Lawton, Oklahoma, offers a unique blend of charm and modern convenience, making it a standout place for both locals and newcomers. Situated amidst picturesque landscapes and stunning natural beauty, this thriving city has something for everyone. With the majestic Wichita Mountains providing a breathtaking backdrop, outdoor enthusiasts will find endless opportunities for hiking, camping, and wildlife observation, all just a short drive from downtown.
This friendly and welcoming community embraces a spirit of camaraderie and hospitality. Lawton is rich in cultural experiences,
with the Museum of the Great Plains and the Comanche National Museum offering insightful glimpses into the region's rich history. For those seeking a lively arts scene, Lawton does not disappoint. Local galleries, theaters, and music festivals celebrate talent and creativity throughout the year, bringing a sense of culture and vibrancy to the city.
Education and family are at the heart of Lawton,
Discover the Vibrant Life in Lawton,
4 | HelloLawton, Oklahoma • Winter Issue
Hello Lawton, Oklahoma • Winter Issue |5
Discover the Vibrant Life in Lawton,
with top-rated schools and family-friendly neighborhoods that make it an ideal place to raise a family. The city's commitment to providing excellent community services and recreational facilities ensures residents enjoy a high quality of life. With
a robust economy and growing job market, Lawton, Oklahoma, is a place of growth, community, and opportunity.
Discover the Vibrant Life in Lawton, Oklahoma
Lawton, Oklahoma, offers a unique blend of charm and modern convenience, making it a standout place for both locals and newcomers. Situated amidst picturesque landscapes and stunning natural beauty, this thriving city has something for everyone. With the majestic Wichita Mountains providing a breathtaking backdrop, outdoor enthusiasts will find endless opportunities for hiking, camping, and wildlife observation, all just a short drive from downtown.
This friendly and welcoming community embraces a spirit of camaraderie and hospitality. Lawton is rich in cultural experiences, with the Museum of the Great Plains and the Comanche National Museum offering insightful glimpses into the region's rich history. For those seeking a lively arts scene, Lawton does not disappoint. Local galleries, theaters, and music festivals celebrate talent and creativity throughout the year, bringing a sense of culture and vibrancy to the city.
Education and family are at the heart of Lawton, with top-rated schools and family-friendly neighborhoods that make it an ideal place to raise a family. The city's commitment to providing excellent community services and recreational facilities ensures residents enjoy a high quality of life. With a robust economy and growing job market, Lawton, Oklahoma, is a place of growth, community, and opportunity.
How Military Moves Shape Lawton Real Estate Transactions
Buying or selling a home in the military market comes with unique circumstances that differ from standard transactions. In Lawton real estate, the presence of Fort Sill means that service members and their families are frequently moving in and out due to duty station changes. These military moves affect
not only the pace of the market but also the way buyers and sellers prepare for each step.For buyers, VA loans offered through the Department of Veterans Affairs are one of the most valuable benefits of military service. VA home loans allow qualified buyers to purchase without a down payment and
6 | HelloLawton, Oklahoma • Winter Issue
How Military Moves Shape Lawton Real Estate Transactions
Buying or selling a home in the military market comes with unique circumstances that differ from standard transactions. In Lawton real estate, the presence of Fort Sill means that service members and their families are frequently moving in and out due to duty station changes. These military moves affect not only the pace of the market but also the way buyers and sellers prepare for each step.
For buyers, VA loans offered through the Department of Veterans Affairs are one of the most valuable benefits of military service. VA home loans allow qualified buyers to purchase without a down payment and without private mortgage insurance, or PMI. This can significantly reduce the monthly payment compared to conventional loans. To access this home loan benefit, buyers must meet eligibility requirements, including obtaining a Certificate of Eligibility, or COE. While the process is straightforward, it does involve coordination between lenders, the VA, and often the transportation office during a PCS move.
Sellers should understand that VA loans require specific appraisals, which are more detailed than conventional or FHA appraisals. The VA appraisal ensures the home meets both value standards and property condition guidelines. If repairs are needed, they must be addressed before the loan can close. While this may feel like an extra hurdle, it is a standard part of the process and helps protect military families making a long-term investment.
Timing is another critical factor in these transactions. PCS timelines are often fixed, with buyers ordered to report to their new duty station within a set number of consecutive days. This creates urgency in buying a home and closing quickly. Military families rarely have the option of extending beyond their PCS ordered dates. Sellers who recognize this urgency can keep deals moving by responding quickly to offers, inspections, and required repairs.
Buyers benefit most when working with real estate agents who hold the designation of Certified Military Relocation Expert. These professionals understand the complexities of VA home loans, PCS moves, and the unique stress military families face during relocation. They can guide buyers on selecting neighborhoods close to Fort Sill that balance commute time, schools, and amenities while also considering the property’s future resale value.
Military relocations require speed, flexibility, and knowledge of VA financing to avoid unnecessary delays. Buyers and sellers who plan for these factors experience smoother transactions, even under the pressure of a PCS move.
For military families, location remains one of the most important factors when buying a home. Proximity to Fort Sill often drives the decision, since shorter commutes improve quality of life and save on transportation costs. Some families may choose to buy, while others prefer rental property as a temporary solution during shorter assignments. Both options are influenced by interest rates, loan amount limits, and the ability to resell or rent the property when the next move comes.
Another aspect buyers must consider is whether to use a personally procured move, or PPM, or to rely on the military’s contracted moving services. This choice impacts not only the relocation process but also how quickly families need to settle into their new homes. A fast closing helps ease the transition and keeps the family on schedule with school, work, and community integration.
Sellers, on the other hand, can benefit by preparing their homes with military buyers in mind. Clear photographs, virtual tours, and thorough online listings become essential, since many buyers cannot make repeated visits before closing. Highlighting features that matter to military families, such as large storage spaces, flexible floor plans, and energy efficiency, can make a listing stand out in the busy Lawton real estate market.
In the end, both buyers and sellers achieve better results when they recognize the realities of military moves. Buyers gain security through the VA home loan program, while sellers learn to accommodate PCS timelines and VA requirements. In a market shaped by Fort Sill, these factors are not just details, they are the foundation of nearly every transaction.
Pam Marion and Barry Ezerski
coordination between lenders, the VA, and often the transportation office during a PCS move.Sellers should understand that VA loans require specific appraisals, which are more detailed than conventional or FHA appraisals. The VA appraisal ensures the home meets both value standards and property condition guidelines. If repairs are needed, they must be addressed before the loan can close. While this may feel like an extra hurdle, it is a standard part of the process and helps protect military families making a long-term investment.Timing is another critical factor in these transactions. PCS timelines are often fixed, with buyers...
without private mortgage insurance, or PMI. This can significantly reduce the monthly payment compared to conventional loans. To access this home loan benefit, buyers must meet eligibility requirements, including obtaining a Certificate of Eligibility, or COE. While the process is straightforward, it does involve
Military relocations require speed, flexibility, and knowledge of VA financing to avoid unnecessary delays
About the Author
Pam Marion and Barry Ezerski, co-owners of Pam and Barry’s Team RE/MAX Professionals, bring more than three decades of experience to the Lawton real estate market. Pam, originally from Korea, and Barry, a former journalist, partnered in 2002. Guided by dedication and service, they have helped over 11,500 families throughout the region.
HelloLawton, Oklahoma • Winter Issue |7
Home Inspection Basics for Buyers and Sellers in Oklahoma
A home inspection is one of the most important steps in a real estate transaction. For both buyers and sellers, it provides an independent review of a property’s condition before final commitments are made. While some may assume an inspection will highlight every flaw, its real purpose is to focus on
major systems that affect safety and long-term value.Buyers often approach an inspection with high expectations, sometimes assuming the report will uncover every issue, large or small. In reality, inspectors are trained to focus on the big picture, not on minor cosmetic concerns. They will assess
8 | HelloLawton, Oklahoma • Winter Issue
Home Inspection Basics for Buyers and Sellers in Oklahoma
A home inspection is one of the most important steps in a real estate transaction. For both buyers and sellers, it provides an independent review of a property’s condition before final commitments are made. While some may assume an inspection will highlight every flaw, its real purpose is to focus on major systems that affect safety and long-term value.
Buyers often approach an inspection with high expectations, sometimes assuming the report will uncover every issue, large or small. In reality, inspectors are trained to focus on the big picture, not on minor cosmetic concerns. They will assess structural stability, electrical safety, roof integrity, plumbing, and heating and cooling systems. Small details such as paint chips, worn flooring, or dated fixtures typically do not carry weight in an inspection report.
This distinction is important when buyers prepare requests for repairs. A list that includes every scuff or blemish may frustrate sellers and slow negotiations. Buyers are usually better served by concentrating on the major items that could impact safety or require costly repairs. Structural damage, outdated wiring, or evidence of leaks should take priority. When buyers focus on serious concerns, negotiations tend to move forward more smoothly.
Sellers also benefit from understanding what to expect. A clean report is rare, even in newer homes, and most buyers know that perfection is unrealistic. Buyers are usually looking for assurance that the home is safe and functional. Sellers who recognize this are less likely to react defensively when an inspection report notes concerns. Being prepared to address major issues, or to negotiate fairly when they are discovered, can make the difference between a stalled sale and a successful closing.
It is also worth noting that inspectors are not fortune tellers. They cannot predict future breakdowns or guarantee the lifespan of a roof or appliance. Their role is to provide a professional opinion about the condition of the property on the day of the inspection. Buyers and sellers should keep this in mind when reviewing the report. A home inspection is not about achieving perfection, it is about protecting both parties with clear and reliable information.
For buyers, a thoughtful response to an inspection report shows they are serious about moving forward. Requesting too many fixes can create unnecessary tension. For sellers, a willingness to address legitimate safety concerns demonstrates good faith. When both sides approach the process with reasonable expectations, inspections can serve their true purpose, which is to bring clarity rather than conflict.
In the end, a home inspection is less about finding flaws and more about building confidence. It gives buyers the reassurance they need to proceed with one of the biggest investments of their lives. It also gives sellers the chance to resolve major concerns upfront, reducing the chance of disputes later. The best outcomes occur when everyone remembers that the goal is not a perfect house, but a safe and livable one.
Pam Marion and Barry Ezerski
every scuff or blemish may frustrate sellers and slow negotiations. Buyers are usually better served by concentrating on the major items that could impact safety or require costly repairs. Structural damage, outdated wiring, or evidence of leaks should take priority. When buyers focus on serious concerns, negotiations tend to move forward more smoothly.Sellers also benefit from understanding what to expect. A clean report is rare, even in newer homes, and most buyers know that perfection is unrealistic. Buyers are usually looking for assurance that the home is safe and functional. Sellers who recognize this are less likely to...
structural stability, electrical safety, roof integrity, plumbing, and heating and cooling systems. Small details such as paint chips, worn flooring, or dated fixtures typically do not carry weight in an inspection report.This distinction is important when buyers prepare requests for repairs. A list that includes
A home inspection is not about achieving perfection, it is about protecting both parties with clear and reliable information.
About the Author
Pam Marion and Barry Ezerski, co-owners of Pam and Barry’s Team RE/MAX Professionals, bring more than three decades of experience to the Lawton real estate market. Pam, originally from Korea, and Barry, a former journalist, partnered in 2002. Guided by dedication and service, they have helped over 11,500 families throughout the region.
