tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3167559644309120592024-03-13T10:29:51.134-07:00Realtor "Rockstar" Laurie PattersonLaurie Patterson - Keller Williams Edmondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08936421177237786274noreply@blogger.comBlogger9125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-316755964430912059.post-21768717718009259312012-06-03T14:43:00.001-07:002012-06-03T14:43:10.616-07:00Edmond Library Summer Reading ProgramSummer fun is not limited to just outdoor activities... Check out what is happening at the library!
<a href="http://www.edmondsun.com/local/x1647292959/Edmond-Library-s-Summer-Reading-Program-off-to-big-start">http://www.edmondsun.com/local/x1647292959/Edmond-Library-s-Summer-Reading-Program-off-to-big-start"</a>Laurie Patterson - Keller Williams Edmondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08936421177237786274noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-316755964430912059.post-62911301651699701312012-05-20T11:43:00.000-07:002012-05-20T12:31:07.662-07:00Edmond, OK - 2012 High School GraduationCheck out the amazing number of valedictorians and salutatorians from our 3 Edmond High Schools...
<a href="http://www.edmondsun.com/local/x1968163754/Edmond-graduates-95-valedictorians-25-salutatorians">http://www.edmondsun.com/local/x1968163754/Edmond-graduates-95-valedictorians-25-salutatorians</a>Laurie Patterson - Keller Williams Edmondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08936421177237786274noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-316755964430912059.post-43986579464696438532012-04-25T16:18:00.000-07:002012-04-25T16:18:03.386-07:00The city of Edmond is planning improvements to their parks and recreation system…Jacobs Urban Design + Planning group will be developing the Parks Master Plan. Jacobs is a large, national multi-discipline firm providing comprehensive design, technical and construction services.
Jacobs seeks to integrate urban and natural systems, balanced with social and cultural characteristics, to create meaningful yet functionally responsive places for people that are economically and environmentally sustainable.
Meetings will be held May 7, 9, and 10 for residents to provide input.
• 6:30 p.m. May 7 at the Multi-Activity Center in Mitch Park.
• 6:30 p.m. May 9 at the Downtown Community Center, Main Street and Littler.
• 6:30 p.m. May 10 at the pavilion at Bickham-Rudkin ParkLaurie Patterson - Keller Williams Edmondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08936421177237786274noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-316755964430912059.post-71232213813586646782012-04-17T15:07:00.000-07:002012-04-17T15:07:17.111-07:0020th Anniversary for the “Round Barn”, Arcadia, OK.Established in 1902, Arcadia is a small, peaceful town located just east of Edmond, OK. A cattle farmer by the name of William Odor donated 80 acres of land to be used for the town of Arcadia. His plan was for the town to also include a railway station which would allow him to be able to transport his cattle by train to market. Unfortunately, most of the town burned down and was never rebuilt. One of the main structures that survived was a giant round, red barn. The “round barn” remains standing today and is a focal point for the town of Arcadia. For more information, call 396-0824 or visit arcadiaroundbarn.com.Laurie Patterson - Keller Williams Edmondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08936421177237786274noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-316755964430912059.post-34463505382831077682012-04-09T14:30:00.001-07:002012-04-09T14:30:44.416-07:00Oklahoma Architecture TourCheck out the American Institute of Architects – Central Oklahoma Chapter’s Architecture Tour - April 14...
The event will run from noon to 6pm. Tickets are $15 on tour day or $12 in advance through Thursday at TAPARCHITECTURE; the AIA-Central Oklahoma Office; or online at www.aiacoc.org/tour/.
Homes that will be featured include: Emma Rolls and Lee Peoples at 824 NW 7; Brent Kliewer at 2801 NE 120; James and Jennifer Weinland at 6614 N Pennsylvania; The Oklahoma City Fire Station No. 6 at 21 N Lincoln Blvd.; The Nichols Law Firm at 104 E Main St. in Norman; and The Creek House at 2116 Covell Lane in Edmond.Laurie Patterson - Keller Williams Edmondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08936421177237786274noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-316755964430912059.post-86557599970280486312012-04-03T14:12:00.000-07:002012-04-03T14:12:24.922-07:00Edmond, OK Middle School Receives Outdoor Classroom GrantCheyenne Middle School, (part of the Edmond School District), recently received a grant for $5,000 from the National Education Association. This grant will help fund an outdoor Exploratorium. The Exploratorium will enhance the learning experience for students by giving them hands on experience with long-term experiments. The Exploratorium will consist of a greenhouse, alluvial stream beds, raised gardens, and a compost bin, as well as many other key features. <br />
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Outside of the grant from the NEA, this project could not happen without the support of the community as well as the parents. Donations have been received from Lowes, McGuire's Plumbing, Edmond Rock and many other groups. Edmond Public Schools continue to support innovative thinking and high levels of learning.Laurie Patterson - Keller Williams Edmondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08936421177237786274noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-316755964430912059.post-7406279095136344372012-03-29T15:21:00.000-07:002012-03-29T15:21:17.699-07:00Spring Gardening Tips<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">As the days get longer and the weather gets nicer, we tend to
spend more time outdoors as we begin to clean up our flower beds and work in
the yard.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">People this time of year can be heard saying “you know if I’d
planted that tree when I first moved here it would be 5 (or 10) years old and
pretty big by now.” Transforming a boring yard into a beautiful landscape can
be a challenge in Oklahoma, but it can also be very rewarding. Whether you buy
a new home or an older home with old, overgrown shrubs, the landscaping can
make a world of difference in the appearance of your home and in your pride of
ownership.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Some people love to work in the yard, some people don’t really
like to, but are willing to do it for the sake of their home’s appearance, and others
just plain hate it. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Whatever category
you fit into, attractive landscaping can be yours. Check out your local garden
center to help you plan a nearly maintenance free yard or botanical wonder.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">If you are considering purchasing a new home, give some thought to
the kind of landscaping that fits you best. If you are updating, getting your
home ready to sell, or starting brand new, remember what a difference proper
landscaping can do for your home. Money may be tight when you first move into
your home, but a small tree will grow and in five years will look good compared
to the price of a five-year-old tree from the nursery.<o:p></o:p></span></div>Laurie Patterson - Keller Williams Edmondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08936421177237786274noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-316755964430912059.post-46315417350041190592012-03-20T08:17:00.000-07:002012-03-20T08:17:10.364-07:00Real Estate Market Is Booming In Edmond, Oklahoma<br />
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<span style="color: #292727; font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif";">Over the last few years we've heard a lot about the struggling
housing market across the country, but it seems there is good news here in
Edmond, Oklahoma.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Edmond and the greater
Oklahoma City area, has weathered the storm and has not been hurt like other
parts of the nation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Last year things
were good and this year things appear to be even better. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The number of homes that closed in January,
in Edmond and Deer Creek, were up 26 percent from January of 2011.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is amazing as January is typically not a
strong month.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All indications show that
these numbers should continue, and are not just a fluke.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #292727; font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif";">Homes under contract are at a six-year high and the numbers of
homes on the market are at a six-year low.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Supply is going down while demand is rising.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are currently seeing multiple offers on
houses as inventory starts to become a bit scarce.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Property values should start going back up
because of this.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is a great time to
sell!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div style="line-height: 18pt;">
<span style="color: #292727; font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif";">Newly-built homes are selling better now too. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With low interest rates and good home prices,
anyone considering a new home should be excited!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is a great time to buy!<o:p></o:p></span></div>Laurie Patterson - Keller Williams Edmondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08936421177237786274noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-316755964430912059.post-75120738941541062782012-03-02T13:46:00.003-08:002012-03-02T13:46:58.219-08:00<span style="font-size: medium;"><strong><em>Purchasing their first home is a
dream for most people.</em></strong></span> Besides the intangible benefits,
home ownership lets you build equity, and is the single biggest tax break
available to most consumers. Below are some smart financial strategies to get
you started on your journey to home ownership.<br /><br /><strong>Pay Off Your
Debt</strong> <br /><br />Use extra cash to eliminate credit-card and other
high-interest consumer debt even if that means you can put down less on your
future home rather than saving first.<br /><br />Credit-card debt is expensive and
limits your ability to save. The average interest rate on credit cards is
typically more than double the national average for a 30-year fixed-rate
mortgage. Also, credit-card debt will limit how much you can borrow. Lenders
often won't allow your total monthly debt service to exceed roughly 40% of your
gross income.<br /><br /><strong>How Much Can You Afford?</strong> <br /><br />The
answer to that is a function of two things: How much you can borrow and how much
of a down payment you can muster. As a rule of thumb, your annual mortgage
payment, taxes and home owner's insurance shouldn't exceed 28% of your gross
income. Then determine how much cash you have for a down payment, leaving
yourself enough left over to pay those pesky closing costs, which can add up to
3% to 5% of your total home's value (plus a little something extra for emergency
repairs once you move into your new home).<br /><br /><strong>Types of
Loans</strong> <br /><br />Now you're ready to start shopping around for the right
loan. A first-time home buyer with a steady job and good credit can buy a home
with less than a 20% down payment. But the more money you can muster for a down
payment, the more options you will have. And, if you put down less than 20%, you
will have to pay for private mortgage insurance. Your premiums will depend on a
variety of factors, including how much you put down and the type of loan product
you secure.<br /><br /><strong>Questionable Credit</strong> <br /><br />You may qualify
for a loan insured by the Federal Housing Administration, or FHA. These
government-insured loans are issued with even more lenient credit criteria. You
can also put down as little as 3.5% for an FHA loan. A portion of closing costs
may be used to meet the 3.5% cash requirement. The seller may pay the closing
costs for the borrower and the lender may also charge a premium interest rate,
also known as rebate pricing, to fund the closing costs. Depending on the
lender, interest rates are typically a quarter to half a point higher than those
in the conventional market. To get a government-insured loan, make sure you find
a HUD-approved lender or a mortgage broker who works with one.<br /><br />Since
these loans are geared toward helping first-time home buyers and low- to
moderate-income families, there's a limit to how much you can
borrow.<br /><br /><strong>Getting Help</strong><br /><br />Finally, find a trained real
estate professional. Real estate agents are trained in the laws for their state
and have a good understanding of the market and what is available. They also
typically work with other real estate professionals and thus have great
net-working resources. A real estate agent can make the process much less scary
and overwhelming as well as saving you time and money.Laurie Patterson - Keller Williams Edmondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08936421177237786274noreply@blogger.com1