Elevate Your Tulsa Living Experience

In case you haven’t heard, 27% of homes sold in September were bought with cash, according to NAR. That’s more than 1 in 4. When you hear a number like that, it’s easy to wonder how that’s even possible nowadays – especially with so many people struggling with affordability. You might picture wealthy investors with deep pockets…but not all cash buyers are who you'd think. Some are just regular homeowners who’ve built up enough equity over the years to sell their house and buy their next one in cash. So sure, affordability is tight. But that doesn't mean buying a home today is only possible for the wealthy or big investors. If you own a home and you’ve lived there for a while, you may be in a better position to move than you think. Want to know how much equity you have? Let’s find out what it could do for your next move. To learn more, call or text me today! (912) 282-8225

Today, a growing number of homeowners who set out to sell end up as landlords instead. About 9% of homes for rent were up for sale first. In the industry, we call it “accidental landlords.” And if you’re watching the market and trying to decide between selling or renting, here’s what you need to know… While renting out your house can be a great fit for some people, being a landlord is a job of its own. Suddenly, you’re fielding weekend calls about a leaky dishwasher and you’ve got a plumber on speed dial. And you’re still on the hook for the mortgage any month the house sits empty. That doesn’t mean renting is a bad option, it just means you have to know what you’re getting into. And if you’d rather sell, let’s talk. Because with the right price and a strong marketing plan it is still doable today. To learn more, call or text me today! (912) 282-8225

New Homes Cost Less in 1 in 3 Major Markets Newly built homes now cost less than existing ones in about 1 in 3 major markets. How much less, exactly? Nationally, a newly built home typically sells for about $35,000 less. So, brand-new could be more budget-friendly than you think. Want to see how newly built and existing homes compare where you’re looking? Let’s tour one of each. To learn more, call or text me today! (912) 282-8225

Tulsa’s housing market isn’t one market right now. Across the metro, there were 3.57 months of supply in September. For homes above $725,000, it was 7.58. Prices held, up 4.57% from a year ago, but the top end is moving slower. Swipe through for what that means if you own a home here. I send a short report like this every Thursday. The local numbers, what changed, and what it means for your home. Free, every figure sourced, and no sales pitch. Comment REPORT and I’ll send you the link, or sign up at the link in my bio - it's the 1st one. #TulsaRealEstate #TulsaHomes #OklahomaRealEstate #TulsaHousingMarket

What if your first home isn't a house at all? If you've been struggling to find a traditional single-family home that fits your budget, don't overlook condos. According to Zillow, the typical starter condo costs under $200k nationally. Part of the reason they can be more affordable than a single-family home is because they’re normally smaller. Sure, you may trade some square footage or a backyard for shared walls and an HOA fee. But you could also get a lower purchase price, great amenities, and less maintenance to handle yourself. And if that means getting your own set of keys sooner, it could be an option worth exploring. Your first home doesn't have to check every box you originally imagined. It just needs to be the right fit for your life and your budget right now. Let's look at what's available in our area and see if a condo could be your way into homeownership. To learn more, call or text me today! (912) 282-8225

Are home prices going up or down? It depends on where you look. Over the past year, prices in Chicago climbed almost 7%. In Seattle, they dipped about 1.6%. That’s a nearly 9-point gap between two major cities. Look at little closer, though. Home prices are rising in 13 of the 19 major cities on this chart. And where prices are down, the dips are small (less than 2%). So, this isn’t a crash. It’s just a market normalizing after overheating during the pandemic. And that’s hitting some areas differently than others. Here’s what it really means. Your local market matters. If you’re selling where prices are still rising, you may not need to cut your price. And if you’re buying where prices are softer, you may have more room to negotiate. National headlines can’t tell you which side your neighborhood is on. Local data can. Let’s look at how prices are moving in your area, so you can set your price or make your offer with confidence. To learn more, call or text me today! (912) 282-8225

Staging Could Put More Money in Your Pocket If you’re selling soon, staging can help you draw in buyers and get the most for your house. Mid-level staging can bring a 350% return on what you spend. On a $400k house, the typical $4k cost can add about $18k in value. That could mean about $14k more in your pocket at closing. Working with a smaller budget? Even just decluttering and rearranging furniture can make a big difference. Let’s walk through your house together and pinpoint the updates that’ll help it sell sooner – and for more. To learn more, call or text me today! (912) 282-8225

Adjustable-rate mortgages (ARMs) are making a comeback, and it's easy to see why. In October, starting rates for ARMs were running almost a full percentage point below fixed-rate loans. On a median-priced home, that can mean your payment could be roughly $150-300 less per month. For buyers struggling with affordability, that’s worth considering. Just know that they do come with some trade-offs – the biggest of which is that your rate (and your payment) could rise after a set timeframe. And just in case you’re thinking…aren't ARMs risky? You should know today's ARMs aren't like the ones from 2008. But they do work differently than a fixed-rate mortgage, so it pays to understand them first. A trusted lender can help you explore how these loans work, how they can help, and walk you through the what-ifs. To learn more, call or text me today! (912) 282-8225