As an entreprenuer, I enjoy reading Fortune Small Business, which comes in the mail once per month - free. Today I sat down with my latest copy and viola, a story about how RE/MAX, who Fortune calls "the world's largst real estate brand", got their start.

Click for RE/MAX Story in Fortune Small Business

"When we launched in January 1973, the competition feared we'd steal their best talent." - Gail Main

Labels: Edmond, RE/MAX, real estate

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

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