Lori Cain - Midtown Tulsa Real Estate www.tulsahomeforsale.net 918-852-5036

Midtown Tulsa Real Estate - the "hub" of Tulsa

The popularity of midtown Tulsa real estate is ever-growing and this Tulsa REALTOR believes it's the smartest real estate investment you can make. I receive a lot of internet inquiries from folks relocating to Tulsa and they often ask "what IS so special about midtown Tulsa real estate?"

Here's an interesting inquiry I received last week from a gentleman relocating to Tulsa from Los Angeles:

"My preference would be an area that is a little more urban, but yet still accessible to bike trails and parks. I prefer more mature neighborhoods where the trees and landscaping are really fully grown (no newer subdivisions). I want to be where I don't have to drive far to get to the grocery store or grab a cup of coffee or get a drink. Older houses or townhouses with more character suit me. Would like to be close to libraries, museums and fun stuff - close to independent, locally-owned businesses and restaurants as opposed to big chains stores and restaurants. I like hills. I hate commuting, and I will most likely be working downtown. Prefer brick. From what I've been able to tell from a bit of internet searching and checking out homes on your website, I'm currently thinking that the Midtown Tulsa area would probably coincide the most with the ideal place I'd be looking for."

And my response,

"What you've described as far as your ideal area of town - close to parks, mature trees, locally-owned businesses and restaurants - IS midtown Tulsa. Midtown has the highest "walk-ability" score of all of Tulsa. We have the most parks and of course, we have the RiverParks (walking and cycling trails). We take great pride in supporting our locally-owned restaurants and businesses in midtown. There is a plethora of casual or fine dining in midtown on Cherry Street, Brookside or Utica Square. Midtown is just south of downtown Tulsa, which is going through a major revitalization. In midtown, you'll find the most farmers' markets, art galleries and museums. Yes, midtown Tulsa is where you'll want to be."

We cherish our historic homes in midtown Tulsa and frequent our parks and biking trails. In midtown Tulsa, you'll find the runners, cyclists, recyclers, artists, professionals and cultural diversity.

In midtown Tulsa, we support the Bluedome Arts district, the downtown pop-up shops, the ballet, the symphony, the many farmers' markets and local restaurants that offer organic and vegetarian options.

Midtown Tulsa is as much about a lifestyle and an attitude as it is about our beloved vintage homes. If you are relocating to Tulsa, let me give you a tour of midtown Tulsa and set up a search for you of midtown Tulsa real estate.

Midtown Tulsa - it's the little corner of Tulsa where you'll want to live!

Copyright 2011-2012 Lori Cain All Rights Reserved - Originally Posted at: Midtown Tulsa Real Estate - Lori Cain

Tulsa Public Schools has a great web site. They include some history of Tulsa and describe why we are known as "green country."

Also, Tulsa is considered the cultural and arts center of Oklahoma with two world-renowned art museums, one of the largest concentrations of art deco architecture and a full-time professional opera and ballet. Tulsa was named one of America's most livable large cities by Partners for Livable Communities, Forbes and Relocate America.

So, you wouldn't expect anything but the best from our public school system. The web site has an easy boundary map and lists of elementary, junior high and middle schools and high schools.

Read about our Tulsa school board members - all active community leaders elected to their post. Please contact any of them directly if you have a question about a school in the district they represent - their contact information is listed on the site.

Tulsa Public Schools Park Green Team by Tracy Kouns

Lots of information is included on this site, including policies, programs, bus routes and schedules and meetings. You can check out the TPS Student Progress Portal, the "No Child Left Behind Act" annual report card, and school profiles.

Tulsa Public Schools is committed to providing a quality learning experience for every student, every day, without exception.

Dual Language Immersion Program students (TPS photo by T.J. Gerlach)

An online "School Lookup" function has been added to the Tulsa Public Schools web site. This will allow parents to enter their home address to identify and access their child's home school locations and transportation information. This new feature provides the elementary, middle and high school information for your property address.

If you are relocating to Tulsa Oklahoma, I think you'll be pleasantly surprised at what you learn about our Tulsa Public School system! If I can help you with further information, don't hesitate to call!

Copyright 2011-2012 Lori Cain All Rights Reserved - Originally Posted at: Midtown Tulsa Real Estate - Lori Cain

Breach of Oklahoma Real Estate Contract - Possible Repercussions

The Oklahoma Uniform Contract for Residential Contract of Sale of Real Estate is very specific about repercussions when the contract is breached by the Buyer or Seller. During the time period allowed for inspections and finalizing of financing, there are several instances where either party can legally cancel the contract.

However after that time period is up, there are possible repercussions if one party elects to not follow through with the transaction.

If the Buyer changes his mind after the allotted time period and if the Seller has performed all obligations as outlined in the contract, the Seller may terminate the contract and retain all sums paid by the Buyer, not to exceed 5% of the purchase price. Needless to say, the Buyer will lose his earnest money. The Seller may also pursue any other remedy available at law or in equity, including specific performance.

I've never seen this go to court and hope that I never do. But if the Buyer changes his mind at the last minute, I can't imagine what damages the Seller might seek. Could someone else have purchased his property during the time period it was taken off the market? I would think that the possible suffering of the Seller could be very subjective and very costly.

Virtually the same options are available to the Buyer if the Seller changes his mind and fails to close. He is entitled to the return of his earnest money and can pursue any other remedy available at law or in equity, including specific performance.

Please understand that a real estate contract is an enforceable contract, and don't ever enter one lightly. There is always a domino effect in a real estate transaction, because everyone is moving somewhere else and getting on with their life.

If you think your earnest money is the maximum amount you can lose if you breach a real estate contract, please read the verbiage again about remedies available and specific enforcement.

There's a reason why we use a written contract instead of making a handshake deal.

Copyright 2011-2012 Lori Cain All Rights Reserved - Originally Posted at: Midtown Tulsa Real Estate - Lori Cain

Easy Moves Tulsa - locally-owned Tulsa moving company

You know that I love to support locally-owned business, and I'm pleased to tell you about a new Tulsa locally-owned moving company called Easy Moves. I met with President, Andrew Wilson who recently returned from Afghanistan, and he is all about proficiency, consistency and customer service - qualities that are a "must have" for any business I endorse.

Easy Moves is a moving company that will do small or large jobs, residential or commercial. One big plus is that they only have a 1-hour minimum - well BELOW the industry standard. There are no extra or hidden charges for fuel or various surcharges that some moving companies charge - just the hourly rate of $85 for a two person crew or $110 for a three person crew, plus a flat one-time travel fee of $75.

Because I'm a Tulsa Realtor, I'm constantly asked who to recommend for moving. Tulsa really hasn't had many options, so I'm happy to see Easy Moves start up here. They offer FULL-SERVICE moving, including wrapping and boxing your belongings. They are bonded, fully-insured and cover all the legal stuff.

Andrew says that their quality employees is what he is most proud of - in addition to their lower rates. All Easy Moves employees are highly trained, professional movers and dressed in uniform. But, as you can see from the photo, they seem to have a sense of humor too!

They throw in ten free boxes with every move, so I would take advantage of that if you are planning to box your items yourself. I have moved several times personally, and I hate using the liquor store boxes - for me, it's new boxes and very thorough labeling!!

They really seem to be the best choice among Tulsa movers because they'll do as little or much as you need. They'll move your furniture and boxes from one house to another or from your home to storage - whatever you need. Deme is in process of moving his office from our first floor to our second floor, and you can bet I'm calling Easy Moves to move his 600-pound desk!

Easy Moves is the answer to your need for an honest, cost effective Tulsa moving service. Easy Moves services the entire Tulsa metro area including Tulsa, Broken Arrow, Bartlesville, Sapulpa, Owasso, Sand Springs, Claremore, Bixby, Jenks, Glenpool, Coweta, Wagoner, Catoosa, and Collinsville.

Please do call Andrew for your next move: 918-895-1551 or contact him through their web site, www.easymovestulsa.com. Tell him Lori Cain sent you~ he may give me a discount on the 600-pound desk!

Copyright 2011-2012 Lori Cain All Rights Reserved - Originally Posted at: Midtown Tulsa Real Estate - Lori Cain

Dilly Deli Restaurant in Blue Dome District, downtown Tulsa

One recent Saturday morning, Deme and I decided to go for brunch, and we wound up at Dilly Deli in the Bluedome District in downtown Tulsa. I LOVE this restaurant on so many levels! I had eaten lunch there previously with girlfriend Sharon, But Deme had not been there before.

The restaurant is as fun as its logo implies. It's a locally-owned business. That alone makes the food taste better and makes me want to spend my money there.

The bread: Dilly Deli's rye and Tuscan breads come from the Farrell family organic bakery right here in Tulsa. My husband is a bread lover and his heart was completely won over.

The coffee: I'm a serious coffee drinker but have never liked the snooty stuff. The Dilly Deli house coffee is a special blend prepared for them locally by Topeca Coffee Company. Topeca is a family-owned, seed-to-cup company, and their beans are roasted right here in Tulsa. You'll love it.

The meat: Dilly Deli's turkey and chicken are all natural - no funny ingredients you can't pronounce, no preservatives, artificial ingredients or MSG - no nitrates and gluten free.

The decor is welcoming and comfortable - you can go dressed up or down. There is an upper and lower level of inside dining featuring mismatched chairs, and there is a lovely dining area outside that we'll enjoy in the spring months.

When I had lunch with Sharon, I had a pumpkin soup and grilled cheese sandwich. Sharon had tomato basil soup. When Deme and I went for brunch, we split a "Tina" which included lox, cream cheese, tomato and red onion on an everything bagel. I had an omelet and Deme had a "Glenn & Joan" which was corned beef, pastrami, Muenster & Swiss cheeses served on rye. Yep, we ate it all.

Their sandwich menu is set up like a "mix and match." Although they have many preset items from which to choose, you have the option to choose your bread, your meats, cheese, veggies and condiments.

Check out their web site for specials and get on their mailing list. I am making note that Reuben sandwiches are only $3 on Monday nights and their house Bloody Mary is calling my name! Oh, and kids eat free on Thursday nights.

In addition to soup and sandwiches, they offer breakfast, salads, sides, a kid's menu and a variety of beverages including beer and wine. They also offer catering and homemade pastries.

Hours are Monday through Thursday 7aam-8pm; Friday and Saturday 8am-8pm; and Sunday 8am-4pm. Great spot to go after work or on the weekends - I know we will be visiting more often.

And you can follow them on Twitter @DillyDeli or friend them on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dillydelitulsa. Phone is 918-938-6382.

If you are as supportive as me of the revitalization of downtown Tulsa, please support the locally-owned businesses that are making this possible. For those that don't often drive downtown, 2nd and Elgin is EASY-PEASY to get to, and you will love the Bluedome District!

And when you go to Dilly Deli, please tell them Lori Cain sent you. They don't know me yet, but I'm hoping to have a regular table and discount soon!

Copyright 2011-2012 Lori Cain All Rights Reserved - Originally Posted at: Midtown Tulsa Real Estate - Lori Cain