Katheryn Sluiter Blog

You've probably heard the saying: "Buy the worst house on the best block." It's classic real estate advice that suggests location trumps condition, and that with a little elbow grease, you can turn an underwhelming property into a standout investment. But is this strategy still sound in today's market? That depends.

The Upside to the Scenario

Buying the least attractive home in a desirable neighborhood can offer some serious upside. For starters, location is one of the few things you can't change about a property. A home in a great area typically means access to good schools, low crime rates, strong resale potential, and proximity to amenities such as parks, restaurants, and public transportation. If you're able to improve the house itself — through renovations, repairs, or cosmetic updates — you can signifi...

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October in Tulsa is a vibrant tapestry of crisp air, stunning fall foliage, and a jam-packed calendar of events. Whether you're looking for spooky thrills, family-friendly festivals, or a dose of arts and culture, Tulsa has something special in store for you this month. Grab your pumpkin spice latte and dive into our guide to October in T-Town!

Spooktacular Season ?

• Haunt the Zoo at the Tulsa Zoo: Get your spooky season started early! The Tulsa Zoo transforms into a family-friendly Halloween haven with trick-or-treating, costume contests, and special themed activities. Check the zoo's schedule for specific dates and times throughout October.

• Oklahoma Aquarium's BOO-tanical Spooktacular: Dive into Halloween fun at the Oklahoma Aquarium! This unique event combines the wonders of marine life with Halloween excitement, featuring spooky decorations, underwater pumpkin carving, and more.

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As the days get shorter and the temperatures drop, it's time to prepare your home for the cold months ahead. A little bit of maintenance now can save you a lot of headaches (and money) later. Here's a simple checklist to ensure your home is ready to handle winter's worst.

Inside Your Home ?

• Check Your Furnace: This is your home's most important defense against the cold. Change your furnace filter to ensure it's running efficiently. It's a quick and easy task that can lower your heating bills and improve air quality. Consider getting a professional tune-up to make sure everything is in good working order before you rely on it all season.

• Inspect and Seal Windows and Doors: Drafts are a major source of heat loss. Walk around your home and feel for cold air coming in. Use caulk to seal small gaps and apply weatherstripping to the frames of windows and doors. This simple step ca...

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What You Need to Know About Filing Home Insurance Claims

As a homeowner, your insurance policy is there to protect you when the unexpected happens — whether it's a burst pipe, storm damage, or theft. But filing a home insurance claim can be a complex process, and understanding the basics ahead of time can help you avoid costly delays or denials. 

Here's what every homeowner should know about claims — before you need to file one:

1. Understand Your Policy Coverage

Before disaster strikes, it's essential to understand what your policy does — and doesn't — cover. Most standard homeowners' insurance policies cover damage caused by fire, wind, hail, theft, and certain types of water damage (like burst pipes). However, not all damage is covered. Flooding, earthquakes, sewer backups, and wear and tear are typically excluded...

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From Cozy to Cramped: Is Your Staging Making Your Home Look Smaller?

When staging a home for sale, the goal is to create a warm, inviting atmosphere that helps buyers picture themselves living there. However, in the quest for "cozy," some sellers accidentally veer into "cramped" territory. If your staging makes rooms feel smaller than they are, it could turn off potential buyers and hurt your sale price.

Here are some signs your staging might be making your home appear smaller:

1. There is Too Much Furniture

One of the most common staging mistakes is overcrowding a space with furniture. While a large sectional sofa might be perfect for your movie nights, it can overwhelm a living room during showings. Instead, opt for smaller-scale furniture and arrange pieces to highlight open pathways. This not only makes the space feel bigg...

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