October 2022 Magazine

Doing real estate the right way

Above: At the EVX Awards Dinner, from left, Russ Rupp, Brenda Pitts, Lisa Hashemi, Amber Graham, Valerie Traynor, Joy Baresel, Priscilla Forehand, Jenni Duncan, Sara Knudsen, Charli Bullard, Britta Thrift, Janet Helms, Matthew Vaughan

At right: Owner/CEO Joy Baresel. The company is the face of luxury real estate around the world.

To learn more, scan the QR Code below.

The material and information contained in this article is for general information purposes only. You should not rely upon the material or information as a basis for making any business, legal or other decisions.

EEngel & Völkers Owner/CEO Joy Baresel has opened the doors to a whole new way to sell real estate.

Engel & Völkers’ advisors are smaller in number than the average agency, but they are producing much more in volume.

A Fine Arts major, Joy said she was a stay‐at‐home mom when she decided to flip a house in 2014.

“It was kind of like baptism by fire,” Joy said as she dove in.

She said she learned the systems involved in the process and would go on to flip a house a year.

“People started asking me to sell their houses,” Joy said. “I love houses and I want to help people.”

In 2015 she earned her real estate license.

“I also got pregnant so I would bring my baby along,” Joy said.

As her production doubled over the next few years, she said she began building a team and a brokerage.

“It’s really a smart way to give people good service,” she said.

Engel & Völkers then chose her and she opened the first of three franchises in 2019. Engel & Völkers was founded in 1977 in Germany.

Joy said she loves to travel and she loves luxury so it was a perfect fit.

For videos, scan QR Code at left.

Real estate advisors give back to the community

The Engel & Völkers team is committed to giv‐ing to the community by volunteering and raising funds for several non‐profits.

Focus on Home is very near‐and‐dear to the advisors’ hearts, Owner/CEO Joy Baresel said. The nonprofit works closely with partnering agencies to identify clients working to achieve self‐sufficiency but who need help obtaining basic necessi‐ties, such as furniture and dishes, to create a suit‐

Eable home for themselves and their families.

“I just love it,” Joy said. The organization takes donations and during quarterly events, furnish‐es houses. In one after‐noon, volunteers com‐pletely finish a house, down to putting pictures on the wall, she said.

On Oct. 15, Engel & Völkers agencies around the world come together for physical activities to raise money for Special Olympics. Joy said her company is planning a spin cycle event.

ENGEL & VÖLKERS

“The franchise is so incredible,” she said. “It is the face of luxury around the world.”

From Page 3

With 38 advisors and shops in Oklahoma City and Edmond, Engel & Völkers is outpacing companies with twice the number of real estate agents. In the last year, the franchise has represented $160 Million dollars in total property sales. They are now in the Top 20 for the resale of residential property.

For instance, Advisor Britta Thrift more than doubled her production from $1.5 million to $8 million in her second year. This year, she is projected to sell $17 million. That’s an example of the quality of advisors who are a part of Joy’s team. They show up and do their very best every day — and therefore, are successful. Engel & Völkers is committed to continued growth, Joy said, with another shop opening soon in Norman.

The Engel & Völkers team volunteering at the Focus on Home event. From left: Dominic Weber, Andria Johnson, Tim Combes, Matthew Vaughan, Priscilla Forehand, Valerie Traynor, Britta Thrift, Megan McClung and Dave Heaton.

Joy’s team: Joy Baresel, Valerie Traynor and Amber Graham.

The material and information contained in this article is for general information purposes only. You should not rely upon the material or information as a basis for making any business, legal or other decisions.

The housing market: You’re doing fine OKLAHOMA!

By David Hathaway Engel & Volkers Director, Growth Strategy

According to a recent article pub‐lished by Inman on 9/21/22, Fannie Mae currently projects the nation‐wide market to fall by 17.2%. This leaves many Oklahomans wonder‐ing how that will affect our market.

While Oklahoma did not experi‐ence the staggering market changes of warm weather markets like Florida and Arizona during the Covid Era housing market, we did see a jump. According to the Oklahoma MLS, there have been $6.6B in real estate change hands thus far in 2022.

By comparison, Oklahomans transferred a record $5.6B in prop‐erty in 2019. Near zero benchmark rates set by the Federal Reserve sent mortgage rates to lows not seen but maybe once in a lifetime causing sales to reach a new record of $8.3B in 2021.

So what does that mean for Oklahoma in 2022 and 2023. According to 10 years of MLS his‐

torical data by month Oklahoma traditionally closes between 22.1‐23.6% of its total year transactions between October and December. This historical measure would lead us to believe that Oklahoma could still end the year as high as $8.6B in total sales. This said, we will likely end up somewhere in the 7s, below $8B.

But given the whirlwind these past few years have been there’s still no way to know for sure. What we do know for sure is incredible properties are for sale and still changing hands and will throughout the remainder of the year. While we may not hit that new record, we will surpass the 2019 record and even out run the $6.8B that changed hands in 2020.

Even if we hypothetically removed 17.2% of total volume from the prior two years, results still perform flat to up against prior years. Oklahoma appears to be in good shape as we finish off the 2022 year and if there is one thing we know, it’s that Oklahomans are resilient and likely to bounce back

stronger as we move into 2023.

Specializing in historic and luxury properties, Joy Baresel expertly con‑ nects home sellers and home buyers to dream properties. Keeping her customers her top priority has allowed her to consistently rank among the top 4 advisors in OKC for the resale of Luxury Million Dollar properties. Three years ago Joy and her family decided to bring the Engel and Völkers brand to Oklahoma City with a focus on providing an experi‑ ence consistent with the highest standards. Focused on culture and being intentional along every step of the home seller/buyer journey, the Engel and Volkers brand now ranks in the top 3 percent of all brokerages in the OKC metro.

Joy and her team focus on the broader economy and how financial markets affect home prices and mortgage rates. Following highly reputable publications like Inman and the Fannie Mae Housing Forecast help her keep her clients knowledgeable so they can make intelligent and informed decisions on how best to invest their assets.

The material and information contained in this article is for general information purposes only. You should not rely upon the material or information as a basis for making any business, legal or other decisions.

Enjoy Year-Round Outdoor Living

A sunroom affords homeowners a chance to marvel at snowy winter landscapes without venturing out into the cold.

AAs fall inches closer to winter, it's not uncommon for people to look to the coming cold with a degree of lament. Spring, summer and fall provide ample opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors, but such chances are few and far between once the winter freeze settles in. Though winter might compel the masses to huddle up inside, there's still a way to take in the great outdoors on cold winter days and nights.

It might not prove an exact substitute for summer nights around the firepit, but a sunroom affords homeowners a chance to marvel at snowy winter landscapes without venturing out into the cold. Sometimes referred to as "all‐sea‐son rooms," sunrooms can make for a great retreat on quiet summer mornings or crisp autumn afternoons. Sunrooms can be treated as blank canvasses, which makes decorating them more fun. But a few tricks of the trade can help homeowners turn their blank canvasses into welcoming spaces to take in all that nature has to offer throughout the year.

• Define the purpose. The experts at Better Homes & Gardens recommend homeowners decide how they want to use the sunroom before they begin decorating it. When the weather gets too chilly to dine outside, will the sunroom serve as an alternative dining space in the same way patios and decks do during the warm weather? Or do home‐owners want to turn their sunrooms into reading rooms? Though it's possible to make sunrooms multipurpose spaces, it may be hard to create a relaxing vibe in rooms that are too crowded with furnishings or too busy. Defining how the space will be used also makes it easier when shopping for furnishings.

• Define when the room will be used. In addition to defining how the room will be used, homeowners should give ample consideration to when the room will be used. A year‐round sunroom will need to be heated, while a three‐season sunroom likely won't require heating. Cooling might be a concern on hot summer afternoons, but many homeowners will likely spend such days outside anyway, so cooling the room may be as simple as installing a ceiling fan and ensuring windows can be opened to let fresh air in. Homeowners who want a year‐round sunroom should install insulated glass to keep the room even warmer when the mercury dips.

Shine provides reliable, courteous and professional quality services at affordable prices.

WINDOW CLEANING THAT BRIGHTENS YOUR HOME

DDirt, dust, and grime usually settle on windows over time if they are not regularly cleaned. That makes the window look dull and increases the growth of allergen which can cause an allergic reaction, skin problems, and respiratory problems. If you're like most homeowners, you don't clean windows. That's because streak‐free quality window clean‐ing is often difficult, time‐consuming, and dangerous to do. At Shine, our window cleaning technicians are ready to scrub and clean for you, because we know how valuable your time is.

Shine provides reliable, courteous and professional quali‐ty services at affordable prices. Our futuristic approach of serving clients with extraordinary hygienic and immaculate cleaning results makes us prominent in the market. We use safe, quality cleaning agents that are ideal for window clean‐ing. We have earned the trust of hundreds of clients...and hope to have the chance to earn yours as well!

Get in touch with our team of window cleaners by giving us a call or visiting us online today. One hundred percent satisfaction guaranteed. Reach out to us today for a free esti‐mate!

Fall is the ideal time to garden

Spring and summer are perhaps the busiest times of year for gardeners. However, fall also is a prime time to tend to gardens.

Experts advise that soil temperatures in many regions of the country may still be warm enough to encour‑ age root growth well into the start of winter. Furthermore, fall is often the ideal time to plant, fertilize and keep a garden going or to get a head start on next year's bounty.

Here are some tips to make the most of the fall gardening season.

• Think about fall annuals and bulb planting. Near the end of September, start planting cool‑weather‑loving pansies and violas for pops of color as summer flowers fade. Also, it's a good idea to stock up on bulbs that will bloom in the months to come before they sell out in stores. Wait until the temperatures really cool down before planting them in desired spots for spring sprouts.

• Sow salad seeds. Lettuce, spinach, radishes, and arugula tolerate cooler temperatures. Try new and inter‑ esting lettuce varieties and enjoy salads well into the fall season.

Tropical Splendor in the Gardens Gala is set forThursday, Oct. 13

OOver the last 18 months, the iconic Inasmuch Foundation Crystal Bridge Conservatory has been closed while undergoing a complete renovation of its interior spaces. It is now completed and all are invited to a gala preview of the reimagined conservatory.

During this special occasion, Maureen Heffernan, director and CEO, will present the Gardens’ annual Orchids in October award to Inasmuch Foundation, with Bob Ross accepting on behalf, for its support of this proj‐ect. Larry Nichols and James Tolbert will also be recog‐nized for their instrumental contributions to the devel‐opment of Myriad Botanical Gardens over the last decades.

Beginning at 6 p.m., ticket holders will enjoy a cock‐tail hour while touring the Conservatory before grand reopening to the public Nov. 18‐20. As the sun sets, patrons will move to the Devon Lawn where a farm‐to‐table style four course dinner will be served by top OKC

The Tropical Splendor in the Gardens Gala returns to the Myriad Gardens as a gala preview to the reimagined Crystal Bridge Conservatory. ‐ Photo by Shannon Cornman

chefs Kurt Fleischfresser of Vast, Kamala Gamble of Kam’s Kookery and Alison Brown of Brown Egg Bakery. Attire is indoor and outdoor cocktail comfortable. Individual tickets are $150 each. Purchase online here. Proceeds benefit Myriad Botanical Gardens. Please RSVP by Oct. 10 to Shelby Scott, sscott@myriadgardens. org or call (405) 445‐7080, ext. 1100.

Build the house of your dreams

TThere are many advantages to designing your own home. Gone are the builder‐basic styles, layouts that don't work for your family and exteri‐ors you can't tell apart from your neighbors'. To help with your plan‐ning, check out these tips.

• Find the right property. There are no limits to what you can create with a custom‐built home, but the size and quality of your lot do impose restrictions. While you don't need to have everything decided when you purchase the property, make sure you have a general idea of what you need ‐your architect can help with this. Also, double check zoning laws, so you don't wind up not being able to build your dream three‐story home on a residential street that only allows bungalows.

• Consider your lifestyle. What kind of lifestyle do you want to live? What's important to you? From bigger elements like smart home automation

and sustainability to smaller consider‐ations like storage and organization, think of these things when designing the layout and built‐in elements. For example, if you hate shoveling, now is the opportunity to make sure you have the shortest driveway possible.

• Consider your lifestyle. What kind of lifestyle do you want to live? What's important to you? From bigger elements like smart home automation and sustainability to smaller consider‐ations like storage and organization, think of these things when designing the layout and built‐in elements. For example, if you hate shoveling, now is the opportunity to make sure you have the shortest driveway possible.

• Build for the future. Your needs and wants right now are at the top of your mind, but a custom home is a sig‐nificant investment in time, money and energy. It's also likely you want this to be your forever home, so it's a smart idea to build for tomorrow.

Think about how your family will evolve and what your future needs will be. Consider building materials that are designed to stand the test of time, like insulated concrete forms (ICFs) from Nudura. This alternative to wood framing is a greener option and offers disaster resilience against high winds and fire. The superior insulation also means more comfort‐able, uniform indoor temperatures and less money spent on heating and cooling your home.

• Avoid the fantasy trap. This is your dream home, so it's okay to indulge on that outdoor fireplace or luxury bathroom tiles that you've been envisioning. But to keep your budget in check, focus on the priori‐ties and items that will give you the best value for your dollar. Invest in features that will improve your every‐day living and boost your property value, like energy‐efficient construc‐tion or a finished basement.

SOUTHWEST BUILDERS

SHelping homeowners make dreams come true for 34 years

Southwest Builders is Oklahoma‐owned and operated and has served homeowners throughout the state or 34 years. Whatever project you have in mind, the pro‐fessionals at Southwest Builders can complete it to your satisfaction using the finest quality materials and workmanship!

We have been recognized by our industry throughout the years, as evidenced by our 16 Contractor of the Year awards from the National

Association of the Remodeling Industry, feature articles in Builder/Architect magazine, being named in Qualified Remodeler mag‐azine as one of the "TOP 500" remodelers in the nation and our induction into the remodeling Hall of Fame in 1995.

Our specialties include room additions of all types, sunrooms, screen rooms, pergolas, patio cov‐ers, carports, replacement win‐dows, and siding. We are experts in

roofing and storm repair of all kinds, and can help you handle all types of insurance claims.

Whatever project you have in mind, let us assist you in making your remodeling dreams come true. We love what we do, so let us show you what we can do for you!

Call us today for a free, no obli‐gation estimate at 405‐722‐1022 and join the thousands of satisfied customers we have assisted over the years.

Kitchen remodels can add much to home’s value

KKitchen remodels are among the most popular home renovation proj‐ects, whether they consist of swapping out cabinet hardware or doing major demolition.

Due to the sheer amount of time fam‐ilies spend in the kitchen, not to men‐tion the number of tasks performed in this space, it is easy to see why Remodeling magazine consistently ranks kitchen renovations as projects that will enable homeowners to recoup a high percentage of their investments. In the magazine's "Cost vs. Value" report, midrange major kitchen remod‐els costing an average of $63,829 recouped 59 percent of that invest‐ment.

When investing in a kitchen project, it is important to incorporate items that are coveted.

• Deep, double sinks: Having a dou‐ble sink enables you to soak dishes in one side and then wash on the other. It also makes it easy to wash and prep produce for meals.

• Kitchen island and bar stools: Even though many meals are enjoyed around the table, there's something to be said for the convenience of a kitchen island and some well‐placed bar stools for quick breakfasts or snacks.

Exprets

• Smart kitchen storage: Work with a contractor to include storage solu‐tions built into cabinetry and the pantry. Slide‐out shelving, nooks for a paper towel roll and custom‐designed areas to store stand mixers and other necessities can make kitchens more functional.

KITCHENS

• Outdoor access: If possible, design a kitchen so it is easy to access the backyard via sliding doors. This can make outdoor entertaining or even coffee on the deck much easier.

• Under‑cabinet lighting: Fixtures installed under cabinets provide both ambient lighting and task light‐ing. Such lighting makes it easier to see what you're working on as well, as even well‐placed overhead light‐ing can fail to illuminate dark corners and spots on the counters.

• Convenient warming drawer: This appliance pro‐vides backup to the oven. It's a slide‐out drawer that can keep prepared foods out of the way and warm until they are ready to be served. This is particularly handy for holidays and other entertaining.

• Beverage station: Designate one area of the kitchen to beverages, such as coffee and tea. Or make the area an informal bar. This can limit traffic in the kitchen to a single area.

Kitchen remodels are exciting to envision, and sever‐al choices can make these high‐traffic spaces even more coveted.

When investing in a kitchen remodel, it is important to consider items that are coveted.

Mums, above, and kale, at right, add color to landscaping in the fall.

SUNROOMS

From Page 6

GARDENING

From Page 8

• Take inventory of the sun. Positioning a garden carefully means maxi‐mizing hours of sunlight, which begin to dwindle in the fall. Experts say gar‐dens grow best in sunny locations that receive six hours of direct sunlight each day. This is where container gardens can be helpful, as they allow gar‐deners to move plants into spots that will get ample sunlight.

• Fill in landscaping gaps. Some fall plants can add color around the land‐scape and brighten up homes to add curb appeal. In addition to pansies and violas, asters, kale and chrysanthemums are fall blooms. Keep in mind that mums can come back year after year. So take them out of those flower pots and get them into the ground. They can be enjoyed next year as well, sprout‐ing in early spring and developing leaves and buds through late summer.

• Clean up unwanted growth. Fall is an ideal time to cut back spent veg‐etable plants and get rid of errant weeds. Rather than bagging leaves, mow them with a grass catcher and then add the mix to a vegetable garden as an excellent soil insulator. The nitrogen and carbon will fertilize the soil, enhancing growing possibilities and limiting weed growth.

• Propagate plants in the fall. As temperatures gradually begin to cool, start taking cuttings from perennials, gathering seed pods from azaleas and rhododendrons and dividing hardwood cuttings, says the resource Gardening Know How. Consult with a garden center or horticulturist on the proper ways to propagate stems using rooting hormone and other techniques.

• Continue to water plants. Water is essential in the fall and winter as roots can still be growing. Gradually reduce watering duration as plants go dormant.

Fall planting and maintenance can extend gardening season and improve the chances of growing a healthy spring garden.

• Opt for bright colors. Bright colors can make sunrooms feel all the more inviting and make for a perfect match with all the natural light already in the room. The renovation experts at HGTV note that white walls and ceilings can maximize the warm illumination of the natural light that will be pouring in from the floor‐to‐ceiling windows. Better Homes & Gardens adds that brightly colored cushions, pillows and area rugs with similarly hued colors and patterns can add visual interest and texture to a sunroom.

• Make use of a view. Homeowners needn't direct too much of their focus on decor if their sunrooms come with a view. Art on the walls and other decorative items around the room are less important if a sunroom affords a view of the ocean or a lake or dense woods that attract local wildlife. In rooms with a view, arrange furniture so resi‐dents and guests can comfortably look outward and take in all the sur‐round landscape has to offer.

Sunrooms are a great place to take in nature no matter the weather.

Sunrooms can be treated as blank canvasses, which makes decorating them more fun.