_Lake Raymond Gary Properties_

8 Myths of Staging to Sell a Home in Idabel, Hugo, Valliant, Oklahoma

Judi Barrett Integrity Real Estate Services, 580-212-5946 — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 07:37:36 -0600

You know we've all heard these things but read carefully.

Via Donna Ross - Home Staging, Sydney, Australia (Great Impressions Real Estate Staging & Consulting - Sydney):

Home staging (or property styling as it's commonly known as on the Australian property scene) is really an art, not a science. One of the many things a professional home stager understands is that it's the house that's up for sale, not the home owner's bread baking ability or taste in music. So, from the sublime to the rediculous - here's 8 myths of staging to sell - busted!

1. Buyers can see past my stuff
No - they can't. 95% of house hunters shop with a 'what you see is what you get' eye. You'll be maximising your chances of a better and quicker sale if you take the time to clean out, clean up and keep your look simple.

2. Baking bread, brewing fresh coffee and playing soft music will make a buyer fall in love with my house.
Maybe once upon a time this was true - but most would-be buyers are onto that old trick. It's more likely to trigger alarm bells, with many wondering what it is you're trying to hide. Your buyers will be happy with a place that looks and smells clean.

3. I'll need to clear everything out to help buyers see themselves living here.
This is only partly true. Wall to wall family photos are distracting, as is your porcelain rooster collection. These things are best put away. But don't go overboard, otherwise you'll end up with a look that feels cold and sterile.

4. If it's an original feature - it adds value.
Sometimes yes - but often no. Generally a property built less than 50 years ago without being updated is more likely to appear dated, rather than classic.

5. My place isn't worth staging.
All homes are worth taking the time to present in a positive light to buyers. The trick to knowing where to start and what to do is in having a good idea of what buyers in your target market will expect, along with learning more about what competing properties in your area are offering.

6. Empty rooms look bigger.

This is rarely the case. Buyers will always prefer to see how a room is used and what will fit in it, rather than be left to guess. Very large rooms can also be too intimidating for some. Even borrowed furniture can help buyers get an idea of scale and give the eye something of interest to focus on.

7. Converting a bedroom into a home gym won't be a problem.
Bedrooms are one of the most valuable commodities of the 'for sale' property. Having a home gym set up in a bedroom will prompt buyers to wonder why that is. I remember once looking at a house where this was the case. When I came across the bedroom with the gym in it, I immediately began to question if a bed would even fit. Always give the rooms in your house a purpose.

8. No need to worry about wardrobes and cupboards.
Home storage is a big deal to most buyers and is surprisingly valuable. Prospective buyers will open storage cupboards in kitchens and bathrooms, so keep them tidy. Keep only what you're using on a daily or weekly basis, and pack the rest away ready for the move.

Have you got a staging myth you'd like busted? Share them with me here.

Great Impressions Home Staging & Property Styling

Sydney, Central Coast, & Newcastle

Add Style

Add Value

Sell Better

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I love sharing Southeast Oklahoma with you. It is my desire that you will find something in the "Life in Southeast Oklahoma" blog posts that will:

Entice you to visit our area if you're not already living here.
Maybe encourage you to attend an event that is planned in our great corner of the world.
Point out a restaurant that serves up good food.
Invite you to enjoy our beautiful country-side, lakes, or streams...

Southeast Oklahoma is endlessly varied and has so much to offer. It's my desire to bring those things out.

Got an idea for a post or have something that you want to share about Southeast Oklahoma?

Use the comment section below and let me know.

Join me in Southeast Oklahoma, where life usually moves at a little slower pace, the people are wonderful, the landscape can be breathtaking.

We love where we live!

Judi Barrett, broker, Integrity Real Estate Services, 580-212-5946

Call me and let's visit about McCurtain County or Choctaw County. The fartherest southeast you can go in Oklahoma and still be in Oklahoma.

We are SOUTHEAST OKLAHOMA.

Judi Barrett
Broker - Integrity Real Estate Services
Our Name Says It All.
Real Estate Services You Can Trust.
580-212-5946

Follow me on Twitter, Connect with me on Facebook, or View my profile on Linked In:

McCurtain County Oklahoma on Facebook

Waterfront Cabin - Chateau Lake Gary - Under Sale Contract. Lake Raymond Gary, Fort Towson, Oklahoma

Judi Barrett Integrity Real Estate Services, 580-212-5946 — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 21:14:39 -0600

Sale Contract This cabin has approx 1330 sq ft with approx 200 ft of shoreline - includes 2 waterfont lots with property.

SOLD SOLD SOLD

Property offers seclusions, large trees, peaceful setting. This addition is just off a paved road with a small meandering roadway leading to the cabin. Boat Dock/Fishing Pier on the property.

Lake Raymond Gary is one of those quiet peaceful fishing lake. It has been reported to have record-breaking sized bass, along with crappie and channel catfish.

The water is managed by the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife. Lake has boat ramps, playgrounds, etc at the state park on the southern end of the lake.

Raymond Gary is spring fed and stays about the same level year round unless there is a really heavy rain.

Sale Contract - Sale Contract

***************************************************

I love sharing Southeast Oklahoma with you. It is my desire that you will find something in the "Life in Southeast Oklahoma" blog posts that will:

Entice you to visit our area if you're not already living here.
Maybe encourage you to attend an event that is planned in our great corner of the world.
Point out a restaurant that serves up good food.
Invite you to enjoy our beautiful country-side, lakes, or streams...

Southeast Oklahoma is endlessly varied and has so much to offer. It's my desire to bring those things out.

Got an idea for a post or have something that you want to share about Southeast Oklahoma?

Use the comment section below and let me know.

Join me in Southeast Oklahoma, where life usually moves at a little slower pace, the people are wonderful, the landscape can be breathtaking.

We love where we live!

Judi Barrett, broker, Integrity Real Estate Services, 580-212-5946

Call me and let's visit about McCurtain County or Choctaw County. The fartherest southeast you can go in Oklahoma and still be in Oklahoma.

We are SOUTHEAST OKLAHOMA.

Judi Barrett
Broker - Integrity Real Estate Services
Our Name Says It All.
Real Estate Services You Can Trust.
580-212-5946

Follow me on Twitter, Connect with me on Facebook, or View my profile on Linked In:

McCurtain County Oklahoma on Facebook

Have Property That You Want to Sell in Rural Idabel, Oklahoma? I've Sold Down My Listings

Judi Barrett Integrity Real Estate Services, 580-212-5946 — Sat, 06 Feb 2010 08:14:01 -0600

Have Property That You Want To Sell In Rural Southeast Oklahoma (Idabel, Millerton, Garvin, Valliant, Swink, Fort Towson, Hugo, around Lake Raymond Gary)?

I've Sold Down My Listings!

Sucess is wonderful, but in the real estate business, it means that you've sold your inventory so I'm always looking for more inventory because my homes and land keep selling. Success has it's own problems.

(Homes and land in Idabel, Millerton, Garvin, Swink, Fort Towson, Hugo, and around Lake Raymond Gary have been selling.)

So often, someone will call me about their property and they're even up front that they don't trust "real estate agents". They also usually have a story or two back up their distrust.

Before you ever call me about your property, please spend some time in this blog. Life in Southeast Oklahoma Blog will give you an idea of who we are.

When anyone writes on a daily basis about what's going on around them, in their life, and in the area, it should reveal a lot about that person.

The Life in Southeast Oklahoma Blog is not here just to sell real estate, it's here to inform you of things in the area that I learn about, to share with you what this office is all about, to get acquainted with you, my present and future clients. It's a lot of work and dedication to be here every day but that's how important it is.

When you read my blog, I want you to realize that it's a reflection on my work ethic... I am consistent and dedicated to helping you with your real estate needs, just like I am consistent and dedicated here.

There is a "comment section" at the end of each blog post.

Public posts are there for you, the residents of my area, to comment and/or ask questions.

I often have calls that the caller tells me that they've been reading my blog and decided that they wanted to do business with me. You have no idea what those words mean to me!

In my book, it takes trust going both ways for a successful listing contract where we get your probably sold and you are happy about it. That means you have to trust me and I have to trust you. If you don't trust me, I do not want to list your home for sale AND if I don't trust you, I will not list it.

Integrity Real Estate Services

Our Name Says It All.

What Our Clients Have To Say About Us.

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I love sharing Southeast Oklahoma with you. It is my desire that you will find something in the "Life in Southeast Oklahoma" blog posts that will:

Entice you to visit our area if you're not already living here.
Maybe encourage you to attend an event that is planned in our great corner of the world.
Point out a restaurant that serves up good food.
Invite you to enjoy our beautiful country-side, lakes, or streams...

Southeast Oklahoma is endlessly varied and has so much to offer. It's my desire to bring those things out.

Got an idea for a post or have something that you want to share about Southeast Oklahoma?

Use the comment section below and let me know.

Join me in Southeast Oklahoma, where life usually moves at a little slower pace, the people are wonderful, the landscape can be breathtaking.

We love where we live!

Judi Barrett, broker, Integrity Real Estate Services, 580-212-5946

Call me and let's visit about McCurtain County or Choctaw County. The fartherest southeast you can go in Oklahoma and still be in Oklahoma.

We are SOUTHEAST OKLAHOMA.

Judi Barrett
Broker - Integrity Real Estate Services
Our Name Says It All.
Real Estate Services You Can Trust.
580-212-5946

Follow me on Twitter, Connect with me on Facebook, or View my profile on Linked In:

McCurtain County Oklahoma on Facebook

Wondering How Much You Will Net From the Sale of Your Home in Oklahoma?

Judi Barrett Integrity Real Estate Services, 580-212-5946 — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 09:09:16 -0600

Wondering How Much You Will Net From the Sale of Your Home in Oklahoma?

When you list your home, land, farm, or commercial property for sale with our office at Integrity Real Estate Services in Idabel, Oklahoma, we complete an estimate of expenses that you may incur in the sale of that real estate. I will then ask you to sign that disclosure so I have a copy in my file showing that you did receive one.

On the estimate, we work with customary expenses that each side of the transaction pays, for example, in our area, it is customary for the seller to pay the abstracting fees, documentary tax stamps, and deed preparation, and half of the escrow closing fee. There may be costs to treat a home for termites or other repairs, depending upon the final agreement that is reached between you and the buyer of your property.

The buyer customarily pays for the attorney's opinion on the abstract, their lender's title insurance policy if their lender is requring title insurance, final abstracting and attorney opinion after the mortgage is filed, and half of the escrow closing fee. Buyers customarily pay for any inspections that are done during the inspection period that is agreed upon within the contract, i.e; termite, home inspection, etc.

Negotiation of who pays what fees are sometimes a part of the negotiation process between buyer and seller, so the estimate that we provide is only that - an estimate - so that you will be aware of the fees and expenses that can be a part of the cost of selling your land or home in Southeast Oklahoma.

If you would like more information on the possible fees that you may incur in the sale of your real estate, or just information in general about selling your property in Choctaw County or McCurtain County Oklahoma, call me, Judi Barrett, broker at Integrity Real Estate Services. My office is located in Idabel, Oklahoma and I have listings in both Choctaw County and McCurtain County. 580-212-5946 or judi@integrity-realestate.net . Visit our website for free reports and other free tools and information.

***************************************************

I love sharing Southeast Oklahoma with you. It is my desire that you will find something in the "Life in Southeast Oklahoma" blog posts that will:

Entice you to visit our area if you're not already living here.
Maybe encourage you to attend an event that is planned in our great corner of the world.
Point out a restaurant that serves up good food.
Invite you to enjoy our beautiful country-side, lakes, or streams...

Southeast Oklahoma is endlessly varied and has so much to offer. It's my desire to bring those things out.

Got an idea for a post or have something that you want to share about Southeast Oklahoma?

Use the comment section below and let me know.

Join me in Southeast Oklahoma, where life usually moves at a little slower pace, the people are wonderful, the landscape can be breathtaking.

We love where we live!

Judi Barrett, broker, Integrity Real Estate Services, 580-212-5946

Call me and let's visit about McCurtain County or Choctaw County. The fartherest southeast you can go in Oklahoma and still be in Oklahoma.

We are SOUTHEAST OKLAHOMA.

Judi Barrett
Broker - Integrity Real Estate Services
Our Name Says It All.
Real Estate Services You Can Trust.
580-212-5946

Follow me on Twitter, Connect with me on Facebook, or View my profile on Linked In:

McCurtain County Oklahoma on Facebook

Waterfront Lake Front Lot For Sale Lake Raymond Gary Fort Towson, Oklahoma

Judi Barrett Integrity Real Estate Services, 580-212-5946 — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 11:05:45 -0600

Waterfront Lake Front Lot For Sale

Lake Raymond Gary

Fort Towson, Oklahoma

74735

Lot on The Point with nice trees and nice slope on the main channel of Raymond Gary Lake.

Beautiful nostalgic view of the train trestle up the channel.

Protective Covenants require any home or cabin constructed on the lot to be 1000 sq ft minimum.

City utilities at front of the lot edge, along the road.

Corner lot of .52 acres on Ridge Point Road. Road is currently gravel but county/city has been paving roads around the lake.

City water, city sewer, garbage collection. Electrical service is from Choctaw Electric Co-op. Fort Towson School is K - 12.

Less than a mile to highway 70 and in city limits of Fort Towson. (74735) Raymond Gary Lake is an exceptional fishing lake. Great for swimming. It is a no-wake lake.

There are no restrictions on type of motor but speed limit is no wake on entire lake. For water skiing or other faster water sports, you are only about 15 miles to Hugo Lake between Fort Towson 74735 and Hugo, Oklahoma 74743 and only about 30 minutes to Pine Creek Lake which is north of Valliant, Oklahoma 74764. If trout fishing is your love, you're a little more than an hour from Mountain Fork River at Broken Bow, Oklahoma 74728 for trout fishing.

Lake Raymond Gary has approx 10 miles of shoreline, the lake itself has been estimated to cover about 390 acres. It is managed by the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife. The rules regulating use of Oklahoma Department Wildlife Lakes. Most residents on the lake have a boat dock or fishing pier. Build yours on this lot. Water depth for the lake varies between 4 and 20 feet.

Property is about 15 minutes to Hugo and about 45 minutes to Paris, Texas.

Great opportunity to own waterfront at a reasonable price.

Broker/Owner. Possible Owner Financing

***************************************************

I love sharing Southeast Oklahoma with you. It is my desire that you will find something in the "Life in Southeast Oklahoma" blog posts that will:

Entice you to visit our area if you're not already living here.
Maybe encourage you to attend an event that is planned in our great corner of the world.
Point out a restaurant that serves up good food.
Invite you to enjoy our beautiful country-side, lakes, or streams...

Southeast Oklahoma is endlessly varied and has so much to offer. It's my desire to bring those things out.

Got an idea for a post or have something that you want to share about Southeast Oklahoma?

Use the comment section below and let me know.

Join me in Southeast Oklahoma, where life usually moves at a little slower pace, the people are wonderful, the landscape can be breathtaking.

We love where we live!

Judi Barrett, broker, Integrity Real Estate Services, 580-212-5946

Call me and let's visit about McCurtain County or Choctaw County. The fartherest southeast you can go in Oklahoma and still be in Oklahoma.

We are SOUTHEAST OKLAHOMA.

Judi Barrett
Broker - Integrity Real Estate Services
Our Name Says It All.
Real Estate Services You Can Trust.
580-212-5946

Follow me on Twitter, Connect with me on Facebook, or View my profile on Linked In:

McCurtain County Oklahoma on Facebook

Waterfront Lots Available At Lake Raymond Gary - Fort Towson, Oklahoma - Choctaw County in Southeast Oklahoma

Judi Barrett Integrity Real Estate Services, 580-212-5946 — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 10:20:05 -0600

Waterfront Lots Available At Lake Raymond Gary - Fort Towson, Oklahoma - Choctaw County in Southeast Oklahoma

Currently as of today, I have available 3 waterfront lots on the main channel of Lake Raymond Gary. All three are in The Point Addition which Lake Raymond Gary's newest addition. That addtion requires new construction of at least 1000 sq foot with no sub dividing individual lots.

Available at this time:

.69 acre priced at $29,900

.68 acre at $29,000

.52 acre at $29,000

City Utilities are available at the front of the lots, including water, sewer, and telelphone, garbage pickup.

DSL is available from ATT - or broadband from Dish Network or Direct TV via satellite.

There is no area wide wireless neworrks that I know of.

You would be in the city limits of Fort Towson, OK, approx 15 minutes to Hugo, Oklahoma, and about 40 minutes to Paris, Texas with Paris being the larger of the three.

Raymond Gary covers approx 390 acres and is managed by the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife. It is an excellent fishing no wake lake.. For wake activities such as skiing Hugo Lake is only 15 miles away, Pine Creek lake can be reached in approx 30 minutes and a little over an hour to Broken Bow Lake.

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I love sharing Southeast Oklahoma with you. It is my desire that you will find something in the "Life in Southeast Oklahoma" blog posts that will:

Entice you to visit our area if you're not already living here.
Maybe encourage you to attend an event that is planned in our great corner of the world.
Point out a restaurant that serves up good food.
Invite you to enjoy our beautiful country-side, lakes, or streams...

Southeast Oklahoma is endlessly varied and has so much to offer. It's my desire to bring those things out.

Got an idea for a post or have something that you want to share about Southeast Oklahoma?

Use the comment section below and let me know.

Join me in Southeast Oklahoma, where life usually moves at a little slower pace, the people are wonderful, the landscape can be breathtaking.

We love where we live!

Judi Barrett, broker, Integrity Real Estate Services, 580-212-5946

Call me and let's visit about McCurtain County or Choctaw County. The fartherest southeast you can go in Oklahoma and still be in Oklahoma.

We are SOUTHEAST OKLAHOMA.

Judi Barrett
Broker - Integrity Real Estate Services
Our Name Says It All.
Real Estate Services You Can Trust.
580-212-5946

Follow me on Twitter, Connect with me on Facebook, or View my profile on Linked In:

McCurtain County Oklahoma on Facebook

How to Deal With Multiple Offers When You Are A Buyer

Judi Barrett Integrity Real Estate Services, 580-212-5946 — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 05:38:49 -0600

Clayton has written a short simple post here with lots of good advice for anyone making offers, regardless of where you are!

For real estate sales and purchases in Choctaw County Oklahoma and McCurtain County Oklahoma, including Idabel, Hugo, Valliant, Swink, Sawyer, Millerton, Garvin, Fort Towson, Lake Raymond Gary area, Pine Creek Lake area...
Call me, Judi Barrett, 580-212-5946

Via Clayton Bonjean, Mainsail Realty Company:

To Search Destin and Santa Rosa Beach Short Sales and Foreclosures, Click the Link Below.

DESTIN, FL AND SANTA ROSA BEACH, FL FORECLOSURE SEARCH

Help for the Buyer - Multiple Offers Without The Stomach Ache

I stay very busy working with buyers writing offers on short sales and bank owned properties in Destin, FL. I like to seek out the best deals for my clients and this often leads to multiple offer situations. This can be a very uncomfortable and stressfull situation for all agents and buyers involved. The tips below will help any buyer in this situation.

1. Do not make your offer based on the other offer. For all you know the other offer could be ridiculously low and have contingencies all over it. You will have no way of knowing the other offer unless the seller advises the listing agent to tell you. Speculation will get you nowhere.

2. Look at the comps and have your realtor provide you with a CMA "comparative market analysis". Make your decision based on the comps and base your offer on this analysis.

3. When you are told to submit your "Highest and Best Offer", submit your highest and best offer but understand that the bank or seller may ask for "Highest and Best" again. I have had this happen a few times.

4. Make your offer as clean as possible. Do not include too many contingencies because you may lose out to a lower offer.

5. I have seen foreclosures and short sales sell for over the asking price. This happens all of the time. Sometimes banks and agents price homes under market to create a bidding war.

6. The other agent is not lying about the other offer. This would be a major violation and we cannot assume this.

Keep a cool head and make a good offer when there are multiple offers on the table. Do not offer way too much and be careful with the low ball offers.

Clayton Bonjean, Broker, MBA, CDPE

www.mainsailrealtycompany.com

***************************************************

I love sharing Southeast Oklahoma with you. It is my desire that you will find something in the "Life in Southeast Oklahoma" blog posts that will:

Entice you to visit our area if you're not already living here.
Maybe encourage you to attend an event that is planned in our great corner of the world.
Point out a restaurant that serves up good food.
Invite you to enjoy our beautiful country-side, lakes, or streams...

Southeast Oklahoma is endlessly varied and has so much to offer. It's my desire to bring those things out.

Got an idea for a post or have something that you want to share about Southeast Oklahoma?

Use the comment section below and let me know.

Join me in Southeast Oklahoma, where life usually moves at a little slower pace, the people are wonderful, the landscape can be breathtaking.

We love where we live!

Judi Barrett, broker, Integrity Real Estate Services, 580-212-5946

Call me and let's visit about McCurtain County or Choctaw County. The fartherest southeast you can go in Oklahoma and still be in Oklahoma.

We are SOUTHEAST OKLAHOMA.

Judi Barrett
Broker - Integrity Real Estate Services
Our Name Says It All.
Real Estate Services You Can Trust.
580-212-5946

Follow me on Twitter, Connect with me on Facebook, or View my profile on Linked In:

McCurtain County Oklahoma on Facebook

Waterfront House Plans Post #2 - There is no backyard On The Lake.

Judi Barrett Integrity Real Estate Services, 580-212-5946 — Wed, 15 Aug 2007 14:39:32 -0500

There are many things to consider when planning the lake house. Searching for the perfect floor plan requires taking many things into account. Yesterday I wrote about planning for the view.

Today's topic is "There is NO backyard" for a lake house. Just about all sides of a lake home are on public display and the owners usually want a nice visual presentation to the public. A lake home usually has a "Road Side" or "Street Side" and a "Water Side" instead of a "Front" and "Back".

Storage buildings that are often found in a family's back yard are the main view that anyone going by on a boat will be looking at. So careful consideration has to be made for where to store outside tools in the backyard because it's the front and is the main display for the home to anyone on the water. Cook-out areas, play areas for the children, sometimes boat storage or lawn mower storage, etc. Normal back yard activities are on full display.

At the same time, you don't want to move those to the front of the home because it is still the main display side for the home and any visitors would normally be coming to that side of the home for entrance.

Whatever you do to reduce others' view of your private waterfront areas will also reduce your view of the lake.

Home owners have approached this in various ways. I have seen many lake homes with privacy fences around the front and sides of the home, only leaving the back or water side unfenced. They are not concerned with "curb appeal" at all except for creating a nice fence. Others don't seem to need a private area with all outdoor living areas on full display.

When planning to build a lake home, this is one of the considerations that you will want to think about though, because it might make a difference in which lot you buy or which home you build.

Here's to "Living At The Lake"!

***************************************************

I love sharing Southeast Oklahoma with you. It is my desire that you will find something in the "Life in Southeast Oklahoma" blog posts that will:

Entice you to visit our area if you're not already living here.
Maybe encourage you to attend an event that is planned in our great corner of the world.
Point out a restaurant that serves up good food.
Invite you to enjoy our beautiful country-side, lakes, or streams...

Southeast Oklahoma is endlessly varied and has so much to offer. It's my desire to bring those things out.

Got an idea for a post or have something that you want to share about Southeast Oklahoma?

Use the comment section below and let me know.

Join me in Southeast Oklahoma, where life usually moves at a little slower pace, the people are wonderful, the landscape can be breathtaking.

We love where we live!

Judi Barrett, broker, Integrity Real Estate Services, 580-212-5946

Call me and let's visit about McCurtain County or Choctaw County. The fartherest southeast you can go in Oklahoma and still be in Oklahoma.

We are SOUTHEAST OKLAHOMA.

Judi Barrett
Broker - Integrity Real Estate Services
Our Name Says It All.
Real Estate Services You Can Trust.
580-212-5946

Follow me on Twitter, Connect with me on Facebook, or View my profile on Linked In:

McCurtain County Oklahoma on Facebook

Questions Answered – "“What about the tax rates in Oklahoma”

Judi Barrett Integrity Real Estate Services, 580-212-5946 — Sat, 30 May 2009 08:29:46 -0500

Many of my phone calls are from folks that live in a state other than Oklahoma. They are either moving here due to jobs, family, etc, or they are considering moving here as a retirement location.

Tax concerns are sometimes different for the two scenarios but not always.

My objective is to bring together some information here in this post for you who are moving to Oklahoma, in particular, Southeast Oklahoma.

For income tax information, the state of Oklahoma has a simple page with easy to understand charts. Just follow the link.

Sales taxes are a little different… Some of it is based on the city’s rate, some of it on the county’s rate, and some n the state of Oklahoma’s rate. There doesn’t seem to be a chart anywhere that states the total that you would pay for different locations. Let me just say that most of them are between 9 and 10 percent total in the towns in our area. Oklahoma charges sales tax on food, but Texas that is about 20 miles south of us does not.

Ad valorem taxes are a little more complicated. The tax amount takes into consideration 4 things: (1) The market value of the property, (2) The assessment rate in Oklahoma, (3) The exemptions that are allowed and that you file for, and (4) The millage rate for your location.

Most of the time, in our area, when you purchase a property, it is re-assessed for ad valorem taxes (property taxes). The deed that is filed at the county courthouse has documentary stamps put on it when it is filed, based upon the sales amount. That is the amount that is often used as the “market value”.

In Choctaw County and McCurtain County, at this time, the assessment rate is 11%. So multiply the sales amount by 11% to get your assessed value.

Now you substract any exemptions that you qualify for and have been approved for, by your county. Those can include homestead exemption, additional homestead exemption based upon income, disabled veteran exemption, and you may qualify for the senior citizen valuation freeze. Ask the tax assessor about qualifications for these and forms. Their numbers are below.

After deducting your exemptions, you multiply the amount remaining by the millage rate for your location. That varies with school districts. The best way is to call your tax assessor and ask for that rate…. But even better is to just ask them how much your taxes would be for property that sold at the amount you are considering paying for your purchase… saves you the trouble of going through all of these calculations. The McCurtain County Tax Assessor’s phone number is 580-286-5272. The Choctaw County Tax Assessor’s phone number is 580-326-2358.

Oklahoma has an excellent pamphlet on ad valorem taxes, if you’ll email me, I’ll be happy to email you a copy of it.

So there you have it. Remember that paying taxes is one of the two things you can’t avoid in life, but the tax rates in Oklahoma seem to be lower than many states.If I can help you with more information, please call me.

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Other helpful posts on moving to Oklahoma:

McCurtain and Choctaw Counties Relocation Package

Relocating to McCurtain or Choctaw County? Education Opportunities

Relocating to McCurtain County? Idabel, Oklahoma offers options for 4 year degree programs.

Finding the Right Mortgage Comes Before Finding the Right House- - Relocating to my area? Ask me about lenders. Scan the list!

Relocating to McCurtain County, Oklahoma - Information on McCurtain Memorial Hospital

Relocating to Choctaw County? You must visit Raymond Gary State Park

Planning a Move to Fort Towson, Oklahoma or Lake Raymond Gary? Play Golf? Golfing Choices Around Fort Towson and Lake Raymond Gary

Eating Out in Fort Towson, Oklahoma – a real surprise, but a pleasant one.

Relocating to Lake Raymond Gary? Or Fort Towson, Oklahoma? Have School Aged Children? School Information Just For You!

Building Restrictions for Additions Around Lake Raymond Gary

For History Buffs Relocating to Fort Towson,OK.

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Life in Southeast Oklahoma is GREAT! If you're looking for a home or land in my part of the country, give me a call: Judi Barrett, broker, Integrity Real Estate Services, 580-212-5946. Or visit one of our websites:

Integrity Realty

Integrity Real Estate

Lake Raymond Gary Homes

Fort Towson Homes

Valliant Homes

Integrity Real Estate Services
Our Name Says It All.
Real Estate Services You Can Trust.
580-212-5946

***************************************************

I love sharing Southeast Oklahoma with you. It is my desire that you will find something in the "Life in Southeast Oklahoma" blog posts that will:

Entice you to visit our area if you're not already living here.
Maybe encourage you to attend an event that is planned in our great corner of the world.
Point out a restaurant that serves up good food.
Invite you to enjoy our beautiful country-side, lakes, or streams...

Southeast Oklahoma is endlessly varied and has so much to offer. It's my desire to bring those things out.

Got an idea for a post or have something that you want to share about Southeast Oklahoma?

Use the comment section below and let me know.

Join me in Southeast Oklahoma, where life usually moves at a little slower pace, the people are wonderful, the landscape can be breathtaking.

We love where we live!

Judi Barrett, broker, Integrity Real Estate Services, 580-212-5946

Call me and let's visit about McCurtain County or Choctaw County. The fartherest southeast you can go in Oklahoma and still be in Oklahoma.

We are SOUTHEAST OKLAHOMA.

Judi Barrett
Broker - Integrity Real Estate Services
Our Name Says It All.
Real Estate Services You Can Trust.
580-212-5946

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Costs involved in buying a home

Judi Barrett Integrity Real Estate Services, 580-212-5946 — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 07:55:45 -0500

Via Dr. Stacey-Ann Baugh (Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc):

I work with mostly first-time homebuyers who are not familiar with the process of buying a home and who may be confused about how much money they may need to be able to buy.

DOWN PAYMENT - The minimum down-payment is usually 3.5% of the purchase price. However, this can range from as little as 0% to as much as 20% of the price depending on the type of loan. There are some programs available that assist with down-payment. The Down Payment on your DREAM program in PG County is an example of a down-payment assistance program for first-time home buyers purchasing a vacant foreclosure in the County.

CLOSING COSTS - Closing costs are the costs associated with purchasing the home, acquiring the mortgage, purchasing title insurance, as well as any state or city taxes involved. These costs vary by location and depending on your mortgage arrangements but usually run between 3% and 6% of the purchase price. Sometimes arrangements can be made to have the seller assist the buyer with some or all of the closing costs.

EARNEST MONEY DEPOSIT - This deposit is submitted with the offer. The deposit is held in escrow and credited towards the buyer's down payment and/or closing costs. However, this check is cashed following acceptance of the offer. The seller may be entitled to the deposit if the buyer defaults on the contract. This deposit is usually a minimum of 1% of the purchase price and the amount may need to be increased in competitive situations.

HOME INSPECTION - This is paid for by the buyer at the time of inspection. The costs involved vary depending on the size and purchase price of the home but cost approximately $250-$500.

TERMITE INSPECTION - Many mortgages require a termite inspection. This can either be billed to the closing company and paid at the settlement table or paid for up front. The costs range from $35-$55.

OTHER INSPECTIONS - Any additional inspections that the buyer is interested in having done are paid for by the buyer. These may include radon inspections which can cost between $125 and $200, mold inspections, well water tests, septic system evaluations, chimney inspections, and anything else the buyer is interested in investigating prior to committing to purchase the home.

APPRAISAL - A few lenders will have the appraisal paid for at closing. However, many lenders will have the buyers pay for this up-front. That way if something goes wrong with the contract the lender is not stuck with the cost of the appraisal. This can vary in cost from approximately $350-$550.

If you are interested in learning more about purchasing a home or for more information about the down-payment assistance programs available in Prince George's County, MD don't hesitate to contact me.
Dr. Stacey-Ann Baugh

Long & Foster Real Estate

www.staceybaugh.com

staceyannbaugh@gmail.com

240-481-3565 (C)

301-924-1100 (O)

I Make House-Calls!

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I love sharing Southeast Oklahoma with you. It is my desire that you will find something in the "Life in Southeast Oklahoma" blog posts that will:

Entice you to visit our area if you're not already living here.
Maybe encourage you to attend an event that is planned in our great corner of the world.
Point out a restaurant that serves up good food.
Invite you to enjoy our beautiful country-side, lakes, or streams...

Southeast Oklahoma is endlessly varied and has so much to offer. It's my desire to bring those things out.

Got an idea for a post or have something that you want to share about Southeast Oklahoma?

Use the comment section below and let me know.

Join me in Southeast Oklahoma, where life usually moves at a little slower pace, the people are wonderful, the landscape can be breathtaking.

We love where we live!

Judi Barrett, broker, Integrity Real Estate Services, 580-212-5946

Call me and let's visit about McCurtain County or Choctaw County. The fartherest southeast you can go in Oklahoma and still be in Oklahoma.

We are SOUTHEAST OKLAHOMA.

Judi Barrett
Broker - Integrity Real Estate Services
Our Name Says It All.
Real Estate Services You Can Trust.
580-212-5946

Follow me on Twitter, Connect with me on Facebook, or View my profile on Linked In:

McCurtain County Oklahoma on Facebook

You Can Look, But You Better Not Touch -----

Judi Barrett Integrity Real Estate Services, 580-212-5946 — Sat, 24 Oct 2009 07:29:13 -0500

Via Lottie Kendall, SRES -- San Francisco Peninsula (RE/MAX Today, CA DRE#01215160):

Poison oak brings beautiful color to our northern California coastal range mountains. Who says California doesn't have changing foliage? Just a snap from my Blackberry today while out on a short hike.
Lottie Kendall, RE/MAX Today, San Carlos, California

DRE#01215160; 650-598-8137-direct; Lottie@LottieKendall.com; www.LottieKendall.com

***************************************************

I love sharing Southeast Oklahoma with you. It is my desire that you will find something in the "Life in Southeast Oklahoma" blog posts that will:

Entice you to visit our area if you're not already living here.
Maybe encourage you to attend an event that is planned in our great corner of the world.
Point out a restaurant that serves up good food.
Invite you to enjoy our beautiful country-side, lakes, or streams...

Southeast Oklahoma is endlessly varied and has so much to offer. It's my desire to bring those things out.

Got an idea for a post or have something that you want to share about Southeast Oklahoma?

Use the comment section below and let me know.

Join me in Southeast Oklahoma, where life usually moves at a little slower pace, the people are wonderful, the landscape can be breathtaking.

We love where we live!

Judi Barrett, broker, Integrity Real Estate Services, 580-212-5946

Call me and let's visit about McCurtain County or Choctaw County. The fartherest southeast you can go in Oklahoma and still be in Oklahoma.

We are SOUTHEAST OKLAHOMA.

Judi Barrett
Broker - Integrity Real Estate Services
Our Name Says It All.
Real Estate Services You Can Trust.
580-212-5946

Follow me on Twitter, Connect with me on Facebook, or View my profile on Linked In:

McCurtain County Oklahoma on Facebook

HOME INSPECTIONS PROTECT HOME BUYERS - THEY ALSO PROTECT SELLERS AND AGENTS!

Judi Barrett Integrity Real Estate Services, 580-212-5946 — Sat, 24 Oct 2009 06:51:43 -0500

A Home Inspection is a good idea any time you are purchasing a home. If you're going to spend the money to buy a home, spend just a little bit more and get a home inspection.

Most home inspections in our area cost between $350 to $400. That's a small amount in relation to the cost of your home and in relation to what it can cost you ultimately if you don't get one... things that are wrong and are going to hit you in the pocket book that a home inspection would have revealed!

Via Lenn Harley, Homefinders.com, MD & VA Homes and Real Estate:

HOME INSPECTIONS PROTECT HOME BUYERS - THEY ALSO PROTECT SELLERS AND AGENTS!

Probably the single most important step a home buyer can take as a part of the home purchase process is the home inspection. No one can guarantee the condition of a resale home. Therefore, the home buyer should understand that

1. You, a home buyer, cannot rely on the seller for information about the condition of the home they are offering for sale.

2. Buyers can protect themselves with a home inspection.

3. Some states go farther than others in providing protections for home buyers with required seller Property Condition Disclosure, while other states follow the "caveat emptor" rule which requires that the "buyer beware".

PROTECT YOURSELF WITH A HOME INSPECTION

We, as your agent, will do our very best, based on our experience with hundreds of home sold, to make you aware of potential problems with appliances; heating/cooling, interiors, exteriors and things we can see. However, a trained home inspector will not only test the mechanicals and appliances in a house, they will also inspect the structure, materials and condition of the components of a property. Cosmetics are not a part of a home inspection.

A good home inspector will examine the house from top to bottom. Most inspections in Maryland and Virginia will evaluate the physical condition: structure, construction, and mechanical systems. They will identify items that need to be repaired or replaced. They will also give you an estimate of useful life of the roof, appliances, mechanicals and any other equipment included with the home purchase.

You have negotiated all price, terms and conditions of the home purchase and now you want the home inspected. Good. Let's walk through a home inspection. At this point, a successful home inspection should be a contingency, meaning that, if the home inspection reveals serious defects, the home buyer can void the contract and be refunded their earnest money deposit. If the buyer decides to negotiate with the seller for repairs or compensation for defects, that stage requires that the buyer and seller negotiate repairs or agree to void the contract. So, the home inspection is a very important aspect of buying a home. A home warranty is not a substitute for a home inspection. Most home warranty policies do not protect for pre-existing conditions.

WALK THROUGH A TYPICAL HOME INSPECTION
STRUCTURE
The home inspector will look for structural integrity, They will evaluate the quality of construction and materials used.

EXTERIOR
A thorough inspection of the roof should reveal any past or present leaks. The exterior finishing will be inspected for cracked bricks, loose siding, improper grading and anything else suitable for your purchase.

INTERIOR
The interior will be observed for signs of movement. A good home inspector will look for signs of unusual cracking, separating, shifting in the house.

MECHANICALS
The heating and air conditioning will be tested, temperature permitting, and since this is an expensive appliance, the inspector may recommend servicing of the unit if it appears that the present owners have neglected this important duty.

APPLIANCES
All kitchen appliances will be run through their cycle to make sure that they function properly. The refrigerator will be tested for temperature and seals. The range, microwave, disposer will all be run to make sure they know what to do.

PLUMBING
All bathrooms, kitchen, laundry, exterior plumbing will be tested and inspected. This task has become very important since builders have been downgrading building materials for several years to compensate for escalating land costs.

ELECTRICAL
All visible wiring, panel boxes, fixtures, switches, outlets will be tested for operating condition and safety. Often we find home owner repairs will be the most hazardous. If the homeowner did not obtain a permit and have work inspected, it may be defective and dangerous. A good home inspector spends a lot of time looking at electrical components of a house.

WHAT HAPPENS AFTER THE HOME INSPECTION??
If the home inspector finds serious problems such as structural defects, you will have to make a decision as to whether or not to go through with the purchase. If the home inspection shows defects that are repairable or replaceable, your agent will write an addendum requesting the repairs to be made by the seller prior to settlement. The seller may agree, refuse or negotiate a cash settlement to compensate you for the defects found.

You and your agent will decide on the best way to handle any defects found. The important thing is that you are an EMPOWERED HOME BUYER when you know the good AND the not so good about a home.

Your Buyer's Agent may recommend local home inspectors or you can find home inspectors trained and certified by the American Society of Home Inspectors, ASHI.com.

* * * * * * * * * *

Courtesy, Lenn Harley, Broker, Homefinders.com, 800-711-7988, E-mail.

"NEVER A FEE TO BUYERS"

Maryland and Northern Virginia Real Estate homes for sale HERE - Search Homes for Sale in Maryland and Northern Virginia.

Contact us to tour homes, 800-711-7988.

For your copy of the Homefinders.com home buyers relocation package, just give me a call. Whether you're moving to Maryland or Northern Virginia from out of the area or just across county. We can help.

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I love sharing Southeast Oklahoma with you. It is my desire that you will find something in the "Life in Southeast Oklahoma" blog posts that will:

Entice you to visit our area if you're not already living here.
Maybe encourage you to attend an event that is planned in our great corner of the world.
Point out a restaurant that serves up good food.
Invite you to enjoy our beautiful country-side, lakes, or streams...

Southeast Oklahoma is endlessly varied and has so much to offer. It's my desire to bring those things out.

Got an idea for a post or have something that you want to share about Southeast Oklahoma?

Use the comment section below and let me know.

Join me in Southeast Oklahoma, where life usually moves at a little slower pace, the people are wonderful, the landscape can be breathtaking.

We love where we live!

Judi Barrett, broker, Integrity Real Estate Services, 580-212-5946

Call me and let's visit about McCurtain County or Choctaw County. The fartherest southeast you can go in Oklahoma and still be in Oklahoma.

We are SOUTHEAST OKLAHOMA.

Judi Barrett
Broker - Integrity Real Estate Services
Our Name Says It All.
Real Estate Services You Can Trust.
580-212-5946

Follow me on Twitter, Connect with me on Facebook, or View my profile on Linked In:

McCurtain County Oklahoma on Facebook

Man Builds Noah's Ark (exact scale given in Bible)

Judi Barrett Integrity Real Estate Services, 580-212-5946 — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 07:09:17 -0500

Via Sue White (Internet-Business-Support.com):

With all the bad news in the media today - I thought something interesting might lift your spirits - enjoy.

Working Replica of Noah's Ark Opened In SCHAGEN, Netherlands . The massive central door in the side of Noah's Ark was opened the first crowd of curious townsfolk to behold the wonder. Of course, it's only a replica of the biblical Ark , built by Dutch Creationist Johan Huibers as a testament to his faith in the literal truth of the Bible. The ark is 150 cubits long, 30 cubits high and 20 cubits wide. That's two-thirds the length of a football field and as high as a three-story house. Life-size models of giraffes, elephants, lions, crocodiles, zebras, bison and other animals greet visitors as they arrive in the main hold. A contractor by trade, Huibers built the ark of cedar and pine. Biblical Scholars debate exactly what the wood used by Noah wou ld have been.

Huibers did the work mostly with his own hands, using modern tools and with occasional help from his son Roy. Construction began in May 2005. On the uncovered top deck - not quite ready in time for the opening - will come a petting zoo, with baby lambs and chickens, and goats, and one camel.

Visitors on the first day were stunned. 'It's past comprehension', said Mary Louise Starosciak, who happened to be bicycling by with her husband while on vacation when they saw the ark looming over the local landscape.

'I knew the story of Noah, but I had no idea the boat would have been so big.' There is enough space near the keel for a 50-seat film theater where kids can watch a video that tells the story of Noah and his ark. Huibers, a Christian man, said he hopes the project will renew interest in Christianity in the Netherlands, where church going has fallen dramatically in the past 50 years.

Now that I am old and
gray...give me the time to tell
this new generation
(and their children too)
about all your mighty miracles.
Psalm 71:18

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I love sharing Southeast Oklahoma with you. It is my desire that you will find something in the "Life in Southeast Oklahoma" blog posts that will:

Entice you to visit our area if you're not already living here.
Maybe encourage you to attend an event that is planned in our great corner of the world.
Point out a restaurant that serves up good food.
Invite you to enjoy our beautiful country-side, lakes, or streams...

Southeast Oklahoma is endlessly varied and has so much to offer. It's my desire to bring those things out.

Got an idea for a post or have something that you want to share about Southeast Oklahoma?

Use the comment section below and let me know.

Join me in Southeast Oklahoma, where life usually moves at a little slower pace, the people are wonderful, the landscape can be breathtaking.

We love where we live!

Judi Barrett, broker, Integrity Real Estate Services, 580-212-5946

Call me and let's visit about McCurtain County or Choctaw County. The fartherest southeast you can go in Oklahoma and still be in Oklahoma.

We are SOUTHEAST OKLAHOMA.

Judi Barrett
Broker - Integrity Real Estate Services
Our Name Says It All.
Real Estate Services You Can Trust.
580-212-5946

Follow me on Twitter, Connect with me on Facebook, or View my profile on Linked In:

McCurtain County Oklahoma on Facebook

Dont' Egret It.

Judi Barrett Integrity Real Estate Services, 580-212-5946 — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 21:53:10 -0500

Don't Egret not calling a real estate professional to handle the sale of your home or land.

It's too important a transaction for EGRETS.

Integrity Real Estate Services in Idabel, Oklahoma will help you through the transaction so hopefully you can avoid any EGRETS.

If you are wanting or needing to buy or sell Real Estate in McCurtain or Choctaw Counties in Southeast Oklahoma, won't you give me a call so I can help you dodge the EGRETS.

Egret photo courtesy of mikebaird a Flickr user allowing commons courtesy license use.

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I love sharing Southeast Oklahoma with you. It is my desire that you will find something in the "Life in Southeast Oklahoma" blog posts that will:

Entice you to visit our area if you're not already living here.
Maybe encourage you to attend an event that is planned in our great corner of the world.
Point out a restaurant that serves up good food.
Invite you to enjoy our beautiful country-side, lakes, or streams...

Southeast Oklahoma is endlessly varied and has so much to offer. It's my desire to bring those things out.

Got an idea for a post or have something that you want to share about Southeast Oklahoma?

Use the comment section below and let me know.

Join me in Southeast Oklahoma, where life usually moves at a little slower pace, the people are wonderful, the landscape can be breathtaking.

We love where we live!

Judi Barrett, broker, Integrity Real Estate Services, 580-212-5946

Call me and let's visit about McCurtain County or Choctaw County. The fartherest southeast you can go in Oklahoma and still be in Oklahoma.

We are SOUTHEAST OKLAHOMA.

Judi Barrett
Broker - Integrity Real Estate Services
Our Name Says It All.
Real Estate Services You Can Trust.
580-212-5946

Follow me on Twitter, Connect with me on Facebook, or View my profile on Linked In:

McCurtain County Oklahoma on Facebook

The real skinny on why Appraisers use foreclosures to value your home!

Judi Barrett Integrity Real Estate Services, 580-212-5946 — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 17:41:05 -0500

Mary Thompson wrote this back in March... it as relevant today as it was then!

Via Mary Thompson Lake Lanier Appraiser in Georgia (LakeFrontPros.com):

Okay first let me BUST a MYTH out there. The administration is telling people that even though YOU are not going to get bailed out while your neighbor who is going through foreclosure is, you should be happy because YOUR home will not suffer further loss in value if we can get these foreclosures sold and no longer sitting vacant, etc.

While there is truth to this it sure does not make those of us who have been working hard to keep our mortgage payments current feel a whole lot better. Many will start falling behind on their payments just to get bailout help...sad but true.

But here is the real deal on how appraisers are dealing with the valuation of your home in this foreclosure crisis. We DO NOT typically use foreclosed sales to compare against your home. We first evaluate your individual neighborhoods, streets, subdivisions and trust me when I tell you it can vary street by street in today's market.

If and only IF your subdivision, street or neighborhood is full of foreclosures, more so than your typical arms-length transactions, then we WILL using foreclosures as our primary source for analysis. WHY? because these sales have now defined your neighborhood. If there are more sales in your area which are not foreclosures then we will use those sales primarily.

Therefore your home may NOT necessarily decline in value due to a few scattered foreclosures in your area. Now here is where it gets a little muddy in the water....If you have a home right next to yours or a couple of doors down that has been foreclosed upon and especially if it looks "run down" and obviously vacant, this WILL have an effect on the value of your home to some degree regardless of the number of foreclosures in your area. WHY? because if you were looking to buy a home and the one next door to yours is quite frankly and eye sore, this has an impact on how the market perceives your home. Sad and not fair but true!

The foreclosures in your area or on your street and their proximity to yours has an effect from that point outward as if in a circle. The further the foreclosure/s are from your home, the better off you are!

Again, let me repeat, if you only have a few foreclosures scattered about your development, street (unless you only have a few homes on your street) or defined neighborhood, chances are you are not going to be heavily impacted as appraisers will use non-foreclosure sales whenever it is reasonable to do so and is not misleading to the lender to do so.

One thing I want to make clear! Appraisers do not determine the value of your home...Let me repeat this. Appraisers DO NOT determine the value of your home.....The MARKET DOES! We analyze the market and as long as we do this correctly and as long as we utilize properties that are truly comparable to yours and make the appropriate adjustments for any variances, then the market LEADS us to the appropriate opinion of value....So don't blame the appraiser for the value of your home okay? It is the market you need to blame.

One final note. Appraisers are supposed to protect banks from lending risks. Banks need appraisers to analyze NOW more than ever what the market is doing, what the value of the property is currently, what the trends have been and where they are likely headed.

Banks & Mortgage Companies in the past did not really care too much about the fact that we were trying to protect their interests as they wanted to close loans. Sad fact but true and that is why we are in this mess Today. Appraisers many times are considered a necessary evil and Lenders pressured many Appraisers to do what they wanted. Unfortunately many succumbed to that pressure.

Banks are now going the opposite direction and running scared. They are dictating to appraisers what the comparable properties should be. They are non believers in what our reports are telling them. Before they wanted the highest possible value, now they want the lowest. They are telling us based upon some National Report that we MUST report our area as declining! Well here in Georgia there are some area that are NOT declining but STABLE. I personally do not let lenders dictate to me and I know for a fact I have lost business over this...but I digress...

Bottom line is they are still not letting us do our jobs! We have no vested interest in these properties, if they had let us do our jobs from the start, we would not be looking at a Trillion Dollar plus spending bill. Can you tell I am just a little frustrated. I AM!

So as a consumer what can you take aways from all of this. Keep up with what is going on in your neighborhood and do not let lenders determine the value of your home. You get a copy of your appraisal report, review it carefully. If you do not agree with it, protest it! Many banks use review appraisers who either have not even seen your home or who have only driven by your home to refute the original appraisal report. Don't let that happen to you because these review appraisers do not know the home like the first appraiser!

As Realtors, you can do the same thing. You have access to the same information we as appraisers do and even more than we do as you guys see many of the INTERIORS of the comparable properties used by appraisers which we do not see. Sure we have photos of the interiors if you post them on MLS/FMLS but the pictures do not always tell the whole story! So help your clients in this lending process by not letting them reduce or change the value of the first appraisal report without good reason.

Okay I am off my soapbox now, I hope this has helped you to understand how appraisers operate in this market or at any time.

Any questions, just ask!

Mary Thompson-Certified Real Estate Appraiser

www.marytappraisals.com

www.customslideshowcreations.com Custom shows for your next listing!

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I love sharing Southeast Oklahoma with you. It is my desire that you will find something in the "Life in Southeast Oklahoma" blog posts that will:

Entice you to visit our area if you're not already living here.
Maybe encourage you to attend an event that is planned in our great corner of the world.
Point out a restaurant that serves up good food.
Invite you to enjoy our beautiful country-side, lakes, or streams...

Southeast Oklahoma is endlessly varied and has so much to offer. It's my desire to bring those things out.

Got an idea for a post or have something that you want to share about Southeast Oklahoma?

Use the comment section below and let me know.

Join me in Southeast Oklahoma, where life usually moves at a little slower pace, the people are wonderful, the landscape can be breathtaking.

We love where we live!

Judi Barrett, broker, Integrity Real Estate Services, 580-212-5946

Call me and let's visit about McCurtain County or Choctaw County. The fartherest southeast you can go in Oklahoma and still be in Oklahoma.

We are SOUTHEAST OKLAHOMA.

Judi Barrett
Broker - Integrity Real Estate Services
Our Name Says It All.
Real Estate Services You Can Trust.
580-212-5946

Follow me on Twitter, Connect with me on Facebook, or View my profile on Linked In:

McCurtain County Oklahoma on Facebook