Today’s Housing Market News – June 17, 2024

Welcome to today’s real estate news! Stay informed about the latest happenings in and around Oklahoma with The Oklahoman’s subscription offers, specials, and discounts. Whether you prefer digital access, weekend paper delivery, or the full suite of what we have to offer, there’s a package tailored to fit your news consumption habits. Don’t miss out on exclusive content, special offers, and discounts available only to our subscribers. In other news, Forbes Advisor provides insights into the 2024 housing market predictions, offering a mix of challenges and opportunities for prospective homebuyers. Discover when home prices may become more affordable and how potential changes in mortgage rates could impact affordability. Additionally, the skyline of Oklahoma City is set to reach new heights with the approval of the Legends Tower, a project that promises to be the tallest skyscraper in America. Explore the groundbreaking design and strategic location of this historic project. Lastly, learn about the efforts being made to make weather alerts accessible to all, ensuring non-English speaking communities receive timely and understandable warnings during severe weather events. Dive into these stories and more to stay informed and make informed decisions.

The Oklahoman Subscription Offers, Specials, and Discounts

Looking for the best way to stay informed about everything happening in and around Oklahoma? Look no further! The Oklahoman offers a variety of subscription options, each tailored to fit your news consumption habits. Whether you’re interested in digital access, weekend paper delivery, or the full suite of what we have to offer, there’s a package just for you. Stay up-to-date with local news, sports, business, and entertainment, all while enjoying special offers, discounts, and exclusive content available only to our subscribers. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to be in the know about Oklahoma’s latest happenings.

Subscribe Now!

Housing Market Predictions For 2024: When Will Home Prices Be Affordable Again? – Forbes Advisor

As we navigate through a challenging housing market, the question on everyone’s mind is: When will home prices become more affordable? According to a comprehensive analysis by Forbes Advisor, the outlook for 2024 offers a mix of challenges and opportunities for prospective homebuyers. With mortgage rates hovering around 7% and home prices continuing their upward trajectory, affordability remains a pressing concern. However, the introduction of more resale inventory into the market could signal a slow but steady move towards price stabilization. Experts suggest that significant relief in terms of affordability may not be imminent, but there are silver linings as more inventory becomes available and potential changes in mortgage rates loom on the horizon. Amidst these dynamics, the National Association of Realtors (NAR) has reached a settlement that could reshape how broker commissions are handled, potentially influencing the overall cost of buying a home. For those looking to navigate this complex market, staying informed and seeking expert advice is crucial. Whether you’re a first-time buyer or considering selling your home, understanding the current trends and predictions for 2024 is essential for making informed decisions.

Learn more about the 2024 housing market predictions and how they affect you

New Tallest Skyscraper in America Approved to Be Built at ‘Unlimited’ Height

The skyline of Oklahoma City is set to reach new heights with the approval of the Legends Tower, a project that promises to be the tallest skyscraper in America. The Oklahoma City Council has given the green light for this ambitious structure to be built without any height restrictions, a decision celebrated by the architecture firm AO and real estate developers Matteson Capital. This partnership aims to transform the city into a global destination through the Boardwalk at Bricktown project. Slated to begin construction this fall, the Legends Tower will stand at an impressive 1,907 feet, a tribute to the year Oklahoma became the 46th state. Alongside this towering achievement, the development will also feature three additional structures, each 345 feet tall, and offer a vibrant mix of retail, restaurant, and residential spaces. With its groundbreaking design and strategic location near the Bricktown Canal and Oklahoma River, the Legends Tower is poised to set a new standard for urban innovation and architectural excellence.

Read more about this historic project here.

When the storm came, alerts came only in English. This team is trying to change that | PBS NewsHour

In 2013, a devastating EF-5 tornado targeted the Oklahoma City metro area, but critical warnings failed to reach everyone due to language barriers. Samuel Cifuentes, Florinda Santos, and their family, new to the U.S. from Guatemala and unfamiliar with tornado risks, tragically lost their lives seeking refuge. This event inspired Joseph Trujillo-Falcón and his team at the University of Oklahoma and NOAA to develop alert systems that translate warnings into Spanish and other languages. Their work aims to ensure non-English speaking communities receive timely and understandable warnings during severe weather events. By studying disaster communication and response, the team is making strides toward inclusivity in emergency alerts, recognizing the growing need as Hispanic and Latinx populations increase in areas prone to severe weather. Despite challenges, advancements have been made, such as translated emergency alerts now being sent directly to phones in Oklahoma. However, there’s still a long way to go to ensure all communities are equally informed and protected during life-threatening situations.

Learn more about how this team is making weather alerts accessible to all

Positively Oklahoma: “He’s Home!”| A Dad’s colorful Crayola reunion

In a heartwarming tale of creativity and nostalgia, Kevin Drain experienced a unique reunion with a piece of his childhood. At the age of 9, while attending Jenks West Elementary School, Kevin’s art was selected for the national Dream Makers exhibit by Crayola in the 1990s. His artwork, a dot painting of the family pet cockatiel named Cheeks, created using Q-tips, was displayed in museums across the country. Decades later, Crayola’s Campaign for Creativity aimed to reunite artists with their work, leading to Kevin rediscovering his vibrant painting of Cheeks, thanks to the efforts of 2 News Oklahoma’s Julie Chin and social media. The painting, still as vivid as he remembered, brought back a flood of memories and emotions, especially when Kevin found his parents’ signatures on the original submission paperwork. Now, the cherished painting has found a new home in his daughter Emma’s room, inspiring a new generation with the joy of creativity and the importance of dreaming big. Kevin’s story is a beautiful reminder of the lasting impact of art and the bonds it can create and rekindle.

Discover more about this colorful reunion and its impact on Kevin’s family.

Mortgage rates hover around 7% — is this a good time to buy a house?

With mortgage rates still near the 7% mark as of June 2024, prospective homebuyers are left wondering if now is the right time to make a purchase. Despite the Federal Reserve’s decision to keep the federal funds rate unchanged, there’s more to consider than just the interest rates. Factors such as housing inventory, choosing the best mortgage lender, and securing a fair home price play crucial roles in the decision-making process. The current market conditions, including a slight increase in housing starts and a moderation in home price increases, suggest a complex landscape for buyers. Additionally, personal financial considerations, such as job stability, credit score, debt-to-income ratio, and savings for down payment, are pivotal in determining readiness to buy a home. With the right approach, 2024 might still be a favorable year to embark on the journey of homeownership.

Learn more about whether it’s a good time to buy a house here.