Residential real estate

For many, summertime involves house projects that have been put off during the winter. If you’re planning to hire a contractor for a few projects, ask questions about these items when interviewing:

1. Budget: Ask how they plan to be transparent and upfront about costs from start to finish.

2. Dust & ventilation: Ask how they control and clean up. You’ll be able to set better expectations on what is best for your family’s health.

3. Supplies: Ask for a list of materials that will be used. This ensures that non-toxic paint and quality materials are being used for projects.

– Taylor Ketchum, Jones PR

Local REALTOR® Holli Woodward, CRS, has recently been elected to a national position on the Residential Real Estate Council (RRC) as the 2020 first vice president. RRC is the leading education and networking organization for residential real estate agents.

For the past eight years of her 18-year real estate career, Woodward served continually and worked at the local, state and national levels of RRC in almost every state leadership role and national committee. She has served two terms as regional vice president.

Woodward’s newly appointed position on the RRC board is a great step for Oklahoma’s real estate industry.

– Ashley Ross, Jones PR

Senate Bill 961, which affords Oklahomans greater opportunity to become homeowners through tax-deductible savings accounts, is moving to the House of Representatives.

“We’re delighted SB 961 is one step closer to helping families achieve homeownership,” Oklahoma Association of REALTORS® CEO Jessica Hickok said. “We’re committed to educating the public and representatives on how home buyer savings accounts can make that dream more achievable.”

If passed, the law would allow the creation of homebuyer savings accounts and up to $50,000 of savings funds to be used for down payments or other qualified expenses in the purchase of a home.

– Ashley Ross, Jones PR

With over 2,700 bills filed in the 57th Legislature, the Oklahoma Association of REALTORS® (OAR) is advocating for substantial changes for future homebuyers, ease of investing capital into Oklahoma and clearly defining a law that impacts every REALTOR® in Oklahoma.

Here are three bills OAR is closely monitoring:

1. Senate Bill 961: Seeks the ability for Oklahomans to set up a Homebuyer Savings Account.

2. Senate Bill 915: Seeks to allow for remote online signature and notary.

3. Senate Bill 104: Seeks to clarify the regulatory language impacting marketing efforts of REALTORS®.

Read more about OAR’s 2019 Legislative Agenda.

– Ashley Ross, Jones PR

2019 is a new year, which means it’s time to raise the bar and bring your professional career to the next level. The “Talking Real” podcast, hosted by the Oklahoma Association of REALTORS®, is an educational and easy way to get the news you can use and the tips and tricks needed in 2019.

Take a listen to a few episodes from 2018 that will prepare all REALTORS® for a more productive and informed year:

• Episode 30: “The Economy of Real Estate with Dr. Ted Jones”

• Episode 41: “Smart Homes & Myths”

• Episode 48: “Live Productively”

• Episode 50: 2018 In Review

– Ashley Ross, Jones PR