Incorporating Green Ideas into Your Home

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

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

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

Land Conservation and Reuse Studies: DREI Group, Dennis Blind at 918-812-2339, dennis@dreigroup.com, or www.dreigroup.com.
Roofing: Royal Roofing, Johnathon Knapp at 918-398-6500 or www.royalroofingllc.com.
Landscaping Design: Bluum Outdoor, Nathan at 918-599-8500, Nathan@bluum.net, or www.bluum.net.
Heating and Air Conditioning: Air Assurance, Stephen Taylor at staylor@airassurance.com.
Building and Remodeling: US Building Systems, Rick Oberlender at usbs@att.net.
Air Conditioning Filters: Filter 4 Me, Rick Butefish at 918-292-8600, rick@filters4me.com, or www.filters4me.com.
Flooring Products: ProSource Wholesale Floorcoverings, Jim Ecrette at 918-252-7711 or prosourcejim@tulsacoxmail.com (make sure you ask for Darryl Baskin's preferred pricing).

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

Do I repair, refinish, or replace my hardwood flooring?

When a good quality hardwood floor is installed properly and needed repairs are done well it provides a beautiful and durable flooring option. When hardwood flooring repairs, refinishes, and installations are not done properly 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, call Jim Ecrette of ProSource Flooring at 918-252-7711 or www.prosourcefloors.com/tulsa and ask for Darryl Baskin's Contractors Rate. For repair and installation of hardwood flooring, call Jonathon Knapp of Residential Repair, Inc. at 918-621-1020 or www.residentialrepairinc.com.

Signals You May Have Roof Damage

Oklahoma weather is constantly changing and that changing weather can wreak havoc on your roof. Here are some simple signals that roofing damage may have occurred and repairs may be needed:

1. Leaking in the attic after wind-driven rain or ice build-up.
2. Blistering or peeling interior or exterior paint.
3. Stains on interior ceilings or walls.
4. Mold or mildew growth.
5. Decaying roof shingles, sheathing, or siding.
6. Missing, cracked or curled shingles.
7. Dark looking areas on your roof.
8. Excessive energy costs.

For more information on roofing danger signals or to have your home inspected and receive an estimate for repairs contact Judy Smith of A-Best Roofing at 918-587-1426, email her at judysmith@abestroofing.com, or visit their website at www.abestroofing.com.

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

Tulsa Historical Society

The Tulsa Historical Society presents:

2nd Annual Music on the Lawn
Sunday, October 25th
3:00PM to 6:00PM

Confessions of a Pioneer Woman
Lecture and Book Signing by Ree Drummond
Tuesday, October 27th
7:00PM

For more information on these FREE events visit their website or their facebook event page.

Autumn Pests

Many insects find their way into our homes during this time of year. They come in through crevices and cracks in roof flashing, siding, trim, vents, and any other way they can. Once they are inside the walls and structural areas of your home or business they can be very hard to exterminate. When the weather warms up they will often come inside through light fixture openings, vents, light switches, and fireplaces. Help eliminate this problem by:

• Looking for and repairing interior and exterior cracks and crevices where pests can enter
• Having professionals exterminate your property now to prevent further problems in the Spring
  

For all your pest control needs, call Duane Montgomery of Montgomery Exterminating at 918-438-4885 or www.montgomeryexterminating.com.

For help with all your real estate needs in the Tulsa, Oklahoma area call Darryl Baskin, McGraw Realtors, 918-258-2600 or www.darrylbaskin.com.

Filters4Me.com Nominated for Tulsa Mayor's Spirit Award

Rick and RJ Butefish, owners of Filters4Me.com have founded an innovated company which auto ships air conditioning and heating filters to home and business owners for maintenance. The company is up for the Mayor's Spirit Award for new business innovation.  The award is sponsored by Spirit Bank of Tulsa.

Tulsa Oklahoma Moving Companies Face New Regulations

Mike Ellingson, owner of Relocation LLC, says local movers in Oklahoma will be facing new rules from the Oklahoma Corporation Commission requiring insurance coverage and licensing.  Formerly, an inter-city mover was exempt from licensing and insurance laws but will now face penalties and fines for not holding these policies and coverages.  The law takes effect November 1st, 2009.  Homeowners are often deceived by companies who present a low bid but offer no coverages for damage or loss.  Research carefully before you hire a mover and trust them with all of your belongings.

Tips for a Smooth Closing

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 de-stress the closing process. 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 last minute surprises are kept to a minimum.

For more information on the closing process or if you are in need of closing services, contact JJ Pierce, Closings of Tulsa, 918-493-2241.

For all your mortgage needs, contact Karen Heston, Bank of Oklahoma, 918-488-7353 or kheston@bokf.com.

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

Condominium Insurance

When purchasing insurance for your condominium, there are some important things to keep in mind. First, know your covenants and bylaws. Each condo association is different and has different covenants and bylaws. With some, if the condo is destroyed, they will rebuild the outside, but the owner is responsible for everything from the sheetrock in. This type of information will help your insurance agent determine the proper coverage for your policy. Second, remember that you may be responsible for extra fees if the condo association falls short of funds (to replace the roof, for example). That can also be added as coverage for your policy.

For more information about condo insurance, renters insurance or another type of insurance, contact Mike Tedford, Tedford Insurance, 918-299-2345, or www.tedfordinsurance.com.

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

Fire Damage

A home or business fire is not only destructive it can also leave you wondering "what do I do next"? First, contact your insurance company and inform them of the fire and gets things going from their side. Second, get all your important documents together , especially those that have survived the fire. If they didn't survive the fire, attempt to get another copy. Third, take inventory of what was and wasn't damaged. Damaged property can be difficult and stressful to handle, so call the professionals.

The experts at PCC Cleaning and Restoration can help with fire and water restoration and even mold damage. For more information on fire and water restoration, mold damage, or helpful tips after this type of damage to your property call Roger Fisher at 918-641-1111 or visit their website at http://www.pcccr.com.

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

Moving with Pets

Moving can be very stressful for the homeowners and can be just as stressful on their pets. Here are some tips that can make that transition easier on you and your pet. First, keep your pet's routine as normal as possible during the packing and moving process. Second, if possible, have a friend or boarding service watch him. If not possible, avoid giving him food or water an hour or two before your trip. Third, if he will be traveling in a pet carrier, make sure there is room for him to stand up and turn around and plenty of ventilation for him to breathe. Remember to use newspaper or other absorbent material in the bottom of the carrier, in case he has an accident. Finally, remember his favorite toy!

For more moving tips or questions or to get a quote for your move, contact Mike Ellingson at 918-459-6683 or visit http://www.relocationllc.net/Default.aspx.

For all your real estate needs in the Tulsa, Oklahoma area contact Darryl Baskin, McGraw Realtors, 918-258-2600 or http://www.darrylbaskin.com.

River Rush

Today is the day of the Tulsa River Parks Authority River Rush Festival to raise money and showcase Tulsa River parks improvements. The gala dinner starts at 6 PM tonight and the concert starts at 9 PM at the BOK center. for concert tickets visit www.bokcenter.com

Pre-Nuptial Agreements

Quite often, pre-nuptial agreements are thought of as negative. In some cases, however, a pre-nuptial agreement can be very helpful and even create peace of mind. A pre-nuptial agreement (also called a pre-marital agreement or pre-nup) defines to whom property belongs and can prevent legal arguments should a divorce or death occur. The agreement covers three areas: during marriage, upon divorce, and upon death of a spouse. It is very important that all parties involved have independent counsel. It is also important that everyone is honest and provides full disclosure of their assets. If these don't occur, the agreement may be invalid. You might benefit from a pre-nup if you are engaged and either own a business, have children or someone needing special care, or have many assets.

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

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

Downtown Tulsa, OK residential development incentives

The City of Tulsa invites proposals for residential development within downtown Tulsa.  Remaining Vision 2025 sales tax funds for eligible housing projects are now available for allocation.  Proposals will be received by the City of Tulsa, City Hall at One Technology Center, 175 East 2nd Street, City Clerk, Tulsa, OK 74120.  The deadline for submitting proposals is 5:00 p.m., C.D.T., Tuesday, November 3, 2009.   The details of the Request for Proposals are presented within a document, which can be accessed at http://www.cityoftulsa.org/media/34902/downtown%20rfp%20-%20updatedrfp2009v5%20_2_.pdf   Questions regarding this request should be submitted in writing via email to the following: jminer@cityoftulsa.org.

Ray Meldrum Tulsa Development Authority - rmeldrum@tulsarealtors.com