No huge explosions or candlelight vigils for this oldie. Though not exactly Modern, the Camelot Inn near Brookside certainly had a Mid-Century charm to it. Pictured below in it’s prime, the building had fallen short of required maintenance over the years and destruction has now commenced. It could be argued that landmarks such as this have a historical significance to our city and should be preserved to tell their tale. Interestingly enough this building is falling silently. No rallies to stop the processes or even any spectators on the scene. Why did the Camelot Inn fall? Did it deserve to be destroyed? Was another Quicktrip really what you wanted? Does anyone care? The demolition process began this month and will drag on for at least a week or more. No dramatic explosions on this jobs... 01/03/2008

If you're serious about shopping & dining then you want to hit 71st Street.  The 71st Street Corridor (the 2 miles between Memorial Drive & Garnett Road) is home to more stores & restaurants than you can handle in one day.  The area began to grow in 1976 when Woodland Hills Mall was constructed.  Still the largest mall in Oklahoma with over 1.2 million square feet on two levels, it's home to anchors Dillard's, Macy's, Sears, and JCPenney.  In 1976, this area was the southern outskirts of town.  Now it's also known as Restaurant Row.  The 71st Street Corridor has a number of restaurants including national chains such as the Cheesecake Factory, Abeulo's, and Nestle Tollhouse Cafe, and regional favorites like Zio's, Freckles, and the Incredible Pizza Company.   A number of big box retailer... 01/02/2008

In a new series, I'm going to show you Tulsa like you've probably never seen before.  I'm going to talk about things to do, places to visit, and a few of the things that make Tulsa unique.  While visiting my family for the holidays, I checked into my hotel room and found a current issue of CitiScapes Metro Monthly.  It was their 2007 "best of" edition and Tulsa was the winner of "Best Day Trip Destination."  The following day I dined with my friend Aaron Bleidt, editor of Citiscapes, and we talked endlessly about what makes Tulsa so great.  I will post about different topics of interest.  After each post, I'll update the list here with a link to the new post.  Please check back often and see what great things Tulsa has to offer! 71st Street Shopping District Tulsa Air & Space Museum Okl... 01/01/2008

Mayor Kathy Taylor announced today that the Tulsa Zoo & Living Museum along with the Tulsa Air & Space Museum have re-opened as of Saturday, December 22nd. These fine Tulsa institutions had closed due to the storm debris.  In addition, the Tulsa E-News message states that both the Zoo and the Air & Space Museum are offering FREE admission now through the end of the year (both are closed Christmas Day).  The zoo opens daily at 9am."The Tulsa Zoo has an amazing group of employees," said Tulsa Zoo Friends Exec. Director Keegan Young. "Thanks to the dedication of our professionals and effective leadership, including Mayor Taylor and Zoo Director Stephen Walker during this ordeal, that we are able to open our doors," Young said.  12/24/2007

It's official:  Good Thing You're in Tulsa!  In response to the negative media attention about real estate conditions across the nation, the Great Tulsa Association of Realtors has launched a PR campaign to educate consumers about our local, current market conditions.  In a nutshell, Tulsa continues to be a stable market.  The Tulsa real estate market consistently has positive vital signs.  Examples include an 11.6% increase in home sales reported for October 2007 and inclusion on "affordable housing" lists.So, feeling a little jealous if you're not in Tulsa?  Call me today or visit my Tulsa real estate website for more information about housing or investment opportunities.Below is the press release kicking off the campaign:GTAR Celebrates Stability in Local Housing Market, Launches "Go... 12/05/2007

“A nickel ain’t worth a dime anymore” said baseball legend Yogi Berra, whose sentiment sums up much of the United State’s current real estate market. Talk of the slipping housing market is hard to avoid and home prices have slowed in their increase or dropped in American cities. With so many homes and neighborhoods being developed and foreclosures flooding the market, it is interesting to question what effect this have on the price of Mid-Century Modern (MCM) homes. In my experience, these homes sell for a premium when compared to similar homes of a traditional style. I believe modern homes are subject to the same market forces as other homes on the market, but there are a few factors that distinguish the market for modern homes. The home loan market for MCM houses is paradoxical in nat... 12/05/2007

Project ReDirectory is an award-winning recycling program that began in 1989.  Coinciding with the phone companies' delivery of new phone books, the Metropolitan Environmental Trust (the M.E.T.) has kicked off it's 18th annual phone book drive.  You can recycle your old phone books at 15+ locations around Green Country (see a complete list below) through December 21st.  I have spear-headed drives for both my neighborhood, Brady Heights, and my office, Keller Williams Realty Tulsa Metro Group.  In addition to eco-benefits of recycling, Howard Doak & Cityscape Home Mortgage has generously offered to donate $1 per phone book recycled to Metro Cares, the local Keller Williams charity.Project ReDirectory is now nationally recognized and millions of phone books are recycled each year through ... 12/02/2007

Axay Parekh | Keller Williams | 918-850-2929 1223 South Urbana, Tulsa, OK Gourgeous Brick Midtown Home Open Sunday By Axay "Ax''Parekh Keller Williams Offered by Joe Kifer, Keller Williams Realty 2 Bdrm Single Family House offered at $114,900 Year Built 1940 Sq Footage 1,503 Bedrooms 2 Bathrooms 1 full, 1 partial Floors 1 Parking 2 Car garage Lot Size 8,400 sqft HOA/Maint $0 per month DESCRIPTION Cute House. Large remodeled kitchen open to dining area; Great refinished hardwood floors; New tile in kitchen & family room; Woodburning fireplace; Remodeled half bath; Replacement windows thru-out; Fresh paint see additional photos below PROPERTY FEATURES Central A/C Central heat Fireplace Hardwood floor Family room Living room Dining room Refrigerator Stove/Oven OTHER SPECIAL FEATURES Conve... 11/09/2007

Singer & musician Whit Smith was born in Connecticut, but he now calls Tulsa home.  Playing mostly jazz swing & western swing, Whit has been a part of several bands.  He is most recognizably connected with Hot Club of Cowtown.  As a cultural ambassador, he has played across the globe including eastern Europe for the State Department. Whit is only one-third of his very cool family.   His wife Dusty and their mastiff Blossom, also live in the historic Brady Heights home they purchased after relocating to Tulsa.  I had the pleasure of being their Realtor and now we're neighbors!They purchased this home in 2006 for $158,500.  It is 2,364 square feet and sits on a double lot.  The home features a porte coche, carriage house, stable, wrought iron fence and exquisite interior.  It is in the Tu... 11/08/2007

I have had a lot of people asking me lately whether or not they should take their home off the market in the winter months.  Their thinking is the market slows in the winter months and they will just put it back on the market in the spring.  The problem with this kind of thinking is the majority are thinking the same way.  The result of this is the homes on the market in the winter months are getting sold at decent prices because the law of supply and demand is at work.  There are less homes on the market and those who have to buy a house have fewer homes to choose from.  So why should you sell your home in the winter?  Here are a few reasons.  Buyers looking in the winter are more serious.  These serious buyers have fewer homes to choose from, less competition means more money for you.... 10/02/2007

Dear Neighbors,I have to say I am a little puzzled by the number of "No River Tax" signs I see in the Riverview neighborhood.  No neighborhood in Tulsa is better situated to benefit from Arkansas River enhancements than we are.   We are close enough to enjoy many of the upgrades to the river and we stand to benefit economically as well.   Please allow me to give a simple example of how we stand to benefit.    I looked up the demographic information for our neighborhood and the Average income is $42747 per year.  The median home is valued at $95500.   Let's just say that we spend 30% of our income on goods that are subjected to sales tax so this new tax would cost us on average $51 year.  ($42747*30%*.004) That means over the life of the tax each household would pay an additional $357 ($... 09/26/2007

Tulsa, Oklahoma is consistently a great place for real estate investors to spend money.  With a steady 4% appreciation rate over the last five years, the market hasn't seen the dramatic shift like east and west coast markets.  I thought I'd give you a sampling of what's available in the Tulsa Metro area right now for investors!  For more information, rent rolls, etc. call me today.  Oh, and there are lots of single family, duplexes, and quadplexes available too!This 5 unit apartment building is currently listed for $144,500Taxes are an unbelievable $1148/yr.  Just a few blocks - definitely walking distance - to the University of Tulsa which has an enrollment of 4,125.   Listing courtesy of McGraw, REALTORSThis 2-story apartment building is currently available for $270,000Just a short co... 09/23/2007

The Federal Reserve Board's Open Market Committee lowered two key rates today.  The Fed Funds Rate and the Discount window rate by 1/2 percent.   This should create some easing of mortgage rates.  Thus far even without the action by the federal reserve mortgage rates have been declining into this September meeting.   I would anticipate that the lowering of these rates will assist the market in relaxing the credit crunch to some extent.  However, many of the systemic issues that are currently plaguing the mortgage market will persist.   There's good news for Tulsa and Oklahoma in general - the Greater Tulsa Association of Realtors statistics through July 2007 show the area as fairly stable with slightly rising property values.  I would expect this area to remain stable.  On the mortgage ... 09/18/2007

We have just received word from Amanda Decort of the City of Tulsa that four Historic Districts with in the Riverview Neighborhood Buena Vista, Stonebraker Heights, Carlton Place and Riverview  were listed on the National Register as of September 6.  We have been working on this for about three years and are very excited.  Below of the maps of each of the historic districts.   09/17/2007

At the Riverview Neighborhood Association meeting last Tuesday night we were presented with a an exciting new plan for Stickball Park and the Council Oak Park at the corner of 18th and Cheyenne Ave.  The Centennial fund and Arvest Bank have donated money to Park Friends to make major improvements to both parks.   The plans include Bronze Statues, landscaping with native Oklahoma plants and trees, park benches and iron fencing.  This is wonderful news for our neighborhood.  Currently Stickball Park looks more like a vacant lot we only recently had a sign erected noting that it is a park.   Real Estate developers have shown interested in developing the site and these new improvements will put an end to that.  It is also important to honor our local Native American history by improving the... 09/16/2007

This great event takes place at the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church at 1206 S Guthrie Ave. Take the Denver exit off the Broken Arrow Expressway.  They offer Authentic Greek dinners, Greek Wine and Soda, Folk Dancing and More!  This is a great event for the entire family right here in the Riverview Neighborhood.  I have some free Tickets for anyone that wants them on a first come first served bases, otherwise its $2 to get in.  Don't miss this unique Tulsa Tradition. For more infomation call 583-2082 or visit their web site at www.holytrinity.ok.goarch.org 09/16/2007

Riverview Block PartyJoin us for great Bar-b-que, Games for the kids,  and Meet your Neighbhors.Where: McBirney Mansion 1414 S Galveston Ave When: Sat Sept 15 11:30-2:30 Get a pulled pork sandwich, chips and a drink of only $4 Call Vicki Hibbert at 382-1763 for more information or to volunteer.  The Riverview Neighborhood boundaries are 21 street to the south, Katy Walking trail to the east, the Broken Arrow Espressway to the north and Riverside Drive.  We meet the second Tuesday of every month at 12 & Gutherie. Our next meeting is at 7 PM Sept 11.  We are going to learn about plans to enhance the Council Oak and Stickball Parks and 18 & Cheyenne 09/10/2007

My BBF who lives several states away is thinking about buying a home next year and was asking me for some advise.  Here is what I told her about Condos in general.   As for Condos,  I understand the appeal but here are some things to think about.   1.  Historically, Condos do not appreciated as quickly as single family homes.  This especially true in markets where single family homes are affordable.   2. You will pay a monthly maintance fee to the condo association.  This will cover things like exterior maintance and insurance (you will still have to buy insurance for the interior and your stuff) It may also cover some utilities.   My thought has always been that for what you would pay in association dues you could hire someone to mow the lawn, etc.    Also, mis-management and  fraud is... 09/02/2007

Super model Amber Valletta grew up in Tulsa, Oklahoma and attended Booker T. Washington High School.  She bagan her career at age 15 shortly after enrolling in a local modeling school.  She has worked for design houses such as Versace and Calvin Klein.  She has also appeared on television and starred in movies such as Preminition & Raising Helen. Amber is married to Chip McCaw, an Olympic athlete, and has one son, Auden. Amber purchased this Midtown home in 2000 for $240,000.  The home is a modest 2,637 square feet and sits on .35 acre.  The home features a stone exterior and pool and is in the Tulsa school district.  The 2007 assessed value is $265,800. Other Tulsa Celebrity Homes:Frank Abagnale, Jr. 09/01/2007

Recently I watched the movie Catch Me If You Can which reminded me that Frank Abagnale, Jr., the gentleman whose life the movie is based on, lives in Tulsa, Oklahoma.In case you have not seen the movie it is about a teenager who turns out to be one of the greatest con men in American history.  He successfully portrays an airline pilot, doctor, and lawyer, among other things.   He is eventually apprehended by the FBI in France.  All of this occurs before he turns 20 years of age.  In 1976 Mr. Abagnale began Abagnale & Associates which is now one of the most respected consulting firms in the nation.  In addition to consulting corporations on ways to prevent fraud, embezzlement, forgery, etc., Mr. Abagnale lectures and has written books.Mr. Abagnale and his wife have resided in this south ... 08/31/2007