QuikTrip Corporation celebrated it's 50th anniversary by sponsoring a big bash at River Parks yesterday.  The festivities began at noon on the west bank of the Arkansas River.  Leon Russell came with his band and so did Hanson.  They are all from Tulsa originally. The night ended with a giant fireworks display.  The event was free to the public and the weather was absolutely gorgeous. In my opinion, the best part of the entertainment was the trip down memory lane with a video collage of QuikTrip commercials where we all got to see Lamar and his antics again. Thank you, Chester Cadieux, not just for yesterday's entertainment, but also for having given us a safe clean and enjoyable place to buy gas, pop, coffee, and food for the past fifty years.  We know we can count on QuikTrip to be gi... 09/21/2008

Shannon Myers-Coan | McGraw Realtors | smyerscoan@tulsarealtors.com | 918-902-1069 1875 E 17th Street, Tulsa, OK Gorgeous home in heart of MIDTOWN!!! 3BR/1BA Single Family House offered at $144,000 Year Built 1925 Sq Footage 1,228 Bedrooms 3 Bathrooms 1 full, 0 partial Floors Unspecified Parking Unspecified Lot Size 5,490 sqft HOA/Maint $0 per month DESCRIPTION This historic home is in the Heart of MIDTOWN. Originals throughout the home. New GRANITE countertops in kitchen, and stainless appliances. New tile. Private Driveway!!! see additional photos below PROPERTY FEATURES Central A/C Central heat Fireplace High/Vaulted ceiling Hardwood floor Family room Dining room Breakfast nook Dishwasher Refrigerator Stove/Oven Granite countertop Stainless steel appliances Attic Basement Washer Dry... 09/18/2008

Will Tulsa become the oil capital of the world again? When I was a kid, my father exported oil field equipment overseas.  We lived in New York because New York City was the place from which everyone did their exporting. (He had moved his family there in 1940 from Houston, Texas in order to be in the export business.)  However, Daddy's clients were in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Whenever Daddy left home he would stop in Tulsa first, visit his clients, then stop in Houston, and then head on to Mexico, South America, and later on Australia and the far east.  He always talked about the Oil Show, the IPE (International Petroleum Exposition), and the fact that Tulsa was "the Oil Capital of the World." Then in 1976 my parents moved back to Houston along with everyone else who was involved in "the oil boo... 09/15/2008

It's raining outside because Hurricane Ike (now downgraded to Tropical Storm Ike) is barreling its way into Oklahoma as I type.  We are getting lots of rain here in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Do you suppose Ike has come to Oklahoma to help us celebrate the 100th anniversary of Ike's Chili in Tulsa?  Our State Senator was there yesterday and so was our Mayor, Kathy Taylor, along with other dignitaries to celebrate.  According to the News on 740 KRMG, Ike's is the longest continuously operating restaurant in the State of Oklahoma.  They also reported that Martha Stewart claims that Ike's chili is the best chili in the country. Ike's Chili House is located at 5941 E. Admiral Place (east of downtown Tulsa).  There is a second Ike's Chili at 1630 W. 51st Street on the west side of the Arkansas River. ... 09/13/2008

Today, September 10th, Union Public School District in Tulsa, Oklahoma will launch a new program called "Be There" to help strengthen bonds between students and parents. This will be a multimedia, multi-year campaign that is expected to inspire parents to get more involved in their children's lives and, more importantly, their education. The Union Public School District is the first in the state to participate in "Be There", a national campaign. The multi-media campaign will connect parents and children through the Internet. There will be news conference at 10am in the Education Service Center at 8506 E. 61st. This will be right before the PTA Council's first meeting of the new school year. There will be a performance by the Union varsity cheerleaders and the Renegade Regiment marching ... 09/10/2008

Many homeowners don't know that not all homeowner policies are not the same. Some homeowners don't know the difference between "insured value" and "replacement value." If you have homeowners insurance to cover the value of the home, that's insured value. There are upsides and downsides to insurance value. When the market is good, the value of your home is usually more than you paid.  However, if the market is bad, the value of your home is lower than what you paid. So, you are basically gambling with your home. If a fire destroyed your home, you will want everything replaced; not just what the insurer thinks your home was worth at the time. The best homeowners insurance to get is replacement gap insurance. Replacement insurance will replace the house completely. This includes custom and... 09/03/2008

The new BOK events center is set to open in Tulsa, Oklahoma on September 6th.  Many were worried if there would be enough security at such a large place. Worry no more. It has been recently announced that there will be more than plenty security guards and police officers to keep everyone attending safe. Guards and officers will be inside and outside of each event. They will help direct traffic, watch parking lots, and patrol the area. There will be a ribbon cutting ceremony August 30th at 10am. Legendary Garth Brooks will be cutting the ribbon. The first act will be a big one on September 6th, with the Eagles opening the show. They will appear again in November. Whether you live in Tulsa or are planning to visit, be sure to check out the new BOK center. There will be lots of great event... 08/27/2008

Here's another example of how issues in other parts of the country are effecting us in Tulsa. Fannie Mae, August 1, 2008 adjusted their investor rules. On investment properties, Fannie now will require 30% equity on the existing property for the investor to claim up to 75% of the rental income as an offset to the mortgage payment in qualifying for a loan. Without the 30% equity, the rental income cannot be used as an offset AND the current and proposed mortgage payments must be used to qualify for the new loan. In addition, 6 months PITI for both properties must be escrowed. See RISMedia at this link for the story. Here's why this is important. The rule has been that when qualifying for a mortgage an investor could count 75% of the income from the rental properties toward gross income. ... 08/23/2008

The Citizens Police Academy was started back in 1987 and has been a huge hit with over a thousand local Tulsa, Oklahoma residents. The next Citizens Police Academy at the Tulsa Police Department will be on September 2nd. If you live in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and would like to step into the life of a police officer, then come to the Tulsa Police Department and sign up. Spaces will go fast, so hurry on in. The Citizens Police Academy originally started to let residents of Tulsa know how their tax money is being spent, and what life as an officer of the law is really like. So far, everyone that has taken the class will agree that it's nothing like what you see on the T.V. or in the movies. Residents get a complete understanding of what an officer goes through each and everyday. The class will ou... 08/20/2008

  Tulsa"s founding fathers established a commitment to education which became an ongoing goal of its community leaders.  Their dedication is evident based on these impressive statistics.  Over 83 percent of Tulsa residents have a High school diploma or higher; 23 percent have a bachelors degree and 11 percent or greater have a masters degree. There are two dozen school districts in the Tulsa metropolitan area.  Tulsa county has 15 independant school districts serving the education needs of 90,000 students.  Tulsa public schools, the largest district in Oklahoma provides quality education for over 42,000 students in more than 80 schools.  Tulsa is noted for high level progressive community programs.  The former Adopt-A-school program now known as Partnership in Education encourages busin... 08/16/2008

                       The City of Tulsa is located on the Arkansa river in Northeastern Oklahoma.  Its residents number approximately 392,000, it's the second largest city in the state.  In the 1830's Tulsa was settled by the Creek Indians.  Tulsa attracted settlers and with the arrival of the railroad it quickly became a center for the shipping of cattle.  The turn of the century saw the birth of the Oil boom, making Tulsa the Oil capital of the world.  Tulsa today remains an important center for the Oil industry. Tulsa enjoys a diversified economy, it is home to industries such as Aerospace, chemicals, computer parts and industrial machinery.  Tulsa is attractive to the technology industry and offers an encouraging climate for small business.  Eighty percent of businesses employ 10 o... 08/14/2008

    TULSA METRO CHAMBER OF COMMERCE Tulsa Metro Chamber was selected as the Nations best Chamber of Commerce by the American Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE).  The Chamber of the year award is the highest achievement in the Chamber industry.  The award evaluation criteria considers financial performance, member programs, internal operations, and organizational mission.  Tulsa bested 54 other Chambers Nationwide.  Tulsa's programs included I AM TULSA tourist and community pride campaigns, workforce attraction program, strategic Plan, board/volunteer involvement, member retention, organization development, communications and membership recruitment. The 2008 Chamber of the year title was sealed when chamber President and CEO Mike Neal and Executive Vice-President Matt Pivarnik particp... 08/13/2008

. Vicki Hibbert | Keller Williams | 918-691-2161 1731 S Cheyenne Ave, Tulsa, OK This cozy condo is located at 1731 S Cheyenne Ave unit E on the first floor of the Riveroaks building in the historic Riverview neighborhood just sout 2BR/1BA Condo offered at $68,000   Year Built 1981 Sq Footage 950   Bedrooms 2 Bathrooms 1 full, 0 partial   Floors 1 Parking 1 Covered spaces   Lot Size Unspecified   HOA/Maint $148 per month     see additional photos below      PROPERTY FEATURES Central A/CCentral heatFamily roomBreakfast nookDishwasherStove/Oven     COMMUNITY FEATURES Covered parkingLaundry on-site     ADDITIONAL PHOTOS Seller contact info:   Vicki HibbertKeller Williams918-691-2161  For sale by agent/broker   Equal Opportunity Housing Posted: Aug 12, 2008, 5:20am PDT 08/12/2008

Ah, the wonderful art of blogging.  You can say what is on your mindYou can give adviceYou can tell funny storiesYou can make commentsYou can even make yourself look very smart or very stupid, depending on what you say! If you've been a blogger for very long, you know that sometimes people actually read the stuff we write.  And sometimes they make comments.  And sometimes they even take what we write to heart! Take for example, Lindsey Clark, one of our newest AR members. Lindsey had been reading some of my posts in regards to making the jump into real estate from another career and all the adventures I've been having.  And I guess I must have written something that was pretty good at some point along the way because Lindsey sent me an email saying she appreciated my blogs.  I thought, ... 08/07/2008

Many people have had a tight budget this past year.  So, in effort to help families with children, Tulsa , Oklahoma will have several free local events.  This is a great opportunity for all families.  So, bring your children to one of the following locations to get free school supplies, haircuts and immunizations. Tulsa Dream Center - August 9th and 12th.  Child must be present to receive school supplies on Saturday and hair cuts on Tuesday.  Grades k-12 for school supplies and children 12 and under for hair cuts.  Christian Ministers Alliance & Tulsa Police Department - August 9th from 11 am to 3 pm.  Pre-K-12 school supplies, vision screening, blood drive, and immunizations. The Assembly at Broken Arrow - August 9th from 9 am to 1 pm.  K-12 school supplies, immunizations, breakfast an... 08/06/2008

You have signed the pile of paperwork, secured a mortgage, and have the signed deed. The real estate agent has plastered a “sold” sign in front of a house that will soon be yours. All that's left is packing your bags. Before you move into your new home, though, here are a few things that you need to do. 1) Get rid of as much as you can. Hold a yard sale, call up local charities for pickup and get those trash bags ready. If you have purchased a property, the last thing you want is to fill it with years of past clutter. Use the opportunity of packing to weed out unnecessary items. Anything that's broken, rarely used, or no longer useful should be discarded. Start fresh in your new home. 2) Start saving boxes, newspapers, and packing materials as soon as you sign the mortgage. As soon as y... 08/06/2008

Axay Parekh | Keller Williams | 918-850-2929 1308 South Sandusky Ave, Tulsa, OK SOLD AT LIST PRICE AT LIST PRICE IN TWO WEEKS 3BR/2BA Single Family House offered at $174,000 Year Built 1939 Sq Footage 2,100 Bedrooms 3 Bathrooms 2 full, 0 partial Floors 1 Parking 1 Car garage Lot Size .193 acres HOA/Maint $0 per month DESCRIPTION Lovely home in midtown Tulsa. New kitchen in 2006,new roof 2007,new H/A in 2006. Old world charm w/new granite & updates throughout. Must see this one of a kind jewel in the heart of Tulsa. The circle drive is just opening to home you'll enjoy for years see additional photos below PROPERTY FEATURES Central A/C Central heat Walk-in closet Hardwood floor Tile floor Family room Living room Dining room Breakfast nook Dishwasher Stove/Oven Microwave Granite countert... 08/05/2008

Axay Parekh | Keller Williams | 918-850-2929 931 South Toledo Ave, Tulsa, OK Fabulous Remodel in Midtown Tulsa, gourmet granite kitchen, new appliances, new heat and air and tons of extras 2BR/1BA Single Family House offered at $119,900 Year Built 1939 Sq Footage 1,273 Bedrooms 2 Bathrooms 1 full, 0 partial Floors 1 Parking 1 Car garage Lot Size .193 acres HOA/Maint $0 per month DESCRIPTION Beautiful home on a quiet midtown street with tons of updates, including, granite counter tops, new appliances, new heat and air, and tons of extras. This home is ready to move in... Must see to appreciate! see additional photos below PROPERTY FEATURES Central A/C Central heat Fireplace Walk-in closet Hardwood floor Family room Living room Dishwasher Stove/Oven Microwave Granite countertop Laundry a... 08/05/2008

Never heard that word before?  Me either! I saw it this morning when I logged onto the internet and looked at my Dictionary word of the day in IGoogle. IGoogle is a new feature of Google.  You can pick your background and choose various items to have show up each time you log onto Google.  In my IGoogle page I have a calendar, weather, dictionary word of the day and even videos from Youtube.  You can change, add and remove whichever "widgets" you want on your page at any time.  It's pretty cool. Now, back to Vituperate. According to the Dictionary word of the day it means to overwhelm with wordy abuse. Hmmm. I'm thinking here for a minute... Where have I run into people who vituperate.... Hmmm. Lawyers?  MaybeTelephone sales people?  YepPeople I've known?  Uh-huhMe?  Oh NEVER!!!Real Est... 08/05/2008

    Real estate market conditions vary from region to region and economic events can impact a market in a variety of ways.  When these changes occur, they are not necessarily bad.  Opportunities  are created when changes in a market take place. A Buyers Market Opportunity. A buyers market creates an opportunity for those who would love to tradeup.  You may be thinking how can that be, the value of my home has dropped.  This is true, but prices of higher priced homes have fallen as well. Lets say the house down the street sold for 300,000 six months ago and todays market prices fell by 10 percent.  So you're thinking thats a 30,000 dollar loss on my home. However, remember higher end homes have come down as well.  Heres an example.  The move up home that you liked at 500,000 has dropped ... 07/28/2008