Staging your Tulsa Home for Sale during the Holidays

Holidays are typically not the time to list your Tulsa home for sale. However, it can have advantages because buyers who are looking at this time of year are generally very serious about purchasing a home. They will be considering your home as their residence for the New Year and you can help them to see your home as the right choice. Staging the home is very important and should include the right décor. Neutral holiday décor is the best option. Here are some ideas on getting your Tulsa home for sale ready for buyers during the holidays.

The home should project a cozy feeling. When getting it ready to show to prospective buyers, placing subtle reminders of the season around the home is preferred. An evergreen wreath on the door, candles with a holiday aroma or even a basket with pine cones can add a nice touch.

The home should be cleaned and de-cluttered before adding any decorations. The overall look you want to project should be spacious – not overwhelming. Fewer trimmings will still announce the Christmas season, but will not make the Tulsa home for sale look overcrowded.

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The same is true for the lawn. If you typically light up the entire space with a large collection of Christmas decorations, forego the huge Santa on the roof this year. A few lights on a tree or around the front entrance to highlight certain features is preferable. This will accentuate the beauty of the Tulsa home for sale.

Consider the colors used in the décor of your home. If living room walls are painted light colors, use decorations that will compliment this décor. White and silver are great for rooms that are painted pale colors and if earth tones are the primary look, deep hues of cranberry and forest green will provide a terrific accent.

It is best to accent the positive features of the home such as a great view or a nice fireplace. Rather than overdoing these features with so many decorations, less is better. Show off the terrific view and the great features of the fireplace with just the right touch to draw attention to them.

Another way of showing off features such as high ceilings is to use a tree that is tall. If the room is not spacious, a tall, slender tree is best. The decorations should be simple, such as glass balls in two colors or small lights. Do not feel as though you must use every ornament you own. Keep them to a minimum and use neutral décor. Your Tulsa home for sale should appeal to every buyer.

Tulsa Homes Energy Savings Guide – Winter Edition

Tulsa homes with fireplaces are perfect for enjoying during the winter season. The cold wind may be blowing, but sitting by a fire can dispel these freezing temperatures allowing you to be warm and cozy. That is, unless your old fireplace is an energy hog. Did you know that conventional fireplaces generally convert only 15% of the energy of wood that is burned into useful heat? The fireplaces of old are being replaced with new types that often have ratings of 75% or more when it comes to energy-efficiency.

Many who own Tulsa homes are adding wood-burning fireplaces in an effort to help save on utility costs. If you are considering this option, you will need to look at the energy-efficient type and avoid the traditional ones that send most of your heat up the chimney. There are several available such as the EPA-rated fireplace that have high ratings when it comes to energy-efficiency. They use outdoor air for combustion and the air is circulated around the heat box in the fireplace to get the maximum amount of useable heat. Additionally, this type does not contribute to as much air pollution as the older fireplaces.

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Another type that should be considered for Tulsa homes is the Rumford fireplace. This is a fireplace with a low box design that allows more heat to be returned to the room. Furthermore, a fireplace insert can have an efficiency rating of as much as 80%. They are sealed metal boxes that fit inside the fireplace and they also use outside air for combustion as well as warming the inside air, resulting in more useable heat. Wood, pellets or biomass fuels may be burned in fireplace inserts.

Those who want to equip Tulsa homes with an option that combines low maintenance and convenience may choose a gas fireplace. They are energy-efficient and include the choice of a two-way vented fireplace or a vent-free. The two-way vents use outdoor air for combustion and can rate as high as 77% energy-efficiency. The vent-free is more energy-efficient than the two-way; however, they do allow a large amount of moisture to be released into the inside air.

Glass doors can add to the energy-efficiency in Tulsa homes. They keep large amounts of air from the room from being pulled up the chimney during combustion. They should be left open when you are enjoying a blazing fire to warm the room. Another advantage to installing an energy-efficient fireplace in Tulsa homes is the federal tax credit that is in effect until the end of 2011. This can be as much as $300. There are also many states that have tax credits for the installation of heating that improves energy-efficiency.

Tulsa Homes Sell Fast with these 7 Tips

Do you want to know how to sell Tulsa homes faster? Using the following 7 tips will allow the homes to generate more interest among prospective buyers, thus more offers.

1. Lighting is extremely important. If the Tulsa homes do not have plenty of natural light, you will want to install lighting that provides ambiance, task lighting and a decorative look. This is the most overlooked feature in homes today. Lighting for every need should be considered and the smaller fixtures provide a modern look.
2. One of the best ways of updating a room is to change the fixtures. The faucets, door handles and cabinet fixtures can make a room look more modern and add a look that says ‘quality.’
   

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3. Another feature of Tulsa homes that will retain style is the floor. Hardwood never looks dated and it is preferred by many homeowners. If this is not possible, opt for the look of hardwood with synthetic flooring such as Pergo.
4. Keep the grass instead of installing a patio. Is your neighborhood one with families who have children? Buyers will be looking for lawns. Sell faster by putting in grass.
5. Tulsa homes with entrances are preferred over having the front door open right into the living room. If the home does not have an entrance one can be created by arranging furniture in the right way. A table or an interesting piece can be used to separate this area from the living room providing an entrance that is impressive.
6. Organization will make Tulsa homes appear more appealing. Closets, pantries and cabinets should be clutter-free and arranged. If you need new shelving, opt for melamine instead of wire shelves in a closet. Wire shelves are dated. The closets do not need to contain high priced organizers; just make sure they look modern.
7. Kitchen counter-tops are another feature that can make Tulsa homes look out of date. The old type that have grout lines are not desirable. Slab is the new modern look today. This can include granite, soapstone, limestone and even concrete using today’s sealants. In addition, they are easier to care for and are non-porous.

Top Ways to Save Money while Saving Energy within your Tulsa Golf Home

Do you want to find ways to save energy within your Tulsa golf home? Today, everyone is concerned with the high costs of energy. Looking for ways can include energy efficient improvements that will pay off in the long run. However, many people are put off by the initial costs of making these improvements. There are a number of programs available that can help to mitigate the costs and allow consumers to make the improvements that will result in savings for their Tulsa golf home.

Included are federal tax credits that can be obtained for making the home more energy efficient. This includes sealing the home to help retain the cool air. The tax credit is 10% of the total cost, except for labor, up to $500. Purchasing solar water heating units and

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geothermal heat pumps among other energy-saving appliances are eligible for up to 30% of the cost in the form of tax credits.

Check with your state to see if they still have rebates for purchases of certain energy-saving appliances. This may include refrigerators and air conditioners. The companies that sell these appliances also have incentives for the purchase of HVAC systems. They are in the form of rebates that may be as much as $1400 when buying a new system for your Tulsa golf home.

Many utility companies are offering savings to customers who replace their old air conditioning units with energy saving models. This may also apply to swimming pool pumps. There are even some things that you may do that cost very little or nothing to help conserve energy in your Tulsa golf home.

If you have a swimming pool with a heater, setting the thermostat 10 degrees cooler when the pool is not being used will help to save energy. Clean air conditioning vents in your home and change filters regularly to keep air flow at an efficient level. If it is not extremely hot, using fans instead of the air conditioning will help to save money by using less electricity, resulting in a savings for your Tulsa golf home.

Randy’s Double Eagle Marketing Plan for Selling Your Tulsa Golf Course Home

Comparative Market Analysis. We’ll prepare a CMA showing you what homes like yours in your neighborhood have recently sold for so that you can be assured yours is priced to sell.

A Custom Web Site. Your home will be showcased on its own dedicated website featuring a description and a professionally produced virtual photo tour. The website will also have a link to the golf course closest to your home.

Golf Course Tie-In. Buyers who visit your home will have access to full-color flyers with information about the closest golf course.

Internet Advertising. Your home will be seen by agents and buyers throughout the country on every major real estate website including Realtor.com, Zillow.com, Craigslist.com and trulia.com, oodle.com, hotpads.com, FrontDoor.com and Google.com.

Emails to Interested Buyers. Every one of the hundreds of buyers registered on our site will be sent a detailed email about your home.

Social Media. Your home will be highlighted on our Facebook fan page to reach even more buyers.

RE/MAX, The Leading Real Estate Website. More buyers looking for homes visit www.remax.com than Google or Yahoo, ensuring that your home listing is getting maximum exposure on the web .

100% Satisfaction Guarantee. This written guarantee allows you to cancel your listing if you’re not satisfied with our services for any reason!

You want to sell your home as quickly and profitably as possible. When you are getting ready to put your home on the market, be careful not to fall into the following traps:

1. Pricing Your Home Too High or Too Low. Some agents will quote you any price just to get the listing. Insist that the agent prepare a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) which shows you what other homes similar to yours have sold for recently so you can price yours accurately.

1. Trying to Sell Your Home Yourself. This may sound like a great idea at first. But trying to find the right price without the benefit of comparative market data is risky. Without access to the Multiple Listing Service, your marketing options are limited. And you’ll need to know the fine legal points of negotiating contracts and dealing with any problems that arise.

1. Showing Your Home “As Is.” You need to clean everything and clear excess furniture and knickknacks. The “lived in” look doesn’t go over well with potential buyers. In addition, look around for dripping faucets, curtains and shades that don’t work, broken window panes, cracks in walls—and fix them before showing your home.
2. Failing to Have a Home Inspection. You may think that only buyers hire home inspectors. However, a pre-sale inspection can alert you to any issues that might deter buyers or hold up closing. Attending to an inspector’s recommendations can add dollars to your net profit at closing.

1. Ignoring the Internet. Any agent who is not using the Internet to showcase your home is ignoring the 86% of buyers who start their home search on the web.

When you’re ready to sell your home, you want to work with an agent who really understands the market in Tulsa and has a strong connection to buyers who are looking for golf course homes. With my specialty in selling Tulsa golf course homes, my in-depth knowledge of all the courses in Tulsa and my own experience as a golfer, I will work harder than any other agent to sell your home. To see my “Double Eagle Marketing Plan for Selling Your Tulsa Golf Course Home” click here.

Living near a golf course has many advantages. You can hop out the door and be on the links in minutes. Several of the courses have amenities like a clubhouse, fitness center, restaurant, pool and banquet facilities available to members. With the great variety of golf course homes in Tulsa it may be hard to narrow down your choices. To help you find just the right home, take some time to answer these questions.

1.  Do you prefer a community near a private or public golf course?

Homes built around private courses are generally more expensive than those near public courses. In addition to the home’s price, you will pay fees to maintain the course and any other recreational facilities amenities (e.g. security, landscaping). You will also pay a membership fee in order to use the course. The advantages of private courses are that members are given priority tee times and the course is usually less crowded than a public course.

Public courses are open to anyone and their greens fees are usually lower than those of private courses. Homes in the surrounding communities are more affordable than those located near private golf courses. There are many beautiful master-planned golf communities in Tulsa built around public courses which offer many of the amenities you’ll find at the private courses.

2.  Is it better to live right on the course or close by?

Having your home back onto the green may seem like a golfer’s dream. If it’s yours, you need to be prepared for the reality. Your backyard may be visible to golfers on the course, they may come into your yard to retrieve balls and you may have a ball crash through your sliding glass door. If you are willing to live with these inconveniences, you may wish to choose a home right next to the course.

3.  Do you want any other amenities besides the golf course?

Many Tulsa golf communities, both public and private, offer recreational facilities such as fitness centers, swimming pools and tennis courts in addition to golf. You may also find a clubhouse, restaurant, banquet room and guest accommodations. Make sure that shopping, services, schools and transportation are easily accessible, if that’s a factor in your home selection. Many private courses are a little more isolated from “civilization” than public courses.

4.  Have you calculated the cost of membership dues into your Tulsa golf home buying budget?

Private golf courses generally require that you become a member in order to play. In some developments, these dues may be included in your monthly homeowner’s fees. Be sure to factor in the cost of membership when calculating the payments on any home in a private Tulsa golf course community.

Public courses may give you the option of buying a membership or paying greens fees each time you pay. Estimate how many rounds you might play during a year to determine whether buying a membership is financially worthwhile.

5. How close is the course to work, schools, shopping and medical facilities?

Make a list of the many places you and your family travel to on a daily or weekly basis to help decide whether a community is conveniently located. Find out if the school bus picks up students within the community and if there are any alternative transportation options, such as carpools or vanpools.

Search These Links to Find Your Ideal Golf Course Home in Tulsa

• Price
• Course
• Neighborhood

You can play golf in Tulsa, Oklahoma, all year long—even in the winter. So if you love the game, why not live where you golf and golf where you live? There are plenty of golf course homes in Tulsa located on or near the many private and public courses throughout the city. You can find golf course homes in older, established communities as well as brand new developments. There are homes near the links that are convenient to schools, shopping, medical care and other amenities. Whatever you want in a Tulsa neighborhood—in addition to great golfing—there’s a home that’s just right for you. Visit our list of golf course neighborhoods and the courses they are near.

Golf in Tulsa has taken off in a big way. There are so many golf courses here—private, public and fee-only—that you can nearly always reserve the tee time you want. To learn more about Tulsa golf courses, click here. If you are interested in friendly tournament play, join the Tulsa Golf Association where, for a $20 yearly fee, you are eligible to enter any of their tournaments. And, if you need to brush-up on your technique, click here for a free guide to golf instructors in Tulsa*.

• GolfTEC Tulsa, 6010 S. Memorial Drive, Tulsa   Phone: 918-622-3968
• Tee Town Golf Ranch, 7401 S. 209th E. Ave, Broken Arrow  918-355-4727
• LaFortune Park Golf Course, 5501 S Yale Ave  Tulsa  918 496-6200
• Tulsa Golf School at Page Belcher, 6666. S. Union Ave., Tulsa   800-339-2997
• Tulsa Golf School at Mohawk Park, 5223 E. 41st. St. N., Tulsa    800-339-2997
• South Lakes, 9253 S. Elwood, Jenks 918-746-3760
• Oklahoma Golf Partners LLC, 6010 South Memorial Drive, Tulsa 918-622-3968‎

Search for Your Tulsa Golf Course Home by Price, Neighborhood or Course

Whether you have a particular course in mind or you’re just starting to look for a home near a Tulsa golf course, we’ve made it easy for you to search. You can select price, a community or a golf course. One click and you’ll see a list of homes in that particular category. If you’d like more information about any of the homes or golf courses, please email or call us at 918-231-5734.

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Book your Tulsa Tee Time Right Here

*This list is provided as a service only and is not a recommendation for any of these instructors. Tulsa Golf Course Homes does not receive any remuneration for these listings and you are advised to research each instructor to find the one that best suits your golf style.