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Only $630,000 Remains in Tulsa County Homebuyer Assistance Funds

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  Only $630,000 remains available through the Tulsa County Home Finance Authority program, creating a limited opportunity for qualified first-time homebuyers who need help with the upfront cost of purchasing a home. The remaining funds are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Once the money has been reserved, this opportunity will close. What the program currently offers Qualified borrowers may receive a 6.35% fixed interest rate on a 30-year FHA, VA or USDA first mortgage, along with down payment assistance equal to 3.5% of the total first-mortgage note amount. The assistance is structured as a five-year forgivable second mortgage. If the program’s requirements are met throughout the five-year period, the assistance may be forgiven. Current program highlights include: • 6.35% fixed interest rate • 3.5% down payment assistance • Five-year forgivable second mortgage • FHA, VA and USDA financing options • Minimum 620 FICO score • Household income limits and other program re...

Tulsa Financial Readiness: How Free Local Counseling Can Support a Homebuying Plan

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Buying a home is not only a mortgage decision. It is also a household-budget decision, a cash-flow decision and a timing decision. A local Tulsa resource is helping residents work on those fundamentals before they reach a major financial milestone. The City of Tulsa announced on August 5 that its Financial Empowerment Center had helped clients collectively increase savings by $2,001,268 and reduce $5,360,860 in non-mortgage debt as of July 14, 2026. Since launching in 2020, the Center has served more than 9,000 clients. What the Tulsa Financial Empowerment Center offers The Center provides free, one-on-one financial counseling. According to the City, topics include budgeting, credit building, debt management and long-term financial planning. Services are available through community partners and are intended to give residents a structured place to ask questions and build a workable plan. This is not the same as mortgage underwriting, credit repair or a promise that someone will qualify ...

Mortgage Closing Wire Fraud: A Stop, Call and Verify Checklist for Homebuyers

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Closing week is busy. Buyers are reviewing documents, coordinating movers and preparing to transfer funds. That sense of urgency is exactly what a scammer may try to exploit. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau warns that criminals target homebuyers near closing by sending false wiring instructions. A scammer may pose as a real estate agent, lender, settlement agent, attorney or another trusted person in the transaction. How the scam can look real A fraudulent message may use familiar names, logos, email formatting and transaction details. It may say that wiring instructions changed or that funds must be sent quickly to avoid delaying closing. The message can look polished. That is why visual appearance is not enough to establish that it is legitimate. Set up verification before closing week The CFPB recommends identifying trusted people involved in the closing and recording their contact information in advance. Buyers can ask the title or settlement professional how wiring instru...

Tulsa Mortgage Rates & Housing Market Update Monday August 17, 2026

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If you've been following mortgage rates this summer, you know the story has been frustrating. Every time rates appeared ready to improve, another inflation report, geopolitical headline or jump in Treasury yields seemed to push them back in the other direction. But over the last two weeks, the economic picture has started to become a little more encouraging for homebuyers. Mortgage rates haven't suddenly become “low,” and nobody should assume a major drop is right around the corner. But we're finally seeing several pieces of the economy moving in a direction that could eventually provide some relief. At the same time, something important is happening locally: Tulsa homebuyers are gaining negotiating power. Here's what buyers, homeowners and Realtors should know. Mortgage Rates Eased Slightly Last Week Freddie Mac's national benchmark for a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage averaged 6.67% on August 13 , down slightly from 6.69% the previous week. The 15-year averag...

Drone Delivery Launches Near Tulsa’s Cherry Street

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Drone Delivery Has Officially Landed in Tulsa A new kind of delivery service is now operating above part of Midtown Tulsa. Manna Air Delivery launched commercial service near Cherry Street on August 12, allowing eligible customers to receive food and other small items by drone. The initial service area covers approximately two miles surrounding the company’s first Tulsa base. It is a limited launch, not yet a citywide service—but it gives Tulsa residents an early look at how air delivery could become part of everyday local commerce. How Tulsa’s Drone Delivery Works Customers begin by downloading the Manna app and entering their address. The app determines whether the property is currently inside the service area and has a suitable delivery location. If the address qualifies, customers can order from participating businesses and follow the aircraft’s progress through the app. Manna employees collect orders from local businesses and bring them to the Cherry Street base. The packag...

Bixby’s August 25 Bond Vote: What Each Proposition Would Fund

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Bixby’s 2026 Bond Vote: A Plain-Language Guide to the Four Propositions Bixby residents will vote August 25 on a proposed general obligation bond designed to address several needs connected to the city’s continued growth. Rather than presenting voters with one combined question, the proposal is divided into four propositions: public safety, roads, parks, and wastewater. Each proposition will be decided separately. Here is a straightforward look at what the City says each proposal would fund. Proposition 1: Public Safety The first proposition includes three public-safety projects. A new fire station is proposed for South Bixby, where continued development has increased demand for emergency services. The City says another station would help distribute Fire and EMS resources more effectively across the community. The proposition also includes a city-operated animal shelter. Bixby currently relies on outside providers for shelter services and has used three different providers durin...

Down Payment Assistance Program for Cleveland County Homebuyers

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  For many prospective homebuyers, the biggest challenge is not necessarily qualifying for a monthly mortgage payment. It is having enough money available for the down payment and closing costs. A newly funded program from the Cleveland County Home Loan Authority may help address that challenge while also offering a highly competitive interest rate. The Cleveland County Home Loan Authority First Home Program currently combines a 6.06% fixed mortgage rate with down payment assistance equal to 3.5% of the loan amount. Most importantly, the assistance is provided as a grant. It does not create a second lien and does not have to be repaid. What the program currently offers: • 6.06% fixed interest rate • 3.5% down payment assistance • Grant assistance with no repayment required • No second mortgage or second lien • FHA, VA and USDA financing options • 30-year fixed-rate financing • 620 minimum credit score On a $400,000 loan, 3.5% would equal $14,000 in down payment assistance. HOW DOES...

Buying a Condo? The New Fannie Mae Guidelines You Need to Know About.

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A condo can offer the right location, maintenance arrangement or price point for a buyer. It also comes with a financing question that does not arise in exactly the same way with every detached home: is the condominium project eligible for the intended loan? Fannie Mae published project-standards updates in Lender Letter LL-2026-03 on March 18, 2026. For Fannie Mae loan applications dated on or after Aug. 3, 2026, the Limited Review process has been retired. Depending on the facts, an established project may need a Full Review or may qualify for a Waiver of Project Review. Fannie Mae also updated policies involving project reserves and financial health. This does not mean every condo purchase will be delayed or denied. It does mean buyers, sellers, Realtors and association contacts can help by starting the documentation conversation early. Here are several items a lender may need to evaluate, depending on the program and transaction: • condominium association budget and reserve informa...

Pearl District and SoBo Earn Oklahoma Main Street Designations

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  Two Tulsa neighborhoods are receiving additional support to grow, improve and attract investment without losing the local character that makes them special. The City of Tulsa recently announced that the Pearl District and SoBo have officially joined the Oklahoma Main Street network. The designation gives both districts access to revitalization guidance, technical assistance and resources designed to strengthen neighborhood business corridors. What Is the Oklahoma Main Street Program? The Oklahoma Main Street program helps communities and commercial districts take a thoughtful, long-term approach to revitalization. The focus is not simply on constructing new buildings. It includes supporting local businesses, improving public spaces, preserving neighborhood identity and creating places where people want to live, work, shop and spend time. For Tulsa’s Pearl District and SoBo, the designation could help neighborhood leaders build upon the momentum already happening in both areas. Wh...

Check your Down Payment Assistance Eligibility

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Buying a home can feel out of reach when the biggest concern is the down payment. That is why we now have a new tool available on our website that allows buyers and Realtors to check potential eligibility for down payment assistance programs and grant opportunities. This resource is now live and ready to use. A Helpful First Step for Buyers Many buyers assume they need a large down payment to purchase a home. In some cases, there may be assistance programs or grants available that can help reduce the amount needed upfront. This new tool gives buyers a simple way to start exploring possible down payment assistance options before they give up on buying. It can be especially helpful for: First-time homebuyers Buyers with limited savings Clients worried about cash to close Renters who want to become homeowners Realtors working with budget-conscious buyers Check for Additional Grant Opportunities Some buyers may qualify for additional assistance based on their profession, milita...

Tulsa July 4th 2026 Guide: Best Fireworks and Events

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Fourth of July celebrations are happening across Oklahoma, and many communities are making the holiday a full family experience with fireworks, live music, food vendors, and activities. For homebuyers, these events are also a reminder that choosing a home is about more than the house itself. It is about lifestyle, location, and community. Tulsa FreedomFest Tulsa FreedomFest returns July 4 at River West Festival Park and the Zink Lake Watch Zone. The event is expected to draw around 80,000 spectators and includes BMX stunt shows, live music, food vendors, and a 25-minute fireworks display beginning at 9:30 p.m. For buyers looking in Tulsa, events like this show the value of living near community spaces, parks, trails, and local entertainment. Bixby Freedom Celebration The 12th Annual Bixby Freedom Celebration takes place July 3 from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. at Bentley Park. This free event includes a Make-A-Wish Oklahoma wish-granting ceremony, military swearing-in ceremony, food truck...

What If Your Mortgage Payment Was Lower During Your First Year?

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Buying a home is exciting, but adjusting to a new mortgage payment can sometimes feel overwhelming. That's why programs designed to reduce upfront housing costs are getting more attention from both homebuyers and real estate professionals. One option worth understanding is the Smart Start Buydown. How the Smart Start Buydown Works A Smart Start Buydown is a lender-paid 1-0 buydown that temporarily lowers a buyer's effective interest rate by 1% during the first year of the loan. Buyers still qualify using the full note rate, but their monthly payment is calculated using a rate that's 1% lower for the first 12 months. The lender covers the payment difference. Beginning in year two, the payment returns to the full note rate. Why Buyers Like It The biggest benefit is immediate payment relief. For many buyers, the first year of homeownership comes with new expenses such as moving costs, furniture purchases, repairs, and maintenance. A lower mortgage payment during that tr...

Fed Holds Rates, Buyers Adjust

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  The Federal Reserve held interest rates steady for the fourth consecutive meeting, a move that was widely expected by financial markets. While many consumers hope for lower borrowing costs, the latest announcement signals that the Fed wants more evidence that inflation is moving lower before considering future rate cuts. For homebuyers and homeowners, understanding what this means can help you make more informed financing decisions. The Fed Remains in a Holding Pattern The Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) left the federal funds rate unchanged, continuing its cautious approach toward inflation. Strong employment numbers and a resilient economy have reduced pressure on the Fed to cut rates quickly. While inflation has shown signs of improvement, policymakers appear committed to waiting for additional data before changing course. What This Means for Mortgage Rates One of the biggest misconceptions is that mortgage rates move directly with Federal Reserve decisions. In reality, m...

Where Tulsa's Growth Is Headed

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  Tulsa's Housing Growth Continues The Tulsa metro area continues to attract homebuyers, builders, and investors, and the latest housing start data shows exactly where that growth is taking shape. According to the Home Builders Association of Greater Tulsa, the region recorded 877 housing starts through April 2026. While growth is occurring throughout the metro, several communities are emerging as key destinations for new home construction and buyer demand. Where New Construction Is Concentrated Broken Arrow leads the region with 167 housing starts year-to-date, followed by: Tulsa: 117 Coweta: 99 Tulsa County: 97 Rogers County: 84 Bixby: 64 Jenks: 40 These numbers demonstrate a continued shift toward communities that offer more than housing alone. Buyers are increasingly looking for neighborhoods with convenient access to schools, shopping, recreation, and community amenities. What This Means for Homebuyers More housing starts create more opportunities for buye...

Parade Of Homes Tulsa 2026 Begins

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The Parade of Homes season is officially underway, and the kickoff event at the Home Builders Association was a great opportunity to reconnect with many of my favorite realtor partners, builders, and industry professionals. Events like this showcase the strong relationships that help make homeownership possible for buyers throughout our community. Why The Parade Of Homes Matters The Parade of Homes gives buyers a unique opportunity to tour a variety of new construction homes in one event. Visitors can explore different floor plans, neighborhoods, design styles, and builder offerings while gaining valuable insight into today's housing market. For many buyers, seeing homes in person helps bring their future home goals into focus. A Great Resource For Homebuyers Whether you're a first-time buyer, moving into a larger home, downsizing, or considering a custom build, the Parade of Homes offers inspiration and education. Buyers can compare features, learn about new construction...

Tulsa Still Offers Affordable Homes

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  Tulsa Makes National Headlines Again A recent national article highlighted Tulsa as one of the few cities where buyers can still find homes priced under $100,000. While these homes are often fixer-uppers or located in specific neighborhoods, the recognition reinforces something local buyers already know: Tulsa remains one of the most affordable housing markets in America. Why Tulsa Stands Out Across much of the country, entry-level housing has become increasingly difficult to find. In Tulsa, buyers still have access to affordable housing options that simply do not exist in many major metropolitan areas. Current market data shows Tulsa home values remain significantly below the national average, helping preserve affordability for first-time buyers and investors alike. Inventory has also increased in 2026, giving buyers more choices than they have had in several years. Opportunities for Buyers Affordable housing creates several opportunities: First-Time Homebuyers Many buyers who b...

Housing Crash or Market Reset?

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  Is the Housing Market Going to Crash? It's one of the most common questions buyers are asking in today's market. After years of rising home prices, higher mortgage rates, and affordability challenges, many consumers are wondering if a major housing correction is around the corner. According to most housing experts, the answer is no. Why This Market Is Different Than 2008 The comparison to the Great Recession is understandable, but today's housing market operates under very different conditions. Mortgage lending standards are much stricter than they were before the 2008 crash. Homeowners also hold record levels of equity, giving many families a financial cushion that simply did not exist during the housing crisis. In addition, inventory remains limited across much of the country. While the number of homes available for sale has improved, supply still falls short of long-term demand in many markets. Experts Expect Normalization, Not Collapse Most housing forecasts point tow...

Jenks Gains National Attention

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The City of Jenks has once again found itself in the national spotlight after being named a finalist for the National Civic League's 2026 All-America City Award. The recognition honors communities that demonstrate exceptional civic engagement, collaboration, and innovation in addressing local challenges. For homeowners, buyers, and real estate professionals throughout the Tulsa metro, this recognition highlights many of the reasons Jenks continues to be one of the area's most desirable communities. A Community Shaping Its Own Future One of the key projects highlighted during the award process was the planning effort surrounding Jenks Ranch, more than 400 acres of undeveloped land that represents one of the city's most significant development decisions in decades. Rather than making decisions behind closed doors, city leaders invited extensive public participation through surveys, workshops, and open forums. Thousands of residents contributed feedback, with many expressing s...