Saturday, June 16, 2012

Keep cool this summer


Oklahoma Cottonwood trees are doing their thing.  It looks like little angels floating down from heaven in the sunlight, but they are the devil when your air conditioner's condenser gets plugged up with them.  I'm talking about the fluffy little parachutes that drop the seed down from the eastern cottonwood tree which is also known as the Populus deltoides. 

Every year, I try to wait until they have fallen to clean up our condensers so that the fluffy little buggers won't stop them back up.  A lot of the time, it's very hot when it's time to complete the preventive maintenance.  But even if you have home warranty, it will not cover a plugged condenser.  Usually they can be rinsed out of the condensing unit by a professional or someone who knows what they are doing.

Some years they are very sparse and hardly noticed.  Other years they come down like a blizzard and pile up everywhere.  Some people probably experience allergies from them.  It makes my nose itch just thinking about them.  They remind me of the little fluffy things in Avatar when I saw it in 3D.


The cottonwood is the Nebraska State tree.  Oklahoma is fortunate to have the red bud tree for their state symbol.  A lot of people don't know this, but as a small child, I was shown that you could cut a small branch of a cottonwood tree at the rigid joint and you can see a small star in the middle.  

The cottonwood typically lives for 70 to 100 years, but can live up to 400 years with the right genetics and proper environment. They can grow up to 100 feet to the top of the canopy and have a trunk as big as 5 - 6 feet wide.  The female trees produce the cottony seed.  This of course means the males are not messy.

More about life in Oklahoma by:

Sunday, May 20, 2012

Edmond and Oklahoma City Homes for Sale

Dreams Do Come True is a very comprehensive and dynamic website designed to help those interested in Edmond andOklahoma City real estate. The website is orchestrated to the highest quality for those relocating to the Oklahoma City area from other states, as well as first time buyers and investors, and is easily navigated by going to the home page and clicking on the topic that most suits your needs. The website works well on all browser platforms, as well as mobile applications.
Included in the content you will find buying procedures, optional purchases, and selling techniques having to do with real estate. Each titled link opens a new page with content pertaining to the title. Also provided free of charge is an MLS Search page. This can be used to search Oklahoma County and the surrounding areas for all homes that are on the market. It is a live search provided by the Oklahoma City Metropolitan Association of Realtors which shows current prices along with photographs of homes listed through a brokerage. The contact boxes request no personal information. They exist only for your benefit to provide the information you wish us to have. We hope that you will feel comfortable communicating with us.

The Dreams Do Come True blog also contains neighborhood information assembled through our personal experiences while living in the Oklahoma City and Edmond area. Your comments are welcome.
Dreams Do Come True is waiting to make your dreams come true .


Saturday, November 26, 2011

Oklahoma City Shopping

Oklahoma City shopping couldn't be much better.  Depending on what area your home is located, there are many locations to pick from.  From the new Oklahoma City Outlet Shoppes on the west side of the City, to the Heritage Shopping center on the east side of OKC in Midwest City.  From Quail Springs Mall on the north side of the City to the to the shopping outlets in Moore, OK.  There are locations to shop in Edmond, Norman, and Tri-City and Newcastle.  Even as you drive on out of town the smaller towns offer some unique ideas and resources for gifts.
There are also a lot of smaller malls in Oklahoma City.  I miss the Crossroads Mall on the southeast side of town that was located at I-35 & I-240.  I have done a lot of Christmas shopping there.  The building itself was ahead of it's time, with good parking.
If you work in a merchant retail store anywhere, I hope that shoppers treat you with respect and don't take any of their tension out on you just because you were in their path.  I hope shoppers will have great success in their endeavors and that you enjoy the experience in the Oklahoma City area.
Thanks for reading,
Rick Jackson
www.DreamsDoComeTrue.US is a top of the line web site to look for Oklahoma City and Edmond homes for sale.  Many listings are available for home searchers and the MLS gateway will find all the home on the Oklahoma City MLS market.

Tuesday, September 20, 2011

Knowing when to sell your home

Knowing when to sell your home is the key to making a transition into another home.  Knowing what it's market value is, and knowing the bottom dollar you would like to net is the key to when you want to make your move.  Unless your a have to sell your home, you probably won't be comfortable listing for less than breaking even.  You probably would like to come out ahead on it.  You may want to lease it if your mortgage will assist you on your next home without selling it.
Leasing your home is an option sometimes as apposed to selling your home.  However, you will still have to pay taxes, maintain the property, and keep tenants happy enough to stay there.

Read more about buying and selling your home at www.DreamsDoComeTrue.Us

Sunday, March 20, 2011

MLS Search

Many websites offer a MLS search.  These are great for looking for a home surfing around the cyber network.  However, you are limited to a ambiguous amount of information.  Most website searches don’t tell you how long properties have been on the market.  Some websites have expired, sold, and pending listings that show up as For Sale.
Oklahoma City has a very well put together MLS search for licensed Realtors that will allow searches to be set up in very specific ways.  These searches are programmed to eliminate listings from a clients preferences so that the client doesn’t have to wade through hundreds of homes that are not for them.
If you are looking for a home in the Oklahoma City area or anywhere else, contact a Realtor and ask them to set you a search up.  Continue to communicate with the Realtor and let them act as you Buying Agent or (Single Party Broker) until you get in your new home.
Your listing can be received in the form of a web site that allows you notification as soon as a property comes on the market.  It will also keep you current on properties as prices drop or go up.  It is very easy to call or email and ask your Realtor for more information or to see a property that interests you.  You also have the option to screen properties or add notes about a specific property as you see them.  You can categorize listings as your favorites, possibilities, or reject them.  Your Realtor can modify your search if your circumstances or wants have changed.
It makes it much easier and much more efficient than driving around and looking or trying to find a home yourself on a  conventional web site. 
A MLS search is a must if your relocating to another city and you have a limited amount of time or a long distance to drive.
We have shown many homes to clients in one day because of MLS searches are easily coordinated into showings by professional Realtors.  We have schedule many showings not had to show all of the homes because of the first homes was what our clients wanted. 
Feel free to contact me if you would like to know more about receiving a MLS search or have any questions about this simple home finding assistant.

Rick Jackson
405-826-8599

Saturday, March 19, 2011

Keeping your home safe

Keeping your home safe can be rewarding and fun to do.  Many times the things we do on a normal day to day routine produces a safe environment.
Keeping the lawn in good shape not only gives your home more curb appeal, but lowers the chances of a fire spreading from another area to your home. Keeping bushes, leaves, and other growth away from your exterior walls helps also to prevent foundation problems and control insects that may be harmful or damaging to your home.
Keeping your garage clean and organized is another area that some of us neglect. Combustibles such as paint, gas, and cleaners should always be treated with respect.
It’s also very easy to start out with an extra extension cord in your home and branch it off to 15 different powered devices. Remember there are just 2 little wires to supply everything you have plugged into your wall per outlet. Also some breaker boxes hang weather for long periods of time. They can become filled with insects. Sometimes breakers won’t trip when they are supposed to due to corrosion. The purpose of a breaker is to stop the flow of electricity of the wires coming from it. If the wires pull more amperage than they are rated for by being overloaded or a direct short the breaker should trip.
Homes with wood burning fireplaces should have the chimney cleaned and inspected along with the insert periodically. Every winter when you first build a fire, you should make sure the chimney is clear of anything that might burn or prevent smoke and sparks from going up and out. If you have an attic fan, it should never be turned on if fireplace is going.
Water hoses that are connected to the outside of the home during winter can cause the plumbing to freeze and even burst.
Most of us know these things. They have become a way of life for some of us older home owners. Others have learned the hard way. I’m writing this to help that one person from going through a bad experience that could have been avoided.
Each season, I evaluate the primary concerns that we all hear about on the news. There are many tragic things we don’t hear about. I know several Firefighters and they want you to keep your homes safe too.
Please keep your home safe. It is your castle.
Rick Jackson

Saturday, March 12, 2011

Confused by open houses?

Don't be confused by open houses.  They are what they are.  If your home searching, it’s very convenient to stop in and look at homes that are advertised as open.
Realtors love for you to come by and look at the home they are opening in the hope that you will buy it or tell someone else about it.
Not all homes are listed by a Realtor.  Builders have open houses and sometimes use a community sales manager to help you.  They can only assist you with the builder’s home.  If you are not interested in what they have, they can’t help you any further.
For Sale by owners can have an open house for their own home, but it the same as a sales associate for a builder in that if you are not interested in their home then they can’t help you further.   
Realtor open houses are usually attend by the Listing Realtor or one of their associates who is also a licensed Realtor.
Realtors who hold open house on their listings are all a little different.  Some have a presentation.  Some will give you the grand tour.  Some will just sit at their desk and offer to answer any questions you may have about the home.
If you find a home you want to purchase by going to an open house, you are still entitled to have your own Realtor represent you as a buying agent.  Your Realtor can give you the numbers from recent sales in the area of the home you interested in.  Your Realtor will act as an advocate on your behalf.  Your Realtor will walk you through the paper work process and help you make an offer on the house.  Buyer's agents work for you without charging you, the buyer, a fee.
If you find the home of your Dreams at an open house you should consult your Realtor.  Be sure and tell the person showing you the home that you have a Realtor so that they will know up front. 
Have some fun with it, and go house shopping.  Don’t let it be confusing.

Rick Jackson
405-826-8599
Dreams Do Come True

Tuesday, February 8, 2011

What our clients say?

What our clients tell us is the only indicator of what they are thinking of our performance.  Sometimes we move forward with only experience and confidence guiding us.  Some prospects are very tight lipped and don’t have much to say.

I had to laugh the other day when an offer was written and the young buyer stated “If they don’t accept our offer, you don’t make any money”.  He was actually concerned about us getting our commission.  I loved it.  This person hit the nail on the head.  This couple found what they wanted, decided what it was worth, and knew they would either get the property, or their Realtor wouldn’t get paid.  I love logical clients.

So many potential buyers think that they will be charged a fee by a Buyer’s Agent in Oklahoma.  Although Oklahoma Realtors can charge a retainer for their services, I don’t know of any that do on a normal day to day basis.

It seams to me that more prospective home buyers are getting acquainted with the the home buying process.  The lenders are helping with credit issues and have some programs that can be beneficial to certain buyers for certain areas.
What our clients say is very important to us and by letting their guard down a little can help us to serve them more.  You don’t know if you don’t ask.  There are no bad questions.

So contact me if you have any questions.
Rick Jackson

Tuesday, February 1, 2011

The Green Light to Buy a Home

You just got the green light to buy a home.  Your lender called and is sending you a copy of your qualification to obtain a mortgage.  This is a very exciting moment that you don't hear a lot about on blogs.  Why would you blog about it?  You should be telling your Realtor that you can make an offer when a property becomes available that you might be interested in.

You strategically schedule some homes to see.  The rest is up to you.

Rick Jackson W/ Paradigm AdvantEdge

www.DreamsDoComeTrue.Us

Wednesday, January 26, 2011

Paradigm AvantEdge Realty continues to grow

Paradigm AdvantEdge continues to grow and is proud to announce their new office at Northwest Expressway and Piedmont Road will soon be complete.  This will make four offices dispersed across the Oklahoma City Area.  Below is the locations of second largest owner owned and operated Broker's Oklahoma City area offices.

Office Locations

Paradigm Corporate N.W.
16301 N.  May Ave
Edmond, OK 73013

Paradigm East Office
5601 S.E. 67th Street, Suite B
Oklahoma City, OK 73135

Paradigm South Office
1530 S.W. 119th Street
Oklahoma City, OK 73170

Paradigm Piedmont Office
13100 Colony Pointe
Piedmont OK 73078

With offices all across Oklahoma City, we will be able to offer you a more convenient service and work closer to the area you live or are buying in.
Rick Jackson
405-826-8599

Dreams Do Come True

From the Slab up

From the slab up until the time the last nail is driven and the last window is cleaned off, you have waited for this moment.  You’re about to close on your new custom built home.  The builder accommodated your plan changes, added a few custom features, and you picked the colors.  This is not a cookie cutter home. It is your dream home in a wonderful neighborhood; in a wonderful location.

Of course what seemed like forever was really only a few months, but during that time you were dreaming of where you would put your furniture and you were shopping for new furniture.  The kids are excited too.  They will finally have their very own rooms and a playroom too!

When the builder said it would be 6 months before your new custom home was built, that seemed like such a long time.  You didn’t want to put your current home on the market too soon because if it sold quickly you would have to rent a place to live and that would mean moving twice.  As lovely as your home is with its custom rainbow paint colors, lime green shag carpet, and Hawaiian motif, who wouldn’t fall in love with it on the first showing and then there you would be – homeless.

So you waited and cleaned and threw away old toys and closet clutter.  You touched up the rainbow paint colors in every room.  You had the lime green shag carpet professionally cleaned and then, two months before you were scheduled to close on your new custom built home, you decided it was now time to put your home on the market.

You call a Realtor which you heard once had a quick sale and decided they were the Realtor for you.  But when they came and viewed your home and realized that you had to sell in one month so you could close in two months, your hopes dwindled and panic set in.  Could it be done?  Maybe.  What would it take?  Taking every word of the advice your Realtor would give you to heart and acting upon it immediately.  Neutral paint colors.  Neutral carpet colors.  Up to date fixtures, countertops, tile, and appliances.  Would this guarantee a quick sale?  No, but at least then you would the home that would stand out in a sea of homes on the market.

You might then be even more dismayed when you realize that if you had called that same Realtor BEFORE you started building your custom home, they could have negotiated professionally in a knowledgeable way with the builder.  What do Realtors know about custom home building and working with builders that you don’t know?  A LOT!!  Many Realtors have worked extensively with builders and know what is important to them and how to work with them to get what is important to you on a budget you can afford.  Working with a Realtor on a new custom home could very easily save you money and get you more of the things you’ve dreamed of.

Also, that same Realtor would have had you getting your home ready for the market and then on the market much sooner.  In today’s market it is not unusual for even the best of homes to take up to 6 months to sell. 

Building your new custom home should be a wonderful time of your life.  Solicit a professional who has had experience in this area to help you with a plan to make it all happen for you.

Call me today for more details on building your dream home;
Rick Jackson 405-826-8599
www.dreamsdocometrue.us

Tuesday, January 18, 2011

High End Homes in Edmond

Hi End Homes in Edmond
$244900 MLS® 1835 TALL GRASS COURT

(Settlers Crossing - Edmond, Oklahoma, US)
Details

WONDERFUL 4 BEDROOM 2.5 BATHS PLUS GAMEROOM UPSTAIRS OPT. 5TH BEDROOM ,SPACIOUS GREATROOM WITH STONE FIREPLACE AND TV CABINET ABOVE MANTLE, WOOD FLOORS, KITCHEN WITH WALK IN PANTRY & BUTLERS PANTRY. LOTS OF NATURAL LIGHTING,TALL CEILINGS,VERY OPEN FLOOR PLAN AND AMAZING VIEWS OF WALKING TRAILS AND POND.TANTUM GARAGE All THIS IN A QUIET CUL-DE-SAC. WOW!!!$5000.GRANITE OR CLOSING COST ALLOWANCE. CHECK OUT THE PRICE DON'T LET IT PASS YOU BY.

View this listing.
$175000 MLS® 1819 Redtail Hawk

North Edmond (112) (Hawks Landing - Edmond, Oklahoma, US)

Details

Fabulous 3 bed home on large, corner lot with EXCELLENT CURB APPEAL! NEW Carrier Heating & Air units, 50 gallon hot water tank, Solar Screens, Solid Core doors, Wood Shutters in Dining and Front Bedroom, and **SAFEROOM**! Master has TWO Walk-in Closets,HUGE Masterbath with Jacuzzi,Garden Tub...NICE! Hawks Landing is a Wonderful neighborhood with something for everyone...POOL, PARK, & WALKING TRAILS!!

View this listing.
$205000 MLS® 404 Bright Angel Trail

North Edmond (112) (Thomas Trails - Edmond, Oklahoma, US)
Details

Thomas Trails Addition in Edmond! FANTASTIC 4 Bed home in PRISTINE condition on Corner Lot!! SPACIOUS Kitchen w/ moveable ISLAND, Gas Range, Breakfast Bar, Pantry, TONS of Cabinet & Counter space, and Under-Cabinet Lighting! Fresh Interior Paint with Great Colors Throughout! Not only does this home LOOK fabulous, but it was also built to be Energy Efficient, along with Germicidal Air Filtration & Thermasteel Construction! The pictures say the rest!.. PRICED TO SELL TODAY!

View this listing.
$312700 MLS® 2524 Hunt Club Ct

Edmond (Steeplechase - Edmond, Oklahoma, US)
Details

Crisp, clean and move-in ready! This Loy Roberts built home exhibits classic styles – entry gallery features study, formal dining and formal living area. The family room off the kitchen has a cozy fireplace, richly stained oak mantle and built-ins, cathedral ceiling and plenty of bright windows. Plantation shutters and wood blinds throughout. New interior paint, exterior paint and new carpet on the first level. There is ample counter space in the kitchen with center isle and a pass-thru with views into the family room and out to the patio. The master suite is roomy and has a large bathroom with corner jetted tub and separate shower. Stylish touches upstairs as well such as the extended landing with corner niche, guest bedroom with private full bath plus two more bedrooms, one with a vaulted ceiling. Situated on an attractive, elevated lot landscaped for privacy and beauty. Steeplechase is a superb East Edmond neighborhood with swimming pool, playground, volleyball court, creek-side walking trails and active HOA. Convenient location very close to I-35 makes for easy commute to Tinker, downtown, airport and shopping.

View this listing.
$143900 MLS® 2521 NW 161st St

(Seminole Pointe - Edmond, Oklahoma, US)
Details

View this listing.
$135900 MLS® 2609 Nw 162nd Ter

Brought to you by Dreams Do Come True

Monday, January 17, 2011

Oklahoma City Real Estate


This home has been loved and cared for by one owner since it was built. Recent updates include new carpet and paint, Central heat and air, hot water tank are approximately 5 years old, roof was replaced in August 2010. There are two outbuildings in the backyard, carport, plus a 1 car garage. All in a quiet established neighborhood. Put this one on your list to see because it won't last long!

View this listing.
$154900 MLS® 6300 S. Hiwassee Road

443343 (Unnamed Areas - Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, US)
Listing Thumbnail Photo
Details

Completely remodeled from the studs out. Four bedroom, 2 bath. New hardwood flooring. New Kitchen appliances, new bathrooms, new carpet, insulation. New roof in 2004. 16X30 deck. 36X36 barn built in 2007. 3 additional outdoor storage buildings. Mid/Del School District. This is a great buy! Large Bedrooms

View this listing.
$115000 MLS® 3332 NW 18th Street

OKCMAR (Linwood - Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, US)
Listing Thumbnail Photo
Details

Amazing 2bd,1 bth,Formal Dining,Updated Kitchen,Appliances negotiable,Touch Screen Alarm System,Hardwood Floors,Home Completely Repainted,Large Closets, Carpeted Bedrooms,Cvrd Front Patio,Can lights,Historic Linwood, next to everything, Penn Square Mall, Oklahoma City University, University of Oklahoma Health Science Center,Chesapeake Energy. Newer Windows,garage offered as-is, call today to see your new home! Home located in 73107 Zip Code.

View this listing.
$90000 MLS® 1465 Rancho Drive

303 (Stanford II - Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, US)
Listing Thumbnail Photo
Details

PERFECT HOME FOR LARGE FAMILY WITH 5 LARGE BEDROOMS....Built in 1949 on a Corner Lot with Backyard Access....Walking Distance to Grant High School....Fenced Backyard with 2 Storage Buildings......Newer Roof and Newer Double Glazed Energy Effiecent Windows.....Kitchen amenities include Lots of Oak Cabinets, Counter Space, Built-in Elect Stove/Oven, Dishwasher, Disposal, Breakfast Bar, Lzy Susan,Stainless Sinks.....Large Living Room with 2 Dining Areas plus Inside Utility Room......Home needs some TLC. Call today for your own personal showing.

View this listing.
$125000 MLS® 8628 NW 91st Street

444202 (Rambling Acres - Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, US)
Listing Thumbnail Photo
Details

This is a wonderful two story home located on a cul-de-sac lot. Nice neighborhood & close to expressway, shopping & schools. All four bedrooms are good size with great closet space. Kitchen has plenty of counter space & cabinet space for storage. There are two dining areas which one could be used as another living room. The backyard is private & peaceful. Very clean & in move in ready condition.

View this listing.
$91500 MLS® 6001 NW 26th St.

OKMAR (White Oak Village - Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, US)
Listing Thumbnail Photo
Details

So cute!! So affordable!! Large fenced, treed, corner lot, with very well kept home. View your street happenings and front door from your kitchen table. Got to see this extremely well-kept home.....

View this listing.
$117000 MLS® 4300 SE 87th

306 (Cedar Ridge Traditions - Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, US)
Listing Thumbnail Photo
Details

View this listing.
$439900 MLS® 5201 Ne 48th St

(Oklahoma City - Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, US)
Listing Thumbnail Photo
Details

View this listing.
$121900 MLS® 4609 NW 59 Terr

OKC - NW (Williams Spring Hill - Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, US)
Listing Thumbnail Photo
Details

Wonderful home located in desirable Rollingwood area, clsoe to shoppin, restaurants and schools. Home totally remodeled: new carpet throughout, kitchen updated with new cabinets, oversized ceramic tile, stainless steel dishwasher, tile back splash and new fixtures. Private fenced backyard which is perfect for private entertaining. Buyer to verify sf.

View this listing.
$62000 MLS® 8613 S Independence

OKC - SW OKC (Cambridge lll - Del City, Oklahoma, US)
Listing Thumbnail Photo
Details


View this listing.
$59900 MLS® 6100 N Brookline Avenue, #22

OKC - NW (Normandie - Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, US)
Listing Thumbnail Photo
Details

Nice upper unit (no neighbor above)! Three (3) beds, washer dryer hookups, fresh paint and natural colors, new roof in 2010, TWO pools to choose from, condo fee pays insurance, ext maintenance, water, trash and sewer. Lots of light in this 1211 sf unit and priced at less than assessor market value - take a look. Why rent?

View this listing.
$525000 MLS® 2616 Elmhurst

oklahoma city, ok (Nichols Hills Wilshire - Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, US)
Listing Thumbnail Photo
Details

View this listing.
$119900 MLS® 6704 Elk Canyon Rd

(Canyon North - Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, US)
Listing Thumbnail Photo
Details

View this listing.
$164900 MLS® 733 SW 156th Pl

(Stone Meadows - Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, US)
Listing Thumbnail Photo
Details

View this listing.

Saturday, January 15, 2011

Talking to Forbes about Oklahoma City

In a recent article, Forbes named Oklahoma City as the best place in the United States for Bargain retirement.  I felt very fortunate to speak to the writer and inform  Zack O'malley Greenburg who wrote the article about all the things that Oklahoma City has going for it. 
As we talked about the Oklahoma City Real estate market, I was a little hesitant, but as we got to the part that I like about Oklahoma City, I couldn't quit telling him about all the the things to do and sights to see.
I recalled that several years ago that Forbes placed Oklahoma City as one of the most recession proof Cities in the United States.  I feel with publicity like this and all the new things the metro area has to offer that it's only going to get better.
 Zack O'malley Greenburg had already reached his conclusion about Oklahoma City by crunching the numbers.  However, he was unaware of a lot of the new things that are going on.  For instance the new outlet mall under construction.  The maps 3 project, and the Devon Tower that is going to stand higher than most buildings this side of the Mississippi.  He was unaware of all the great health facilities that the Oklahoma City area has to offer.  To me, this is just icing on the cake of the interview.
Later, Yahoo re-posted the article by Forbes about Oklahoma City's status.  We started getting calls from other areas that Zack had compared home pricing with.  It seams a lot of the US didn't know how far a dollar will go here.
Dreams Do Come True, our web site was created with relocation in mind as well as for local people looking for homes.  We have been very successful helping families move here from other states.  The great thing about it is we have made new friends by doing what we do. We pride ourselves on keeping clients up to date on listings, inspections, and keeping things moving through the closing process.
If your thinking about relocating to the Oklahoma City area, feel free to contact us via email, or phone.  We want to help you with your transition and welcome you as a neighbor.  We love Oklahoma City, or we wouldn't live here.  Let us help you make your dream come true in Oklahoma City.
Sincerely,
Rick and Nancy Jackson
Dreams Do Come True in Oklahoma City

Sunday, January 9, 2011

Asking for help with real estate

Asking for help with real estate.  I do it.  One of my hobbies is playing music.  I started when I was about six years old. Playing music is probably what I like to do as much as any of my other hobbies.  I have put a lot of time, effort, and some money into getting where I am on the musical ladder.  Yes, I have had to ask for help.  I have also been compensated for doing it.  But at the same time, I do it for fun, and because I had been given the ability to do so, find it gratifying.  What does this have to do with being an Oklahoma City Realtor?
It goes along the same lines as of being a Realtor.  We research properties, call other Realtors, schedule showings, and drive all over the Oklahoma City area showing property.  We go to meetings, attend inspections, and go to continuing education classes.  We work on our web sites, blog, and spend a lot of time on the phone.
Am I complaining?  Absolutely not.  It's all part of the title.  To me it's like being a musician.  If you only played for money, you might not play much.  Both occupations have their perks.  In fact, being a Realtor may be more satisfying than playing.  When you have helped someone get into a home where they can relax and get on with things that they enjoy out of life, it's means more than playing a perfect concert.

The main point of this article is to make sure that clients don't feel like their wasting our time when they contact us.  When we put our shingle out with the big sign that said REALTOR, we knew what it was about.  We are professionals that help others buy and sell homes.  Most of the things asked of us we can do with very little effort.  Our Broker, Paradigm AdvantEdge is always behind us for support.  We also have many other resources.  All of our resources and training has the same intent. The goal to help you with your Real Estate needs.
Don't let your fear of contacting a professional prevent you from letting your dream come true.

I hope you dance this year,
Rick Jackson W/Paradigm AdvantEdge LLC

www.DreamsDoComeTrue.Us

Sunday, December 12, 2010

Possessing your new home

Possessing your new home.  Possession at the time of funding is written into many contracts Keys to your new hometo buy real estate.  In Oklahoma contracts there is always a blank to add the possession occurrence into.  Actual funding generally happens at the closing.  This is after you have done a final walk through of the home your purchasing and are satisfied with any repairs or other terms of the contract.
It’s got to be one of the greatest feelings you can have after all the signatures are completed and the keys and *garage door opener are turned over to you.
Now it’s your home to move into.  You have probably already figured out where the furniture is going. 
Congratulations. You have just completed a process that you might have been very nervous about when you called a Realtor.
*if applicable

Rick Jackson
Paradigm AdvantEdge, LLC
Cell  405-826-8599
www.DreamsDoComeTrue.Us

Tuesday, December 7, 2010

Mount Scott Oklahoma

Mount Scott in Oklahoma is one of several mountains in the state of Oklahoma.  This elevated piece of real estate is my favorite because of it's rapid escalation from the lower areas that surround it.  Located just northwest of Lawton Oklahoma, you can drive to the summit of Mount Scott in less than 20 minutes, get out of your car and see for miles.  The view from the top presents lakes with a breath taking view over the large rocks of granite that covers the mountain.
Nearby are some famous places to eat such as the Meers Store and Restaurant.  Medicine Park is located at the main entry to the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge where Mount Scott is located.  There are many attractions in this area to see.  You can easily spend an entire day without a lot of driving enjoying yourself with your family just looking at the wildlife, antiques, picnicking, biking, backpacking, fishing, swimming, rock climbing, or just enjoying the view.
Mount Scott is south west of Oklahoma City and the drive is a little over 1.5 hour drive on the H.E. Bailey Turnpike.  If you get the opportunity, take a trip down to see what words can't describe.  This is one large area of real estate.
Just saying:
Rick Jackson
W/Paradigm AdvantEdgePublish Post

Monday, December 6, 2010

I will be your showing assistant today in Oklahoma

I will be your showing assistant today.  We have a great inventory report in the Oklahoma neighborhoods and low interest rates to purchase with.  You have a lot of homes you want to see, so feel free to ask any questions as we take off.  I hope the search that was provided in the seat back in front of you has something in it that you will be interested in.
Don't worry, I won't make you buy anything.  I'm not the one that's going to live in it. Therefore you will have to make your own decisions to purchase a home.  I will welcome any questions you have that I'm qualified to answer as we go through the turbulent housing market.
Not every home on the Oklahoma City MLS is going to be as nice as it appears in the pictures so I appreciate your patients as we go through such properties .  When we find a home in the Oklahoma area that you really like, feel free to take as much time to look at it as you want. If we run out of time, we can always come back to the homes that appeals the most to you.  If you have question about a property that I can't answer, I will suggest specialist that you may contact to answer those questions for you.
Don't feel obligated to buy, because I have taken the time on a weekend or afternoon to show homes to you.  It is my job.  I show homes.  It's not a glamorous title, but it's part of the industry.  I want you to find  your dream home that will bring you comfort and happiness for years to come.  The main motive for my services is that someday when someone asks you how you found your lovely home, is that you will remember me.  I want you to remember me as non pushy, courteous, helpful, and even entertaining.  The only goal I have is to navigate you around until you find your dream home.  Once you have, I will put on my Oklahoma Buyer's Agent Cap and take you in for a landing.
Enjoy your ride,
Rick Jackson
W/Paradigm AdvantEdge

Sunday, December 5, 2010

What's going to happen to me

What's going to happen to me. A year ago my family left me. I'm in foster care of a major lending company from another state, and I'm only a number. Before, I was loved and had a purpose in Oklahoma. I provided a comfortable environment to a family that I belonged to. We spent Christmas together and had many good times. Although we went through some bad times, I never thought they would leave me. I know they didn't want me to end up this way, but for what ever reason here I am. I'm all alone. I know I'm not the only foreclosure. We are all over the country. There is probably one of us in your neighborhood.
Bugs and other insects are picking on me. My paint is pealing, and my roof is withering away. If there was just a little love inside me, I would be alright. But as it's going, I will be flat on the ground someday and only pose a danger to some innocent child or become a fire hazard. At least they could clean me up and leave a nice lot. Maybe put up a gazebo in my memory.
Sure, a lot of families want to adopt me because I'm cheep. But once they see me and find out how much it would cost to support me, they walk away never to return. No one will loan them the money that I need to keep me alive.
I can only hope that some investor see the potential that lies within me, and makes an offer on me. I hope they have the patience to deal with my foster lender and won't expect to get me overnight. I hope they have the ability to see that I can be resuscitated and brought back to life. Then maybe I can start all over with a new family. They can hang lights on me at Christmas and cook sweet smelling foods that will breath life into me again.

Foreclosures are a serious problem in our country. Putting myself in the foreclosure's place was painful for me. I didn't write this to offend anyone, but only to bring awareness so that maybe someone out there may come up with an idea to help one of the many properties that Realtors get asked about.
I would like to see investors starting companies to buy and refurbish these homes up.  This could make them money as well as offer more affordable homes to buyers who don't qualify to buy foreclosures, but can't afford new homes. It would offer jobs to contractors and others in the area.  It would pump money  int the supply companies and strengthen the economy while making money for their firm.  They could offer 1 year warranties just like a new home.
Call me optimistic, a dreamer, or anything else you want to.  But don't call me to buy a foreclosure unless you know what your getting into.

Saturday, December 4, 2010

Oklahoma Real Estate Traffic

Oklahoma City Real Estate traffic is experiencing some congestion today.  There are several foreclosures flipped on their sides at the corner of Bargain and Good Deal,  blocking a lot of prospective families from Dream Home Avenue.
On the other side of Oklahoma City Real Estate, the Credit Score Train is holding up new buyers at It's Repairable Blvd.

Some buyers that haven't save up for a down payment and are broke down on the side of the on ramp entering Planning For My Future Highway.

Low ball offers on La La lane have traffic going in circles and out of town buyers don't know who or where to stop and ask for directions.
Mortgage lender Fuel Stations are being pumped dry by non qualifying buyers and the rubber neckers seem to be speeding by the new home showrooms.  There is a little road rage between serious buyers on Move In Ready Circle.
A lot of buyers haven't seen the light that has turned green at the intersection of Time to Buy and Availability.
The renters fearing commitment are holding up traffic on the Home Ownership Expressway

In Reality Oklahoma, traffic is moving nicely.  If your concerned about the Real Estate traffic in your area, contact a Realtor today.

Written by: Rick Jackson