Before You Build, Remember This!

Building a Bixby Home can be an exciting yet stressful venture.  There are so many decisions to make, consider this tip from Tulsa Realtor, Darryl Baskin, before you build.

Start Out Right!!-  It's important to start the building process out right. That means working with the best professionals.  Whether you are selecting your Tulsa Builder, Tulsa Mortgage Banker, or a Tulsa Home Maintenance Professional, select carefully.  First, ask your Bixby Realtor for recommendations.  Also, ask the Builder for referrals and call them!  A good indicator of future performance is past performance.  Finally, ask around!  What experience have others had with them.  Is their experience a single one or is there a common theme among all those you talk with.

To find out more about what to do before you build your Bixby home, read "Before You Build A Home".

Bixby luxury real estate along with luxury real estate nationally, is still considered a buyers market.  Statistics posted on RISMedia.com  show that there is little change in the luxury real estate market- homes over $500,000.   Statistics for entry level homes, however, are showing change.   For more information, visit the article "Luxury Real Estate is Still a Buyer's Market" found at www.darrylbaskin.com. 

When to Lower Your Listing Price

Trying to determine how to price your Tulsa Home for Sale is a very important decision.  Thinking about a price reduction can also be difficult.  Use these questions when thinking about a price reduction:

• Would you rather wait for an offer or have an offer that you can decline?
• What is the lowest price you would accept for your home?
  
• What does it cost you to own your home? (home maintenance, roofing repairs, lawn maintenance, taxes, homeowners insurance- things that won't be recovered). If those things are costing you $2000 a month and it takes 6 months to sell you will have spent an extra $12,000 versus reducing the price by, say $10,000 and possibly selling soon.  In 6 months you may wind up facing the same reduced price (by $10,000) and then already have spent the extra $12,000. 

Remember that pricing your property correctly from the start is the best choice. Make sure it is priced according to the market.  A good realtor will be able to price your property, with experience, market information, and knowledge of what buyers want.

For Bixby real estate, contact Darryl Baskin of The Baskin Real Estate Specialists at 918-258-2600 or www.darrylbaskin.com. 

Interested in a Tulsa mortgage?   Contact Steve Currington of Currington Mortgage at 918-394-5626 or www.curringtonmortgage.com.

The Ins and Outs of Finding and Using a Tulsa Realtor

Steve Currington of Currington Mortgage was recently interviewed by KC Lupp of Great Day Green Country. Steve discusses the ins and outs of finding and using a Tulsa Realtor. Some of Steve's tips include:

1. Don't worry about the size of the company. Good agents and bad agents can be found in big or small companies.
   
2. Find a Realtor with experience.
3. As a buyer, make sure you have signed a contract with the agent and are receiving buyer's representation.
4. Ask for a referral.
5. Make sure you know and trust your Realtor.

For more information on "What to Look for in a Realtor" visit www.darrylbaskin.com.

For Tulsa mortgage needs, contact Steve Currington of Currington Mortgage, 918-394-5626 or www.curringtonmortgage.com.

For all your Bixby Real Estate needs, contact The Baskin Real Estate Specialists of McGraw Realtors, 918-258-2600 or www.darrylbaskin.com.

Damage to Your Hardwood Flooring?

Hardwood flooring is a popular option for many homeowners in the Bixby area. When a good quality hardwood floor is installed properly and needed repairs are done well it provides a beautiful and durable flooring option. When repairs, refinishes, and installations are not done properly, however, or a bad product is purchased it can cause many problems. Here are some common problems with hardwood flooring and their causes:

• Buckling is usually caused when the flooring is not given proper time to acclimate, moisture testing is not done correctly, or it is not given proper room to expand.
• Creaking or squishy floors can be caused by incorrect floor preparation on both a concrete slab and a wood subfloor.
• Fading and color changes can occur simply due to exposure to light over time or from failing to install from different cartons. Since cartons of hardwood flooring can come from different lots it is important for the installer to use several different cartons at a time when installing the flooring in each area.
• Visible and Invisible defects can occur when using a poor quality hardwood floor. Although it can also occur with even the best of hardwood products, it is less likely when good quality hardwood products and good hardwood flooring installers and repair professionals are chosen.

To ensure that your hardwood floor looks beautiful for years to come, select a good quality floor, have it installed properly, and make sure all repairs are done correctly.

For new hardwood flooring options in Bixby, call Jim Ecrette of ProSource Flooring at 918-252-7711 or www.prosourcefloors.com/tulsa and ask for Darryl Baskin's Wholesale Pricing.

Want to buy Bixby real estate? Contact Darryl Baskin, McGraw Realtors, 918-258-2600 or www.darrylbaskin.com.