How to Choose the Right Real Estate Agent for You

Posted

When you go through the process of buying or selling a home, your real estate agent is your number one resource and the key to your success. Your agent should be able to guide you through the nuances of the local market, understand your needs, and help you implement the right strategies to meet your goals.

But with so many agencies and realtors out there, how do you possibly narrow it down to the right person for you and your current or potential home? We’ve gathered some of the best advice below to help you make your decision!

Start with some independent research.

The easiest way to start your search for an agent is by looking into local agencies and independent realtors online. Read customer reviews to get an idea of what it’s like to work with the different agents you find and check their websites for listed experience, licensing, and other standout qualifications. You can also ask friends (on social media and in person) for referrals of agents with whom they’ve had a good experience.

Meet with potential candidates.

Once you’ve narrowed it down to a couple of your top choices, you should meet with potential agents in person to get a better sense of their personality and professional style. Ask a few questions that will help you determine if they’re prepared to meet your unique needs, such as:

  • How long have you worked in the local real estate market?
  • What is your average list price-to-sale ratio?
  • Do you work more often with buyers or sellers?
  • What is the average Days on Market for your listings?
  • How many clients do you typically work with at a time?
  • Can you provide any references?

Choose someone you connect with.

For the best experience and results buying or selling a home, you need to work with an agent who makes you feel comfortable voicing your questions and concerns. They should communicate with you openly and frequently, so you never feel overly stressed or lost during the process. You should feel confident that your agent fully understands your expectations and will do what’s best for you and your current or future home.

Looking to buy or sell a home in or around Woodward, OK? The agents at Smith & Co Real Estate are prepared to do everything it takes to find the right buyer for your sale or new property for you and your family. With our extensive experience and bonafide success rate, there’s no one better to guide you through the local market.

Give us a call at 580-254-3975 so we can get you started with the right team member!

Consider These 3 Factors When Choosing a Location for Your Business

Posted

Commercial Property Auctions & Listings in Oklahoma

When you decide to open your own business, there are many more important decisions to follow that will play a big role in whether or not you are successful. One of most consequential of those decisions is going to be your location.

Aside from obvious factors like cost and size, there are many other considerations you’ll need to make when choosing a property for your business. Let’s take a look at which ones are going to have the biggest impact on your company’s growth and success.

1) Accessibility

If it’s hard for people to physically get to your business, they’re far less likely to make the effort to go. Your building, therefore, must be easily accessible to customers, employees, and vendors for deliveries. Look for locations near major roads and highways (that are easier to turn into) and with ample parking.

2) Foot Traffic

When choosing a commercial location, think about what level of foot traffic will be ideal for your business. For example, if you’re in the retail or restaurant industries, you want to be in an area with higher foot traffic. This will boost your exposure and expand your reach to potential customers. However, if you’re establishing an administrative office, law or medical practice, or other business that prioritizes confidentiality or a quiet environment, you may want to limit your search to lower traffic areas.

3) Competition

Your physical proximity to other businesses will have a significant effect on the demographics of area foot traffic and how successful you are within them. You want to avoid properties surrounded by businesses that are competing with you in the same market. Unless you have something especially unique that will make you stand out, too much nearby competition gives potential customers too many chances not to choose you.

Proximity to certain other types of businesses, however, can be mutually beneficial. For example, opening a restaurant near a movie theater is likely to attract more people to your location and drive more business to both of you (who doesn’t love dinner and a movie?).

Are you still searching for the perfect property to establish your business in Oklahoma or Kansas? Smith & Co. Auction & Realty can help!

We are constantly running auctions for commercial properties in prime locations that are ripe and ready for you to transform. We also have a team of licensed real estate agents who are more than qualified and willing to help you find the right commercial property to fit your business needs in your desired locale.

Give us a call at 580-254-3975 today to get started on your search!

Mineral Trends

Posted

The mineral market is currently experiencing a period of significant growth and transformation, as global demand for minerals and natural resources continues to rise. This trend is being driven by a number of factors, including the growing global population, the increasing demand for consumer goods and infrastructure, and the rise of renewable energy technologies.

One of the key drivers of the current mineral market is the increasing demand for metals such as copper, nickel, and lithium. These metals are used in a wide range of applications, including renewable energy technologies such as solar panels and electric vehicle batteries. As countries around the world seek to transition to cleaner energy sources, demand for these metals is likely to continue to rise.

In addition to metals, there is also growing demand for minerals such as phosphate, which is used in fertilizer production. With the global population continuing to grow, and demand for food increasing, there is a growing need for phosphate to help increase crop yields and improve agricultural productivity.

Another trend that is impacting the mineral market is the increasing focus on sustainability and ethical sourcing. Consumers and businesses are increasingly looking for products and materials that are produced in an environmentally responsible and socially sustainable manner. This has led to growing demand for minerals and other natural resources that are sourced from sustainable and ethical sources.

Despite the positive outlook for the mineral market, there are also a number of challenges that must be addressed. One of the biggest challenges is ensuring that mineral resources are extracted in a responsible and sustainable manner. This includes minimizing the environmental impact of mining and ensuring that workers are treated fairly and paid a living wage.

Another challenge is ensuring that the benefits of mining are shared fairly with local communities. This includes providing employment opportunities and supporting local development initiatives.

In conclusion, the current mineral market is characterized by growing demand for a wide range of minerals and natural resources, driven by factors such as population growth, increasing demand for consumer goods and infrastructure, and the rise of renewable energy technologies. While there are challenges that must be addressed, the outlook for the mineral market is positive, with opportunities for sustainable and responsible growth in the years ahead.

This is a lot of information to understand but thankfully, you don’t have to understand it all.  That’s what we are here for.  Ira  has 40± years experience with oil and gas mineral rights.  Whether you’re looking to buy or sell, or just want to chat about the markets, call Ira 580-334-6001.

How To Price Your Vacant Land for Sale

Posted

Land Auctions & Real Estate Agents in Northwest OK

There are a lot of different factors that come into play when pricing a residential or commercial property for the real estate market. Some of the first things you’d consider are the size and features of the property, the physical condition of the building, recent improvements and upgrades, etc.

But what about when there’s no house or business space to look at? How do you determine the value of a piece of land with nothing on it to gauge its worth? Smith & Co’s land real estate experts have a few helpful tips to get you started in the right direction!

Look at zoning restrictions.

The more opportunities your land has to offer potential buyers, the greater value it’s going to hold on the market. Find out what zoning restrictions and other government regulations apply to your land. Can it be developed for residential use? Commercial use? Is it good for farming/livestock raising/agriculture? Are there natural resource mining opportunities? Use this information to help you determine the price.

Survey the local market.

The market conditions in your area will play a considerable role in what buyers are willing to pay for your land. If there are a lot of similar properties around you, for example, yours may not be worth as much. On the other hand, if your land has something unique to offer, it could go for much higher than other listings. The total of available inventory will factor in as well. Or, in other words, whether it’s a buyer’s or seller’s market.

Get your land appraised.

A professional land appraiser will know exactly which factors matter in determining the value of your property and be able to gather the information necessary to evaluate them. They will consider factors such as land features (roadway access, natural resource availability, zoning regulations mentioned above), location, topography, size, and more. If possible, it’s a good idea to get multiple appraisals before settling on a final price.

Smith & Co Auction & Realty has successfully sold and auctioned off thousands of acres of land throughout Northwest Oklahoma and Kansas over the past 30+ years. With our decades of experience and extensive network of local resources, we can make sure your tract sells for top dollar.

Contact us today to learn more about our auction and real estate services!

3 Ways to Keep Your Emotions in Check When Selling Your Home

Posted

Senior couple standing outside of their newly sold home

Our homes are an extension of who we are. They hold a plethora of memories that we cherish and look back on fondly. When it comes time to move and sell our homes, we can get hit with a wave of conflicting emotions that can be hard to manage.

Here are three ways to keep your emotions in check while selling your home to have a successful and smooth transition from seller to buyer.

Put Yourself in the Buyer’s Shoes

As the homeowner, you walk around and see everything that holds sentimental value to you, but a buyer does not see that. That stain on the carpet from when grandpa sat on a ketchup packet in 2010 is not a funny fond memory to a buyer, to a buyer that is just a stain that needs to be removed by a professional cleaner. Before selling your home, walk around in a buyer’s shoes and look for clutter, stained carpets, chipped paint, faulty electrical work, and get those things fixed. Making simple investments in your home’s overall aesthetic and functionality will increase its value.

Focus on Your Next Chapter

It is easy to get caught up in small things like finding the perfect buyer when selling your home. We hope they will love our space as much as we did, but sometimes the person purchasing our old house does not fit our vision or has major plans to change things around. It would help if you focused on your next chapter and your new home in a case like this. How are you going to decorate it? Throw yourself into planning out your new space, and over time, you will become just as attached to your new home as you were to your old one.

Choose the Right Selling Strategy for You

There are many options when it comes to selling your home. You could go through a real estate agent, for sale by owner or sell directly to a buyer. A good real estate agent will walk you through every step of the process, and you won’t have to do your own marketing, photography, or schedule showings and drown in paperwork. You can still stay involved in the process without doing all the legwork, so you have more time to focus on your next chapter.

Whether you’re saying goodbye to your childhood home or simply upgrading to a bigger space, selling your house can come with a lot of emotional baggage. The best way to make the process as quick and painless as possible is to have a qualified real estate company take the reins. Smith & Co Auction & Realty takes the time to understand your needs and desires. Call Ira at (580)334-6001 to start the process of selling your home and begin writing the next chapter of your story.

3 Tips for Snapping Picture Perfect Real Estate Listing Photos

Posted

In the age of laptops, tablets, and smart phones, real estate buyers are relying more and more on the Internet in their preliminary search for the perfect property. For sellers, that means your online listing is your first (and best) chance to pique interest on the market.

As prospective buyers are scrolling through the dozens of houses for sale in your area, it’s the pictures that will be capturing their attention. If you want your listing to stand out above the rest, use these tips to take killer photos of your home!

1) Clean and stage your house ahead of time.

Your listing photos are your home’s first impression on potential buyers, which means they need to showcase your space at its best. Before you get your camera out, take the time to get your house ready the same way you would for an in-person showing. Go through each room and deep clean, declutter, and depersonalize to get rid of that lived-in look (outside and inside!). Then, stage your furniture and décor to make your space look inviting and highlight the best features of your home.

2) Choose your angles and positions wisely.

Taking attractive photos that display your space honestly is all about angles and positioning. If you have a wide-angle lens, it’s going to be your best friend when it comes to showcasing the size and layout of your home accurately while getting a full feel of each room. If you don’t have one, shoot from the doorway or corner to capture as much of the room as possible.

Keep your camera at chest height and shoot straight on. Angles that are too high or low can distort the scale and misrepresent the size of your space. Plus, it will help viewers feel like they’re actually in your home when they look at your pictures.

3) Lighting is everything.

Natural light makes a home feel warm and inviting—something you’ll want to take advantage of for your listing pictures. Plan to take your interior photos when the natural light is best in your space (this could be in the morning or later afternoon, depending on which direction your house faces). Clean your windows until they sparkle and open your curtains to maximize the amount of sunlight streaming through. You should also turn on all interior lights, to show viewers that they work.

For exterior shots, just make sure the sun is positioned behind your camera to illuminate your property without casting shadows in your photos.

When you work with Smith & Co Real Estate to sell your home, our professionals will guide you through every step of the process.

Not only will we help you take killer listing photos, we’ll help you market them, nail the showings they bring in, and get you the best offers for your property. Contact us today to learn more about how our realtors can put their 60 years of combined industry experience to work for you and your home!

Einstein, Sinatra, and Rockefeller: Big Names Hit the Auction Block

Posted

Hot items have been recently hitting the auction block across the country. From a letter written by Albert Einstein, to jewels from famous names like Sinatra and Rockefeller, the auction scene is ripe with exciting items sold and up for bid.

Albert Einstein’s letter sold for approximately $2.9 million

The year before he died in 1955, Albert Einstein wrote a letter discussing his thoughts about God and religion that British auction house, Christie’s recently sold for close to $2.9 million at a New York auction, according to CBS News.

Known as the “God letter,” Einstein wrote the blunt letter to philosopher Eric Gutkind, and in it discussed what God means to him and his Jewish faith.

Questioned throughout his life about his religious views, people looked to the genius Einstein for answers about the universe. In this letter, we get a glimpse into some of Einstein’s beliefs and ideas about religion–ideas so intriguing they are apparently worth millions of dollars!

From Einstein we move on to a few other big names lighting up the New York auction scene:

Sinatra and Rockefeller gems

British-founded Sotheby’s in New York City recently held an auction of jewelry pieces from Frank and Barbara Sinatra and Happy Rockefeller, the wife of Nelson Rockefeller.

According to Forbes, Sinatra’s jewelry collection included Barbara’s “Lady Blue Eyes” engagement ring from Frank, diamond and colored gemstone jewelry, and a ruby and diamond butterfly pin. The collection sold for a total of $4.7 million. Happy Rockefeller’s jewels sold for just under $1 million.

For the latest in live auction news, check out the Smith & Co Auction & Realty, Inc blog! And when you’re looking to buy or sell land, heavy equipment, real estate and more, our experts are ready to help. Give us a call at 580-254-3975 to learn more about our upcoming auctions!

Homeowner’s Checklist: How to Get Your House Ready to Sell

Posted

Want to sell your home quickly and for top dollar?

Follow this homeowner’s checklist to get your house ready to sell!

1. Find the right real estate agent

First things first: find a professional real estate agent.

You may think you can sell your home on your own, but a pro will ensure that you get the best possible price and that the sale goes smoothly.

2. Step up your curb appeal game

Initial impressions matter, so make sure your home has curb appeal.

Repaint your front door, hang up a seasonal wreath, invest in landscaping and fix any cracked concrete in your driveway.

Once you’ve got the exterior of your home looking fresh, turn your attention to the interior!

3. Bring in the paint

Spruce up your interior paint—fix any scuffs and marks and repaint all rooms in neutral colors. Avoid brightly colored accent walls, since potential buyers may not share the same taste.

4. Declutter…

Declutter thoroughly, removing old magazines, bric-a-brac and anything that makes your home look overstuffed.

5. Then depersonalize

The next step can be difficult, but it’s important. You want potential buyers to be able to envision themselves (rather than you) in the home, so depersonalize a little bit by removing items like family photos, toys, etc.

6. Bring in the professionals

Consider hiring a professional home stager to make your home look inviting yet neutral. Sometimes, it takes a fresh set of eyes to give your home that extra boost that will entice potential buyers.

If you’re interested in selling your Woodward-area home, contact Smith & Co. Real Estate Marketing Professionals. We’re a top resource for real estate in the community, and can provide sellers with complimentary home evaluations, market reports and much more.

Call 580-254-3975 to get started today!

“Wizard of Oz” Draft Scripts Will Hit the Auction Block in December

Posted

It has been nearly 80 years since we skipped down the Yellow Brick Road with Kansas farm girl Dorothy and her three loyal pals: the Tin Man, the Scarecrow, and the Lion. Timeless and classic as ever, “The Wizard of Oz” still delights audiences young and old with its catchy show tunes, dazzling colors, and the heartwarming message that there truly is “no place like home.”

Dozens of screenwriters worked together to adapt L. Frank Baum’s children’s book into the musical film we know and love today. Now, the world’s largest auctioneer of original Hollywood memorabilia, Profiles in History, is holding an auction with more than 150 handwritten pages of manuscript highlighting the evolution of “The Wizard of Oz.”

The auction is to include the first three original drafts of the screenplays written by Noel Langley, lead screenwriter for the movie. The three drafts date between April 5 and May 14, 1938. The auction also includes Langley’s fifth draft from August 1938 and the movie’s fourth draft written by Florence Ryerson and Edgar Allan Woolf. Fans of the movie will love reading the draft scripts highlighting the treasured film’s genesis and development.

Other beloved tokens from “The Wizard of Oz” up for auction

Fans of the movie will not forget the iconic tornado sequence that first brings Dorothy to Oz. About 16 photos of the tornado scene and other special effects are included in the auction. An additional lot includes Margaret Hamilton’s “Wicked Witch of the West” hat.

A private collector is selling the archive, which Profiles in History estimates will value around $800,000-$1.2 million. The auction will be held in Los Angeles from Dec. 11-14.

Be sure to check back with us at Smith & Co. Auction & Realty for all your auction industry updates! And if you’re looking for the next live auction to attend, browse our upcoming auctions today!

A Look Inside the Upcoming Stephen Hawking Auction

Posted

On March 14, 2018, we lost one of the world’s most brilliant scientific minds. A Cambridge theoretical physicist known for his contributions to cosmology, general relativity, and quantum gravity, Professor Stephen Hawking changed the world for the better with his amazing discoveries and unwavering zest for understanding the universe.

Stephen Hawking suffered from Lou Gehrig’s disease, also known as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and therefore spent much of his life in a wheelchair. One famous, red wheelchair he used in the 1980s and 90s along with many other important and personal items of Hawking’s, will soon be up for sale to the public.

“On the Shoulders of Giants” online auction from Oct. 31 to Nov. 8

To highlight his remarkable achievements and inspirational life story, British auction house Christie’s, with the help of Hawking’s daughter Lucy, is holding an online auction entitled “On the Shoulders of Giants” from Oct. 31 to Nov. 8.

The auction includes 22 items, including a signed copy of Hawking’s PhD thesis from 1965, which famously crashed the Cambridge University website when posted online.

What’s on the auction block from Dr. Hawking?

In addition to the leather-backed wheelchair of Dr. Hawking, other items up for bid include a copy of 1988 best seller “A Brief History in Time” (signed with Hawking’s thumbprint), medals, significant awards, and 12 of Hawking’s scientific papers. One of Hawking’s personal leather bomber jackets and a copy of the script of the 22nd season premiere of “The Simpsons,” which Hawking appeared on, also make the cut for this auction.

Proceeds from the auction will go to the Stephen Hawking Foundation, the Motor Neuron Disease Association, and Hawking’s estate. Bidders will also find possessions from Albert Einstein, Sir Isaac Newton, and Charles Darwin included in the auction.

This special auction is a true testament to the life and work of Stephen Hawking, reflecting his personality and achievements in a beautiful dedication to his life.

Winners at the auction will truly take home a monumental piece of history.

Check back with the Smith & Co. Auction & Realty blog for more updates in the auction industry, and maybe attend an upcoming live auction yourself!