Sunday, December 16, 2007

Home Sellers Tip

Put higher wattage bulbs in light sockets to make rooms appear brighter and larger.

For more information contact me at slaunchbaugh@cbtulsa.com

Sunday, December 9, 2007

It's Back!!

About a year ago, Coldwell Banker RaderGroup Realtors discontinued publication of The Real Estate Buyer’s Guide, our exclusive magazine which advertised all of our homes for sale in every issue. Since that time, we’ve had many sellers, buyers and Realtors tell us they missed seeing the Buyer’s Guide. In addition, as the year went along, customer response from newspaper and other mediums seemed to diminish to levels well below what we had enjoyed with our Buyer’s Guide.
So, beginning this month our exclusive Real Estate Buyer’s Guide magazine will be published every 4-5 weeks and be distributed to hundreds of locations throughout the Tulsa metropolitan area. Just as before, it will contain an ad on every one of our active listings, most with a color picture and written description of the home. New features will include Previews, Residential, New Construction, Rural and Ranch, and Land/Investor/Starter Homes sections. Furthermore, our publishing turnaround times have been reduced from weeks to days.
If you are thinking of selling your home, put this powerful advertising tool to work for you. Contact me at slaunchbaugh@cbtulsa.com to get your home featured in our next issue – and every issue until it sells!

Sunday, December 2, 2007

Good Thing You’re in Tulsa!

“Home sales may be down in other markets. Good thing you’re in Tulsa” (Broken Arrow, etc.). The Greater Tulsa Association of Realtors, in conjunction with Oklahoma Association of Realtors and other sectors of the housing industry, is sponsoring the “Good Thing You’re in Tulsa” Campaign. It is designed to remind consumers that the housing market in Tulsa and Oklahoma is much better than the doom and gloom we are hearing from the national media on a daily basis.
For example, As of September 30, 2007, the number of homes SOLD in the greater Tulsa metropolitan area was only 3.3% below the record pace of 2006. Furthermore, both the year to date average price ($155,498) and median price ($127,000) were up 6.7% and 5.6% respectively. Note: This would be a good place to insert some home sales and price comparisons for your farm area or community.

For more information contact me at slaunchbaugh@cbtulsa.com

Sunday, November 25, 2007

Home Sellers Tip

Make sure basic appliances and fixtures work, get rid of leaky faucets and frayed cords.

For more information contact me at slaunchbaugh@cbtulsa.com

Sunday, November 11, 2007

REAL ESTATE SERVICES ANYWHERE

As part of the Coldwell Banker family, we are members of one of the largest real estate referral networks in the world. This means we can provide high quality, professional real estate services anywhere in the country. If you know someone who wants to buy or sell a home in another city in the U.S. or Canada and would like to work with a trained, professional Realtor they can depend on, contact me at slaunchbaugh@cbtulsa.com, I will put them in touch with a qualified member of our network in their location. There is no charge to you or the customer for this service.

Sunday, November 4, 2007

MORE THAN A SIGN

One of the most important factors in getting a home SOLD for the maximum value is its condition and appeal. In fact, in today’s market, how a home shows may be the difference between a SALE and NO SALE.

At Coldwell Banker RaderGroup Realtors, we recognize the importance of the “showing appeal” of the home, and we actually do something to help our sellers with this important aspect of their home sale. We have an agreement with Buyer’s Eye Design, a professional home staging company, to provide a free consultation to each seller listed with Coldwell Banker RaderGroup. The consultation is optional for the seller, but we have been hearing rave reviews from associates and sellers who take advantage of this service.

If you are planning to sell your home and want to get top dollar, contact Sarah at slaunchbaugh@cbtulsa.com to learn more about this unique service and the many other powerful marketing tools we can put to work for you.

Sunday, October 28, 2007

MOST AFFORDABLE!

Coldwell Banker Real Estate Corporation recently released its 2007 Home Price Comparison Index (HPCI). Published annually for many years, the HPCI compares the sales prices of a typical 2200 square foot, 4 bedroom, 2 ½ bath home in 394 markets in the U.S., Puerto Rico, Canada and selected international cities.
This year’s study found Tulsa to be the eighth most affordable housing market in the country with an average sales price for the subject home of $153,750. The most expensive market in the U.S. is Beverly Hills, CA with a price of $2.21 million dollars, more than $2 million higher than the most affordable market price of $136,750 for the subject home in Killeen, TX. The cumulative average price for the 317 U.S. markets including Puerto Rico for the 4 bedroom, 2 ½ bath, 2200 square foot subject home is $422,343. Cities which had a sales price similar to Tulsa include Topeka, KS ($150,075), Fort Worth, TX ($151,250) and Wichita, KS ($156,500). Notably, Oklahoma City now has an average price for the subject home of $193,750.

If you would like to see the complete Coldwell Banker Home Price Comparison Index for 2007, you can go to http://www.coldwellbanker.com/ or contact me, and I will get you a copy. It is interesting to compare housing costs across the country. I think you will find the information useful and enjoyable!

For more information contact me at slaunchbaugh@cbtulsa.com

Sunday, October 14, 2007

As Usual, The Leader

As has been the case for the past ten years, Coldwell Banker RaderGroup Realtors is the #1 seller of homes in the greater Tulsa area for the first three quarters of 2007. According to statistics compiled from NORES, INC (MLS) data for the Tulsa, five-county (Tulsa, Creek, Rogers, Osage and Wagoner) area, Coldwell Banker RaderGroup associates have helped more sellers and buyers close home sales during 2007 than any other real estate company.

On the listing side, Coldwell Banker RaderGroup has successfully marketed nearly one out of every five homes sold in the Tulsa metropolitan area. That is nearly 200 homes more than our nearest competitor. In addition, Coldwell Banker sales executives have assisted more buyers with their home purchases than any other brokerage during 2007.

Of course, we realize such sales accomplishments would not be possible without the continued loyalty and trust of our many customers. We thank you! In addition, we recognize the importance of not resting on our laurels. We are committed to providing the best service and marketing programs in the industry! We know we must earn your business!

If you have plans to move now or in the near future, contact Sarah at slaunchbaugh@cbtulsa. I’ll give you the details of our marketing programs and service commitments. It seems to make sense to talk to an associate with the company that sells the most homes in the Tulsa Metro area.

Sunday, October 7, 2007

Buyer's Tip

Talk to your Realtor about getting prequalified for a home. I can assist you in finding a mortgage and plan that works for you.

For more information contact me at slaunchbaugh@cbtulsa.com

Sunday, September 30, 2007

Practice Your Plan

This year National Fire Prevention Week is October 7th through the 13th. The theme of this year’s campaign is “Practice Your Escape Plan” Fire safety advocates across the county will be spreading the word that when it comes to escape plans, practice is the key.
So far in 2007, 4 people have lost their lives as a result of fires. Certainly, the majority of home fires occur during the colder months of the year. That is why Coldwell Banker RaderGroup supports National Fire Prevention Week and reminds residents to implement fire safety tips, including installing and/or checking smoke alarms and canvassing your home for fire hazards.
In addition, every family should have a home fire escape plan. When you create your plan, here’s what to remember:
· Have two exits from every room
· Pick a partner and exit together
· Choose a safe place to meet outside
· Get out first and then call for help
· Practice you plan twice a year

Monday, September 24, 2007

Not Here in Tulsa

Judging from most of the news stories related to home sales, one would assume the real market is “horrible” everywhere, including the Tulsa metropolitan area. Yet, while the residential market is suffering in many parts of the country, this simply is not the case here in our local market.
For example on September 7, 2007 the Tulsa World ran a report on Tulsa area sales with the headline “Home sales down 9 percent from June level”. While the headline was technically true, it totally misrepresented the story. First of all, a drop in home sales from June to July is a common seasonal adjustment. In fact, home sales have fallen from June to July during four of the past five years, including 2007 which was the all time best home sales year in Tulsa area history.
What the article said - but the headline did not represent - was home sales for July 2007 were higher than July 2006 and both the average price (up 12.6%) and the median price (up 8.6%) were up significantly from a year ago. While total home sales for the year are down slightly (-2.2%) from the record pace of 2006, home sales are extremely good!
There are three basic reasons for our good market: (1) We did not have the huge inflationary price increases which were enjoyed in other parts of the U.S. and are not experiencing a “market correction”. (2) We are not having the number of foreclosures other areas are suffering. In fact, in an August 15, 2007 article in the Tulsa World, Tulsa was one of only 18 cities in the U.S. which had realized a decrease in foreclosures during 2007. (3) Our local economy is good with comparatively low unemployment and strength in the energy and agriculture sectors.
So, if you are thinking this is a bad time to buy or sell a home, it may be in some part of the country, but not here. Interest rates have fallen and prices have risen!
For more information contact me at slaunchbaugh@cbtulsa.com

Sunday, September 9, 2007

Home Buyers Tip

Pay off your small bills and always make timely payments on revolving accounts.

For more information contact me at slaunchbaugh@cbtulsa.com

Monday, September 3, 2007

A Costly Decision!

Recently, a colleague of mine was showing homes to some prospective buyers. The sellers of one of the homes they wanted to see were represented by a limited service real estate company. When my colleague called to make an appointment to show the property, one of the sellers informed our associate they did not have a key box, and she would just leave the house and leave the door open. Needless to say, the safety concerns of such a procedure are obvious.
Later, when the prospective buyers became interested in the home, a market analysis revealed the home was noticeably under priced. Nevertheless, the buyers decided to make an even lower offer. With no one to represent them, the sellers accepted the low offer without negotiation. The offer they signed was lower than the market value by a larger percentage than they saved in the costs with the limited service company. In other words, they lost more than they saved in addition to “going it alone” and putting their family at risk.
At Coldwell Banker RaderGroup Realtors, we believe full service representation is in the best interest of our customers. If you are interested in learning what you could net from the sale of your home by putting the tools and marketing programs of Coldwell Banker RaderGroup to work for you, contact me at slaunchbaugh@cbtulsa.com

Sunday, August 26, 2007

Estimates Required

The Oklahoma Real Estate Commission requires licensees to provide a written estimate of expenses to both buyers and sellers when an offer-to-purchase is executed and presented. Unless specifically waived by the customer, a real estate professional should provide:

Sellers: Their approximate itemized costs to sell along with an estimate of the proceeds they will receive at closing.

Buyers: A complete list of mortgage and closing cost expenses, plus how much cash they will need to bring to closing.

At Coldwell Banker RaderGroup, Realtors, we are trained and skilled in providing accurate estimates of expenses. We know the importance of them to each buyer and/or seller we work with. You can expect estimates from me!

For more information contact me at slaunchbaugh@cbtulsa.com

Sunday, August 19, 2007

Still Climbing!!

Despite all we hear about foreclosures and subprime mortgages, the real estate market in the greater Tulsa area continues to be very good. According to statistics released by NORES, INC. (MLS), the average sales price for homes in the Tulsa area increased 5.3% from $144,006 in June 2006 to $151,372 for the same period this year. The median sales price also increased from $124,900 to $132,000 for a 5.7% gain.
To learn how the increases in home prices have affected the value of your home, contact me at slaunchbaugh@cbtulsa.com

Monday, July 30, 2007

ANY HOME, ANY TIME

cbtulsa.com is the only online resource you need for buying or selling a home in Tulsa and the surrounding areas. Our “Quick Search” function allows you to enter basic information, location, or school district and quickly view any home on the market that matches those criteria. cbtulsa.com shows not only all of Coldwell Banker RaderGroup’s listings, but ALL of the homes listed in MLS. Sign-up for “Property Watch” and receive e-mails automatically when a new property matching your criteria is listed.

cbtulsa.com is also a great place for sellers to get an idea of how serious we are about selling homes. Features such as Virtual Tours, Slide shows, Seller and Buyer Services, Property Watch, and others keep buyers coming back to cbtulsa.com and increase the exposure of our listings. It’s easy to see why over 500,000 pages a month are viewed on cbtulsa.com.

So if you’re looking for a home or interested in selling your home, rest assured,

“If it’s on the market, it’s on cbtulsa.com.”

For more information contact me at slaunchbaugh@cbtulsa.com

Sunday, July 22, 2007

Local Agent Earns REALTOR e-PRO® Certification

Sarah Launchbaugh of Coldwell Banker RaderGroup has successfully completed the REALTOR e-PRO course to become one of a select few real estate professionals to earn the prestigious certification offered through the National Association of REALTORS.®

The REALTOR e-PRO certification course is an educational program unlike any other professional certification or designation course available, comprehensive and interactive. It is specifically designed to provide real estate professionals with the technology tools needed to assist consumers in the purchase or sale of a home.

With more than 70% of consumers beginning their real estate research on the Internet, e-PRO certified agents have the experience and expertise to meet the demands of today’s buyer and seller.

“The real estate industry has undergone a fundamental change over the past several years,” said Sarah Launchbaugh of Coldwell Banker RaderGroup. “A majority of consumers are taking the time to conduct their own research prior to contacting an agent. In turn, real estate professionals must be knowledgeable of how technology can assist them in serving the needs of the buying and selling public.”

Once completed, the e-PRO certified real estate professional joins the ranks of a special community of highly skilled and continuously trained professionals who provide high quality and innovative online-based real estate services. Consumers can identify the e-PRO through the exclusive e-PRO Internet Professional logo.

For more information contact me at slaunchbaugh@cbtulsa.com

Tuesday, July 17, 2007

Nothing But A Sale

In today’s era of real estate brokers providing a variety of services and charging a range of fees, one important fact is often overlooked. No home seller benefits unless their home SELLS. No equity is determined or proceeds received until there is a closing!
At Coldwell Banker RaderGroup Realtors we have SOLD more homes in the greater Tulsa area than anyone for the past 9 years. That means more sellers accomplish the goal of selling or buying homes utilizing the expertise and marketing programs provided by Coldwell Banker RaderGroup than with any other company.
If you are thinking of selling your home, be certain you select the Realtor who is most likely to get your home SOLD. No matter the rhetoric presented or savings offered, be sure to compare the marketing programs and the record of success provided by Coldwell Banker. For all the details, contact Sarah Launchbaugh at slaunchbaugh@cbtulsa.com. I am confident you will find getting your home SOLD is the best deal!

Monday, July 9, 2007

A Word of Caution

There are a number of websites on the Internet which claim to give owners a value for their home. However, in many cases, these websites often provide values which are extremely inaccurate. There are several reasons for the inaccuracies. First, the research is often based on tax records which frequently contain incorrect information. Second, such websites may have lots of data in some areas and very little data in others. Finally, comparable properties used to establish “value” appear to be selected based only on proximity to the subject home, but may not differentiate between neighborhoods. A home in one neighborhood may be a significantly different value than a similar sized home in an adjacent subdivision.
So, if you want to get a “value” for your home, you may want to check out some of these websites, but it is in your best interest to get a second opinion from a local source. I would be happy to provide a comparable market analysis with the appropriate comparables at no charge. Then, before you make any important decisions, you can verify the real value of your home. Contact me at slaunchbaugh@cbtulsa.com to get a free market analysis.

Thursday, July 5, 2007

Real Estate Bloopers

So, I was looking through the online REALTOR magazine today and found a section called "In the Trenches". It has funny stories submitted by sales associates across the country. If you are in the mood for a good laugh you should check them out! They are at www.realtor.org/rmomag.NSF/pages/Trenchesmain?OpenDocument
The interesting part was that I could relate to most of the stories! All jobs have their good days and their bad. If you want to work with someone who is not afraid to laugh at herself and / or at any "incidents" that may happen along the way contact me at slaunchbaugh@cbtulsa.com.

Tuesday, July 3, 2007

Have A Great Fourth!

The Fourth of July holiday is a wonderful time to spend with family, eating good food, participating in warm weather activities, and watching fireworks. It is also a time to celebrate our freedom and those who sacrifice to preserve it. I wish you and your family a happy, safe Fourth! Let's hope Tulsa skies stay dry long enough for you to celebrate!

Sunday, July 1, 2007

Buying a HUD home

Have you ever been interested in buying a HUD home?! If so, let me know. I am happy to help! Did you know that HUD offers special programs and discounts to Disaster Victims of Gulf Coast Hurricanes and to Teachers, Police Officers, Firefighters, and Emergency Medical Technicians? For more information and eligibility requirements contact me at slaunchbaugh@cbtulsa.com

Thursday, June 28, 2007

Getting Your House SOLD

One of the most important factors in getting a home SOLD for the maximum value is its condition and appeal. In fact, in today’s market, how a home shows may be the difference between a SALE and NO SALE.
At Coldwell Banker RaderGroup Realtors, we recognize the importance of the “showing appeal” of the home, and we actually do something to help our sellers with this important aspect of their home sale. We have an agreement with Buyer’s Eye Design, a professional Home Staging company, to provide a free consultation to each seller listed with Coldwell Banker RaderGroup. The consultation is optional for the seller, but we have been hearing rave reviews from associates and sellers who take advantage of this service. It is just another reason we sell so many homes!
If you are planning to sell your home and want to get top dollar, contact me at slaunchbaugh@cbtulsa.com to learn more about this unique service and the many other powerful marketing tools we can put to work for you.

Welcome

Welcome to my real estate blog! The purpose of this blog is to provide relevant real estate information to potential buyers and sellers. I will post current trends and market information on this site. Most of the information I share will be specific to the market in Tulsa and surrounding areas. I do however have the ability to help you with your real estate needs no matter where you live. If you ever have questions or would like more information please feel free to contact me at slaunchbaugh@cbtulsa.com.