Broken Arrow

First Time Homebuyer Program thru Community Action Project

First Time Homebuyer Program thru Community Action Project

Community Action Program (CAP) has executed a contract with the City. This means that eligible buyers are able to utilize CAP funds for down payment assistance and closing cost up to 5% of the contract sales price not to exceed $5000.00.

To qualify for the down payment assistance/closing cost the homebuyer must complete the Homebuyer Education Class which covers budgeting and money management. This seminar is held on specifically schedule Saturdays.

For More information please contact me direct!

Heather Jobe 918-698-8938
hjobe@firstmortgageco.com
Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for down payment/closing cost assistance up to 5% of the contract sales price up to $5000.

• Complete CAP’s Homebuyer Education Program
• Purchase a home in Tulsa, Creek, Wagoner (Broken Arrow side) or Osage county as your primary residence
• Qualify for bank financing to purchase your new home
• Have a total annual household income that does not exceed the following guidelines:

Broken Arrow

Beautiful Listing on 1.6 Acres in Broken Arrow

This beautiful listing located in East Broken Arrow is perfect for a commuter who loves having land. Set on 1.6 acres this four bedroom house is located just 20 minutes from many popular Tulsa locations, such as downtown Tulsa and the Tulsa International Airport. With 2623 square feet and a three car garage this listing is perfect for a growing family. The upstairs is comprised solely of a spacious game room area, great for the kids to play in. One of the four bedrooms could easily be converted into an office space if needed.

Built in 2007 this house has the up to date features that you are looking for including zoned heat and air. The property itself is absolutely picturesque with mature trees lining the backend of the property, a large fenced in backyard, covered back patio and a separate dog run.

Broken Arrow

28603 E. 25th Place Broken Arrow, OK

This beautiful 2623 square foot house located on 1.6 acres in Broken Arrow is listed at $249,900. Built in 2007 it is up to date with beautiful granite counter tops in the kitchen. Complete with 4 bedrooms, 3 baths, an upstairs game room, formal dining room and hardwood floors this house is a perfect home for a family.

Broken Arrow

Tulsa Metro top 10 cities

Tulsa Metro top 10 cities

 

I just received the 2008 report for the North Eastern Oklahoma real estate by numbers of sales and Median price as compared to 2007.

The report does show that we sold 11.5% less home in 2008 as compared to 2007. I think the tightening of credit for some and the elimination of 100% plus financing explains this difference. It also show that Claremore,  Collinsville, Jenks,  Bartlesville home values increased by varying  amounts. Owasso remained unchanged,   While Broken Arrow, Sapulpa, Tulsa, Bixby, and Sand Springs home values decreased slightly.

Overall I think the report indicate our Real Estate market is fine, We are seeing some shifts in buyer preferences with respect for where they want to live – some of this may be due to City, County, and School district taxes.

In 2008

 21, 432 homes were listed for sale.

10,539 home sold and closed.

With an average sales price of $147,118

The total value sold in December 2008 was $94,017,378

The total value sold YTD 2008 was $1,568,958,171

 

For a copy of the complete report by city for North Eastern Oklahoma which covers Adair, Poteau, Locust Grove, Nowata,  Bartlesville, Dewey, Mannford, Cleveland, Oilton to Okmulgee and everything in between – Call me Jim Bigelow 918-640-4657, or email me:  Jim@jimbigelow.com and please visit my websitewww.jimbigelow.com – where we will have some new upgrades coming by March 1^st. and thank you for visiting Tulsasrealestateblog.com.

Broken Arrow

Ice storm 2009

Just wanted to write a quick note to everyone following my Blog to be careful. Even though the Cities, Counties, State and Turnpike Authority has done a good job clearing out major roads and Highways there is still a big problem us. Not necessarly the way we are driving either, It the maintainace of our vehicles.

I was on the Broken Arrow Expressway and a car past me and as it did I noticed the Snow and Ice that was on top of the roof. Just about that time it broke loose and slammed into my windshield. Just imagine, A sheet of ICE coming at you at 60 miles per hour. It shattered my windshield so bad I could not see to get off the highway and actually laid the top of the windshield into the my truck.

However, there is  good ending to the story, I took my truck to my friends at A1 Auto body in Broken arrow ( The only Body shop I will recommend) and they are taking care of everything right now and I will be back wirking soon. Thanks Matt you are the best. They even took me home so I could get going in another vehicle I had there.

So, BE CAREFUL and AWARE of those inconsiderate drives that only clean their windshields, Or maybe they just have never thought about it. Let’s help educate our fellow Tulsan’s.

Jim Bigelow    918-640-4657

www.jimbigelow.com                jim@jimbigelow.com

Coldwell Banker Select

Broken Arrow

8 Reasons Why You Should Work With a REALTOR®

8 Reasons Why You Should Work With a REALTOR®

 

Not all real estate practitioners are REALTORS®. The term REALTOR® is a registered trademark that identifies a real estate professional who is a member of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION of REALTORS® and subscribes to its strict Code of Ethics. Here are five reasons why it pays to work with a REALTOR®. 

 

1. Navigate a complicated process. Buying or selling a home usually requires disclosure forms, inspection reports, mortgage documents, insurance policies, deeds, and multipage settlement statements. A knowledgeable expert will help you prepare the best deal, and avoid delays or costly mistakes.

 

2. Information and opinions. REALTORS® can provide local community information on utilities, zoning, schools, and more. They’ll also be able to provide objective information about each property. A professional will be able to help you answer these two important questions: Will the property provide the environment I want for a home or investment? Second, will the property have resale value when I am ready to sell?

 

3. Help finding the best property out there. Sometimes the property you are seeking is available but not actively advertised in the market, and it will take some investigation by your REALTOR® to find all available properties.

 

4. Negotiating skills. There are many negotiating factors, including but not limited to price, financing, terms, date of possession, and inclusion or exclusion of repairs, furnishings, or equipment. In addition, the purchase agreement should provide a period of time for you to complete appropriate inspections and investigations of the property before you are bound to complete the purchase. Your agent can advise you as to which investigations and inspections are recommended or required.

 

5.  Property marketing power. Real estate doesn’t sell due to advertising alone. In fact, a large share of real estate sales comes as the result of a practitioner’s contacts through previous clients, referrals, friends, and family. When a property is marketed with the help of a REALTOR®, you do not have to allow strangers into your home. Your REALTOR® will generally prescreen and accompany qualified prospects through your property.

 

6. Someone who speaks the language. If you don’t know a CMA from a PUD, you can understand why it’s important to work with a professional who is immersed in the industry and knows the real estate language.

 

7. Experience. Most people buy and sell only a few homes in a lifetime, usually with quite a few years in between each purchase. Even if you have done it before, laws and regulations change. REALTORS®, on the other hand, handle hundreds of real estate transactions over the course of their career. Having an expert on your side is critical.

 

8. Objective voice. A home often symbolizes family, rest, and security — it’s not just four walls and a roof. Because of this, homebuying and selling can be an emotional undertaking. And for most people, a home is the biggest purchase they’ll every make. Having a concerned, but objective, third party helps you stay focused on both the emotional and financial issues most important to you.

Jim Bigelow

www.jimbigelow.com

jim@jimbigelow.com

 

 

Broken Arrow

Signs of Foundation Problems Continued Part 2 of 2

Signs of Foundation Problems Continued

6. Sloping or uneven floors – If a piece of furniture appears to be leaning, it is probably settlement of the foundation.

7. Squeaky floors – Floors that squeak or shake on pier & beam and frame structures often mean that you have foundation problem.

8. Soft spots in flooring – This may be an indication of rotted lumber under the structure caused by water or insect damage.

9. Wrinkles or tears in walls – Wrinkled wallpaper or tears on wall texture and ceilings are also signs of foundation settlement.

10. Cracks in floor tile – Ceramic floor tile, being a rigid material, will often crack if the foundation moves.

Jim Bigelow

www.jimbigelow.com

jim@jimbigelow.com

Broken Arrow

Signs of Foundation Problems Part 1 of 2

Signs of Foundation Problems

Foundation problems typically have very recognizable signs. These signs can range from typical cracks you see in walls, to doors that don’t open properly, to more obvious signs such as cracks in exterior walls and uneven floors. We have outlined the most common signs in this article.

How can you find out if you foundation problems for sure? Give us a call for a referral to foundation inspector, and one of our friendly inspectors will check your property and give you a recommendation for repair. Sometimes our inspectors find that there are no serious foundation issues that warrant immediate action. To help you determine if your home or business may need foundation repair, we have listed the top ten signs of foundation problems here:

1. Cracks in brick – Stair-step cracks in brick mortar are the most common sign in slab and pier and beam houses. The mortar is the weakest link in the chain and usually will break before brick, however, brick can also break due to the stress.

2. Separation of fascia boards – The wood trim around the top of the brick will pull apart since the brick often rotates out from the top. A sure sign of movement is if large gaps develop in these trim boards at the corners of a house.

3. Sticking doors – Both interior and exterior doors can stick if the foundation has settled. Since settlement causes the frames of doors to be out of square, the door itself will stick in the frame or swing open by itself.

4. Sheetrock cracks – Again, sheetrock is soft and will crack sooner that most other parts of your house. Diagonal cracks above doors and widow frames are one of the most common signs of settlement.

5. Sticking windows – Windows will often be hard to open and close due to distortion of the frame, again, caused by settlement.

                                               Continued Tomorrow

 

 

Jim Bigelow

www.jimbigelow.com

jim@jimbigelow.com

Broken Arrow

Oklahoma Trivia

Will Rogers was born on a large ranch in the Cherokee Nation that is today Oologah, Oklahoma. Rogers became a nationally known cowboy as the star of radio programs, Broadway plays, 71 movies in the 1920s and ‘30’s. He was also a featured columnist, writing more than 4,000 syndicated articles.  The world’s first parking meter was installed in Oklahoma City on July 16, 1935. In Bristow, Oklahoma it is against the law to serve water to a customer in a restaurant unless one peanut in a shell is also served. The consequences for this “serious” offence can result in a fine of up to five dollars. Vinita, Oklahoma was the first town in the state to have electricity. It is also the oldest incorporated town in the state.

The Oklahoma State Capitol is the only capitol in the world surrounded by working oil wells. Not too many years ago, giant oil rigs dotted the grounds of the Oklahoma capitol.     Sylvan N. Goldman of Humpty Dumpty Stores and Standard Food Markets invented the first shopping cart so that people could buy more in a single visit to the grocery store. He unveiled his creation in Oklahoma City on June 4, 1937. Boise City, Oklahoma was the only city in the United States to be bombed during World War II. On July 5, 1943, at approximately 12:30 a.m., a B-17 Bomber based at Dalhart Army Air Base (50 miles to the south of Boise City) dropped six practice bombs on the sleeping town.     In Ponca City a tornado once picked up a house with a man and his wife still in it. Though the walls and roof were blown away, the floor remained intact and eventually glided downward, setting the couple safely back on the ground. Okmulgee owns the world record for largest pecan pie, pecan cookie, pecan brownie, and biggest ice cream and cookie party. Each June, Okmulgee host the annual Pecan Festival.   Oklahoma was the setting for the movie “Twister”.   Jim Bigelow www.jimbigelow.com jim@jimbigelow.com