Monday, June 27, 2011

Tulsa, OK. Area Home for Sale

Tulsa, OK. Home for Sale

5821 East 101 Place
Forest Meadows Addition in Tulsa, OK.

$317,000

4 Bedrooms
2 Full 1 Half Bathrooms
2 Car Garage
3 Living Areas

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

Friday, June 24, 2011

Lawmakers Fight Over 20% Downpayment Requirement

Currently, a proposed law would require a 20% downpayment for all Qualified Residential Mortgages. There are concerns by many lawmakers and real estate professionals that this requirement would hinder the recovery of the real estate market. Read on for more details about this proposed law and how lawmakers are attempting to change the federal regulators minds...

More Lawmakers Fight 20% Down Payment

A proposed 20 percent down payment rule for qualified residential mortgages is too high, argues a growing group of lawmakers in the House of Representatives.


Late last week, about 240 lawmakers in the House sent a second letter to federal regulators urging them to lower the down payment rule on QRMs. Last month, about 150 lawmakers had signed a letter urging the same.

"The resultant reduction in demand for housing, due to an overly burdensome government dictate, would only add to the challenges the housing market faces, and could threaten a full-fledged economic recovery from years to come," the most recent letter reads.

The 20 percent down payment rule arises from an effort of several federal agencies that have been trying to urge more responsible lending and borrowing. The agencies created a proposed risk-retention regulation under the Dodd-Frank Wall Street reform law, which requires lenders that securitize mortgage loans to retain 5 percent of the credit risk unless the mortgage is considered a safe mortgage or a “qualified residential mortgage.” (FHA and VA mortgages would be exempt.)

QRMs would be exempt from the 5 percent credit requirement but would have to meet certain guidelines, such as the proposed 20 percent down payment requirement. Borrowers with less than 20 percent down could then be forced to pay higher fees and interest rates.

A 20 percent down payment requirement would cause more first-time buyers to flee from the already fragile housing market, analysts at Capital Economics say.

The National Association of REALTORS® also has been an outspoken critic of the proposal, saying that a 20 percent down payment requirement would jeopardize a housing recovery.

Source: “More Lawmakers Join Major Push to Reduce QRM Down Payment,” HousingWire (June 20, 2011)

To read the original article in Realtor Magazine, "More Lawmakers Fight 20% Down Payment", visit the link.

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

Wednesday, June 22, 2011

Summer Cleaning Tips!

Now that Summer is officially in full swing, many homeowners are cleaning out their home. When cleaning out your home, remember these tips to make the decisions even easier:

  1. Have I used the item within the last year? Will I use the item within the next year?- If the item hasn't been used in the last year, it is unlikely that you won't use it this coming year, so consider getting rid of that item.
  2. Is this a sentimental item?- If the item has sentimental value and you have the space to store it, then keep it if you want. Remember though, some of us think that everything has sentimental value, so limit your sentiment or you will be overflowing!
  3. Does this item hold monetary value?- If you don't use or can't store the item, consider selling it or giving it to someone who would appreciate it.
  4. Do I have room for this item?- If the answer is no, then store it or get rid of it.
  5. Is this item usable?- If the item is broken, too old, or unusable, consider recycling it.

For all your Bixby, OK. Junk Removal, contact David, I-Haul of Tulsa, 918-852-2146 or www.ihaulusa.com.

For Bixby, OK. Storage and Moving Solutions, contact Mike Ellingson, Relocation LLC, 918-459-6683 or www.relocationllc.net

Tuesday, June 21, 2011

10 Ways to Get Rid of Mold in Your Home

Whether you’re a home buyer, homeowner, or home seller, mold poses a wide range of problems, from cosmetic issues to serious health hazards. According to the Alliance for Healthy Homes, more than 1,000 types of molds have been found in U.S. homes, and approximately 6-10 percent of the general population, and 15-50 percent of people who are genetically prone to develop allergies, are allergic to mold.

Surprisingly, some of today’s advanced building techniques unwittingly foster mold growth in the home. As buildings are increasingly designed to prevent the infiltration and exfiltration of air, the materials used lock in moisture and humidity. Older homes are at risk thanks to leaky windows and roofs that bring in even more moisture.

Finding and removing mold is of the utmost importance, whether you intend to sell your home in the near future or not. Here, from home inspection experts, Pillar To Post (www.pllartopost.com), are 10 tips for combating mold in your home:

1. Call in a home inspection professional to assess water-damaged areas.

2. Keep humidity low. Humidity levels should be under 40% in order for mold to stop its forward march.

3. Replace any carpets and furniture that have ever been significantly damaged (i.e., saturated in water), even if they look OK on the outside.

4. Carpet in a bathroom or basement is never a good idea. Remove any that exists in those areas in your home.

5. Use an air conditioner during the summer months, even if it’s set at a relatively high temperature, like 80. Use fans to circulate air.

6. Dust and clean furniture regularly, and vacuum carpets at least once a week (make sure your vacuum has a HEPA filter).

7. Provide adequate ventilation in hot areas. The kitchen and bath are two of the highest-risk rooms for mold. Install exhaust fans in the kitchen and bathroom.

8. When you’re shopping for house paint for big or small painting projects, ask the sales rep about mold inhibitors you can add before painting.

9. Does your central air system have a fan from the Ford Pinto era? If so, replace it with a high-performance electrostatic air filter. Your local HVAC technician can help with this.

10. Don’t neglect areas underneath the house—have a professional drain and ventilate all sub-basement areas, especially crawl spaces.

If you do find mold in your home, remove it with a store-bought anti-fungal solution, or get rid of it with a weak bleach solution—1 cup bleach in 1 gallon of water. Or, if mold exists in a larger area, call in a professional to help.

As a Member of the Top 5 in Real Estate Network®, I, along with my team, have a wealth of real estate and homeownership information that may be of help to you. Feel free to contact our team any time to learn more about this important information, and be sure to forward this article on to any friends or family that may be interested as well.

Sincerely,

Darryl Baskin, McGraw Realtors, 918-258-2600

For professional Bixby, OK. mold removal, contact Roger Fisher, PCC Cleaning and Restoration, 918-641-1111 or www.pcccr.com.

For high performance air filters delivered to your door, visit www.filters4me.com.

For Bixby Air Conditioning Repair and Replacement, contact Stephen Taylor, Air Assurance, 918-258-COOL or www.airassurance.com.

For wholesale flooring in Bixby, OK. contact Jim Ecrette, Prosource Wholesale Flooring, 918-252-7711 or www.prosourcefloors.com/tulsa. Remember to ask for Darryl Baskin's wholesale pricing.

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

Monday, June 20, 2011

Spectacular Luxury Home For Sale...

Tulsa, OK. Luxury Home For Sale

1714 East 35th Street
Adams Estates in Tulsa, OK.

$749,900

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

For more information on this spectacular Tulsa, OK. luxury home for sale or to buy or sell Bixby, OK. real estate, contact Kelly Howard, Tulsa Luxury Property Group at McGraw Realtors, 918-230-6341 or www.kellyhowardhomes.com.

Friday, June 17, 2011

Storm Damage and Insurance Claims

1. The first stage of the claim process - getting started:

I have a storm claim - what do I do?

The first step in the claims process is reporting your damage to your insurance company. Call your insurance company to report the claim. At this stage, your call will most likely be directed to someone gathering basic information such as contact information and broad general information regarding your loss. This person most likely will not be the adjuster assigned to assess and evaluate your claim and is not the person who will ultimately decide on insurance benefit payments to you. It is important to provide answers to any questions asked at this stage.

What if I cannot find my policy?
Immediately ask your insurance company or agent for a complete copy of your insurance policies, including your declarations page. That policy is the contract between your insurance company and you. You need a copy to understand what coverage types are available to you in case you later need to tell your lawyer this information. Some of these coverages may be difficult to understand. Basic
coverage types in these policies include dwelling, other structures, personal property
and loss of use. Common additional coverages include debris removal, property
collapse, and reasonable repairs. Also, the policy will also determine amounts of
coverage as well as any exclusions, conditions, and deductibles regarding coverage.
The debris removal coverage, if available, may be particularly helpful at this early stage
to pay to clear your property. While this fact sheet addresses residential homeowner’s
insurance, commercial property insurance can cover both physical structures and
property as well as loss of business and income as a result of a disaster.

I have been assigned an adjuster, so what happens now?

An adjuster’s job is to investigate the claim for the insurance company. Determining what caused the damage and placing a value on the damage are part of this stage. You should expect the adjuster to inspect the damage initially and provide guidance as to what you can do to move the claim forward. You should ask the adjuster what you should do to assist in the claims process. Take notes of any instruction given to you. If you do not understand anything, ask for clearer instruction or explanation.

The adjuster assigned to me does not work for my insurance company. Should I be concerned?

Oftentimes, following a natural disaster with widespread damage like we
experienced on April 27th, insurance companies will employ what are called
“independent” adjusters to help handle claims due to the high volume of claims coming
in. This does not change any obligation of your insurance company. The policy between
you and your company remains in effect and must be honored regardless of whether
the adjuster is a direct employee of your insurance company or an “independent
adjuster.”

I do not like my adjuster. What can I do?

You have an obligation under your insurance contract to cooperate with your insurance company. This might include answering questions you feel are unnecessary or impossible to answer at this time. Do not forget your obligation to cooperate. If you refuse to cooperate, you may be giving your insurance company an opportunity to not pay your claim, in whole or in part. That does not mean you have to accept any payment offer from the company. Instead, this means you have to provide information asked by the company or adjuster. If you find you cannot work well with your adjuster, you may request another one. Some policies provide for this right, while other policies do not. Prior to making this request, review your policy. Under the strain from and the recent destruction, such a request may also slow down your claim.

I cannot live in my home. What can I expect from my insurance company?
Determine what “Additional Living Expense” coverage you have from your adjuster and your policy. "Additional Living Expenses" generally includes hotel or restaurant bills; the limit in terms of specific dollar amounts or percentage of coverage are usually defined. Make sure you understand the limit - the maximum total amount of coverage - you have so you can budget your living arrangements. This coverage is designed to provide a comparable standard of living after a loss. Ask what documentation you need to provide to continue this coverage while you are displaced from your home.

**For part two of this article, visit www.darrylbaskin.com/baskinreport


For Tulsa, OK. legal questions regarding storm damage and insurance claims, contact David Keesling, Richardson Richardson Boudreaux Keesling at 918-492-7674 or www.rrblawok.com.

For all your Tulsa, OK. insurance needs. contact Mike Tedford, Tedford Insurance, 918-299-2345 or www.tedfordinsurance.com.

Thursday, June 16, 2011

What is Required in a Home Inspection?

When we purchase a Bixby home, many homeowners choose or are required by their mortgage, to have their home inspected. Each inspector has their own way to inspect the property and some do more than others. There are requirements, however, by the Oklahoma Home Inspection Industry (OAC 310:276) that gives minimum requirements for a General Home Inspection. Those requirements include:

The inspector shall inspect and describe the condition of the following items:

1. Structural System Inspection Requirement
a. Foundation Components
b. Framing Components
c. Method of Inspection
2. Exterior Inspection Requirements
a. Exterior Wall Coverings
b. Flashing, trim, fascia and soffits
c. Doors and windows
d. Balconies, decks, and railings
e. Steps, porches, walkways, patios, and driveways
f. Site, grading, surface drainage, and retaining walls
3. Roof System Inspection
a. Roof covering, penetrations, and flashings
b. Skylights
c. Chimneys
d. Method of inspection
4. Plumbing System Inspection
a. Fixtures, faucets, drain and vent systems
b. Water heaters, flues, energy source, and safety relief valve
c. Fuel storage and distribution systems and location of main fuel shut off
d. Water supply and location of main water shut off
5. Electrical System Inspection
a. Service drop, service entrance conductors, cables and raceways
b. Main disconnects, distributions panels, sub-panels, and grounding
c. Describe the amperage and voltage of the source
d. Conductors (including presence of aluminum branch wiring)
e. Readily accessible lighting fixtures, switches, ceiling fans, receptacles, ground fault
circuit interrupters, accessible wiring and splicing
f. Absence of smoke detectors
6. Heating System Inspection
a. Installed heating equipment, vents, flues, and chimneys
b. Energy source and distribution method
7. Cooling System Inspection
a. Central and through the wall cooling equipment
b. Energy source and distribution method
8. Interior Inspection
a. Interior walls, ceilings, and floors
b. Steps, stairways and railings
c. Cabinets and countertops
d. Doors and windows
e. Garage doors and automatic openers
f. Built-in kitchen appliances (garbage disposal, cook top, oven, dishwasher, vent hood)
9. Insulation and Ventilation Inspection
a. Insulation and vapor barriers in attic and crawlspace areas (or absence of)
b. Ventilation of attic and crawlspace areas
c. Mechanical ventilation systems
10. Fireplaces and Solid Fuel Burning Appliances Inspection
a. Firebox, damper, flue and solid fuel burning appliances

Need Bixby Home Maintenance repairs after your home inspection? Contact these professionals...

Bixby, OK. Roofing Repairs- A-Best Roofing, Judy Smith, 918-587-1426 or www.abestroofing.com

Plumbing Repairs in Bixby, OK.- Mullin Plumbing, Markwayne Mullin, 918-258-6636 or www.mullinplumbing.com.

General Repairs, Remodeling and Building in Bixby, OK.- US Building Systems, Rick Oberlender, 918-518-5913.

Bixby, OK. Electrical Repairs- Murray Electric, Larry Murray, 918-557-3020 or www.murrayelectric.com.

Heating and Cooling Repairs in Bixby, OK
.- Stephen Taylor, Air Assurance, 918-258-COOL or www.airassurance.com.

What's Going on in the Real Estate Market?

The article, "Home Inventories Grow, Prices Fall" found at RealtorMag.com (Daily Real Estate News-June 16, 2011) cited some interesting real estate market statistics. Check them out below or follow the link above.

The inventory of for-sale homes grew in May by 3.5 percent, which marks the biggest monthly increase of the year, according to the latest housing data from Realtor.com. However, overall inventories dropped 14.3 percent compared to a year ago at this time.

Median asking prices for homes were down last month, falling 1.6 percent which follows two months of increases, the data shows.

Some of the largest declines were seen in Chicago and Tampa, Fla, where asking prices were down 5.7 percent from April, and in Phoenix prices were down 5.4 percent.

Listing prices increased in only 10 of the 146 markets tracked by Realtor.com. Denver and Washington, D.C., posted some of the largest listing price increases.

The National Association of REALTORS® will release next week its report on sales and inventory of existing homes.

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

Wednesday, June 15, 2011

Homes for Sale in the South Tulsa Area

Jenks, OK. Luxury Home

11808 South New Haven
Scissortail at Wind River in Jenks, OK.

$785,000

4 Bedrooms
4 Full, 1 Half Bathrooms
3 Car Garage
Jenks School District
----------------------------------------------------------------------


Bixby, OK. Home for Sale

14493 South Lakewood Ave.
The Ridge at South County in Bixby, OK.
$339,990

4 Bedrooms
3 Full, 1 Half Bathrooms
3 Car Garage
Bixby School District
----------------------------------------------------------------------


Broken Arrow, OK. Home For Sale

2500 South 15 Street
Washington Lane III in Broken Arrow, OK.
$299,000

4 Bedrooms
3 Full, 1 Half Bathrooms
2 Car Garage
Broken Arrow School District



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

Friday, June 10, 2011

Homeownership Survey- What do Americans Think?

According to a recent survey, "Despite the ups and downs of the housing market, home owners and non-owners alike consider owning a home essential to the American Dream." (RISMedia, June 10, 2011). Part of the survey information is found in an article, "Owning a Home Essential to the American Dream, Survey Shows" posted recently by RISMedia.

Americans are looking further than what the housing market is doing currently. Survey shows that Americans are looking into the future and seeing the value of owning a home long term. What are some other survey results?

• "Homeownership and a retirement savings program are considered by voters to be their best investments."
• "80 percent of home owners would advise a close friend or family member just starting out to buy a home."
• "Saving for a downpayment and closing costs is the biggest barrier to homeownership."
• "Americans believe that owning their own home is as important as being successful at their job or being able to pay for a family member’s education."


To read the entire article,
"Owning a Home Essential to the American Dream, Survey Shows" posted recently by RISMedia visit the link.

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

Thursday, June 9, 2011

Condos For Sale in the Tulsa, OK. Area



Enjoy the View from these Charming Spacious Condo's just Steps Away from the River Parks. Downtown and major interstates are only minutes away.


3731 South Riverside Drive
Tower Court Condo's in Tulsa, OK.

$172,900

3 Bedrooms
2 Full 1 Half Bathrooms
2 Car Attached Garage
______________________

3727 South Riverside Drive
Tower Court Condo's in Tulsa, OK.

$169,900

3 Bedrooms
2 Full 1 Half Bathrooms
2 Car Attached Garage
________________________

3729 South Riverside Drive
Tower Court Condo's in Tulsa, OK.

$169,900

3 Bedrooms
2 Full 1 Half Bathrooms
2 Car Attached Garage


To sell your Bixby, OK area Condo or to find condominiums for sale in Bixby, contact Kelly Howard of McGraw Realtors at 918-230-6341 or www.kellyhowardhomes.com





Wednesday, June 8, 2011

Bixby, OK. Area Luxury Home for Sale


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



For more information on this Bixby, OK area luxury home 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.




Sunday, June 5, 2011

Is Bixby, OK Home Ownership Still a Good Investment?

After home values dropped the last couple of years, some are asking, "Is Bixby, OK. home ownership still a good investment?" In a recent article posted in Realtor Magazine, entitled "Americans: Home Ownership Still a Great Investment", Americans surveyed agreed that home ownership was still a great long term investment. This group surveyed included homeowners who were underwater in their mortgages. For more interesting information included in this article, read on:

Seventy-five percent of Americans say that “owning a home is the best long-term investment they can make and is worth the risk of ups and downs in the housing market,” according to a new survey of 2,000 bipartisan voters by the National Association of Home Builders.

Despite their situation whether underwater on their home or even renters the survey found Americans to be optimistic about home ownership. Eighty-one percent of those who own their homes outright, 76 percent with mortgages, 67 percent of renters, and 65 percent who have underwater mortgages cited home ownership as the “best long-term investment.”

When survey respondents were asked whether they’d recommend buying a home to a friend or family member just starting out, 80 percent of Americans said “yes.” Even home owners currently underwater those who owe more on their mortgage than their home is currently worth overwhelmingly (78 percent) said they would recommend home ownership to family or friends starting out.

More buyers are coming up through the pipeline too. The survey found that 73 percent of those surveyed who do not own a home said their goal is eventually to buy one.

The NAHB survey also found:

58 percent of Americans oppose eliminating the mortgage-interest deduction and 63 percent oppose lowering it. What’s more, 57 percent of those surveyed say they are less likely to support a candidate for Congress who wanted to eliminate the mortgage-interest deduction.
Respondents were split on about requiring a 20 percent down payment to purchase a home: 49 percent were in favor and 49 percent opposed it. However, mortgage holders and renters aged 18 to 54 were more opposed to it: 58 percent of younger mortgage holders and 59 percent of younger renters opposed adding a 20 percent down payment requirement.

Source: “The Cook Report: The Home Front,”
National Journal (June 2, 2011)

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

Wednesday, June 1, 2011

Bixby, OK. Area Homes for Sale


New Construction in Bixby, OK!

14558 South Urbana Court
The Auberge in Bixby, OK.

$214,900

2 Bedrooms
2 Full 1 Half Bathrooms
2 Car Garage


________________________________________

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


_________________________________________________

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

____________________________________________

Charming Old World Home in Jenks, OK!

6338 East 111th Place
Woodfield Village in Tulsa, OK.

$325,000

3 Bedrooms
2 Full 1 Half Bathrooms
2 Car Garage


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