Carbon Monoxide Safety

Carbon Monoxide is something that many of us simply don't think about, yet it can be very dangerous. Carbon Monoxide is a gas that can be created when combustible fuel doesn't burn properly or when the exhaust is not properly vented. It can come from appliances, water heaters, exhaust from your car, blocked chimney flues and malfunctioning appliances that burn fuel. If you see black soot around vents, flues, filters or appliance burners, there may be carbon monoxide present. Also, if your Natural Gas flame is yellow instead of blue, it may be present.

Follow these preventative tips and keep this list of symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning on hand you suspect a problem.

Preventive Tips:

• Make sure that chimney's are properly vented and the flue is not blocked. Cleaning the chimney regularly is also recommended as annual maintenance.
• Replace air filters regularly. If you find that it is hard to remember to change your air filter or have trouble locating one, contact Rick Butefish of www.Filters4me.com, 918-292-8600 about their easy air filter replacement program.
• Keep appliance air intake areas clear.
• Don't heat your home with a gas range or space heater.
  
• Keep your heating and air-conditioning system running properly and have regular maintenance scheduled. Call Stephen Taylor of Air Assurance at 918-258-HEAT or www.airassurance.com. to schedule a check of your heating and a/c system.
• Install a carbon monoxide detector that is UL- approved and has an audible alarm.
  
• Don't use a grill or start a lawn mower, car or any fuel burning engine in a closed garage, inside the house, or in an enclosed area.

Symptoms of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning:

• Dizziness
• Ringing in the ear
• Fatigue
• Increased perspiration
• Weakness
• Vomiting
• Headaches

If you think that you may be experiencing these symptoms due to carbon monoxide poisoning, leave the property and call 911.

For more information about:

air filter replacement in Bixby OK- contact Rick Butefish, www.filters4me.com or 918-292-8600

heating and a/c repair and installation in Bixby, OK.- contact Stephen Taylor, Air Assurance, 918-258-HEAT

home maintenance needs in the Bixby, OK area- visit www.tulsahomecare.com

Protecting Your Home and Family From Fire

Fire can be a devastating event. It damages everything in its path and can cause serious injury and death. To help protect your family and home from fire, read on.

• Be prepared ahead of time! Being prepared is probably the most important step of all. This step involves many things. First, make sure you have homeowner's insurance in the event of a fire. Second, have a fire escape plan with all the necessary items such as escape ladders, fire extinguisher, smoke detectors etc. Third, practice your fire escape plan. If you have children, this is especially important. Take time to discuss what to do in the event of a fire and practice this at all hours of the day and night. Don't take for granted that they know what to do.
• Avoid unnecessary risk! Cigarettes, fire places, and appliances are common causes of fires in the home. To avoid these risks, make sure that all cigarettes are put out before going to bed or if you are sleepy. Consider putting them in a glass of water to be safe. Make sure that fires in your fireplace are completely out. If you use it often, install a screen and glass door for extra safety. Finally, avoid putting appliances near furniture. Appliances and heaters placed near furniture can often overheat and cause a fire to start. When a fire starts from any one of the items above, they often start very slowly and smolder for a long time before actually catching fire and being detected.
• Test your smoke alarm! It is very important to test your smoke alarm often to ensure that it is working properly. Also replace the battery at least once per year, even if it appears to be working. If your smoke alarm seems to go off regularly when there is not a problem, such as during cooking, consider moving it a few feet away. If your smoke alarm is 10 years old, replace it.
  
• Keep Emergency Numbers on Hand! Keep emergency numbers near all phones in case of fire or emergency.

No matter how much we prepare, we can't completely prevent fires in our home. should a fire occur, remember to call your homeowners insurance agent and home maintenance professionals to take care of any damage and ensure insurance coverage of repairs.

Contact these professionals for questions or quotes:

• Homeowners Insurance Coverage in Bixby, OK- Mike Tedford, Tedford Insurance, 918-299-2345 or www.tedfordinsurance.com.

• Roofing Repairs in the Bixby, OK area- Jonathon Knapp, Royal Roofing, 918-398-6500 or www.royalroofingllc.com.

• Residential Repairs in Bixby- Jonathon, Residential Repair, 918-621-1020 or www.residentialrepairinc.com.

How to Choose a Moving Company?

Choosing a moving company is a big decision. Not only for your finances, but also for your property and peace of mind. When it comes time to make the big move, keep these things in mind...

• Don't wait until the last minute or you might get stuck with a bad company or a high price.
• When calling a mover, make sure that you have the following information at hand: a list of items to move, moving date, where you are moving from and the destination, and approximate value of the items you are moving.
  
• Make sure the company is licensed. If the company is not licensed, think twice!
• Check their record with the Better Business Bureau and ask for references.
• Ask around. A company that has been around for a while, will likely have a reputation.
  
• Ensure that they have insurance adequate to cover the value of your property. Also, ask questions about what items are covered. For instance, many times, boxes that you pack yourself are not covered.

After asking lots of questions and selecting the right moving company, you can have peace of mind knowing that your property is in good hands!

For a quote to move in the Bixby, OK area, contact Mike at Relocation LLC at 918-459-6683 or www.relocationllc.net.

Want to move to a home in the Bixby, OK area? Contact The Baskin Real Estate Specialist of McGraw at 918-258-2600 or www.darrylbaskin.com.

Are Foreclosures Really a Bargain? What You Need to Know

Is Buying a Foreclosure Really a Bargain? What You Need to Know

In today's tumultuous economy, it's no surprise that there are foreclosure properties to be found in just about every community across America—even ours. While a terrible hardship for homeowners to endure, foreclosures can present a unique opportunity for first-time home buyers and investors looking to purchase a "bargain-priced home" with the potential for building instant equity.

As an experienced real estate professional, I want to advise you to tread carefully when it comes to foreclosures—they might not be quite the bargain you expect. Here are some important facts you need to know before venturing out into the foreclosure market:

- Homeowners faced with foreclosure are understandably stressed and resentful, which can often lead to neglecting routine maintenance on a home. Sometimes, even deliberate damage is done. Assessing the home's condition, therefore, is a must.

- Foreclosure properties have often been vacant for an extended period of time. Look for problems caused by damp conditions, such as mold.

- Get a thorough home inspection before bidding on the property. Once the damage/disrepair of the home is assessed, factor this in when bidding on the home.

- Contact a real estate professional—like me, a Member of the Top 5 in Real Estate Network®—who is well steeped in the community and can provide information about pre-foreclosure properties, that is, homes that have been scheduled for foreclosure but have not yet gone to auction or been sold off. These homes need to be sold quickly as owners are trying to avoid foreclosure and its impact on their credit.

-Last but not least, go to www.hud.gov for information on how to buy homes acquired by the U.S Department of Housing and Urban Development as a result of foreclosure action on an FHA-insured mortgage. The site also has information on special programs and opportunities for teachers, law enforcement officers and others.

While buying a foreclosure property takes patience and research, the results can be well worth your time and effort. For more information, please e-mail me, and please pass this on to anyone you know who might be interested in exploring a foreclosure purchase.

Take it Easy!

Wouldn't you love to have someone turn on the lights at a moments notice? What about the home theatre system or even the security system? No need. With home automation, you can control all of these things and more with a remote. All from the comfort of your favorite chair.

What exactly is home automation? Home automation involves using a remote control or another device to control multiple parts of your house, which can include: lighting, security, telephone, temperature, sprinklers, windows, and more. Home automation systems can even allow you to change the temperature of your home from a cell phone while you are away!

Can you afford to have your Bixby, OK area home installed with a home automation system? Find out by contacting Keegan Beck of KMB Enterprises at 918-527-1031 or Keegan@KMBEnterprisesllc.com.

For home maintenance professionals in the Bixby, OK area, visit www.tulsahomecare.com.

Home Buyer's Tax Credit

It's almost tax time again. With so many home buyers wanting to claim the tax credit this tax season, what papers are required? According to Realtor Magazine, the Internal Revenue Service is still requiring that taxpayers fill out Form 5405, however they have changed the requirements for the HUD-1 settlement document signatures. In areas, on the settlement statement, where it is uncommon for both the buyer and seller to sign, the IRS is not requiring both signatures as long as the document meets all local laws.

For repeat home buyers claiming the credit, proof must be given that they have lived in the previous home for 5 consecutive years out of the last 8 years.

If you live in the Bixby, OK area, get more information on the home buyer tax credit and find out if you are eligible, contact Steve Currington of Currington Mortgage at 918-394-5626 or www.curringtonmortgage.com.

To buy a home in the Bixby, OK area before the tax credit expires, contact Darryl Baskin of McGraw Realtors at 918-258-2600 or www.darrylbaskin.com.