Reasons to Buy a Tulsa, OK home in 2011!

In a recent article posted in Realtormag, Michele Lerner gives 5 reasons why you should buy a home in 2011. They include:

▪ Mortgage rates will stay low. Even with rates climbing — maybe to as high as 6 percent by 2012 — they are still well below where they have been historically.
▪ Tax cuts could help. Extending the tax cuts could encourage a more rapid recovery for the economy.
▪ Americans want to be home owners. A recent Fannie Mae survey showed that Americans still believe a home is a safe and desirable investment.
▪ Builders are about to begin building. Home builders have been sitting on the sidelines. This year, they think pent-up demand will create an appetite for new homes.
▪ Homes are shrinking. Homes are getting smaller, which has made them more affordable.
Source: Investopedia, Michele Lerner (12/24/2010)

If you are considering buying or selling a Tulsa, OK home, now really is a great time! Contact Kelly Howard, McGraw Realtors, 918-230-6341 or www.kellyhowardhomes.com to find out more.

Are There Bugs in Your Bed?

Okay. I know you are probably saying "Bugs in my bed? There are no bugs in my bed!" Actually, there are. 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. Okay, I know you're probably saying "That's enough, tell me how to get rid of the nasty things!"

Although we can't completely get rid of dust mites, here are some ways to reduce dust and Dust Mites in our homes:

• 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.

For more information about hardwood flooring in Tulsa, 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.

For Tulsa, OK pest control needs, contact Duane Montgomery, Montgomery Exterminating at 918-438-4885 or www.montgomeryexterminating.com.

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

Your Rights and Responsibilities During a Move.

When you or a moving company moves your household goods over the interstate, there are certain rights and responsibilities that you and the moving company have, according to the Federal Highway Administration.

Although moving companies are not required to provide an estimate, you may ask for one. If you request a binding estimate, and the mover is willing to provide one, he has the right to charge you for a detailed estimate. A binding estimate must clearly describe all moving, shipping or other services provided. With a binding estimate, you are not required to pay more than the amount on the estimate, however, should anything change or need to be added, that is not clearly on the estimate, the charges may change. To ensure that the binding estimate is effective, it must be in writing and a copy must have been available to you before you move.

Every mover is required by law to prepare a bill of lading for any shipment it transports. The bill of lading is the contract between you and the mover. The information that is listed on the bill of lading is required to be the same as that on the order for service, which is required as well. You must be provided with a copy of the bill of lading before the mover loads your furniture. You have the responsibility to read the bill of lading before you accept it.

As a customer, if the moving company doesn’t write an inventory of everything in the shipment, you should do one yourself. As part of the inventory, list the condition of all items. Companies that create an inventory will usually ask you to sign each page to ensure that everything is correct. If you disagree with anything, make a note on the inventory and initial it. You should receive a copy of this inventory. At the time of delivery, check the inventory to verify that everything was delivered in the same condition in which it was picked up.

In Oklahoma, new regulations were set in 2009 requiring most companies to carry insurance. Make sure that you are well informed, however. Don't just take the companies word for it. Verify the information they give you and ask for copies of proper documents. Check the following link for more information on regulations affecting your move

For more information or an estimate for Tulsa, OK moving services, contact Mike Ellingson at Relocation LLC at 918-459-6683 or www.relcationllc.net.

Need a place to move? For Tulsa, OK area real estate needs, contact Darryl Baskin, McGraw Reators, 918-258-2600 or www.darrylbaskin.com.

Just for Fun....Which Celebrity Would Make the Best Neighbor?

Many of us have dreamed of becoming rich and famous, so to speak; however, have you considered which celebrity would make the best neighbor? In Tulsa, OK real estate you could find many local celebrities that would make a best neighbor choice. When considering national and international celebrities, however, what do Americans think? Zillow, a real estate website, conducted it's fourth annual Zillow Celebrity Neighbor Survey. Who is it that Americans would most like as a celebrity neighbor and who would they least like as a celebrity neighbor? Read on to find out:

Most Desirable Neighbors for 2011
Sandra Bullock – 26%
Sarah Palin – 10%
Ellen DeGeneres and Portia DeRossi – 9%
The Obamas – 8%
Conan O’Brien – 7%
Lady Gaga – 3%
Katy Perry and Russell Brand – 2%
Justin Bieber – 1%
Other – 7%
None of the above – 27%

Worst Neighbors of 2010
The Jersey Shore Cast – 26%
The Obamas – 15%
Sarah Palin – 13%
Kanye West – 11%
Mel Gibson – 10%
Charlie Sheen – 8%
LeBron James – 3%
Mark Zuckerberg – 1%
Other – 1%
None of the above – 13%

For more information on the Zillow Celebrity Neighbor Survey, visit www.rismedia.com to read their original article.

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

Incorporating Green Products into Your Tulsa, OK Home

When building, remodeling, or replacing products in your Tulsa, OK 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. There are even newer products, such as Garden Glass, that incorporate glass as a safe use in landscaping.
  
• Use low-flow toilets and shower-heads 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.
• Replace older lighting fixtures and dimming switches for newer ones that utilize more energy efficient technology.
  

When you're done with all the old products, remodeling, and building supplies, call David Tittle with I-Haul at 918-261-4008. I-Haul will remove all the old products, recycle and donate what they can and dispose of the rest.

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

Tulsa OK area Roofing: A-Best Roofing, Judy Smith, 918-587-1426 or www.abestroofing.com.
Landscaping Design in Tulsa, OK: Bluum Outdoor, contact Nathan at 918-599-8500 or www.bluum.net.
Tulsa, OK Heating and Air Conditioning: Air Assurance, contact Stephen Taylor, 918-258-HEAT or 918-258-COOL or www.airassurance.com.
Building and Remodeling in Tulsa, OK: US Building Systems, contact Rick Oberlender at 918-743-1293 or usbs@att.net.
Air Conditioning Filters: Filters 4 Me, contact Rick Butefish at 292-8600 or www.filters4me.com.
Tulsa, OK Flooring Products: ProSource Wholesale Floorcoverings, contact Jim Ecrette at 252-7711 www.prosourcefloors.com/tulsa (ask for Darryl Baskin’s preferred pricing).
Tulsa, OK Electric Services: Murray Electric, Larry Murray, 918-557-3020 or www.murrayelectric.com.
Garden Glass of Oklahoma: Leigh Murray, Garden Glass, 918-232-0210 or www.gardenglassofoklahoma.com.

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

Homes for Sale in the Tulsa, OK Area

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

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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

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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


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

De-stressing Your Tulsa, OK Closing!

Buying and Selling your Tulsa, OK. 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 Tulsa, OK 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 Tulsa, OK closing process or if you are in need of Tulsa, OK closing services, contact JJ Pierce, Closings of Tulsa, 918-493-2241 or www.closingsoftulsa.com.

For all your Tulsa, OK area mortgage needs, contact Karen Heston, Bank of Oklahoma, 918-488-7353 or http://kheston-boklo.mortgagewebcenter.com

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

Tulsa, OK Area Condo's For Sale

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

Luxury Homes for Sale in Jenks, OK and Owasso, OK!

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

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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

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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 Tulsa, OK area luxury real estate needs, contact Kelly Howard of McGraw Realtors at 918-230-6341 or www.kellyhowardhomes.com.

Habitat For Humanity Builds its 400,000th Home!

Probably most of us have heard of Habitat for Humanity. Habitat for Humanity is a non-profit organization that helps eliminate poverty and homelessness by providing shelters. These shelters are built by volunteers of all races and religions for needy families. These families provide hundreds of hours of labor on their project as well as making down-payments and mortgage payments on their home, which is sold to them at cost. Habitat for Humanity has now built over 400,000 homes for families. To read more about Habitat for Humanity, visit their website. For a Tulsa, OK area Habitat for Humanity office or find a Tulsa, OK area ReStore (a store that sells reusable and surplus building materials) near you.

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

Owasso OK Luxury Home for Sale!

Luxury Home for Sale in Owasso, OK.
Clearbrook Addition
10001 N. Glen Ellen Dr.
$2,100,000

5 Bedrooms
6 Full 2 Half Bathrooms
4 Car Garage

Exceptional Luxury Estate Features All the Finest Details. Hardwoods, Beams, Travertine Marble, Gorgeous Moldings, Granite, & Chateau Cabinetry Throughout. Culinary Kitchen, Office, Wine, Hobby & Media Room. Master Suite w/Spa Bath, Laundry & Exercise Rm.

For more information on this beautiful luxury home in Owasso, OK. or to buy or sell Tulsa, OK. real estate, contact Kelly Howard, McGraw Realtors, 918-230-6341 or www.kellyhowardhomes.com.

Foreclosed Tulsa Properties Sell for 32% Less...

According to a recent article in the Tulsa World, "Buying on the Cheap", Tulsa area foreclosed properties during the third quarter of 2010 were shown to have sold for 32% less than regular properties (Realtytrac). Nationwide, foreclosed properties sell for 36% less. Even though Tulsa's foreclosure sales prices are a little higher than the nationwide or even Oklahoma average, 32% is still not a good figure. Doug Emve, Oklahoma Association of Realtors president said that the figure is still too high.

Although there is still a high number of foreclosures in the Tulsa market, many sellers are turning to short sales. Sherri Sanders with McGraw Realtors, says that she is seeing more short sales in this market. Despite all of this news, Sanders thinks that "people think the situation is worse than it is" and is "optimistic that clearing out the excess inventory of foreclosed homes will strengthen the local housing market."

Read more from this Tulsa World article at www.tulsaworld.com.

Want to buy a Tulsa foreclosed property? Want to stop your Tulsa foreclosure? Contact Darryl Baskin, McGraw Realtors at 918-258-2600 or www.stopmytulsaforeclosure.com.

Need Tulsa foreclosure legal advice? Contact Chuck Richardson of Richardson, Richardson, Boudreaux at 918-663-5070 or www.rrblawok.com.

Preventing Identity Theft!

While checking out some blogs recently, I ran across a great blog, "How to Prevent Identity Theft This Holiday Season" by Paul Quinn. Thankfully, many of us have never experienced identity theft. For those that have, though, they will tell you that it is a long road! Read on for information Paul shares on methods thieves use to steal your identity and ways to prevent identity theft.

The FTC estimates that as many as 9 million Americans have their identities stolen each year. As you look for in-store and online deals this holiday season, it is crucial more than ever to be mindful of identity theft.

The following facts and tips are extracted from the FTC’s website and Kiplinger’s article “10 Oline-Shopping Traps That Catch Even Smart Shoppers.” Enjoy this holiday season but at the same time, be smart.

Identity theft is generally defined as someone using your personal information (such as your name and Social Security number, credit card numbers, or other financial account information) in a fraudulent manner.

Know that skilled identity thieves may use the following methods to get hold of your information:

1. Dumpster Diving -They rummage through trash looking for bills or other paper with your personal information on it.
2. Skimming - They steal credit/debit card numbers by using a special storage device when processing your card.
3. Phishing – They pretend to be financial institutions or companies and send spam or pop-up messages to get you to reveal your personal information.
4. Changing Your Address - They divert your billing statements to another location by completing a change of address form.
5. Old-Fashioned Stealing – They steal wallets and purses; mail, including bank and credit card statements; pre-approved credit offers; and new checks or tax information. They steal personnel records or bribe employees who have access.
6. Pretexting - They use false pretenses to obtain your personal information from financial institutions, telephone companies and other sources

The best way to deter identity theft is shredding financial documents when discarding them, keeping your social security card in a safe place, not giving out your personal information to suspicious callers, mailings or internet sites and closely monitoring your bank and credit card statements.

The Kiplinger’s article gives 10 online shopping traps that made lead to fraud. They are:

1. Blindly clicking into unfamiliar sites – Don’t rely on search engines for comparisons, go to well-known comparison sites.
2. Assuming You Have the Same Protections with Debit as Credit – If a hacker steals your debit-card information and raids your bank account, you must report any misuse within two days to get the same $50 limited liability as you would with a credit card. Miss that deadline but report your loss within 60 days and you could be liable for up to $500.
3. Not Monitoring Your Accounts – If you do a lot of shopping online, review your credit card statements regularly to make sure there aren’t any unauthorized purchases. Compare receipts to credit card statements or use just one credit card for online purchases.
   
4. Shopping From a Public Wi-Fi Connection – Hackers can tap into Wi-Fi connections at hotspots, such as coffee shops, airports and hotels, to capture your personal information. That’s why you should never shop online using a public Wi-Fi connection. Also, never use a public computer to shop or check accounts online.
5. Billing Directly to Your Smart Phone – Use a credit card instead of having purchases billed through your mobile carrier because the card provides more security.
6. Wiring Money to Pay for an Item – If you purchase an item from an online auction site, such as eBay, and the seller asks you to wire your payment, don’t do it. Pay with a credit card so you can dispute the charges if you don’t get what you paid for.
7. Falling For Too-Good-to-Be-True Deals – If a website or individual is offering a deal better than anyone else, won’t accept credit cards and demands a direct transfer of funds, it’s probably a scam. A common one: Someone claims he’s selling a vehicle at a low price because he needs the money fast (he lost a job or is a soldier going overseas, for example).
8. Clicking a Link in an Unsolicited E-Mail – Don’t ever click on a link in an unsolicited e-mail to go shopping, even if the e-mail looks as if it came from a legitimate retailer, It’s safer going directly to a retailer’s site to see whether it’s having a sale rather than clicking on a link that could take you to a fraudulent site.
9. Clicking URLs on Social-Networking Sites – Using Twitter can be a smart way to stay on top of deals, but you have to make sure the deals are legit. The URLs on Twitter (and sometimes Facebook) are often shortened, so you don’t know whether you’re going to land on a legitimate retailer’s site by clicking the link. Use Twitter as a tip, then find sales on your own.
10. Assuming an Escrow Service Is Always Safe – If the seller is pushing you to use a particular escrow company to handle a transaction, be suspicious because it might be part of a scam. You can verify a company’s legitimacy by checking with state regulators, or ask to use an escrow company of your choosing,

The FTC says that filing a police report, checking your credit reports, notifying creditors, and disputing any unauthorized transactions are steps you must take immediately if you are a victim of identity theft.

To view the original blog post click here!

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

South Tulsa Homes For Sale...

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

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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

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

Homeowners Hope for Easier and More Streamlined Modification Rules

Hello, Valued Member! Top 5 in Real Estate Network® Members are dedicated to providing you with the most up-to-date, helpful real estate information. This monthly newsletter, "Real Estate Matters," offers articles on a range of topics that will inform you in your real estate pursuits. Having trouble seeing this email? Click to view it as a web page. Add newsletter@rismedia.com to your address book to ensure email delivery. Buying Selling Owning Financing Home Improvement My Website My Listings Darryl Baskin Broker Associate McGraw Realtors My Website Member, Top 5 in Real Estate Phone: 918-258-2600 Cell: 918-740-0077 Fax: 918-398-5110 Email Me Are More Streamlined Loan Modifications on the Horizon? This month’s newsletter provides a detailed look at the foreclosure probe and homeowners' hope that streamlined modification rules will help simplify the process. Real Estate Matters also offers some tips to save you time and money on home appraisals; a guide to navigating today's housing inventory; a look at housing recovery factors; ways to prevent identity theft and more. Top 5 Members are uniquely qualified to not only help you get educated on these matters, but make them as effortless as possible. Only Top 5 Members can provide you with the kind of exclusive information found here in Real Estate Matters - a monthly look at what's really happening in the housing market. It's a privilege to provide you with this important information. Enjoy this monthly e-newsletter, and as always, your feedback is welcomed - call or email any time! This Month's Top Story Homeowners Hope for Easier and More Streamlined Modification Rules as Result of Foreclosure Probe RISMEDIA, December 7, 2010—(MCT)—Union County, N.C., homeowner Barry Lancett signed two agreements with a national lender this year to modify the terms of his mortgage but still received a disturbing piece of paperwork: a foreclosure notice. “A deputy comes to your door and delivers it in front of the community,” said Lancett, who later avoided foreclosure but is still dealing with lingering issues. “It was humiliating, to say the least.” More Top Stories 10 Appraisal Tips that Will Save You Time and Money RISMEDIA, December 7, 2010—Mortgage rates are at near-historic lows, but sinking home values are often lowering appraisals as well. If you are considering refinancing your home, what do you need to know about the appraisal process to help ensure you get the best possible appraisal on your home? Top 10 Ways to Guard against Identity Theft RISMEDIA, December 7, 2010—Consumers today are well aware that having their identity stolen can be a financial and emotional disaster. Most know better than to give out PIN or credit card numbers over the phone or the Internet unless they are very sure who is on the other end of the line. Tips on How Buyers Can Sift through Housing Inventory Effectively and Efficiently RISMEDIA, December 7, 2010—Five years ago, a serious buyer who was pre-approved for a mortgage loan typically spent three to four weeks looking for a home and usually visited 15-20 homes. Now the search can take much longer with the amount of inventory on the market. Housing Market Recovery Depends on Jobs and Access to Credit, Says NAR RISMEDIA, December 7, 2010—Although the recent trend of rising long-term borrowing rates may mean higher mortgages for consumers in the coming months, the greater obstacles to housing market recovery are job creation and availability of credit, according to a National Association of Realtors analysis. “Modest changes in mortgage rates are less important to a housing market recovery than the number of people who are able to obtain mortgages,” said NAR Chief Economist Lawrence Yun. Have You Heard About The Top 5 Real Estate Social Networking SystemSM? Sign up to receive my free, weekly e-Articles - brief, compelling, home-related informational articles that you or your family and friends will find helpful in pursuing your real estate goals! Here are some article samples recently sent out to my Real Estate Social Network: 7 Moving Mistakes that Can Cost You How to Rent Your Vacation Property ... Fast 6 Ways to Get Your Home in Tip-Top Shape Top 5 Tips for First-Time Home Buyers Top 5 Ways to Spend Less This Holiday Season Email me for more information. * This monthly newsletter is brought to you by your Top 5 in Real Estate Network® Member Agent and is intended as educational information only. RISMedia's Top 5 Real Estate Network® is a network created by, for, and of "leading real estate professionals" who are dedicated to providing "leading real estate information to consumers." The RISMedia Top 5 in Real Estate Network is backed by the commitment and resources of RISMedia. Top 5 was created to fill a profound void in how high-impact consumer relevant information was presented by leading real estate industry members to increasingly sophisticated, discerning, and demanding consumers, in order to both sustain and elevate the ongoing viability and appeal of the industry's leading professionals. For more information, visit www.top5inrealestate.com RISMedia, publisher of Real Estate magazine, is dedicated to providing real estate professionals with the most up-to-date news, information and business development resources in the industry. To submit questions, comments, suggestion, press releases or story ideas, please e-mail realestatemagazinefeedback@rismedia.com. RISMedia, Inc./Top 5 in Real Estate Network® 69 East Avenue, Norwalk, Connecticut 06851 P (203) 855-1234 F(203) 852-7208 www.top5inrealestate.com © 2010. RISMedia, Inc. All Rights Reserved. This email is intended for: post@posterous.com. If you wish to edit your subscription or unsubscribe from Real Estate Matters, please click here.

Posted via email from The Baskin Report

Tulsa, OK. Area Homes for Sale

Sapulpa, OK Home for Sale

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

3 Bedrooms
2 Full 1 Half Bathrooms
3 Car Garage

Broken Arrow, OK. Home for Sale

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

3 Bedrooms
2 Bathrooms
2 Car Garage

Jenks, OK. Luxury Estate for Sale

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

6 Bedrooms
6 Full 2 Half Bathrooms
7 Car Garage

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

Ways to Go Green in Your Tulsa, OK Home This Christmas!

With Christmas fast approaching, there are many tasks that you might find yourself rushing to complete in your Tulsa, OK home. For some, it is decorating, for others it is completing last minute projects and touch-ups that have gone undone. Whatever you find yourself trying to complete before you Christmas guests arrive, read this great article on ways that you can go green this Christmas season!

RISMEDIA, December 4, 2010—(MCT)—Now that the holidays are in full swing, the thought of guests descending on your home may have you in an all out redecorating rush. Do your part this holiday season and go green while you paint, clean, and even accessorize.

We all know that paint can completely and inexpensively change the look of any space. But did you know that it’s one of the biggest sources of indoor air pollution? That’s because conventional paints contain volatile organic compounds—or VOCs—which are known to cause everything from headaches to certain cancers.

Now, it’s easier than ever to get your hands on low or no VOC paint from nearly any paint manufacturer. The cost of low or no VOC paints are comparable to conventional paints and they last just as long. Just look on the can’s label to make sure you are choosing the healthiest option for your home.

Another source of those dangerous VOCs is household cleaners. If you’re like me, you may take cleaning to a whole other level when company comes to town. Before you spend a lot of money on store-bought cleaners, take a look at the non-toxic options you may already have in your pantry.

Items like baking soda, vinegar, and borax are effective cleaners for every room in your home. They do everything from disinfecting surfaces to killing mold. If you want to go the store-bought route, look for cleaners that are plant-based and biodegradable.

Now for the fun part of buying things for your home. If you’ll be picking out a new piece of furniture before your friends and family arrive, pick ones that don’t emit dangerous chemicals into the air. Some affordable pieces made from medium density fiberboard—or MDF—actually contain a formaldehyde-based resin.

Gas from the formaldehyde is known to slowly release into the air and can irritate eyes and cause breathing problems. Formaldehyde is also used in many furniture adhesives. When shopping, find out what the furniture is made of and if any formaldehyde adhesives are used in the manufacturing process to ensure you aren’t bringing toxic pieces into your home.

There may also be some smaller items on your shopping list this year. If you’ll be getting new towels or sheets for your guests, opt for organic cotton items. These pieces are produced from cotton that is grown without using harmful pesticides or insecticides. Not only that, you’ll also find organic cotton items are generally softer. Major retailers now offer organic options in every price range. You can also find decorative bed pillows made with organic cotton at many home goods stores.

There are plenty of ways to get in the green spirit this holiday season and it won’t cost you any more money or time. So do your part when guests come to visit to make sure your home is the healthiest it can be.

(c) 2010, The Charlotte Observer (Charlotte, N.C.).

Click here to view this article, "Around the Home: Green Your Home for the Holidays"

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

From Our Top 5 Team: Top 5 Ways to Spend Less this Holiday Season

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Top 5 Ways to Spend Less This Holiday Season

While the holidays should be a joyous time for all, unfortunately, financial pressures can make this time of the year stressful and depressing for many. There are countless ways, however, to stop holiday spending from spiraling out of control in order to get back to the true meaning of the season.

As a Member of the Top 5 in Real Estate Network®, I -- along with my team -- often play the role of financial advisor to many clients. After all, owning a home is most likely the biggest investment you'll make, so being prudent regarding spending is a must ... especially in today's economy.

There are many great organizations out there that offer wonderful advice on managing your finances, such as The Homeownership Preservation Foundation (HPF), a nonprofit entity dedicated to helping distressed homeowners navigate financial challenges (www.995hope.org). HPF offers the following great tips for curbing holiday spending:

1. The number-one rule of financial management is creating a budget and the holidays are no exception. Instead of just random spending, create a detailed budget for gifts, travel, entertaining, cards, decorating, etc. Create a budget for each person on your shopping list and don’t go over it.
2. Stick to this budget by only taking cash, not credit cards, with you when you shop. This will help you avoid impulse purchases.
3. Avoid the expense of the office grab bag or Yankee swap by suggesting your employer make a donation to a local charity instead; ask employees to contribute gently used clothing, canned goods, winter coats, etc. This will not only save everyone money but emphasizes the true spirit of the season.
4. If this is your first year in a new home, don't feel pressured to invest in a full set of ornaments for your tree. Collect those gradually over the years and, in the meantime, decorate with paper snowflakes, popcorn and cranberry garlands, spraypainted pine cones, and other homemade ornaments. The effect will be charming and memorable for years to come.
5. Streamline the preparations and costs of your holiday get-togethers by sticking to appetizers only. Ask everyone to bring an hors d'oeuvre and serve beer and wine only.

Not only will the above tips help you spend less, but they will help eliminate many of the common stresses that accompany the holiday so that you can truly enjoy the season with family and friends. Feel free to e-mail our team for more cost-saving ideas and please forward this information to others ... after all, we could all benefit from spending less this year!

Sincerely,

Darryl Baskin
McGraw Realtors
Office: 918-258-2600
Mobile: 918-740-0077
Darryl@DarrylBaskin.com
http://www.DarrylBaskin.com

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November Housing Scorecard Shows Continued Signs of Stabilization in House Prices and High Home Affordability

RISMEDIA, November 24, 2010—The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the U.S. Department of the Treasury released the November 2010 edition of the Obama Administration’s Housing Scorecard (www.hud.gov/scorecard). The latest housing figures show continued signs of stabilization in house prices and high home affordability due in part to record low mortgage interest rates. The housing scorecard is a comprehensive report on the nation’s housing market.

“The Obama Administration has made significant strides in promoting stability for the housing market and the nation’s homeowners. Through a range of swift actions since we took office, we’ve seen millions more families able to stay in their homes and a steady rise in responsible borrowers refinancing their loans or becoming homeowners,” said HUD Assistant Secretary Raphael Bostic. “But, while we cannot stop every foreclosure, we know that more has to be done to reach homeowners in distress and to help unemployed borrowers. That’s why we’re continuing to focus on successfully implementing the programs we’ve put in place—such as neighborhood stabilization funding, additional assistance on refinancing and emergency loans to help unemployed homeowners—and ensuring that help is available to homeowners as early as possible.”

“The recent reports of problems in the foreclosure process underscore the importance of helping responsible homeowners avoid the pain of foreclosure,” said acting Assistant Secretary for Financial Stability Timothy Massad. “As we implement additional program enhancements to reach more homeowners, we continue to stress to mortgage servicers the importance of making every effort to enroll eligible homeowners in HAMP and provide meaningful alternatives to avoidable foreclosures.”

The November Housing Scorecard features key data on the health of the housing market including:

-An additional one million families refinanced their mortgages in the last quarter, taking advantage of the lowest rates in history on 30-year fixed mortgages. Since April 2009, record low interest rates have helped more than 8.3 million homeowners to refinance, resulting in more stable home prices and $15.2 billion in annual borrower savings.

-As expected with the expiration of the Home Buyer Tax Credit, new and existing home sales have remained below levels seen in the first half of 2010. At the same time, home prices remained level in the past year after 33 straight months of decline and homeowners added $95 billion in home equity in the second quarter.

-More than 3.73 million modification arrangements were started between April 2009 and the end of August 2010—more than double the number of foreclosure completions during that time. These modification arrangements included nearly 1.4 million trial Home Affordable Modification Program (HAMP) modification starts, more than 600,000 Federal Housing Administration (FHA) loss mitigation and early delinquency interventions, and nearly 1.8 million proprietary modifications under HOPE Now. While some homeowners may have received help from more than one program, the number of agreements offered were more than double the number of foreclosure completions for the same period (1.6 million).

Data in the scorecard also show that the recovery in the housing market continues to remain fragile. While the recovery will take place over time, the Administration remains committed to its efforts to prevent avoidable foreclosures and stabilize the housing market.

For more information, visit www.hud.gov.

Interested in a Tulsa mortgage? Contact Steve Currington of Currington Mortgage at 918-810-0092 or www.curringtonmortgage.com.

To take advantage of the affordability of the Tulsa, OK area real estate market, contact Darryl Baskin, McGraw Realtors, 918-258-2600 or www.darrylbaskin.com.

Is the U.S. Economy Growing?

In an article posted on RISMedia.com titled "New GDP Numbers Show Economy Growing Slowly" by Kevin G. Hall says that newly reported Gross Domestic Product figures show that the economy could be growing. For most of us that is a great thought, especially with so many foreclosures, job losses, and difficult economic times. The article also mentions that consumer spending is up, which is a sign that stress over job losses and other financial woes are decreasing. Want more information on this news? Visit the link to the article here.

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

Lead, Why it is it Such a Big Deal in my Broken Arrow Home?

There are many health concerns that go along with lead. One of the main concerns involves children. When kids get a hold of it, it can cause central nervous damage, ADD and many other issues. Why does lead create such a problem? Lead particles are very small and can be easily disturbed. 1978 was the cut off date for using lead in the US, however it has been found in things from other countries. With children it is very concerning because they put their fingers in their mouth and ingesting lead can cause health issues. How do I know if there is lead in my home? The biggest areas to watch are paint and caulk. When disturbing paint or caulk, be cautious and call professionals. Instead of sanding or removing it yourself it is better to paint over it so that it is not disturbed. It can spread easily even when taking precautions. For health reasons, it is important to call a professional instead of trying to handle it yourself. Professionals must be certified in order to handle lead removal.

Call the professionals at PCC Cleaning and Restoration for lead paint removal in the Tulsa, OK area at 918-641-1111 or www.pcccr.com.

For real estate needs in the Tulsa, OK area, contact Darryl Baskin of McGraw Realtos at 918-258-2600 or www.darrylbaskin.com.

Improving Indoor Air Quality in Your Tulsa, OK Home!

Indoor air pollution in your Tulsa, OK home can pose many health risks, including: allergies, asthma, and even cancer. The average person spends about 30% of their day at work and 75% of their day indoors . These simple solutions can improve the air quality in your business and your home:

• Avoid smoking and the use of chemicals indoors.
• Use building materials that don't emit toxins. Ask your builder for some eco-friendly building options.
• When replacing flooring, use eco-friendly flooring such as bamboo , stone, or cork.
  
• Dehumidify in moist areas.
• Ensure adequate ventilation.
• Use filters that help reduce air pollutants.

For information on high quality air filters to improve indoor air quality, contact Rick Butefish at www.Filters4Me.com or 918-292-8600.

To build a new Tulsa, OK home or for questions about acceptable green building materials in Tulsa, OK, contact Rick Oberlender of US Building Systems at 918-518-5913.

For eco-friendly flooring products in Tulsa, OK, contact Jim Ecrette of ProSource Wholesale Floorcoverings at 918-252-7711 or www.prosourcefloors.com

South Tulsa Luxury Home for Sale

Bixby, OK Luxury Home for Sale!

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

5 Bedrooms
5 Full 1 Half Bathrooms
5 Living Areas
3 Car Garage
Bixby School District

Casual elegance combined with private backyard backing to green area & mature trees. Gorgeous brick & stone 5 Bedroom. Main level master with his & her's bath off Laundry Room. Granite Kitchen open to family room. 3 bedrooms, game & exercise rooms upstairs. Outdoor living with Pool and Bath.

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

Will Buying a Tulsa, OK Area Condo Lead to Higher Bills?

For many home buyers, considering a condominium or townhouse seems like a smart idea. They can avoid doing exterior maintenance on the property such as lawn care and painting, but also have the benefits of home ownership. With the increase in foreclosures in the last couple of years, however, owners can find themselves being required to pay extra dues and expenses caused by owners who have had their properties foreclosed. An article, recently printed in the Tulsa World, Shared housing can lead to shared bills, discusses some keys to avoiding extra expenses when purchasing a condo or other type of shared housing.

Shared housing can lead to shared bills

For those who have a lot of cash or can get credit, this could be an ideal time to buy a house.

But beware if you are looking to buy a condominium, co-op, town house or other property that's part of a homeownership group - you could end up responsible for some of your neighbors' bills.

That's because people in shared ownership communities chip in to pay the cost of maintaining the buildings and amenities such as swimming pools. Also, the funds, usually paid in monthly installments, are often used to pay for landscaping, as well as to insure the structures.

But when individual owners in a group walk away from their homes or lose them to foreclosures, the bills end up getting split by the remaining homeowners.

Sometimes associations let bills pile up, creating potentially devastating surprises for owners.

"There's really a crisis within a crisis in the shared ownership community," said Gary Poliakoff, co-author of "New Neighborhoods: The Consumer's Guide to Condominium, Co-op and HOA Living."

The Community Associations Institute (CAI) trade group recently reported that more than half of the nation's 310,000 community associations are struggling with "serious" or "severe" financial woes.

Some 59 percent of association managers reported that more than 3 percent of homes in their community groups were vacant, the study said. Some 65 percent of associations reported that more than 5 percent of their homeowners were delinquent on their monthly assessments.

If an association determines that it needs to levy a special assessment on homeowners, there's no legal limit on how high that assessment can be.

And homeowners can't just decide not to pay. Associations can get legal judgments to allow them to take a portion of homeowners' wages or put liens on their properties.

To help avoid problems, check out the association thoroughly before you buy.

Dig deep into financial records. You should get the association's financial statement and find out what expenses the complex is paying, and what percentage of its overall obligations is handled by the dues.

Associations should have a balanced budget that covers both current and anticipated costs, he said.

Make sure the association has adequate insurance coverage. Associations generally hold the policy on structures.

Check into an association's reserves. Some states require that the associations maintain reserves for any expense that's likely to exceed threshold amounts, such as $10,000. In those states the association must have a reserve study showing what the anticipated costs are, when they're expected to be needed and how much money is set aside to handle them.

Look over the grounds. Some 35 percent of associations have reduced landscaping services and 12 percent are asking homeowners to do some work themselves, the CAI study said.

Read more from this Tulsa World article at http://www.tulsaworld.com/business/article.aspx?subjectid=364&articleid=20101114_46_E3_Fortho308694

To buy or sell your Tulsa, OK Area Condo, contact Kelly Howard, McGraw Realtors at 918-230-6341 or www.kellyhowardhomes.com.

Tulsa OK Condos For Sale

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

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

$169,900

3 Bedrooms
2 Full 1 Half Bathrooms
2 Car Attached Garage
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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 Tulsa, OK area Condo or to find condominiums for sale in Tulsa, contact Kelly Howard of McGraw Realtors at 918-230-6341 or www.kellyhowardhomes.com

Tulsa OK Area Luxury Homes for Sale...

Luxury Homes for Sale in the Tulsa, OK Area

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

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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

To buy or sell a luxury home in the Bixby, OK or Owasso, OK area, or to buy or sell Tulsa, OK real estate contact Kelly Howard of McGraw Realtors at 918-230-6341 or www.kellyhowardhomes.com