Saturday, February 28, 2009

Keller Williams Family Reunion 2009 Orlando

Just getting back from family reunion in Orlando. What a great and educational real estate experience. The Atchley Group were receipents of the Platinum Award with over 700kGCI. We closed over 115 transactions in 2008 making us the top Group in Keller Williams Edmond!! I was able to go see the Vision Speech with Gary Keller where "House on Fire" was our discussion and that people need knowledged and experienced Realtors in this economy. Great because we are one!! And, we will up our Game. Also attended seminars on social networking, blogging, listing, master of language, staging and the importance, and so many others. Im excited to share this information with people, so dont hesitate to call or email me with what is happening in our market and how you can take advantage of it!!! This is a great time to be a buyer or seller, you need to find out why!! I also saw a wonderful speaker Clint Swindal and his "Tell me something good" motto, that is mine baby!!! I love good news, so if you have good news tell me I want to hear something good. We were invited to a reception with Mo Anderson, Vice President of Keller Williams International and visit with her on the great Oklahoma region. Our office was tops, and we are so proud of our Tulsa market center and their committment to KW Cares. This is a great company Keller Williams, our motto is God, Family and then real estate. So if you value that you should be working or using Keller Williams, to find out more ask me!!! Find me on facebook and add me as a friend and see some great photos!!

Wednesday, February 18, 2009

Oklahoma Realtor report

2008 Home Prices Rise
From Oklahoma Association of REALTORS®
Yesterday at 10:33am
The Oklahoma Association of REALTORS® (OAR) released statewide figures for 2008 home sales and home values today. The OAR statistics show Oklahoma home prices in the state last year increased by .52% percent overall. And while home prices held their ground through the national mortgage crisis and slumping economy, the number of home sales declined 9.4 percent from the previous year near record high. Association officials say the decrease in the number of homes sold is likely attributable to the ‘one-two punch’ of last year’s press coverage of the national housing market followed by the weakening economy which resulted in job losses and reduced consumer spending in most parts of the country. “Oklahoma bucked the national trends on home sales and prices for much of 2008, and it’s no small thing that we saw an increase in home values in the face of a national credit crises and slumping economy,” said Mike Craddock, 2009 president of the Oklahoma Association of REALTORS®. “However, as the national economy continued to falter in the fourth quarter of last year, our markets statewide were impacted as Oklahomans took a ‘wait and see’ approach on home buying. In February of 2008, the OAR launched the ‘Good Thing You’re in Oklahoma’ initiative to educate home buyers and sellers about the affordability, stability and security of the Oklahoma housing market. Many local boards of REALTORS across the state adopted a similar campaign in their home towns. The average cost of a home in Oklahoma increased by a half percent compared to home prices in 2007. In 2008 the average cost of a home sold was $149,482 compared to $148,715 in the 2007. Statewide, 49,269 homes were sold last year. This is 9.5 percent less than the number of homes sold in 2007 in which showed 54,378 homes were sold in the state.“We are encouraged by the fact that Oklahoma’s home values increased despite the national economic downturn,” said Craddock. “It reinforces our belief that buying a home in Oklahoma is still an affordable, stable and secure investment.”

Thursday, February 12, 2009

Tornados in Edmond

Well, gosh, I am so thankful everyone is ok. This one was too close for comfort and hit my neighborhood and did significant damage to numerous homes. I am proud of Edmond Schools for taking the right steps in putting our children in lock down. No buses on the road. Everyone was safe. The Atchley Group was safe at the office as it went by. Homestead and Oak Tree were hit hard. The American Red Cross has set up a way to donate if you wish to. I dont know what people need, but it seems they will. Check me out on facebook to see the pictures posted of the damage. Make sure if you live locally you know what to do in a situation like this. Even me being a Yankee knew what to do, as did my children!

Sunday, February 1, 2009

Why Use a Buyers Specialist for Edmond, Deer Creek, Moore, OKC in Oklahoma

While many homeowners turn to a real estate agent when selling their property, not very many home buyers turn to a buyer’s agent when purchasing real estate. It’s very surprising that buyers try to “go it alone” when making a purchase that will affect their finances and their lifestyle for years to come. The average person spends around 1/3 of their income on their home, so any mistakes made when buying a home can add up to huge losses. A good buyer’s agent is a professional with the insight into the market that every buyer needs. A qualified agent offers:
1) Full Access to the MLS Only realtors can fully access a powerful tool known as The Multiple Listing Service (MLS), which lists approximately 99% of homes for sale within a given market. The MLS is a comprehensive list of all homes that have been listed by realtors, and a buyer’s agent has access to this resource. An experienced buyer’s agent can use the MLS to find homes that meet your specific parameters.
2) Big Savings of Time
It can take months or even longer to research neighborhoods, building plans, architectural details, and the real estate market. A good buyer’s agent can not only do all the research for you – he or she can also help you translate your lifestyle needs into a home purchase. Simply tell a buyer’s agent what you are looking for and he or she will do all the work in finding you a list of homes that match what you are looking for. A buyer’s agent has helped many buyers in your position and with his or her help, you can spend your time looking at homes that meet your wants and needs.
3) Representation Real estate agents hired by home sellers enter into legally binding agreements that require them to act in the best interest of the seller. A buyer’s agent, on the other hand, will use their expertise to act in your best interests. Your agent can coach you through every step of the buying process. If the seller has professional help, shouldn’t you?
4) Negotiating Power A Buyer’s Agent will run a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) to establish the Fair Market Value (FMV) on a property. This not only helps to ensure that you will not end paying more than a home is worth, but it also means that a buyer’s agent can professionally negotiate price on your behalf.
5) Experience The average homebuyer will purchase just 3-5 homes in their lifetime. A good buyer’s agent will help in buying that many homes per month. An agent simply has the experience most buyers do not.
6) Industry Contacts A good buyer’s agent has access to a quality closing team that may consist of an inspector, listing agent, loan officer, appraiser, insurance agent, general contractors, and others. By working with this team, your buyer’s agent can help ensure that your home purchase is as hassle-free and as positive as possible.
7) Peace of Mind A buyer’s agent acts as a second, professional opinion on one of the largest decisions of your life. By working with a professional, you can rest assured that you are making the right decisions for you. Working with an expert, you know that you can avoid some of the common pitfalls that can affect home buyers.
Buying a home can be exciting and fun. However, no matter what sort of real estate transaction you are interested in making, a buyer’s agent is a must. A real estate professional who specializes in working with buyers can help you avoid costly mistakes and can help you feel more comfortable as you make your decisions. (Source EzineArticles.com)