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.