For the most part the national media has a “doom and gloom” slant on their reporting. Let us never forget the old journalism adage, “If it bleeds, it leads.” Good news doesn’t sell. But since I’m a volunteer writer and make nothing for providing these weekly articles I am not bound by the “bleed” and “lead” guidelines. And besides, it’s Thanksgiving weekend. So here are just a few of the reasons Oklahoma truly is a Cornucopia of Hope.

Property Values

During the past 20-plus years, the Oklahoma City metro has enjoyed 3 percent to 5 percent appreciation in property values. This translates into an average increase of $3,000 to $5,000 per $100,000 of home value per year. Even with our national economy in turmoil and property values plummeting in many areas across the country, average home values here in Oklahoma City have actually increased just more than 2 percent during the past year, according to OKC MLS. This means that in most cases, real estate remains a stable long-term investment. This also means that overall our housing market remains strong and viable.

Jobless rate

In a recent report by the Oklahoma Employment Security Council (Oct. 25, 2008) jobless rates fell in 74 of 77 Oklahoma counties. All but three Oklahoma counties saw a 0.3 percent drop in the jobless rate during the month of September. This means that Oklahoma ranks among the lowest jobless rates among all 50 states. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (www.bls.gov/LAU), our neighboring states have the following jobless rates: Kansas, 4.9 percent; Arkansas, 5.4 percent; Texas, 5.6 percent; Colorado, 5.7 percent. The states with the highest jobless rates are: Puerto Rico, 12 percent; Michigan and Rhode Island at 9.3 percent; South Carolina, 8 percent; and Mississippi, 7.2 percent.

Gas prices

A few days ago, my wife and I were checking the records we keep when filling up her vehicle (she drives a Toyota Camry Hybrid). At the first of October she filled up (14 gallons) for just more than $40. Earlier this week we filled up her car for only $21.63! She is averaging about 35 mpg while I average about 16 mpg in my Ford F-150. Regardless of the vehicle driven, we are enjoying the lowest gas prices in the country. Although price per gallon went up a few cents for Thanksgiving holiday travel, lower gas prices are definitely something to smile about.

Crime rate

The City of Edmond is relatively safe and ranks low in violent crime. According to Homesurfer.com, Edmond has a violent crime rate of 145 incidents per 100,000 people. This compares with a rate of 656 in Oklahoma and a rate of 596 nationally. The lower the numbers are the better. Lower numbers indicate fewer crimes happening per person. We have the fine men and women of the Edmond Police Department to thank for their diligence and integrity.

INTEREST RATES

Housing interest rates are still quite low: I’m writing this article on Wednesday afternoon before Thanksgiving Day and rates for a 30-year fixed rate mortgage are still available down to 5.5 percent without paying any discount points. Of course these rates are for home buyers with good credit and at least a 10 percent down payment. For others with less than perfect credit, FHA remains an excellent option and rates for a 30 year fixed rate FHA loan are as low as 6 percent, again with no discount points.

Qualifying for a home mortgage is still possible for most: Even with less than perfect credit an FHA mortgage allows the home buyer the opportunity to move into a home with only 3 percent of the purchase price as a down payment. A V.A. loan allows Veterans with eligible benefits the ability to move into a home with 100 percent financing.

Personally I’m thankful to live in Edmond. I’m blessed with a wonderful family and am forever grateful for my wife who continually makes me a better man. And I’m thankful for every reader. We live in a wonderful city in a great state and we have many things to be thankful for. So to every reader this Thanksgiving season — hope on!

TREY BOWDEN is a licensed mortgage professional with Aduddell Mortgage in Edmond. To read more go to: http:homeownergonemad.blogspot.com.