Downtown Norman, OK | Part 2

[@okrealtor]

Thanks for watching! For more info you can head over to our website oklahomarealestatepro.com

[@stevefeldman6486]

Hello again... Not being real estate savvy, and coming to Norman as a relative "outsider", I'm not sure how much value my input might have for you, but I can share my buying experience and things that made Norman and Oklahoma appealing to me. My wife and I married at 18 years old and I immediately joined the Army to kick start our life as a family. While I was in the Army, a 4 year enlistment, the thought of owning a home was that it wasn't going to happen while I was serving. My first duty station put us in Erlangen West Germany, and my rank did not qualify me for post housing, so I rented an apartment on the German economy. I expected to complete my enlistment overseas, but the first gulf war happened and I was deployed with 1st Armored Division. Upon my return to Germany, our unit deactivated and I was thrust state side to Ft. Benning GA, where I rented a townhouse. Upon completion of my enlistment, my family, numbering 4 by then, returned to Michigan where I struggled for a time in a position that forced me to rent once again, but only for a year. I then landed my career job and immediately bought my first home, where I've lived ever since. Problems with the economy in 2009 took a toll on an area that is highly dependent on the automotive industry, so I watched as my city crumbled, but hoped that it would eventually begin to heal. Unfortunately, that did not happen. The decline only continued and at times I felt everything I'd worked for all my life would never be evident here. Meanwhile, my career put me in Norman OK for training several times a year, where the contrast between my home environment and Norman was substantial. Comparatively speaking, Norman was an Oasis. When my classes put me in Norman for extended periods, I had the option to take interim trips home, or bring my wife to Norman. On one occasion, I had this option while the kids were out of school, so I had my wife fly out to Norman to stay with me for a bit. As much as I liked Norman, my wife liked it even more. I know people in Oklahoma frequently speak ill of the weather. It does get hot in Oklahoma, it's ALWAYS windy in Oklahoma, and tornado seasons are worse than anywhere in the country I know. Twice while I was in Norman, the nearby town of Moore was decimated by tornadoes, 1999 and again in 2013. Immediately after the 2013 tornado, Moore residents were evacuated to the NCED in Norman where I was training. Those events, and the tragedy that took place in April of 1995 in Oklahoma City showcased what I believe to be the biggest asset the area has to offer. Not only are the people of Oklahoma City and surrounding areas some of the most pleasant people amongst themselves and to outsiders, but they instantly band together to help one another out during the toughest of times, more focused on the well being of their neighbors than themselves. It's the people, more than anything else, that makes me want to be one of them! Ok, on to my buying experience during the pandemic... I looked at homes in Norman on-line for about a month, and discussed with my wife what I was looking for in a home. We phoned an agent who was listed on a few of the homes that peaked our interest, told her when we would be in Norman, and she made all the arrangements for us to view all of the homes that interested us. Our agent was as cordial, friendly, and helpful as we expected from what we've seen of the people of Norman. In fact, she went above and beyond, frequently visiting us at our hotel when the Hampton's wi-fi was unusable for digitally signing all the documents required home inspections etc... We made our best offer on August 6th, and the seller accepted it unconditionally. We closed on our new home today!!!!! That's right, we closed three weeks after finding our dream home, during the pandemic. I'm sure it helped that our loan is backed by the VA, and the purchase was not contingent on selling our current home, but that's fast under perfect circumstances, let alone the current environment. As with all my previous visits to Oklahoma, everybody we encountered and dealt with was super friendly, courteous and helpful. Whether it was hotel staff, restaurant servers, real estate agents, local police, check-out clerks in stores, etc... The greatest thing about Norman and surrounding area is it's people! I'm ecstatic that I will soon be amongst them, and look forward to trying to be as terrific as they are without trying! If somebody you bump into in Norman Oklahoma isn't wonderful, they're probably visiting from out of town! Like I said, not especially helpful to your cause, but I wanted to share what steered me in the direction of Norman. I'm sure others who came from outside had similar experiences. I think if there's a way to market niceness, Norman's got it going on!

[@stevefeldman6486]

Timing... :) My wife and I spent the second week of August in your beautiful town of Norman OK. I can't believe I hadn't stumbled on to your guys channel until just now. We're in Michigan, where we've spent most of our lives, but were visiting Norman, somewhat determined to buy a new home there. We did find a house that seemed a perfect fit for us, so we made our best offer and it was accepted. If all goes well, we'll be closing Friday, and hope to be living in Norman in time NOT to spend another winter in Michigan. I just thought I'd thrown my 2 cents in here as testimony to what a gem Norman Oklahoma truly is. Norman has only gotten better since the early 90's, and given the number of new construction subdivisions that are popping up, I expect that trend to continue! Thanks for making these video's and showing off what's soon to be my new home town. Steve

[@okrealtor]

Steve Feldman welcome to Oklahoma! Please let me know if there’s anything you think needs to be covered in my Norman videos!

[@cybelemarie7913]

We love living in Norman

[@okrealtor]

I'm so glad!

[@bart1024]

My aunt worked at what is now Arvest Bank on Main and Peters from 1962 until 1988. One of my other aunts worked on Santa Fe in that building half way south on the east side. So. seeing these has been great. I miss the former small town feel of Norman.

[@okrealtor]

Thanks so much for watching!

[@eg1455]

My husband and are moving to Oklahoma next month. We are still thinking of where we want to buy a house, and so far I Norman is winning. We can’t wait to see the area in person.

[@okrealtor]

Congratulations that's exciting! If I can help answering any questions or if you need to interview an agent to work with you can email me at [e-mail]

[@stefaniechong9640]

This was Downtown Norman in summer. I'm looking forward to maybe another video on Downtown Norman in winter. 🤗👍

[@okrealtor]

yes I'll need to do a Christmas video!

[@stefaniechong9640]

@@okrealtor That great. I'm looking forward to it. 👍💃😍

[@blennblarkley8598]

where's Jim Rockford,,,

[@nativeatheist6422]

Das Boot. I may want to try German cuisine.

[@okrealtor]

Thanks for commenting!

[@nativeatheist6422]

@@okrealtor Ever since I subbed to you, you're in my recommends, haha.

[@okrealtor]

@@nativeatheist6422 I really appreciate it.