Blogging Tulsa Real Estate: Oklahoma: Tulsa

7 comments • Debbie Solano -- ABR, CRS, e-PRO, GRI, SRES • January 28 2011 04:43AM

The Gap Check Revealed a Demolition Notice on the Day of Closing

The gap check revealed a demolition notice on the day of closing.

It wasn't there when the abstract was updated in September. It showed up yesterday morning. We were closing at 3:00 pm.

We found out about it at the closing table.

A demolition notice had been filed by the City of Tulsa that very morning.

The Demolition Notice Came up in the Gap Check the Day of Closing

Who knew that a Demolition Department even existed!

Did you ever wonder what a gap check does?

The gap check is one of those items on a HUD Settlement Statement that I have always regarded as just another way for the closing companies and lawyers to make money. The typical cost of a gap check is $75.

I never paid a whole lot of attention to the gap check, but I will from now on.

The closer asked the buyer whether or not he wanted to proceed with closing.

Of course it was a Friday afternoon and no one seemed to be answering his phone. We kept trying to reach someone who could tell us what was going on.

The home was an REO and, of course, being sold "AS IS WHERE IS."

I was concerned that the buyer would be saddled with a bill for demolition, whether or not he wanted the home to be demolished. Fortunately, we were able to contact someone at the City of Tulsa.

It turns out that a citizen had called The Mayor's Action Line in September about a porch on the front of the house that was falling off. The code inspector had gone out to the home and had recommended the house be demolished.

Meanwhile, the listing agent listed the house and recommended the bank remove the offending porch, which was already removed by the time my buyer saw the property.

Neither the owner nor the real estate agent were aware of the code inspector's recommendation to demolish the house.

The bank that owned the property was paying three years of back taxes, but I thought they should pay for the demolition rather than my buyer. However, if my buyer delayed by choosing not to sign the paperwork, he would have to pay a $100 per diem charge.

In the end the buyer decided that he would go ahead and close and probably will be tearing the house down himself. That would probably be a lot cheaper than letting the City of Tulsa schedule the demolition and have a contractor do the demolition. A professional demolition crew would probably charge the owner more than my buyer was paying for the property -- which was not a lot.

The City of Tulsa stopped it's process of demolition and will be giving my buyer a chance to assess what he has purchased.

We closed. Yeah!!

Debbie Solano, ABR, CHMS, CRS, e-PRO, GRI, REOS, SRES
Coldwell Banker Select, Realtors -- Land & Ranch Division
4408 S. Harvard Avenue
Tulsa, OK 74135

Office: 918-712-4473

Cell: 918-724-8201

FAX: 918-394-0473

5 comments • Debbie Solano -- ABR, CRS, e-PRO, GRI, SRES • January 08 2011 07:15PM

Never Go Out Without Lipstick -- You Might Just Run Across a News Reporter

Never Go Out Without Lipstick -- You Might Just Run across a News Reporter

Here I was minding my own business walking my dogs this morning along Riverside Drive in Tulsa, Oklahoma. I noticed all the stakes and flags in the ground at I-44 and Riverside along with a bunch of heavy equipment. So I told my boys, Obed and Tucker, that if we did not stroll along Skelly Drive there today, we might not be able to do it tomorrow or next week because they will be building a big wall there soon.

So we wandered eastward toward Peoria. There were lots of trucks and heavy equipment where there has heretofore been none.

Then we noticed the people -- well dressed people in long wool dress coats and workers with vests and jackets with the words Sherwood stamped across the back.

One gentleman was speaking. He was a dignified man who reminded me of the "Toon" in Who Framed Roger Rabbit?"

There was a small pre-dug dirt trench near the microphones where several shovels were standing ilike sentinals in the dirt. The center shovel was painted gold -- for someone special, I supposed.

We hung around and watched the hooplah.

I recognized a few residents of Riverview Village as I was leaving.

But I did not get away soon enough.

A reporter saw my dogs and ran up to me with a microphone in her hand. She asked me if I lived in the neighborhood and if had an opininon about the project.

I told her I did not live in the neighborhood,but a friend of mine used to catch fish off his front porch there back before they built Keystone Dam. What a stupid thing to say.... The truth was I had just walked up and did not have a clue what the project was to which she was referring. Was it the wall, the road widening, the drainage ditch? I did not want to admit that I was a rubber necker.

All I could think was that I looked like h--- and was not wearing any makeup. I was glad when they focused the cameras on my dogs!

So here you will see the blog mistress herself, your local web maven in all her morning glory.

Did I tell you the story was about widening I-44 and spending $42 million to build an underground drainage system along the route of the infamous Perryman Ditch?

Watch the video, Groundbreaking for I-44 Project.

Debbie Solano, ABR, CHMS, CRS, e-PRO, GRI, REOS, SRES
Coldwell Banker Select, Realtors -- Land & Ranch Division
4408 S. Harvard Avenue
Tulsa, OK 74135

Office: 918-712-4473

Cell: 918-724-8201

FAX: 918-394-0473

4 comments • Debbie Solano -- ABR, CRS, e-PRO, GRI, SRES • January 16 2009 08:07PM

My Furry Valentine -- A Silent Auction Benefitting StreetCats, Inc. is Scheduled for Sunday, February 8, 2009

My Furry Valentine -- A Silent Auction Benefitting StreetCats, Inc. is Scheduled for Sunday, February 8, 2009

I just received an invitation to attend a dessert tasting and silent auction benefitting StreetCats, Inc., a non-profit organization located on East 60th Street in Tulsa, Oklahoma on the northeast corner of 61st and Sheridan behind Charlie's Chicken and across from the Farm Shopping Center.

The event is called My Furry Valentine and will feature luscious sweets and "purr"fect gifts. All proceeds will benefit homeless kitties awaiting adoption in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

The stated mission of StreetCats, Inc. is:

StreetCats, Inc. believes that all cats deserve a home. We wish to reduce the population of unwanted cats by maintaining a spay and neuter program for feral cats and by sheltering cats who no longer have people to care for them. We seek adoptive families who value animals and who will love and protect our StreetCats.

In addition to always having cats and kittens that need a loving home, StreetCats, Inc. also has cats that have illnesses and need special care from special people. They also have older cats that need permanent homes.

Tickets for the fundraiser are $25 per person or $45 per couple.

Please send your payment to: StreetCats, Inc., 6520 East 60th Street, Tulsa, OK 74145.

Make checks payable to StreetCats, Inc. Your tickets will be held at the door.

To see all the links to agencies that find homes for pets in Northeast Oklahoma, please go to the Pet Adoption page on my website, TulsaRealEstateWeb.com.

Debbie Solano, ABR, CHMS, CRS, e-PRO, GRI, REOS, SRES
Coldwell Banker Select, Realtors -- Land & Ranch Division
4408 S. Harvard Avenue
Tulsa, OK 74135

Office: 918-712-4473

Cell: 918-724-8201

FAX: 918-394-0473

4 comments • Debbie Solano -- ABR, CRS, e-PRO, GRI, SRES • January 14 2009 06:02PM

How to Make Ribbon Bows for Birthday Presents or Christmas Gifts

How to Make Ribbon Bows for Birthday Presents or Christmas Gifts.

Make these bows now in assorted sizes and they will be ready in every color and size when the occasion arises throughout the year.

Now you won't have to run to Miss Jackson's at Utica Square just to get the wonderful bows that come with expensive gift wrapping. Nor will you be frustrated that the big bag of bows from Walmart contains only bows that are two inches across.

Yes, you can now make "ginormous" bows. (I learned that word last week while showing property. Yes, we are busy in Tulsa. Our Tulsa real estate market is really hopping right now. But I digress. "Ginormous" applies to both closets and holiday bows.)

Watch the entire video and you will understand how to make "ginormous" bows and teenie weenie bows.

Boman Acres and Magnolia Terrace Neighbors Meet the Storage Station to Discuss PUD-767 and Rezoning from RS-3 to OL/PUD

Bowman Acres IV and Magnolia Terrace neighbors affected by the rezoning of a triangle of land located to the south of 31st Street just west of Interstate 44 in Tulsa, Oklahoma met with the proposed developers of the land last night to express their concerns and to discuss the land use and rezoning issues involved in the placement of a storage unit facility on the property.

The discussion was both cordial and productive. The meeting began at 6 pm with a sign-in and introductions.

The owners of the Storage Station, Gary Harkreader and Kevin Coutant, began by showing us the pictures of their other in-fill projects in Midtown at 2915 E. 5 1st, in Brookside at 4530 S. Peoria, and at 4411 S. Sheridan (across from the Sam's Club).

They then showed us the zoning map of the area and their proposal for the development of the land. The project is to be developed in phases with storage units to be built on either side of the big flood control drainage ditch with a bridge between the two parcels. The entrance to the facility will be located at a point just west of the current on-ramp to westbound I-44 and the Broken Arrow Expressway.

The homeowners were pleased to the receptivity of the developers to our concerns and questions. It appears that the storage facility will be implemented in a tasteful and relatively unobtrusive way in order to fit into the neighborhood in a way that will not appear to be an eyesore.

The developers invited us to participate in the landscape planning of the border between their project and 31st Street.

Anyone interested in hearing more about the project prior to it's consideration by the Tulsa Metropolitan Area Planning Commission (TMAPC) can call Chris at INCOG at 918-584-7526 or visit him at INCOG on the 6th Floor, Suite 600, 201 West 5th Street, Tulsa, OK 74103. When calling, please refer to Case number Z-7118/PUD-767.

A public hearing will be held before the Tulsa Meropolitan Area Planning Commission (TMAPC) in the Tulsa City council Chambers, One Technology Center, 175 East 2nd Street, Second Level, Tulsa, OK at 1:30 pm on Wednesday, November 19, 2008 to consider the proposed amendment to the zoning and for the proposed Planned Unite Development.

Gary Harkreader can be reached by calling him at his office at 918-745-9702. Kevin Coutant can be reached by calling him at his office at 918-591-5221.

Debbie Solano, ABR, CHMS, CRS, e-PRO, GRI, REOS, SRES
Coldwell Banker Select, Realtors -- Land & Ranch Division
4408 S. Harvard Avenue
Tulsa, OK 74135

Office: 918-712-4473

Cell: 918-724-8201

FAX: 918-394-0473

0 comments • Debbie Solano -- ABR, CRS, e-PRO, GRI, SRES • November 13 2008 06:30AM

Mass Transit Will Help Tulsa Attract and Retain Young Adults

The development of a mass transit system with light rail and Bus Rapid Transit (BRTs) will help Tulsa attract and retain young adults.

At the today's PLANiTULSA session at the BOk Center a majority of the tables who presented their findings emphasized the importance of a mass transit system for attracting and retaining young adults, much needed for the growth and success of Tulsa's growth economy and quality lifestyle.

Each table was given a giant map of Tulsa and four packets of stickers. Each group could only open one packet of stickers to use on their map.

The four packets of sticker choices were:

Trend -- Do nothing. Just move where we've been going.
Economic Growth -- Empower emerging key industries
Empower Neighborhoods -- Make sure neighborhoods grow and prosper to empower entrepreneurial vitality
Attract and Retain Young Adults -- Give young people what they want and they will move to Tulsa (or come back to Tulsa) and help drive our economy

There were two 17-year old girls at my table, Claire and Hannah. Their input was both exciting and informative for the other five of us at our table. It was a privilege to have participated with them and to hear their input.

There were several hundred people attending this session and most of the participants were "middle aged," much older than Claire and Hannah. Actually there was a nice cross section among age groups. Nevertheless, most groups who presented their "stickered-up maps" chose to empower neighborhoods or to attract and retain young adults.

A big theme that emerged in how to attract and retain young adults was that emphasis has to be placed on developing a light rail system or a BRT (bus rapid transit). Mass transit emerged as being crucial to Tulsa's strategic planning.

The development of mass transit (light rail or BRT) with central hubs at both downtown Tulsa and at the intersection of I-44 and the Broken Arrow Expressway had many different permutations among the groups who presented. Destinations included: Claremore, Owasso, Broken Arrow, Jenks, Sand Springs, Brookside, North Tulsa, the Airport, and the Promenade Mall. Most groups felt it was important to make use of existing rights-of-way along the Frisco line, the Union Pacific line, or the lines that no longer have tracks on them.

Along these mass transit routes participants developed a rich urban environment, including villages and high-density housing options mixed with light office and retail for entrepreneurial lifestyles.

One group emphasized the importance of developing a strong artery along the full length of Peoria from 71st Street straight up through North Tulsa. This would capture the heartbeat of Tulsa. My table thought this plan was very equitable and would encourage growth throughout the city.

What did you hear at the PLANiTULSA session you attended?

Debbie Solano, ABR, CHMS, CRS, e-PRO, GRI, REOS, SRES
Coldwell Banker Select, Realtors -- Land & Ranch Division
4408 S. Harvard Avenue
Tulsa, OK 74135

Office: 918-712-4473

Cell: 918-724-8201

FAX: 918-394-0473

0 comments • Debbie Solano -- ABR, CRS, e-PRO, GRI, SRES • September 23 2008 06:41PM

What is the Purpose Behind PLANiTULSA? Why Tulsans Should Care...

The goal of PLANiTULSA is to develop a comprehensive plan for growth so that Tulsa can attract young skilled workers during the upcoming labor crisis. Tulsa will be in competition with other cities for educated skilled workers.

Tulsa's population is declining.

The City of Tulsa was first incorporated in 1898. It grew substantially with the oil boom that was kicked off by the discovery of the Glen Pool in 1905.

Since then Tulsa has had its ups and down in population growth.

According to John Fregonese, who has been hired to help Tulsa develop a new comprehensive plan, Tulsa lost six percent of its residents in the years between 2000 and 2005.

This period of flat or declining growth coincided with an increase in growth in the region. While Tulsa had 62% of the MSA in 1970, it now only has 42% of the MSA.

According to Mr. Fregonese, who spoke at the BOk Center this afternoon, half of Tulsa's growth will be natural growth; the other half will come from people moving in from elsewhere, from within the U.S. and from foreign countries.

OK, so big deal, who cares? We should care. Here's why:

By the year 2010 the country will be experiencing a labor crisis with fewer people entering the labor force. Cities will compete for workers.

So if Tulsa wants to attract more young people into its workforce, we will need to align our planning with the Emerging American Vision in which people want economic success, social equity, and environmental responsibility. This translates into walkability and entertainment districts among other things.

What did you get out of today's PLANiTULSA session?

Debbie Solano, ABR, CHMS, CRS, e-PRO, GRI, REOS, SRES
Coldwell Banker Select, Realtors -- Land & Ranch Division
4408 S. Harvard Avenue
Tulsa, OK 74135

Office: 918-712-4473

Cell: 918-724-8201

FAX: 918-394-0473

3 comments • Debbie Solano -- ABR, CRS, e-PRO, GRI, SRES • September 23 2008 05:52PM

Let's Make Tulsa Better -- Attend PLANiTULSA Today at the BOk Center

If you missed last night's PLANiTULSA session at the Greenwood Cultural Center, then drop everything today and hurry on down to the BOk Center and attend this afternoon's session of PLANiTULSA.

This is your chance to put your two cents in!

No more whining!

Bring your ideas to the BOk Center today between 1:00 PM and 4:00 PM.

Parking is free at the Parking Garage of the Old City Hall building at 200 Civic Center. Enter from the west off of 6th Street.

Be there! We want to hear from you now -- not later when it's too late to add more concrete to add width to the walkways in the nosebleed section (oops, that should be a comment in one of my previous blogs).

I therefore repeat: I don't hear whining! So be there and be heard now!

Debbie Solano, ABR, CHMS, CRS, e-PRO, GRI, REOS, SRES
Coldwell Banker Select, Realtors -- Land & Ranch Division
4408 S. Harvard Avenue
Tulsa, OK 74135

Office: 918-712-4473

Cell: 918-724-8201

FAX: 918-394-0473

5 comments • Debbie Solano -- ABR, CRS, e-PRO, GRI, SRES • September 23 2008 11:20AM

Hey Tulsa! What Do You Really Think of the New BOk Center?

I went to the Get Motivated Seminar today with a bunch of friends from Coldwell Banker.

It was the first time I have had the privilege to visit our new convention center, the BOk Center and I have to say I was overall very impressed even though I would make a few changes if I were queen of the world.

I had to get over my first impression that it looked like the space ship from Lost in Space. Someone mentioned that it reminded her of a big roll of duck tape.

Nevertheless, it is a beautiful new facility and a tribute to our city for getting the thing built. Downtown Tulsa has needed something to get it jump started and this just might be what we needed.

OK, OK -- traffic was gridlocked at 6:30 am because 18,000 people converged on downtown Tulsa at the same time. What else?

I am full of my own opinions, I want to hear from you!

Debbie Solano, ABR, CHMS, CRS, e-PRO, GRI, REOS, SRES
Coldwell Banker Select, Realtors -- Land & Ranch Division
4408 S. Harvard Avenue
Tulsa, OK 74135

Office: 918-712-4473

Cell: 918-724-8201

FAX: 918-394-0473