Don't Be Left Flat on the 4th!

Roadtrip this holiday weekend? 
Before you head out, be sure to take a moment to check the tread of your tires for nails! 

Recent storms in Oklahoma City have brought about a spike in the number of new roofs going up.  New roofs mean there are nails everywhere!  You won't want a nail in your tire to leave you flat on the 4th!

Have a great holiday!  When you get back, I'll be here ready to help you with all your real estate needs!  You can always reach me at the CENTURY 21 Goodyear Green office by calling 405-359-7400 and asking for Kristyn!

Monopoly Can Teach You About Real Estate Investing

Over the weekend my daughters and I had a bit of a Monopoly Marathon.  We had a great time!  I had not played Monopoly in years.  While we played I couldn't help but notice that there sure are alot similarities between the game and Edmond Real Estate investment strategies.

Everyone has their own strategy when playing Monopoly.  Some start buying every property they land on.  Others target certain areas on the board and wait until they have an opportunity to buy.  And then there are those that try to save money before they start to buy anything. 

Buying every property that you can, might leave you with a wide array ranging from St. Charles Place, to Baltic Avenue and even Park Place.  Using this game strategy when investing in Edmond Real Estate may mean you would have rental property in all price ranges all over town.  The benefit would be that you would be able to serve a variety of consumers.  A disadvantage might be commuting around town to maintain and manage your properties.

Targeting a certain area of the board, like going after a particular corner takes patience.  You may have to wait a few times around the board before you achieve your goal.  You may even have to haggle with another player to obtain the property you desire.  But once you corner the market, you can make improvements and the rental rate can go up!  Using this appraoch to investing in real estate takes patience.  But the patience pays off because you have specialized in a certain market.  With that knowledge, you will spot a bargain right away.  Edmond Realtors will know that you are interested in a certain area and contact you first when new properties become available.

Finally, for those that focus on collecting money before buying anything, they tend to miss a lot of opportunities.  A few rounds go by and they realize all the good properties have been purchased.  All that's left is Electric Company and Water Works.  But it's a good thing they have all that money, they will need it to pay rent on Park Place and Ventnor Avenue with a hotel!

Ready to play?  Give me a call at the CENTURY 21 Goodyear Green office 405-359-7400.  I enjoy working with investors in Edmond and NW OKC.  I work with real estate investors that purchase property to renovate and sell as well as investors that purchase to hold and lease.  Whichever your strategy, let's play!

A Taste of Edmond

4th of July is right around the corner.  That means Libertyfest in Edmond began today!  Libertyfest is an annual 4th of July Festival in Edmond, Oklahoma.  Festival events include; Car Show, Kitefest, Rodeo, Concerts, Parade, and of course Fireworks!  But our family favorite is A Taste of Edmond!

This year, A Taste of Edmond, is scheduled for tomorrow evening (Sunday, June 27) from 6:30 until 8:30 in downtown Edmond.  The annual event serves as a fundraiser for future festivals.  For just $15 per person, you have the chance to sample foods from over 25 are restaurants!  This year I bet you will find me in the line for Humble Pie or maybe Flat Tire Burgers!  Both are local favorites.  What would you try?  Maybe Ted's or POP's?

If this will be your first time to go, here are a few tips.  The event is on Broadway in downtown Edmond.  You may try parking over at the Festival Market Place or in the parking lot at the SE corner of 2nd and Broadway.  Next, no pets are allowed (I learned this the hard way a few years ago).  Be prepared for long lines.  This is a very popular event so, plan to wait.  If there is something you really want to try, get in that line first.  Unfortunately, sometimes the popular restaurants will run out of food.  Finally, come hungry! 

Zillow is for Entertainment

There is no shortage of real estate websites for consumers to use when gathering information about buying or selling. One popular site is zillow.com. As a professional, it is not one of my favorites. I have found that many of the homes listed on the site are no longer available and that their Zestimates can be way off the mark. I usually explain to folks I work with or talk to that it is an entertainment web site. I further encourage them to get their information from a real estate professional.


In a recent sales meeting in our office, Zillow was a discussion topic. Our broker was instructing those in attendance on how to claim and edit our listings on the site. As I said, very often the information displayed is inaccurate. During the discussion, an associate pointed out that Realtors are awarded points for contributing to Zillow. She further explained that the Realtors with the most contributions, or points, are displayed higher on the site.

So, later that day I logged on to zillow and started editing my profile and making contributions. After all, if I can't beat 'em, I may as well join 'em, right? I discovered that one way I could make a contribution was to start a discussion in Zillow Discussions. So I did.

I started a discussion. My topic was quite simple. I posed the question, "Do you plan a route when touring open houses or do you drive through neighborhoods of interest looking for signs?" I thought this would be a great way to gather information I could use. Based on the responses I would know where to concentrate efforts when advertising an open house; more ads or more signs.

Well guess what? My discussion got me in trouble. It seems that I violated their Good Neighbor Policy and my post was yanked. The good folks at Zillow felt that asking a question about open houses on a real estate website was inappropriate. They also felt I was advertising my services. I just don't get it. What do you think?


I know Zillow is here to stay for now. And for now, my listings will found there but I won't.


By the way, I still want to know how you decide which open houses to visit! So, take a quick survey here.

Do You Need Flood Insurance?

Flood insurance.  Do I need it?  This is a question on the mind's of many since the flash flooding in Edmond, Oklahoma last week.  Maybe it's a question on your mind too.  So I asked someone I trust, Natasha Baird of Farmers Insurance, to share her thoughts on the subject.  Here is what she had to say;

It only takes a few inches of water before your home could need major repairs, yet Homeowners policies don't cover flooding. After experiencing the historic rainfall and flooding earlier this week, here are some important issues regarding Flood insurance that you should be aware of.

• Many are at risk for floods.  You don't need to live near water to be flooded. Floods can be caused by storms, melting snow and water backup due to inadequate or overloaded drainage systems.

• Flood damage is not covered by Homeowner policies.  You can help protect your home, business and belongings with Flood insurance - up to $250,000 for the building and $100,000 for contents.


• Contents coverage is separate, so renters can get Flood insurance.  Up to $100,000 contents coverage is available for Homeowners and Renters. Contents are not automatically included with the building coverage.


• Up to a total of $1 million of Flood insurance coverage is available for non-residential buildings and contents.  Up to $500,000 of coverage is available for non-residential buildings and up to $500,000 of coverage for their contents.


• There is usually a 30-day waiting period before the coverage goes into effect.  Plan ahead so you're not caught without Flood insurance when a flood threatens your home or business.


• Federal disaster assistance may not be the answer.  Federal disaster assistance is only available if the President declares a disaster. Flood insurance pays even if a disaster is not declared.


Don’t wait until the next historic rainfall to learn that you weren’t properly covered. Contact us today to learn more about Flood insurance and determine if it is right for you.

For more information, e-mail Natasha at natasha.kbaird@farmersagency.com

Remember the House With the Yellow Potty?

Over the years, I have had home buyers looking for some pretty specific items in their next home.  It can be a welcome challenge for me.  But what about what buyers have never asked for?  I came up with a list! 

Home buyers have never asked me to find them a home with;

1. Pink kitchen countertops
2. Plush green carpet
3. Brown bathroom counters with sinks shaped like seashells
4. Circa 1974 built in microwave ovens
5. Popcorn ceilings
6. A wall of stained glass windows between the master bedroom and bathroom
7. Brasslike light fixtures
8. A phone in the bathroom
9. A drop ceiling with flourescent lighting behind cracked plastic panels in the kitchen
10. Any combination of wallpaper and wallpaper border
11. Plastic paneling with wood grain
12. Avacado green appliances
13. A yellow toilet
14. A hot pink bedroom

15. A cork and mirror checkered ceiling

Now I promise you, I have seen all of these things in homes around NW Oklahoma City and Edmond.  I have to confess, many of these items added to the entertainment of our home tour.  Some were chuckled about and others were conversation starters.  How do you want your house to be remembered? 

Cost of a pretty new white toilet?  Less than $200 at Home Depot.  Not being the house with a yellow potty, priceless!

Dad's Fix-it Shop

Stopping a leak, painting a room, or maybe even switching out a light fixture.  These are all DIY projects that many dads feel pretty confident taking on themselves.  And over the years dad will likely take care of quite a few common household repairs.  Sometimes the results are not quite perfect (right dad?), but they will do.

When it comes time for someone to buy the house, it will be inspected.  The inspector may even site a few of dad's DIY repairs as "not quite perfect." 

If this happens, dad might take it personally.  After all, the repair was good enough and it worked okay, most of the time.  Dad, please don't take it personally.  The inspector is looking out for the buyer.  And while the fix to the faucet may have been good enough, it's time to get it fixed properly by a plumber.

To all the dads that unclog a drain in the middle of the night or replace the hot water heater on Thanksgiving weekend, thank you.  You keep our houses a home.  But when the time comes for us to sell our house and move on to a new home, put you feelings aside and call a licensed contractor to complete the necessary repairs.  Even if you think that it's already good enough or it never bothered you.

Happy Father's Day!

Relocating to Edmond, You'll Need a Base Camp

Relocating to Edmond?  Let me be one of the first to say, "Welcome!  We're glad you're here!"  Before you can move, you have to spend some time navigating the area.  You will want to take some time to find the schools, the grocery stores, and of course your next home!

While you are visiting Edmond, you will need a base camp for you and the family.  A place to decompress and process all that you take in during the day.  You may be fortunate enough to have extended family or friends in the area that will give you a soft place to land after days filled with exploration!  If you don't, your base camp will likely be one of our local hotels.  But where to start?

I would recommend that you select one of several that are located on 2nd street near I-35.  This central location will give you relative easy access to most of Edmond.  There are also several places to grab a bite or do some quick shopping nearby.  You might want to consider;

• Best Western at 2700 E. 2nd Street.  They have complimentary breakfast, laundry, and an indoor pool.  Most rates there are under $90 per night*.
• Fairfield Inn at 301 Meline Drive.  They have complimentary breakfast, microwave and frig in room, indoor pool.  Most rates are under $110 per night*.
• Hampton Inn at 300 Meline Drive.  They offer a pool, fitness center and business center.  Most rates are under $100 per night*.
• Holiday Inn Express & Suites at 3840 E. 2nd Strret.  They have a pool, fitness center, business center.  They also offer suites for extended stays.  Most rates are under $120 per night*.

*Please note rates are examples only and may differ.  Please contact the hotel directly for a current quote.

Hey by the way, as an Edmond REALTOR, one of my favorite things to do is to provide a guided tour of Edmond.  I really enjoy pointing out the details you might like to know when moving to a new community.  Things like; where do the kids hang out on weekends, where is the best place for Mexican food, where do the high schools play football, and where will you shop for groceries.  If a tour like that would be a benefit to you?  Give me a call at the CENTURY 21 Goodyear Green office, 405-359-7400.  Ask for Kristyn and we can get a tour on the calendar!

Realtor vs. FSBO What Would Dave Ramsey Do?

I have plenty of friends that are huge Dave Ramsey followers.  They have attended the Financial Peace University and feel that his advice has been of benefit to them.  I have read (okay, scanned) one his books.  But, I really can't remember which one.  So, it is safe to say, I know a bit about Dave Ramsey but not everything he teaches.  What I do know is that he is very frugal and will try to save money wherever he can.

With that in mind, I found a recent article from the "Dave Says" column on his website very interesting.  A friend shared it with me but you can find it here.  To summarize; a reader asked Dave, "what advantages are there to using a realtor vs. selling For Sale by Owner?"  Now, some devoted followers may assume that Dave promoted selling a property on your own.  After all, there is a pre-conceived notion that a home owner could save money that way.  And isn't Dave's message about saving money wherever possible?

Well, you might be surprised to know that Dave advised the writer to use the services of a realtor.  He even went so far as to say that although he has had a real estate license for thirty years, he would use the services of a realtor himself.

Why?  Exposure!  Because using the services of a realtor will put your property in front of a far larger number of buyers than you ever could with a sign in your yard and an ad on craigslist.

Why?  Knowledge!  Because realtors have more experience selling houses than you do!  You may sell three homes in your lifetime.  I have three homes closing this month!

So, if Dave Ramsey would hire a real estate professional to sell his house, why won't you?  Let's talk.  Give me a call at the CENTURY 21 Goodyear Green office at 405-359-7400.  Just ask for Kristyn and we can get started.

Be Prepared for Disaster to Your Home

Today I was reading an article on realtor.com about being prepared when disaster strikes.  The article was intended to be timely as many in the south begin to prepare for hurricaine season.  But the truth is, there are important steps we can all take to be prepared for disaster, no matter where we live. 

The tip that struck me, was to have two sets of all important documents and vital records.  Here is what they said;

"Get important papers in order. If a disaster destroys your home, you could spend weeks or even months just trying to re-create the essential documents you’ll need to get back on track. That’s why it’s critical to have backups of important papers, including the deed to your house, proof of insurance, medical records, passports, social security cards, and a list of personal contacts. Keep one copy at home in a portable case and another offsite in a safe place. And while you’re at it, use the opportunity to check whether your insurance is up to date." ~NAR

After watching the reports of all the flood damage in Edmond and NW OKC today, I can appreciate this advice.  No one is immune, no matter where you live.

When it rained...it POURED!

Another day of crazy weather in Oklahoma today!  Like many, I woke up to the sounds of a thunderstorm.  I confess, I was actually enjoying listening to the rain and the distant thunder on an otherwise quiet Monday.  I had no idea how much rain had fallen.

Once I finally had the coffee brewing and the tv on, I was stunned to see the news coverage of damage the storm was causing.  It seems we were experiencing flooding in many parts of the metro!

I am blessed.  My family and home were all safe and sound.  We were not affected by the storms.  For many like us, the storms caused little more than an inconvenience.  But for others, the clean up is just beginning. 

Fortunately, Oklahoma is not only known for the ever-changing weather.  Oklahoma is also known for the open hearted, giving people that make our communities a great place to call home.  So, we will rally together and lend a hand to one another once again.

Stop By 901 Caines Hill for a Cold One!

What are you doing Sunday?  Reading the paper?  Brunch with the family?  Maybe you are even thinking about hitting an open house or two in Edmond.  If you are, I have one that you are going to want to add to your list for sure!  Especially if a 5 bedroom home in Edmond fits the bill!

901 Caines Hill in the Creek Bend addition will be open on Sunday from 2:00 until 4:00.  Creek Bend is located just north of 15th street on the west side of I35.

Be sure to stop by!  I'll save a cold one for you!  Root beer that is!

Foggy Windows

It is fairly common that one of the items listed as an item of concern on a home inspection report is that a double pane window has lost it's seal.  When the seal is broken, condensation and fogging can build up between the two panes of glass.  The typical repair required is simply to have the pane of glass replaced.  Depending on the size and location of the window, this can be an easy and relatively inexpensive repair.

However, since the recent hail storm that hit the Oklahoma City metro, it has become more difficult to have this repair completed.  Many glass companies in our area are about two months behind.  As a matter of fact, all of the homes I have scheduled to close later this month have windows with broken seals.  None have been able to find a glass company to make the repair.

If you have your house listed, or are considering placing it on the market, walk around your house.  Pull back the curtains and open the blinds.  Do you see any condensation or "fogged" windows?  If you do, be proactive.  Get the windows repaired now.  The inspector is going to call it out and the buyer will want it repaired.  So get it done.  You don't want the backlog at the glass company to delay your closing.

Looking for 5 Bedrooms?

A 5 bedroom home can be hard to find!  If you are searching for a five bedroom home, you already know what I mean!  And if you are looking in a specific school district, it can be even more difficult.

Today there are 1558 homes in all shapes and sizes listed under $400,000 in the Putnam City Schools and Edmond Public Schools combined.  Of those, just 47 are 5 bedroom homes!  That does not leave you many options.

Well, of the 47 available, I have 2 choices for you to consider!  One is in Edmond Public Schools and one is in Putnam City Schools.  Let me tell you a bit about each.

Let start in Oklahoma City.  7204 NW 110 in Warwick Estates has 5 bedrooms (the master suite is downstairs and the rest are up), 2 full and 1 half bathrooms, in 2625 square feet.  The home has a 3 car side load garage and oversized driveway.  It sits on a quiet culdesac lot.  And if by chance you really need a sixth bedroom, the finished attic space can be used to accomdate your needs!  You won't want to pass this one up!  You can check out the virtual tour here.  Want to check it out?  Give me a call or ask your REALTOR about MLS 425856.

Now lets head north on I-35 into Edmond.  901 Caines Hill Road in Creek Bend is conveniently located less than one mile from speedy access to I-35.  The home features 5 bedrooms (2 bedrooms, including the master suite, are downstairs.  All others are up.)  There are 3 full and 1 half bathrooms, an office, and 3 living areas.  The home also sits on a cozy culdesac lot with a low maintenance garden yard.  There is even a neighborhood pool.  Be sure to add this home to your list!  Want to see more?  You can see the virtual tour here, stop by the open house Sunday, June 13 between 2 and 4, or ask your REALTOR about MLS 422686.

For more information about either of these great 5 bedroom homes, give me a call at the CENTURY 21 Goodyear Green office.  Just ask for Kristyn!  I can't wait to hear from you!

What You Get for the Money, Edmond Edition

Who wants to play a game?
Back by popular demand is What You Get for the Money, Edmond Edition!

How much do you think this Edmond home is listed for? It's 7038 square feet with 5 bedrooms, 6 full and 3 half baths, 4 living areas on 10 acres in Edmond Schools. Visit me on Facebook and post your guess!  How simple is that? Closest without going over will win a prize! Deadline is Friday at 5:00.

Sorry guys, members of the Oklahoma City MLS are not eligible.

Please Don't Ask Me That

In an ongoing effort to let you, the consumer, know more about me as an industry professional; I wanted to share a bit more about myself and a few laws that govern the real estate business.

First a bit about me.  I have had the opportunity to live in several different parts of our country; Illinois, Indiana, Arizona, North Carolina and now Oklahoma.  Living in so many places, I have been fortunate to have met a wide variety of people from many different heritages and backgrounds.  I am a person who is more interested in a person's character than the color of their skin.  I cheer when women like Elena Kagan are nominated for the Supreme Court.

Now a bit about the law.  As a real estate professional, I am governed by the Fair Housing Act.  The Fair Housing Act prohibits discrimination to individuals seeking housing based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, familial status or disability.  Failure to abide by this could result in criminal proceedings against ME.

So, Mr. Buyer, when we are looking at houses and you ask me, "do blacks live in this neighborhood?" or "are the homeowners Jewish?" I cannot (and would not) answer those questions.  Mrs. Seller, when I present an offer on your four bedroom house and the buyer appears to be a single woman, do not ask me, "Do you think she is a single mom?"

You see, aside from the fact that personally, I find your comment or queery to be quite offensive.  For me professionally, it is illegal. 

Selling Your House? Then Adjust the Thermostat!

Boy was it a hot one in Oklahoma on Saturday!  I never did see how hot it got, but I know the forecast said it would get pretty darn close to triple digits!  Now in Oklahoma, most folks spend a day like that hopping in and out of the pool or lake.  Not me.  No, as an Edmond Realtor, I spent my day hopping in and out of my hot car as I showed homes all over town. 

Now everyone knows what it feels like to step into your car on a hot day.  It's hot and stuffy, right?  You can hardly breathe!  It can be miserable waiting for that AC to kick in!  Do you know what can be worse?  A hot house!

Saturday I showed about 15 homes to prospective buyers.  Of those 15 homes, several either did not have the air conditioning running or it was set at a fairly high temp.  Let me tell you, those houses were miserable to be inside.  They were hot and stuffy and the buyers could hardly breathe!  Do you think we spent much time in those homes?  Nope.  In every instance, the buyers buzzed through and on out the door.

Now, those may have been great homes with features that would have met their needs.  But the truth is, the buyers could not see the features.

When you have a home listed for sale, vacant or occupied, keep the thermostat set at a comfortable temperature.  If the buyers are cool and comfortable, they are more likely to linger and notice all your house has to offer.  If you don't, they may just use your property flyers to fan themselves before heading down the road to the next house!!