I never tire of hearing ‘Oklahoma is #1′ and it’s quite satisfying when compared to major coastal markets like Southern California, Seattle, and Florida.  This time though, we’re not talking college football, but instead it’s a reference to the old classic tale of the tortoise and the hare.

More solid statistical data was just published - this time straight from the government - showing that the real estate market in Oklahoma leads the country in appreciation, as a result of our slow and steady pace as opposed to fast, unsustainable spikes in home values.

Keep getting the word out, Okies.  People everywhere are finally taking notice!

That’s right, sales are up, but not really enough to get excited about.  It’s been a strange year, with overall good news, but unpredictability is the theme.  Take a look:

A 1.5% increase in homes sold from June to July isn’t great, but it’s progress, considering July was still down 16% over this time last year.  The concerning thing is seeing a decrease in average and median sales prices, however slight it may be.  I don’t believe this to be a trend of any kind, though.  August numbers will be very telling.

On a good note, days on the market have decreased and inventory levels have dropped a little bit.  In addition, home sales nationwide are up more than 3%.  Hang in there home sellers… things are slowly turning around.  As for you buyers, now sure looks like a good time to take advantage before things swing upward again.

**Based on information provided to and compiled by MLSGateway.com, Inc. covering a period (7/1/07) through (7/31/08).  MLSGateway.com, Inc. does not guarantee or is in any way responsible for its accuracy.

Silverhawk & Jeff Click Homes Open to the Public Today

Originally uploaded by rhukill

Come check it out today from 2 to 5… We’ve got all the style & sophistication you can handle!

Sent on the fly from my mobile phone

Ryan Hukill
Hukill Group – Paradigm Realty
405.802.4663

www.ImagineLivingHere.com

As usual, Richard Mize hit a home run with his recent review of the Housing Tax Credit. 

Personally though, I don’t see a huge problem with the increased down payment requirements for FHA loans.  Sure it makes it tougher for those looking to jump into home-ownership, and it slows sales to some degree, but a large part of the foreclosure problem in this country is due to homeowners’ lack of vested interest in their homes, making it far too easy for them to walk away when the going gets tough.  A correction is in order, and will make a stronger market in the long run.

In addition, I have to take Yvonne Mitchell’s statement, “If you price your house just a little bit below market value, it’ll sell quickly,” to task.  Very simply put, your home’s market value is dictated by what buyers are willing to pay for it.  Therefore, if you have to price it lower to sell, then the market value has dropped. 

While I’ll argue all day against the idea that Edmond and/or Oklahoma City is in a metro-wide decline, we have to be honest that some pocket areas are experiencing a downtrend.

Most times I love it when our beautiful city of Edmond makes the list, and I’m sometimes disappointed when we don’t. Today’s not one of those days. To my surprise, we didn’t make Forbes’ list of most expensive states to insure a home.

With the pre-conceived opinions many have, that our state suffers tornado damage every day of the year, I would imagine plenty of others out there will be just as surprised. Sometimes no news is good news.

A common stereotype is that wages in Oklahoma are low, and that supposedly washes out our lower cost of living.  However, the US Bureau of Economic Analysis’ recent report shows that the Oklahoma City metro area boasts an above-average income level… again showing that disposable income is a reality here in our great state.

Progress is always nice, but seeing progress in this direction is just plain exciting!  According to the latest ACCRA Cost of Living Index by C2ER, Edmond Oklahoma’s cost of living is not only lower than the national average, it’s actually lower than it was this time last year.

Edmond ranked below the national average in all six categories: grocery items (85.4), housing (82.3), utilities (91.9), transportation (97.7), health care (95.4) and miscellaneous goods (91.9).

Who wants some extra money left at the end of the month?

Summer Ridge Home For Sale – Edmond

Originally uploaded by rhukill

Not even on the OKC MLS yet… Beautiful 3/2/2 in a great family community off NW 164th & May. More pics coming soon. Call now to be the first to tour this sexy house!

Sent on the fly from my mobile phone

Ryan Hukill
Hukill Group – Paradigm Realty
405.802.4663

www.ImagineLivingHere.com

Jeff Click Homes in Silverhawk of Edmond

Originally uploaded by rhukill

Just another brief glimpse of the beauty and style that sets a Jeff Click home apart from the rest. Come visit us in Silverhawk, located @ NW 178th & Penn.

Sent on the fly from my mobile phone

Ryan Hukill
Hukill Group – Paradigm Realty
405.802.4663

www.ImagineLivingHere.com

Terrace Addition of Edmond – Just Listed, originally uploaded by rhukill.

Beautifully updated 3 bed, 1.5 bath home with a modern touch, ready for new owners. New paint in & out, new appliances, AC, etc. Call now for a private showing!

Sent on the fly from my mobile phone

Ryan Hukill
Hukill Group – Paradigm Realty
405.802.4663

www.ImagineLivingHere.com