CENTURY 21 Goodyear Green Chili Cook Off October 17

Our company is hosting a Chili Cook Off Tailgate Party for Easter Seals on Sunday, October 17 from 4-6pm at our corporate office, 1220 S. Santa Fe Avenue in Edmond.  Easter Seals benefits children and adults with disabilities.  All proceeds will go directly to Easter Seals Oklahoma.

Fun activities will include a Silent Auction, Cake Walk, Pumpkin Decorating Contest, Moon bounce, Clowns and of course CHILI!  There will even be live performance by the McTeggart Irish Dancers at 5:00.

Plan to help us judge the Best Chili.  Think you have the best chili recipe?  It's not too late to enter!  Just call our office at 405-359-7400 and ask for Amanda.  By the way, we are also actively seeking donations for the silent auction.  Promote your business and support a great cause!

A Perfect Storm in Edmond's Ripple Creek

Have you heard the expression A Perfect Storm?  It describes an event where a rare combination of circumstances effect a situation drastically.  Well, the perfect storm is brewing on Tanglewood Drive in Edmond's Ripple Creek addition!  That's right, a huge price reduction and an open house are on the way this week!

Today, the list price on 2105 Tanglewood Drive was reduced to just $124,900!  That makes this home the lowest priced home in Ripple Creek at just $68.66 per square foot.  What an incredible value!

2105 Tanglewood Drive was built in 1984.  It is a three bedroom, two bathroom home with 1819 square feet of living space.  You can preview the virtual tour here.



Not only has the price been reduced, but if an offer is not accepted in the coming days, an Open House has been scheduled for this Sunday, October 3 from 2-4.  If you don't want to risk missing out on this great property, call CENTURY 21 Goodyear Green today 405-359-7400 to schedule a tour.  Just ask for Kristyn Grewell.  Or tell your Edmond REALTOR that you need to see MLS 433254 today!

Boots on the Ground Tour, Rustling Hills Edmond

What a treat I had today.  I toured three homes in the Rustling Hills addition in Edmond.  As soon as we entered the neighborhood I was taken with the mature trees.  I can only imagine how beautiful it will be a few weeks when the leaves begin to turn.  I also liked that the homes set back quite a bit on the lots.  This gave a very open feel to the area as we drove through.

First the basic information.  Priced in the popular $200-300K price range, Rustling Hills is located in Edmond off North Bryant between Coffee Creek and Sorghum Mill Roads.  Most of the homes were built in the late 1970's and early 1980's.  They average around 3000 square feet and sit on between 1 and 2 acre lots.  Kiddos in the neighborhood attend school at Edmond's newest elementary school, Centennial, Sequoya Middle School, and Edmond North High School which is a blue ribbon school.

As I toured the three homes I was drawn to the back yards in all of them.  It may have been the pretty weather we had today, but I really liked the park like setting the trees provided.  It was so peaceful.  The neighborhood's location is great.  It's far enough out for the serene setting. Yet it's still close enough that shopping and other amenities are still fairly convenient.

Because the homes were built about 30 years ago, some of the homes I toured could stand a few updates like paint and flooring.  But the "bones" of the homes were great!  I really liked the floor plans.  They were all pretty open with sky high ceilings.  The one feature that I think is better in the older homes I toured today compared to new construction is the bedroom size.  All the secondary bedrooms were very spacious.

For more information about Rustling Hills or any other development in Edmond or NW OKC, give me a call at the CENTURY 21 Goodyear Green office 405-359-7400.  Be sure to ask for Kristyn Grewell. 

Did you find this article to be useful? Click on on of the sharing icons below.

Can You Help Me?

Saturday was my anniversary.  I have now been with CENTURY 21 Goodyear Green for 4 years!  During that time, my business has been very blessed as I focused primarily on first time buyers.  But times are a changin'.

With recent changes in lending it has become increasingly difficult for that segment (first time buyers) to obtain mortgages and my business has suffered. In order to remain successful in real estate, I have to focus on a new segment of the real estate market.

We are seeing that most of the current activity is with people taking advantage of the historic low interest rates, low prices, and high inventory by moving up to the $200-300K price range.  If you hear of anyone considering a move, will you please think of me?  I love what I do, and hope to continue in the real estate business for many years to come.  But in order to do that, I need clients to work with.


I can always be reached at the CENTURY 21 Goodyear Green office, 405-359-7400.  Just have them ask for Kristyn Grewell.  Thanks again!!

Window Coverings—The Finishing Design Element!

One of the first things many new homeowners change when moving into a home are the window coverings.  Sometimes it is a necessity, like with new construction.  And other times the previous homeowners tastes just are not a match to yours.  Ginny Hawkins of LifeSpaces Interiors, offers a few suggestions;

Designers and savvy consumers are turning to window fashions as the #1 home improvement and interior design product that can make the biggest difference in their home. Not only can window fashions transform a room from a design standpoint, they can create atmosphere by controlling light and privacy as well as noise.

Today, the products and design styles available to enhance your windows are endless. From simple and contemporary to dramatic and elegant, custom window coverings are the single most important element to make your house a home. They “finish” the room by highlighting the all-important window and they provide a variety of functions that no other home furnishings product can. What other interior design element can affect light control, privacy and energy conservation beautifully and efficiently?

Providing the right solutions for your windows can save you hundreds of dollars in energy costs—both in the cold of winter and in the heat of summer—stopping that unwelcome heat transfer. Also, UV protection from custom window treatments protects your valuable dining table, fabrics or your new wood floors from sun damage.

Custom window coverings are the final touch to transform the rooms of your home. They are that dramatic accessory that finishes an outfit: the right earrings and shoes with the black dress; the perfect bag and scarf for your appointment. Each custom window fashion is specific to you, allowing you to express yourself and create a look all your own.

Leaving your windows “naked” is a design no-no in most cases; the result is a room that feels cold and unfinished, while a “dressed ” window gives a room a warm and finished feeling. Beautiful one-of-a-kind custom draperies and window coverings will add the finishing look to your home.


As a member of the Window Fashions Certified Professional (WFCP) program, LifeSpaces Interiors can help you determine the appropriate window fashions for your style and function needs.   For more information, contact: Ginny Hawkins, LifeSpaces Interiors  405-513-4960  lifespacesinteriors@yahoo.com or check out lifespacesinteriors.com

Text-a-Tip to Edmond PD

The Edmond Police Department has created an easy way for you to report something of concern while remaining anonymous.  It's called text-a-tip.  If you witness a crime or just think somethings not quite right, you can let the proper authorities know.

Consider adding 625-TEXT to your list of contacts.  What a great tool for all of us to help the community of Edmond.

Fall Maintenance & Organization

Fall has officially arrived!  This is my very favorite time of the year.  Especially for decorating!  It's time to get the pumpkins, hay bales and scarecrows for the yard.  Time to hang the autumn wreath on the door.  While it's not nearly as fun as decorating, fall is also time to take care of some maintenance and organization around the house.  Here are a few suggestions;

• Sort through the family’s warm weather clothing. Throw out worn or torn items. Donate any outgrown clothing. Didn’t wear it at all this season? Pass it on. Move the keepers to out-of-season storage or to the back of the closet. Beat the end-of-the-year rush and donate now to the charity of your choice; don’t forget to tuck the receipt in your tax file.

• Retire the summer recreation gear: pool floats, beach towels and sand toys, outdoor dinnerware and sports equipment. Clean it up, pack it away and make a list of what you need to pick up of clearance now or replace next season.


• Clean and check the indoor elements of the heating system. For forced air heating systems, vacuum the registers and air intake grill; for electric heating systems, vacuum down the baseboard units, change filters.


• Pull out the refrigerator. Vacuum the condenser coils, wipe down the top sides and back of the unit and clean the floor and wall behind it.


• Change the batteries in the smoke detector. Test to insure they are operating properly.


• Clean out the garage. Get the whole family to help give the garage a good scrub down. Wash the floor, wipe down the walls and clear out the cobwebs.


• Clean out the pantry. Throw out any old or unused food items. Wipe off shelves and make room for those items we like to stock for holiday baking and drop-in guests.


• Ready the windows. Wash the windows inside and out and get ready to enjoy the fall breezes. Send the drapes to the dry cleaner. Consider adding a heavier or more colorful window treatment to cozy your home for the fall and winter seasons.


• Shine the chandeliers. Clean all the ceiling mounted light fixtures throughout your home and get your home ready for guests.


• Call the carpet cleaner. Schedule to have your carpets and any upholstered furniture dry cleaned. Beat the last minute rush to get ready for the holidays.


• Prepare your holiday table settings. Get ready now for those holiday dinners and parties. Pull out the good china and hand wash all your dishes. Polish the silverware, serving utensils, trays and candlesticks. When you’re busy making last-minute preparations, you’ll be glad to have this task already out of the way.

Spring is the Best Time to Sell, Fact or Fiction?

Spring is the best time to sell your Edmond house, fact or fiction? 

For a long time consumers have been conditioned to believe that spring is the best time of year to list your house for a successful sale.  The theory is that most people want to move during the summer when kids are out of school.  But I wanted to know how true that is for the real estate market in Edmond, Oklahoma. 

I studied the *Edmond real estate market in the spring of 2009 (April, May and June) versus the market in the fall of 2009 (September, October and November).  I found that in the spring of 2009, 1339 homes were listed for sale.  Of those, 785 or 59% sold.  In the fall of 2009, 1031 homes were listed for sale and 574 or 56% ultimately sold.

When I review those numbers I see a very slight difference in the percentage of homes sold, just a small advantage in spring over fall.  But I also see that there were about 23% fewer homes listed in the fall.  That means 23% less competition!  That is the figure to focus on when deciding which season is best.

Spring is the best time to sell your house.  I say fiction.

If you prefer to wait until spring because kids are in school, I get that.  But if that is not an issue for you, now may be the best time to sell a home.  As you begin to think about making a change, you will want to know what your house will likely sell for.  Give me a call at the CENTURY 21 Goodyear Green office, 405-359-7400.  Just ask for Kristyn Grewell.  I would be happy to prepare a complimentary market analysis on your property.

*Data compiled using the Oklahoma City Metropolitan Association of REALTORS MLS system.  Homes selected were all within Edmond Public Schools.

The Villages at Stonebridge Boots on the Ground Tour

Occasionally a group of Realtors with listings in one subdivision or development will join forces to host a Broker's Open.  It's usually on a Tuesday or Thursday, during the lunch hour.  Food is served and area Realtors are invited to stop by and tour the available listings.  For me, it's a great way to keep informed on our real estate market in Edmond and to give you a Boots on the Ground Tour! 

Today I had the opportunity to tour The Villages at Stonebridge in southeast Edmond.

First let me tell you the logistics.  This development is in southeast Edmond off of South Boulevard just south of West 33rd Street.  It's a great location.  From Stonebridge, the commute to downtown OKC would be about 15 minutes.  Access to the turnpike is about a mile and a half away.  I-35 is only about three miles to the east.  Students in the neighborhood attend Orvis Risner Elementary, Cimarron Middle School, and Edmond Memorial High School.

When you arrive at the development off of Boulevard, you will wind past Stonebridge Apartments, and a few businesses like a dentist and a bank.  You'll then cross over the stone bridge.  You will immediately notice that to the north is a beautiful lake with a walking trail around it.  This is easily accessible from the homes in the neighborhood.

The Landings at Stonebridge are the most moderately priced homes in the development with most homes listed under $200,000.  The majority are less than 2000 square feet, however there are a few larger homes. Builders in this section include; Dodson, Freeman Homes, Jim Case and Red Rock.  Homeowners in this area have access to the pool and clubhouse.  The homeowners dues are $425 per year.

I had the opportunity to preview two homes in the Landings this afternoon.  There was a big difference in how the homes are finished depending on the builder but both homes seem to be a value.

The Cottages at Stonebridge are the patio homes.  The area is gated with zero lot lines.  Homeowners dues in this section are $500 per year.  The homeowners association maintains the lawns for an additional fee.  Most homes in this section are priced under $300,000.  Two and three bedroom homes are available.

I toured two homes in the Cottages also.  I really liked the layout and kitchens of both homes I previewed.  I especially liked the patios.  If you are interested in patio home living, this is worth a look.

Give me a call at the CENTURY 21 Goodyear Green office, 405-359-7400.  Just ask for Kristyn Grewell.  I would be happy to give you a personal tour, or send you additional photos of the Villages at Stonebridge via email.

3 Great Edmond Homes You May Have Missed

Hey there!  There are so many fun things to do around town this time of year.  We can sample blue ribbon pie recipes or a wide array of fried delicacies at the Oklahoma State Fair.  There is tailgating at the OU or OSU home football games.  And then of course youth soccer and football are both in high gear.

If I'm right, you have been out and about having fun.  So, you may not have heard about a few great listings I have available in Edmond.  Here's what you need to know;

901 Caines Hill is a tremendous value in Creek Bend.  5 bedrooms plus a study, 3772 square feet on a quiet cul de sac for just $370,000!  I just love the floor plan.  The master suite is downstairs and so is a complete mother in law suite.  Upstairs you will find three more bedrooms and a third living area.  The neighborhood is really close to 15th and I-35.  So, if you know someone looking for a short commute downtown, be sure to share this one!

1508 Apollo in Kelly Park is just perfect.  4 bedrooms plus a sun room, 1621 square feet for $127,000.  The home is charming and welcoming on a quiet street in the northern section of Kelly Park.  Students in the area attend Sunset Elementary, Central Middle School and Santa Fe High School.  The roof was replaced last year.

2105 Tanglewood in Ripple Creek features 3 bedrooms in 1819 square feet of living space.  This home has a great outdoor living space with a covered patio, perfect for upcoming fall evenings.  Value added features include new heat and air, new hot water tank, and a new roof!

Who do you know that needs to take a look at any of these three homes?  Do me a favor, share this post with them or feel free to pass on my contact information, Kristyn Grewell CENTURY 21 Goodyear Green 405-359-7400.  You know I'll treat your friends like family!  Now, go ahead and get back to the fair and football!  I'll talk to you soon! 

Birthday Party Ideas

As I write, my daughter's birthday party is underway in the next room.  She will be turning 14 in a matter of days.  This year my function is that of hostess and chaperone.  You know, make sure there is plenty of food.  Keep the soda flowing.  And no matter what, stay out of the way without making a sound.  My presence is really only required because boys are present.  Ah, the joy of teenage girls.

I can't help but think about the countless birthday parties in and around Edmond we have hosted.  I must confess that I was always the mom that left the planning to the last minute!

If you are like me and maybe need a last minute plan, here's a list of places where we have hosted parties or one of the girls have gone to a party as a guest in Edmond and NW OKC.

• McDonald's Playplace
• Build a Bear Workshop
• Edmond Community Center
• Laser Quest
• Sweet and Sassy
• Hafer Park pavilion and pond
• Dodge City Paintball
• Arctic Edge
• Oklahoma Gold Gymnastics
• Inspirations Tea Room
• Putt-A-Round
• Science Museum Oklahoma
• Oklahoma City Zoo

Well, it looks like the party might be winding down.  The best part of having a 14 year old birthday party?  She's old enough to clean up afterwards!  My work is done.

Edlam Tonight!

High school rivalries, every town in the US has them.  Well Edmond, Oklahoma is no different!  Tonight two rival Edmond high schools will be facing off on the gridiron; Edmond Memorial Bulldogs vs. Edmond North Huskies!  AKA Edlam! 

Excitement will be in the air as the teams take the field at 7:00 tonight at UCO's Wantland Stadium.  The stands will fill early with fans of all ages including students, parents, and alumni.  If you plan to go, you will want to get there early and be prepared for a good time!

Before the game I recommend starting the evening at Flatire Burger at 318 Ayers Street.  It's a short walk away from the stadium.  Be sure to try the fried pickles!  Hey, if you're feeling like a kid again after the game, head over to IHOP.  That's where many of the students go to celebrate!  Have a great time!  Go Huskies!

Are you new to Edmond or maybe considering making Edmond your home?  Here is a bit of information about the two rival schools;

• Edmond North High School is home of the Huskies!  Their colors are navy, silver and white.  Quarterback is senior, Travis Townsend. Feeder schools are;  Centennial, Cross Timbers, Northern Hills, John Ross, and Ida Freeman elementary schools. Central, Sequoya, and Cheyenne Middle Schools
• Edmond Memorial High School is home of the Bulldogs!  Their colors are maroon and grey.  Quarterback is senior, Kameron Doolittle.  Feeder schools are;  Orvis Risner, Chisholm, and Will Rogers elementary schools and Cimarron and Central Middle Schools.



Time is Valuable, Even to Folks Selling Their House

Most homes that are listed for sale in our market (Edmond, Oklahoma) are occupied.  For example in the Edmond Public School district there are currently 1386 homes available for sale.  Of those, 800 are occupied.  That means someone lives there folks!

When you are touring homes, it is likely that the majority of the homes are lived in.  The sellers will have made some preparation prior to your visit.  I don't know about you, but it can be pretty crazy at my house when company is coming!  The house has to be cleaned, pets need to be relocated, and kiddos need to be redirected.  It can be quite a frenzy; and I'm not even trying to sell, it's just a visit from my mother in law!

Keep in mind, the seller probably has a busy schedule (just like you and me) filled with work, soccer practice, parent meetings, and a laundry list of responsibilities.  Oh yea, laundry too!  You know, they may have snuck out of work early to make sure everything was perfect for your visit.  They may have left just moments before you were scheduled to arrive, going for a quick walk with the dogs and stroller around the block.  They may even have a yummy lasagna baking in the oven for a family dinner later in the evening.

Don't get me wrong, the seller wants to sell the house.  Yes, they knew what they were getting into when the sign went in the ground.  They accepted that during the listing period schedules might be tight and housekeeping would be a top priority.  But that does not give a buyer or their Realtor permission to be disrespectful of their time.

• Don't ask your Realtor call to schedule a showing while you are all standing in front of the house.
• Don't arrive late to tour a home
• Do tour every home that has been scheduled. 
• Do not request to tour homes that you do not qualify to buy
• If you determine a house does not meet your needs, don't linger and chat
• Don't peek in windows without an appointment to tour the home.

Time is valuable to all of us. Even folks just trying to sell their house.

Othello's Block Party

I just got a message about an event in Downtown Edmond Saturday that sounds like it will be fun!  As a matter of fact, it sounds so fun I promised the organizer I would share it with all of you!  Here's what you need to know;

Othello's of Edmond wants to invite everyone to join them for their First Ever Othello's Block Party, this Saturday following the OU/FSU football game!


Main street will be shut down for the evening and JustDigget will be performing LIVE on at the Block Party! Festivities begin at 7:00PM, music begins at 8:00. Beer and wine will be served outside as well as a limited menu. (Full menu will be available inside).

There is no RSVP needed for this event and no cover... So just stop by, grab a seat and enjoy the party!  If you have any quesitons please call Othello's of Edmond at 330-9045.

I bet I see you there!!  Be sure to share this with fellow Edmondites out there!  You can find the event on Facebook too!

Bulk Bin Basics in Edmond

You know how it is, you go to the same grocery stores all the time.  The stores that are convenient in your daily routine.  I typically hit either Crest or Walmart in Edmond since they are close to home and the office.  I could shop either of those stores with my eyes closed.

But yesterday, my path took me in a different direction.  I went to the Homeland Store at Danforth and Bryant.  I had not been to that store in quite awhile.  I sure was surprised by the improvements they have made since the last time I was there.

As I buzzed through the produce department, a display caught my attention.  We have all seen the bulk dispensers filled with coffee and candy that most stores have.  But at this Homeland Store they have a bank of dispensers they call "Bulk Bin Basics."  Sure, there was some candy and nuts.  But they are also dispensing organic grains like barley, flour and cornmeal.  I saw a variety of granola, steel cut oats and even California sushi rice.  It's alot like they have at stores like Whole Foods.

Yesterday my list did not include flour, barley, or cornmeal since I don't cook with those ingredients all the time.  But the next time it does, this is where I will go.  I love the concept of buying only what I need and with less packaging.

Whenever I give tours of Edmond to people relocating to the area, I always include the Kickingbird area.  The next tour will definitely include a mention of the bulk bin basics at Homeland.

Child Proof for Stress Free Buyer Tours

While it may have been a while since a two year old was padding around your house, it is possible that prospective buyers may have one (or two) in tow while touring your home.  So, it's a good idea to do a bit of "child proofing" as you get your house ready to list.

Now, I don't mean baby gates and toilet locks.  I mean take a look at your house from a toddler's perspective.

I know what you're thinking.  Yes, children will be supervised while in your home.  But, if the kiddos are focused on something and the parents are trying to keep tiny fingers from touching it, they just are not looking at your house.  Honestly, because they are worried about their child breaking something, they just want to leave and move on to the next house.

Here's an example.  I was showing homes to a buyer and her daughter over the weekend.  We saw several homes.  Some were vacant and some were occupied.  One of the homes we toured had an extensive collection of ceramic figurines displayed on bookcases throughout the home.  There were animals, houses, and to the delight of my two year old friend FAIRIES!  She was such a good girl.  She did not touch a thing.  But, she did admire each one and asked me about all the fairies while her mom quickly buzzed through the house.

Clear the tempting items.  It will allow buyer-parents a stress free tour of your house.  Without the distractions, they can focus on the objective, finding a home.  They can really examine your house and begin to see it as their next home.