What is the most critical factor impacting real estate appreciation? Many think that it's the economy. It goes without saying that interest rates, unemployment, job growth, government programs and a handful of other national determinants have a noticeable impact on your home's worth. But the most significant things that decide your house's value are particular to the local Oklahoma City economy and residential market.

Location in a community - Many consumers prefer to live in districts with the most convenient characteristics for households to do well, such as a close proximity to jobs and schools. So these areas consistently appreciate, or hold their value, best.

Recent sales - Your REALTOR^® should provide you with data on the recent real estate sales in the districts that you're asking about. You'll want to know average time on market, selling versus listing price and more.

The appreciation history - Is the community considered desirable because of its location or affordability? Have property prices gone up or down over the past 5-10 years?

The local economy - Are local businesses hiring? Have businesses moved into or away from an area? Is there a nice mix of job types in an area, or does it rely upon just one industry? Is the mix of commercial and residential zoning changing? Each of these things plays a part.