Mike The Land Man

Sorry I have been away

2009-04-09T18:12:00.000-07:00

On March 29, 2009 my wife Debra died in her sleep at 3 am that Sunday morning. She had been getting worse all month. She had Multiple Sclerosis that was just diagnosed at the end of 2008. She could not walk by March and was using a wheel chair. Now she is gone from me. We only had 10 years together, but it was the best 10 years of my life. We were best friends and best lovers. We never argued or faught. We talked about everything right up to the time of her death. Now for me...lonelyness sucks, a quiet house sucks, reinventing my life was not planned but here I go. I will be back to work in my real estate office on Monday April 13, 2009. I will be working full time and all the time. Let me know how I can help you with your real estate needs.

Winter weather back to normal

2009-02-23T05:11:00.000-08:00

Temperatures in the 30's at night and 50's during the day. My real estate business is hot. The month is almost over and I have listed over $2 million dollars worth of real estate for sale this month and I have sold over a half million dollars worth. Again I say the real estate market is as good as the people who are working in it. If you are considering selling or buying real estate in northeast Oklahoma, now is the time.

Wow what a week.

2009-02-15T15:52:00.000-08:00

This has been a great week. I have been saying all week "If you are a Realtor in the Tulsa area and you are not making offers, getting contracts, listing property then you must be hiding in a closet." I have written an offer on a half million dollar ranch and negotiated it to a sale. I have written an offer on an east Tulsa home. I have listed an investor home in Claremore.

Back to work

2009-02-11T06:56:00.000-08:00

I just am now getting over the crud. Continued working real estate thru it. Just yesterday I completed a contract on a half million dollar ranch near Haskell Oklahoma. I have also listed a cattle ranch near Afton Oklahoma for $2 Million dollars. Moving right along. I wish the media would leave us alone and let people regain their confidence and allow them to go ahead and buy homes and take advantage of the $7500 tax credit and the 5% interest rates. Call me for more information.

Man I have been sick

2009-01-26T15:15:00.000-08:00

I just call it the Creeping Crud. Upper resperatory stuff. Nose, caughing you know the stuff. I have had it for four or five days and I am trying to get over it.
We are having some crummy weather right now. Light rain freezing on the roads. There are a lot of meetings, school and church cancelations. I drove into Tulsa this morning and along the turnpike I saw a herd of about 20 white tail deer and when I reached the Navigation channel I sighted a bald eagle. This is the first bald eagle I have seen in Rogers county. I usually see them near Keystone lake west of Tulsa. Everyone be careful out there.

Finished up a great week.

2009-01-17T18:04:00.000-08:00

I listed two homes in Claremore, have a referal to list a home in Claremore, pre-viewed to list a home and acreage in West Tulsa. I also had a showing of a home and acreage in Claremore and my ranch in Haskell and my ranch in Chelsea were both shown today. I think it is back to moving again.

16 Degrees at 2:30 in the afternoon

2009-01-15T12:29:00.000-08:00

How absolutely ridiculous is that?

2009-01-11T06:39:00.000-08:00

Tulsa housing market gets high rating

By ROBERT EVATT World Staff Writer
Published: 1/9/2009 6:47 PM
Last Modified: 1/9/2009 6:47 PM

Tulsa’s housing market will lose 1.1 percent of its value before it starts to recover by the end of the year, according to an estimate by Economy.com, a division of Moody’s.
Despite the expected depreciation, the prediction was good enough to tie Tulsa with Houston for the sixth-best performing home market during the recession.

The survey, published on Forbes magazine’s online component, indicates that U.S. home values as a whole will drop 15 percent by the time things hit bottom late this year or sometime in 2010.

Forbes’ article on the survey singled out Tulsa for having relatively low home value growth since 2004, moving from an average of $100,000 to $130,000.

As a result, home prices in Tulsa and other metro areas cited in the survey don’t have nearly as far to fall compared with housing markets that skyrocketed during the housing boom, Mark Zandi, chief economist for Economy.com, said in the Forbes article.

“None … participated in the housing boom,” he said. “Some are down just because the economy is bad.”

Of the 25 areas listed, none showed gains in home values in the near future and only two — McAllen, Texas, and Syracuse, N.Y. — were predicted to have no change in prices.

The figures are based on comparisons between home prices during the second quarter of 2008 and price projections through 2011, and examined metro areas larger than 500,000 people.

By ROBERT EVATT World Staff Writer

2009-01-10T06:41:00.000-08:00

This has been a good week. Temperatures were above normal. I have sold two tracts of land and closed on one this week. I have listed one home and will be listing two more next week. The market actually is picking up. I predict that the spring of 2009 will bring green grass, blooming flowers and popping sold signs on homes in the Tulsa area.

Real Estate business

2009-01-05T17:31:00.000-08:00

Well where have I been.....anyway, I am back. It was kind of a slow weekend all around. Back to work today, working on negotiating two different land deals and I listed a home today. Weather is decent at 35 to 45 degrees. Big day tomorrow with a corporate meeting in Tulsa. Ho hum. See ya soon.

Let's talk about the market

2009-01-01T13:07:00.000-08:00

I once heard someone say, " Some of my best thinking is done by other people." I don't know about the "best" part of this, but, unfortunately, when comes to buying real estate in a market shift, like the one we are in now, I do believe that most buyers are letting others do too much of their thinking for them. These other people might include family, friends, and the media. On one hand, a lot of good information can come from these sources. On the other hand, if these are the only real estate information sources people are using, then they're not getting the entire story. More to follow....

HAPPY NEW YEAR......PEOPLES.

2009-01-01T08:51:00.000-08:00

Well 2008 is now history. This has been one of the best years I have had in a long time in real estate. Sales were up all year until the crazy people in finance and media busted our dream of home ownership. Look for a special blog coming soon explaining the real estate market.

Yesterday was another good day.

2008-12-31T05:42:00.001-08:00

Nice sunshine day. Wrote an offer on another property. Market is picking up. Talked to my lender and she is happy with the 5.5 interest rates. We are both hoping that after the new year starts that home buyers will move out and start looking for their dream home to take advantage of the low rates and the $7500 tax credit.

Really nice day.

2008-12-29T20:43:00.000-08:00

I had a really nice day. Sunshine and warm weather. Went to my office in Tulsa and took care of a lot of paperwork. Listed a home in Broken Arrow. Put pictures of my little horse property in Claremore on the MLS and worked on my websites. Have an appointment to write another contract tomorrow. I am a happy camper. My lender partner said that she can get my clients a 4.5% interest rate by paying some points. 4.5 is that ridiculous or what. Now is the time to buy.

Nice weather and lots of sunshine

2008-12-28T15:06:00.000-08:00

The weather was nice in Northeast Oklahoma today. Temp was down in the mid-twenties last night. My wife and I stayed up and watched movies until 1am and I slept in this morning. I drove to Chouteau and held our model home open there. I got some paperwork done. Not too many visitors. Worked on a counter off on one of the offers that I wrote yesterday. I hope we get a meeting of the minds.

Been a good day.

2008-12-27T14:49:00.000-08:00

Well yesterday after showing six tracts of land, I wrote and offer on one of the tracts. Today I just slept in. After lunch I was out showing property again with another buyer client and we are submitting an offer. Sales are good and getting better in Northeast Oklahoma real estate and I am enjoying todays weather in the 50's. Oh by the way...this is the blue whale swimming hole on old route 66 in Catoosa Oklahoma.

Friday after Christmas

2008-12-26T10:17:00.001-08:00

Spent Friday morning after Christmas out walking land with a potential buyer client and the owner. We walked and located the corner markers. While we were walking we found evidence of beaver cutting trees and found their lodge. There are also a lot of white tail deer on the property as seen by their scrapes. I saw six deer here last week. I still can not believe that it is 66 degrees right now. I love this weather.

Loving this weather

2008-12-25T15:01:00.000-08:00

It is in the 50's today...makes me want to go swimming.

The Reason for Christmas

2008-12-25T09:33:00.000-08:00

Remember this as you celebrate today.

2008-12-24T16:37:00.000-08:00

Nice day. Temps in the 30's and sunshine. I made a few appointments for Friday. Christmas Eve at home this year.

Warming right up.

2008-12-23T16:40:00.000-08:00

Pretty decent day. Mist hung in the air all day causing me to use the wipers on the Land Wagon. Went out and measured property lines this morning. Finally got a mobile home moved off of a property I sold. Still have a couple of closings scheduled before the end of the year.

Pretty good day.

2008-12-22T18:45:00.000-08:00

I have been negotiating two contracts. I plan to write two more offers. The weather was better. I actually was able to take my coat off for a while. Sunshine is nice.

Give me 18 inches of snow.

2008-12-21T17:46:00.000-08:00

I bought this big bad 4x4 Suburban and I want some snow to play in.

Stayed home all day. Tired of this cold weather.

2008-12-21T12:25:00.000-08:00

I am sick and tired of this cold weather

12 degrees

2008-12-21T07:17:00.001-08:00

I think I will go back to bed.

Tell me again how bad the economy is in Tulsa Ok.

2008-12-20T18:28:00.000-08:00

All of these people are spending money like they have it in Tulsa Oklahoma at the malls on Saturday before Christmas. Money is flowing. Cash is King.

Serious land buyers like to walk it.

2008-12-20T10:55:00.000-08:00

It said it was 38 degrees. With the wind at 20 miles per hour it feels like 24 degrees. Serious buyers like to walk land that they are thinking of buying. Did we walk it in the cold wind...yes we did. By the way it was 4217.43 feet that we walked around the property. It was a workout for a 54 year old guy with heart issues.

I have a busy Saturday ahead

2008-12-19T17:39:00.000-08:00

I will be showing land to two different buyer clients and putting a sign on my new listing.

Good news for re-haber investors

2008-12-19T17:20:00.000-08:00

Investor Report: 203(K) Rehabilitation Program
by Kenneth R. Harney
Real estate investors could regain access to an important FHA financing program that's been closed to them since the late 1990s -- provided HUD goes along with a proposal submitted recently by the National Association of Realtors.

In a letter to HUD Secretary Steve Preston, NAR president Charles McMillan asked the department to rethink its decision to bar investors from the 203(K) rehabilitation program, under which FHA insures a combined home purchase and renovation mortgage based on the after-repairs valuation of the property.

McMillan said reopening 203(K) to investors could play a key role in disposing of large numbers of vacant foreclosed houses that have been damaged by vandals or prior occupants.

"Many foreclosed properties are severely damaged after they are vacated, making them difficult to sell," said McMillan. "Investors utilizing the 203(K) program could purchase dilapidated foreclosed properties for rehabilitation and conversion into rental units."

Amending 203(K) restrictions "will benefit neighborhoods across the country," he said, and give investors "access (to) credit that is unavailable (during) the current economic crisis."

McMillan suggested the change could be temporary -- ending with the expiration of HUD's "Hope for Homeowners" program, under which FHA refinances seriously delinquent mortgages.

HUD imposed a moratorium on investor participation in 203(K) in 1996 after a series of scandals involving the program - bogus repairs, straw buyers and other abuses by speculators.

In his letter to Preston, McMillan acknowledged those earlier problems, but said HUD's Inspector General had concluded that most of the abuses were connected with nonprofit groups and so-called "identity of interest" transactions.

McMillan proposed that both types of participation be prohibited under any limited return of investors to the 203(K) program.

Asked by RealtyTimes whether FHA might reopen the doors to investors, an official said that given the short time frame until the Obama team takes over at HUD - now barely a month - the agency is likely to leave the issue open for the next administration's consideration.

The good news here: The incoming nominee for HUD secretary, Shaun Donovan, knows the 203(K) program well, and has direct experience with preservation of housing stock. Since 2004, Donovan has headed New York City's department of housing preservation and development. Plus he served at FHA during part of the Clinton administration.

Donovan won't require months of education to get up to speed on FHA programs, and the department should have a baseline decision on possible investor participation in 203(K) sooner, rather than later.

Published: December 19, 2008

2008-12-19T16:17:00.000-08:00

Fed Action Creates Best Interest Rates in 50 Years, Realtors® Report

WASHINGTON, December 17, 2008

The National Association of Realtors® applauds the actions of the Federal Reserve Board in lowering interest rates for home buyers and homeowners who need to refinance. This will significantly impact housing sales, home valuations, and the nation’s overall economy.

The Federal Reserve is purchasing large quantities of agency debt and mortgage-backed securities to provide support to the mortgage and housing markets.

“NAR has been aggressively calling for mortgage rate reductions, and the Fed’s action to slash interest rates, coupled with the actions by the Federal Housing Finance Agency and the Department of the Treasury, has driven down interest rates to make the dream of homeownership once again attainable for thousands of Americans,” said NAR President Charles McMillan.

Mortgage rates, which had averaged 6.3 percent in the third quarter, have recently fallen into the 4 percent range in some parts of the country. “That is the lowest rate in nearly 50 years and will bring buyers back to the market,” McMillan said. “We are pleased that the government heard our message and responded to our call for action.”

NAR has estimated that a one percentage point decrease in mortgage rates will increase home sales by more than 500,000 homes. “To boost the economy, it is critical to stem the rising tide of foreclosures and boost home buyer confidence in the housing market.” McMillan said. “Lower interest rates coupled with increased foreclosure mitigation are the key ingredients to stabilizing the housing market and preserving communities and homeownership.”

NAR continues to call on the federal government to maintain the higher loan limits passed in the economic stimulus bill earlier this year and to expand the $7,500 tax credit for first-time home buyers to all buyers and to eliminate the credit repayment requirement. “Together, all of these actions will stimulate and stabilize the housing market and begin an overall economic recovery,” McMillan said.

2008-12-18T17:44:00.000-08:00

What a fun day. I spent the morning at Endodontics getting a root canal and the afternoon at My Dentist getting a temporary tooth built and installed. Recieved a call when I got home from another new land client. I have not had a day in two weeks that I have not had a call on real estate from a new client. Very good. Thank you very much.

It is warm...it is warm...it is warm...repeat it is warm.

2008-12-17T18:20:00.000-08:00

I am ready for warmer days....can you tell????

Back to work

2008-12-17T14:22:00.000-08:00

Well it was a better weather day today. I was able to get out and go the office and the bank and put a sign up. Talked to a new client today looking for a home and acreage and negotiated on the offer that I have out and talked to another client that wants to come and look at homes with acreage. I have made two appointments to show land this Saturday. Keeping on keeping on. Thanks for your cooperation and God bless America.

I am getting cabin fever.

2008-12-16T17:31:00.001-08:00

Sitting around the house most of the day, I was happy to go look at a tract of land for a client. I went down the trail into the valley and found the property. It was really pretty down there with everything in ice.

bah humbug

2008-12-16T10:49:00.000-08:00

24 degrees at noon. Ice on the side streets. Dreaming of mowing the lawn and washing the car. Still lots of phone calls and e-mails today.

I have had all the cold I want for a while

2008-12-15T17:33:00.000-08:00

I have been thinking that 70 degrees today on the beach at the Cayman Islands looks really good to me. Let's see...I could come back to Oklahoma about March in time for tornado season. maybe...just maybe.

16 Degrees feels like 1 degree

2008-12-15T06:02:00.000-08:00

Are you believing this. We were pelted with ice until about midnight and get up to ice covered ground and streets and it is 16 degrees at 8 am. I think I am going to stay in by the heat until at least noon. Oh by the way, with the wind chill it feels like 1 degree.

Change in the weather.

2008-12-14T15:57:00.000-08:00

Wow what a day. I left home in Claremore about noon to drive to Chouteau to hold the model homes open. It was 69 degrees and the sun was shining. About 4 pm I stepped out side and it was beginning to cool off and the wind was blowing. When I did get back home it is 33 degrees and with the wind chill it feels like 22 degrees. Made me wonder why I chose to wear a short sleave shirt today and take no coat.

Nice day.

2008-12-13T15:16:00.000-08:00

It is really 60 degrees today. Cleaned out my home office and brought in a new desk and it is great. So much more space. Finally got the home office re-organized. Made a trip to the dairy for milk and to the store to fight with the crazy people. Came back to the office and called my new client in Texas and another one in Ohio. Everyone is moving to Oklahoma. Taking the rest of the day off to watch some TV and read.

Another good day.

2008-12-12T17:45:00.001-08:00

Negotiated on my contract offer. Sent letters to several sellers whose listings had expired. Spent most of the day on the phone. My phone rings every day with new clients. The market is now and always will be as good as the Realtor working in it. If your home did not sell during the time you had it listed with another Realtor. Call me and let's talk about why your home did not sell. Of course there is no obligation. 1-918-948-3425.

I remember volunteering...but really.

2008-12-11T17:31:00.000-08:00

I told the incoming officers of our Greater Tulsa Association of Realtors and Northeast Oklahoma Real Estate Services (our MLS) that I would be happy to serve on committees this year. The President of NORES appointed me to the Key Box Committe as Chairman. The President of GTAR appointed me to two committees. One is The Membership Committee and the other is The Sales Associates Committee. I will be busy and it will be great to meet with other members who are also appointed to these committees.

2008-12-11T17:25:00.000-08:00

It was a good day. I wrote an offer on a property for a client. Had a closing. Put signs on a new listing. It was 23 degrees this morning when I started showing houses but it warmed up nicely to the mid fifties.

Another day in paradise?

2008-12-10T20:35:00.000-08:00

It has been another day. Seller cancelled listing after buyers flakes out and splits up during the contract negotiation. Boyfriend steals money from girlfriend. Neither buyer shows up for contract initials. But, I did get something done. I did get new pictures of my listing. North Star Ranch at Chelsea. You thought it was all fun and games and showing houses didn't you?

Coldwell Banker Select, Realtors

2008-12-09T15:39:00.000-08:00

We had our last company meeting, of the year, today. Sam Rader, our President, reminded us of some of the accomplishments of the company this year. First, Coldwell Banker Radergroup, Realtors merged with Terry Gartside Realtors to form the new Coldwell Banker Select Realtors. Second, the company purchased an Oklahoma City company to add to our Durant offices to make Coldwell Banker Select Realtors the largest real estate company in Oklahoma. Sam also reported that we are number one in the Tulsa metropolitan real estate market with 22% of the sales and 22% of the listings. This is good news for those of us who work for Coldwell Banker Select Realtors. We currently have offices in Oklahoma City, Durant, Owasso, Oologah, Claremore, Tulsa, Sand Springs, Broken Arrow, Skiatook, Sapulpa and more cities are to follow.

2008-12-09T04:36:00.000-08:00

We had a thunderstorm last night. I was sound asleep and at 11:30 my phone rang. It was the Claremore police department with a recorded message telling me that we were having strong winds, rain and hail. I could have slept right thru it...but no. I had to sign up for reverse 911. What a great service from the City of Claremore.

Going to be a good week.

2008-12-08T16:49:00.000-08:00

I have home showing appointments this week. Two different buyers ready to buy. One is cash and one is already approved for financing. I also received a buyer referral from OKC. This buyer is wanting to buy a home with acreage. Oh yea... I spoke to a client yesterday who has decided to buy a place to run cattle. Wow!!! Busy is good.

People are selling and buying houses.

2008-12-07T16:58:00.000-08:00

I held the model homes open in Chouteau today and I visited with a couple who came by. They have just sold their house on 80 acres and are looking for a home closer town with an acre or so. Real estate is still selling and people are still buying homes in Northeast Oklahoma. So tell the national news to just bite their lip and quit talking about how bad things are.

Home Mortgage Money

2008-12-07T07:50:00.000-08:00

Mortgage rates keep dropping
The 5.53 percent average is the lowest since January.

WASHINGTON — Rates on 30-year mortgages plunged this week to the lowest level since January after the government launched a sweeping new effort to aid the U.S. housing market.

Mortgage finance giant Freddie Mac reported Thursday that average rates on 30-year fixed-rate mortgages dropped to 5.53 percent this week. That was down from 5.97 percent last week, and the lowest since the week of Jan. 24, when it was at 5.48 percent.

Further drops could be on the way if the government launches an industry-backed plan to lower the rate on a 30-year mortgage to 4.5 percent by spending hundreds of billions to buy mortgage-backed securities issued by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.

That would follow an effort announced last week by the Federal Reserve, which is planning to buy up to $600 billion of mortgage-backed securities and other debt issued by Fannie and Freddie and the Federal Home Loan Banks. Those institutions don't make loans directly to consumers, but provide money to the mortgage market by packaging loans into investments.

The Fed's move caused rates to immediately drop by about a half-point, and many in the real estate industry hope rates will keep dropping as the government increases efforts to battle the credit crisis.

Rates "are now almost a full percentage point lower since the last week in October," Freddie Mac Chief Economist Frank Nothaft said in a statement.

Mortgage rates are sinking as Treasury yields, some of the most sensitive barometers of investor sentiment, have dropped to record lows this week as a torrent of bad economic news continues. But as investors send yields down, they're also influencing the economy — driving interest rates so low that savers get punished and borrowers get a break.

Treasury buying has picked up and sent yields down because the economy is in a recession that investors believe will be long and deep.

Consumers already are taking advantage of the situation. New mortgage applications more than doubled last week, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association's weekly survey released Wednesday.

By ALAN ZIBEL Associated Press

As seen in the Tulsa World Newspaper.

2008-12-07T07:25:00.000-08:00

Well I am back in the Claremore Progress Newspaper again Sunday December 7, 2008 on Page 2A. I attended my last meeting of the City of Claremore and Rogers County Metropolitan Planning Commission. Next meeting I will be on the Commission.

2008-12-06T15:43:00.000-08:00

I have been going so hard this week it was good to take a whole day off. I think I will do it again tomorrow.

You know how much I hate this cold weather...

2008-12-06T07:47:00.000-08:00

But if I have to put up with this cold weather...I want some snow to play in.

Cousin Garth Brooks' house

2008-12-05T20:09:00.001-08:00

This Garth Brooks home. It is located west of Claremore on Highway 20 to the top of Keetonvill Hill. When you get to the top of the hill, turn left on ridge road to the gate. When you turn right at the gate, Garth owns everything on your left with the high chainlink fence.

Have you looked at my Christmas list yet?

2008-12-05T20:01:00.000-08:00

I have put this new real estate car on my list for Christmas. Check out the back seat for the hard working real estate agent and the front seat for the assistance.

Another of my listings is under contract

2008-12-05T19:49:00.000-08:00

Why do THEY say that the real estate market is bad. Not in Claremore, Rogers County and Tulsa area. Properties are being shown. Interest rates are as low as 5.4%. I am getting a number of calls on my listings. We may see a slow down during the Christmas holidays. I really do not expect business to slow down. Bring it on. I am ready.

2008-12-04T15:59:00.000-08:00

Busy day. Lots of activity. I went to my last Planning Commission meeting before I become one. Picture is Claremore main street Christmas of 1971

2008-12-03T18:59:00.000-08:00

The market in Rogers County is really picking up. I have presented one offer and have been on two listing appointments. I listed another Horse Farm last night. I look for business in our area to continue to pick up through Christmas and we will see a little slacking off during the holiday and then by the time we pass the new year, look out and plan to be busy again with buyers more confident and financing deals a plenty.

Washburn appointed to Planning Commission

2008-12-02T18:39:00.000-08:00

According to page 2 Claremore Progress Newspaper dated Tuesday December 2, 2008. Claremore City Council approved the appointment of Mike Washburn to the City of Claremore Rogers County Metropolitan Area Planning Commission. Upon appointment Washburn will serve a four year term, effective January 2009 through January 2013.

2008-12-01T11:11:00.000-08:00

Lots of folks are e-mailing me with questions about property they are finding on line at my website and www.realtor.com. I am being really busy with calls and e-mail.

Dang cold wind, glad I am off today.

2008-11-30T13:03:00.001-08:00

Yes the thermometer says 36 degrees but the wind is wicked.

How about a new "Land Wagon"

2008-11-27T08:07:00.000-08:00

It is getting close to the end of the year and I have been shopping for a new land wagon to take clients out on land to view property.

Happy Thanksgiving

2008-11-27T07:15:00.000-08:00

Hello partners. Happy Thanksgiving.

Productive day

2008-11-25T16:34:00.000-08:00

I finally got my signatures on the ranch sale. Also listing a small horse place in Claremore. Ideal place for a couple of horses. Nice barn. It should sell pretty quick.

2008-11-24T19:05:00.000-08:00

I recieved this picture from the Marketing Director of the City of Claremore today. I just finished the first Citizen's Government Academy. This is me receiving my diploma from the Mayor of Claremore.

It must be Thanksgiving.

2008-11-24T18:58:00.000-08:00

For the past two years Thanksgiving has been the only time that my real estate business has slowed down. Sunday was quiet with no visitors. I did a lot of paperwork. I expect it will be slow this week. I am working with 3 new clients who are looking at property with me. I do not mind the slow down for a little rest.

2008-11-22T10:28:00.001-08:00

I have been out showing houses in Chouteau to a buyer client. It is cold out there with the wind.

2008-11-21T16:14:00.000-08:00

I have found there are a number of nice horse farms in Oklahoma. I was out and visited one today. They are planning to hire me to market and sell it for them.

2008-11-20T20:31:00.000-08:00

Some people just never change "cute cowboy" to "handsome landman" lol.

2008-11-20T20:25:00.000-08:00

It is going to be 24 degrees in the morning. I think I will stay in bed and cover up my head. Do you remember the ice storm in Claremore last year. I lost electric for two days.

TULSA HOME VALUES HOLD STEADY

2008-11-19T18:47:00.000-08:00

TULSA WORLD FILE
By ROBERT EVATT World Staff Writer
11/19/2008 12:02 PM
Last Modified: 11/19/2008 1:48 PM

Real estate Web research site Zillow has reported that values for all homes in the Tulsa area — including those that haven't been sold — stayed steady from the third quarter of 2007 to the third quarter of this year.

Though flat, Tulsa's results are vastly better than the 9.7 percent nationwide drop the company reported for the same period.

Over the last 10 years, Zillow estimates Tulsa homes have gained 4.6 percent in value each year.

Cash deals

2008-11-19T17:47:00.000-08:00

Apparently a number of citizens have decided to move money from stocks, bonds and other paper investments and put their money into real estate. I am getting calls every day from men and women who are looking for the great deals in Oklahoma real estate. These calls are coming from all over the nation. I am going to be busy all thru the holidays.

No bull

2008-11-18T20:19:00.001-08:00

I really think this real estate market will continue to improve. If you are looking for a personal residence, there is a good selection. If you are an investor, there are plenty of foreclosures to pick from.

Real Estate market appears to be warming up.

2008-11-18T18:45:00.000-08:00

I have recieved calls from several home buyers that are moving to Tulsa. All of them have new jobs in Tulsa. One is from Chicago, IL. One is from Texas and another one is from Indiana. All are looking to buy a home. Many of these folks already have financing in place.

Busy today.

2008-11-18T05:13:00.001-08:00

It is another busy day. Company meeting in Tulsa, Showing a buyer in Inola, Realtor meeting in Tulsa and then a buyer showing in Chouteau. I love this job.

Winter is almost here.

2008-11-17T19:13:00.000-08:00

Winter is almost here and I am looking for a convertible. If you know of anyone that has a Chevrolet Camaro Convertible from 1993 to 1998 model in any condition, I would be interested in talking to them. Will make a nice winter project and great driver for next spring.

Tonight in Claremore

2008-11-17T19:08:00.000-08:00

I just got home from the Claremore City Council meeting where I and 19 other citizens graduated from the very first Citizens Government Academy and recieved our diplomas from the Mayor and then ate dinner with the city counsel members. Quite a nite. Very interesting class.

Business is good.

2008-11-17T10:44:00.000-08:00

Today I have two new buyer clients and a new listing client. Business is good and God is still on his throne.

For your information.

2008-11-16T15:27:00.000-08:00

Did you know that a new law has been passed in Chouteau Oklahoma that allows licensed drivers over the age of 16 to drive ATV OR GOLF CARTS in the city of Chouteau. The driver can be ticketed for breaking any trafic law. The driver can cross highway 69 but can not drive on the highway. Interesting huh? Only in Oklahoma.

www.frontdoor.com

2008-11-16T07:24:00.000-08:00

Have you visited HGTV's new home website? Good articles and free home search.

Open House

2008-11-16T07:10:00.000-08:00

I will be holding 3 new home construction model homes open today Sunday from 1 to 4 pm if you would like to stop by. We are in Chouteau Oklahoma off Highway 69 east of Marvin's Grocery.

Foreclosures in Oklahoma

2008-11-16T07:07:00.000-08:00

Foreclosure rate dives in state

Source: RealtyTrac

By ROBERT EVATT World Staff Writer
11/13/2008
Last Modified: 11/13/2008 4:27 AM

A new report indicates that home foreclosures in Oklahoma plunged 36 percent from September to October.

The report by real estate data service RealtyTrac estimated that 817 foreclosures were filed for the month, or one for every 1,967 households in the state.

Nationally, foreclosures rose 5.11 percent for the month and 24.55 percent for the year, with a rate now at one foreclosure for every 452 households.

James Saccacio, CEO of RealtyTrac, said in a news release that legislation filed by several states mandating delays in the foreclosure process did not have a significant effect on home loan defaults.

"While the intention behind this legislation — to prevent more foreclosures — is admirable, without a more integrated approach that includes significant loan modifications, the net effect may be merely delaying inevitable foreclosures," he said.

The national rate was above the previous year for the 34th month in a row.

Nevada had the highest state default rate for the 22nd straight month, with one of every 74 homes filing foreclosure during October

Dave Ramsey

2008-11-16T06:39:00.000-08:00

For those of you who are having financial dificulty, or just want to live debt free and be prosperous, visit www.daveramsey.com. I highly recomend it.

Love the sunshine.

2008-11-16T06:36:00.000-08:00

Even though it is 38 degrees.

tulsarealtors.com says

2008-11-15T16:46:00.000-08:00

Home Values Have Held Up

TULSA, OK (September 23, 2008) – The Tulsa housing market has calmed down a little and is pretty much back to normal. Listing inventory processed for the month of July 2008 decreased from a year ago 7%, and is down year-to-date -.9%. The number of homes for sale on the last day of the month increased 6.4% from the same time last year. We are seeing now exactly what we expected and predicted stated Doug Horton, President of the Northeast Oklahoma Real Estate Services. Residential closings for the month continued to trail 2007 by only -4.5%.

Its very important for Oklahomans to understand that our home values have held up, and even increased, over the past year. We are now one of the best real estate markets in the country, and are consistently in the top 10 in home value appreciation. Horton predicts that our worst time is over.

The average sales price increased from a year ago 3.6% and 2.8% year-to-date from this time last year. About this same time last year we began to hear the horror stories of the real estate market across the county; this put a lot of fear into potential buyers. The sub-prime markets dried up, practically overnight, in August of 2007. Then, the Alternate-A (stated income loans) followed suit in September, basically just disappearing. By October, we had no 100% loans of any kind available (except for VA). So, many people who could have bought homes before these financing options disappeared can no longer qualify for a home mortgage. Fortunately for home buyers, the Government has greatly enhanced the Government Insured FHA loans during 2008. FHA loans are gathering steam, and are available to many of the buyers who were shut out by the elimination of the Alternate-A conventional loans and the 100% conventional loans.

A recent report from Global Insight and National City Corp shows the historical values of the City of Tulsa since 1985 (see attachment). The Q1 of 1985 the median price of a home was $59,300.00 and the market was considered to be overvalued by 50.4% at that time. In 2008 Q1, the median home price was $102,900, undervalued by 23.2%. The report shows the Tulsa market has been undervalued since Q1 1992, and has gradually increased in undervalue to its current peak today. (The valuations are based on the median values for single-family dwelling units and are based on the 2000 Census of Housing. That point-in time Census estimate is then extrapolated, based on price indices published by the Office of Federal Housing Enterprise Oversight (OFHEO). Because OFHEO has acknowledged that these price indices overstate increases when refinance activity is strong, the valuations are further adjusted to correct for this influence.)

Do you know anyone from Claremore?

2008-11-15T15:39:00.000-08:00

I am trying to put together a contact database for my classmates that graduated from Claremore, Oklahoma High School in 1972. Can you help me.

Now that I am back, can't stop talking.

2008-11-15T15:24:00.000-08:00

I am enjoying this weather. 38 degrees this morning and wind and sunshine. Love Oklahoma.

While I am talking about financing a home.....

2008-11-15T15:14:00.000-08:00

Are you aware that there is still 100% financing available for home purcases in Northeast Oklahoma? The USDA Rural Developement loan is 100 percent plus you can borrow closing costs. Veterans can still get VA mortgages at 100 percent. One bank in Tulsa is offering 103 percent to also cover closing cost. Interest rates are hovering around 6%. If you are a Native America, you can get a grant from the Cherokee Nation for $15,000 to pay for your down payment and closing costs. For more information go to my website www.mikethelandman.com and click on the get pre-qualified button.

Getting organized again.

2008-11-15T14:57:00.000-08:00

I have spent this year working. The Landman team is on track to sell $10 million dollars worth of residential and land real estate in Northeast Oklahoma in 2008. No gloom and doom for us. We have sold homes in town and in the Country in Adair, Pryor, Locust Grove, Inola, Claremore, Foyil, Chelsea, Oologah, Owasso, Tulsa, Broken Arrow, Coweta and Catoosa. If your property did not sell, I believe that marketing is probably the reason. I have a special marketing plan that I customize for each property that I list. Our buyers have had no problem obtaining financing because my prefered lenders do not offer "stupid loans" If you think differently please let me know. Drop me an e-mail at mwashburn@cbtulsa.com.

Where have I been?

2008-11-15T14:30:00.000-08:00

Hello folks I have been away from the blog. Have no fear. I am back. Did you know that I have moved my license to the South Yale office of Coldwell Banker Select, Land and Ranch Division. More to follow.

2008-02-21T10:42:00.000-08:00

Here are a couple of good websites

www.whyrealtorswork.com

Also to www.youtube.com and search for "Good thing you're in Tulsa" to see the video commercial.

2008-02-21T10:11:00.000-08:00

Home values are up in Oklahoma!
The Oklahoma Association of Realtors is kicking off a brand new public awareness campaign designed to change public opinion about the Oklahoma housing market. The more people understand that Oklahoma is not facing the housing crisis seen in the rest of the country the more they will use our member Realtors to buy or sell a house.

Television ads will run in much of the state and newspaper ads will suppliment in many areas but OAR is counting on local Realtors to spread the word. Talk to your clients, your associates, your friends and even the person in line at the grocery store. Wouldn't it be great if every adult in Oklahoma knew what we know, It's a good thing You're in Oklahoma!

Did you know:

Home values in Oklahoma rose 5.6 percent last year?
The number of homes sold in Oklahoma in 2007 was the third highest number on record?
The subprime mortgage forclosure rate in Oklahoma last year was well below the national average?

Call me Mike Washburn The Land Man, 1-918-948-3425

The Landman Team expands

2008-02-04T17:35:00.000-08:00

The Landman Team is expanding to allow for better service. In February Debra G. Washburn, Mike's wife, has come back in to the real estate business and will be working with The Landman Team as one of our buyer's representatives. Also, April New, Shaynes wife, is in licensing school and will be joining the team. In addition, April will be our Administrative Manager for the team. If you have any questions, call our office at 1-918-343-3822.

Tulsa market February 2008

2008-02-04T17:23:00.000-08:00

December Home Sales
GTAR Reports Area Home Sales Following
Three-Year Seasonal Trends
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 (see graph). Homes listed in the Tulsa Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) in December 2007 averaged 62 days on the market until a contract was signed. According to Horton, Tulsa area home sales for 2008 will continue to reflect the previous years’ trend despite a national housing slump. "The most recent rate cut by the Federal Reserve lowered interest rates back to near all-time lows," Horton said. "The 30-year conventional fixed mortgage rate was around 5.625 percent, which means now is a great time to list and sell your home." Prospective buyers are now able to search for homes on GTAR’s newly redesigned Web site, http://www.tulsarealtors.com/, which provides a listing of all homes available in the Tulsa Multiple ListingSystem (MLS).In addition to the home search option, the GTAR Web site also offers a feature to search for upcoming open houses. Information on the site includes the property’s address, school district,price, square footage, year built, property photos, virtual tours, and the ability to use Google Maps to locatethe property. Satellite imagery also is provided where available. Below is the press release for GTAR’s December home sales, which was sent to the media. We are including it in the newsletter to help our members be informed about what is happening in our local real estate market.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

2007-12-23T16:10:00.000-08:00

Mike Washburn and Shayne New of The Land Man Team wish you a Merry Christmas and a Blessed New Year in 2008.

Still...no falling sky......

2007-11-06T19:16:00.000-08:00

We've all heard of chicken little and "the sky is falling." Many of us in the residential real estate business feel a different version of that story is taking place in our local real estate market. Bombarded by constant national news stories regarding bad real estate markets, falling prices, subprime mortgages and rising foreclosures, many people have to believe we have a bad residential market in the Tulsa Metro Area.

However, all real estate is local. And, the Facts indicate our market is much better than most of the reports we are seeing.

Fact: To date, the homes sold in the Tulsa and the four surrounding counties during 2007 was only one and a half percent below the record high sales of 2006.

Fact: Average and median sales prices in the Tulsa area have actually risen 5.9% and 6.9% respectively through August.

Fact: Mortgage financing is available for most buyers and interest rates have held steady between 6.0% and 6.5%.

Fact: Tulsa area homes are a great value.

Don't let the national news deter you. Contact us for the real estate facts related to your neighborhood. Mike Washburn Coldwell Banker Radergroup, Realtors 1-918-948-3425.

Tulsa...Strong Homes Sales Continue

2007-09-11T20:45:00.000-07:00

News release. Ron Sumner, Greater Tulsa Association of Realtors President

Tulsa, Ok. (September 6, 2007) The Greater Tulsa Association of REALTORS (GTAR) statistics for July 2007 are now available. The statistics provided are published monthly by GTAR based on the Northeast Oklahoma Real Estate Services (NORES) multiple listing service data. The statistics are based on residential properties in the Tulsa MSA (metropolitan statistical area), which is defined as a standard government based area. The Tulsa MSA currently includes seven counties: Tulsa, Creek, Osage, Rogers, Pawnee, Okmulgee and Wagoner.

According to GTAR President, Ron Sumner, Through July 2007, Tulsa area home sales continued at a pace nearly the same as the record-setting levels of 2006. Both the pending contracts (1,243/1,214; +2.4%) and the closed sales (1,223/1,220; +0.2%) increased over July by 2.2%.

Most significantly, home prices continued to climb. The average sales price ($163,788) in July 2007 was 12.6% higher than the average price ($145,454) in the same month a year earlier. In addition, the median sales price of $139,000 rose 5.7% over the previous month ($131,500/June 2007) and 8.6% over the previous year ($128,000/July 2006). The total volume sold ($200,312,954) was down 9.9% from June 2007, but up 9.3% over July 2006.

Finally, the number of homes coming on the market jumped in July 2007 (2,347) by 11.2% above the previous month (2,110/June 2007) and 7.8% over July 2006 (2,117). However, the year-to-date listings processed through July 2007 (15,269) was almost exactly the same as the first seven months of 2006 (15,279).

The Greater Tulsa Association of REALTORS is a real estate organization whose Northeast Oklahoma members are united to provide services; to promote education, professionalism, an ethical standards in order to assist members in better serving the public and protecting the free enterprise system and private property rights.

For comments, please contact GTAR President Ron Sumner at 918-251-4142 or NORES President John. L. Hausam at 918-492-2000.

Why hasn't my house sold?

2007-09-05T09:36:00.000-07:00

Home sellers are very concerned when their home has been on the market for some time. The offers presented, if any, have been too low to even consider. The home hasn't sold. Quite naturally they want to know "what's wrong?".

That is a fair question. The newspapers say the home market is active again. Some homes in the area have sold. Now sellers are asking questions like "interest rates are down, aren't they?", "why haven't I had a serious offer?","Should I take my house off the market?", "should I change Realtors?

First of all, slow down. Don't panic. Tak a rational look at the market and make the most of it. Smart home sellers are moving their homes...and right now, today. But they recognize the market today is different from last year.

Second, the smart home seller comes to the obvious conclusion with cautious buyers looking at more homes you have to be competative, flexible, agressive, and do a better job of merchandising to generate offers. Your home can also sell, and quickly.

Third, sit down with your real estate professional and rethink your marketing plan. There are a number of actions to consider to beat out your competition.

Price. Reviewing your asking price is most dificult, painful and personal part of answering the question, "Why aren't we getting any action?". This is typically the single most critical element in your new marketing plan. Get "fresh" comparable sales in your area. Forget the asking prices of the homes that aren't selling. Your home must be priced to meet today's market or all the other elements of your new plan won't make much difference.

Terms. How flexible are you really prepared to be? How big a second can you take? Can you offer a fast escrow?

Merchandising. Are you offering a home warranty. A home warranty covers many of the important systems that can and do break down during the buyers first year of ownership. It stands to reason your home will have a competative advantage when it includes a protection plan. Today's buyers are picky. Give them something extra. Grab their attention.

Appearance. Remember the old advertising slogan, "Even your best friends won't tell you!"? Well, a good Realtor will level with you. Have your real estate professional give you a set of ideas on how to spiff up your house. Put aside what you think is nice or adequate. Listen to your professional advisor. Paint, clip, cut, clean, deodorize, send to storage, toss out, caulk, mow, paper, cement, repair, add, scoop, weed, tearn down, and scrub.

Little things do count. A minimum of time, effort and money spent now can bring large rewards.
Atmosphere. There are also some "do's and don'ts", which can be helpful in creating a selling atmosphere. Leave the house when it's being shown and take the dog and children with you. If you must be home, don't chat with buyers, just disappear. Tune the FM radio to quiet, soothing music. Be careful of cooking oders. Turn on all the lights. Fresh flowers are always a plus. Keep the temperature at a comfortable level, open windows and doors if weather and security permit. Pick up kid's toys. Help your real estate professional by creating a warm, pleasant, private sales environment.

We thank Mr. Phillip B. Branson for his insight.

Mr. Branson is a noted real estate author and lecturer. Fomerly a consultant to major firms, has been active in residential real estate since 1967.

Catoosa's Economic Story

2007-09-05T05:55:00.000-07:00

KTUL-TV Tulsa, OK 08/31/2007

Catoosa wants to become the next broken arrow, owasso or jenks. It has four major projects going on right now. The largest is near i-44 and 193rd east avenue. 36 Acres have been acquired and the dirt is moving for retail shops and hotels and restaurants. Also happening, a street widening project to accommodate all the additional traffic. But new businesses here will generate more than just traffic.

450 New Jobs coming to Catoosa

2007-09-01T16:00:00.000-07:00

According to the Claremore Progress newspaper.

New wind tower company announces plant, 450 jobsRumors that Rogers County and the metro Tulsa area were due a “big” economic boost some time this year were confirmed late last week when DMI Industries, a West Fargo, N.D.-based wind tower manufacturer, announced in a low-key, two-page media news release that they are building a plant in Catoosa that will employ 450 people.“It’s big, as big if not bigger than Gatorade and Google combined,” said Don Cochran, executive director of the County Industrial Development Authority which played a supporting role in attracting the expanding industry to the Tulsa metro area. On Tuesday, DMI representatives will be hosting a job fair at the Renaissance Hotel in south Tulsa to begin filling up to 200 positions. When fully operational, the plant will employ 450. Mike Neal, Tulsa Metro Area Chamber president and CEO, said the announcement “takes another prime property off of the available list in Tulsa.” “It also is another example of the Chamber’s efforts to recruit progressive, high-quality jobs to the metro region. The economic impact of approximately 450 jobs with DMI will support an additional 540 indirect jobs in the metro region and generate a total economic impact of $157 million in goods and services.”

Farm and Ranch Locator Service

2007-08-31T11:29:00.000-07:00

Partners,

I am offering a new service. It is the Farm and Ranch Locator Service. If you are looking for a cattle ranch, horse ranch or recreational/hunting property in Oklahoma, I can help you. I have a partnership with a ranch real estate broker in every county in Oklahoma. If it is for sale, I can show it to you, in Oklahoma. Call me or e-mail me and tell me what you are looking for. Fees vary depending on the services you require. We have 4x4 vehicles, and airplanes to help with the showings. Let me know what you need.

Housing market slowdown not severe here.

2007-08-25T11:33:00.000-07:00

Housing slowdown apparent locally, but nothing severe By ROBERT EVATT World Staff Writer 8/26/2007
Tulsa's housing market has been largely insulated from the effects of the national crash -- sales and construction haven't dropped the way they have across the country. But will the national problems eventually drag down Tulsa? Bernard Markstein, senior economist and director of forecasting at the National Association of Home Builders, said Tulsa may have already been affected. "You've seen some slowdown because interest rates are a little higher and credit is a little tighter," he said. Sales in the area -- 6,649 homes through June -- are nearly 200 fewer than during the first half of last year, and construction through June stands at 2,266 housing starts, well below the 2,598 for the same time in 2006. Ron Sumner, president of the Greater Tulsa Association of Realtors, said the drop isn't necessarily a sign of a weakening market since the number of homes being offered for sale has dropped as well. "Our slight decrease in demand has been offset by a decrease in supply," he said. The mass collapse of subprime mortgages, which has lead to bankruptcy for some national lenders and the weakening of financial
markets, hasn't yet had much of an effect on Tulsa home-buying, said Glenn Shaw, president of the Home Builders Association of Greater Tulsa. "Oklahoma is so conservative, we never got into the fringe mortgage programs," he said. That's not to say it's had no effect. Vinson Reed, general manager of McGraw Davisson Stewart, said tightening mortgage standards have prevented a small number of potential buyers from getting loans. "We've lost some deals because of the subprime situation, but not too many," he said. Carter Maxey of Jane Maxey GMAC Real Estate said the lowest-price homes in Tulsa will likely feel the biggest impact, because mortgage companies have stopped issuing subprime mortgages almost entirely. "Jumbo" loans over $400,000 are also getting more restrictive. But he said the mortgage companies he works with haven't given any indications that loans between the two extremes will dry up. "The healthy center hasn't been affected," he said. Robert Cooke, marketing representative for R. Cooke Homes, said his company hasn't directly encountered any buyers having trouble finding loans, though he has heard from other builders who worry that may happen more often. In fact, fear itself might be the biggest drag on Tulsa home-buying. "Maybe the slowdown is just the perception people get from the media that the national market is slowing down, and then people decide it's not a good time" to buy, Cooke said. Shaw said he believes buyer fear is the biggest problem facing Tulsa. "We're hearing these bad stories, but the worst thing we're battling is the national press," he said. Sumner said Tulsa's economic environment remains favorable to home-buying, with affordable prices, low interest rates and low unemployment. Still, he's predicting Tulsa won't break any records this year. "Our market will probably slow down a little, but based on what we've got going on it probably won't be by a lot."
By ROBERT EVATT World Staff Writer