2011 Trends in Home Automation

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 Tulsa, 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 Tulsa, OK. home, contact Keegan Beck of KMB Enterprises at 918-527-1031 or www.kmbenterprisesllc.com.

For your Tulsa, 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.

I Hate to Change My Air Filter!

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.

Types of Property Deeds

There are many types of deeds for home ownership in Tulsa, 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 Tulsa, 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, OK. mortgage needs, contact Karen Heston of BOK Mortgage at 918-230-9432 or visit her website here.

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

Should I Consider a Pre-Nup?

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

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

Owasso Home For Sale with LOWER PRICE...

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

Answers to 5 Common Questions About Default

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

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

For your Tulsa, OK. Mortgage needs, contact Karen Heston, BOK Mortgage, 918-230-9432 or http://kheston-boklo.mortgagewebcenter.com/

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

With Earth Day just a couple of days away, RIS Media has posted some easy tips on how to make your Tulsa, 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 Tulsa, 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

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

For a Tulsa, 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 Tulsa, OK. Move Less Stressful

Moving into your brand new Tulsa, 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:

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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 Tulsa, 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 Tulsa, OK. moving company! Contact Mike Ellingson of Relocation LLC at 918-459-6683 or www.relocationllc.net.

Tulsa, OK. Area Homes 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

________________________________

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 Tulsa, 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

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 Tulsa, 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...

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

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

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

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

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

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

How do you increase your Tulsa, OK. home value? How do you avoid decreasing your Tulsa, 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 Tulsa, 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 Tulsa, OK. home value or to buy or sell Tulsa, OK. real estate, contact Kelly Howard, McGraw Realtors, 918-230-6341 or www.kellyhowardhomes.com.

South Tulsa Luxury Homes for Sale...

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

Flintco Honored for Work on The Summit Club

Flintco, a large commercial contractor headquartered here in Tulsa, OK, was recently honored for their work on The Summit Club of Tulsa. The Associated Builders and Contractors awarded Flintco the Eagle Aware for "Renovation- Less than $4 Million" (Tulsa World, 3-20-11, Flintco Honored for Summit Club Work). Congratulations Flintco!

"The Excellence in Construction awards program honors innovative and high-quality construction projects and safety programs. Winning projects were selected from entries submitted from across the nation and were judged on complexity, attractiveness, unique challenges overcome, completion time, workmanship, innovation, safety and cost."

Read more from this Tulsa World article at http://www.tulsaworld.com/business/article.aspx?subjectid=46&articleid=20110320_46_E3_CUTLIN996909&archive=yes

The Summit Club is one of Tulsa's oldest premier member's only dining and social clubs. The Flintco project on The Summit Club is expected to be complete this month, April 2011.

Interested in commercial real estate in Tulsa? Contact Darryl Baskin, McGraw Realtors, 918-258-2600 or www.darrylbaskin.com.

Home for Sale in Bixby, OK.

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

Tulsa, OK. Area Homes for Sale...

Elegant Luxury Home For Sale in Bixby, OK.

13420 S. Lewis Ave.
$999,000

13420 South Lewis Avenue in Bixby, OK
The Estates of Hampton Hills Addition

5 Bedrooms
5 Full, 1 Half Bathrooms
3 Car Garage

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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

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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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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.

Is There a Housing Shortage Coming?

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