Norman, OK Real Estate, Homes For Sale, School & Area Information

Home prices are on the rise and inventory is lacking. Buyers are getting amazing rates right now but finding a home is the issue. If you're thinking of selling, I am sure there is a buyer looking for your home today!

The housing market in Norman is always buzzing like a beehive, especially around the campus of the University of Oklahoma! Campus area homes are selling 22% higher and quicker than this same time last year! In fact, with so many buyers eagerly searching for that perfect campus area home, it's creating a seller's market in all Norman neighborhoods!

Today's comp analysis for the campus area shows an average of 15 days on the market with a current inventory of 11 homes available ranging in price from $145,000 to $899,000. There are nine homes currently under contract and seven homes closed at $130-$150 square foot.

With consistently top-rated public and private schools, incredible museums, local eateries, music festivals, and so many desirable neighborhoods, this would be a great time to consider selling! One of the best things you can do is connect with a local Realtor who knows Norman!

My wife and I have raised two kids in Norman and we also founded a local non-profit for food insecure and in-crisis teens called Pantry Partners. Because of our involvement in our community, we know and love Norman and think you will too.

Homes are on the market for an average of 10 days! Yes, that is 10 days when priced according to the comps. Homes are selling very fast all around Norman. The average price point of homes sold in the past 90 days is $260,000! If you're thinking of selling your home start now and get a plan on how to accomplish this goal!

Norman, Oklahoma is much more than a college town. You will find everything from historical homes to modern new construction. Looking for something outside of the city? Norman has that also, being home to Lake Thunderbird which is located east of the city. You can find some amazing views with plenty of room to roam.

Campus Corner is the most popular for students and locals alike. It features some awesome local eats and places to shop. My top favorite places, in no particular order, include The Mont (which is home to the famous Swirl), Taramahara's amazing Mexican food, and Apple Tree Chocolates for the sweet tooth. Eat, shop, and play all in one place!

Norman is also home to several festivals such as the Medieval Fair held just south of the OU campus. It is great fun and perfect for people-watching. Jazz in June, located in Brookhaven Village, is always a chill time. Finally, the Norman Music Festival is held in downtown Norman and is an event lasting several days with lots of great music.

If you're looking for a cool place with lots to do and is rich with history, explore Norman! You might like it enough to stay awhile.

Homes around campus within walking distance are not listed on the market for very long. The average days on the market are close to 0! There are several different price points of homes based on actual location and size. Most of the homes start around $250k and that is also based on the interior updates. If you are looking for something with less maintenance, Norman has several condo communities. Whatever you are looking for you must be ready to purchase or the perfect fit will slip away!

You may be asking yourself who is Ruby Grant? Ruby Grant lived on the 148-acre homestead that was founded by her father in the Land Rush of 1889. She continued to live on the homestead for most of her life. Ruby loved children and loved the City of Norman. She taught reading and math to many as a teacher in Norman. Also received two degrees from OU in 1929 and 1941.

Ruby never had children of her own and wanted to give back to the community of Norman in some way. She also did not want her family homestead to be developed into a neighborhood after she passed. Ms. Grant donated the land to the University of Oklahoma which then made a foundation in her name. The university then sold the land to the city in 2005. She had left her vision for the park and her hopes for the land to the university which was passed to the City of Norman to continue to make Ruby's vision come to light.

Ruby passed away in 1998 and it has taken a little over 20 years for the development of the park to begin. When the 148-acre park is complete it will be a wonderful addition to the city. The park will have a cross-country track, dog park, concert venue, disc golf, picnic area, playground geared toward children with disabilities and able body children also. I am excited to see this park come together and this will forever honor Ruby Grant, letting future generations share in her kindness!

Carol's Kitchen is a quaint restaurant near campus off of Classen Blvd. They offer daily specials and also have a drive-through where you can grab a bite on the go. Two tables with umbrellas are out front for those wanting outdoor dining. Stop in and try their home-style cooking.

Stop in and see Zane at Artisan Pride off Lindsey and McGee in Norman. They have high-quality meats. If you don't see it in the display don't be afraid to just ask. You can order ahead and pick up. None of their meats contain injections or additives. The sausage is all-natural and no gluten or MSG. Reasonable prices too! I love to stop by and pick up something at the last minute. Family and friends have told me their filet mignon tastes better than some restaurants, tender and juicy! They also do knife sharpening.

There is something for everyone around Campus Corner near Asp and W Boyd. For those who like Italian food, you have Volare' with its incredible rooftop bar and eating area, NY Pizza, and Pasta, or Othello's. For those craving tacos or burritos, try Fuzzy's tacos. Louie's has bar pizza, amazing adult beverages, bar food, and the fried green beans are delicious. For an Irish flair, there is O'Connell's Irish Pub. This is a place to celebrate St Patrick's Day. For the kids, Insomnia Cookies (open late), Hurts Donuts (open 24/7), and the Baked Bear. There is also Starbucks, Chipotle, Cool Greens, Logie's, Diamond Dawgs, and several more. During game days, this area is hopping so come out and grab a taste of Norman's Campus Corner.

This museum is a fun place for kids! If your kids are into dinosaurs, take them here. They have life-size figures and hands-on activities for kids. It is a great place to explore on a hot day!

The 42nd Annual Medieval Fair will be held at 2501 Jenks Ave In Norman, April 6 - April 8 from
10:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.

This has been held annually since 1977! Many features include: arts, crafts, games, food, and seven entertainment stages!! Admission is free and parking is only $5!.

With Spring Break right around the corner Sam Noble Museum is offering a "Spring Break Escape" Starting March 19th - March 23rd!! This is a fun and educational adventure to bring your kids of all ages too! Check out the link below.

Taking buyers on a tour of four homes in Norman yesterday evening left us hungry so we stopped to refine our list. Didn't want to just grab a coffee, so we ventured into Downtown Norman to explore something more substantial at Benvenuti’s Ristorante. Since we had the homes narrowed down to three prospects, the discussion mainly focused on offer price and what concessions we wanted in repairs and updates. We will see how that goes...but working over a plate of superb food from Benvenuti’s Ristorante sure makes the process more fun and tasty.

My favorite picks are the Jumbo Lump Crab Cakes with fennel remoulade and lemon. They were to die for! Then Truffle Fries made from potatoes, white truffle oil, parmesan. Finally,
Meatballs made with veal, pork, beef, marinara sauce and parmigiano-reggiano. Top Shelf all the way and our server delighted us with the service!

Whether you are looking to buy a home or just need to explore dining in Norman, please check this local restaurant out. Yes, it's locally owned and operated. Remember, it's only evening food service, so stop by there after 5:00. Visit the link below for more details about
Benvenuti’s Ristorante in Norman.

I love it when you can keep it local and enjoy a great cup of joe! I find it convenient to hit a Starbucks with clients just because there are so many of them around, but I always want to support and keep my money in a local business as much as possible. That's why I want to encourage you to visit this new local coffee shop in Norman, located at 408 West Main Street, called 'The Screen Door'. They have just opened and it's a great place to sit, relax and sip. I just love the decor.

The Sam Noble Museum will be hosting Eggstravaganza!, Wednesday, March 23rd from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. The event is open to the public and museum admission is complimentary. Children will enjoy crafts, games, Jurassic sized egg hunt, and photos with the Easter Bunny.

The museum exhibits will be open for viewing and families can partake in indoor activities that include: face painting, discovery tables, crafts, and games. Everyone is invited to pose for photos with the Easter bunny beginning at 4:00. The museum store "Excavations" will be open and home décor items, stuffed animals, and handcrafted jewelry are among some of the items that are available for purchase.

Event Details:
Wednesday, March 23
4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Free to the Public
2401 Chautauqua Avenue, Norman, Oklahoma

Egg Hunt: (children are encouraged to bring their own basket)
6:30 - Age group 0-3 (first)
Age group 4-6 (second)
Age group 7 and up (last)

Easter Bunny Photos:
Celebratory photos taken by individuals (free)
Professional photos with bunny (on-site $5.00)

Norman is one of the happiest places to live. I have made new friends while standing in line at the grocery store, gym class or just walking in the neighborhood. Loving all the smiles and dances in the video! Just makes me "HAPPY".

Not only is OU home to over 30,000 students, it is Norman's largest employer. It has helped Norman to grow to over 110,00 residents. This is one of the reasons Norman has an outstanding real estate market and is an amazing place to live!

If there is one thing my grandkids like to do it's ice skating! The kids can't wait for the Norman Outdoor Holiday Ice Rink, located at Andrews Park in Norman, to open every winter. We get to make winter memories with our family and friends at the outdoor ice skating rink. Even if we're just beginners, the Norman Outdoor Holiday Ice Rink is tons of fun. Tickets give us access to the ice rink for two hours, giving plenty of time to show off newly aquired skills. Don't worry if you don't have skates, skates are available to rent.

My husband and I enjoy tasting a new wine, especially from a local area. Held at the beautiful Brookhaven Village in Norman, the Oklahoma Wine Walk is one of our favorite ways to enjoy delicious selections from Oklahoma wineries. We get to listen to live music, sample great wines, while browsing outdoor booths featuring Oklahoma products and genuine wine collectibles. The Oklahoma Wine Walk is a favorite!

Guess where we will be having dinner on June 14? You guessed it - Battle of the Burger! You have heard of cook offs but have you ever been to a battle of the burger cook off? If you think you have the best burger on the block or you can grill up a burger juicier than any other, put your burger where your mouth is and attend this year's Battle of the Burger in Norman. Enter the contest or sample the burgers prepared by participating cooking and grilling teams. Celebrity judges will decide whose burger wins the battle. You will decide the Tailgaters Award (People's Choice).

In 2014, the Battle of the Burger will also feature the First Annual Pie Contest and the "Battle of the Brawn" Tug-of-War competition. The "Battle of the Brawn" pits the public safety department against military members and the police department against the fire department. If you want to participate in the contest, or if you just want to enjoy the food, music and good old-fashioned family fun, come to Norman's Battle of the Burger.

This is such a fun event! Be prepared to get plenty of food though!

I love cars! In fact, I can recognize and tell you more about some cars than my husband! So, a Corvette is especially great to see. I really love the older ones because it reminds me of my dad He had one when I was growing up and then a new one as an adult! So, the 7th annual Non Club Club of Oklahoma All Corvette Show, held at David Stanley Chevrolet in Norman is coming up and It will feature a silent auction, vendors, door prizes, a 50/50 pot and live music. Classes of competition include C1-C7, custom, best of show, the David Stanley Pick and President's Pick. The first, second and third vehicles in each generation of competition will be awarded.

Look for me....I'll be dragging my husband to look at one I'd like and dream to have!

When I first moved to Norman, people told me about the Summer Breeze Concert Series in Norman and how it has become a Norman tradition. It features national and local musicians performing in Norman’s Lions and Andrews Parks. These performances that run May through September on Sunday evenings are casual family-friendly events. Bring a blanket and picnic basket and enjoy! Listening to live music with family and friends is a favorite of mine!

We love Norman! With a population of 122,000, it's just the right size. We are 15 minutes from Oklahoma City and Will Rogers International Airport.

Ranked by CNN's Money Magazine as the sixth best small city in the United States in which to live, Norman also boosts its economy as a Fair Trade town. One out of only 17 Fair Trade towns in the country, this means that the city supports the purchasing of goods from the local community itself. When goods cannot be purchased locally, the city will then support buying from producers abroad who meet Fair Trade standards.

The Oklahoma University sponsors many collegiate sporting events, including its well known football program. Visitors pour in and boost the local economy on sports game days and we have many visitors for weekend concert series like the Norman Musical Festival.

Norman also enjoys many arts and culture events sponsored by the University, including music centers, theaters and one of the largest French Impressionist painting collections in the United States. The Museum of Natural History has one of the largest and most important Paleozoic exhibits in existence.

There are numerous great restaurants, plenty of local and name brand stores for shopping, affordable housing and a community that is continually growing. The schools in Norman are ranked as some of the highest in the state. There is something for everyone here! We are so happy we moved to Norman!

I'd like to share a link full of great ideas of fun things to do with your kids this summer. Most of them are free, or are inexpensive. They are all around the Norman, Ok area. Click on the link and see what you would like to include on your calendar.

Visiting Norman Oklahoma for some appointments with my home buyer client, I was happy to learn about Firehouse Art Center! If you visit Norman, please share my experience by visiting this great art center. They have classes that include all major art media such as painting, jewelry making, ceramics and drawing. I love the atmosphere of Norman and the creativity that Norman supports. Please visit Firehouse Art Center and see why they received the Governor's Award for 'Arts in Education'!