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

Remodel Designers, Distinctive Designs -- Architectural Wonders right here on SOuth BOston! Let me introduce you to the dream team that designed Demetrius’ and my kitchen remodel! Note, Distinctive Designs is on SO-BO (SOuth BOston, and our home is on SO-CHEY (SOuth CHEYenne), so we're neighbors!

Remodel Designers -- Distinctive Designs was formed in 1997 by owner, Melisa (Mel) McCelvey. The company was inspired from a love of residential architecture and design. Distinctive Designs, a member of National Association of Home Builders and the Home Builders Association of Greater Tulsa, Is a full-service, residential design firm specializing in the design of production homes, custom homes, remodeling and room additions. There is a long list of popular and well-known builders in the Tulsa area, which use their services.

Over the years, Distinctive Designs has received and been a part of the many award-winning projects. An important member of the company is Bill Wimberley. He joined Mel in 2000 and is an integral part in the development of the firm. Bill has over 20 years of experience in the building industry as a residential framer, trim carpenter, builder and general contractor. Both Mel and Bill use their design, drafting and architectural skills to provide the best products and services to their clients.

A unique remodel and design style of Distinctive Designs is that it brings a woman's perspective to the design process. "I don't want to walk through a pile of laundry when I enter the house from the garage. I think about the way a family would utilize the space," says Mel. A client can expect her to begin each project exploring a client's lifestyle, or if the client is a builder, their target market. It is important to determine how a space makes a client feel. What makes them feel comfortable and welcoming? Is it the color? The furnishings? The lighting? By defining a client's sense of "home," Mel can translate this into tangible drawings for the house.

A contrasting, yet very complementary, aspect to the company is Bill's process of always looking at the structure. How does this or that work? What are the mechanics of the space? How are the laws of physics applied to overcome the force of gravity?

Remodel Designers, Distinctive Designs - My husband and I have personal experience with Mel and Bill, as they designed our kitchen remodel. Mel asked a lot of questions about how we cook together when she designed our kitchen. She discovered that Deme cooks in the microwave often, whereas I use it very seldom; therefore the microwave is built in an upper cabinet that Deme can reach and this frees up counter space. I tend to do most of the food preparation, so refrigerator drawers were installed in the island next to my sink – I store all of our produce in the refrigerator drawers. Deme does the majority of clean-up, so the dishwasher was placed strategically next to his sink in his "beach" counter area. Yes, we have an "island" and a "beach." Mel also knew that we like to entertain, so she designed a banquette area and counter seating to accommodate several guests. Both Mel and Bill were a joy to work with!

Mel is known for designing traditional homes updated for current lifestyles. She brings a sense of history and attention to detail to all her projects. One of her favorite compliments is to hear someone say that a new build in the suburbs looks just like a house in midtown, or just like the house in which they were raised. Distinctive Designs also uses the latest in residential design software to produce accurate technical drawings, to examine a design in three dimensions. This ensures the proper execution of design and details during the construction process.

"We listen to our clients, whether it is a builder, developer or the homeowner and then make recommendations. But in the final analysis of any project, no matter who the client is, the house is YOUR home and it should reflect YOU," says Mel.

For more information, contact Mel or Bill at 918-382-0005. Mel and Bill are part of the Dream Team, SoBo Studios, located on the southwest corner of 16th and SOuth BOston in Tulsa. Other members of the team include Carl Szafranski and Jeff Pugh of Szafranski-Pugh & Associates, Inc., a Landscape Architecture firm; and Darby Thomas, owner of HuntSted Homes Remodeling. More about the Dream Team another time.

Home Sale Pricing Strategy – What’s your strategy? My formula for selling a home never changes, regardless of price range: (1) get home in move-in condition and remove any anticipated Buyer’s objections before putting it on the market; (2) price it correctly, and (3) market it aggressively. Whether it’s an $80,000 or $400,000 home – that’s my selling strategy.

I’m listing a house for sale today at $300,000. That’s exactly what I think it’s worth based on comparables and condition of the home. If I had determined the value to be $298,000 or $302,000, I would still price it at $300,000, because that is what I consider a searchable “price point” and if I’m that close to it, that’s where I’m going to price it.

People tend to search from $275,000 to $300,000 or $300,000 to $325,000 for example, and in this case, my listing would come up in both searches.

Yet I see Realtors every day pricing homes at $299,900. And, I think they are losing the possible Buyers that are searching on the internet from $300,000 to $310,000.

Same goes for pricing a home at $99,000. Aren’t you losing prospective Buyers searching from $100,000 to $110,000?

Now, if I had determined this home to be worth $310,000 – that’s where I would price it. I’m not going to leave $10,000 of my Seller’s money on the table to price it at a “price point.”

Home Sale Pricing Strategy

And, I occasionally see a home priced at something like $184,692 – interesting pricing strategy – I think it almost gives the impression that some intellectual input valuable data, performed calculations and voila! – came up with the exact price the home is worth!

It's a challenge convincing Sellers to price their home correctly. Do you consider internet searches when setting a sales price? Do you have any input as far as homes sales pricing strategy?

If it breaks, call Gary. Need a repair? Call Gary. Fallen and can’t get up? Call Gary.

I would not be a great Realtor without Gary Ellis. He is my home repair savior.

We first met when my Tulsa Seller was a little short of funds for the many repairs her home needed before we could close. Both the Seller and I were a little overwhelmed by some of the items that popped up during inspections, but Gary told us to calm down as we toured the property and viewed the items on our list together. He fixed EVERYTHING within our budget. He won my heart and loyalty during that transaction, and I’ve used him ever since.

He fixed Richard’s fireplace after a hideous ice storm in the greater Tulsa area, finishing up TWO HOURS before closing. The inspector found nothing wrong with the fireplace ten days previously and Richard had not used his fireplace in years. But when we lost power during the storm, Richard decided to turn on the fireplace, only to learn that it didn’t work and had a probable leak. “Call Gary,” I said. Although everyone who knows Gary was calling him after the storm to take care of their damaged tree limbs and whatever part of their home was hit by a falling tree, Gary worked through the weekend and literally completed our fireplace repair hours before closing. I took him coffee and cookies, because he had not had much sleep and had been working long hours in cold homes.

My client Kathy decided to repair a damaged fence after she closed on her home and she asked me for a referral. I told her to call Gary. She and her neighbor were sharing the expense, so they both got some quotes, and Gary was chosen to do the work. Kathy called me a few days later to tell me that her kitchen sink was leaking beneath – something that was supposed to have been repaired prior to her closing. I asked her if Gary was still there working on the fence, and when she said he was, I suggested she have him look at her plumbing. Of course, he had the needed parts in his truck, spent thirty minutes repairing the plumbing and didn’t charge her. Kathy was grateful and immediately programmed Gary’s phone number into her phone.

Joel only asked the Seller to repair what was essential when he bought his home on the west bank because he needed to keep the sales price low. But after moving in and getting settled, he called Gary back to trim some trees, fix his garage door opener and repair some minor plumbing problems.

Marilyn needed some help with landscaping trellises, which she had Gary construct – and he built some shelves for her office. There is nothing this guy can’t do.

Hot water heater repair at the condo? Electrical upgrading at the cute bungalow? Guttering problems at the midtown home? Of course, I called Gary.

Gary is too shy or humble to let me take his photo, but I can tell you that he always wears overalls. I searched google images for a likeness, and this is the best I could do – but MY Gary looks much more friendly. And he doesn't have a big business or a web site. He recently set up an e-mail account, for which I'm grateful. Best way to catch him though is to call him.

Many clients have programmed Gary Ellis into their phones and many friends and clients are accustomed to looking for referrals on my personal Preferred Vendor list. Of course, you’ll see Gary Ellis’ name plastered all over that list, cause he’s the one I call most often.

And Gary helps my Seller with home repairs BEFORE they put their home on the market also.

I still take him cookies from time to time to make sure my clients and I stay on HIS Preferred Customer list.

Not sure he can help you with a tooth ache, although he always has pliers with him, but if you need a home repair, call Gary.

Gary Ellis Enterprises, Inc., 918-361-1193, Tulsa Oklahoma.

Anner’s Wellness Works – Organic Groceries in Tulsa, Oklahoma - My friend Anner owns an organic food coop at 19th & Boston – Tulsa’s First Organic Food Coop – just a few blocks from our house. I think everybody in Tulsa knows Anner! She’s owned restaurants and groceries over the years and is known for her commitment to organically-grown foods, nutrition and her amazingly cheerful nature.

Clients pay a nominal annual fee to be members of the coop and can purchase weekly “share” bags filled with fruits, veggies, spices, cheeses and meats. Anner e-mails notices out as to what will be in next week’s share bags and we place our orders – pick-up is on Thursdays.

In business with her husband, Ed, and partner, Jill, Anner provides recipes to go along with whatever may be included in the weekly share. If you don’t know HOW to cut up a butternut squash, Anner will include directions. If you’ve never cleaned and cut up a pomegranate, Anner will explain that to you also.

Anner’s Wellness Works – Organic Groceries in Tulsa, Oklahoma

The coop is very homey for members. If you drop by to pick up some of Ed’s homemade salsa or Jill’s super garlic hummus and nobody is there – help yourself and leave a note. Jill takes care of the billing and she’ll make sure you get charged – but they still go by the honor system. Also available are staple items such as canned tomatoes and beans to save you a trip to another grocery – and she even carries lotions and some basic home remedies to help make this a one-stop shopping experience for you!

The most recent addition to the coop is the labyrinth -- which is an ancient and symbolic walking meditation. You enter the labyrinth at one point, follow the path and come back out where you started – if you walk with purpose and concentration, it settles your mind and promotes relaxation. The center of the labyrinth is planted with creeping thyme and Anner intends to add Corinthian mint and other aromatic herbs that will solicit peaceful and relaxing mental images.

Anner is training us to be more green and to bring our own bags to transport our goodies. She also sells these amazing bottles (that are dishwasher-safe) to fill with our purified water, so we’re not buying plastic bottled water. She promotes environmentally-sound ideas to us constantly, while encouraging us to treat our bodies with organically-grown, nutritious food.

And for those of sometimes too busy to prepare healthy meals, plan ahead and Anner will cook for you in her “Monday Meals” family offer. She’ll let you know the monthly menu in advance – all meals are $30, serve four and include a green salad. For those of us without kids to feed, she offers “Grown Up Tuesday” meals which have an upscale twist & taste and serve two for $24.

August 2009 menu is:

• August 3rd: Mac and Cheese with sausages
• August 10th: Pot Roasted Chicken with carrots and potatoes
• August 17th: Italian Lasagna
• August 24th: Turkey Cassoulet
• August 31st: Anner’s Ever-Famous Meat Loaf with carrots and potatoes
  
• Tuesday, August 4th: Basa fish with herbed summer squash and salad - $24 - serves 2

Anner’s Wellness Works – Organic Groceries in Tulsa, Oklahoma -Visit Anner’s web site, or better yet, drop by and say hello. She will pour you a cup of tea and give you a big hug when she first meets you – I guarantee it! Please tell Anner that Lori sent you - Ed delivers free salsa to me for every referral!

And please do visit my web site for a complete list of my Preferred Vendors!

Contact: Mon – Fri 9am till 6pm; 1915 S Boston Avenue, Tulsa, Ok 74119; (918) 592-4421; e-mail: anner@organictulsa.com; web: http://www.organictulsa.com

Brady Heights Historic District in Tulsa Oklahoma - The Brady Heights Neighborhood has definite physical boundaries on the south and west. On the north, Marshall Street marks a distinct change in the scale and age of the housing stock. The area derives its name from Tate Brady and from the addition which bears his name.

Many architectural styles have influenced the design of Brady Heights. Architects and builders used elements of Queen Anne, Prairie School, Victorian, Georgian Revival and Bungalow styles. Wood and brick are the most common exterior materials. The houses of Brady Heights are on a larger scale and of a more sophisticated design than those of adjacent neighborhoods. Bay windows with leaded glass, servants’ quarters, and broad porches suggest the elegance of earlier days.

The Brady Heights Historic District was placed on the National Register of Historic Places on June 27, 1980, and is Tulsa’s first district to be listed in the Register.

Brady Heights Historic District in Tulsa Oklahoma – Neighborhood Association - Brady Heights Neighborhood Association's commitment and philosophy is expressed in their credo: A Diverse community, Preserving our past, Promoting our future. Our association is committed to restoring and perpetuating the historical character of Brady Heights, as well as improving and beautifying our neighborhood, educating neighbors in residential safety, promoting compliance with zoning codes and ordinances applicable to the area and improving neighborhood and community relationships.

The Brady Heights neighborhood is located just north of downtown and extends along Denver and Cheyenne to Marshall Street. More specifically, it is bounded on the south by the inner-dispersal loop and to the west by the L.L.Tisdale Parkway. On the north, Marshall Street marks a distinct change in the scale and age of the housing stock. The alley between Cheyenne and Main forms the east boundary. Eventually the Oklahoma State University - Tulsa campus will extend to the eastern edge of the Brady Heights neighborhood.

Brady Heights Historic District in Tulsa Oklahoma – its Historic Past -- From territorial days until the 1920s Brady Heights was an important part of the then fashionable north side of Tulsa. Young professional businessmen and oil men, such as G.Y. Vandever, I.S. Minks and "Diamond Joe" Wilson, owned homes here.

The area derives its name from W. Tate Brady, a pioneer Tulsa developer and entrepreneur. He was Oklahoma's first Democratic National committeeman, and he built the Cain's Ballroom and the now extinct Brady Hotel.

Tate Brady built the distinctive mansion reminiscent of Robert E. Lee's Arlington home and gave the housing addition the "Brady Heights" name. Most of the homes in Brady Heights were built between 1910 and 1930, although we do have one home that was built pre- statehood.

The houses of Brady Heights are of a larger scale and of a more complex design than those of the adjacent neighborhoods. Bay windows with leaded glass, carriage houses and broad porches suggest the elegance of earlier days.

To see homes for sale in Brady Heights, Riverview, Maple Ridge, Terwilleger Heights and other areas of midtown Tulsa, visit Chinowth & Cohen Realtors’ web site. To learn more about Tulsa community events and neighborhoods, visit my personal site, www.LoriCain.com. Please call me if you need a Tulsa Realtor to help you shop for a home in midtown Tulsa --I LIVE here! 918-852-5036!