Community News

Good OL Days Of Home Buying Might Just Be Now Please Read Below By Dennis Curtain, Owner of RE/MAX Midstates

By Joe Neill | Published: May 19, 2012

Cost vs. PriceIt seems to me, the consumer today is conditioned to believe that the “price” of real estate today is the most important factor in their decision making process. Like so many other things in this world, public perception is driven by what they read in the newspapers and what they listen to on TV and radio.

You then throw in all the commentary from the many internet sites and blogs and you have instant experts professing that price is the only factor when considering when the time is right to buy real estate.

I tend to disagree. While we all like to know the price of any goods or services that we are considering purchasing, what we often overlook is the true cost of those goods or services. A case in point, I have a very successful friend who flies private jets wherever he travels on business. While I personally think it is crazy money to spend, he points out that his time is worth far more than he spends on his private air travel. He has calculated he can make more money than he spends so the cost is less than if he had to spend the entire day getting to his next appointment by normal commercial carriers.

The same can be said in our business. How many times have we seen a buyer wait to get a property at the lowest price only to find that interest rate financing has increased, offsetting the lower price they were attempting to get?

We find ourselves in times of historically low interest rates that I am sure we will look back on and remember as “the good old days” of low interest financing. I suggest we need to remind our hesitant buyers that the overall cost of owning a property has never been lower when taking all the factors in to consideration. They are not hearing this from the media so it is up to us to tell them the facts.

All the best,

Dennis

Dennis Curtin, Region Owner
RE/MAX Mid-States & Dixie Region

The above was a recent article written by Dennis Curtain, owner of RE/MAX Midstates of which we are a part. I ask permission of Dennis to share this very important thought with our readers. I think it holds a world of truth and if you are wanting to buy a home now might just be that one time in your life to get a true deal when you consider the home price and current interest rates along with number of homes to select from! Give it some thought.Joe

Joe Neill
Hughes & Neill Grand Lake Team
Joe Cell 918-640-3300
Fax 918-786-9890
Facebook http://www.facebook.com/joeneill01
LinkedIn http://www.linkedin.com/in/joeneill01
jneill@remax.net
http://www.okgrandlakerealestate.com/

Also posted in real estate news, Uncategorized | Tagged dennis curtain, home buying thoughts, low interest rate home loans, now is the time to buy a home, real estate news | Leave a comment

Grand Lake Real Estate News

By Joe Neill | Published: March 21, 2012

Today’s Tulsa World Business Section (March 21, 2012) has a bold and large type headline “Home Market on the Rise” Also sub head line states “Sales, Construction Up”. The article goes on to say home sales for January and February are the highest since 2008 and 20.3% ahead of last year. Article says weather has of course helped but has a quote stating “Buyers are starting to regain their confidence and make purchases again”. We feel confidence has been the one key element holding back many buyers who have solid jobs and credit. The economy is improving and will improve more as people start to make purchases they have put off such as a new home.

The above news is for the Tulsa, OK area and is great news. On Grand Lake we have not yet seen this much of a jump in sales but things are for sure on up swing. We have found, the Grand Lake market usually lags the Tulsa market on the start since a large percentage of the home sales on Grand Lake are waterfront homes used as second homes on Grand Lake. We also do have a large market of retirees who move to Grand Lake for their retirement home on the lake. Retirees have been holding back and some working longer before taking the move to enjoy years of working and settling in to a relaxed life style on the lake. Many retirees come to Grand Lake because they know their married kids and grandkids will love to come visit them in such a great setting. Grand Lake has access to three major airports all within an hours drive which is very handy for todays families strung out all across the country. We have excellent health care with the new Integris Grove Hospital and wonderful health care professionals. I saw an email forum one day this week where one writer in the forum was telling another, “don’t wait too long to retire and enjoy the good life, do it while health is good and you can enjoy some wonderful years”. I thought how true this is.

We feel like the spring and summer selling season on Grand Lake will be very good this year and is just starting. We have a nice inventory of waterfront homes, golf course homes, and lakeview homes on Grand Lake to choose from with many at very attractive prices. Prices are better than we have seen in years and interest rates remain at all time lows. It almost seems like a no brainer to think buying that family lake home or retirement home now. These are good reasons to buy a lake home on Grand Lake now.

If you would like to know more about Grand Lake real estate, please contact our Grand Lake Team at RE/MAX Grand Lake, Aaron Hughes and Joe Neill. We know the lake area, the MLS listings, and where the good deals are. Contact Aaron at aaronhughes@remax.net or 918 801-5645 or Joe at jneill@remax.net or 918 640-3300. We hope to hear from you soon.

Also posted in golf home at Grand Lake, Grand Lake Real Estate, retirement home on Grand Lake, second home on Grand Lake, waterfront homes on Grand Lake | Tagged Aaron Hughes, golf course home on lake, Grand Lake Team, Joe Neill, lakeview home on Grand Lake, RE/MAX Grand Lake, reasons to buy a lake home now, waterfront home on Grand Lake | Leave a comment

March 14, 2012 Tulsa World Headline Business Page-Oklahoma Jobless Rate Falls to 6.1%

By Joe Neill | Published: March 14, 2012

Great news this morning when I opened up my Tulsa World. First I always read the obits to make sure I didn’t die the night before and I hadn’t, next to the business section and today there in bold headline—”State jobless rate falls to 6.1%. This is just terrific news. Oklahoma’s jobless rate has been much better than the nation as a whole for months but it is still great to see it falling and at 6.1%. The article states we are very close to the employment high pre-recession. Total employment is close to old high but unemployed is still high by Oklahoma standards but the important part is we have as many total jobs as before or almost do. The article states jobs have been added in mining, logging, and manufacturing. The article does not mention oil and gas industry but I am sure this industry has helped us ever so much.

If you live in Oklahoma or other nearby states, have a good steady business or job, and have your personal finances in order then you are probably doing ok. We must feel pain for our fellow countrymen who are not as lucky to have a good state economy, a job, and a bank account. However, if you have thinking a new second home on Grand Lake this is probably a great time to be buying. You can get some deals now if you search with the right agents who know the market. Interest rates will not stay low forever. Every day we grow a day older, time is short. It might be time to enjoy family and friends at your Grand Lake retreat. Prudent buying helps the economy to continue to recover.

The Grand Lake Team of Aaron Hughes and Joe Neill at RE/MAX Grand Lake in Grove, OK would appreciate the opportunity to visit with you about Grand Lake waterfront homes, Grand Lake golf course homes, or a lakeview home. We know the Grand Lake area, the Grand Lake MLS listings and can make your search more inclusive, less stressful, less time consuming, and fun. Call Aaron or Joe today and find out about some of the

homes on Grand Lake. Call Aaron at 918 801-5645 or aaronhughes@remax.net. Call Joe at 918 640-3300 or jneill@remax.net We hope to hear from you soon.

Also posted in golf home at Grand Lake, second home on Grand Lake | Tagged Aaron Hughes, golf course home at Grand Lake, Grand Lake MLS, Grand Lake Team, Joe Neill, lakeview home on Grand Lake, RE/MAX Grand Lake, t, Tulsa World, waterfront home on Grand Lake | Leave a comment

Grand Lake Boat Show March 9, 10, 11, 2012

By Joe Neill | Published: March 1, 2012

Plan your weekend for March 9, 10, 11, 2012 for the Grand Lake Boat Show to be held at the Grove Civic Center. The show will open Friday a Noon-5 pm. The show shuts down for an hour and then opens up at 6 pm. for VIP night. VIP tickets at the door cost $10 but can be obtained for free from many vendors at the show. Their will be lite food and drink items at the VIP night. On Saturday the show will open from 10-7. Sunday hours are 11-4.

You will see all the area boat dealers and their newest model boats plus other lake area vendors. RE/MAX Grand Lake will have a booth and showcase our nice lakehomes available now. You know now is a great time to buy that lake home for retirement or second home on the lake. Interest rates cannot stay at all time lows for ever. Waterfront home prices have been flat for several years now but this too will not last. For best selection, low interest rates, and great prices call the Grand Lake Team at RE/MAX Grand Lake and learn more about our wonderful waterfront home selections, golf course homes, or a neighborhood home in Grove, OK. Contact Aaron Hughes at 918 801-5645 or aaronhughes@remax.net or Joe Neill at 918 640-3300 or jneill@remax.net We would appreciate the opportunity to show you Grand Lake area homes.

Also posted in golf home at Grand Lake, retirement home on Grand Lake, waterfront homes on Grand Lake | Tagged Aaron Hughes, Grand Lake Boat Show, Grand Lake Team, Joe Neill, neighborhood home Grove OK, RE/MAX Grand Lake, time to buy a lake home | Leave a comment

Grand Lake in NE Oklahoma for Retirement

By Joe Neill | Published: October 28, 2011

People are coming to Grand Lake in NE Oklahoma for retirement. Just this week, the last full week of October, 2011 we have sold a waterfront retirement home to a couple from Western Oklahoma. We have showed the area and are in talks for a new lakeview home for a couple from Texas wanting to retire to a quiet area with four moderate seasons. Last week we got a contract on another waterfront home from a Tulsa couple who will use the home for a second home on lake for a year or so until it becomes their retirement home on Grand Lake.

Next week we close on a neighborhood home with nearby boat ramp with a couple moving here from Waterloo, Iowa. They have relatives in the area and look forward to moving back to the area they lived in earlier years. We also have a Buffalo Shores North home under contract for closing in late November with another couple moving to the area.

In addition to the sales above, interest is picking up from people in different areas of the country who see the value in Grand Lake retirement homes. Why, do you ask would one want to move to the Grand Lake area? Many reasons but a few are:

1. Quiet and Peaceful small town living with big city services and a great lake to enjoy.

2. Great Health Care in Grove’s, the largest city on Grand Lake, new Integris Grove Hospital with quality doctors and support medical teams.

3. Water sports such as Fishing and Boating.

4. Great Churches and Civic Clubs.

5. A Welcome to the Community Attitude From People Already Living Here

6. Beautiful Fall Scenery

7. Mild Winters on Average

8. Great Springs with Colorful Trees on Surrounding Hills

9. Great Summers to Enjoy the Lake (all your grown kids will flock to area to see you and enjoy Grand Lake with you)

10. Things to Do, Nice Quaint Shops to Visit, Unique Places to Dine

11. Only 1.5 Hours from 3 Major Airports ( Tulsa, Ok, NW Arkansas, and Joplin, MO)

12. Close Enough to City to Visit for A Day and Get Back Home to Quiet Life

13. Many, Many More Reasons to Enjoy Grand Lake Life in Retirement

Call the Grand Lake Team at RE/MAX Grand Lake in Grove, OK to learn more about retirement homes on Grand Lake. We know the area, the Grand Lake MLS listings, and can show you waterfront homes, lakeview homes, golf course homes, or neighborhood homes in Grove, OK or in the country in the outter areas of the lake. Call Aaron Hughes at 918 801-5645 or aaronhughes@remax.net or Joe Neill at 918 640-3300 or jneill@remax.net We offer low key, low pressure, enjoyable home shopping with all the information you need to make a good real estate investment, find a home you will just fall in love with, and show you the highlites of the area so that you too will see what you can enjoy living on Grand Lake. Call today and see what you are missing out on at Grand Lake!

Also posted in family home Grove OK, golf home at Grand Lake, Grand Lake MLS Search, Grand Lake Real Estate, retirement home on Grand Lake, second home on Grand Lake, waterfront homes on Grand Lake | Tagged Aaron Hughes, golf course homes, Grand Lake for retirement, Grand Lake MLS, Grand Lake Team, Joe Neill, lakeview homes, retirement home on Grand Lake, second home on lake, value in Grand Lake retirement homes, waterfront homes, Why move to Grand Lake | Comments closed

Grand Lake Fall Activities

By Joe Neill | Published: September 1, 2011

Fall is just around the corner with the Labor Day weekend coming up. Temperatures are forecast to be in the mid 80′s next week. This is the time to start thinking Grand Lake again. Fall is great for boating, fishing, nature walks, festivals on the lake such as the Pelican Festival, and of course it is a great time to buy a lakehome. If you have been wanting a retirement home on the lake or a fulltime family home on Grand Lake, fall is a great season to buy. The temperature will be just right for viewing homes but more importantly fall is a great time to get a seasonal bargain on a lake home. Many sellers think the real estate season is over after Labor Day and get scared thinking they will have to hold a property over till spring. This is not the case as several buyers will be out in the next two months seeking a fair deal on a great lake home. Smart buyers know they can get a better deal in the fall than the spring. Interest rates are low, selection is great, and fall weather is wonderful to home shop in. Once you get a home bought, fall and winter are excellent times to enjoy your new lake home. It is so peaceful and pretty around the lake in the fall and even winter seasons. You can enjoy unique shopping when not on the lake and each day for lunch or dinner try a new and delightfull place to dine.

We offer gated communities on Monkey Island at Grand Lake near the new Shangri La Country Club such as Newport Village, Brighton Bay, St. Andrews, St. James, The Estates, The Chateaus, and The Villas. In Grove you will find great homes both on the water or on a golf course or even in a nice subdivision. You will want to see the homes offered in all three Buffalo Shores neighborhoods, Patricia Island Estates, and Wildwood Farms. South Grand Lake will find many fine homes along the shores of the lake or perhaps a home in the gated community, The Coves with both waterfront or golf course homes available.

When thinking about buying on Grand Lake you need a team who knows the area and the deals in the Grand Lake MLS. You don’t want someone pushy or someone who does not know what they are doing. For professional help in finding just the right home on Grand Lake call the Grand Lake Team at RE/MAX Grand Lake. Aaron Hughes at 918 801-5645 or aaronhughes@remax.net or Joe Neill at 918 640-3300 or jneill@remax.net We hope to hear from you soon.

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Enjoy the July 4th Long Weekend and Think About How Nice It Would Be To Own Your Own Grand Lake Home

By Joe Neill | Published: June 30, 2011

The July 4th Holiday on Grand Lake is always a great family and friends time on the lake. There will be fireworks shows on July 2, 3, and 4th in the area for all to enjoy. Summer fun on the lake will be enjoyed. There will also be many bar-b-ques going on. Come to Grand Lake and enjoy your friends and family.

When you think of all the fun you have had on Grand Lake, think about buying your own place at the lake as a second home retreat. The Grand Lake MLS offers many nice homes for everyone’s budget. You can get a Monkey Island condo starting at $60,000 and up. You might like a home in The Coves on the golf course from $250,000 or perhaps a waterfront home there starting at $500,000 or so. In The Points you will find true luxury homes from $700,000. On over in Grove, you will find golf course homes at Patricia Island starting at $199,000. Waterfront homes in Patricia Island are $500,000 and up. We have nice private waterfront homes such as a listing we have in Dogwood Hills for $499,000 with a 2 slip boatdock. We can also go back to Monkey Island and look at one of the many gated communities such as Newport Village, Brighton Bay, St Andrews, or The Chateaus.

For the team that works to find you the best place for you and yours call The Grand Lake Team of Aaron Hughes and Joe Neill. Aaron at 918 801-5645 or aaronhughes@remax.net. Joe at 918 640-3300 or jneill@remax.net We office at RE/MAX Grand Lake in Grove at 2330 S. Main.

Also posted in gated community on Grand Lake, golf home at Grand Lake, Grand Lake MLS Search, Grand Lake Retreat, Monkey Island homes on Grand Lake, second home on Grand Lake, waterfront homes on Grand Lake | Tagged Aaron Hughes, Brighton Bay, Dogwood Hills private waterfront home, Grand Lake MLS, Grand Lake second home retreats, Grand Lake Team, Joe Neill, July 4 on Grand Lake, Monkey Island gated communities, Newport Village, Patricia Island, RE/MAX Grand Lake, St. Andrews, The Chateaus, The Coves, The Points | Comments closed

New Shangri La Country Club on Monkey Island at Grand Lake

By Joe Neill | Published: June 27, 2011

The new Shangri La Country Club on Monkey Island at Grand Lake continues to progress. The completion date has not been as fast as once hoped but with snow in February and rains in April I think they have made remarkable progress. They have moved the golf pro shop to the new facility in the past few days. The upper floor dining and fitness center is not open yet. Outside rock work and landscaping are ongoing at full speed ahead. The golf course rework is coming right along also. I don’t know how many truck loads of sod have been hauled in but it has been several. No expense has been spared to make sure the new Shangri La is first class.

Membership continues to increase. People from all walks of life are seeing value in either a full membership or social membership. You do not have to be a high roller to fit in this club. Stop by and visit with Manager Jason Sheffield and his staff. They will treat you right.

All the interest in the Club, continues to drive interest in homes in the Monkey Island area. The gated communities have all seen keen interest and sales this spring. We recently sold a Newport Village home and a Brighton Bay home both on Monkey Island. The Chateaus next to the golf course and The Estates also adjoining have both seen several sales this year. We do still have several nice listings on Monkey Island. For your Monkey Island home on Grand Lake call the Grand Lake Team at RE/MAX Grand Lake for information and showings. For Aaron Hughes call 918 801-5645 or aaronhughes@remax.net For Joe Neill call 918 640-3300 or jneill@remax.net We hope to hear from you soon.

Also posted in gated community on Grand Lake, golf home at Grand Lake, Grand Lake Real Estate, Monkey Island homes on Grand Lake, second home on Grand Lake | Tagged Aaron Hughes, Brighton Bay, gated community homes Grand lake, Grand Lake Team, Joe Neill, Monkey Island homes on Grand Lake, Newport Village, RE/MAX Grand Lake, Shangri La Country Club, The Chateaus, The Estates | Comments closed

Shangri La Country Club on Monkey Island Is Coming Right Along

By Joe Neill | Published: June 3, 2011

It is the first week of June, 2011 and the Shangri La Country Club did not meet it’s goal of being fully open by Memorial Day weekend that they set last year when construction started. They had no way of knowing we would have 2′ of snow in February and rain for days on end in the Spring. They are doing one supurb job of rebuilding the golf courses and the Club House does not lack too much. Work today on the driveway of the Club House was in full swing with concrete being poured. They hope to be fully completed by July 4th holiday.

The golf course rebuilding crew have had at least a dozen machines on site for over a year now in the quest to completely rebuild this golf course into one of the best in the country. The white sand contrasting the green grass is a beautiful site. Eddie Gibbs, owner of the Shangri La Country Club and also a huge fence building company has of course used his company to build new steel fencing around the course. Eddie and crew are doing just a first class job of rebuilding this Club. Eddie recently bought the Shangri La Marina and announced plans for upgrading and expanding it also.

All of this buzz of activity on Monkey Island at Grand Lake has not gone unnoticed with second home buyers on Monkey Island either. Homes are selling. We closed a Newport Village home last Friday and this Friday we are closing a Brighton Bay home, both nice gated communities. We have another home on the island waiting the closing process also.

The Chateaus and The Estates ajoining the Country Club have had active sales. We still have nice homes on Monkey Island available for sale thru RE/MAX Grand Lake listings and the Grand Lake MLS, both of which we sell from. Our team would appreciate the opportunity to show you homes in the Grand Lake area and Monkey Island. You too can enjoy a second home on the lake. Homes are priced from $50,000 to around $2,000,000 with a nice home for everyone’s taste and budget.

Call The Grand Lake Team for your Grand Lake Realtors. Aaron Hughes at 918 801-5645 or aaronhughes@remax.net or Joe Neill at 918 640-3300 or jneill@remax.net. We hope to hear from you soon.

Also posted in gated community on Grand Lake, golf home at Grand Lake, Grand Lake MLS Search, Grand Lake Retreat, second home on Grand Lake | Tagged Aaron Hughes, Brighton Bay, gated community homes on Monkey Island, Grand Lake MLS, Grand Lake Team, Joe Neill, Newport Village, RE/MAX Grand Lake, second home on Monkey Island at Grand Lake, Shangri La Country Club, The Chateaus, The Estates | Comments closed

Real Estate on Grand Lake

By Joe Neill | Published: May 4, 2011

May 2011, the real estate market on Grand Lake is very active. Our Grand Lake Team has worked in the past week with buyers from the Houston, TX area wanting a retirement home on Grand Lake, two new professional families moving to Grove for new job opportunities, two different couples wanting a weekend lake home on Grand Lake, another retired couple wanting to move to Grove for a central location to grown children, and another Texan wanting a fishing cabin.

We closed two lake homes week before last. This week we closed a waterfront home that a retired couple are anxious to get moved to and start enjoying. We have on our closing board a Melody Point weekend home sold to a professional from Oklahoma City, two waterfront homes sold to two different buyers, and a very nice home in Wildwood Farms Addition to Grove.

We have been showing property nearly every day the past two weeks. Buyers attitudes are very upbeat. Sellers are glad to have buyers and are ready to move on. It is a good time to be looking at homes. Interest rates remain low but cannot for many more months. Home selection is good and prices are fair. You cannot come to Grand Lake wanting to steal something. Our prices did not go sky high nor did they tank. We have good prices on waterfront homes as well as subdivision homes. You can find a nice deal on a great property.

Maybe it is time you thought about that retirement home or weekend home on Grand Lake. Our team offers true team service and would appreciate the opportunity to help you find just the right place. Grand Lake is a great place to make memories.

For more information or to make an appointment to look at homes in the Grand Lake area contact Aaron Hughes at 918 801-5645 or aaronhughes@remax.net or Joe Neill at 918 640-3300 or jneill@remax.net We hope to hear from you soon.