Why a Condo May Be a Great Option for Your First Home

 
 

Having a hard time finding a first home that’s right for you and your wallet?

Well, here’s a tip – think about condominiums, or condos for short.

They’re usually smaller than single-family homes, but that’s exactly why they can be easier on your budget. According to the latest data from the National Association of Realtors (NAR), condos are typically less expensive than single-family homes (see graph below):

 
 

So, if you’re comfortable with a smaller space and want to buy your first home this year, adding condos to your search might be easier on your wallet.

Besides giving you more options for your home search and maybe fitting your budget better, living in a condo has a bunch of other perks, too. According to Rocket Mortgage:

“From community living to walkable urban areas, condos are great options for first-time home buyers and people looking to enjoy homeownership without extensive upkeep.”

Let’s dive into a few of the draws of condos for first-time buyers from Bankrate:

  • They require less maintenance. Condos are great if you want to own your place but don’t want to mow the lawn, shovel snow, or fix the roof. Your real estate agent can help explain any associated fees and details for the condos you’re interested in.

  • They allow you to start building equity. When you buy a condo, you build equity and your net worth as you make your mortgage payments and as your condo’s value goes up over time.

  • They often come with added amenities. Your condo might come with access to amenities like a pool, dog park, or parking. And the best part? You don’t have to take care of any of them.

  • They provide you with a sense of community. Buying a condo means you’ll be living close to other people, which is nice if you enjoy having neighbors around and making friends. Many condo communities hold fun events like barbecues and parties during holidays for everyone to enjoy.

Remember, your first home doesn’t have to be the one you stay in forever. The important thing is to get your foot in the door as a homeowner so you can start to gain home equity. Later on, that equity can help you buy another place if you need something different.

Ultimately, owning and living in a condo is a lifestyle choice. And if it’s one that appeals to you, they could provide the added options you need in today’s market.

Bottom Line

It might be a good idea to think about condos in your home search. If you're ready to see what's out there, get in touch with a local real estate agent today.

Read more at KeepingCurrentMatters.com

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Fun Ways to Celebrate Mother's Day in Oklahoma City

 
 

Mother's Day is a special day to honor and appreciate the women who have made an impact in our lives.

If you're looking for creative ideas to celebrate Mother's Day in Oklahoma City, you're in luck. There is no shortage of fun and unique experiences that you can enjoy to make this day even more special. 

 Visit a Local Brewery 

Take Mom on a beer-tasting tour of Oklahoma City's local breweries. Visit the taproom at Big Friendly and taste their signature craft beers or try out some new brews at Anthem Brewing Company.

 Take a Dessert Cruise 

Treat her to an afternoon of sweet treats and breathtaking views along the Oklahoma River. Oklahoma River Cruises offers two special Mother's Day cruises that feature freshly made desserts and a cash mimosa bar. 

 Visit a Local Garden 

Let Mom take a stroll through a local garden and admire the beauty of nature on her special day. The Myriad Botanical Gardens is one of the most popular gardens in the city, featuring lush plants, tranquil ponds and colorful flowers. The newly renovated Crystal Bridge Tropical Conservatory is also a great spot for some peaceful reflection. If you want to celebrate all weekend, the OKC Flower & Garden Festival takes places Saturday, May 13 at Myriad Botanical Gardens. 

 Go Shopping at Local Boutiques 

If your mother loves to shop, take her to one of Oklahoma City's local boutiques. The Plaza District is home to many unique boutiques and shops, as well as restaurants and bars. You can also visit the Paseo Arts District, which features over 20 galleries and studios or The National, located downtown, which offers high-end boutiques, restaurants and a cocktail bar in the basement's former bank vault. In Bricktown is local favorite Painted Door Gift Boutique, which has great jewelry and ladies' apparel.

 Brunch at a Local Restaurant 

Plan a brunch date at one of Oklahoma City's top brunch spots including Scratch Kitchen & Cocktails, Bradford HouseRed Rooster and Frida Southwest. Many are offering a special Mother's Day menu including the Skirvin Hilton Hotel (brunch buffet) and Tellers Sunday Jazz Brunch

 Treat Her to a Spa Day 

Nothing says 'I love you' like treating Mom to an afternoon of pampering. From a full body massage to a relaxing facial, the spas in Oklahoma City offer special treatments to make her feel like royalty. 

 Plan a Picnic in a Park 

Enjoy the beautiful spring weather by planning a picnic in one of Oklahoma City's many parks. Pack a basket with her favorite foods and drinks and find a scenic spot to lay out a blanket. Some popular parks to visit include Myriad Botanical Gardens, Scissortail Park, Will Rogers Park and Martin Park Nature Center

 Visit a Museum 

If that special woman in your life is interested in art, history or science, take her to one of Oklahoma City's many museums. The Oklahoma Contemporary Arts Center's "The Art of Food: From the Collections of Jordan D. Schnitzer and His Family Foundation" is also a great way to spend an afternoon. 

 

No matter how you celebrate Mother's Day in Oklahoma City, it's sure to be a memorable day for the special woman in your life! With these ideas, it's easy to plan an experience that will make her feel appreciated and loved. 

Read more at VisitOKC.com

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5 Ways to Create a Statement With Your Garage Door

 
 

Home customization is virtually limitless these days, and your garage door is no exception.

The traditional white paneled rectangle has transformed into a blank canvas for creativity and self-expression. Not sure where to start? Don't worry, we've got you covered. With a little creativity and some simple tips, you can transform your garage door into a welcoming and eye-catching feature that will impress anyone passing by. Here are five ways you can create a statement with your garage door and elevate the curb appeal of your home.

Roll Up Your Sleeves and Paint
One of the easiest ways to make a statement with your garage door is by giving it a fresh coat of paint or stain. Choose bold colors that complement your home's exterior, or opt for a unique pattern or design. You can also add details with stencils or tape for a more personalized touch. Just make sure to use exterior-grade paint and stain to ensure durability.

When painting or staining your garage door, be smart about your approach. Start by thoroughly cleaning and sanding the surface to remove any dirt or imperfections. Prime the door with a quality exterior primer before applying the paint or stain. It's also a good idea to test out your chosen color or design on a small area of the door first to ensure you're happy with the result. And don't forget to properly seal and protect your door after painting or staining to maintain its vibrancy and protect it from the elements.

Get Creative With Windows and Glass
Adding windows or glass panels to your garage door not only adds visual interest but also allows natural light to enter your garage space. You can choose from different styles and shapes of windows to match your home's architecture and personal style. Additionally, frosted or tinted glass can also provide privacy while still adding a modern touch.

If you're not sure where to start or how to properly install windows or glass panels on your garage or entry doors, it's best to seek professional help. Many garage door companies offer installation services for added convenience and safety. They can also provide guidance on the best type of windows or glass for your specific door and needs.

Add Some New Hardware
Adding hardware accents, such as handles and hinges, can instantly transform the look of your garage door. These small details can add a rustic or industrial feel, depending on the style you choose. Additionally, you can also opt for decorative faux hardware to achieve the same effect without drilling into your garage door.

To ensure that your hardware doesn't fall off, make sure to choose high-quality and durable pieces. If you're adding hardware to a metal garage door, use self-tapping screws instead of regular ones for a more secure hold. Also, regularly check and tighten any loose screws or hinges to prevent them from falling off. And remember to follow the manufacturer's instructions and recommended weight limits when installing hardware on your garage door.

Get Decals Made
If you're feeling artistic, why not create your own custom decals for your garage door? You can use vinyl stickers or stencils to create a unique design or even showcase your family's name or favorite sports team. This is a great option for those who want to add a personal touch without making any permanent changes to their garage door.

There are many online printing companies that offer custom decal making services. You can also visit your local print shop or craft store for more options and personalized assistance. Just make sure to choose a high-quality and weather-resistant material for your decals, so they don't fade or peel over time.

Add a Light Touch
Last but not least, adding lighting fixtures above your garage door can create an eye-catching statement at night. You can choose from different styles such as wall sconces or hanging pendant lights to match your home's overall aesthetic. Not only will it add visual interest, but also provide added safety and security for your home.

In addition to being a design feature, lighting can also serve practical purposes for your garage door. Installing motion-sensor lights above your garage door can help deter potential intruders by illuminating the area if any movement is detected. You can also opt for smart lighting that can be controlled remotely through a mobile app, providing added peace of mind when you're away from home. Proper lighting can also improve visibility when entering or exiting your garage, reducing the risk of accidents and improving overall safety for you and your family.

Some Things to Avoid
While there are many ways to create a statement with your garage door, there are also some things you should avoid. For instance, it's best to stay away from overly trendy designs or colors that may become outdated quickly. It's also important to consider the overall aesthetic of your home and choose elements that complement it rather than clash with it.

Additionally, avoid any modifications or additions that may compromise the functionality of your garage door, such as blocking its movement or interfering with its sensors. And always make sure to follow safety precautions and manufacturer's instructions when making any changes or enhancements to your garage door.

With these five tips, you can easily create a statement with your garage door and enhance the overall look of your home. Don't be afraid to get creative and think outside the box. Your garage door is an extension of your home's exterior, so make sure it reflects your personal style and adds to the curb appeal of your property. Remember, the possibilities are endless when it comes to customizing your garage door.

Read more at Rismedia.com

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How Buying or Selling a Home Benefits Your Community

 
 

If you’re thinking of buying or selling a house, it’s important to know it doesn’t just impact you—it helps out the local economy and your community, too.

Every year, the National Association of Realtors (NAR) puts out a report that breaks down the financial impact that comes from people buying and selling homes (see visual below):

 
 

When a house is sold, it really boosts the local economy. That’s because of all the people needed to build, fix up, and sell homes. Robert Dietz, Chief Economist at the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), explains how the housing industry adds jobs to a community:

“. . . housing is a significant job creator. In fact, for every single-family home built, enough economic activity is generated to sustain three full-time jobs for a year . . .”

It makes sense that housing creates a lot of jobs because so many different kinds of work are involved in the industry.

Think about all the people involved with selling a house—city officials, contractors, lawyers, real estate agents, specialists, etc. Everyone has a job to do to make your deal go through. So, each transaction is a big help to those who work and live in your community.

Put simply, when you buy or sell a home, you’re helping out your neighbors. So, when you decide to move, you’re not just meeting your own needs—you’re also doing something good for your community. Just knowing your move helps so many people around you can give you a sense of empowerment as you make your decision this year.

Bottom Line

Every time a home is sold, it really helps out the local economy. If you’re ready to move, get in touch with a local real estate agent. It won’t just change your life—it’ll also do a lot of good for the whole community.

Read more at KeepingCurrentMatters.com

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What's Motivating Your Move?

 
 

Thinking about selling your house?

As you make your decision, consider what’s pushing you to think about moving. A recent survey from Realtor.com looked into why people want to sell their homes this year. Here are the top two reasons (see graphic below):

 
 

Let’s take a closer look and see if they’re motivating you to make a change too.

1. To Make a Profit

If you’re thinking about selling your house, you probably have a lot of questions on your mind. Well, here’s some good news – the latest data shows most sellers get a great return on their investment when they sell. ATTOM, a property data provider, explains:

“. . . home sellers made a $121,000 profit on the typical sale in 2023, generating a 56.5 percent return on investment.”

That’s significant. And here’s one contributing factor. During the pandemic, home prices skyrocketed. There was way more buyer demand than homes available for sale and that combination pushed prices up.

Now, home prices are still rising, just not as fast. That ongoing appreciation is good news for your bottom line. Any profit you make can help offset some of today’s affordability challenges when you buy your next home.

If you want to know how much your house is worth now and what’s going on with prices in your area, talk to a local real estate agent.

2. For Family Reasons

Maybe you want to be near relatives to help take care of older family members or to have more support nearby. Or maybe you’re just eager to spend time together on special occasions like birthdays and holidays.

Selling a house and moving closer to the people who matter the most to you helps keep you connected. If the distance is making you miss out on some big milestones in their lives, it might be time to talk to a local real estate agent to find a place close by. The National Association of Realtors (NAR) says:

“A great real estate agent will guide you through the home search with an unbiased eye, helping you meet your buying objectives while staying within your budget.”

Bottom Line

If you're thinking about selling your house, there’s probably a good reason for it. Why not talk to a local real estate agent? They can help you make the right move to reach your goals this year.

Read more at KeepingCurrentMatters.com

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If there is a home that you would like more information about, if you are considering selling a property, or if you have questions about the housing market in your neighborhood, please reach out. We’re here to help.

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