Russell Benson's (russellbenson) Blog

Well, it must be May in Oklahoma because the tornado's are here and with a vengeance.  I am sorry to report that two Oklahoma's thus far have lost their lives and probably over 100 homes either damaged or destroyed.  It was the May 3rd, 1999 tornado that we will always remember even though we've ...

Well, I cannot say I was not warned about the difficulties being experienced on a short sale.  This one will be different I said to myself as I listed the property.  My seller tried to give the home back via a deed in lieu of foreclosure and they (First Horizon) contacted him and asked him to lis...

Today I visited a nice gentleman in Norman, OK for the purpose of looking at his home for a market value.  It was appraised 2 years ago for $60,000 by an appraiser that I know to be a decent appraiser (or at least I think so) and the lender was Chase.  The appraisal was in order along with plenty...

Cascata Lakes, A great South Oklahoma City neighborhood is located just off SW 134th & May Avenue in South Oklahoma.  With fine custom homes ranging from the upper 200's to well over 500K.  Cascata Lakes started just a few years ago and has slowly become the place to be.  Just driving through Cas...

Mayfield Neighborhood in Moore Schools Oklahoma City, Oklahoma is a great place to be!  Are you looking to settle down in a neighborhood where yards are tidy and the people are friendly and the homes are not too expensive?  Then hold on because the Mayfield Neighborhoodin Southwest Oklahoma City ...

OK my AR brethren; this is a subject that has been a thorn in my side for the past 11 years.  You set up the appointment; you meet with your clients and show them numerous homes.  You make notes on your copy of the MLS sheet as do your buyers.  I don't hound you or call 5 minutes after you show i...

I had one of the toughest deals in my 11 years in the real estate biz.  My listing was actually in foreclosure when I received the full price offer.  Holy cow, this was indeed a miracle.  That was in February.  The seller's out of state and the clock is ticking on the foreclosure. Closing is set ...

They die.  Whether you get the phone call or read it in the paper, the customer that you had a lasting relationship with has passed away.  You will probably attend the funeral or at the very least send flowers. I remember the first customer of mine that passed away.  I actually read about it in t...

In the 11 years I have been a Realtor®, I have never attended a inspection in which I did not represent the buyer nor have I ever had a listing agent attend my scheduled inspection with my buyer(s). I asked the listing agent to not be there unless she has been asked to be present by the seller.  ...