Save a Little, Save a Lot

Saving money can be a popular topic, especially when prices seem to be going up on everything but wages.  In a recent blog post, "Save, Save, Save", Darryl Baskin gave some great tips on how to save some money.  Check out two of those tips:

1. Downsize Your Tulsa Home-  If you find that your home is too big or has too many special features that you simply don't need, consider down-sizing.  You can still find a beautiful Tulsa home for sale while saving  money and getting all that you need.  Contact your Tulsa Realtor with questions.
2. Turn off Lights!-  This is the easiest and cheapest way to save money.  If you have kids, turn it into a game- see who can turn off the  most lights or catch someone leaving a light on.

For some additional tips on saving money, visit the article link above.

Which Title Is Best for You?

Selecting the type of Tulsa real estate title can be as important as selecting any other factor of a home.  Sometimes, it can be more important.  Legal problems can arise simply because the type of title was not considered thoroughly before the real estate transaction occurred. 

Let's think about a type of title called "Tenants in Common".  With this type of title each person owns a specific percentage of the property.  The New York Times, in the article "A Quick Guide to Property Titles"   says that with Tenants in Common- "the form of ownership typically used by co-owners who are not married to each other — each owner’s interest belongs to that individual.  So with a tenancy in common, any owner can sell his or her interest to someone else, or if an owner dies, his or her share passes to heirs or beneficiaries."

Although this sounds pretty simply, there can be serious legal ramifications with any type of title selection.  Talk to your Tulsa attorney and Tulsa title company to find out which type of title is the best for your needs.   For more information on types of titles, read "Tulsa Title Considerations."

Home Buyers...What Mistakes Should You Avoid?

As a home buyer, it is easy to get caught up in the emotion of buying a new home.  The problem is that mistakes with a Tulsa home purchase can cost time, money, or even your home.  One common error that home buyers often make is going through the closing process on their Tulsa area home without information.

As a Tulsa home buyer, stay informed!  Do your own research.  Talk to your Tulsa mortgage banker, Tulsa area Real Estate Agent, and Tulsa closing company about what you should expect.  Ask them for good resources so that you can find our more information.  For more home buyer mistakes, visit "Common Errors by Home Buyers" .

FHA is Cracking Down on Collection Debt

A new rule by FHA, taking effect on applications dated July 1st or after, will begin to crack down on anyone with collections debt.  When applying for your Tulsa area mortgage, if you have unpaid collections accounts that total more than $1000 (including medical collections), you could have difficulty.  For more information about this new FHA rule and how it may affect you, contact your Tulsa mortgage banker or your Tulsa realtor.  You may also read more at The Baskin Report. 

How to Select a Tulsa Roofing Company?

As a homeowner or Tulsa home buyer, selecting a good Tulsa roofing company can be a difficult task.  What questions do you ask?  What should you expect from them?  Judy Smith of A-Best Roofing gives Tulsa property owners a list of things to look for when hiring a roofing company.  Check out this  and other helpful free home buyer information guides, such as  "Selecting a Roofing Company" on www.darrylbaskin.com. 

Can I Negotiate with a Home Builder?

When considering this question, there are several things to consider.  First, lets answer the basic question.  Yes, you can negotiate with a builder. You can negotiate both price and features.  Now, let's consider some additional factors regarding negotiating with a builder.

 

1. Tulsa Home Builders are like most home sellers. They have their own personal home building philosophy and agenda.  They also must deal with the real estate market.  Even though they must deal with these factors, Tulsa home builders are generally consistent with their practices.
2. Determining what price you will offer the builder, can be tricky.  Ask yourself two questions:  What is the market value of this home?  Would I rather pay full price for my first choice or get a discount on my second choice?  Choosing an experienced, knowledgeable Tulsa realtor can help with the difficult home building process.
3. When negotiating, remember that builders do have to pay for workers.  They are usually small business owners that have entered into great risk to build a home but that also have to carefully manage their business.  If you negotiate too low a price you could find that your beautiful home is tied up with contractors liens.  Make sure that you negotiate a price so that not only is the  builder profitable but you are also getting a good deal.

To turn your Tulsa dream home into a reality...

Tulsa Home Builders, Rick Oberlender, US Building Systems, 918-734-1293 or tulsaconstructioncontractor.org. 

Tulsa Mortgage Bankers, Karen Heston, BOK Mortgage, 918-230-9432 or kheston-boklo.mortgagewebcenter.com

Tulsa Realtors, Darryl Baskin, McGraw Realtors, 918-258-2600 or www.darrylbaskin.com. 

Tips for an Easy Move with Your Pet

Did you know that moving can be stressful on your pet?  It can.  Moving is a very stressful event and can cause stress for your pet as well as yourself.  Read on a for a few tips to ease the stress on your pet....

1. Don't change your pet's routine.  Keeping a similar routine will help your pet transition to his new home.
2. Consider boarding your pet or having a friend watch him during the move.
   
3. Remember to stop food and water 1-2 hours before the trip and give your pet plenty of restroom breaks.
4. Remember his favorite toy.

For more tips, read "Making the Move Easier For Your Pet". 

For Tulsa moving services, contact Mike Ellingson of Relocation LLC at 918-459-6683, or www.relocationllc.net

Need Tulsa junk removal? contact David Tittle of I-Haul USA at 918-852-2146 or www.ihaulusa.com. 

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

Tulsa Spring Cleaning Tips

With the earlier than normal warm weather, it is a great time to begin Spring Cleaning. For some, Spring cleaning is a habit that makes them feel good. For others, it is a dreaded event that just makes them realize that they have way too much stuff. Don't wait to find out you have too much stuff when you're moving. Take some time to go through all that stuff now. When gong through "stuff" there are five basic options: Keep it, Store it, Sell, it, Donate it, and Throw it Away. The hardest part is trying to put that stuff in the right category. Consider the following questions to make it a little easier:

1. Have I used this item or worn these clothes in the last year? If you haven't used the item in the last year, chances are that you can do without it.
2. Does this item have sentimental value? Is it a family heirloom? If it is a family heirloom and you have the space, then keeping will probably be a good choice. If you don't have the space, try to find a family member or an organization that can benefit from it. For items with sentimental value, remember that you won't have the space to keep everything, so choose the items that mean the most.
3. Does this item add positive value to my life or does it bring negative feelings and thoughts? If an item brings negative thoughts and feelings it is probably not worth keeping.
   

While you are going through your things, remember the five categories: Keep, Store, Sell , Donate, and Trash. If the item is in the keep pile and you don't have room in your home, consider locating a Tulsa area storage facility. This is a good option for family heirlooms or large items. Remember to think about insurance coverage and special needs for certain items. Does it need to be stored at a specific temperature? Is it valuable?

If you are getting rid of the item, follow these basic rules to categorize that “stuff”!

1. Throw it away if it is torn, ripped, broken, or stained. In general, unless you know an artsy/crafty person that has asked for broken items, don't give it someone else.
   
2. If you find you have too much stuff when throwing items away, contact Tulsa area junk removal companies. They will haul it off for you and recycle what they can.
   
3. Sell it if it is something that you think someone else would buy or could imagine someone else using. These items can be sold in a garage sale, consignment store, or even online.
4. Donate items that are in good shape and would be helpful to others. Places like Salvation Army and Goodwill take many donations and pick up in certain areas. Also remember that some items like children’s toys, book and videos can be donated to children’s hospitals and other organizations with needy or sick children. Be creative and check around. There are many worthwhile places to donate good used items.

For Tulsa area moving and storage needs, contact Mike Ellingson, Relocation LLC at 918-459-6683 or www.relocationllc.net.

For Tulsa area junk removal services, contact David Tittle, I-Haul USA at 918-852-2146 or www.ihaul-usa.com.

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

Federal Mortgage Settlement...

After more than a year of negotiating, a settlement has been reached by banks, states attorneys general and federal officials. This settlement will provide $26 billion for "direct relief to borrowers" and "loan-modification and assistance" (RIS Media). Although this may be helpful to many homeowners who were are are in crisis, it is not a complete solution. Oklahoma State Attorney General, Scott Pruitt, opted to settle with mortgage companies separately after "voicing strong concerns that the settlement greatly overreached the authority of state attorneys general and warned the terms created questions of fundamental fairness and justice by rewarding homeowners who stopped paying their mortgages over families who continued to make payments even if they were underwater on their loans"(OAG Press Release 2-9-12).

For more information on the federal mortgage settlement, visit www.darrylbaskin.com or the Oklahoma mortgage settlement, visit www.oag.state.ok.us.

For all your Tulsa area real estate needs, contact us, The Baskin Real Estate Specialists, at 918-258-2600 or www.darrylbaskin.com.

For Tulsa, OK. area mortgages, contact Karen Heston, BOK Mortgage, 918-230-9432 or kheston-boklo.mortgagewebcenter.com

Renovating? Why Building Codes are Critical

We’ve all heard horror stories about the remodeling project that needs to be torn down or redone because it didn’t live up to code. While many believe that investigating building codes is too confusing, time consuming and costly, the consequences of not getting the necessary permits before starting a construction project are both upsetting and expensive.

Securing a building permit before you start planning a renovation can also prove critical should you sell your home in the near or distant future. Potential buyers could request proof of permit for that room above the garage you added. Not having one is a risk most buyers wouldn’t want to absorb.

Building codes were designed to set public-safety standards for things like construction, maintenance, use and occupancy. Codes address all aspects of construction, including structural integrity, fire resistance, safe exits, lighting, electrical, energy conservation, plumbing, ventilation, and correct use of construction materials.

In order to make a change to your property, you need a permit that states your renovations coincide with all applicable building codes. Permits may be needed to cover projects such as the installation of foundations and sprinkler systems, the addition of a porch or deck, changes to driveways and room additions. These codes are modified often, and established and enforced by government officials or politicians. Enforcement tactics can include denying permits, occupancy certificates, or imposing fines.

Codes vary with location—each state, county, city and town can have their own specialized codes for things like electricity, plumbing, construction and fire. Typically, each code or permit requires separate inspections and inspectors. Inquire with your city hall to find out the correct department and process for securing permits.

Some homeowners avoid securing a building permit to avoid a potential increase in property taxes should the renovation result in an increase in the assessed value of the property. However, the extra precautionary step is vital and ensures you won’t suffer from repercussions such as hefty fines, or having to tear down your new deck due to improper construction or zoning. Taking the time to check on your local building codes and obtaining a permit will help ensure your renovation project goes smoothly.

As a Member of the Top 5 in Real Estate Network®, I, along with my team, have a wealth of real estate and homeownership information that may be of help to you. Feel free to contact our team any time to learn more about this important information, and be sure to forward this article on to any friends or family that may be interested as well.

To ensure your remodeling project goes as planned, call the professionals below...

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

For Tulsa area electrical services contact Murray Electric, 918-835-9605 or www.murrayelectric.com.

For Tulsa area plumbing services, contact Mullin Plumbing, 918-258-6636 or www.mullinplumbing.com

For Tulsa area junk removal, contact I-Haul USA at 918-852-21246 or www.ihaulusa.com.

For glass mulch in the Tulsa area, contact Garden Glass of Oklahoma, 918-232-0210 or www.gardenglassofoklahoma.com.

For Tulsa area home automation installation, contact KMB Enterprises at 918-527-1031 or www.kmbenterprisesllc.com

Are Those Add-On Fees on Your Closing Document Illegal?

In 2009, the US District Court ruled that add-on fees on the HUD-1 closing document could be against federal law. Commissions on the HUD-1 can be a flat fee, a percentage of sales price, or a combination but should not exceed the agreed upon commission in the listing brokers listing agreement. If the fee exceeds that agreed upon amount then HUD can determine if the services provided justify the additional charges. Unjustified charges are against the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act or RESPA and can be subject to penalties.

For Tulsa area Title and Escrow services, contact Karen Burnette of FirsTitle, 918-493-2241 or www.firstitle.com

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

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

Does My Tulsa Area Roof Need Repairs?

Oklahoma weather is constantly changing and that changing weather can wreak havoc on our roof. Here are some simple signs 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 Tulsa area roofing repair, contact Judy Smith of A-Best Roofing at 918-587-1426 or www.abestroofing.com.

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

5 Tips to Get Your Finances in Order and Save Money in Your New Home

By Paige Tepping

Buying a new home can be an exciting adventure, especially for first-time buyers. But the process isn’t all fun and excitement—owning a home comes with increased responsibilities and challenges that many new buyers haven’t previously faced. Before you get into the routine of day-to-day life in your new home, there are certain things that can be done to help you save a little money.

According to The Simple Dollar blog, the following tips will help homeowners save money while still living comfortably in their home.

1. Check the insulation. If your new home has an attic, make sure you take a peek around before you begin using the room for storage. It is especially important if you have an unfinished attic to check and be sure there is at least six inches of insulation around the entire room. Take the time to thoroughly inspect the insulation and replace any areas as needed.

2. Lower the temperature on your water heater. If you’re looking to save some money on your energy bill, turn your hot water heater down to 120 degrees Fahrenheit. If your water heater is a few years old, you may want to think about adding an extra layer of insulation to keep the heat where it’s needed.

3. Create a home maintenance checklist. Even though you have just moved into a new home, home maintenance can’t be forgotten. Create a home maintenance checklist now and be sure to go through the list at least once a month. Include any maintenance projects you can think of—including tasks that may only need to be completed every few months. This way nothing will get overlooked and you can take preventive action which will help extend the life of your appliances.

4. Hang your clothes up to dry. While drying your clothes in the dryer is a huge convenience for many homeowners, it also eats up a lot of energy. If you’re looking to save both energy and money, invest in a clothes rack where you can hang your clothes to dry.

5. Install energy-efficient appliances. Energy-efficient appliances may cost more upfront, but in the end, they will save you plenty of money. Do your homework before heading to your local Lowe’s and be sure to go for appliances that are reliable and energy efficient.

Copyright© 2011 RISMedia, The Leader in Real Estate Information Systems and Real Estate News. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be republished without permission.

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

For Tulsa plumbing services, contact Markwayne Mullin, Mullin Plumbing, 918-258-6636 or www.mullinplumbing.com.

Need electrical service in Tulsa? Contact Larry Murray of Murray Electric, 918-835-9605 or www.murrayelectric.com.

For Heating and A/C Services in Tulsa, call Stephen Taylor, Air Assurance, 918-258-HEAT or www.airassurance.com.

For more Tulsa maintenance professionals, visit www.tulsahomecare.com.

Top 5 Ways to Make Moving Less Stressful

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

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

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

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

Sincerely,
Darryl Baskin

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

For all your Tulsa moving needs, contact Mike Ellingson, Relocation LLC, 918-459-6683 or www.relocationllc.net.

For all your Tulsa area junk removal, contact David Tittle of I-Haul USA at 918-261-4008 or www.ihaulusa.com.

10 Ways to Get Rid of Mold in Your Home

Whether you’re a home buyer, homeowner, or home seller, mold poses a wide range of problems, from cosmetic issues to serious health hazards. According to the Alliance for Healthy Homes, more than 1,000 types of molds have been found in U.S. homes, and approximately 6-10 percent of the general population, and 15-50 percent of people who are genetically prone to develop allergies, are allergic to mold.

Surprisingly, some of today’s advanced building techniques unwittingly foster mold growth in the home. As buildings are increasingly designed to prevent the infiltration and exfiltration of air, the materials used lock in moisture and humidity. Older homes are at risk thanks to leaky windows and roofs that bring in even more moisture.

Finding and removing mold is of the utmost importance, whether you intend to sell your home in the near future or not. Here, from home inspection experts, Pillar To Post (www.pllartopost.com), are 10 tips for combating mold in your home:

1. Call in a home inspection professional to assess water-damaged areas.

2. Keep humidity low. Humidity levels should be under 40% in order for mold to stop its forward march.

3. Replace any carpets and furniture that have ever been significantly damaged (i.e., saturated in water), even if they look OK on the outside.

4. Carpet in a bathroom or basement is never a good idea. Remove any that exists in those areas in your home.

5. Use an air conditioner during the summer months, even if it’s set at a relatively high temperature, like 80. Use fans to circulate air.

6. Dust and clean furniture regularly, and vacuum carpets at least once a week (make sure your vacuum has a HEPA filter).

7. Provide adequate ventilation in hot areas. The kitchen and bath are two of the highest-risk rooms for mold. Install exhaust fans in the kitchen and bathroom.

8. When you’re shopping for house paint for big or small painting projects, ask the sales rep about mold inhibitors you can add before painting.

9. Does your central air system have a fan from the Ford Pinto era? If so, replace it with a high-performance electrostatic air filter. Your local HVAC technician can help with this.

10. Don’t neglect areas underneath the house—have a professional drain and ventilate all sub-basement areas, especially crawl spaces.

If you do find mold in your home, remove it with a store-bought anti-fungal solution, or get rid of it with a weak bleach solution—1 cup bleach in 1 gallon of water. Or, if mold exists in a larger area, call in a professional to help.

As a Member of the Top 5 in Real Estate Network®, I, along with my team, have a wealth of real estate and homeownership information that may be of help to you. Feel free to contact our team any time to learn more about this important information, and be sure to forward this article on to any friends or family that may be interested as well.

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

For professional Tulsa, OK. mold removal, contact Roger Fisher, PCC Cleaning and Restoration, 918-641-1111 or www.pcccr.com.

For high performance air filters delivered to your door, visit www.filters4me.com.

For Tulsa Air Conditioning Service, contact Stephen Taylor, Air Assurance, 918-258-COOL or www.airassurance.com.

For wholesale flooring in Tulsa, OK. contact Jim Ecrette, Prosource Wholesale Flooring, 918-252-7711 or www.prosourcefloors.com/tulsa. Remember to ask for Darryl Baskin's wholesale pricing.

Improving Indoor Air Pollution

Indoor air pollution 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 home:

• Avoiding smoking and the use of chemicals indoors
• Using building materials that don't emit toxins. Ask your builder for some eco-friendly building options.
• Dehumidifying in moist areas
• Ensuring adequate ventilation
• Using air filters that help reduce air pollutants
• Replacing older heating and a/c units
• Installing carbon monoxide detectors, ventilation systems, and air purifiers
  

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

To build a new Tulsa, OK home, contact Rick Oberlender of US Building Systems at 918-734-1293.

For Heating and A/C Service in Tulsa, contact Stephan Taylor, Air Assurance, 918-258-HEAT or www.airassurance.com.

Consider This Before Building Your Tulsa Home...

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Could a Short Sale Help You?

What is a short sale and could it help you?

Basically, a short sale is when the homeowner owes more on their home than it is worth and the lender allows the homeowner to sell the property for less than the mortgage balance. This can allow the homeowner to sell the property and avoid the foreclosure process. This also causes less damage to credit than a foreclosure.

To qualify for a short sale the homeowner must have the following issues:

1. Financial Hardship
2. Insolvency (not enough cash or assets to pay off mortgage balance)
3. Monthly Shortfall

For more information on how you can Stop Your Tulsa Foreclosure today, contact The Baskin Real Estate Specialists at 918-258-2600 or www.stopmytulsaforeclosure.com.

When You Move, Don't Pack These!!

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

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

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

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

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

Mortgage Disclosure Improvement Act...

Lenders have always had to disclose the overall cost of your loan and other information during the lending process. This includes fees and the actual Annual Percentage Rate. Lenders that are not reputable would play games with the rate by adding fees. Many clients would close with a higher rate because the lenders would change the fees at the last minute. This act requires that lenders redo the Truth in Lending disclosure if the APR goes up by .125% or more. It also requires that closing must wait 3-7 days so that the buyers have time to understand any changes that may have happened. This can sometimes cause an issue when purchasing a home because this waiting time can't be waived. It is required and closing will sometimes be delayed. This also can increase costs for the seller and buyer for items such as interest, storage costs due to delayed closing and more.

For your Tulsa mortgage, contact Steve Currington with Currington Mortgage at 918-810-0092 or www.curringtonmortgage.com

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