What Not to Pack!

Packing and moving can be a lengthy and stressful process. Knowing what to pack is simple though, right? Unfortunately, it isn't always so simple! There are some items that you should not send with your moving company. Hazardous items are actually illegal for movers to to transport. The following items should not be sent in the moving van:

• Paint and paint thinners
• Ammunition and firearms
• Gas, Propane, and Oil
• Flammable or Explosive Materials
• Aerosols
• Acetone Products (such as nail polish remover)
• Stereo Equipment
• Matches
• Valuable Items
• Pets

For a complete list of items that moving companies can't move or for a quote to move your property, contact Mike with Relocation LLC at 918-455-6683 or www.relocationllc.net.

Interested in moving to the Tulsa, OK. area, contact Darryl Baskin of McGraw Realtors at 918-258-2600 or www.darrylbaskin.com.

What is Land Use Planning?

Land use planning is a process where experts assess the land and its resources with the goal of making the land most beneficial to the users while also conserving the environment. While this process does take time, it can be very beneficial to property owners and the environment. As land is used up over time, it is very important to conserve the limited resources available to us. Land use planning helps all involved to make the best use of the land and help anticipate future needs and possible changes.

There are many steps and factors that are present when developing a land use plan, from discussions with owners to legal, economic, and social factors. The basic steps in land use planning are as follows:

• Determine Goals and Get Organized
• List Problems adn Changes that are Possible
• Evaluate the Land
• Analyze the Legal, Economic, Social, and Environmental Factors
• Select the Best Option
• Prepare and Implement the Plan
• Monitor the Plan and Revise as Needed

To discuss land use planning, contact Dennis Blind of Glory Development at 918-812-2339 or glorydevelopment@olp.net.

For legal issues involving your property or land use plan, contact Chuck Richardson of Richardson, Richardson, Boudreaux at 918-663-5070 or clrichardson@richardsonlawfirmpc.com.

For all your Bixby, OK area real estate needs, contact Darryl Baskin, McGraw Realtors at 918-258-2600 or www.darrylbaskin.com.

Preventing Water Damage!

Water damage and leaks can be anything from a minor irritation to a major problem. For some homeowners, the damage caused from water leaks may be covered under their homeowner's insurance policy. For others, the cost to repair these damages is out-of-pocket. No one likes to spends lots of money in repairs, therefore preventing damage is the best way help prevent those excess expenses.

• Occasionally, check appliances that use water. Check for leaks around hoses, underneath for soft flooring and nearby for evidence of water leaks. When leaving the house, don't leave these appliances running. Disconnect or turn off the water to your washing machine before leaving the house for extended periods of time.
  
• Check sinks, showers/tubs, and toilets for clogs and loose caulking. Also check for soft flooring or water nearby that might indicate a leak.
• Check your water heater for rust and for wet spots on the floor.
• Make sure your roof is in good condition, all soffits and vents allow for good air flow, there isn't any debris on the roof or guttering, and there is no evidence of bent, missing or damaged shingles.
• Before and during cold weather keep faucets off and hoses disconnected from the spigots.
• During warmer weather, have your A/C unit serviced to ensure that it is in good working order.
• Check all caulking and paint on the exterior of your house and around windows and doors.
• Prevent water from sitting around the foundation of your home by filling low spots.
  
• If you suspect a leak that you can't find, turn off all appliances (that use water), faucets and don't flush the toilet. Record your water meter reading at the beginning and ending of an hour. If the number has changed, a leak is possible.
• Make sure everyone in the household knows where the water shut-off valve is in case of an emergency. Turning this off while away from home for vacation can also help to prevent damage from leaks.
  

Remember to keep the above tips in mind to help prevent water damage, however when water damage does occur consult with home maintenance professionals.

For roof repair and installation in the Bixby, OK area contact Judy Smith of A-Best Roofing at 918-587-1426 or www.abestroofing.com.

For information about Oklahoma insurance coverage of water damage, contact Mike Tedford of Tedford Insurance at 918-299-2345 or www.tedfordinsurance.com.

To get your Bixby, OK area house repaired after water damage, contact Roger Fisher of PCC Cleaning and Restoration at 918-641-1111 or www.pcccr.com.

Recent Mortgage Modifications Fail!

President Obama's plan to help mortgage borrowers who are in trouble is failing for many. Almost 1 million borrowers applied for the mortgage modification program, however only 65,000 or 7 percent have completed the modification. Approximately 50,000 borrowers dropped out because they didn't qualify and the rest of those that applied are still waiting.

For more information on the mortgage modification program or to apply for a mortgage loan or refinance, contact Karen Heston of BOK Mortgage at 918-230-9432 or visit her website here.

Bixby Fighter Prepares for Match

Bixby's Derek Pressler works out at www.icehousefitness.com preparing for his nearing MMA fight in Kansas City, MO January 15th. More information at Ticketmaster.com

Upward Basketball

Bixby First United Methodist Church offers Upward basketball program- a league for boys that focuses on good sportsmanship and integrates biblical truths and values. Www.fumcbixby.org

Jake's Place BBQ Opening Soon!

Jake's Place famous Bar-B-Que is opening in downtown Bixby in a few days. The anticipated restaurant will serve what many area residents have enjoyed at special catering events. Jake's Place is located across the street from The Ice house 24-hour Fitness Center and BTC on Armstrong in downtown Bixby, OK. (East of Memorial at approximately E. 153rd St.)

School Board Elections Information

Lisa Vining prepares training program at the www.IceHouseFitness.com in Bixby, OK

There are Bugs in Your Bed!

Okay. I know you are probably saying "Bugs in my bed? There are no bugs in my bed!" Actually, there are. Dust Mites are microscopic bugs that eat dead skin cells that are shed from humans and animals. They can be found in lots of places, but are especially prevalent on mattresses, frequently used furniture, and carpeted areas. Humans slough off 1/3 (or 10 grams) of dead skin a week and cats and dogs produce even more. More than 100,000 can be on your mattress and in one square yard of carpeting. Many of us can actually be allergic to dust mites and their feces, which is a large component of dust. Okay, I know you're probably saying "That's enough, tell me how to get rid of the nasty things!"

Although we can't completely get rid of dust mites, here are some ways to reduce dust and Dust Mites in our homes:

• Cover your mattress with a plastic cover or mattress cover made exclusively for reducing dust mites.
• Use Hardwood Flooring instead of carpeting since it is easier to reduce and clean dust from hard surfaces.
• Clean regularly. Wash your sheets and blankets at least once every two weeks and clean areas where they are likely to be every week.
• Reduce fabrics on your furniture by purchasing leather furniture, which is less inviting to Dust Mites.
• Use quality air filters and replace them often in order to reduce dust and allergens in your home.

For more information about hardwood flooring options in the Bixby, OK. area, contact Jim Ecrette of ProSource Wholesale Floorcoverings at 918-252-7711 or email him at prosourcejim@tulsacoxmail.com. (Don't forget to ask for Darryl Baskin's flooring discount!)

To purchase quality air filters contact Rick Butefish of Filters 4 Me at 918-292-8600 or www.filters4me.com.

How to Buy a Home from a Builder...

How Do Home Builderʼs Negotiate?
This common question has some uncommon answers. Home builders in the Bixby, OK area - just like any other home seller - have their own agenda based upon the type of home they are building, their own personal philosophies of building new houses and the market forces which affect any home seller anywhere. Despite the exponential differences these variable can create, there are common practices which make buying a new home in Tulsa and the surrounding communities somewhat consistent between them.

How much should I offer on a brand new home?
Like any other home a buyer falls in love with, the reason the buyer likes the house is because it stood out as the best overall value of the houses that are available. This often means it is priced well to begin with. Therefore, while you may still be able to negotiate a better deal, donʼt be so eager to steal the property that you forget this important fact. Consider your second choice. Would you rather pay full price for your favorite or get a discount on your second favorite? An honest answer to this question will tell you if you are making a price decision based on negotiation pride or market value.

Home builders pay for workers.
Often, buyers think of home builder as “Big Corporate America,” “Big Oil,” “Real Estate Dynasties,” and such. While there are some legendary home builders with deep pockets, most are just small business people who have taken extraordinary risk to build a home. Even those well-funded builders have a bottom to their funds and have to manage their business efficiently. What you are hiring is a manager of the complex home building process. Negotiate a good deal but make sure you pay enough for the builder to be profitable or you could find your new dream home encumbered with contractor liens. This will quickly turn into a nightmare.

If you are interested in building a home in the Bixby, Oklahoma area, contact Rick Oberlender of US Building Systems at 918-734-1293 or usbs@att.net.

Insurance Claims

How Do I Handle an Insurance Claim on my Homeowner's Policy? Many times homeowner's find that insurance adjusters can't answer questions about their policy. That is because, many times, insurance adjusters are sub-contracted by the insurance company. To help alleviate that problem, make sure that you ask plenty of questions about your policy before you purchase it. Find out what is covered and what isn't. Also keep in mind that many policies stipulate that you have to file a lawsuit within 1 year of the claim or you will waive any right to do so. If there are problems with your claim, you may need to file a lawsuit before the year is up in order to make sure that your time doesn't run out and you are stuck with repairs that you can't pay for. To avoid being put into that position, work ahead, ask questions, and do your research.

For more information about filing insurance claims or for an estimate for insurance coverage in Oklahoma contact Mike Tedford of Tedford Insurance at 918-299-2345 or www.tedfordinsurance.com.

For legal advice on insurance claims in Oklahoma, contact Paul Boudreaux of Richardson, Richardson, Boudreaux at 918-492-7674 or www.richardsonlawfirmpc.com.

For an estimate for roofing repair or replacement on your Bixby, OK, area home, contact Judy Smith of A-Best Roofing at 918-587-1426 or www.abestroofing.com.

Protect Your Home Value During Tough Economic Times

During today's tough economic times, we constantly hear abour the suffering housing market. Keep the following tips in mind to help protect the value of your home.

• Mow your yard.
• Mow your neighbor's yard.
• Keep your house painted.
• Support your homeowner's association. This is not the time to be quibbling over inconsequential matters.
• Watch your entry to the neighborhood. Keep it well maintained.
• Exterior matters most- many owners will be facing difficulty finding the funds to maintain their home as they have in the past. Don't put home maintenance issues off or you might find a bigger problem with a bigger bill later. Hire home professionals if necessary.
• Don't flood the market if you are not a necessary seller. Your presence as a home for sale (if it competes with another house in the neighborhood) could cause a seller who is desperate to sell to become more desperate and drop their price further to compete.
• Variety of selection is important.
• Talk up the neighborhood! What you say to your friends is as important as any house advertisement.
• Never say "They will never get that!" to anyone...EVER! You should HOPE AND PRAY they DO!

To find out what your home is worth and for all your real estate needs in the Bixby, Oklahoma area contact Darryl Baskin, McGraw Realtors, 918-258-2600 or www.darrylbaskin.com.

For heating and air-conditioning maintenance and installation in the Bixby, OK. area, contact Stephen Taylor with Air Assurance at 918-258-HEAT or staylor@airassurance.com

To check your Bixby, Oklahoma home for termite repair or wood rot, contact Duane Montgomery of Montgomery Exterminating at 918-438-4885 or www.montgomeryexterminating.com.

New Info on Buyers Tax Credit!

Many first-time home buyers that took advantage of the $8000 tax credit a year ago are still waiting for their refund. Most of these buyers amended their 2008 tax returns. The IRS says that all amended returns are reviewed by hand, therefore it is taking longer than normal.

The IRS has also clarified the guidelines for co-borrowers seeking the tax credit. For more information about taking advantage of the buyer's tax credit in the Bixby, OK. area, contact Jeff Sargent, ONB Mortgage at 918-392-6572 or jef_sargent@onbbank.com.

To buy or sell property in the Bixby, OK. area contact The Baskin Real Estate Specialists at 918-258-2600 or www.darrylbaskin.com.

Too Much Stuff!

It is all too common to hear someone say, I have way too much stuff! Some people hoard, others save “just in case”, and many find out they have too much stuff when they have to move. Whatever your reasons, any time is the perfect time to go through that stuff and figure out what to do with it. Here are your five basic options: Keep it, Store it, Sell, it, Donate it, and Throw it Away. The hard part is trying to put that stuff in the right category. First, ask yourself these questions:

• Does this item add positive value to my life or does it make me feel bad?
• Does this item have sentimental value? Is it a family heirloom?
• Have I used this item or worn these clothes in the last year?

If the item is in the keep pile consider storing it. Larger items or items that you decide to keep but still don’t have room for can be put into storage. Remember to think about insurance coverage and special needs for certain items, such as temperature, parking, etc.

If you are getting rid of the item, follow these basic rules to categorize that “stuff”!

• Throw it away if it is torn, ripped, broken, or stained.
• Sell it if it is something that you think someone else would buy or could imagine someone else using. These items can be sold in a garage sale, consignment store, or even online.
• Donate items that are in good shape and would be helpful to others. Places like Salvation Army and Goodwill take many donations and pick up in certain areas. Also remember that some items like children’s toys, book and videos can be donated to children’s hospitals and other organizations with needy or sick children. Be creative and check around. There are many worthwhile places to donate good used items.

For information on OK storage facilities, rental costs, and other storage tips call Mike Steinberg, Relocation LLC at 918-459-6683 or www.relocationllc.net.

For all your real estate needs in the Bixby, OK. area contact Darryl Baskin, McGraw Realtors at 918-258-2600 or www.darrylbaskin.com.