Real Estate

The Oklahoma Association of REALTORS® (OAR) has announced the addition of two experienced policy and communication professionals to their team. Josh Cockroft and Will Gattenby will help further OAR’s communication efforts and government relations as Senior Director of Government Affairs and Senior Director of Membership and Communications, respectively.

“OAR is committed to having the most experienced and professional team in place to help further serve Oklahoma REALTORS® through advocacy and education,” OAR President Lisa Weaver said.

OAR provides members with information and a forum for participating in the conversation while working to promote favorable policies for real estate property owners.

– Ashley Ross, Jones PR

Stewart Title Senior VP and Chief Economist Dr. Ted Jones recently sat down with Talking Real, a podcast hosted by Oklahoma Association of REALTORS®, to discuss the housing market, economy and insights into the trends shaping the real estate industry in the future.

Here are some key takeaways:

• The real estate industry is noticing all-time high employment rates.

• More homes are selling in 2018 than in any year in the past despite the most stringent lending conditions.

• Overall, the U.S. economy is very stable, fundamental and robust, which continues to provide job opportunities.

Listen to the full episode.

– Ashley Ross, Jones PR

The real estate industry is always changing, with more to learn but little time between client meetings or showings. Podcasts are a great way to learn while on the go whether you’re driving, jogging, relaxing or at an open house.

Take a listen to a few “Talking Real” podcasts we recommend:

• Capitalize on the 6 Marketing Trends for 2018 that will elevate your marketing efforts.

• Get educated on the legislative items you need to know about with Part 1 or Part 2 of the legislative recap with Andrea Frymire.

• Avoid common pitfalls and learn more about escalation clauses in contracts.

– Ashley Ross, Jones PR

Curb appeal is your home’s version of a first impression. Create a welcoming outdoor environment at your home and build curb appeal with these inexpensive and simple ideas:

– Upgrade your front door with enhancements like new hardware or exterior lighting. Add a wreath or plants for a pop of color.

– Clean and pressure wash outdoor surfaces such as your deck, fence, patio, walkway and driveway.

– Upgrade your front landscape for a fresh look, or try potted plants or window boxes as an easier alternative. Crotons and hibiscuses are low-maintenance and colorful plants that thrive all year in warmer climates.

— Steve Seeger, Lennar Homes

The visions of a Core to Shore project in Oklahoma City predate MAPS 3. At a recent panel on the subject, details were revealed about the new Omni Hotel. The hotel will be 17 stories tall and house roughly 600 rooms.

Construction is already well underway on the northern 37 acres of Scissortail Park, the centerpiece of the Core to Shore vision.

Another piece of the Core to Shore vision, the Oklahoma City Streetcar, is expected to begin operation in the next year.

Lastly, the Oklahoma Department of Transportation has recently awarded bids for the completion of Oklahoma City Boulevard.

– Adam Maxey, Jones PR

When visiting my husband’s family in New Orleans, we take for granted how nice it is to walk down Magazine Street – wine in hand – while patronizing local shops. Sure, we could just be in a restaurant or bar, but we love to take in the neighborhood and have those chance encounters with friends that we get from walking down the street.

Property developers are now taking that vibe and implementing it into developments. The Wall Street Journal recently reported that developers are looking for relaxed open-container ordinances on their sites, and city councils have proved amenable to the change.

– Sarah Weston, The Atlanta 100

With the Fed raising interest rates, mortgage rates are following suit. Mortgage rates have been moving up slowly since last summer, and the pace of increases has picked up since the election.

Small rate changes matter. For example, if you were planning to get a $250,000 loan and mortgage rates move up between .75 and 1 percentage point, you would need to scale back your purchase by $20,000 to keep the same monthly payment.

It’s always hard to predict the future, but this is a good time to lock in at a rate that is still historically low.

– Scott Gibertini, USAmeriBank

Following the release of a report in Group Dynamics, ICRAVE Managing Director Elizabeth Von Lehe told Fast Company, “Traditional office models are very hierarchical and segmented, with private offices that keep management separated.”

She talks about how this design leads to a lack of mentorship and interactions, which is something that all company leaders should consider.

When New South Construction was planning for its new office, they kept this in mind. Senior team members are now sitting beside those less-experienced, and the general contracting firm is already seeing the benefits of the layout and the ease of sharing ideas.

– Sarah Funderburk, SPR Atlanta

The Choctaw Nation is building a new 500,000-square-foot tribal headquarters building. The facility will house approximately 900 employees and consolidate 30 buildings across Durant into a single, unified campus.

Designed by architectural firm Frankfurt Short Bruza Associates (FSB), the new facilities will feature a main headquarters building, stand-alone data center supporting the campus, conference center/cafe and a 765-space parking garage.

“The Choctaw Nation’s new headquarters campus is a truly transformative project that will provide improved efficiencies and synergies in how it administers services and interacts with tribal members,” said Jason Holuby, principal with FSB.

– Chip Carter, Jones PR

The Canebrake, a luxury resort and spa located outside of Wagoner, Oklahoma, has closed after eight years and is up for sale.

Listed by NAI Sullivan for $5.7 million, the 64.8-acre property includes an 18,000-SF main building plus 16 luxury rooms and suites, a restaurant, pool and other amenities. With its secluded location, beautiful landscapes and unique architecture, The Canebrake may remain a resort or be repurposed into a new concept such as a corporate retreat, substance abuse center or personal family vacation compound.

For more information, contact Bob Sullivan or see additional details here.

– Alex Mercurio, Jones PR