This post was last updated on December 2nd, 2025 at 10:17 am
About 181CloseNow
For more than four generations, our family has been helping Oklahomans sell their homes quickly, simply, and with respect. Long before “cash home buyers” became an industry, we were already doing it — the right way.
Our story starts during one of the hardest times in American history, and it taught us something we still believe today:
When you take care of people, everything else falls into place.
Where It All Began: 1939 in Oklahoma City
Our story starts with Charlie Mercer, who opened a small office at SW 15th and Agnew during the Great Depression. Money was tight. People were struggling. But Charlie believed something simple:
If you can help someone out of a tough spot, you should.
He began buying homes from local families who needed to sell quickly — no repairs, no inspections, no judgment. Just an honest handshake and a straightforward process.
Charlie’s approach became our family philosophy:
Help people first. The business will take care of itself.
Building Homes, Buying Homes, and Growing a Family Legacy
Charlie’s daughter, Jeweldeen, and her husband Harlen Core, continued what he started — and expanded it even further. They not only bought homes… they built them, too.
By the 1960s, Oklahoma City was growing fast, and Harlen became deeply involved in the homebuilding world:
- Charter member of the Southwest Oklahoma Homebuilders Association
- President of the Central Oklahoma Home Builders Association
- Longtime member of the National Association of Home Builders
Meanwhile, Jewel kept everything running — the business, community outreach, church involvement, and a growing family.
Their dedication shaped the next generations, many of whom later moved into homebuilding, land development, commercial real estate, and property leasing.
2008 Housing Crisis: Helping Oklahomans When It Mattered Most
Our family has lived through multiple housing cycles — the good and the bad. But 2008 was different.
We saw trouble coming. Adjustable-rate mortgages, reckless lending, and banks pushing people into homes they couldn’t afford — it didn’t sit right with us. So we returned to our roots:
We helped people sell their homes fast for cash, no banks required.
And when the market crashed?
- We didn’t buy foreclosures from the banks.
- We didn’t take advantage of struggling families.
- We donated our time to help people understand their options and avoid losing everything.
It wasn’t always easy. But it was the right thing to do — the same thing Charlie would’ve done.
The Beginning of 181CloseNow
Helping families through the 2008 crisis eventually grew into what is now 181CloseNow.
Today, we’re proud to be one of Oklahoma’s most trusted home buyers — not because we’re flashy or aggressive, but because we’re steady, honest, and predictable.
People trust us because:
- We don’t back out of agreements
- You never need to make repairs
- We handle all the paperwork
- We close fast — on your timeline
- We treat every client with respect
Most importantly:
We do what we say we’re going to do. Every time.
Still Family-Owned. Still Local. Still Doing Things the Right Way.
181CloseNow is still based right here in Oklahoma City, still family owned, and still operating on the same values Charlie started with back in 1939.
We’ve helped thousands of Oklahomans over the decades — homeowners facing tough situations, people who simply wanted a smoother selling process, and families who just needed honest guidance.
If you want to work with people who show up on time, who follow through, and who treat you like family…
You’re in the right place. See what our clients say about working with us.
Be Part of Our Story
If you’re thinking about selling, or just want to understand your options, we’re here to help.
Give us a call at 1(812)567-3669 (181CloseNow), Contact Us or fill out the form below: