Price your home aggressively

The most important decision about selling your home is setting the right price for it when you decide to sell. Pricing too high will price yourself out of the market. Go too low and you leave money on the table. One powerful technique besides getting the assistance of a real estate professional is to spend the day looking at your competition’s homes. This will make it easier to see the world through a buyers’ eyes. You will have to be honest but tough with yourself. Compare your property to the competition and decide what would be the best value for buyers in your market.

Hire a Listing Agent

Not all agents are equal so you’ll need someone that is very aggressive and who has the resources and time to research the market. Talk to neighbors, friends and colleagues about who they would use or have used for home selling or home buying in the past. Interview a number of agents before making the decision as to who to hire. Also, you should agree on a specific documented marketing plan before signing a long term listing agreement.

Curb Appeal and Home Staging

Buyers need to be emotionally invested in your home. So, to do this you will need to build on the best first impression. Begin on the outside of your home to improve your home’s curb appeal first. Plant fresh flowers, remove weeds and clean up the exterior with paint, if needed. When it comes to the interior of your home, inside in each room create a focal point with a story. A set dining table, a book by the bed, a game in the kids’ room are all simple staging strategies.

Offer Pre-Paid Incentives

There are a number of incentives to reach the buyer that have narrowed down their choices to two or three. You can offer to buy the interest rate down on the purchase price, pay closing cost, pay for inspections or repairs, and provide allowances or credits for home upgrades after closing. Many sellers these days are offering to prepay for golf club membership fees, internet services for a year, taxes or homeowner association fees.

Pre-Inspection is a Must

Sellers do pre-inspections to provide the buyers with a clear whole home inspection. Other inspections include pest and dry rot inspections. Anything discovered in the inspection should be disclosed to the buyer even if you have it fixed. This will help prevent long negotiations with them later. It’s cheaper and better overall if you do this in advance of placing the home on the market.

Working on your behalf as single party brokers, we offer guidance that will help you make knowledgeable decisions in either buyer or seller situations. So, when you’re ready to become a homeowner or sell your property, contact Tulsa Realtors® Tom and Bev Herring. Or, visit their website at: TomAndBev.info.

Originally posted at: http://tomandbev.info/2011/11/02/tips-to-sell-your-home-for-top-dollar

The outline below is to provide additional information about the landfill:

* Items containing Freon refrigerant will NOT be accepted (air conditioners and refrigerators).

* Discarded tires with rim sizes up to 19.5 inches will add a fee of $2.50 each. For tires larger than 19.5 inches, there will be a fee of $3.50 each. Motorcycle and smaller tires will require a fee of $1.00 each. These fees cover the state fee for disposal and recycling of tires.

* Trucks and trailers should have secured and covered contents to prevent contents from blowing onto roadways and creating possible hazards and littering fines.

There are two landfills on East 46th Street. Look for the Quarry Waste Management Inc. signs for the free landfill on specified days.

Working on your behalf as single party brokers, we offer guidance that will help you make knowledgeable decision in either buyer or seller situations. So, when you’re ready to become a homeowner or sell your property, contact Tulsa Realtors® Tom and Bev Herring. Or, visit their website at: TomAndBev.info.

Originally posted at: http://tomandbev.info/2011/10/26/cleanup-tulsa-days

Fannie Mae wants to help prevent foreclosure, if possible, and they want to help stabilize the housing market. Through the STAR Program, Fannie Mae can evaluate and make servicers accountable for consistent results. Servicers that achieve the highest ratings are the providers that are leading in providing assistance to owners that are having problems making their mortgage payments.

Listed below are servicers in Peer Groups One and Two as of the end of the second quarter are on track to acquire a triple STAR rating for this year.

Group One has a total of 11 servicers – Some included are GMAC Mortgage (Ally Bank), Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., CitiMortgage, Inc., Everhome Mortgage.

Group Two has a total of 10 servicers – Some include Fifth Third Bank, The Huntington National Bank, HSBC Mortgage Corporation (USA), Aurora Bank, FSB, Regions Bank, Central Mortgage Company.

Servicers aspire to achieve an overall satisfactory rating of 3 STAR or higher. 3 STARs indicates the servicer has at least median performance. 4 STARs shows the servicer is on track to meet Fannie Mae standards in performance and is above median performance. 5 STARs is superior where the servicer is meeting or exceeding Fannie Mae’s target goals.

Servicers are arranged in three groups based on the number of loans they service. Each group is scored within the group using the Servicer Performance Scorecard which provides a monthly snapshot of ten key indicators that measure the servicer’s impact on helping homeowners by achieving sustainable solutions. Fannie Mae conducts an operational assessment under the STAR program to assure that key processes are performed by the providers. The operational assessment and results will help drive the overall annual ratings. Servicers that do not provide services at median level or don’t have satisfactory results do not receive STAR ratings.

Working on your behalf as single party brokers, we offer guidance that will help you make knowledgeable decision in either buyer or seller situations. So, when you’re ready to become a homeowner or sell your property, contact Tulsa Realtors® Tom and Bev Herring. Or, visit their website at: TomAndBev.info.

Originally posted at: http://tomandbev.info/2011/10/19/servicer-ratings-for-first-half-of-2011-by-fannie-mae

Tulsa

October 15, 2011 – Williams Route 66 Quarter Marathon

8:30am at the Blue Dome District on 2nd Street

Williams Route 66 Quarter Marathon is a family event that is held annually the weekend before Thanksgiving. However, this year’s event will be held on October 15th in downtown Tulsa. Race events will include the 6.55-mile quarter marathon, a 5K and a one mile fun run. If interested, you can run the “The Double” that allows participants to run both races in the same morning. Proceeds benefit the Tulsa Area United Way. For more information visit: www.quartermarathon.com.

October 15, 2011 – Happily Ever Laughter – Yakov Smirnoff

7:30pm at the Mabee Center

On October 15th at the Mabee Center you can rediscover the world’s most famous comedian. Yakov Smirnoff, from Russia uses his Psychology degree to use in his Happily Ever Laughter tour that has a unique spin on the emotional rollercoaster of relationships, family life and the next step in social evolution. He’s hilariously funny and deeply honest. Yakov shares his life on stage with his experiences in life which will take you to a subconscious place in your own life.

Tickets are available at: www.mabeecenter.com, ranging from $15 to $25. The event is located at the Mabee Center, 7777 South Lewis Avenue, Tulsa.

October 20 – 23, 2011 – Oktoberfest

River West Festival Park

Tulsa celebrates the 32nd annual Oktoberfest beginning October 20th thru 23rd at River West Festival Park on the bank of the Arkansas River. This festival is ranked among the top 10 in North America by USA today. The event features food, drink, dress, music and activities in the German culture. For more information visit: www.tulsaoktoberfest.org.

October 21 – 29, 2011 – U.S. National Arabian & Half Arabian Championship Show

Expo Square

This most prestigious North American championship Arabian horse show takes place in Tulsa at Expo Square. This event will offer Arabian, Half Arabian and Anglo Arabian horses with both amateur and professional riders or handlers. They will compete in halter, native costume, reining, cow working, cutting, trail, show hack, sidesaddle, park horse, driving and English, Western and Hunter classes. The U.S Nationals offer so much more than a horse show, it’s a world class event with shopping, barn decorations and once in a life time chance to get close to some of America’s most famous Arabian horses. For more information visit: www.arabianhorses.org.

October 21 – 29, 2011 – Tulsa Run Downtown

7:30am at 3rd Street and Boulder Ave.

Tulsa’s longest running organized race takes place each year for the past 33 years in October. More than 10,000 runners of all ages come to Downtown Tulsa to participate in the Run. Some runners are working to beat their best time this year. Many others that are first time runners simply try to finish the race. The race is all about setting personal goals and meeting them across the finish line. For more information visit: www.tulsarun.com.

Originally posted at: http://tomandbev.info/2011/10/13/don%e2%80%99t-miss-tulsa%e2%80%99s-october-highlights.

Since 1935, the Tulsa State Fair has blossomed to include all types of entertainment happening on three stages. You’ll get to enjoy awesome stunts in BMX bike shows, adorable pets in annual dog shows, educational displays like the sea lion exhibits and the skilled lumberjack shows. One of the biggest attractions at the event is the PRCA Rodeo where you can watch in awe as cowboys and cowgirls compete in action packed events such as barrel racing, team roping and of course everyone’s favorite – bull riding.

The Tulsa Fair Grounds is also playing host to numerous kitchen demonstrations and a tremendous amount of vendor booths. This year’s show will see the return of the livestock shows, horse shows and the junior livestock shows. There will be horticultural exhibits and baked goods exhibits too. The kids can see this year’s Disney on Ice show. Just watch their eyes light up with amazement as the Disney characters twist and turn on the ice like magic as they glide along to the tunes of classic and contemporary Disney songs.

There will also be a petting zoo to entertain the kids along with the activity centers and creative stations. Also for the little ones they have contests like cookie stacking and pie eating. So, bring your family and friends to Tulsa and enjoy the state fair. Kids will love a ride on the teacups, kiddie train and the merry go round while adults can enjoy more extreme rides like flying high on the Himalaya, Mega Drop, Gravitron or Tulsa’s hottest rollercoaster – the Comet II.

If you’re visiting Tulsa for the first time and would like more information about relocating to Tulsa and Tulsa real estate, contact us, Tulsa Realtors® Tom and Bev Herring or visit our website: www.TomAndBev.com.

Originally posted at: http://tomandbev.info/2011/10/05/the-tulsa-state-fair-has-arrived.

Along with the award they will receive a grant of $15,000 at the Gala. The Community Food Bank of Eastern Oklahoma’s Food for Kids Backpack program distributes food to elementary school-aged children who are at risk of going hungry over the weekend when school meals are not available. According to the food bank, more than 26% of children in Oklahoma are living at or below poverty level. Because of this crisis, the food bank started the “Backpack Program” to help those most in need.

Other winners will be awarded in six categories including the Uninsured, iCare, Children’s Health, Dentist’s for the Disabled and Elderly, Corporate Health and Senior Health. To attend the Gala, you can purchase tickets for $100 from now until October 14th by contacting the Gala coordinators at 866-876-4376. The gala benefits the “Oklahoma Caring Foundation”. They also provide Tulsa children with free immunizations.

For more information about sponsorships or the gala itself, visit tulsaworld.com/championsofhealth.

Originally posted at: http://tomandbev.info/2011/09/21/tulsa%E2%80%99s-food-for-kids-program-receives-champions-of-health-award.

Fantastic Fixtures

Replacing door knobs, cabinet handles and faucets, is the quickest way to make-over your kitchen and bathrooms. For around $60 to $70 dollars you can buy the most popular faucets that get a lot of attention from prospective buyers. Fixtures are like the crown jewels of your home and this is a quick and easy way to grab your buyer.

Striking Baths

If you don’t have the luxury items such a whirlpool bath, steam shower or marble countertops, it may be more practical to fix the unattractive aspects of your existing bath. Remove the sheet mirror and globe lights and replace them with an elegant framed mirror and sconce lighting. This definitely will be an eye catcher.

Gorgeous Countertops

Buyers do like the granite counter tops; but it’s not really about the granite. It’s really about the slab and not having grout lines on the counters. Slab counter tops that are non porous like granite and that are easy to care for is the way to go. This look can be attainable with concrete, limestone, soapstone and marble, with a very good sealant.

Stunning Hardwood Floors

Most buyers are looking for hardwood floors and most Realtors® will agree. And, best of all, you can bet that they will have longevity and will never go out of style. Synthetic wood floors like Pergo are also a good option, but you should know that laminate will not fool anyone. They make a hollow sound when you walk on them.

Awesome Entryway

First impressions go a long way. If you have a nice entry way, it makes your place feel more like home right away. If you don’t have one you can make one by adding a table or chest to create a welcoming area.

Originally posted on Active Rain: http://activerain.com/blogsview/2507742/make-a-buyer-bite-with-these-home-features.

Other things to consider:

* What style of home do you want?

* Is the neighborhood in your price range?

* Are you planning to have children or do you have children?

* Consider the quality of the schools.

* Will there be a commute to work or is it close to public transportation?

* Do you want a community that has places you can walk to? Parks, schools, shopping, restaurants etc…

* Do you want to live in a Historic or New neighborhood?

* What does your current neighborhood have that you like or dislike?

* Consider future construction, traffic, and the crime rate in the area.

* Does the neighborhood have an association? Do you want to be part of it?

* What is it you dislike in a neighborhood?

If you’re relocating to a new city, you’ll have to research more. You can start by looking in the area of your new job. If it’s located on the north side of town, start your search there for neighborhoods that fit your list. And, compile information by using the internet and local real estate professionals.

Originally posted on Active Rain: http://activerain.com/blogsview/2495921/finding-a-place-where-you-belong-steps-to-choosing-a-neighborhood.

Here’s some other attractions you can find when you visit Tulsa’s Zoo:

In the south end of the zoo you will find African animals including Zebra, Ostrich, Meeerkats, Lions, Kudu, Giraffe, Cheetahs, Cape Buffalo, and Aldabra Tortoises.

In the tropical rainforest you will find the pre-Columbian ruins, which enhance the indoor/outdoor habitat for jaguars. The exhibit integrates huge see-through panels that illuminate the entire canopy of the rain forest, and the jungle floor path takes visitors through lush tropical vegetation. Throughout the exhibit you will see a variety of bird species that fly around freely. And, a nearly 50’ high building houses exotic species of animals including the black howler monkey, anaconda, piranha, dwarf caiman, and jaguar.

In Asia, watch the keepers walk the Asian Elephants through their enrichment exercises in the Elephant Encounter. In central Asia, see the Siamang Overlook, a viewing deck where you can see Spectacled Langur monkeys and Siamang.

The most popular spot is the Children’s Zoo that houses small farm animals where the children get to view and touch. Guests can watch the resident prairie dogs interact. This exhibit also houses turkeys, donkeys, emus, kangaroo’s, llamas, river otters and guinea hogs.

There is loads of fun and lots to see in Tulsa, OK at the Tulsa Zoo, so come early and enjoy the entire day.

According to the Oklahoma Tax Commission in 2010, the credit was suspended for two years. The credit reduced state revenue by $3.8 million last year. The good news is it will go back into effect July 1, 2012. The purpose of building energy-efficient homes is to lesson energy usage and avoid having to build new power plants to keep up with demand. The energy efficient homes will keep homeowners’ energy bills lower so less new power plants will be needed in the future. The website for Energy Star, an Environmental Protection Agency program that came out in 1992 to introduce energy conserving products, has shown that $18 billion was saved nationally on utility bills in 2010.

Since 2000, builders have had to change the way they build homes. Before that, they could build a house with no insulation. The International Energy Conservation Code was adopted and put into place to change the way we look at being energy efficient.

The energy-efficiency credit is unsettled because it is one of a small number of state tax credits that is transferable to other taxpayers that had nothing to do with what it was designed for. It was found that some builders received more energy efficiency credits than what they owed in state taxes. The way the tax credit works now allows builders to sell their surplus credits to other corporations or individuals to reduce their state tax bills. The task force will meet at 10 a.m. Wednesday at the Oklahoma House Chamber.