Gillette Historic District is one of those neighborhoods with a perfect location.  It is walking distance to the charming Cherry Street district, popular Utica Square, and convenient 15th & Lewis retail corridor.  The neighborhood is anchored by the divided street with period lamp posts on the south end of Yorktown Place at 17th Street.  Homes vary from large mansions like the J.M. Gillette Mansion to small bungalows & cottages (samples) representative of homes constructed during the 20s and 30s.  There are also a handful of duplexes on the eastern border of the area.Neighborhood Website:  Gillette Historic DistrictYear added to the National Register of Historic Places:  1982Approximate Boundaries:  15th to 17th Streets and Gillette Avenue to Yorktown Place    The Gillette Mansion     C... 04/20/2008

For all the buyers' agents purchasing homes, it may be prudent to add a roof inspection to the slate of inspections for your buyers as a safeguard due to the recent hailstorm.In addition, if the home is in contract, and the roof in question does need repair, the seller probably needs to contact their insurance company to make a claim on their insurance to repair any roof damage.  You certainly wouldn't want your buyers stuck with this new expense but depending on where you are in the contract, it may force both parties back to the negotiating table, especially if the sellers have a big deductible for roof repair in their homeowner policy.I was around 61st & Memorial when the hail happened, (around 3:30AM), I opened the door and watched as it came down.  I braced myself for the sound of ... 04/18/2008

Buena Vista Park Historic District is located in downtown Tulsa near RiverParks.  The neighborhood consists of large, single-family homes as well as a small collection of apartment buildings built primarily between the teens and mid-1930s.  Colonial Revival is the neighborhood's prominent architectural style, but there are a number of other styles (samples) sprinkled throughout.  Buena Vista Park is walking distance to the Arkansas River, Veterans Park, and SoBo (the SouthBoston district).  Sitting on the edge of downtown, the multi-family structures in Buena Vista Park are ideal for young professionals wanting both spectacular river views and the charm of a vintage dwelling.Neighborhood Website:  Buena Vista Park Historic DistrictYear added to the National Register of Historic Places: ... 04/12/2008

Taking advantage of this incredible Tulsa weather today (60, sunny, slight wind), I was driving around my neighborhood and decided to snap this shot to share with the world....This is a view of downtown Tulsa from the porch of the Brady Mansion in historic Brady Heights.  That is the BOK Tower, the tallest building in any of the Plains States, in the distance as well as the Philtower, and One Technology Center, the new home of the City of Tulsa.  You can also see the new BOK Center from the front lawn of the mansion. By the way, the Brady Mansion is currently listed for sale at $999,000.            04/11/2008

Carlton Place Historic District is located in downtown Tulsa within walking distance of the Arkansas River.  Carlton Place is a small residential area nestled among tree-lined streets.  The cozy neighborhood has mostly Prairie style homes built in the 1910s (samples).  The brick column & gate pictured to the right is one of the original "entry ways" into the neighborhood.  The marker reads "M 09" designating Magee, the developer, and 1909, the year the addition was plattedNeighborhood Website:  Carlton Place Historic DistrictYear added to the National Register of Historic Places:  2007Boundaries:  the Broken Arrow Expressway to 15th Street and Carson to Carthage Avenues.       Check out the rest of my series about Tulsa's Historic Neighborhoods.  Please contact me if you would like to r... 04/11/2008

Brady Heights Historic District is located just north of downtown Tulsa and the Brady Arts District.  Brady Heights consists of mostly residential structures built in the teens and 1920s.  Architectural styles (samples) range from Craftsman bungalows to an adaptation of Arlington, the Greek Revival mansion typically associated with Robert E. Lee.  The neighborhood was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1980, making it Tulsa's first historically designated neighborhood.The neighborhood boasts an active association, having worked towards creating the Arts Parkway, a community garden, an eco-conscious population, and downtown views.  With OSU-Tulsa bordering it on the east and an established community of artists & musicians, Brady Heights is positioned to be the up-and-co... 04/10/2008

What monumental event could singlehandedly rivet the nation's attention on Tulsa, OK?The icestorm? No, that's historyThe lowest gas prices in the nation? Yes, that usually makes national news but that's not what I'm talking about here.YES, you guessed it, it's the beautiful BOK Center designed by the renowned architect Cesar Pelli (designed the Petronas Twin Towers in Kuala Lumpur, the tallest building in the world from 1998-2004).Well, last Wednesday RE/MAX Executives was lucky enough to go on a group tour of the work in progress.  Here are some pictures and comments, enjoy!Two of our members were not allowed to go on the tour because they were wearing open toe shoes.  You can see that there are lots of people working on the Arena as we are touring, on any given day there are 650-700 p... 04/01/2008

I went to Memorial High School in '85, left and went to and lived in various places like Arizona (went to ASU), California (Fremont) and Tokyo.  When I came back to Tulsa last October after about twenty two years, I found a lot of interesting things to do outside of work.I have always believed in my motto that I could live anywhere if there's a soccer field close by.  By all accounts, the Tulsa soccer scene is alive and thriving.  I will provide all the information here to hook you up!pickup games-  The only ones that I am aware of are at TU by the rugby pitch off of Harvard, on Wednesday evenings around 6:45P-7PM and Saturday mornings at 9AM.  The only thing to watch out for is that the location sometimes changes if the fields are reserved.  Then they move usually south of the fitness ... 03/31/2008

Where are the Gays?  Tulsa, Oklahoma, according to The Advocate.  The magazine's April 8, 2008 edition lists five emerging cities for gays and lesbians.  The article highlights cities which had an increase in same-sex couples compared to all couples.  The census data was compiled by Gary Gates of the Williams Institute.No surprise to me, Tulsa is noted for its rich cultural influences, affordable living, and Americana flair!  "Tulsa is a welcoming and open city in the middle of a red state," said Justice Waidner in the article.  Justice is the current Executive Director of Oklahomans for Equality, where I am a board member intern.  Speaking about the organization, she said, "our very existence and continued growth is an indication of the strong LGBT community in Tulsa." Other cities pro... 03/28/2008

Step into mid-century America to get your modern fix at Mod50s in Tulsa. As one of the regions premier retailers of mid-century modern furniture and furnishings, there is quite a bit to take in while strolling through the isles of this unique retail space. Stacks of Eames chairs, vintage dish sets, Danish pottery, designer mid-century living room furniture and colorful artwork decorate this space like an eclectic museum. Owner, Maurice Powell, has been collecting modern furniture and art for years and has become the local authority on the subject. Between his years of experience, books read and numerous national conventions and auctions attended Maurice is an expert in his field. As a visitor to his store Maurice’s passion is apparent and contagious as he obviously enjoys discussing his... 03/27/2008

Whiten your teeth and help a child!  How does whitening your teeth help Youth Services of Tulsa?Now through June 30th, Dr. Kevin Winters is participating in an innovative donation program called Smiles for Life. His dental practice donates its time, your smile is professionally whitened, and young people in Tulsa benefit from the money raised!This year, Dr. Winters has named Youth Services of Tulsa as the local charity to receive $.50 of every dollar donated during the campaign. The other half supports other children's causes through Garth Brooks' Teammates for Kids Foundation.This procedure typically runs over $400!  For a donation of $225, you can sport a beautiful new whitened smile for spring. Call Dr. Winters at 918-341-4403 to schedule an appointment between now and June 30th. For... 03/14/2008

Are you moving to the Tulsa area, or have you moved here recently?  Moving can be stressful.  When you get here, how do you pick an electrician or dry cleaner?  Where do you take the kids to play?  How do you find the right scene?  It's all foreign at first.  Look no further for the answers.  Tulsa Newcomers Club can help.  Tulsa Newcomers is a social organization for women who have recently moved to the Tulsa Metro area.  They have monthly meetings and a score of planned activities including bunko, bowling, and wine tasting nights.Membership fees are $25 per year.  For more information check out the Club's website or call 918-477-2414. 03/13/2008

Great opportunity! Lease this Mid-century modern home designed by renowned architect Cecil Stanfield. This home has all of its original charm including floor to ceiling windows in the dining room, living room, master bedroom and guest bedroom along with modern updates. It has a very open and airy floor plan with vaulted ceilings and exposed brick inside. The large living area with wood burning fireplace is connected to the dining room and kitchen. There are 3 bedrooms total with the master having a private half bath. The main bathroom is good size and nice and bright with skylights in both baths. Newer, clean carpet, central air, high end fridge provided. The home is located in Mid-Town tulsa close to downtown and just down the street from shopping and eating. Great highway access. Leas... 03/07/2008

Okay folks, this is strictly for fun. The following pics were taken by me in Tulsa, OK today.  The area is around 61st and Mingo. The tree in the pics below was being worked on by a local beaver.  My friend first saw the tree when it wasn't quite so chewed down.  He told me that he first noticed the tree shortly after the animal began chewing on the trunk.  Several weeks later they noticed it had been chewed down more.  Finally, it ended up where you see it in the pics.  It never fell down. Can you just imagine that poor beaver out there working all that time on the tree in order to build his dam and then when he gets it's to the point where it ought to fall down, nothing happens.  It's fun to speculate about how long that poor beaver hung around waiting on the tree to fall. At the bott... 02/29/2008

Chili Bowl Tickets Already In Demand Lonnie Wheatley, TULSA, Okla. (February 6, 2008) – The 22nd Annual Dodge Chili Bowl Nationals has been in the books for less than a month now, but the thousands upon thousands of fans that pack the QuikTrip Center at the Tulsa State Fairgrounds are already making arrangements for the next edition of the Chili Bowl. Tickets for the 23rd Annual Chili Bowl Nationals, which will take place atop the Tulsa Expo Raceway clay oval on January 13-17, 2009, went on sale Friday, February 1. And the phone lines have been buzzing as a result, with existing ticket holders rushing to keep their same seats for next year along with new orders in hopes of getting a seat for the prestigious racing event. Tickets can be ordered in increments of four-nights (which include... 02/21/2008

I didn't write the following explaination my friend and lender Brett Swearingen did. But I thought it was so great I wanted to share it all with you.  I hope this helps you understand the mortgage market a little better. Brett's contact information is below. He has a great website too.  I hope this helps you when clients ask you this question.Many people are call in about refinancing due to the FED cutting rates. Yes, rates are good. Possibly low enough to refinance, depending on the situation. However rates have been going up!The Federal Reserve has been on a rate cutting spree once more. Many mortgage applicants are calling their mortgage representative and expecting a lower interest rate. Others who have been waiting to refinance are puzzled as to why mortgage rates have not moved lo... 02/18/2008

Axay Parekh | Keller Williams | 918-850-2929 3166 S 133rd E. Ave, Tulsa, OK Great home with walk-in closets in all the bedrooms. Located on quiet cul-de-sac in Union school district. Extra clean ready to move-in. Air condition 3 Bdrm Single Family House offered at $94,000 Year Built 1972 Sq Footage 1,393 Bedrooms 3 Bathrooms 1 full, 1 partial Floors Unspecified Parking 2 Car garage Lot Size 11,921 sqft HOA/Maint $0 per month DESCRIPTION Great home with walk-in closets in all the bedrooms. Located on quiet cul-de-sac in Union school district. Extra clean ready to move-in. Air conditioned garage. Warranty Offered. Affordable home in Union School district. Motivated Seller. see additional photos below PROPERTY FEATURES Central A/C Central heat Fireplace Walk-in closet Tile floor Family ro... 02/15/2008

Here are some current photos of one of the storm debris sites that was set up following the December ice storm that struck Oklahoma.        Over 250,000 households in the Tulsa metro area alone were without power following the storm (I was without electricity for 9 days!).  The number of trees that were lost or severly damaged is estimated to be approximately 20,000.  Some Tulsa streets & neighborhoods still - over six weeks later - look like a war zone.        The City of Tulsa has contracted a storm recovery company to clean up the debris.  To date over 1.5 million cubic yards of debris has been brought to sites like the one pictured.  The hauling contractor is almost finished with its first pass through the city and will then begin a second.  The cost of debris removal has already re... 02/06/2008

With all of the negative reports on the credit crunch, I'm happy to report that our Tulsa market is still going strong!   It truly is a buyer's market but if a home is priced competitively and in good condition they still seem to sell in a reasonable period of time.  So we are truly blessed!  The riverparks is being renovated with new jogging trails and trees are being planted to replace those lost in our recent ice storm.  Downtown Tulsa has beautiful new condo's and new restaurants and bars are springing up creating lots of new energy.  The BOK center will provide a terrific place for concerts, hockey, and sporting events.  Investment properties are abundant and million dollar home too.  Come check Tulsa out!  02/05/2008

I just came across some interesting information....TULSA, OK (January 31, 2008) - The Greater Tulsa Association of REALTORS® (GTAR) reports that area home sales over the past three years have followed seasonal trends.             "Home sales tend to follow patterns year after year," said Doug Horton, Northeastern Oklahoma Real Estate Services (NORES) president. "As a result, the most accurate comparison is to look back at the same month in a different year for an idea of how the market will look at any given time as opposed to referencing the previous month."             Over the past three years, the months of April and May have statistically had the highest number of contracts written.  Homes listed in the Tulsa Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) in December 2007 averaged 62 days on ... 02/02/2008