HEPA Filters Can Improve Your Health in Your Bixby OK Home!

In a study performed by researchers in Canada, it was found that quality air filters can improve cardiovascular health. This study, "An Air Filter Intervention Study of Endothelial Function Among Healthy Adults in a Woodsmoke-Impacted Community" states that "HEPA filters can improve blood vessel health and curb heart disease for residential owners who use wood burning stoves, in addition to reducing other fine particulate matter in the home that can contribute to chronic disease."

To read more of this informative study and how HEPA filters can improve your health, visit http://www.darrylbaskin.com/air_filters_improve_health.

How can you get a great quality HEPA filter without leaving your Bixby, OK. home? Contact Rick Butefish of Filters4me at 918-292-8600 or www.filters4me.com.

It's Not Too Early To Plan Your Bixby, OK. Garden!

Although the weather is still cold, now is the perfect time to plan your garden. By starting now, when the weather warms up, you will be ready to begin your planting. Read on for basic steps when planning your garden:

• Before you buy, make sure you know what type of garden you want. Do you want herbs, vegetables, flowers or plants.
• Now that you know what type of garden you want, its time to decide where to plant. Remember to keep in mind the type of garden and the types of plants that will be there. Some plants will interfere with the foundation of your home, water lines, overhead electrical lines, etc. Talk to a Bixby, OK. home maintenance professional if you are unsure.
• Using paper, or a computer if you want, draw out the site. Be sure to include building, walkways, and existing plants and trees. Also take note of the type of soil you have, the sun exposure, climate, and any other areas that might cause problems.
• Once you know this information plant selection will be much easier. When selecting plants, consider the sun exposure they require, moisture needed, special soil requirements, and size at maturity.
• Finally, you can think about adding extra touches. Consider things such as landscaping lighting, sprinklers, mulch, water features, and paving stones. Landscaping lights can accent your flowerbed/garden and even add extra security at night. Automatic sprinklers can help keep your plants from drying out, especially during the hot summer months. For an extra special touch, consider using Garden Glass instead of mulch. It will add extra sparkle to your beds and will not wash or blow away.

Planning a garden can be a big task, but with time, patience, research and work you will have a beautiful garden.

Bixby, OK Permanent Mulch- Garden Glass of Oklahoma: Leigh Murray, Garden Glass, 918-232-0210 or www.gardenglassofoklahoma.com.

Bixby, OK Electric Services: Murray Electric, Larry Murray, 918-557-3020 or www.murrayelectric.com.

Bixby, OK. Plumbing Services: Mullin Plumbing, Markwayne Mullin, 918-258-6636 or www.mullinplumbing.com.

For all your Bixby, OK home maintenance needs and more, visit www.tulsahomecare.com.

Are Bixby, OK Homes More Affordable?

Since the economy took a downturn, the real estate market, all across the U.S., has been hurting. The Tulsa, OK area real estate market has done well when compared to many others across the United States, however, both the Tulsa, OK and U.S. markets are looking even better, statistics say. A recent article posted on RISMedia, "Housing Affordability Rises to Highest Level in Two Decades" states that in the U.S. "all new and existing homes sold in the fourth quarter of 2010 were affordable to families earning the national median income of $64,400". This is the most affordable homes have been since the first quarter of 2009. To read more, read the original article, "Housing Affordability Rises to Highest Level in Two Decades"

To buy or sell affordable Bixby, OK real estate, contact Kelly Howard, McGraw Realtors, 918-230-6341 or www.kellyhowardhomes.com.

Will Termites Affect Your Bixby, OK. Property Value?

Termites are everywhere. Whether you realize it or not, they are in virtually every area with dirt in Oklahoma. Whether it be your Bixby, OK home or Bixby area commercial property, termite damage will not only cost you money to repair and exterminate, but can also cost you value when you decide to sell your property. Properties that have a history of termite damage, treatment and repair can be the hardest hit. To avoid damaging your property value, contact a professional exterminator to exterminate. One of the most effective termite treatments around is the Sentricon Baiting System. Only select exterminators can install and care for these systems. Don't settle for just anyone to install a system. Ensure that they are qualified to install the Sentricon System and will guarantee the extermination of termites as well as check the system monthly! Also, make sure that you have repairs done quickly to prevent further damage.

For more information on the Sentricon Baiting System in Bixby, OK. or other pest control needs in the Bixby, OK area, contact Duane Montgomery of Montgomery Exterminating at 918-438-4885 or www.montgomeryexterminating.com.

For information on what affects Bixby, OK property value, contact Darryl Baskin, McGraw Realtors at 918-258-2600 or www.darrylbaskin.com.

For all your Bixby, OK mortgage needs contact Karen Heston of BOK Mortgage at 918-488-7353 or visit her website.

Luxury Home For Sale in South Tulsa Area

Jenks, OK. Luxury Home

10524 S. Gum St.
in Jenks, OK.
Estates of Stone Bluff

$2, 450,000

3 Bedrooms
4 Bathrooms
6 Car Garage

For more information on this Jenks, OK. Luxury Home or to buy or sell Bixby, OK area real estate, contact Kelly Howard, McGraw Realtors, 918-230-6341 or www.kellyhowardhomes.com.

Should I Sue Over Mold in My Bixby, OK Home?

Mold is a problem that we hear about often. It is also something that causes great concern when it is found in our Bixby, OK home or workplace. Because of potential health issues, it must is taken care of quickly. At what point, however, do you know when it becomes a legal issue and a lawsuit might be appropriate? Keep these things in mind:

• Before contacting an attorney, make sure that you inform your landlord or employer about the problem. Remember to keep proof that your landlord or employer received the information. Many times, your landlord or employer might not be aware of the problem, which can often be repaired at little cost. Make sure that you give them plenty of time to repair the problem as well. As the property owner, your insurance policy might cover the repairs. Contact your insurance agent to find out.
• If you suspect health problems as a result of the mold, see your physician. Don’t let health problems linger and potentially get worse.

If you own a home or business, have mold problems repaired before the mold spreads, health problems result, or a lawsuit occurs.

For more information about Bixby, OK lawsuits over mold in your home or place of employment, contact Chuck Richardson, Richardson Law Firm at 918-633-5070 or www.rrblawok.com.

To discuss mold damage and repair in Bixby, OK , contact Roger Fisher with PCC Cleaning and Restoration at 918-641-1111 or www.pcccr.com.

To discuss insurance coverage of mold problems in Oklahoma, contact Mike Tedford of Tedford Insurance at 918-299-2345 or www.tedfordinsurance.com.

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

Should You Renovate Before You LIst Your Bixby, OK Home?

When listing your home for sale, there are so many things that are recommended before you list. Everything from cleaning and decluttering to painting and remodeling. It can be extremely overwhelming when considering what is most important. In an article posted by Dan Steward, "Pre-Sale Renovation: Home Seller Do’s and Don’ts", he discusses renovations that should and should not be done before you list your home. Dan talks about everything from Kitchen to Bathrooms, cabinetry and countertops to appliances Read on for these great tips:

RISMEDIA, January 25, 2011—You’ve probably seen those depressingly cheery home-themed TV shows: a couple needs to sell their house, they have an outdated kitchen, and a designer comes in and proceeds to convince them to renovate the kitchen into a stainless-steel-clad shrine to culinary greatness—for tens of thousands of dollars. In an ideal real estate market, that would add value, but in today’s market, expensive pre-sale renovations, for the most part, aren’t worth it. The numbers bear this out: In general, a home remodel will cost quite a bit more than you’ll get back when you sell; remodels done in 2010 will only recoup 60% of their price when the house is sold, according to Remodeling magazine’s 2010 Remodeling Cost vs. Value survey, done in partnership with the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR).

Two of the areas that potential buyers are often most pressured to remodel before selling are the kitchen and bathroom. Here, we’ll tackle both of those rooms, and let you know what to do—and what to avoid—when considering a pre-sale renovation:

Kitchen
-Don’t put in expensive professional-grade cook’s appliances. You may choose a tricked-out, $10,000 Wolf stove, but the buyer may be a loyalist to Viking. Or, even worse, the potential buyer might be a take-out addict.

-Do, however, service the appliances you have, so that they work perfectly. And, if you have seriously outdated appliances that can be replaced for $1,000 or less (like swapping a dingy old fridge for a basic new one), that’s a good idea. Similarly, if there are any appliances that you lack, which most buyers consider essential, it makes sense to buy one (like a dishwasher—you can get a nice model for under $1,000).

-Don’t replace your cabinetry entirely—even if it’s a little outdated. It’s just too subjective. You might think sleek, white Scandinavian cabinets are the way to go, but you’ll be in a bind if your potential buyer prefers dark wood.

-Do invest in cabinet refacing if your cabinets are extremely outdated. Many refacing companies will give your cabinets a fresh façade for well under $2,000, and it’s a good investment in creating a positive impression of the room without doing a pricey knock-down.

-Don’t go granite crazy. Or marble. Or etched-Murano-glass-accented tile. Spending thousands of dollars on a new countertop and backsplash is downright dangerous, as there are so many different options these days, it’s impossible to find one that will please most people.

-Do hire a professional cleaning company to come in and make what you have sparkle. While this won’t magically make your tile look magazine-spread-worthy, it will certainly make it look a lot better, as discoloration from age often makes tile look even worse.

Bathroom
-Don’t do expensive tub/shower repairs or replacements. Just like with the big-ticket kitchen fixes, this is a matter of taste. If you put in a round jetted tub, what if the buyer wants square? And is an amethyst-crystal steam shower really something everyone will love?

-Do replace dated bath and shower fixtures; this can be done generally quite inexpensively. For instance, if you have a 30-year-old, tiny showerhead, replacing it with a large, rainwater-style model will lend a subtle spa-like quality without costing a lot.

-Don’t replace your smallish vanity with a new, built-in model. A lot of remodelers emphasize the intrinsically relaxing qualities of having all your toiletries, towels and even reading material beautifully organized in one big unit made of high-end wood, marble and chrome. And it is certainly beautiful. But it’s also a risky choice, and a matter of taste.

-Do freshen up the vanity area. Invest in a big mirror and put bright lights over it. And a few hundred dollars spent on a nice faucet is well worth it, as, like the showerhead, it’s a true basic—and updating the basics, in most homes and markets, is all you should be focusing on.

Other tips for redoing your kitchen and bathroom frugally

Kitchen:
-Declutter your counters. A disorganized kitchen is a buyer-deterrent. Clean up the counters and pare down countertop items to the essentials—toaster, microwave, coffee pot and not much more than that.

-Keep your pantry and cabinetry clutter-free too. You don’t have to alphabetize your cereals—just know that potential buyers will probably open those cabinets, so they won’t want a ladle falling out on their head.

-Give your kitchen table or breakfast bar some life. It’s simple—placemats, a colorful vase or two and a tasteful flower arrangement will reinforce the idea that the kitchen is the heart of the home.

Bathroom:
-If you want to add a little life to the wall, try a simple, straight-lined wood or stainless-steel floating shelf with a few candles on it. It’s an elegant, boutique-hotel touch that doesn’t cost much.

-Toss down a colorful floor mat. Bathrooms are often devoid of color; this is a great way to add that color, and a little warmth.

-Again, clear clutter. Even your beauty essentials shouldn’t be on the counter if you’re in the open house stage.

To buy or sell Bixby, OK real estate, contact Kelly Howard of McGraw Realtors at 918-230-6341 or www.kellyhowardhomes.com.

Tulsa, OK Area Homes For Sale...

Bixby, OK Luxury Home for Sale!

10824 S. 93 E. Ave.
Bixby, OK. in The Legends Addition
$725,000

5 Bedrooms
5 Full 1 Half Bathrooms
5 Living Areas
3 Car Garage

________________________________

Updated Owasso, OK Home!

11607 E. 84 Ct. N.
Three Lakes Village in Owasso, OK.

$99,500

3 Bedrooms
1 Full, 1 Half Bathrooms
2 Car Garage
_____________________________________

Exquisite Luxury Home for Sale in Jenks, OK.

10808 South New Haven Avenue
Belmont Addition in Jenks, Oklahoma

$1,895,000

4 Bedrooms
4 Full 2 Half Bathrooms
4 Living Areas
4 Car Garage

For more information on any of these Tulsa, OK area homes for sale or to buy or sell real estate in the Bixby, OK area, contact Kelly Howard of McGraw Realtors at 918-230-6341 or www.kellyhowardhomes.com.

Gorgeous Bixby, OK Luxury Home For Sale...

Gorgeous Luxury Estate on Over 1/2 Acre in Bixby, OK.

11707 South Fulton Avenue
Forest Hills Estates in Bixby, OK.

$725,000

4 Bedrooms
3 Full 2 Half Bathrooms
3 Car Garage

For more information on this Bixby, OK luxury home for sale or to buy or sell your Bixby, OK area home contact Kelly Howard of McGraw Realtors at 918-230-6341 or www.kellyhowardhomes.com.

Recycle, Don't Trash, Your Old Electronics

The technology in computers, cell phones, and other electronic devices is improving at such a fast rate that by the time we get used to the new one, there is an improved one on the market. When we purchase a new electronic device, what do we do with the old one? Often, we just throw them away. The problem with this is that there are "toxic heavy metal components like lead, cadmium, beryllium, and mercury that can pollute the environment" (RISMedia, 2-5-11).

Knowing that these toxic metals can pollute the environment, what can we do with our old electronics? Donate or recycle old electronics. Recycling old electronics in the Bixby, OK area is easy. Organizations like Goodwill, take these donations, sell what they can and recycle those that they can't sell. The money they make off these items helps with job training and employment. Other organizations such as Cell Phones for Soldiers, March of Dimes, Keep America Beautiful and Call To Protect also take used cell phones.

To read the full article, "Around the Home: Get Rid of Electronic Waste the Right Way" by Terri Bennett click the link.

To buy or sell Bixby, OK real estate, contact Kelly Howard, McGraw Realtors, 918-230-6341 or www.kellyhowardhomes.com.

Tulsa, OK. Area Homes for Sale

Sapulpa, OK Home for Sale

602 Cross Timbers Blvd.
The Lakes at Cross Timbers
$339,000

3 Bedrooms
2 Full 1 Half Bathrooms
3 Car Garage

Broken Arrow, OK. Home for Sale

1705 S. Juniper Ave.
Village Park
$165,000

3 Bedrooms
2 Bathrooms
2 Car Garage

Jenks, OK. Luxury Estate for Sale

11425 S. Louisville Pl.
The Estates of Waterstone
$2,850,000

6 Bedrooms
6 Full 2 Half Bathrooms
7 Car Garage

For more information on these Tulsa, OK Area Homes for Sale or to buy or sell Bixby, OK real estate, contact Kelly Howard of McGraw Realtors at 918-230-6341 or www.kellyhowardhomes.com

Keeping Your Bixby, OK Home Secure While On Vacation

With all the snow and cold weather, many of us are thinking of leaving our Bixby, OK home for a a nice warm vacation. Whether you plan on vacationing soon or waiting until later in the year, you will find some excellent information in the article, "10 Tips to Protect Your Home while Away on Vacation" by Kelly O'Ryan. This article give handy tips that will help to keep your home secure, your utility bills down, and your mind at ease. Read on for these great tips:

RISMEDIA, February 11, 2011—With school vacations approaching, many lucky families are planning trips to cure their winter blues. Here are some important things to remember if you leave your home for several days.

1. Turn down your thermostat, but don’t shut it off. You shouldn’t set your thermostat any lower than 55 degrees in order to protect your pipes from freezing.

2. Arrange for snow removal in your absence in case there’s a storm while you are away. Massachusetts law requires residents to clear their own sidewalks and walkways six hours after a storm takes place and you’re not off the hook if you are out of town.

3. Make sure to hold the mail and newspaper. If you can’t have someone pick it up every day, it’s a sure giveaway that nobody’s home and can be a green light for burglars.

4. If possible, leave a key with someone you trust, preferably a neighbor and have them keep an eye on your home while you’re gone. Make sure to offer returning the favor and thank them with a gift when you return.

5. Unplug all electronics that don’t need to used like the television, coffee maker, and home computers.

6. Lower the temperature on your water heater.

7. If you can, leave a car in the driveway and use timers to turn on outdoor and indoor lights to give the impression that someone is home. Leaving the porch light on the entire time you’re gone is a bad idea. If you don’t have a timed light, you can leave an interior light on for the duration of your trip as long as you can’t easily notice it during the day.

8. As excited as you may be to go on vacation, avoid advertising it over Facebook and Twitter. Also, keep this in mind while posting updates from your cell phone on vacation.

9. If you have access to one, place all your valuables in a safe or safe deposit box.

10. Remember, if your house is on the market, you can ask your REALTOR® to stop by and check in. While you’re on vacation, it’s a great time for showings because you won’t have schedule conflicts.

If you follow these tips the next time you are out of town, you will most likely protect your house and your peace of mind.

For Bixby, OK real estate needs, contact Kelly Howard, McGraw Realtors, 918-230-6341 or www.kellyhowardhomes.com.

Luxury Homes For Sale in the Tulsa, OK Area

Gated and Secluded Luxury Estate in Bixby, OK

1724 East 151 Street
in Bixby, OK.

$2,675,000

5 Bedrooms
6.5 Bathrooms
4 Car Garage

________________________________________

Elegant Luxury Home For Sale in Bixby, OK.

13420 S. Lewis Ave.
$999,000

13420 South Lewis Avenue in Bixby, OK
The Estates of Hampton Hills Addition

5 Bedrooms
5 Full, 1 Half Bathrooms
3 Car Garage

__________________________________

Secluded Owasso, OK Luxury Home For Sale

15601 East 82nd Street North
in Owasso, OK.

$1,900,000

4 Bedrooms
4 Full, 2 Half Bathrooms
4 Car Garage

For more information on these Luxury Tulsa,OK Area Homes for Sale or for all your Bixby, OK real estate needs, contact Kelly Howard, McGraw Realtors, 918-230-6341 or www.kellyhowardhomes.com