Many thanks go out to a few representatives of the Edmond Board of Realtors and some dear friends for assistance in the cleanup effort at my house and my neighbor's homes. Some brought chain saws, others brought food and all showed up ready to work! It was a chilly Valentine's Day and surely these folks had better things to do but we are grateful for your kindness and sacrifice for us! By mid-day, four large, uprooted trees and an enormous amount of rubble was reduced to relatively neat piles along the curb for the next "big trash" pickup day. We can now begin the task of rebuilding and restoring our homes.

Labels: Edmond Board of Realtors, February 10 Tornado, Valentine's Day

Anyone who has lived in Oklahoma for a minute knows that tornados are a fact of life here. I've always been sort of amused by them and even somewhat exhilirated watching them....from afar. I know what to do when they are too close for comfort and I've seen first hand the devastation they can cause. However, I've never ACTUALLY had my own home hit by a tornado....until this week! It was 3:00 in the afternoon and I'm normally never home during the day but happened to be there then....and conveniently near our storm shelter. Just like the stories you've heard, the slate gray clouds start churning into a funnel and the wind blows like crazy and then you hear the "whirring" sound. At that point we closed the lid tight on the cellar over us and waited it out which was only a few minutes.

Upon opening the cellar door, the damage was evident immediately. Large trees uprooted all over the yard, fences mangled, debris everywhere and the house behind us had no roof! The eerie quiet quickly turned to sirens and flashing colored lights as the patrol cars surrounded the neighborhood to offer assistance. Three cheers to the Edmond Police Department for quick response!!!

Fortunately, although the damage was extensive to our home and many others near us, there were no injuries or lives lost in our area. That was not the case in Lone Grove, OK. Our hearts go out to the families there.

While recounting the event of February 10th, many friends and associates across the country have asked if I was scared. The answer is, "No." I was not at all frightened because the storm shelter gave me a very secure feeling. While in the shelter, I did not even think we would have damage but even if we did, I knew we'd fix it. I also knew we had insurance and my loved ones were all accounted for. The occassional tornado is the price we pay for the benefit of living among the most hospitable and kind people in the world!

Labels: acreages, Edmond, storm shelters, tornados

For Donald and Amy, the choice came down to location, location, location. After endless discussions and careful thought, the home that really fits for them is the existing home on the cul-de-sac that first called their name when they drove by it two weeks ago!

Although a brand new home was very enticing and could be built for nearly the existing home price, they wanted the established neighborhood in the same school district they have their children in now. They've made their decision.

In this business, I wear many hats. This time I donned my "horse and buggy" hat and told them the worst case scenario when the cart is before the horse in a real estate transaction. I'm known for 'making things happen' and though it's nice to make a sale, it's far better to have a happy client. Having gotten to know the Denards, they made it clear to me that owning two homes may not be in the best interest for this family of five. After discussing ALL the possibilities, for now they feel that it's better to wait until at least an offer comes in on the home they own, giving them better options for negotiations on the one they want.

Since the lease they're in is flexible, the only thing left to do is get their current home under contract and we'll start the ball rolling! Anybody need a home in Martinez, Georgia:

Labels: existing homes, kay pratt, new construction, real estate

Just as many home buyers do, Donald and Amy Denard are considering whether they will build a home to suit their needs or purchase a home in their neighborhood that already does. It's a tough decision because they have to consider the time involved in the building process as well as the stress involved and of course, the cost. A newly constructed Heartland Home giving them the square footage they want and the extra half bath they'd like may prove to be a little out of their budget. But of course, Donald and Amy would get just what they want by stretching their budget a bit and would be a home they could grow in with their children.

On the other hand, the existing home they feel fits their need but needs updating is in a neighborhood with a pool, a very desirable attraction during the summer months for the Denard's three young boys.

Today they will take a closer look at floor plans, suitable lots and pricing and then compare it with the amenities of the existing home they are also considering. Will they choose to build brand new and get what they want or buy existing and get a home that needs a bit of work but is in a great location for them?

Stay tuned for the next post and find out!

Labels: Buying new vs. existing, Donald and Amy Denard, Edmond, kay pratt, real estate

According to the Preston Market Report, the 2008 home sales were down 13.3% while the national average was 15.5%. The average home sales price, however, was up over 4% from 2007 while the national average was down 12.4%. Areas like Las Vegas, Houston and Phoenix had drops ranging from 28% - 37%! Although it was our lowest sales in five years and a lower total volume than the past two years, we are still better off than most of the nation!!!

Labels: Brian Preston, Home Market Report, Home sales, kay pratt