Steve Reese's Blog Posts

A plain-English resource for Shawnee home sellers who want to go it alone and do it rightI’m a REALTOR®. I make my living helping people buy and sell homes in Shawnee and Central Oklahoma.

Once your home is under contract, we move into the inspection period outlined in the Oklahoma Uniform Residential Sale Contract. This is a normal phase of the transaction. Knowing how it works ahead

If you only followed national housing headlines in 2025, you probably heard a lot of noise. Interest rates. Market slowdowns. Buyer hesitation. Depending on the week, the story swung from &ldquo

Real Estate Beyond the ScoreboardEvery January, real estate social feeds start to look the same. Photos of plaques. Rankings. Sales awards. Captions celebrating volume and thanking clients and

When I prepare a home for the market, my job is to help you achieve the best possible result while protecting your privacy, your safety, and your sanity. Buyers expect photos, floor plans, and.

If you want to feel the Christmas spirit in full force, mark your calendar for the Shawnee Christmas Parade of Lights on Friday, December 12, at 7:00 PM. It's one of the largest nighttime Christmas

Nationwide, first-time homebuyers are having a rough year. The National Association of REALTORS® reports first-time buyers at 21% and a median age of 40. That is not because people stopped

Every year, housing policy debates unfold in Washington that directly affect the people I serve here in Shawnee and across Central Oklahoma. As a member of the National Association of REALTORS®

When the federal government shuts down, the headlines often highlight TSA delays or closed national parks. But the impact goes much deeper. The truth is that housing and real estate are directly

Every fall, Shawnee comes alive with community spirit: trunk-or-treats, pumpkin patches, hayrides, and fall festivals hosted by local churches, businesses, and non-profits. If you’re looking

When it comes to real estate, what happens on Wall Street eventually filters down to Shawnee. Mortgage rates, Federal Reserve policy, and national housing trends may feel far removed from your front

The big financial headline this week was the 10-year U.S. Treasury yield dipping briefly below 4% for the first time since April, before climbing back above that level by the end of the day.

If you’re like most homeowners, you’ve probably checked your Zestimate on Zillow, maybe more than once. Sometimes it’s surprisingly high, and other times it feels way off. Either

It may be hard to picture a cozy fire when August in Oklahoma feels like it could melt your flip-flops, but fireplaces are trending in a big way. Scroll through Instagram Reels or YouTube Shorts and

On July 25, The Journal Record highlighted the statewide challenges facing first-time buyers. It got me thinking about what’s happening here in Shawnee. The story touches on rising home,

Why I Spoke UpThis year’s OAR Advocacy Survey came at a pivotal moment. As someone who’s served in advocacy roles at the local, state, and national levels, I see both the cracks in our

On the evening of July 16, 2025, the U.S. Senate passed the VA Home Loan Reform Act (H.R. 1815) with unanimous support, a powerful step toward fairness in homeownership for our veterans. This

You know that “I’ll get to it” list that’s been quietly growing on your fridge? The scuffed paint, the carpet that’s seen better days, the oven that’s older than

SOLD in Multiple OffersThis Palm Springs-inspired home in the Rose Garden area of Shawnee's north side closed after a whirlwind of multiple offers. The successful buyers were first-time homeowners,

A Big Win for VA Buyers: What VA Home Loan Reform Means for ShawneeEvery once in a while, something we’ve been working on behind the scenes becomes headline news. Last month, it happened. On

If you've ever walked into a brand-new home and started mentally arranging furniture before reaching the kitchen, this event is for you.The 2025 Shawnee Showcase of Homes is happening May 17 from 10

Every spring in Oklahoma, the radar gets more screen time than Netflix, and suddenly that little voice in the back of your mind goes: “Should we finally get a storm shelter?” If that

Shawnee works—for business, for commuting, and for living well.With over 1.5 million people within a 50-mile radius, just 22 minutes to Tinker Air Force Base, and 24-hour regional airport

Thinking of moving to the OKC metro? Don’t overlook Shawnee.In fact, once you stack it up against places like Edmond, Yukon, Choctaw, or even parts of Oklahoma City, Shawnee just might be the

If you’ve ever typed “why use a REALTOR” into a search bar, you’re not alone. With so much real estate information available online, it’s easy to assume that you can

April is here, and with it comes property tax season. If you live in Oklahoma, this is the time to check your mailbox for a notice from the county assessor. If your property’s assessed value

Here’s what you should know before you start planning—or panicking.If you're keeping an eye on mortgage rates in 2025, you're definitely not alone. It's one of the most common questions'

You can almost hear the band playing Pomp and Circumstance already, can’t you? I sure can. I played trombone in my high school band, and we lived for this season... at least for the first 17

Attending the 2025 RPAC President’s Circle Conference last month in Orlando marked my third time at this incredible gathering, and somehow, each year tops the last. The content is never phoned

If you're thinking about selling your home, you expect your agent to market it to the widest audience possible. More buyers mean more competition, which usually means a higher selling price. That

When it comes to real estate in Oklahoma, there's a widespread belief that purchase offers are automatically confidential. Many agents and consumers assume that an offer’s terms—price,

The Rest of Us Are Still Clutching Our Coffee CupsAh, Daylight Saving Time! The biannual event that has us all questioning our life choices as we groggily fumble with our clocks. Earlier this week,

Solar panels are often sold as a no-brainer investment, promising lower energy bills, increased home value, and long-term savings. But is it really that simple? If you’re a homeowner in

If you’ve been following the housing market, you’ve probably seen the headlines—mortgage rates have fallen for the sixth straight week. That’s a big deal, especially after

If you bought a home recently, you might be missing out on a property tax break—but there’s still time to fix that! The deadline to file for homestead exemption in Oklahoma is Friday,

Why Oklahoma Homebuyers Should Demand a CLUE ReportFirst, I want to give credit to my valued colleague, Pat Vosburgh of NextHome Gulf to Bay in St. Petersburg, Florida, for inspiring me to explore

This Is a Game-Changer for My Clients!Buying a home is one of the biggest financial and emotional investments you'll make, and I believe you deserve a first-class experience from start to finish.

If you’re planning to sell your home, you might have already noticed that some agents seem to do just enough to get a property listed on the MLS—then they sit back and hope the market

Shawnee Real Estate Update: A New Year, A New Market – What Buyers & Sellers Need to KnowIf you’re stepping into the Shawnee real estate market in 2025, buckle up—it’s a

Selling a home is a major life event, and it’s easy to get overwhelmed. Whether you're upgrading, downsizing, or just exploring your options in the Shawnee area or the broader Oklahoma City

Since President Donald Trump took office on January 20, we’ve seen major shifts in federal policy, particularly around Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). Some of these changes have

Imagine walking into a courtroom without an attorney, trusting the opposing counsel to look out for your best interests. Sounds risky, right? Yet, that’s essentially what happens when buyers

Steve Reese, a 30-year veteran of the real estate industry, has been honored with the prestigious 2024 Oklahoma Realtors Life Member Award. Presented by the Oklahoma Association of Realtors (OAR),

Claiming your home on Zillow is a quick and easy process that can be quite beneficial. Here’s what you need to know and how to get it done.What Does It Mean to Claim Your Home on Zillow?When

The Importance of Choosing the Right AgentWhen you order an Uber, you don’t get to choose your driver. You simply hope they’re skilled, reliable, and will get you to your destination

The number of homes for sale is playing a big role in today’s housing market. And, if you’re considering whether or not to list your house, today’s limited supply is one of

If you’ve been keeping up with the news lately, you’ve probably come across some articles saying the number of foreclosures in today’s housing market is going up. And

Did you recently get a notice that your property taxes are increasing? As an experienced REALTOR® in Shawnee, Oklahoma, I can be your valuable resource in lowering your property tax bill. Modest

Have you been saving up to buy a home this year? If so, you know there are some expenses involved—from your down payment to closing costs. But did you also know your tax refund can help

If you’re holding out hope that the housing market is going to crash and bring home prices back down, here’s a look at what the data shows. And spoiler alert: that’s not in the.

No matter how you slice it, buying or selling a home is a big decision. And when you’re going through any change in your life and you need some guidance, what do you do? You

Wondering if it still makes sense to sell your house right now? The short answer is, yes. And if you look at the current number of homes for sale, you’ll see two reasons why. An article

If you’re planning to buy your first home, saving up for all the costs involved can feel daunting, especially when it comes to the down payment. That might be because you’ve heard

  Some Highlights If you’re looking to buy a home, it’s important to know how mortgage rates impact what you can afford and how much you’ll pay each month. ’

Over the past few months, experts have revised their 2024 home price forecasts based on the latest data and market signals, and they’re even more confident prices will rise, not fall. ,

There’s a lot of confusion in the market about what’s happening with day-to-day movement in mortgage rates right now, but here’s what you need to know: compared to the near 8% peak last fall,

Buying your first home is a big, exciting step and a major milestone that has the power to improve your life. As a first-time homebuyer, it's a dream you can make come true, but there are

If you're thinking of selling your house this spring, now is the perfect time to start getting it ready. With the market gearing up for its busiest time of year, it'll be

PENDING SALE 1528 N. Minnesota Ave • Shawnee, OK 74801 $148,000 • 3 Bedrooms • 1 Bath • 1,014 Sq Ft Welcome to your sunny sanctuary! A home in the heart of Midtown Shawnee, this enchanting-

Some Highlights If you’re trying to buy a home and having a hard time finding something in your budget, here’s something that can help: consider condos and townhomes. They may better

Today, we're exploring the differences between condo ownership and townhome ownership. Whether you're a first-time homebuyer or a seasoned investor, understanding these distinctions can

Based on what you’re hearing in the news about home prices, you may be worried they’re falling. But here’s the thing. The headlines aren’t giving you the full picture. If you

Chances are at some point in your life you’ve heard the phrase, home is where the heart is. There’s a reason that’s said so often. Becoming a homeowner is emotional. So, ifâ€

Homeownership is a major part of the American Dream. But, the path to achieving this dream can present challenges. While progress has been made to improve fair housing access, households

Are you feeling a bit unsure about what’s happening with mortgage rates? That might be because you’ve heard someone say they’re coming down. But then you read somewhere else that they’re up

Some Highlights In today's housing market, you can still come out on top if you have the right team and plan. To win when buying a home, you need to build your team, make

Are you on the fence about selling your house? While affordability is improving this year, it’s still tight. And that may be on your mind. However, understanding your home equity could

On the road to becoming a homeowner? If so, you may have heard the term pre-approval get tossed around. Let’s break down what it is and why it’s important if you’re looking to

Have you been thinking about selling your house? If so, here’s some good news. While the housing market isn't as heated as it was during the ‘unicorn’ years when houses sold quicker than

Finding the right home is one of the biggest challenges for potential buyers today. Right now, the supply of homes for sale is still low. But there is a bright spot. Newly

Some Highlights Headlines saying foreclosures are rising might make you feel uneasy. But the truth is, there’s no need to worry. If you look at the latest numbers, they’re

As you think about the year ahead, one of your big goals may be moving. But, how do you know when to make your move? While spring is usually the peak homebuying season, you don’t need to wait

Buying a home is a powerful decision, and it remains at the heart of the American Dream. Unlike renting, owning a home means more than just having a place to live – it offers a sense of belonging,

Some Highlights If you’re worried about what’s next for home prices, know the HPES shows experts are projecting they’ll continue to rise at least through 2028. Based on that

[video width="1080" height="1080" mp4="https://soldonshawnee.com/wp-content/uploads/shawnee-ok-real-estate-market-update-2023-year-end-animated.mp4"] The U.S. existing home market has witnessed a

As winter blankets Oklahoma, it's crucial to safeguard your home against freezing temperatures and potential plumbing issues. Here's a concise guide with practical tips tailored to our Southern

If you're trying to decide whether to rent or buy a home this year, here's a powerful insight that could give you the clarity and confidence you need to make your decision. Every three

If you’re getting ready to buy a home, it’s exciting to jump a few steps ahead and think about moving in and making it your own. But before you get too far down the emotional,

If you’ve owned your house for at least a couple of years, there’s something you’re going to want to know more about–and that’s home equity. If you’re not familiar with that term,

If you want to buy a home, it's important to know how mortgage rates impact what you can afford and how much you’ll pay each month. Fortunately, rates for 30-year fixed mortgages

Some Highlights Planning to buy a home in 2024? Here’s what to focus on. Improve your credit score, plan for your down payment, get pre-approved, and decide

Considering a home purchase? Let me guide you through a crucial step in the process that you don't want to overlook: pre-approval. Before you get lost in daydreams of your new living space or

If you're tossing around the idea of snagging your dream home, you're probably knee-deep in the real estate buzz. You know, soaking up info from all angles – news, social media, your go-to 

Updated for 2024! You probably know our go-to coffee shop is Starbucks. During the COVID-19 pandemic, they were unable to keep the cafe and patio open. That gave us the chance to spend time at the

Alright, homeowners, let's get down to business. Today, we're tackling a burning question: Why isn't your house getting the attention it deserves? Stick around, because I've got a few insights and a

If buying or selling a home is your goal for 2024, it’s important to understand today’s housing market, know your why, and work with industry experts to bring your homeownership vision

CONTRACT PENDING 3903 Pine Ridge Rd • Shawnee, OK 74804 $230,000 • 4 Bedrooms • 2½ Baths • 2 Living Areas • 2,416 Sq Ft Introducing your next home in the heart of Smoking Oaks! This

Some Highlights When it comes to selling your house, the expertise of a trusted local real estate agent can make a big difference. We’ll explain what’s happening today, what

If you’re planning to buy a home, knowing what to budget for and how to save may sound intimidating – but it doesn’t have to be. One way to ease those concerns is to make sure you

As the new year approaches, the idea of buying a home might be on your mind. It’s an exciting goal to set, and it's never too early to start laying the groundwork. One crucial step to

There’s no denying the long-term financial benefits of owning a home, but today’s housing market may have you wondering if now’s still the time to buy. While the financial

      Some Highlights As you get ready to sell your house, there are a few things you should add to your to-do list to make it inviting and boost curb appeal. To name

If you're thinking about selling your house on your own, called “For Sale by Ownerâ€� or FSBO, there are some important things to consider. Going this route means taking on a lot of

Hey there amazing friends and neighbors! As we wrap up 2023, I wanted to take a moment to reflect on the incredible journey we've had together. Life is full of twists and turns, highs and lows,

When you read about the housing market, you’ll probably come across some information about inflation or recent decisions made by the Federal Reserve (the Fed). But how do those two

If you’re thinking about buying or selling a home soon, you probably want to know what you can expect from the housing market in 2024. In 2023, higher mortgage rates,

If you were worried buyer demand disappeared when mortgage rates went up, the data shows there are plenty of interested buyers still out there. The housing market isn't

Some Highlights If you want to buy a home, you may not need as much for your down payment as you think. There are various loan options for qualified buyers with down payments as

Has your house been sitting on the market a while without selling? If so, you should know that’s pretty unusual, even right now. That’s because the supply of homes available

If you’re looking to buy a home, your down payment doesn’t have to be a big hurdle. According to the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR), 38% of first-time homebuyers

There’s no denying mortgage rates and home prices are higher now than they were last year and that’s impacting what you can afford. At the same time, there are still

Some Highlights Here are the key milestones you’ll encounter on your path to homeownership.  From building your team, to house hunting, all the way to moving into your newâ

If you’ve recently decided you’re ready to become a homeowner, chances are you’re trying to figure out what to do first. It can feel a bit overwhelming to know where to start, but the

Let's delve into the world of selecting the perfect real estate agent. Whether you're a seasoned homeowner or stepping into the real estate realm for the first time, these tips are your compass for

Even with so much data showing home prices are actually rising in most of the country, there are still a lot of people who worry there will be another price crash in the immediate

Hello, savvy readers! Steve Reese here, your friendly REALTOR® from the heart of Shawnee, Oklahoma. I've got some encouraging news that's sure to add a sprinkle of holiday magic to your homebuying

When it comes to what’s happening in the housing market, there’s a lot of confusion going around right now. You may hear one thing in conversation with your friends, see something totally

Countless people have set out on the exciting journey of homeownership. Ask around and you’ll find the vast majority are thankful they took the leap and bought a home. But why? It’s because

This time every year, homeowners who are planning to move have a decision to make: sell now or wait until after the holidays? Some sellers with homes already on the market may even remove their

Some Highlights Thinking of buying or selling a house and wondering what the new year holds for the housing market? Experts forecast home prices to end

If you're thinking about buying or selling a home, you might have heard that it’s tough right now because mortgage rates are higher than they’ve been over the past

The New Year is right around the corner, and you might be wondering if 2024 will be the right time to buy or sell a home. If you want to make the most informed decision possible, it’s

Life is a journey filled with unexpected twists and turns, like the excitement of welcoming a new addition, retiring and starting a new adventure, or the bittersweet feeling of an empty nest. If

Some Highlights VA home loans can help people who served our country become homeowners. These loans can help qualified individuals purchase a VA-approved home or

For more than 79 years, Veterans Affairs (VA) home loans have helped millions of veterans buy their own homes. If you or someone you care about has served in the military, it's essential

Are you dreaming of buying your own home and wondering about how you’ll save for a downpayment? You're not alone. Some people think about tapping into their 401(k) savings to make

If you’re weighing your options to decide whether it makes more sense to rent or buy a home today, here’s one key data point that could help you feel more confident in making your

Halloween's come and gone, Bedlam is behind us (sorry, Sooners), and now some folks (maybe even you) might be rushing right into Christmas mode. But hold your mistletoe, because there's still plenty

According to the latest data from Fannie Mae, 23% of Americans still think home prices will go down over the next twelve months. But why do roughly 1 in 4 people feel that way? It

Do negative headlines and talk on social media have you feeling worried about the housing market? Maybe you’ve even seen or heard something lately that scares you and makes you wonder if you

Are you in search of a place to call home that offers a convenient, accessible location in Oklahoma? You've found it in Shawnee, OK! Nestled in the heart of the Sooner State, Shawnee combines the

SOLD 108 Lake Shore Dr • Shawnee, OK 74804 $470,000 $474,000 • 3 Bedrooms • 2.1 Baths • 3+ Living Areas • 3,163 Sq Ft Enveloped in the exclusive Stafford Lake Estates addition, this

The idea of owning a home has always been a big part of the American Dream. It's a symbol of stability, independence, and having a place to truly call your own. But for Gen Z, the "Zoomers" born

Are you wondering if it makes sense to buy a home right now? While today’s mortgage rates might seem a bit intimidating, here are two compelling reasons why it still may be a

When it comes to selling your house, you’re probably trying to juggle the current market conditions and your own needs as you plan your move. One thing that may be working in your

If you're considering selling your house right now, it's likely because something in your life has changed. And while things like mortgage rates play a big role in your decision, you donâ€

Are you thinking about selling your house as a For Sale by Owner (FSBO)? If so, I think it's important that you know there's so much more time and expertise needed in that process than you might

We're excited to tell you about all the fantastic fall festivals and Halloween activities happening right here in Shawnee, Oklahoma and beyond. Whether you're new to the area or a long-time,

Some Highlights When deciding between buying a home or renting, think about these three important factors. Buying a home means avoiding rising rents, owning a

Take a moment to imagine where you want to be in a few years. You might be thinking about your job, money, wanting more stability, or goals you want to reach soon. Is homeownership a part of

During the pandemic, many people distanced themselves from their loved ones for health reasons. Grandparents were told to stay away from their grandkids, especially as schools started to

Selling your house is a big decision. And that can make it feel both exciting and a little unnerving. But the key to a successful sale is finding the perfect listing agent to work with you

If you're trying to decide whether to rent or buy a home, consider these three things: If you're ready to take advantage of the benefits of homeownership, let's connect to explore your options.

If your listing expired and your house didn’t sell, you’re likely feeling a little frustrated. Not to mention, you're also probably wondering what went wrong. Here are three questions to

Across the country there's chatter about retracting number of buyers because of low housing inventory for sale combined with recent rises in interest rates.  Locally the opposite is true. The

Reaching retirement is a significant milestone in life, bringing with it a lot of change and new opportunities. As the door to this exciting chapter opens, one thing you may be considering is 

Discover the unparalleled benefits of partnering with a local REALTOR® in this must-watch video! Join me as we delve into the advantages of working with a real estate expert deeply ingrained in the

A topic that's crucial for a successful home sale is avoiding the pitfalls of overpricing your home. In this video, I talk about the five dangers you can face if you price your listing above what

Are you considering buying a new home and wondering whether you should work with a REALTOR® or just go directly to the on-site sales representative? As a local REALTOR® in Shawnee, Oklahoma, I'm

You can save money on your property taxes beginning this year by filing for homestead exemption!What is homestead exemption?The Oklahoma Homestead Law protects your primary residence from forced

In a crowded—or not-so-crowded—real estate market, it's important for home sellers to make your home listing stand out from your competition to attract potential buyers.In real estate,'

UPDATED March 30, 2022 In 2014, Shawnee closed two of its public storm shelters in City Hall and Fire Station #3 on MacArthur. This brings us to wonder sometimes what to do if we're caught in a

The school calendars and supply lists continue to be one of the most popular posts, so below is the 2022-2023 academic year calendar for your reference and to stick on your fridge! [maxbutton id="

MARK YOUR CALENDAR FOR SPRING CLEAN-UP! The City of Shawnee will host a Spring Clean-Up Day on April 16, 2022 from 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM for residential utility (water and sanitation) customers. Roll

The school calendars and supply lists continue to be one of the most popular posts, so below is the 2021-2022 academic year calendar (rev. 03/01/21) for your reference and to stick on your!

View the 2020-2021 calendar here! Students of Shawnee Public Schools start school Tuesday, August 20, 2019. It'll be here before you know it! Click image to download PDF and print for your!

Moving in to a new town or neighborhood has the potential to be a little scary. Being that “new kid on the block� can be uncomfortable and a little daunting. As an established neighbor, meeting

South Central Industries is an organization that's doing some great things for the Shawnee community. They're not only a major local employer, but they also employ a number of individuals with

Last week Mary K Rolette invited me to speak in a panel discussion for her Family and Consumer Sciences class last week about the adoption option. I enjoyed getting to talk to these high school

Sharon and I are customers of Richard's Drug and were won over by their service. As owner Jamie Barrick would say, "We're better than an app!" We had been customers of a national chain primarily

Wade and Tammy Sinor are the owners of Sadie J's Popcorn, a terrific boutique popcorn, candy and gift store on North Harrison in Shawnee. Look what I found in their shop! We appreciate their

Someone I think you need to know is Matt Johnson, the principal at Shawnee High School. This week he hosted Coffee with the Principal in the school library where he laid out some plans, gave

Get ready to fall in love, y'all. This girl Zoe Loeser is a bundle of energy and love for everything around her. (Before I forget: Loeser rhymes with closure. You're welcome!) She's sincere,,

Y'all, on this Martin Luther King Jr. Day, I'm especially mindful of treating people better. Lately we've seen some very ugly examples of how NOT to do it. 2018 marks the 50th anniversary of the

I'm celebrating local businesses and community partners and the amazing people behind them who are making Shawnee, Oklahoma such a terrific place to live and work. Surely you've noticed the

Recently, faculty and staff of Shawnee Public Schools voted on two options for the 2018-19 academic calendar. The top choice among personnel who voted was approved by the school board at last night

I'm celebrating local businesses and community partners and the amazing people behind them who are making Shawnee, Oklahoma such a terrific place to live and work. Surely you've noticed the

OPEN HOUSE Sunday Nov 12 • 2:00-4:00 PM 115 E Cammack • Shawnee, OK 74804 $84,900 • 3 Bedrooms • 1.1 Baths • 1,517 Sqft See yourself relaxing in the serenity of Shawnee’s lush Broadway

If you haven't driven past Fire Station No. 2 on Bryan and Independence in the past week, you might wonder what happened. The fire station is undergoing mold remediation due to a longtime problem of

Whether it's summertime and we're taking advantage of cooler temps walking for exercise and a little endorphin boost or getting in some extra steps in the early evenings when the days are shorter,

You may be wondering “What is an appraisal anyway and when does it occur?� If you are, you aren’t alone. Those are common questions. The rest of the process including the appraisal,