KIMMI IS YOUR OKLAHOMA CITY REALTOR®
As a Realtor-Associate® at Chinowth & Cohen Realtors® I am devoted to helping you find your dream home while making the process as easy as possible.
Kimmi Houston
REALTOR-ASSOCIATE®
Kimmi Houston, an Oklahoma native, is a super-charged agent dedicated to her clientele. “As a real estate professional, I approach every day with boundless energy and a zest for life. My commitment to helping clients achieve their dreams drives me to go above and beyond. I believe in embracing every opportunity, whether it’s exploring new neighborhoods or finding creative solutions for my clients, I bring the same spirit to my work.”
With a background in new construction, design, and staging, Kimmi Houston is uniquely positioned to guide clients through the exciting process of designing and constructing new homes. “From blueprints to finishing touches, I’m there every step of the way.” Her eye for design ensures that homes shine in their best light, leading to faster sales and higher prices.
This energetic agent has served the Oklahoma City Metro area since 2003. She is committed to excellence, keeps abreast of the many exciting changes that are happening in the community, and understands that “housing is the strength of our nation.” As a relocation advocate, Kimmi knows that moving can be daunting, she eases the transition for families and individuals. Connecting newcomers with local resources or finding the perfect neighborhood, she is dedicated to making her customer’s moves seamless.
I HAVE 100% CONFIDENCE IN HER
I know nothing about buying and selling a house. It was my good fortune to meet Kimmi Houston, who guided me ethically, honestly, and pleasantly. I have 100% confidence in her. Through the process I not only bought and sold a house (quickly), I gained a friend.
—Elizabeth (Eby) G.
I TRULY FELT SHE ABSOLUTELY BEST REPRESENTED MY INTERESETS
I had the privilege of using Kimmi Houston as my realtor of choice in recently selling my property. Her professional savvy and expertise made the entire journey from start to finish a breeze. Kimmi explained the entire process - and the house was only on the market for seven days! What she was able to negotiate for me was above and beyond my expectations. Her untiring interaction with all the inspectors and contractors really highlighted her realtor experience and passion. I truly felt she absolutely best represented my interests during this entire process. I highly recommend her to handle all your realty needs. You will truly appreciate her total commitment to satisfy you as a seller.
—Kathy K.
TESTIMONIALS “ “
YOU MADE OUR MOVE TO OKLAHOMA SO SMOOTH
Kimmi, Thank you for the bottom of our hearts! You made our move to Oklahoma so smooth and we could have never done it without you! You are so fun and really made our whole experience go much easier!
—The Partridge Family
WE WOULD NOT HESITATE TO RECOMMEND HER
Kimmi is very professional and worked very hard to find us a home that met all our needs and wishes. She did a very good job in negotiating our contract. We would not hesitate to recommend her.
—Steven & Patty
SHE MADE BUYING OUR 1ST HOME A BREEZE
Kimmi Houston was and is amazing! She made buying our 1st home a breeze! We love her so much! I would recommend her to everyone and anyone that’s going to buy a home!
—Erica & Tony
VERY PROFESSIONAL AND HARD WORKING
Kimmi is very attentive, personable, and lovely to work with! Very professional and hard working!
—Annette L.
MEET MY TEAM
BECKY ZARECKI, BROKER
Becky is passionate about helping others achieve their goals in real estate with support, education, coaching & training! She loves introducing others to the “people business” of real estate and becoming their biggest cheerleader and fan! With over 30 years in real estate and property management, Becky has continued to thrive and grow in this ever changing industry and embraces each change and challenge with the best attitude! Others around her can feel her excitement and feed off her energy! Becky also continues to help her friends, family and referrals find their perfect home and sell their homes with ease and confidence that she is knows the market and trends in the real estate industry. Becky holds credentials of Graduate Realtor® Institute (GRI), Certified Residential Specialist (CRS).
KACIE POSTON, SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR
Kacie was born and raised in Edmond, OK. She attended the University of Oklahoma, where she graduated from in 2018, with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing and Entrepreneurship. Kacie has a 3-year-old son named Cooper. She enjoys spending time with her family and traveling to the lake and beach. She has previous experience as the Marketing Director for the Chick-fil-A’s of Edmond and as a Social Media Coordinator for a local feed & seed store. With over 4 years of experience in Marketing, she has a variety of marketing/social media experience. She has always had a passion for real estate and enjoys working at her dream job.
JANA THOMASON, GRAPHIC DESIGNER
Jana was born and raised in the Oklahoma City/Edmond area, where she has racked up over 26 years of graphic design experience and a BA Degree in Graphic Design from the University of Central Oklahoma. Jana has over 16 years of experience in the horse industry, producing two monthly horse magazines. While working for the National Reining Horse Association, Jana co-developed brand standard guidelines for the Association to follow and created all the departmental advertising and event materials.
Jana enjoys working in the real estate industry. When she's not working she is very involved with her three beautiful grandkids, a few dogs, and a couple of cats. And she loves to go to her lake house whenever possible.
JOSIE GERDES, GRAPHIC DESIGNER
Josie was born and raised in Muskogee, OK and recently moved to Oklahoma City after attending the University of Oklahoma. She holds a BA Degree in Visual Communications and a minor in Native American Studies after graduating in 2023. She has previously worked as an editorial designer for the OU Daily and a branding designer for an Indigenous architecture company. With this experience, she is ecstatic to be working in an environment that requires her to use her skills daily. In her free time, Josie enjoys yoga, daily walks, and spending time with family and friends.
OUR PROVEN MARKETING SYSTEM
AWARD-WINNING SOCIAL MEDIA MARKETING
We leverage the power of our significant social network when marketing your new listing. Using blog posts, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter, we place your home in front of a wide audience of potential buyers.
Targeted Social Media posts allow us to laser focus ads to possible buyers based on dozens of behavioral, geographic, and demographic matrix. We use your property location, price, and unique characteristics to showcase your home to Facebook users who most closely match your ideal buyer.
THE POWER OF PHOTOGRAPHY & VIDEO
As your real estate agent, part of the value of my services is my ability to create and implement a successful marketing plan. These days, standard real estate marketing strategies incorporate digital marketing materials. Featuring virtual tours on your site is an elegant way to signal to clients that you’re aware of cutting-edge technological solutions and that your services include a versatile marketing toolkit. They’ll be impressed by your property listings and your marketing savvy.
PHOTO/VIRTUAL TOURS
Our professional video tours establish the sense of ownership that is crucial to nudging clients towards finalizing the real thing. Virtual tours allow clients to tour the property on their own time and at their own pace, giving them a sense of personal connection. You can enhance this sense of connection by adding virtual tours to a suite of other interactive features. The more time and energy they invest, the more likely they’ll feel committed to reaching out to you with an inquiry.
MATTERPORT 3D TOURS
Our highly trained Videographers will give your property a true 3-D experience! Our brains are hardwired to think visually, constantly calculating distances and depths. Videos are flat and tours with just 360 o photos don’t offer that unique Matterport Dollhouse View. Plus Matterport makes it easy to capture large properties with automatic alignment. Only Matterport offers the easiest to create and most immersive experience for marketing Real Estate. It’s the closest you can get to actually being there.
DRONE FOOTAGE
If there is one universal truth about home buyers, it’s that they are terrible at visualizing space. Is your property unique? Palacial? An acrege with natural beauty? Our drone footage will show it all! Most listing photography does little to help. For example, say your listing has a huge 3 acre backyard, but 75% of it is obscured by trees. The photo on your listing makes it look tiny. With a drone video, you can capture the entire yard in one video and show buyers just how big a space it really is.
OUR PROVEN HOME SELLING PROCESS
Pre Listing
• Schedule Appointment
• Review Pre-Listing Materials
• Meet with Your Elite Agent
• Discuss Key Selling Points of Home
• Select Home Selling Program
• Determine Fair Market Listing Value
• Sign Listing Paperwork
• Pre-Listing Home Inspection
• Repair, Declutter and Clean According to Recommendations
• Complete Seller’s Real Property Disclosure Statement
• Professional Photography
• Install For Sale Sign with Text Code (where possible)
• Launch Marketing Preparation
• Design Flyers
• Chinowth & Cohen Website
• Complete MLS Data Entry
• Post as Coming Soon on Chinowth & Cohen Website
• Coming Soon Marketing on: - Facebook - Zillow - Twitter - Realtor.com
Contract to Close
• Receive Offers
• Review Offers Together
• Negotiate Offers
• Accept Offer and Begin Title Process
• Possibly Negotiate Back-up Offer
• Home Inspection
• Survey, Termite Inspection, HOA Doc Review
• Clear Title Contingencies
• Schedule Signing Closing Docs
• Remove Personal Items from Home
• Close Sale And Hand Over Keys
Active Listing
• Activate on MLS
• Broker’s Open
• Office Preview
• Open House
• PPC and Facebook Campaigns
• Private Showings
• Strategy Discussions Based on Feedback
• Video Marketing on YouTube
• Weekly Feedback
If your Chinowth & Cohen Agent has exceeded your expectations, then we’d love for you to refer us to your friends and family!
HOME PREPChecklist
GENERAL
• Vacuum, sweep, mop all floors
• Dust blinds & baseboards
• Clean windows inside & out
• Clean countertops
• Turn TVs & Computer Screens off
• Remove personal items & photos
• Remove all visible clutter
• Open shades/blinds
• Replace burned out lightbulbs
• Empty waste baskets
• Remove newspapers and/or mail
• Display attractive books
• Turn on lamps & overhead lights
EXTERIOR
• Remove cars from driveway
• Close garage
• Sweep walkways
• Pick up leaves, sticks, and branches
• Put toys/bicycles away
• Store seasonal decor
• Put away garden tools
• Remove all hoses
• Straighten/arrange outdoor furniture
• Clean pool area
• Remove trash cans from sight
• Clean up landscaping
• Mow and remove weeds
KITCHEN & DINING
• Store Food in cabinets
• Declutter countertops/stove area
• Stow away small appliances
• Hide soaps/cleaning supplies
• Hide dish towels & sponges
• Clear sink of dishes
• Organize/minimize items on open shelves
• Straighten/push in dining chairs
• Leave tabletop clutter free
LIVING ROOM
• Remove stacks of magazines, papers, and mail
• De-clutter fireplace mantle
LIVING ROOM (cont'd)
• Clean interior of fireplace
• Fluff and arrange pillows
• Remove all kids toys
BEDROOMS
• Make all beds
• Arrange decorative pillows
• Put away clothing and shoes
• Clean under the bed
• Clear surfaces of clutter
• Remove all dirty laundry
• Clear nightstands of personal items
• Store away phone chargers
• Remove personalized names/ items from walls
• Remove stickers/posters from walls
• Remove diaper genies
BATHROOMS
• Hang fresh towels
• Clear countertops of all toiletries
• Clean mirrors
• Clean toilet and close lid
• Remove all items from tub & shower
PETS
• Place food and water bowls in garage or pantry
• Place pet beds/toys in garage or closet
• Remove pet hair from furniture and blankets
• Contain pets in hidden crate or take them with you
• Clear backyard of pet waste/toys
LAUNDRY/CLOSETS
• No dirty laundry
• All jackets, bags, umbrellas put away
• No smelly shoes
• Remove all clutter
12 Ways to
IMPROVE CURB APPEAL
The quickest way to attract potential buyers is through a welcoming first impression, also known as curb appeal. Based on the home’s exterior appearance, buyers decide to stop and look inside or keep driving. Here are some practical ways to improve curb appeal without breaking the bank.
REFRESH THE FRONT DOOR
Start with a fresh coat of paint. Select either a classic like black or charcoal or pick a bold energizing hue like bright red or yellow. Pay attention to the knocker, handles, and peephole and update any outdated door hardware.
UPGRADE PORCH LIGHTING FEATURES
The right light fixtures can change the look and feel of your entryway, even during the day. Exterior lights may be worth a little extra investment since they take a lot of abuse from the outdoor elements. Most of the time, it can be easy to replace a fixture on your own. Turn off the electricity, remove the old fixture, wire up the new one, and screw it to the wall.
UPDATE HOUSE NUMBERS
A quick, inexpensive fix is to swap out junky old street numbers with a fresh and modern upgrade. It is usually one of the first things buyers see when searching for your address which shows that you pay attention to detail.
BUY A NEW DOORMAT
A new doormat will make guests feel more welcome. While this might not seem like a huge change, this, coupled with other suggestions on this list, will help create an inviting entryway.
Throw out any furniture that is old or in need of repair. If you want to salvage the furniture, try adding a quick coat of spray paint to freshen it up. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
ADD POTTED PLANTS OR FLOWERS TO THE ENTRYWAY
Show buyers a house that is lived-in and well cared for by adding potted plants or flowers to your entryway, stoop, or porch. Plants can breathe some life into the space and quickly adds curb appeal.
A GOOD POWER WASH
You might not realize how dirty your exterior is until you give it a good power wash. Be sure to spray down your whole exterior, driveway, and sidewalk.
LIGHT UP THE FRONT PATH
Tuck solar-powered spotlights into garden beds and aim them along the walkway to create a warm and inviting path to your front door.
REPLACE THE MAILBOX
If your mailbox is in front of your house, this is a quick fix to help improve curb appeal. You might not have to replace the whole thing, sometimes just the box itself instead of the entire post. But if it looks like it’s going to topple over, consider replacing or upgrading the mailbox.
POLISH UP THE GARAGE DOOR
Garage doors often lack the detail or depth that the rest of the house offers, yet it usually dominates what you see from the street. Consider a quick fix that adds some interest like handles, hasps, and faux window panels, which can be temporary or magnetic. Garage doors are paintable, and shifting away from basic colors can have a considerable impact. Paint the garage to match your siding or opt for the same contrasting shade as your front door.
FRESHEN UP OUTDOOR FURNITURE
TREE TRIMMING AND SPOTLIGHTS
Trim away trees and any overgrown shrubs that block windows. This will help more natural light filter into the interior, which is always appealing. Consider adding a spotlight to trees in the front yard. Angle the spotlight toward the canopy of the tree to add depth.
ADD FRESH MULCH
Mulch doesn’t just enhance the overall aesthetic of the yard; it also helps prevent the spread of weeds and helps keep the soil moist. Add about two inches of fresh mulch onto your flower beds to not only add curb appeal but provide vital organic fertilizer for your plants.
STAGING FOR SHOW
Checklist
EXTERIOR
• Clean around service areas/trash cans
• Haul away rubbish
• Straighten woodpile
• Repair leaky faucets
• Clean up pet droppings
• Paint or varnish doors
• Polish door hardware
• Make sure doorbell/knocker works
• Paint or replace street numbers on house
• Make sure septic tank is odor free
• Clean oil stains from driveway/street
• Patch/reseal driveway if necessary REPLACE, REPAIR, AND/OR PAINT ANY DAMAGES:
• Plaster
• Wood siding
• Trim
• Rain gutters
• Shutters
• Doors
• Window frames
• Glazing
• Screens
• Hardware
• Fences/gates
• Outdoor lighting LANDSCAPING
• Mow/edge lawn regularly
• Aerate/feed lawn
• Overseed bare spots in lawn
• Water lawn regularly
• Remove/replace dead plants
• Prune overgrown/diseased/ damaged shrubs
• Prune or remove shrubs/trees blocking view from windows (unless view is undesirable)
• Stake up any sagging trees/shrubs
• Keep flower beds free of weeds
• Trim around base of trees/walls/fences REPAIR OR REMOVE ANY BROKEN OR DAMAGED LANDSCAPE ACCESSORIES SUCH AS:
• Fences
• Walls Gazebos
• Fountains
• Trellises
• Planters
• Replace any broken stepping stones
• Adjust any sprinkler system; repair any broken/leaky heads
• Install fences or shrubs to hide any
• unsightly views CLEAN/WASH
• Siding
• Windows
• Screen
• Outdoor BBQ
• AC unit
• Pool/Spa PUT LIGHT BULBS IN:
• Porch Lights
• Carport
• Garage CLOSETS
• Keep closets clean and free of clutter
• Throw out or pack away non-essentials
• Adjust/repair sliding doors
• Lubricate sliding door hardware
• Paint, if needed ALL ROOMS, Clean especially around:
• Doors
• Windows
• Light switches
• Baseboards
• Chair rails
• Wash lace curtains and have draperies cleaned if necessary
• Remove or pull back dark curtains
• Lubricate window slides (soap for wood silicon or a candle stump for metal)
• Make sure doors open smoothly
• Clean ceiling light fixtures
• Check for cobwebs in all corners
• Fix any scratches in wooden floors
• Replace worn/broken flooring
• Remove or replace worn carpet
• Use area rugs where needed
• Empty wastebaskets
• Make the beds
• Fluff the pillows KITCHEN
• Keep dishes and food out of sight
• Clean appliances
• Clean range hood, including light bulbs
• Clean behind appliances
• Keep floor clean
• Clean light fixture
• Make sure all electrical outlets work
• Eliminate cooking odors
• Deodorize garbage disposal, dishwasher, and refrigerator
• Repair faucets
• Put fresh shelf paper in cabinets
• Organize cupboards
BATHROOMS, Keep them spotlessly clean:
• Shine mirrors
• Keep wastebaskets empty and clean
• Clean out cabinets and remove non-essentials
• Keep fresh, clean towels on towel racks
• Clean shower door – if sliding door, keep track well lubricated
• Remove soap residue, mildew and mold from sink/tub/shower
• Remove stains from porcelain sink tub toilet
• Replace torn/moldy shower curtain
• Clean tile grout
• Make sure toilet flushes properly –replace mechanism if necessary
• Clean exhaust fan/heater – replace if broken or noisy
GARAGE/CARPORT/SHED
• Install 100-watt light bulb
• Keep area clean/uncluttered
• Hang up/put away tools
• Clear away any cobwebs
• Remove oil/paint stains from floor
• Adjust tension rod to eliminate sag from overhead garage door
• Lubricate/adjust/repair garage door opener
• Paint if needed
LAUNDRY AREA
• Clean out area behind washer/dryer
• Eliminate any mildew odors
BASEMENT
• Eliminate any signs of dampness
• Check for and eliminate cracks
HEATING/AIR
CONDITIONING UNIT
• Vacuum
• Replace filter
• Clean intake vent
• Remove any stored items
What happens from CONTRACT TO CLOS ING Begins
Here...
Contract is signed upon reaching an agreement.
The contract and the earnest money deposit is delivered to the title insurance company, and the preliminary report is ordered.
An application for a loan is submitted to the lender or mortgage broker.
Title Commitment is issued to lender and Real Estate Professional.
Buyer’s Loan is approved.
Closing date is scheduled by the parties involved.
THE CLOSING: Escrow instruction and loan documents are signed by buyer with assistance of the escrow officer. Seller signs over deed to buyer.
The deed is recorded transferring ownership of the property. Escrow file is closed with final account and settlement statement delivered to all parties. The process is complete. 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1
Loan documents and instructions are delivered to the title insurance company.
The lender transfers the funds to the escrow account.
10 QUESTIONS ABOUT HOME INSPECTIONS
01 What is a home inspection, and do I really need one?
A home inspection is an objective visual examination of the physical structure and systems of a house, from the roof to the foundation. If you are planning to sell your home, a home inspection can give you the opportunity to make repairs that will put the house in better selling condition.
02 What does a home inspection include?
The standard home inspector’s report will cover the condition of the home’s heating system; central air conditioning system (temperature permitting); interior plumbing and electrical systems; the roof, attic and visible insulation; walls, ceilings, floors, windows and doors; the foundation, basement and structural components.
03 What will it cost?
The inspection fee for a typical one-family house varies geographically, as does the cost of housing. Similarly, within a given area, the inspection fee may vary depending on a number of factors.
04 Why can’t I do it myself?
An inspector is familiar with the elements of home construction, proper installation, maintenance and home safety. He or she knows how the home’s systems and components are intended to function, as well as why they fail.
05 Can a house fail a home inspection? No. A professional home inspection is an examination of thecurrent condition of a house. It is not an appraisal, which determines market value. It is not a municipal inspection, which verifies local code compliance. A home inspector, therefore, will not pass or fail a house.
06 How do I find a home inspector?
You can ask friends or business acquaintances to recommend a home inspector they have used. Or, you can search for a list of home inspectors in your area who belong to a non-profit home inspectors’ professional organization.
07 When do I call a home inspector?
Typically, a home inspector is contacted immediately after the contract or purchase agreement has been signed. Before you sign, be sure there is an inspection clause in the sales contract, making your final purchase obligation contingent on the findings of a professional home inspection. This clause should specify the terms and conditions to which both the buyer and seller are obligated.
08 Do I have to be there?
While it’s not required that you be present for the inspection, it is highly recommended. You will be able to observe the inspector and ask questions as you learn about the condition of the home and how to maintain it.
09 What if the report reveals problems?
No house is perfect. If the inspector identifies problems, it doesn’t mean you should or shouldn’t buy the house, only that you will know in advance what to expect. If your budget is tight, or if you don’t want to become involved in future repair work, this information will be important to you.
10 If the house proves to be in good condition, did I really need an inspection?
Definitely. Now you can complete your home purchase with confidence. You’ll have learned many things about your new home from the inspector’s written report and will have that information for future reference.
Thank you for trusting me to sell your home!