Tom and Bev's Blog

A few of Tulsa's schools are getting A+ for their hard work.  This isn't just good news, but excellent news.  Three of Tulsa's schools were awarded the Blue Ribbon Award, making them official Blue Ribbon Schools: Booker T. Washington High School, Miami Wilson Elementary School and Claremore Roosa Elementary School.  This is a very special honor given only to schools that are academically advanced or have made extreme gains in student achievement.   After learning about this distinguished accomplishment, we began to research how these schools have become Tulsa's Blue Ribbon Schools and we found that they have superior goals.

Tulsa's district goals include:

* Student Learning and Performance - Students will meet or exceed national and state standards in mathematics, reading, social studies and science.  Students will also be prepared for post-secondary education and employment.

* Effective and Efficient Operations - Tulsa Public Schools and offices will meet or exceed standards for excellent performance.  They will provide a safe and secure learning environment for each and every student while addressing knowledge and improvement opportunities.  The district will also systematically deploy an alternative education for students who need it.

* Parent/Guardian Community Support - Every school community will demonstrate parent/guardian involvement and support by 100% membership in the parent/guardian association.  This will help collaborate schools, parents, business, civic, community organizations, local and state agencies to support student success.

* Staff and Faculty Focus - Create a positive work environment in self renewing organizations.  The district will also provide high quality development to every employee, ensure recruitment, support and retention of certified personnel.

* Performance Excellence - To win the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award by 2010. (We think the most impressive goal.)  Track and tend to all of the above goals.

If you are looking for awesome schools for your children to attend along with a great community to relocate to, you can find it right here in Tulsa, Oklahoma.  The community offers both Blue Ribbon Schools and a wonderful community to live.

Realtors® Tom & Bev Herring  ~  Tulsa, Oklahoma Real Estate

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We have great news: pending home sales are up, up, up for the sixth consecutive month.  And, according to the National Association of Realtors®, this is also the first time in six years that the market has seen such a streak. 

Here's a quick look at the Pending Home Sales Index according to realtor.org.  A forward looking indicator, which is based on contracts signed in June, rose 3.6% to 94.6% from 91.3% in May and is 6.7% above June 2008, when it was 88.7%.  July 2003 was the last time there were five consecutive monthly gains.

We believe that a combination of positive market factors is what's fueling the gains.  Affordable home prices, low interest rates and a large selection of homes are also encouraging buyers who have been procrastinating about buying a home.

The lower priced homes have seen the most activity.  Many first-time buyers are taking advantage of the $8,000 tax credit before the November 30, 2009 deadline. 

More statistics show that Pending Home Sales rose in the northeast 0.4% to 81.2% in June and is 5.8% above one year ago.  Pending Home Sales in the Midwest increased 0.8% to 89.9% and is above June 2008.  There was a big jump in the index in the South from 7.1% to 100.7% in June and is 8.9% higher than one year ago.  The West's index rose 2.9% to 100.4%.  However, it was 0.2% below June 2008, which isn't down too much.

Currently, a median income family who earns $60,700 could afford a home that costs $289,100 if they put 20% down.  That is assuming they dedicate 25% of their income to the mortgage principal and interest.

Everyone likes good news about the real estate market, especially when it's news like having Pending Home Sales being up for six consecutive months, which hasn't happened in six years.

Realtors® Tom & Bev Herring ~ Tulsa, Oklahoma Real Estate

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