Bixby Voice

Damage to Your Hardwood Flooring?

2012-01-16T21:41:00.004-06:00

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.

Important Questions to Ask Your Mortgage Banker

2011-12-28T23:22:00.002-06:00

Although there are many questions that home buyers have when getting a home loan, there are some basic questions that are always important.

How much downpayment do I need to buy a house? If you are a veteran or buying in a rural area you can get 100% financing and seller can pay closing costs. If you are Native American you may be eligible for a Hud 184 loan. This loan requires as low as a 1.25% downpayment, depending on the amount of the loan. FHA requires a 3.5% downpayment, Conventional a 5% downpayment, and Investment loans a 20% downpayment.

What are Points/Origination Fees? Point and Origination Fees are additional fees paid at closing to lower your interest rate. 1 point is $1000.

How do I find out exactly what my closing costs, fees, and other things are when I am comparing mortgage companies and their rates? Ask for a Good Faith Estimate. Look at fee lines 800-900. Compare the rate, points/origination fee, and other items within that range.

What constitutes a rural development loan? It is all based on the population of an area. Owasso and Glenpool are still rural and are eligible for a rural development loan. The USDA Rural Development website can give you more information about an area you are interested in.

How do Mortgage Bankers get paid? My commission is based on the volume I produce. The more I produce the higher percentage I make.

Whether you are a first-time home buyer or have purchased before, no question is stupid. Remember that rules and regulations change and some requirements and information from your previous mortgage may not be the same. Always ask first rather than be sorry later.

If you have questions about a Bixby, OK. mortgage, contact Karen Heston at BOK Mortgage, 918-230-9432 or http://kheston-boklo.mortgagewebcenter.com

Consider This Before Building Your Bixby Home...

2011-12-27T21:35:00.003-06:00

When building a new home, there are so many decisions to make, from the location and builder to which carpet and paint to choose. Keep the following tips in mind when you decide to build a new home.

Location- Work with your Bixby Area Realtor when purchasing land and building your home to make sure that the location you desire will fit your budget as well as the style and size you want in your home. Don't find out after purchasing that you can't do what you want or that the market will not handle your specific plans.
Building- Select your builder carefully! Ask for recommendations from your Realtor, after all they work with builders everyday. Ask builders for referrals and contact them. Ask plenty of questions and don't be afraid to get more than one quote!
Products- Once you have purchased land, selected a builder, and begun the building process, there will be many products to choose. Ask about your options and shop around in advance to make sure you get what you want at the price you want. When selecting roofing products and styles- keep in mind your budget, style of home, and the weather in your area. Remember that by adding ridge vents or using certain materials you can decrease your energy costs. When selecting flooring products- remember to check wear, stain resistance, and even product type (such as carpet, tile, or hardwood). When considering which extras you might want- Think about preventing pests before you move in. 1. Have a Sentricon HD Termite Elimination system installed up front to ensure that termites will not be a problem. 2. Consider using glass mulch in your flowerbeds. Glass mulch will not attract pests like traditional wood mulch, never washes away, and it looks great. Finally, decide if you want any home automation or home theater systems installed. It is easy to have installation done up front before walls and furnishings are in place.
Mortgage Options- Check with your Bixby mortgage banker to find out what mortgage options are available to you. For example, can you qualify for a VA or Rural Home Loan? Also, make sure you know your budget and how much down-payment you have. If you have less than 20% to put down, ask about loans that require less down-payment!

Want more information? Contact these professionals or visit www.tulsahomecare.com:

Home-Building in Bixby Oklahoma- Rick Oberlender of US Building Systems at 918-734-1293 or usbs@att.net.

Bixby Real Estate- Darryl Baskin, McGraw Realtors, 918-258-2600 or www.darrylbaskin.com.

Tulsa Mortgage Needs- Steve Currington, Currington Mortgage at 918-810-0092 or www.curringtonmortgage.com.

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

Flooring Products: Jim Ecrette at ProSource Wholesale Floorcoverings at 918-252-7711 or www.prosourcefloors.com/tulsa. Don't Forget to ask about Darryl Baskin's Pricing Discount!

Bixby Pest Control- Mother Natures Pest and Lawn, 918-362-2000 or www.pestsecret.com.

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

Bixby Electrical Services- Larry Murray, Murray Electric, 918-835-9605 or www.murrayelectric.com.

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

Bixby Home Automation Installation- Keegan Beck, KMB Enterprises, 918-527-1031 or www.kmbenterprisesllc.com.

Are There Bugs in Your Bed??

2011-11-29T18:25:00.002-06:00

Okay. I know you are probably saying "Bugs in my bed? There are no bugs in my bed!" Actually, there are. There are two types of bugs that you are likely to find in your bed: Bed Bugs and Dust Mites. 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.

Some of us might also discover Bed Bugs. Exterminating Bedbugs can be a difficult task. If you don't treat them they will move through the walls into another persons apartment or condominium (if you have shared walls). These bugs can come from buying things 2nd hand, letting someone spend the night in your home, using someone else's moving equipment plus many other ways. Bed bugs need a blood host- people or animals. They will usually be within 15 feet of a blood host and it only takes them 5 minutes to travel that far. They can sense our carbon dioxide when we exhale. When the population starts to get big, they become a part of your clothing. If you are trying to get rid of bedbugs, wash clothes and everything you can, weekly. They will be in mattresses and many other things. If you start to get bites or look like you have a rash, you might have bedbugs. They look like a tick but are smaller.

I know you're probably saying "That's enough, tell me how to get rid of the nasty things!"

We can't completely get rid of dust mites, here are some ways to reduce dust and Dust Mites in your home:

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.

To treat for Bed Bugs treatments are completely different. We don't use heat, we use pesticides to treat for Bed Bugs. Treatments range from $500-1000.

For all your Bixby pest control needs, contact Mother Natures, 918-362-2000 or www.pestsecret.com.

For more information about hardwood flooring options in the Bixby, OK. area, contact Jim Ecrette of ProSource Wholesale Floorcoverings at 918-252-7711 or www.prosourcefloors.com/tulsa. (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.

Fraud in Title Insurance...

2011-11-28T22:19:00.000-06:00

Handling fraud in any situation is difficult. When it comes to title insurance, there are some things to keep in mind. First, let's define title insurance. Title Insurance is insurance that covers financial loss as a result of a defect in a title to real estate. Second, we need to know what period the insurance will cover. When we buy home or auto insurance, we are covering our home or auto from the time we purchase the policy until that point in the future that the coverage is canceled. With title insurance, though, it works in reverse. Title insurance covers from the moment you purchase your home and into the past. If you are sued after you close on the property, then the title insurance may not cover you. Finally, title insurance issues can be quite trick. To ensure that you are covered for everything you need, talk to your attorney or your title company. You may even consider asking for extended coverage on your title insurance to cover you from your real estate purchase into the future.

If you have legal problems with your Oklahoma title, contact David Keesling at Richardson, Richardson, Boudreaux, Keesling at 918-492-7674 or www.rrblawok.com.

To purchase Tulsa title insurance or if you have questions about Oklahoma title insurance, contact Karen Burnette of Firstitle at 918-493-2241 or www.firstitle.com

For all your Oklahoma property, auto, and life insurance needs and more, contact Mike Tedford, Tedford Insurance at 918-299-2345 or www.tedfordinsurance.com

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

What is Home Automation?

2011-10-31T17:03:00.000-06:00

Home automation is, basically, anything that gives you control over certain aspects of your property from one location, whether that is inside your home or remotely. Home automation systems can be as simple as being able to control some or all of the lights in your home from one control. It can also be quite complex.

Home automation systems can include: lights (both interior and exterior), security systems, home audio systems, home theater systems, heating and A/C systems, and even window draperies and shades. These systems allow you to use one controller inside your home to control these systems. They can also be set up to allow access through the internet or your cell phone. You can even use voice recognition to access some systems.

What's even better than being able to do all these things without getting up? Saving energy costs at the same time. Many of the features, especially lighting systems, can pay for themselves with a 10% energy savings each year.

For more information on Bixby, OK. home automation system installation , contact Keegan Beck of KMB Enterprises at 918-527-1031 or www.kmbenterprisesllc.com.

When You Move, Don't Pack These!!

2011-10-27T20:11:00.002-06:00

Packing and moving can be a lengthy and stressful process. Knowing what to pack is simple, right? Not always! There are some items that should not be packed when you are using a moving company. Hazardous items are actually illegal for movers to transport. The following items should not be sent in the moving van:

Pant and paint thinners
Ammunition and firearms
Gas, Propane, or Oil
Flammable or explosive materials
Aerosols
Acetone products
Stereo
Matches
Valuable items
Pets

For a complete list of items Bixby moving companies can’t move or to move your Bixby area property, contact Mike, Relocation LLC, at 918-455-6683 or www.relocationllc.net.

For junk removal services in Bixby, contact David Tittle, I-Haul, 918-261-4008 or www.ihaulusa.com.

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

Protecting Your Property From Fire...

2011-09-27T09:20:00.000-06:00

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 property 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 Oklahoma 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 insurance agent and Bixby area 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- Judy Smith, Abest Roofing, 918-587-1426 or www.abestroofing.com.
Fire Damage and Restoration in the Bixby area- Roger Fisher, PCC Cleaning and Restoration, 918-641-1111 or www.pcccr.com.
Bixby, OK. Electrical Repair- Larry Murray, Murray Electric, 918-835-9605 or www.murrayelectric.com
Plumbing Repair in the Bixby, OK. area- Mullin Plumbing, 918-258-6636 or www.mullinplumbing.com
Junk Removal in Bixby- David, I-Haul USA at www.ihaulusa.com or david@ihaulusa.com

Tips for a Less-Stressful Closing!

2011-09-26T20:55:00.001-06:00

Buying and Selling a home can be a stressful process, but when the closing process doesn't happen smoothly, it can add even more stress. Here are a few tips to help the closing process happen without a few of the most common glitches. First, listen to the professionals. If your real estate agent or mortgage broker gives you suggestions for the closing and moving process, heed their advice. They see problems regularly and can help you avoid some of the most common problems. Second, pack and move out of the house as early in the day, or even the night before, as possible and schedule closing for the afternoon. For buyers, schedule the final walk through earlier in the day as well. This added time should help with any unplanned delays. Third, consider adding a little extra expense to your budget in case there is a delay in closing and storage or hotel costs are needed or you need to hire a professional for an unexpected home repair. Finally, ask for a final settlement statement a day or two in advance of closing so that there last minute surprises are kept to a minimum.

For more information on the closing process or if you are in need of Bixby area closing services, contact JJ Pierce, FirsTitle, 918-493-2241 or www.firstitle.com

For all your Bixby, OK. mortgage needs, contact Karen Heston, Bank of Oklahoma, 918-488-7353 or kheston-boklo.mortgagewebcenter.com

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

What exactly is Home Automation?

2011-08-29T21:08:00.001-06:00

Home automation is, basically, anything that gives you control over certain aspects of your property from one location, whether that is inside your home or remotely. Home automation systems can be as simple as being able to control some or all of the lights in your home from one control. It can also be quite complex.

Home automation systems can include: lights (both interior and exterior), security systems, home audio systems, home theater systems, heating and A/C systems, and even window draperies and shades. These systems allow you to use one controller inside your home to control these systems. They can also be set up to allow access through the internet or your cell phone. You can even use voice recognition to access some systems.

What's even better than being able to do all these things without getting up? Saving energy costs at the same time. Many of the features, especially lighting systems, can pay for themselves with a 10% energy savings each year.

For more information on home automation system installation in Bixby, contact Keegan Beck of KMB Enterprises at 918-527-1031 or www.kmbenterprisesllc.com.

Incorporating Green Products into Your Bixby Home

2011-08-27T21:50:00.000-06:00

When building, remodeling, or replacing products in your home, eco-friendly or green ideas can be very easy and often inexpensive to implement. Here are some easy ways to incorporate green products into your home:

When building a new home, face the widest part to the north or south.
Place doors and windows where you will receive good cross-ventilation.
Ensure your attic space is well ventilated by using roof ridge vents, lighter colored roof materials, lots of insulation, and by placing A/C ducts in the attic to help absorb the heat.
Install an energy-efficient and properly sized heating and A/C system for your home, make sure that duct work is correctly sealed, and use a programmable thermostat.
Utilize landscaping materials, plants and design that is appropriate for the climate and rainfall levels in your area.
Use low-flow toilets and showerheads and energy-efficient appliances.
Recyclable and renewable materials can be used for decking, siding, interior and exterior trim, and more.
Choose flooring materials made out of concrete, bamboo, or recycled wood.
Replace your air conditioning filter regularly to enhance the performance of your air conditioning system and to reduce pollutants in your home.

For more ideas or estimates on incorporating green products and ideas into your home, contact the professionals below:

Bixby Roof Installation and Repair: A-Best Roofing, Judy Smith, 918-587-1426 or www.abestroofing.com
Heating and Air Conditioning Installation and Repair in Bixby: Air Assurance, contact Stephen Taylor at 918-258-HEAT or www.airassurance.com
Bixby Building and Remodeling: US Building Systems, contact Rick Oberlender at usbs@att.net.
Air Conditioning Filters: Filters 4 Me, contact Rick Butefish at 292-8600, rick@filters4me.com, or visit their website at www.filters4me.com.
Bixby Flooring Products: ProSource Wholesale Floorcoverings, contact Jim Ecrette at 252-7711 or prosourcejim@tulsacoxmail.com (ask for Darryl Baskin’s preferred pricing).

To find energy-efficient, eco-friendly, or green homes in the Bixby, Oklahoma area contact Darryl Baskin, McGraw realtors 918-258-2600 or www.darrylbaskin.com.

12 Million Home Automation Systems to Be Installed by 2016

2011-07-31T21:31:00.000-06:00

Although Home Automation Systems are popular in many Bixby homes today, they are forecasted to drastically increase by 2016. According to ABI research, "Shipments of home automation systems will total about 1.8 million worldwide this year. But according to ABI Research, that number is set to rise sharply soon, exceeding 12 million in 2016. These figures are contained in a new home automation study from the firm, which confirms its previous forecasts."

ABI believes that the sharp increase in system installations will be a result of new technology. In addition to new technology, innovation such as the new Google Android@Home could make it easier to control and access home automation systems from devices such as smartphones.

For more information, visit the article, " 'No New Wire' technologies to drive home automation market to 12 million systems in 2016, says ABI Research" by Julien Happich.

For Bixby, OK. home automation system installation, contact Keegan Beck of KMB Enterprises LLC at 918-527-1031 or www.kmbenterprisesllc.com.

To buy a Bixby home contact Darryl Baskin, McGraw Realtors, 918-258-2600 or www.darrylbaskin.com

Termites, When Will You Get Them in Your Home?

2011-07-27T23:11:00.001-06:00

I am sure that there are many who are saying that they have never had termites in or around their home. In Oklahoma, the saying goes that "it's not if you get termites, it's when you get termites". According to our friends at Montgomery Exterminating, termites "break down plant and wood material" by tunneling underground until they get to a source of that material, your home for example. One of the main problems with termite damage is that they eat from the inside out. When you finally see the damage, often you can end up with structural damage as a result. In addition to your home, they will eat furniture, paper, fences, cloth and books.

Did you know?

Termites on earth outweigh humans on earth!
Over 5 million homes have some type of termite damage.
Termite damage is more common than storm, fire, and earthquake damage.
Your homeowners insurance will not likely cover termite damage.

So, what do you do to prevent termites from damaging your home?

Montgomery Exterminating uses the Sentricon Colony Elimination System to kill the termite colony and prevent any further damage to your home. For more information on Bixby, OK. termite elimination or the Sentricon Colony Elimination System, contact Duane Montgomery, Montgomery Exterminating, 918-438-4885 or www.montgomeryexterminating.com.

Why do I need a survey when I build a new home or addition?

2011-07-26T22:52:00.000-06:00

When you decide to build an addition or a new home in Bixby, you will need a survey. A survey shows where the property lines are as well as any buildings, easements, driveways, or encroachments on the property such as a neighbor’s driveway. You might say, “I don’t need a survey, I have a plat map”. A plat map only shows the property boundaries, it doesn’t show easements or encroachments which can cause a problem with a legal title. A survey will ensure that anything you are building is not on someone else’s property or easement. It will also help if you have acreage and decide to sell some of it later.

For more information on Bixby, OK. land surveys, titles, and the closing process, contact JJ Pierce at First Title at 918-493-2241 or www.firsttitle.com.

For real estate in the Bixby, Oklahoma area contact Darryl Baskin, McGraw Realtors, 918-258-2600 or www.darrylbaskin.com.

Top 10 Ways to Prevent Roof Leaks

2011-07-19T20:14:00.000-06:00

While roofing problems are obviously exacerbated by rain, there are other insidious, but lesser-known sources that contribute to roof leak issues. Whether you’ve got a new home or an older one, most roof shingles, on average, can go 15 years without needing repair—but a roof can deteriorate well before the 15-year mark, and the longer you wait to repair it, the more expensive the repair will likely be.

By being aware of the various problems that can lead to major roof leaks, you can catch them early, avoid expensive repairs, and prolong the life of your roof. Of course, this is especially critical if you are approaching the home-buying or –selling process. Home inspection company Pillar To Post recommends that you keep a close watch for the following roofing red flags and correct them as soon as possible:

1. Incorrect shingle installation. Even the strongest shingles won’t stand up to rain if they’re not properly installed. Improper joint locations and a lack of underlay are two issues that are particularly hard to see, but can be extremely problematic.

2. Structural sagging. A sagging roof structure is often the result of moisture retention, and nearly always foreshadows, or coincides with, a leak issue.

3. Water “ponding.” Clogged roof drains and indented areas on flat roofs can cause water pooling—which is basically a leak waiting to happen.

4. Damaged nails. Even on shingles that have been expertly installed, nails are the first thing to show wear. Corroding nails leave microscopic holes that invite water in.

5. Improperly hung gutters. Gutter placement is critical and just a tiny shift caused by strong wind can tamper with the gutter system and divert rain onto the roof.

6. Moss. As moss gathers, it retains more and more moisture that you might not be able to see—until it starts dripping into the attic.

7. Insufficient insulation. Pre-1980s homes, in particular, may not have an adequate vapor barrier; if they don’t, a replacement is warranted—surface patching and minor repairs will just amount to wasted money.

8. A deteriorating chimney. Cracks, eroded joints or decaying caps in the chimney allow moisture and water to seep in.

9. Poor past repairs. From improper plastering to inadequately plugged-up holes, any past repairs that look like they’re DIY are probably not up to code and are not apt to provide leak protection in the future. Have a professional evaluate and correct as necessary.

10. Don’t forget the attic. Many leaks can actually originate in the attic so be sure not to terminate any vent or exhaust pipes in the attic.

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
www.darrylbaskin.com

For Bixby roofing installation and repair, contact Judy Smith, A-Best Roofing, 918-587-1426 or www.abestroofing.com

Abandoned Homes Can Decrease Your Property Value!

2011-07-15T17:17:00.001-06:00

The article, "Battling the Neighborhood Eyesore" posted on Realtor.org says that "foreclosures will affect 91.5 million nearby homes by 2012 and reduce property values of these homes by $20,300 per household". For homeowners trying to sell their homes, losing an average of $20,000 in the value of their home is not pleasing. What can homeowners and neighbors of these abandoned properties do to reduce the chances of losing value on their homes? The article mentioned above gives several tips to help keep these abandoned homes from looking like an eyesore and therefore reducing property value of nearby homes. Read on for more information.

Abandoned homes can be an unpleasant sight. Overgrown lawns, boarded windows, sagging gutters, and unsightly mold—not to mention, a higher risk of fires, vandalism, rodents, and mosquitos.

Properties are often left to deteriorate while in foreclosure limbo; the owner is already gone but the bank can’t take possession until the foreclosure process is finalized.

So what happens when you have to sell the property next door? According to research by the Center for Responsible Lending, foreclosures will affect 91.5 million nearby homes by 2012 and reduce property values of these homes by $20,300 per household.

“We were getting a lot of complaints from real estate professionals about these properties looking unkempt and asking what we can do about it,” says Bud Humbert with Century 21 Associates in Waldorf, Md., and also the chairman of the legislative committee for the Southern Maryland Association of REALTORS®. On behalf of his association, Humbert, also an REO specialist, approached Charles County officials to request that they update the county’s nuisance abatement law to include a "clean and lien " provision. The rule would allow the county to step in and clean up vacant properties and put a lien on them for the cost of the cleanup. Other cities and counties have enacted similar ordinances.

If that neighborhood eyesore is bringing down your listing, here are some steps you can take:

Notify the homeowners’ association. Most HOAs will pay to have the grass mowed and take care of maintenance issues, and then tack the expense on to the HOA bill, which will have to be cleared by the bank before the property sells, Humbert says.

Investigate local and state laws. Some states, such as California, will fine owners for not maintaining properties. New Jersey passed a law that puts banks in charge of maintaining the property from the beginning of the foreclosure process. Whom should you contact with your gripe? Start with your city’s building division; it’s often in charge of making sure a vacant property is boarded and secured. The bylaw department can check for building code violations, the fire department can inspect for fire hazards, and the police can help if there’s vandalism.

Make property boundaries clear. "We are called on to handle this situation frequently, " says Margaret Innis, owner of home staging company Decorate To Sell in Andover, Mass. "On the outside, fences make good neighbors; so does landscaping with arborvitae shrubs—a fast fix worth the investment. Inside, use plantation blinds turned down so the light comes in but the view does not. "

Help with cleanup. Stepping in to help with the maintenance can be tricky. Regardless of your good intentions, your actions could be considered trespassing. First figure out who owns the property, which can be a challenge in itself, and then offer your assistance. Some cities and counties have started a vacant property registration that makes it easier to locate the owner. When Andy Hood, with Weichert, REALTORS®–Covington Group in Madison, Miss., struggled to sell a condo that overlooked the patio of a foreclosed property, he called the neighbor and asked if he could clean. "The woman was grateful and accepted my offer, " he says. "I hauled away a truckload of junk, pressure-washed the exterior, washed the patio furniture, and weeded and pruned her flower beds and shrubs. " Hood’s listing sold immediately after.

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

Tulsa, OK. Area Homes for Sale

2011-07-14T23:03:00.001-06:00

Sapulpa, OK Home for Sale

602 Cross Timbers Blvd.
The Lakes at Cross Timbers
$329,000

3 Bedrooms
2 Full 1 Half Bathrooms
3 Car Garage

Broken Arrow, OK. Home for Sale

1705 S. Juniper Ave.
Village Park
$159,900

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

Bixby, OK. Area Horse Ranch for Sale...

2011-07-10T21:22:00.002-06:00

Gorgeous Horse Ranch for Sale in Mounds, OK!

19983 S. Sheridan Rd
Mounds, OK. with 80 Acres

$2,699,000

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

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

Mortgage Rates Rise...

2011-07-09T21:43:00.001-06:00

Freddie Mac reported that mortgage rates are on the rise after being at a "standstill" last month. Despite this, mortgage rates are very affordable. Read the article, "Mortgage Rates on the Rise " found at Realtor Magazine below:

After being mostly at a standstill the past month, long and short-term mortgage rates were moving up this week, reports Freddie Mac in its weekly mortgage market survey.

"Mortgage rates followed Treasury yields higher over the holiday week but remain quite affordable by historical standards,” says Frank Nothaft, chief economist at Freddie Mac. “For instance, interest rates on all mortgage outstanding in the first quarter of this year averaged just under 6 percent. With today's rates, these home owners who have the ability to refinance could shave $169 per month in interest payments on a $200,000, 30-year fixed mortgage."

To buy a BIxby home while rates are still low, contact Kelly Howard, McGraw Realtors, 918-230-6341 or www.kellyhowardhomes.com.

Why Sellers Should Consider a Pre-Inspection

2011-07-07T13:41:00.001-06:00

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Why Sellers Should Consider a Pre-Inspection

Traditionally in the real estate process, an inspection is requested by a home buyer around the time they are applying for a mortgage. In fact, more than 85% of home buyers request an inspection as a way to uncover hidden faults and costly repairs that may need to be taken care of. In today’s buyer’s market, revealing such faults prior to closing can serve as a bargaining chip for sellers, forcing the seller to either accept a lower price or foot the bill for repairs prior to closing.

That’s why an increasingly important strategy for home sellers in today’s market is to have your property inspected before even putting it on the market. Here are some reasons why:

When potential buyers are considering your home, knowing that an inspection has already been done can make your home much more attractive to them. A pre-inspection can give you an important competitive edge by making buyers more confident about placing a bid on your home; with a pre-inspection, buyers know there will be no hidden surprises awaiting them down the road.
If defects are uncovered once the buyer has already placed a bid and is applying for a mortgage, you are suddenly under the gun to either accept a lower offer or cough up the funds for repairs. Conversely, a pre-inspection allows you to take care of any repairs within your own timeframe. If expensive repairs are uncovered before putting your home on the market, you can budget accordingly over a period of time and comparison shop for the best pricing.
A pre-inspection also allows you to decide which repairs are not necessary before putting your home on the market. Certain problems you might have been worried about may turn out not to be as bad as you originally thought…and, therefore, not make a difference in how you price your home.
Having a pre-inspection affords you more control in the negotiating process. Being aware of your home’s pros and cons in advance, helps put you in the driver’s seat when it comes to price negotiations. In fact, a pre-inspection allows you to price your home more accurately in the first place.

Darryl Baskin
Darryl@DarrylBaskin.com
McGraw Realtors
Office: 918-258-2600
http://www.DarrylBaskin.com

Posted via email from The Baskin Report

Tulsa Area Homes for Sale...

2011-07-06T21:47:00.000-06:00

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

_____________________________________

Updated Owasso, OK Home!

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

$94,900

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

Gorgeous Horse Ranch for Sale in Mounds, OK!

19983 S. Sheridan Rd
Mounds, OK. with 80 Acres

$2,699,000

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

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

Consumers are Making Better Money Habits...

2011-07-05T12:04:00.000-06:00

According to a recent article, "Recession Helping to Raise Awareness of Credit Scores and Leading to Start of Good Money Habits" at RISMedia.com, consumers are becoming more aware of and beginning to make better decisions with their money. They are striving to make better money habits. According to that article:

"Budgeting and Cash Flow:

• 25 percent of users have been late at least once on their monthly bills in the last year;
• Of those who said they were behind on their bills, 28 percent are concerned they will never catch up;
• Of those respondents with children, 64 percent did not currently make any contributions to an education fund;
• Less than half (48 percent) of those surveyed keep a budget to track monthly expenses and cash flow. This is down from 52 percent in 2010.

Credit Scores and Cards:

• 18 percent of respondents have maxed out at least one of their credit cards, down from 22 percent in 2010;
• 31 percent pay off their balances in full every month. This is down from 36 percent in 2010;
• When surveyed about the amount of credit card debt they are carrying, respondents with current debt stated:
-Less than $5,000: 27 percent
-Between $5,000-10,000: 16 percent
-More than $10,000 in debt: 20 percent
• Only 6 percent of users did not know their credit score.

Retirement:

• 39 percent of survey takers are scared or uneasy about their prospects for retirement;
• Nearly half of respondents said they plan to retire between 60-65, while 16 percent said they don’t ever see being able to retire"

When it comes to buying a home, these financial decisions and money habits can make a huge difference in getting a good mortgage rate to buy a home and not being able to get a mortgage at all. Begin today by making better money habits!

To buy a Bixby home for sale, contact Kelly Howard, McGraw Realtors, 918-230-6341 or www.kellyhowardhomes.com.

Do you know enough to get a good mortgage?

2011-07-01T07:00:00.000-06:00

Last month, RIS Media presented an article entitled, "Nearly Half of Home Buyers Surveyed Don’t Understand Essential Information about Mortgages". Do you know enough to ensure that you can make an educated decision and get a good mortgage?

Here is some surprising information found in that article:

"More than half (57 percent) of prospective home buyers who were polled do not understand how adjustable rate mortgages (ARMs) work."
"One-third (34 percent) of the respondents who are prospective home buyers do not understand that lender fees are negotiable and that they vary by lender."
"Nearly half (45 percent) of polled prospective home buyers believe that they should always buy mortgage discount points when obtaining a mortgage."
"More than half (55 percent) of prospective home buyers in the study do not understand that mortgage rates vary throughout the day."
"More than one-third (37 percent) of prospective home buyers who were polled believe that pre-qualifying for a loan means they have secured financing."
"More than two in five (42 percent) of the polled prospective home buyers do not understand that Federal Housing Administration (FHA) loans are available to ALL buyers."

One way to ensure that you are well educated about mortgages, before you get one, is to do your research. Zillow.com offers lots of great information about mortgages and other real estate related fields. Click the link for more information.

Another way to make sure that you get the best mortgage, is to use a knowledgeable, experienced, and well respected mortgage broker. Selecting the right mortgage broker can mean lots of savings for you in the long run, as well as prevent a lot of hassle and run-around.

To read the original article, "Nearly Half of Home Buyers Surveyed Don’t Understand Essential Information about Mortgages" visit the link.

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

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

Tulsa, OK. Area Home for Sale

2011-06-27T07:00:00.000-06:00

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.

Lawmakers Fight Over 20% Downpayment Requirement

2011-06-24T07:00:00.000-06:00

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.

Summer Cleaning Tips!

2011-06-22T23:25:00.003-06:00

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:

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.
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!
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.
Do I have room for this item?- If the answer is no, then store it or get rid of it.
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

10 Ways to Get Rid of Mold in Your Home

2011-06-21T22:21:00.001-06:00

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.

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

Spectacular Luxury Home For Sale...

2011-06-20T22:05:00.001-06:00

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.

Storm Damage and Insurance Claims

2011-06-17T23:06:00.000-06:00

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.

What is Required in a Home Inspection?

2011-06-16T22:07:00.001-06:00

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?

2011-06-16T18:32:00.001-06:00

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.

Homes for Sale in the South Tulsa Area

2011-06-15T21:40:00.001-06:00

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.

Homeownership Survey- What do Americans Think?

2011-06-10T16:27:00.001-06:00

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.

Condos For Sale in the Tulsa, OK. Area

2011-06-09T20:28:00.001-06:00

Tulsa, Oklahoma Condominiums for Sale

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

Bixby, OK. Area Luxury Home for Sale

2011-06-08T21:41:00.003-06:00

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.

Is Bixby, OK Home Ownership Still a Good Investment?

2011-06-05T22:17:00.001-06:00

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.

Bixby, OK. Area Homes for Sale

2011-06-01T15:15:00.001-06:00

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

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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.

How to Handle Mold...

2011-05-29T22:52:00.000-06:00

Mold is a problem that we hear about often. It is also something that causes great concern when it is found in our 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.
Finally, 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 when it is appropriate to sue over mold in Bixby, OK. contact Chuck Richardson, Richardson Law Firm at 918-633-5070 or www.rrblawok.com.

To discuss cleaning, preventing, and repairing mold in Bixby. OK. contact Roger Fisher with PCC Cleaning and Restoration at 918-641-1111, pccc@sbcglobal.net or visit their website 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.

Improve or Move?

2011-05-26T20:37:00.002-06:00

Although the economy has shown signs of improvement, many homeowners are choosing to improve their home rather than move. By doing so, when the economy changes they will have increased the value of their home and will be able to sell it at that point. There are many ways to improve your home and add value, including: repairing and replacing your roof, repainting the interior and exterior of your home, installing energy efficient products, providing curb appeal through landscaping, upgrading fixtures, and doing basic maintenance and pest control.

Repairing or Replacing Your Roof- Make sure that you keep your roof in good repair and when needed, replace it. Check with your roofing professional to see if you need a new roof, have venting problems, have loose shingles, or have any other roofing issues that are in need of repair.
Repainting- repainting your home not only helps maintain the property but it is also appealing to buyers when you decide to sell. Keep neutral colors in mind, however, so that it will be appealing to a large number of buyers.
Installing Energy Efficient Products- replace old windows, appliances, hot water heaters, and heating and a/c units with newer energy star rated ones. This will help decrease your energy bills and will be attractive to buyers.
Providing Curb Appeal through Landscaping- make sure that your landscaping is attractive to buyers. An attractive exterior can help ensure that buyers will at least take a peak inside. Also remember to provide landscaping that will look good in every season.
Upgrading Fixtures- this is an easy and often inexpensive way to improve your home. Replace doorknobs, cabinet pulls, light fixtures, and plumbing fixtures for newer ones.
Doing Basic Maintenance and Pest Control- this is one of the best ways to improve your property and prevent buyers from walking out the door. Many buyers simply don't want a "fixer upper" or problems with pests. They want it move in ready. Simple home maintenance and pest control will keep buyers interested and will help prevent more expensive repairs later.

Remember, if you don't have the time or skill, hire a professional to do needed improvements and repairs. A poor repair job won't attract buyers when you decide to sell. Check our the professionals listed below or visit www.tulsahomemaintenance.com for a complete list of professionals. Should you decide to move, visit www.homeguidetulsa.com for tips on buying and selling and to search for homes for sale in the Bixby, OK. area.

Roof Repair or Replacement in Bixby, OK.- Judy Smith of Abest Roofing at 918-587-1426 or www.abestroofing.com.

Pest control in the Bixby, Oklahoma Area- Duane Montgomery, Montgomery Exterminating at 918-438-4885 or www.montgomeryexterminating.com.

Bixby, OK. Area Heating and Air Conditioning- Stephen Taylor at Air Assurance at 918-258-HEAT or www.airassurance.com.

Tulsa Mortgage Needs- Steve Currington, Currington Mortgage, 918-394-5626 or www.curringtonmortgage.com

To buy or sell Bixby, OK. Real Estate- Darryl Baskin, McGraw Realtors, 918-258-2600 or www.darrylbaskin.com.

Bixby, OK. Plumbing Installation and Repair- Markwayne Mullin, Mullin Plumbing, 918-606-0925 or www.mullinplumbing.com.

Bixby, OK. Floorcovering- Jim Ecrette, ProSource Floorcoverings, 918-252-7711 or www.prosourcefloors.com/tulsa *Ask for Darryl Baskin's wholesale pricing

Junk Removal in Bixby, OK.- David Tittle, I/Haul, 918-261-4008 or www.ihaulusa.com

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

Tulsa, OK. Area Luxury Homes for Sale

2011-05-23T23:14:00.001-06:00

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

__________________________________________________

Luxury Home for Sale in Jenks, OK.

10726 S. Lakewood Ave.
The Gates at Forest Park

$4,200,000

6 Bedrooms
7 Full 4 Half Bathrooms
5 Car Garage

__________________________________________________

Luxury Home for Sale in Owasso, OK.
10001 N. Glen Ellen Dr.
Clearbrook Addition

$2,100,000

5 Bedrooms
6 Full 2 Half Bathrooms
4 Car Garage

For information on any of these Tulsa, OK area luxury homes or for all your Bixby, OK area real estate needs, contact Kelly Howard of McGraw Realtors at 918-230-6341 or www.kellyhowardhomes.com.

Tulsa, OK. Condos For Sale

2011-05-21T11:00:00.000-06:00

Tulsa, Oklahoma Condominiums for Sale

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
________________________

No Post-Move In Surprises!

2011-05-21T00:18:00.002-06:00

When buying a home, most buyers will hire a home inspector to inspect their property for problems. When problems arise, sometimes repairs can be negotiated with the sellers or even repaired after move-in. A home inspection can help prevent surprises for buyers after they move in to their new home. There are, however, some issues that an inspection won't uncover. After all, an inspector can't see everything. In a recent article in Realtor Magazine, "Avoid Home Flaws Being Uncovered Too Late", information is given to help buyers avoid being surprised with problems after moving in.

Home inspections don’t always turn up everything wrong with a home, but unknowing buyers can quickly turn unsatisfied when they move into their new home if they find a bunch of problems.

"The purpose of a home inspection is to look for material defects of a property: things that are unsafe, not working, or that create a hazard," Kurt Salomon, president of the American Society of Home Inspectors, told the Chicago Tribune. However, most buyers "think we can see through walls and predict the future.”

Home inspections, for example, don’t specifically test for environmental safety hazards like lead, asbestos, or radon--which can be costly to remove. Inspectors also may overlook mold or vermin when its hidden behind floorboards.

As such, buyers also should be on the lookout for common hazards because pinpointing these before closing at least allows them the opportunity to ask sellers to help pay for removal costs.

Experts warn that buyers should take note of homes built prior to 1978, which usually contain lead and possibly asbestos in 9-by-9 floor tiles in basements.

To help avoid post-move-in surprises, buyers also might consider bringing in additional safety inspectors to evaluate the home, such as chimney inspectors, electricians, or experts for leading or radon testing.

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

Changes Coming to Tulsa, OK Trash Service

2011-05-20T11:52:00.001-06:00

Tulsa City Manager, Jim Twombley, addressed the Tulsa County Republican Group over lunch at the Summit Club in Tulsa today. An interesting topic of his presentation was the coming changes in Tulsa trash service. While no decision is made on the type of services, many proposals are on the table as options to the pending change. Budget constraints and a landfill change are two reasons cited. Proposals include fees derived from the amount of trash each resident discards, recycling, single service providers, and charges for authorized waste bags.

Public input will be sought in the near future. Be on the lookout for more information.

Posted via email from The Baskin Report

Homes for Sale in the Tulsa, OK. Area

2011-05-19T23:23:00.001-06:00

Jenks, OK Luxury Home for Sale

720 W. 108th St. in Jenks
Aberdeen Falls Addition

$1,695,000

5 Bedrooms
5 Full 1 Half Bathrooms
4 Car Garage

_________________________________

New Construction in Bixby, OK!

12204 South 68th East Avenue
Woodmere Addition in Bixby, Oklahoma
$899,900

5 Bedrooms
4 Full 1 Half Baths
4 Car Garage
_________________________________

Magnificent Gated Estate in Jenks, OK!

777 West 106th Street
The Estates at Stone Bluff in Jenks, Oklahoma
$2,999,000

5 Bedrooms
7 Full 1 Half Bathrooms
3 Car Garage

For more information on any of these Tulsa, Oklahoma area luxury homes or to buy or sell your home in the Bixby, Oklahoma area, contact Kelly Howard of McGraw Realtors at 918-230-6341 or www.kellyhowardhomes.com

American Housing Reform

2011-05-11T22:04:00.000-06:00

The National Association of Realtors has concerns about reforms that might be considered in America's Housing Finance Market. The National Association of Realtors believe that reform must must include these factors more thoughtfulness and transparency. One concern of the NAR include the elimination of government-sponsored enterprises. They are also concerned in the amount of transparency and accountability in the secondary mortgage market. Read on for the full article, "Affordable, Reliably Home Financing is Priority" at Realtor Magazine (May 2011).

Reforms to America’s housing finance market must ensure a reliable source of affordable mortgage lending for creditworthy consumers. That’s according to REALTORS® and other industry insiders who examined the federal government’s future role in the secondary mortgage market at a session called “Fannie Mae & Freddie Mac: Obama Options and Beyond” at the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® 2011 Midyear Legislative Meetings & Trade Expo in Washington, D.C.

Steve Brown, 2011 NAR first vice-president nominee, opened the session by outlining NAR’s position for reforming the government-sponsored enterprises (GSEs), saying that reform is required, taxpayers must be protected from losses, and the federal government must continue to play a role in the secondary mortgage market to ensure a steady flow of mortgage liquidity in all markets under all economic conditions.

Reform Must Be Thoughtful

“As the leading advocate for home owners, NAR is concerned that eliminating the GSEs without a viable replacement is not a reasonable option and will severely restrict mortgage capital and result in higher fees and costs for qualified borrowers,” said Brown. “Reform of the secondary mortgage market needs to be comprehensive and undertaken methodically.”

James Parrot, senior advisor for housing at the National Economic Council in Washington, D.C., overviewed the Obama administration’s recommendations for reforming the GSEs in the wake of the financial crisis, which included varying levels of government backing. He noted the primary objective of the proposals was twofold: first, to lay out an immediate near-term path for reform, with steps that could be taken the next few years to reduce taxpayer risk and move the housing market to more stable footing, and second, to frame the discussion regarding the government’s long-term role in housing finance.

“The government’s large presence in the housing finance is unhealthy and needs to be scaled back; however, the steps we take over next few years to reduce the government’s role and increase private capital will have a tremendous impact on the housing market and economy as well as the availability and affordability of mortgages,” said Parrot. “The objective isn’t to turn away from housing, but to make the housing finance market stronger so that families and their most important asset are better protected,” said Parrot.

More Transparency Needed

Panelist Susan Wachter, a professor at The Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania, agreed that private capital needs to return to the housing finance market, but that most likely won’t happen until the market has stabilized.

“There needs to be more accountability and transparency in the secondary mortgage market so that private investors can best assess their risk and safely get back into the market,” she said.

Mark Calabria, director of Financial Regulation Studies at the Cato Institute, argued for a very limited government role in the secondary mortgage market; saying that the private capital market has the funds and capacity to absorb Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac’s market share. He said that increased government support in the past few decades has only slightly increased America’s home ownership rate and that rates in other countries are higher despite their government’s limited involvement.

Despite his opposing viewpoint to the level of involvement, Calabria did acknowledge that some government backstop was essential in the future, since the housing and finance markets are sensitive to booms and busts.

David Katkov, executive vice president and chief business officer at The PMI Group, countered that it would be naïve to move to a purely private market because it’s been successful in other countries, adding that the U.S.’s housing finance system dwarfs that of other countries and is far more complex.

Ann Grochala, vice president at the Independent Community Bankers of America also shared concerns for small lenders and community bankers in a purely private market, where competition from large lenders would be great.

Source: NAR

For Bixby, OK. Real Estate, contact Kelly Howard, McGraw Realtors, 918-230-6341 or www.kellyhowardhomes.com.

Tulsa, OK. Area Homes for Sale

2011-05-10T22:26:00.000-06:00

Tulsa, OK. Home for Sale

9705 South Lakewood Avenue
Sun Meadow Addition
$198,000

Jenks School District
4 Bedrooms
2 Full 1 Half Bathrooms
2 Car Garage

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Tulsa, OK. Condominium For Sale

5727 East 72nd Court 5-17
Granite Hill Addition
$149,900

Tulsa School District
2 Bedrooms
2 Bathrooms
2 Car Garage

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Tulsa, OK. Luxury Home For Sale

3919 East 115th Place
Sequoyah Hill II Addition
$1,495,000

Jenks School District
4 Bedrooms
4 Full 1 Half Bathrooms
4 Car Garage

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

Be Prepared For An Emergency!

2011-05-07T23:07:00.000-06:00

Between the record snowfall this winter in the Tulsa, OK. area and the recent tornadoes, it is not surprising to think of Emergency Preparedness. In a recent article found in www.rismedia.com titled "How Stuff Works: Emergency Preparedness" byMarshall Brain, Marshall discusses the most important things to consider when preparing for an emergency. He suggests keeping things on hand such as: water, prescription medication, toilet paper, cash, generator, and non-perishable foods. Read on for more details on how to prepare for an emergency.

RISMEDIA, March 28, 2011—(MCT)—If there is one thing we saw with the Japan earthquake, it’s how quickly the world can go from “normal” to “complete disaster.” After the earthquakes and tsunamis struck, many people in Japan were thrown into quite primitive conditions: no electricity, no telephone service, no medicine, no clean drinking water and no shipments of food arriving because the roads were gone. Hurricanes can bring the same kind of destructive force across a wide area. So can volcanoes.
If your city were to be struck with a large-scale disaster, would you and your family be ready to handle it?

That’s where emergency preparedness comes in. The basic idea is to have enough supplies on hand so that your family can survive a week or two of pandemonium that follows any major disaster. One reason to be prepared is because it ensures the survival and relative comfort of your family. The other reason is because it makes things less chaotic for rescuers and relief crews. If you are able to manage your life without any help, it frees up rescue teams to handle those who are truly in need of assistance.

So what should you have on hand in an emergency?

Perhaps the most important thing is water. Humans use a lot of it: for drinking, cooking, cleaning and even for flushing the toilet. At a bare minimum, a person needs about a gallon per day. You would like to have at least enough water available to handle three days, and a week or two would be even better. If you have four people in your family and you are planning for a week of coverage, you need a minimum of 28 gallons stored somewhere in the house. And it needs to be in the right kind of package. Milk jugs of water start leaking after a year or so—clear plastic bottles won’t. If there is a natural source of water nearby (river, lake, etc.) you can use it if you have a way to carry and sterilize the water.

You need any prescription medicines that are essential to your life, as well as an adequate first aid kit. Because there will be no electricity, you will want a good flashlight and fresh batteries, as well as a battery operated radio to get information. Glow sticks are also nice to have available.

Of course, you will need some food. Many people have enough food in the pantry to handle a couple of days. In a big disaster you may want a week or two of food on hand. Canned foods (soup and other prepared foods) and dried foods (rice, pasta, etc.) are best. Keep in mind that you need a way to open the cans and cook the food. And old-fashioned can opener and a camp stove are handy.

It is nice to have some emergency cash. With the power out and the telephone system down, ATMs and credit card machines are not going to work. For the same reason, gas stations are not going to be pumping gas either. If you have some advanced warning of something like an approaching hurricane, filling up your car’s gas tank is a good move.

Don’t forget the little things. If you run out of toilet paper, that is a disaster all on its own. Keep several packages of toilet paper in the back of the bathroom cabinet just in case.

In case of a hurricane, a big tarp and some rope might be nice things to have in the garage. If the roof gets damaged, you may be able to cover the hole.

If you want to ride out a disaster in style, an emergency generator (and enough gasoline to keep it running) can be a very nice thing to have. With it, you can keep your refrigerator running, provide lights at night and so on. Having a generator requires an extra level of discipline, because gasoline goes bad. If you are keeping gasoline in the garage for the generator, you need to replace it on a regular schedule.

Thankfully, full-on disasters—like the one that happened in Japan—don’t occur very often. But when they do, it’s good to be prepared so you can survive without undue hardship.

To buy or sell real estate in the Bixby, OK. area, contact Kelly Howard, McGraw Realtors, 918-230-6431 or www.kellyhowardhomes.com.

Breathtaking Tulsa, OK. Luxury Home For Sale....

2011-05-05T22:17:00.000-06:00

Tulsa, OK. Luxury Home

11528 South Oswego Avenue
in Sequoyah Hills II Addition
$1,595,000

Jenks School District

4 Bedrooms
4 Full 3 Half Bathrooms
4 Car Garage

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

What's the Right Color Paint?

2011-05-04T22:01:00.001-06:00

Choosing the right paint and decor colors for your home can be a huge feat! Many homeowners try painting small patches of several different colors on their walls in order to see how they look. Some use swatches from the paint store and even others just don't paint because they don't know which shade to use. Whether you are choosing colors that you plan on living with, or you are choosing colors to help stage your home, the following article ("Using the Psychology Behind Color in Staging Homes" Melissa Tracey, Realtor Magazine) will give you some great information.

Did you know the color you choose for your home can at a subconscious level psychologically affect you or others? Choosing a wall color may have just gotten a little more stressful!
Scientific research has long pointed to the connection between color and its emotional or mental pull on our psyche, even if we do rarely realize it. And as a former psychology writer, I can’t resist the urge to bring back some of this scientific color research for you to consider when selecting paint colors.

After all, you can use such research to harness the positive energy of color when staging properties for sale.

A company called Colour Affects, based in London, is based on helping organizations and individuals learn how to draw from the psychological influence of color on human responses and behaviors.

Here are some of the insights they’ve drawn from color research, along with some of my “try it” tips for how you may be able to apply the information in your staging.

RED

This powerful pop of color can grab a person’s attention first and foremost, and has even been found to raise a person’s pulse rate. A 2009 study by researchers Ravi Mehta and Rui Zhu also found that red can actually improve a person’s cognitive performance too, making a person even more accurate and attentive to detail.

Try it: We all want buyers’ eyes drawn instantly to those selling features, right? Maybe a red accessory on the fireplace mantel or a vase of red flowers on those sparkling granite countertops can help you get buyers’ eyes right to where you want them.

BLUE

Blue is known as a soothing color that can be mentally calming. Blue actually tends to surface universally as the world’s favorite color, according to research, so you’re probably not going to turn off too many buyers by incorporating blue. However, you also don’t want to give people the “blues.” Sometimes blue has been found to be perceived as cold or unfriendly, so don’t overdo it.

Try it: A soft blue color in the bathroom or bedroom may just be the calming retreat you want to create in a home you have for sale.

Also, since blue has been found to make people more creative (studies have shown people in a blue room were found to be twice as creative than when they were in a red room), blue might be a good choice in a children’s room too.

YELLOW

This color is known as having the strongest impact psychologically. It can lift your spirits and is known as the color of “confidence and optimism.” Just don’t go overboard with it: Too much yellow has been found to make people feel emotionally fragile, depressed, or even suicidal–not the impact you want to have on buyers viewing your property!

Try it: Gold colors can liven up family rooms or hallways. Shades of yellow in a basement also may be a good choice in brightening an area of a home that often can be viewed as dreary.

GREEN

A restful color and known as the color of “balance.” Most people are reassured by green on a primitive level, since it usually indicates the presence of life and water. Research that focused on treatments for seasonal affective disorder also have shown that people exposed to green colors (excluding greens with yellow undertones) actually were found to have improved moods–an important note to those of you who live in cold weather climates!

Try it: Shades of more neutral greens can give a restful, harmony in bedrooms. Also, scattering green plants throughout a home also may help buyers get that “reassured” feeling that this is the right home for them.

WHITE

While it can communicate clean and hygenic, too much white can be a strain to look at and even send the message “Don’t touch me!” But you want buyers to not only touch but live in the property so too much white may be a detriment. However, white can give a heightened perception of space so for small spaces, you can use it to your advantage.

Try it: Use a shade of white (such as antique white or Navajo white) on your trim for a clean, contemporary look. But unless your design scheme is modern, you’ll probably want to choose a color other than white for your walls. White walls can make a home feel cold and plain. Color on your walls can psychologically do your buyers more good.

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

2011 Trends in Home Automation

2011-04-30T21:58:00.002-06:00

Home automation is an increasingly popular feature of many luxury homes today. Home automation can include many things from heating and air, lighting, security, television, home theater, and much more. Connectedhometechnology.com discusses trends in home automation for 2011 in an article ."Home Technology Trends for 2011" Read on for this year's home automation trends to implement in your Bixby, OK. home.

Technology trends in the home for 2011:

3D and web enabled television sales will increase with the introduction of 3D programming

Current initiatives are being set up by the government to ensure newly built and renovated homes will have a 6 star rating from May 2011, which will mean there will be an even greater focus on home based technology systems that can save on power and water usage. Urban Intelligence has already received a lot of interest at the moment, because people want to save on their energy bills and are mindful of their carbon footprint.

There will be further integration of the iPad and smart phones in home technology systems. Users of iPads and smart phones will have the ability to control lighting, AV equipment and other features in the home all via touch-screen technology, which are user-friendly and less bulky than earlier models.

Further development and upgrades of security in the home. For example, biometric fingerprint technology and surveillance systems.

More people will be looking to ‘future proof’ their homes, by upgrading wiring and cabling systems to ensure their homes are ready to accommodate advancements in technology. For example, with the national plans to roll out broadband and connect internet to our homes via fiber optic cables, homes will need to be equipped to facilitate this development.

For home automation installation in your Bixby, OK. home, contact Keegan Beck of KMB Enterprises at 918-527-1031 or www.kmbenterprisesllc.com.

For your Bixby, OK. home guide, visit www.homeguidetulsa.com: Look for current homes for sale, find helpful information for your home, find your home's value, get information for buyers and sellers, and much more.

Spring Cleaning for Your Bixby, OK. Garage...

2011-04-28T20:26:00.001-06:00

At the arrival of Spring, many of us think of Spring Cleaning. Spring is a great time to clean out the Garage. It is not too hot, not too cold and spending time outside for a few hours can be very productive. DIYNetwork.com has a great article (“Tips for Cleaning the Garage”) with very handy tips on how to clean your garage. Read on for some great information that will have your garage clean and organized in no time.

Get rid of unnecessary items. Start by moving everything out of the garage and grouping like items together. Get rid of the things that you know you don’t need. Remember to check with your trash company or city sanitation department when disposing of chemicals, batteries, oils or solvents.
Repair items that need to be repaired or put them in a labeled box to deal with later. If you haven’t dealt with it within a year, get rid of it.
Clean the floor, ideally when the temperature is between 50-75 degrees. Use cleaning products to remove stains.

Also, remember some helpful general information

Remember there are lots of great organization tools for the garage if you have the money to spend. If you don’t, that’s okay. Get creative, old boxes, buckets, jars, and cans can be great ways to organize various items for free.
Take time regularly to maintain organization in your garage. A few minutes of work a week or month can prevent hours of work each year.
Sweep out your garage once every month and do a thorough cleaning and organizing each year.

When you’re done with your cleaning and need junk removal from Bixby, OK. call David with I-Haul at 918-261-4008 or www.ihaulusa.com.

To read the complete article, "Tips for Cleaning Your Garage", visit www.diynetwork.com.

Save and Reduce Your Utility Bill...

2011-04-27T22:32:00.002-06:00

In an article "11 Ways to Reduce and Save Money on Utility Bills" found on MoneyCrashers.com, Heather Levin discusses various ways that we can save on electric and water bills. The tips that Heather gives are relatively easy to handle on your own as well as inexpensive. Read on for these handy tips:

It is common for many families to stare dejectedly at $200, $300, $400, and sometimes even $500 in utility bills every month. That can be an especially hard pill to swallow when times are tight – especially with gas prices rising.
This issue hits close to home for me as well. My dad lives in Lousiana, and his monthly bill is an astonishing $430 per month. And, that’s living in the Sunny South!

So what can you do to reduce your utility bill without being forced to move? Well, according to Energy Star, half of all the energy we use in our homes goes toward heating and cooling. A significant amount goes towards water as well.

This information gives us three important areas to focus on, and I’ve come up with 11 ways you can immediately reduce your utility bill affordably and effectively:

Ways to Save on Utilities in Your Home

1. Add Attic Insulation
According to the U.S. Department of Energy (USDE), the attic is where most of your home’s heat escapes to. Why? Well, heat rises, and most homes don’t have enough insulation up there to keep it from getting out. So, out it floats.

Fiberglass insulation is relatively cheap, and it’s easy to install it yourself. I have zero home improvement skills and I added a ton of insulation to my own attic last year. Did it make a difference? You bet it did. Energy Star estimates you can save up to 20% on your heating and cooling costs by effectively insulating your home. I don’t know if I saved that much, but I definitely saved at least 10% on my utility bills this year. And adding the insulation was very easy to do.

If you’re worried about installing attic insulation yourself, do a quick search online. There are tons of DIY tutorials that will coach you through the process.

2. Apply Weather Stripping
Weather stripping is very easy to install, and it will make a big difference in keeping out drafts. Before I applied my own weatherstripping, I could literally feel a cold wind coming in through both my kitchen doors. Now, however, the outdoor air stays out.

Weather stripping is another inexpensive, super-easy project that will make a big difference in your home’s energy bills. Again, I have zero home improvement skills and I didn’t mess it up.

3. Insulate Outlets and Light Switches
This smaller project is one that’s often forgotten about because people don’t realize that outlets and switches can be sources of air leaks. But outlets and light switches need to have insulation added to them, especially when they’re on an outside wall. Just make sure you get specialized outlet and switch plate seals, which can found inexpensively at any hardware store. The insulation is made specifically for outlets and switch plates, so you don’t have to worry about fire.

4. Install a Programmable Thermostat
The USDE estimates that you’ll save 10% off your utility bill just by installing a programmable thermostat.

Now, this project is a little more involved than insulating the switch plates, but it’s not necessarily too difficult. Every thermostat comes with detailed instructions so that you won’t get lost.

Don’t forget – the more you can turn your thermostat down in the winter, and up in the summer, the more you’re going to save. I keep my house at 55 degrees at night, and 64 degrees during the day during the winter months. I live in Michigan, and I stay comfortable in this range. It did take some getting used to, but if you go slow you’ll be able to keep making small adjustments to save even more. For more tips, here are some cheap ways to keep warm in the winter.

Is your house empty during the day? Allow the temperature to drop much further in the winter months and higher in the summer months while you’re away at work during the day, and program it to return to more comfortable temperatures just before you get home.

For a $70+ investment, installing a programmable thermostat is one of the smartest things you can do to reduce your energy bills.

5. Install a Low-Flow Shower Head
Did you know that many older shower heads put out 4-5 gallons of water per minute?

The low-flow shower head I use puts out a mere 1.5 gallons. And I still get awesome, forceful showers.

Low-flow shower heads really run the gamut on price: $10 on up to $200 or more (e.g. Niagara 1.50 GPM Low Flow Massage Showerhead). But they’re easy to install, and they’ll help conserve water while saving you money every day.

6. Insulate your Water Heater
If you have an older water heater, you can save 4-9% on your water heating costs simply by insulating it.

The USDE estimates that insulating hot water heater jackets prevent standby heat loss by 25-45%. Thus, you’ll be heating your water more efficiently simply by wrapping up your hot water tank.

This is another really simple project that can pay off big over the long run.

7. Wash Clothes in Cold Water
Did you know that 90% of the energy your washer uses goes to heat the water? Yeah, it’s pretty surprising and since most American families do around 400 loads of laundry per year, switching to cold can really add up.

To put it in perspective, check out these cool stats from Treehugger.

Washing every load on the hot/warm cycle (in a top loading machine and an electric water heater) for a year is equivalent to burning about 182 gallons of gasoline in a car; in an average (19.8 miles per gallon) car, that’ll get you around 3,595 miles.

But what happens when we wash on cold? Again, Treehugger:

When you use cold water to wash, you just use energy to run the machine – about .24 kWh – without using any energy to heat the water. That .24 kWh translates to about .41 pounds of CO₂ per load, or about 162 pounds of CO₂ per year. That’s about 8 gallons of gas, or 164 miles of driving.

That’s a huge difference. We went from burning the equivalent of 182 gallons of gas using hot water, to burning just 8 gallons on cold.

8. Pack the Dishwasher
When you use the dishwasher, never ever run a half load. Pack that baby to the brim! Want to save even more? Turn off the manual “heat dry” and let your dishes air dry.

9. Hand Wash Large Pots, Pans, and Dishes
These take up a lot of room in the dishwasher, and you’ll use the dishwasher considerably less if you wash and dry these items yourself.

10. Buy Energy Star Appliances
Energy Star rated refrigerators, washers, furnaces, and water heaters use a fraction of the energy their non-rated counterparts use. Most of the time, they’re priced competitively as well. Occasionally, you might have to pay more for an Energy Star rated product, but you’re always going to earn your money back in the long run. If you want to save on your utility bills, always look for the Energy Star logo first when buying large appliances.

11. Cook Strategically
It takes a lot of energy to heat up your oven. If you’re cooking something small, use your toaster oven instead. I rarely use my oven anymore because my toaster oven is just so much more handy. I’ve even successfully baked cookies and pies in my toaster oven! It also leads to much quicker cooking time since toaster ovens have less area that they need to heat.

Microwaves also use a fraction of the energy as compared to your oven or stove top. Whenever you can, heat things up in the microwave to save energy.

Final Word

When it comes to saving money on your utility bills, identify the items in your house that use both water and energy. Dishwashers, washing machines, and water heaters are three major appliances that you may want to consider replacing with more energy- and water-efficient models.

Also, remember that your air conditioning and heater usage is the biggest game changer when it comes to your utility bill. If you turn the temperature up a little bit in the hot months and turn it down a little bit in the cold months, you’ll save hundreds of dollars per year.

For Bixby, OK. Electrical or plumbing service, please contact the professionals below:

For Bixby, OK. electrical service, contact Larry Murray of Murray Electric at 918-557-3020 or www.murrayelectric.com.

For Bixby, OK. plumbing service, contact Markwayne Mullin of Mullin Plumbing at 918-606-0925 or www.mullinplumbing.com.

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

Should I Consider a Pre-Nup?

2011-04-26T20:33:00.001-06:00

Quite often, pre-nuptial agreements are thought of as negative. In some cases, however, a pre-nup can be very helpful and even create peace of mind. A pre-nuptial/pre-marital agreement defines to whom property belongs and can prevent legal arguments later, should a divorce or death occur. The agreement covers three areas: during marriage, upon divorce, upon death of a spouse. Some people that can benefit from a pre-nup might include those who own a business, have children or someone needing special care, or have many assets or higher valued assets.

One thing that all parties should ensure, when planning a pre-nup is independent counsel. Another is honesty and full disclosure of each parties assets. Without full disclosure, the agreement may not be valid later on.

To discuss a Bixby, OK. pre-nuptial agreement or other legal issues, contact Richardson Law Firm, at 918-492-7674 or www.rrblawok.com

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

Tulsa, OK. Area Home For Sale with REDUCED PRICE...

2011-04-25T21:27:00.000-06:00

Updated Owasso, OK Home!

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

$94,900

3 Bedrooms
1 Full, 1 Half Bathrooms
2 Car Garage

For more information on this Owasso, OK 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.

Answers to 5 Common Questions About Default

2011-04-20T21:09:00.002-06:00

Unfortunately, in today's slowly recovering economy, many homeowners continue to find themselves in financial trouble. As a Member of the Top 5 in Real Estate Network®, I, along with my team, have worked with many clients over the past few years to help resolve their financial dilemma in the best way possible. There are many options available to distressed Bixby, OK. area homeowners -- unfortunately, most people are not aware of what these options are.

To help clarify confusion and shed light on optimal homeowner options, real estate finance expert Marian Anthony, answers five questions distressed homeowners often have:

1. Should I intentionally default on my home mortgage?
You’ve probably heard of people "intentionally" or "strategically" defaulting on their mortgage, willing to take the hit to their credit in favor of freeing up cash flow in the short-term. Rather than defaulting, however, homeowners should talk with their real estate professional about the potential for a short sale. A short sale could lead toward the debt showing as "settled" on your credit. Walking away and allowing the bank to foreclose still allows the second lender to render a judgment -- and possibly garnish your wages. You may also have to file for bankruptcy to recover from the credit nightmare.

2. As a borrower, what are some ways I can gain leverage with my lender?
One way to gain leverage with a lender is to establish a "substitute mortgage" -- a security pledge that is offered to the seller's lender with a third party for a lesser amount of the current payment. Over time, this will result in a significant amount of collected funds that can be used as negotiating leverage to release the borrower from the debt, or dictate terms for a favorable loan modification.

3. Why have loan modifications and foreclosures become the predominant answer for so many in distressed property situations?
The reason why loan modifications and foreclosures have become the answer for so many is because many real estate professionals erroneously consider the short sale process to be too complex. It is essential to work with a real estate professional who is equipped with the right forms and contact information, and who knows how to orchestrate a short sale transaction.

4. Why is a short sale strategy more advantageous than a foreclosure?
The reduced payoff in a short sale can release you from the debt obligation. This often allows you to re-establish your credit faster and re-enter the market much wiser. A foreclosure can ruin a homeowner's credit and take much longer to recover from.

5. I’ve heard borrowers in default need a 'General Public Disclosure?' Why?
Many people are not aware of the alternatives available to them when facing foreclosure. Knowing your options, as detailed on a General Public Disclosure document, can make all the difference in establishing a deal that's in the homeowners' best interest.

Remember that every distressed homeowner's situation is unique; therefore, it is essential to contact a real estate professional -- and often an attorney -- to determine the best possible solution for you. My team is happy to assist, so please feel free to contact us, and please pass this important information on to others in need.

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

To Stop Your Bixby Foreclosure Now, contact Stan Stevens of The Baskin Real Estate Specialists of McGraw Realtors at 918-258-2600 or www.stopmytulsaforeclosure.com.

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

Easy Ways to Make Your Bixby, OK Home More Earth Friendly

2011-04-20T17:24:00.001-06:00

With Earth Day just a couple of days away, RIS Media has posted some easy tips on how to make your Bixby, OK. home more earth-friendly in the article, "Earth-Friendly Household Recycling Tips".

RISMEDIA, April 19, 2011—Roughly 500 million people around the globe celebrate Earth Day (April 22), according to Associated Content. With Earth Month celebrations gearing up, Ziploc wants to empower families to get involved in recycling efforts through easy household solutions that are adaptable to any family’s daily routine.
In an effort to offset the amount of product waste that could potentially end up in landfills and motivate families to do their part to recycle and protect the environment for future generations, Ziploc has partnered with Recyclebank, one of the leading sustainable action platforms designed to motivate and enable individuals to make a collective impact on the environment. From recycling and reusing everyday kitchenware to being mindful of water and energy usage, families can incorporate these simple, earth-friendly tips into their kitchen routines:

Increase Recycling Efforts

Recycle items that you no longer need and participate in community recycling initiatives. Community support for recycling of common and uncommon goods can vary from place to place.

Use “Smart” Kitchen Supplies and Appliances

When buying supplies for your kitchen—whether an appliance, cooking pan or piece of cutlery—choose durable and high quality kitchenware to withstand the test of time. Also, save energy (and potentially reduce your gas bill) by using smaller kitchen appliances when cooking small amounts of food. For example, heating water in an electric kettle rather than a teapot on the stove or cooking small or medium sized portions of food in the microwave instead of the regular oven use less energy.

Store Meals in Reusable and Multi-Purpose Containers

When preparing and storing meals for the family, try using multi-purpose containers, which are available in a variety of sizes and shapes. They not only help families stay organized and get more out of meals (and reduce waste) by keeping food fresh, but they are also microwaveable, freezer-safe and are perfect for storing leftovers or carrying lunch to work.

Conserve the Household Water Supply

For a cold beverage, keep a cool pitcher of water in the fridge instead of letting the tap run until water gets cold. Refill one water glass or reusable bottle throughout the day so there will be fewer items to wash. After eating, don’t rinse dishes with water—just scrape off the excess food and load directly into the dishwasher. Tests by Consumer Reports showed that pre-rinsing usually isn’t necessary and by skipping it you can save 20 gallons of water per load.

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

10 Tips to Improve Your Chances of Getting a Mortgage on Favorable Terms

2011-04-19T21:00:00.000-06:00

RISMEDIA, April 8, 2011—Speculative fears by renters who think they can’t afford the costs related to owning a home may cause many first-time home buyers to miss out on the opportunity of a generation to become homeowners this year. According to Fannie Mae’s National Housing Survey, financial fears are the top reasons given by renters for not buying a home, followed closely by purchase and upkeep affordability.

Sue Stewart, senior vice president for Move, Inc., offers the following tips to help first-time buyers improve their chances of getting a mortgage on favorable terms.

1. Pay down debt. Before you apply for a mortgage, reduce your total debt (monthly payments on credit cards, auto loan, student loans, consumer loans) to help reduce your overall debt-to-income ratios and improve your credit score. Generally, your ratio should be 36% of your gross monthly income. Also, the total of your housing expenses alone, whether you are renting or buying, should not exceed 28% of your monthly gross income.

2. Clean up your credit. About half of all renters think they don’t have good enough credit for a mortgage, but most don’t really know. Obtain your free credit report from each of the three credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian and TransUnion) and carefully review them, noting all negative items. Contact creditors to correct inaccurate or outdated items. It will take time, but you need to raise your credit score to a minimum of 680 and ideally to 720 and above to qualify and to avoid being penalized with a higher interest rate.

3. Make no new large purchases and don’t apply for new credit before or during the period that you are applying for a mortgage all the way up to closing. Lenders check credit reports at the time of an application and again right before closing. Last minute questions about your credit can cause a delay, a higher interest rate, or a denial from a lender. Wait to buy the new furniture until the house is yours.

4. Increase your down payment. This will reduce the loan-to-value ratio and increases the likelihood of getting a loan and better terms from your lender. Increasing your down payment immediately increases your equity, reduces the amount you borrow and reduces your monthly mortgage payment. If you are in need of down payment assistance, more than 4,000 local and state governments offer workforce house assistance for low- to medium-income buyers. Some require homeownership education, which can be very helpful.

5. Gather documents beforehand. Don’t wait until the last minute and find yourself having to scramble for paperwork that supports your employment status, assets and credit. Have all the necessary documentation ready for review when you apply. Collect your income tax returns, pay stubs, bank and financial statements and student loan paperwork. Stay on top of your documentation as time passes while your application is pending, and get updated documents, such as pay stubs, to your lender.

6. Anticipate closing costs. Closing costs, which can run 5-7% of your total transaction add up quickly and must be paid in cash—in addition to your down payment. Be prepared to have adequate cash on-hand.

7. Determine the type of loan you need. Fixed rate? Adjustable? FHA or VA? Fifteen or 30-year term? Jumbo? Second trust? These decisions aren’t just financial; they also reflect your lifestyle, your risk tolerance and the programs for which you might qualify. Do your homework and make a decision before you go house hunting. Don’t let someone talk you into a different game plan to stretch your finances to afford a particular property.

8. Ignore “bait rates.” Some mortgage advertising can be misleading with low rate promises. Beware. These “bait rates” are only for those with extraordinary credit with no contingencies. Your rate will be based on many factors: your credit, your debt-to-income and loan-to-value ratios, the size and type of your loan, where you live and the day you lock your rate, etc. You won’t know what your rate will be until your application is accepted. By then, it may be too late for you to find a competitive rate from another lender. Instead, pick a lender you trust, who will work with you and help you find the best all-around deal.

9. Negotiate a lower home sales price. Getting a better deal on your home not only works for you, it works for your lender because it lowers your loan-to-value ratio. Prices are still falling in many markets and sellers are eager to make a deal. If you’re not sure what a property is worth, you can ask your REALTOR® for a comparative market analysis.

10. Have a cash reserve. A good rule of thumb is to have at least three months salary saved as a cushion before you buy. This will help with your ratios and enable you to afford and cover closing costs.

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

For a Bixby, OK. mortgage, contact Karen Heston, BOK Mortgage, 918-488-7353 or http://kheston-boklo.mortgagewebcenter.com/Default.asp?bhcp=1

Top 5 Ways to Make Your Bixby, OK. Move Less Stressful

2011-04-18T22:32:00.000-06:00

Moving into your brand new Bixby, OK. home is one of the happiest, most exciting moments of your life. Unfortunately, it can also be one of the most stressful. The perils and pitfalls of packing up your possessions and safely moving them to another location -- whether around the corner or across state lines -- can turn this momentous occasion into a nightmare.

As a Member of the Top 5 in Real Estate Network®, I, along with my team, have helped many clients over the years not just find the home of their dreams, but smoothly move into it as well. There are several important steps to take to ensure a successful move, such as these suggestions from Mayflower Transit:

Have the right supplies - Gather up cartons, bubble wrap, packing tape and newspapers before you pack your first box. That includes marking pens, so you can label each box with its contents and intended location in your new home.
Get a head start - The sooner you begin, the more stress-free you will be. Aim to fill and mark at least two or three boxes each day. While you are packing is the best time to de-clutter. Throw out or give away items you will likely not want in your new home.
Pack your own valuables - As you pack, set aside valuables or irreplaceable items such as jewelry, heirlooms or pieces of artwork that you'd feel more comfortable moving yourself. This should include important paperwork and photos.
Notify important contacts - Make a list of utilities at both locations that need to be notified of your moving date. Check off each as you make arrangements for shut-off and turn-on dates. List and contact creditors, Internet providers, and anyone else who will need your new address, including magazine and book or movie subscriptions. Don't forget to file your change of address with the post office at least a week before you move.
Prescriptions and pets - Be sure you have enough prescription medications to see you through your moving period - and be sure to transfer existing prescriptions to a pharmacy in your new area. If you have pets, make plans well ahead of time as to where to keep them during the move - and how you'll transport them to your new home.

Simple steps like the above may seem like common sense, but in the throes of such a major life experience, it's the details that often get overlooked and cause the most problems. Please e-mail our team for more moving strategies and feel free to forward this information to friends and family who may also be making the big move.

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

Moving your home too much of a hassle? Hire a Bixby, OK. moving company! Contact Mike Ellingson of Relocation LLC at 918-459-6683 or www.relocationllc.net.

Tulsa, OK. Area Homes for Sale...

2011-04-18T21:31:00.000-06:00

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

________________________________

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
$159,900

3 Bedrooms
2 Bathrooms
2 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

How to Qualify for a Mortgage in Today's Credit Crunch

2011-04-15T21:22:00.000-06:00

There may have never been a better time to buy a home than right now. Earlier this month, interest rates dropped again -- the average contract interest rate for 30-year fixed-rate mortgages decreased to 4.79% from 4.93%, according to loanrateupdate.com -- and there is still plenty of inventory, keeping home prices relatively low in our area.

Those positive factors, however, are often offset by tighter lending standards, causing many to shy away from applying for a mortgage. As a Member of the Top 5 in Real Estate Network®, however, I, along with my team, have learned that it really boils down to four main factors that will impact a lender's decision:

Your ability to make a downpayment - usually between 3% and 20% of the purchase price -- of course, the larger the downpayment, the better your odds of securing the mortgage.
Two years of steady employment - at the same job or in the same field.
Good (but not necessarily perfect) credit score - these days, around 660 may do it.
Monthly income between two and three times the estimated monthly mortgage payment.

My team has had many clients, however, who have qualified for a mortgage without completely meeting the above criteria ... so don't rule yourself out too soon. There are several other steps you can take to secure a mortgage, such as these ideas from BusinessWeek:

Meet with a lender anyway. You may find out that you qualify after all, and if not, the lender can tell you exactly which areas to focus on in order to qualify in the near future.
Ask your real estate agent if they work with a particular lender or mortgage broker. An experienced agent works with many lenders and may even offer in-house mortgage services.
Get a co-signer. This isn't easy, because if you default on a loan, the co-signer will be responsible for paying it. But if you know someone with good credit who has great faith in your ability to pay, a co-signer could be a workable option.
Plan for the future. If it turns out you cannot qualify for a home loan right now, have your real estate agent help you map out a plan for improving your credit qualifications over the coming months. If you make homeownership a serious goal, you should be able to qualify in the not-too-distant future.

For more information about applying for a mortgage, please feel free to contact our team. And be sure to share this email with family and friends who might also be considering a home purchase -- this market is just too good to miss out on!

Sincerely,

Darryl Baskin

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

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

Why Bixby is a Great Place to Live...

2011-04-14T22:55:00.000-06:00

NEWS RELEASE

CENSUS COUNT CONFIRMS BIXBY’S STATUS AS A HIGH GROWTH COMMUNITY WITH A VERY POSITIVE DEMOGRAPHIC

The recently released 2010 Census counts contain some very interesting information, confirming the city of Bixby’s reputation as a very high growth community with a very positive demographic, says Trish Richey, the City of Bixby’s Economic Development Director. “These facts, along with our high quality of schools, status as a very safe community with a stable, progressive government, a strong chamber of commerce, and very attractive quality of life, continue to make Bixby a top choice for people and businesses looking to relocate to the Tulsa metro area, “ Richey said.

Citing data produced through last year’s decennial census process, combined with result of other research and analysis, Richey has assembled an impressive listing of facts and figures which help her and other City officials communicate to people who may not be familiar with our community why they should consider relocating their home or business to Bixby:

1. Bixby was one of the fastest growing cities in the state of Oklahoma this past decade, and second fastest growing in the Tulsa metro region, having grown by 57%

2. At just under 21,000 people, now the 20th largest city in the state, having moved up from 32^nd

3. Bixby has a very positive demographic, and features a very attractive quality of life. Its excellent school system is one of its a major attractions, along with its quality neighborhoods, friendly small town feel, with many community amenities, and significant commercial development potential, including along the Arkansas River

4. Our percentage of citizens holding B.S. degrees or higher is very high, (at 38%, more than 2/3rds higher than statewide average). Earlier this year, Bixby was pleased to become home to Southern Nazarene University’s new Northeast Oklahoma branch campus

5. Has the highest median home values in the Tulsa Metro Region (at $168,500, is 70% higher than the state as a whole)

6. Has the highest Per Capita Income in the Tulsa Metro Region, (at $34,004, is 51% higher than state as a whole)

7. And the growth continues! Last year, while most cities saw declines in # of building permits, Bixby’s grew by 22%, the highest growth rate of any city in the Tulsa metro region

8. Featuring a stable, progressive city government, Bixby has a very low crime rate – a recent report confirmed that Bixby was again the safest city in Oklahoma for communities its size

9. Bixby has a dynamic Chamber of Commerce which has experienced a very high growth rate. Recently recognized as one of the top 10 chambers its size in the nation.

10. Bixby’s new 100 acre Bentley youth sports park, just recognized for top design in the state by the Oklahoma Recreation Sports Society, connects to an extensive trails system

11. The new 4,500 seat Spirit Bank Event Center regularly hosts world-class entertainment and numerous events which attract visitors from throughout the region.

12. In 2009 CNN Money.com selected Bixby as one of its Best Places to Live in America, designating it one of America’s best small towns.

Bixby Mayor Ray Bowen, who himself can often be heard citing Bixby as “the best place in Oklahoma in which to live, play, and do business”, was recently recognized by the Bixby Metro Chamber of Commerce as the 2010 Citizen of the Year for his leadership and non-stop efforts to promote the City he clearly loves. “Bixby is a wonderful community, with a rich heritage and strong future. Behind the great economic statistics, you’ll find simply the best character of people you’ll find anywhere, who make newcomers quickly feel at home here,” he said.

Bowen explained that Bixby’s high growth rate makes passage the City’s upcoming April 5^th $10 million General Obligation (G.O.) Bond issue particularly important for the community. “The four propositions which comprise our upcoming G.O. bond election are designed to address critical traffic safety, quality of life and public safety needs of our growing community. Like successful businesses, communities seeking to continue to progress need to continually reinvest in themselves,” Bowen said. “Fortunately, due to retiring of other bonds and growth-induced increase in our bond capacity, we are able to make these additional infrastructure improvements without raising taxes,” he added.

For more information on Bixby, OK. contact:

Trish Richey

Director Economic Development

E-mail: trichey@olp.net

www.choosebixby.com

www.bixby.com

To buy or sell real estate in Bixby, OK. contact Darryl Baskin, McGraw Realtors, 918-258-2600 or www.darrylbaskin.com.

Easy Energy-Saving Ideas for Spring

2011-04-14T14:57:00.000-06:00

Spring is finally upon us, which means things will be heating up in no time...including your electric bill.

In today's economy, it's important to reduce expenses wherever possible, especially those costs related to your home. As a Member of the Top 5 in Real Estate Network®, I, along with my team, have seen how seemingly small steps in home maintenance can yield big results in terms of savings. Whenever working with clients, therefore, we make sure to point out the various ways they can save energy. Not only is it good for the environment, it's good for your household budget as well.

Here are some great energy-saving ideas to look at this spring:

Start at the top. Now is the perfect time to make sure your roof has adequate ventilation. As the weather gets increasingly warmer, heat builds up in your attic and good ventilation is critical to cutting cooling costs and protecting your shingles, as well.

Check your cooling system. An annual inspection is key to keeping your air conditioning system at peak performance. Early spring is the best time to call a local contractor to schedule a check-up. Make sure air conditioning units are free of obstructions inside and out. When embarking on spring clean up, be sure to trim bushes, and clear leaves and other debris away from your outdoor condenser.

Consider a furnace replacement. You may be using your furnace less as the weather warms up, but if it's an older model, now may be the time to take advantage of end-of-season sales to replace it with one that's more energy efficient.

Landscaping plays a part. Plant trees on the south and west side of your house to provide cooling shade.

These are just some of the ways to help reduce energy costs and also protect one of your greatest investments...your home. Please e-mail our team for more home ideas and be sure to pass this information on to your fellow homeowners as well.

Sincerely,

Darryl Baskin

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

For Bixby, OK. heating and a/c service, contact Stephen Taylor of Air Assurance at 918-258-HEAT or www.airassurance.com.

For all your Bixby, OK. roofing needs, contact Judy Smith of A-Best Roofing at 918-587-1426 or www.abestroofing.com.

For other ways to cut your Bixby, OK. electric bill and for all your Bixby, OK. electric installation and repair, contact Larry Murray of Murray Electric at 918-557-3020 or www.murrayelectric.com.

Increasing Your Bixby, OK. Home's Value...

2011-04-13T22:30:00.001-06:00

How do you increase your Bixby, OK. home value? How do you avoid decreasing your Bixby, OK. home value? These questions are things that many homeowners ask, especially when placing their home on the market for sale. In a recent blog post by Melissa Tracey on Styled, Staged, and Sold by Realtor Magazine, "Real Estate Math: What Can Increase and Decrease a Home's Value", Melissa discusses some ideas presented by New York brokers.

These New York brokers suggest the following:

WHAT CAN DECREASE A PROPERTY’S VALUE

Chipped plaster or broken bathroom tiles: Knock $500 to $5,000 off an offer
Dirty rugs: Subtract $5,000
Clutter: Subtract 5 to 15 percent from sales price

WHAT CAN INCREASE A PROPERTY’S VALUE

Fresh towels and throw pillows (estimated cost: $700): Add $25,000 to sales price
New lights (cost: $2,000 replacing lighting fixtures and $250 for a professional lighting designers expertise): Add $32,500
Professional paint job (estimated cost: $10,000): Add $50,000 to the sales price
Replacing cabinets (estimated cost: $20,000 on new kitchen cabinets and paint): Add $107,000

Keep in mind that the prices given above are based on New York rents and are higher than they would be in Bixby, OK. real estate. The ideas above indicate, however, that there are relatively inexpensive and easy things that can be done in a home to increase the value and sales price.

To read the entire article, "Real Estate Math: What Can Increase and Decrease a Home's Value", visit the link.

For more information on Bixby, OK. home value or to buy or sell Bixby, OK. real estate, contact Kelly Howard, McGraw Realtors, 918-230-6341 or www.kellyhowardhomes.com.

South Tulsa Luxury Homes for Sale...

2011-04-12T22:00:00.000-06:00

Exquisite Custom Luxury Home in Bixby, OK.

15080 S. Columbia Ave.
The Estates of Posey Creek Farms in Bixby, OK.

$1,250,000

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

Gorgeous Horse Ranch for Sale in Mounds, OK!

19983 S. Sheridan Rd
Mounds, OK. with 80 Acres

$2,699,000

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

For more information on any of these Tulsa, OK area luxury 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.

Bixby, OK. Home for Sale

2011-04-10T22:07:00.001-06:00

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

For more information on this Bixby, OK 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.

Tulsa, OK. Area Homes for Sale...

2011-04-09T20:36:00.001-06:00

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

_________________________________

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
_____________________________________

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.

Is There a Housing Shortage Coming to Bixby?

2011-04-08T22:15:00.000-06:00

According to a recent article in RealtorMag, "Housing Shortage on the Horizon", a housing shortage is likely on its way this year. Metrostudy tracks new home inventory across the nation. According to their study of 41 cities, 78,000 homes are "vacant and for sale, or under construction-- that is less than a quarter of the new homes that fell in that category during the housing boom in 2006 and way below the level of a decade ago." So what exactly does this mean? Mike Castleman, founder and CEO of Metrostudy says that if we were seeing normal levels of home buying, these properties would sell in 2.5 months, which would create a shortage of homes. Castleman believes that is exactly where we are headed and says that now is the time to buy a home.

Want more information on the housing shortage? Visit the original article, "Housing Shortage on the Horizon", here.

Don't wait for a housing shortage in Bixby, OK. To buy or sell Bixby, OK. area real estate, contact Kelly Howard, McGraw Realtors, 918-230-6341 or www.kellyhowardhomes.com.

February Pending Home Sales Rise

2011-03-31T08:00:00.000-06:00

February Pending Home Sales Rise

(Realtormag.com, Daily Real Estate News, March 28, 2011) Pending home sales increased in February but with notable regional variations, according to the National Association of REALTORS®.

The Pending Home Sales Index, a forward-looking indicator, rose 2.1 percent to 90.8, based on contracts signed in February, from 88.9 in January. The index is 8.2 percent below 98.9 recorded in February 2010. The data reflects contracts and not closings, which normally occur with a lag time of one or two months.

Lawrence Yun , NAR chief economist, says it’s important to look at the broader trend. “Month-to-month movements can be instructive, but in this uneven recovery it’s important to look at the longer term performance,” he said. “Pending home sales have trended up very nicely since bottoming out last June, even with periodic monthly declines. Contract activity is now 20 percent above the low point immediately following expiration of the home buyer tax credit.”

Yun notes there could have been some weather impact in the February data. “All of the regions saw gains except for the Northeast, where unusually bad winter weather may have curtailed some shopping and contract activity.”

The PHSI in the Northeast fell 10.9 percent to 65.5 in February and is 18.4 percent below a year ago. In the Midwest, the index rose 4.0 percent in February to 81.1 but is 15.9 percent below February 2010. Pending home sales in the South increased 2.7 percent to an index of 100.3 but are 5.3 percent below a year ago. In the West, the index rose 7.0 percent to 105.6 and is 0.6 percent higher than February 2010.

“We may not see notable gains in existing-home sales in the near term, but they’re expected to rise 5 to 10 percent this year with the economic recovery, job creation, and excellent affordability conditions providing confidence to buyers who’ve been on the sidelines,” Yun said.

Source: NAR

To read this original article, posted in Realtormag.com, "February Pending Home Sales Rise" click here.

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

Glass Mulch?

2011-03-30T22:48:00.001-06:00

When we think of mulch, most of us probably think of wood mulch or possibly rubber mulch. There is a newer product on the market that is becoming popular and starting to catch on in Oklahoma, especially since it doesn't wash or blow away, and is great for the environment. Tulsa World published an article about Garden Glass of Oklahoma last fall that introduces glass mulch well. Consider something different for your garden and read on.

Glass mulch catching on in Oklahoma gardens
by Amanda Fite

Landscapers on the coasts are already hip to a trend that's new to Oklahoma: recycled glass chips that, among other things, make a good mulch.

It's real, it's definitely different, and it's about as "green" as it gets.

The mulch is made when recycled bottles are broken and tumbled to smooth out the edges.

"The pieces can be used for a variety of things, including landscaping," said Leigh Murray, owner of Garden Glass of Oklahoma.

The glass is available in four colors: brown, green, clear and mixed.

Chad Burden, who's made news with his eco-friendly home construction in midtown Tulsa, said he's been using the glass as mulch for a couple of months now. He chose the brown, which looks like rich, pigmented mulch.

"It seems to be working as well as my regular mulch," he said, "and it's prettier for sure."

Burden puts material underneath the glass to keep it from sinking into the dirt. Its weight keeps the mulch from floating away in an Oklahoma rainstorm.

Murray said the glass also doesn't fade or disintegrate, so there's no need to replace it every year.

"You don't have to keep doing it," Burden agreed. "No mulch and remulch."

According to Murray's website, the glass is also safe for kids and animals and is a natural deterrent to slugs.

But the garden glass isn't just for mulching. Gas fire pits and fireplaces
are another place to try the glass chips. (Natural wood fires burn a bit too hot.) It can also be used to:

* Accent driveways, walkways, garden paths, water features and fish ponds

* Create designs and patterns in your landscape

* Fill terrariums, aquariums, flower arrangements and birdbaths

However you use it, the glass definitely adds design flavor.

"It's a little bit funkier," Burden said. "After a rain, it looks beautiful. ... I hope it catches on here."

A 50-pound bag of the glass sells for $15 and covers about 8 square feet, Murray said. For more information, call 232-0210, or go to tulsaworld.com/gardenglass

Read more from this Tulsa World article at http://www.tulsaworld.com/scene/article.aspx?subjectid=41&articleid=20100904_17_D3_CUTLIN790454

To buy glass mulch in the Bixby, OK. area, contact Leigh Murray of Garden Glass of Oklahoma at 918-232-0210 or www.gardenglassofoklahoma.com.

Jenks, OK. and Owasso, OK. Luxury Homes For Sale

2011-03-30T08:00:00.000-06:00

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

__________________________________________________

Luxury Home for Sale in Jenks, OK.

10726 S. Lakewood Ave.
The Gates at Forest Park

$4,200,000

6 Bedrooms
7 Full 4 Half Bathrooms
5 Car Garage

__________________________________________________

I Hate to Change My Air Filter!

2011-03-29T22:26:00.001-06:00

OK, I really hate to change my air filters. First of all, I can never remember when to change them. Then, since my air filters are two different sizes, I have to run all over town to find them. It is amazing how many different air filter sizes there are. Then, when I find a store that sells the right size, there are too many choices! Surprisingly, there is one easy solution to all of these hassles.... Filters 4 Me.

First, check out their website at www.filters4me.com.
Next, measure your air filter.
Finally, enter all the appropriate information in their handy online application, including how often you want your filters delivered.

Filters 4 Me will then mail you a high quality filter at the right time! No more having to remember when to change the filter or where to get one.

For more information on air filters and how the Filters 4 Me program works, contact Rick Butefish at 918-292-8600 or visit www.filters4me.com.

Ways to Improve Your Vehicle's Fuel Economy

2011-03-29T08:00:00.000-06:00

With gas prices increasing every week, it seems like just going to work and doing everyday necessary chores are costing way too much. As the gas budget gets tighter, seeking ways to increase fuel economy can be a very helpful and budget friendly idea. In an article posted by RIS Media, "10 Tips to Improve Your Vehicle’s Fuel Economy", author Jerry Hirsch gives some helpful tips to increase your vehicle's fuel economy. Read on for these helpful tips...

RISMEDIA, March 17, 2011—(MCT)—With the price of regular unleaded gasoline topping $4 a gallon, auto information websites TrueCar.com and AutomMD.com have come out with a simple guide to get more mileage from your vehicle.
1. Drive more smoothly: Be gentle with your gas pedal and your brakes. There’s no reason to speed up to a red light just to slam on the brakes. Aggressive driving will lower your gas mileage.

2. Slow down: Most vehicles get the best fuel efficiency at 45-55 miles per hour. Driving more than 60 mph can cut fuel efficiency 7-23%.

3. Reduce idling: Turn off your engine if you’re waiting for more than 20 seconds. Idling wastes more gas than turning off your engine and restarting it.

4. Use lower-grade fuel: Regular unleaded fuel won’t hurt most vehicles even if premium unleaded fuel is required. Unless your engine starts to knock or ping when using a lower-grade fuel, stick to regular.

5. Remove excess weight: An extra 100 pounds sitting in the trunk or back seat can reduce fuel economy as much as 2%.

6. Turn on the ventilator and turn off the air conditioning: The most efficient way to cool your car is with the air that comes in through your flow-through ventilator. Air conditioning or open windows make your vehicle less fuel-efficient (because of the drag). Driving fast with the windows open can burn more fuel than the air conditioner.

7. Replace or tighten the gas cap: Fuel evaporates through gas caps with broken or weak seals, potentially reducing your car’s gas mileage by 2%.

8. Keep the tires inflated: Tires that are improperly inflated have a higher rolling resistance, which reduces efficiency. Keeping tires at the proper pressure can improve gas mileage by as much as 3.3%.

9. Change the oil: Energy-conserving or synthetic motor oil can reduce engine friction, improving efficiency as much as 2%.

10. Replace the spark plugs: Misfiring spark plugs can reduce fuel efficiency as much as 30%.

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

Types of Property Deeds...

2011-03-28T21:18:00.001-06:00

There are many types of deeds for home ownership in Bixby, OK. but what are they and what do they mean for buyers and sellers?

The best type of deed is the General Warranty Deed. In a General Warranty Deed the seller warrants the title from statehood until the time the buyer takes title. This means that the owner of the property is guaranteeing the buyer that they are getting a clear title.

The next type of deed is the Special Warranty Deed. In a Special Warranty Deed there is more risk to the buyer and limits the amount of the warranty. This is a common type of deed when a bank takes title to a property. When this happens, the bank will only warrant the property for the time that they owned it and no time prior.

Another type of deed is the Quit Claim Deed. The Quit Claim Deed is usually between a divorcing husband and wife. One party is giving up any interest that they may have in the property to the other party.

The final type of deed is the Sheriffs Deed. The Sheriffs Deed occurs when a foreclosure happens, the property goes to a sale and the Sheriff presents a deed to the new owner. This is a high risk situation because there are no warranties on the property. It is being sold or presented "as-is".

For more information about types of property deeds in Bixby, OK. or to have your title inspected in the Tulsa, OK area, contact Ann Rollins of Closings of Tulsa, 918-493-2241 or www.closingsoftulsa.com.

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

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

Prepare Your Bixby, OK. Home and Family For Spring...

2011-03-22T22:10:00.001-06:00

Spring is here and with the great warm weather, we will see Spring come alive. With the great Spring weather, however, also come Spring storms. Preparing our home and family for Spring and for Spring storms is very important. Read on to find some information on preparing your home, family, and landscaping for Spring.

Preparing Your Home for Spring

Check your windows and doors to make sure they are caulked properly and that weather stripping is properly installed. Gaps in these areas can lead to pests, water, and energy leaks.
Have your A/C serviced to make sure that it is running properly and at its best. This will save your money and help keep you cool.
Have pest control treatments done on your Bixby, OK. home regularly. The warm weather can drive pests inside. Prevent this before it becomes a problem with regular pest control.
Check your smoke detectors to ensure that they work. Change the batteries if it has been one year since you have installed new batteries. Although this is not just a Spring problem, now is a good time to check it.
Play the inventory game. Let your kids help by taking pictures, a video, or simply making lists of all valuables, electronics, etc in your home and their serial number and other important information.

Preparing Your Landscape for Spring

If you are planning on adding new plants to your garden, get proper information about when to plant the species that you want.
Make sure that you don't have drainage issues around your property. If you find that water sits around the perimeter of your home or in areas around your property, have those issues solved before Spring storms come and make it impossible to repair quickly. Water that sits around your foundation can cause cracks and other foundation problems later. Don't assume it won't happen to your home. Foundation problems are more expensive to repair than drainage problems and will affect the resale ability of your home as well.
Weed around your plants now and add 3 inches of mulch to help keep the soil moist and weeds away.
Ensure that you have proper insurance coverage on your Bixby, OK. home in the event that a disaster or a theft occur. Check the link for more information.

Preparing Your Family for Spring

Make sure that you have a fire escape plan, fire escape ladders, and tornado shelter in your home.
Practice your fire escape plan and what to do in the event of a tornado. Practice will help keep your children calm because they will know what to do.
Make sure your children are aware of what happens in a storm, tornado, etc. and what to do if they are away from the home. For example, know not to go under a bridge (in the overpass) during severe weather/tornado could save their life. Be prepared! Local TV weather station websites are great places to learn this life-saving information.
In the event that you have property damage from a Spring storm, contact Bixby home maintenance professionals to have repairs done.

For more information on these areas contact the following professionals:

Bixby, OK Pest Control- Duane Montgomery, Montgomery Exterminating at 918-438-4885 or www.montgomeryexterminating.com.

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

A/C Service and Installation in the Bixby, OK area- Stephen Taylor, Air Assurance, 258-COOL or www.airassurance.com.

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

Bixby, OK. Real Estate- Darryl Baskin, McGraw Realtors, 918-258-2600 or www.darrylbaskin.com.

South Tulsa, OK. Homes for Sale...

2011-03-21T21:34:00.001-06:00

Jenks, OK Luxury Home for Sale

720 W. 108th St. in Jenks
Aberdeen Falls Addition

$1,695,000

5 Bedrooms
5 Full 1 Half Bathrooms
4 Car Garage

_________________________________

New Construction in Bixby, OK!

12204 South 68th East Avenue
Woodmere Addition in Bixby, Oklahoma
$899,900

5 Bedrooms
4 Full 1 Half Baths
4 Car Garage
_________________________________

Magnificent Gated Estate in Jenks, OK!

777 West 106th Street
The Estates at Stone Bluff in Jenks, Oklahoma
$2,999,000

5 Bedrooms
7 Full 1 Half Bathrooms
3 Car Garage

For more information on any of these South Tulsa, Oklahoma area luxury homes or to buy or sell your home in the Bixby, Oklahoma area, contact Kelly Howard of McGraw Realtors at 918-230-6341 or www.kellyhowardhomes.com

The Rich Buy Real Estate Now Despite...

2011-03-19T21:50:00.001-06:00

According to a recent blog post, If Prices Are Falling, Why Are the Rich Buying?, by the KCM Crew, real estate prices are predicted to continue to drop, however, the rich are buying homes now! The KCM crew says that "DataQuick Information Systems reported last week that sales on homes $1 million or more rose 18.6% last year after four consecutive years of decline. This is at the same time that sales outside of this price point actually fell 2.8%." So, why are the rich buying now, instead of waiting? The KCM crew say that "They realize that the COST of real estate is a much more important than its PRICE. With the government attempting to make massive changes to the residential lending business, the wealthy know financing a home may never be better. They realize it is time to buy. They can purchase a million dollar+ home for a rate lower than at almost any time in history."

Although some may still say that they would wait for lower real estate prices in the Bixby, OK area, that can be a gamble. We know that rates will not remain at these historically low rates forever. Higher rates can mean that you pay more for the interest in a lower priced home than you might for a higher priced home with today's low rates. Once you add all that extra interest up, you could actually end up paying more for your Bixby, OK. area real estate.

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

Check out the following link to read the entire blog post from the KCM Crew, "If Prices Are Falling, Why Are the Rich Buying?"

Bixby, OK. Horse Ranch For Sale...

2011-03-16T22:15:00.002-06:00

Bixby, OK. Horse Ranch Front View

Bixby, OK. Horse Ranch Aerial View

3511 East 181 Street
Bixby, OK. Horse Ranch

$1,906,000

4 Bedrooms
5 Full, 1 Half Bathrooms
4 Car Garage
RV Barn
4 Stall Horse Barn

For more information on this exquisite horse ranch in the South Tulsa area or to buy or sell Bixby, OK. real estate contact Kelly Howard, McGraw Realtors, 918-230-6341 or www.kellyhowardhomes.com.

Bixby, OK. Horse Ranch Kitchen

Bixby, OK. Horse Ranch Living Room

Americans Wealth Has Increased!

2011-03-12T13:28:00.001-06:00

According to a recent article posted on Realtormag.com, "Americans Feel a Little More Rich", Americans are making more money. In the last quarter of 2010, Americans wealth increased by 3.8%. In addition, household net worth increased the last quarter of 2010, even though real estate holding dropped by 1.6%. Interested in reading more? Read the article, "Americans Feel a Little More Rich" here.

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

Beautiful Home for Sale in the Tulsa, OK. Area

2011-03-11T20:00:00.000-06:00

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 this beautiful Jenks, OK. home for sale or to buy or sell Bixby, OK. real estate, contact Kelly Howard, McGraw Realtors, 918-230-6341 or www.kellyhowardhomes.com.

Bixby, OK. Homes Are More Affordable Than Ever!

2011-03-11T16:58:00.001-06:00

According to an article in RealtorMag, 30 Year Mortgage Rates Hold Steady This Week, homes are more affordable than ever! Rates are under 5% this week and are even lower than the same time last year. Read the article below, 30 Year Mortgage Rates Hold Steady This Week, for more information.

Mortgage rates continued to hold steady below 5 percent this week, according to Freddie Mac’s weekly mortgage market survey.

"Interest rates for 30-year fixed-rate mortgages have averaged at or below 5 percent in every week but one this year, contributing to record home affordability,” says Frank Nothaft, Freddie Mac’s chief economist.

Here are how rates fared for the week:

- 30-year fixed-rate mortgages: averaged 4.88 percent, up just slightly from last week’s 4.87 percent. Last year at this time, the 30-year mortgage rate averaged 4.95 percent.

- 15-year fixed-rate mortgages: averaged 4.15 percent, holding at the same as last week’s average. Last year at this time, the 15-year fixed-rate mortgage stood at 4.32 percent.

- 5-year adjustable-rate mortgages: averaged 3.73 percent this week, up slightly from last week’s 3.72 percent. A year ago at this time, the 5-year adjustable-rate mortgage averaged 4.05 percent.

"Mortgage rates held steady amid a strong employment report,” Nothaft says. The private sector added 222,000 jobs in February--the most since March 2006. The unemployment rate also fell to its lowest share since April 2009 at 8.9 percent.

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

Condo's For Sale in the Tulsa, OK. Area

2011-03-10T21:42:00.001-06:00

Tulsa, Oklahoma Condominiums for Sale

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
________________________

South Tulsa Luxury Homes For Sale...

2011-03-04T22:18:00.000-06:00

Gorgeous Horse Ranch for Sale in Mounds, OK!

19983 S. Sheridan Rd
Mounds, OK. with 80 Acres

$2,699,000

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

For more information on any of these Tulsa, OK area luxury 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.

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

2011-02-27T19:45:00.001-06:00

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!

2011-02-25T21:28:00.000-06:00

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?

2011-02-23T23:31:00.000-06:00

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?

2011-02-22T22:22:00.003-06:00

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

2011-02-21T22:38:00.001-06:00

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?

2011-02-19T19:57:00.002-06:00

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?

2011-02-18T23:29:00.000-06:00

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...

2011-02-15T22:02:00.000-06:00

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...

2011-02-15T12:18:00.000-06:00

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

2011-02-12T22:16:00.001-06:00

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

2011-02-12T18:01:00.001-06:00

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

Keeping Your Bixby, OK Home Secure While On Vacation

2011-02-11T23:22:00.000-06:00

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.