A loan that has only one stated interest rate.

HOMEOWNERS INSURANCE: This protects the property and contents in case of loss. It must be for at least the loan amount or 80% of the improved property value, whichever is greater.

HUD (Department of Housing & Urban Development): A US government agency established to implement certain federal housing and community development programs.

HYBRID LOANS: Loans that combine features of fixed-rate and adjustable-rate mortgages.

INSPECTIONS: An examination of property for various reasons such as, termite inspections, whole home inspections etc.

INTEREST: Rate charged for the use of loan funds. It is always paid in arrears.

LIEN: A legal claim against a property that must be paid when property is sold.

LOAN APPLICATION FEE: Paid to the lender at the time of application. Fees vary by company.

LOAN DISCOUNT: The points a lender charges. Points may be paid by either the buyer or seller on a conventional loan and the number of points will fluctuate with the money market.

LOAN ORIGINATION FEE: The charge you must pay to the lender for processing your mortgage.

MAINTAINENCE FEE: Charged by the homeowner’s association as called for in subdivision covenants and restrictions.

MLS: Multiple Listing Service

MORTGAGE: A lien on real estate given by the buyer as security for money borrowed from a lender.

MORTGAGEE’S TITLE POLICY: This is required by the lender to insure that the lender has a valid lien and does not protect the buyer.

ORIGINATION FEE: The fee paid by the buyer to the lender to originate a new loan.

OWNER’S TITLE POLICY: Insures that the buyer has title to the property.

P&I: Principle & Interest payment. A monthly payment that includes the interest charges for the period plus an amount applied to amortization of the principle balance.

PITI: Principle, Interest, Taxes, and Insurance Payment. The periodic payment that includes the principle and interest payment plus a contribution to the escrow account set up by the lender to pay insurance premiums and property taxes on the mortgage property.

POINT: 1% of the loan amount.

PREPAYMENT PENALTY: An amount charged by the lender for premature payment of the loan balance.

PRIVATE MORTGAGE INSURANCE (PMI): Insurance against a loss by a lender in the event of default by the borrower.

REALTOR: Real estate professionals who are members of the National Association of REALTORS and subscribe to its code of ethics.

REALTOR FEES: An amount paid to the Realtor as compensation for services.

RECORDING FEES: Fee charged by the county clerk to record documents in the public record.

RESTRICTIONS: Certified copy of deed restrictions required by the lender.

SURVEY: Confirms the lot size and will show any encroachments or restriction violations.

TAX PRORATION: Seller pays buyer’s taxes from January 1 through date of closing.

TAX CERTIFICATES: Certificates issued by taxing authorities showing the current year’s taxes, that the last year’s taxes were paid, and any delinquencies to be collected from seller at closing.

TITLE: A document that is evidence of ownership

TITLE INSURANCE: Protection for lenders and homeowners against financial loss resulting from legal defects to the title.

TITLE SEARCH: A check of title records to identify liens, encumbrances and ownership rights to the property.

VA MORTGAGE: A mortgage loan guaranteed by the Veterans Administration, an agency of the federal government that provides services for eligible veterans.

Talk to you soon!

Try Mrs. Meyer's Countertop Spray

2012-01-11T09:16:00.001-06:00

Have you tried any of the Mrs. Meyer's cleaning products yet? If not, you really must! The other day I picked up a bottle of the Mrs. Meyer's Lavender Countertop Spray. Love it! Not only does it smell fantastic but it's a great cleaner!

It got me thinking that it would be a perfect product to use when your house is for sale. Give the counters a quick spritz and wipe down before you head out the door and you'll leave the room smelling so good. I read a tip online that would help home sellers (sorry, I can't remember which blog I saw it on). The blogger suggested using Mrs. Meyer's Countertop Spray on the door frames of your rooms. Brilliant! When a buyer enters a room they enjoy the subtle, relaxing scent of lavender. What could be more welcoming?

The Mrs. Meyer's products are natural with essential oils and are biodegradable. There are additional products like dish soap, laundry detergent, and hand soap that I'll be trying very soon! I found the counterspray at Walmart. It was in the laundry aisle, not with the other kitchen cleaners. The price was right in line with the other available products.

Give it a try and let me know what you think!
Talk to you soon!

Buyers Should Consider How Much it Will Cost to Sell Too

2012-01-10T09:04:00.001-06:00

You're buying your first home. Be honest, most of your focus has been on one question; how much? How much will my monthly payment be? How much house can I afford? How much down payment do I need? No one ever asks, how much will it cost me if I have to sell?

I know what you're thinking. Sell? Kristyn, we're not going to sell. We're working with you because we want to buy a home. I get that. Do me a favor and stay with me for just a minute.

When you visited with your lender, he should have explained that there are closing costs to you when you buy a house (lender fees, title charges, escrows...) Well, keep in mind that there are also closing costs to the seller. You might not know that the seller pays the real estate sales commission to the brokerage that has their house listed. That can be about 6%. They also have title fees and may be contributing to your closing costs if that is part of the contract. That can add up pretty quickly. For example, if selling a $200,000 house, closing costs can be estimated at $15,000 without any contribution to the buyer's closing cost.

In an ideal situation, they have lived in the house long enough to build equity in their home. They have reached a point where the house is valued more than they owe on the mortgage. So when they sell; the mortgage can be paid off, all fees paid and they still net a nice sum of money to use as a down payment on their next house.

This is achieved in one of three ways. The most common way is to live in a house long enough that the value appreciates over time (in our market, the rule of thumb is just 4-5 years). Another is at the time of purchase you put at least 10% down to provide a cushion should you have to move in less than 5 years. Or, you are fortunate enough to find a house that is listed under market value and you purchase with built in equity.

This information is not meant to scare you from buying. On the contrary, it's meant to help you make an educated decision about your financing and purchase. No one has a crystal ball to see the future. Family dynamics change, job relocation happens and the real estate market fluctuates. All this needs to be considered when asking; how much?

Programs that offer 100% financing are fantastic if you qualify! But only do it if you plan to live in that house for the next 4-5 years. The last thing I want to do is tell you it's going to cost you five figures if you have to sell in a year. That's never a fun conversation.

Talk to you soon!

COOP Ale Works in Oklahoma City

2012-01-09T21:12:00.002-06:00

You never know where the day will take you. Today took me to an unsuspecting warehouse near Western and NW 50th and an impromptu tour of COOP Ale Works in Oklahoma City. In case you haven't heard of COOP, this local craft brewery began business in 2009. They brew several popular beers including; Horny Toad, Zeppelin, Native Amber, DNR, Gran Sport, and F5 IPA.

You can give their creations a try on January 20th at Epicurean's Pantry in Edmond where they will be having a Cheese and Beer Pairing event. This could make a fantastic early Valentine's Day gift. What guy doesn't like beer and cheese? You'll want to call 471-5777 to make your reservation.

Can't make it to the Cheese and Beer Pairing? Then why not plan to attend COOP's 3rd Anniversary Open House on Saturday. They're planning 3 sessions. I'm told the proceeds are going to Wishing Well: Water for the World!

I love when my day takes me to new places that I can share with you.
Talk to you soon!

My Word for 2012, FREEDOM!

2012-01-08T11:52:00.001-06:00

Have you heard about the trend of choosing a "word of the year" instead of making a new year's resolution? Until today I hadn't. It came across my radar this morning as I was catching up on a blog I recently started to follow, The Lettered Cottage. The idea is pretty simple. You select one word that will guide and inspire you throughout the year. Like I said the idea is simple. The application of choosing a word not so much! How do you take all that you hope for and find just one word to define it for you? For me, that was a bit of a struggle. So I did what I always do, I asked Google. They would know what to do!

A quick search for "How to choose a word of the year" led me to the Word of the Year Worksheet by Christine Kane. I poured myself one more cup of coffee and gave it a shot. I answered questions about my current habits and my goals for the future. I think the question that really got me thinking the most was, "if you were to live this word daily throughout the year, how would your life be different one year from today?"

I won't bore you with my answers. But I do want to share my results. To solidify my intention for 2012. My word this year is FREEDOM. The definition of freedom that rings true for me is, "the power to determine action without restraint." That's exactly what I want in 2012! What would your word be?

Talk to you soon!

Today's Project, Numbered Table Set

2012-01-07T19:50:00.001-06:00

Yesterday my daughter had to have her wisdom teeth removed. Since I knew I'd be playing nurse, I considered it a work free weekend. But when my husband offered to hang out with her for a while so I could take a much needed break, I jumped at the chance! What does a gal like me do with an hour or so of free time? I hit my favorite thrift stores and go picking of course!

On today's pick, I found a funky set of tables. They passed the heart racing test as soon as I spotted them. The set includes four small tables that hang on a stand. Kinda like TV trays but a little bit smaller. These tables fold at a hinge in the center of the tabletop. They were filthy and pretty beat up. But I'd never seen a set like that, so they had to come home with me!

Back home and a check on the girlie. Then it was time to be creative! First, I gave all the tables and the stand a light sanding. Just enough to give the finish a bit of tooth. Then after much discussion with my daughter about color options, I settled on bright yellow for the tables and grey for the stand. I'm really liking that combo right now. It puts me in the mood for spring!

After they were painted I added a bit of my secret sauce. Since they were a set of four tables, I decided to stencil a number 1-4 on each table.

I'm pretty pleased with how they turned out! I can see these funky little tables used in so many different ways around the house. Especially areas where a little extra space is needed. But instead I'll be putting them in my booth at Broadway Antiques & Market first thing Monday morning.

Talk to you soon!