Hardwood Flooring Trends for 2010

Every year at the International Builders Show, new and trendy products are shown. Builders and other home maintenance professionals can check out what the trends are likely to be for the coming year. For 2010, hardwood flooring is still a great timeless choice. The finish selections, however, might be a little bit more daring and different than in the past. More homeowners are likely to choose unique flooring such as Bamboo. Bamboo is not only beautiful but is great for the environment! Finishes that are very light, very dark or showcase lighter and darker tones within the same pieces of wood (such as a tiger-like pattern) are popular. In addition, we are likely to see hardwood flooring that is thinner so that less of the tree is used and the cost is reduced. In addition to eco-friendly Bamboo and thinner hardwoods, many homeowners are looking at Cork flooring. Cork flooring is pet friendly and soft on the feet.

While there are tons of choices for flooring, keep in mind that what you choose will likely be in the room for several years or longer. Remember your budget, think about what type of flooring you want, and go have fun shopping. For a great selection of carpet, hardwoods, tile, stone, laminate and much more in the Tulsa, OK area, contact Jim Ecrette of ProSource Wholesale Floor coverings at 918-252-7711 or prosourcejim@tulsacoxmail.com. Remember to ask for Darryl Baskin's preferred pricing.

Types of Property Deeds

There are many types of deeds for home ownership 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 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. You may also check out the video below.

Preparing Your Home and Family for Spring!

Spring is here and with the great warm weather this week, we will see Spring come alive. With the great Spring weather, however, also come Spring storms. Preparing our home and family for Spring and for Spring storms is very important. Read on to find some information on preparing your home, family, and landscaping for Spring.

Preparing Your Home for Spring

1. Check your windows and doors to make sure they are caulked properly and that weather stripping is properly installed. Gaps in these areas can lead to pests, water, and energy leaks.
2. Have your A/C properly serviced to make sure that it is running properly and at its best. This will save your money and help keep you cool.
3. Get your house treated regularly for pests. The warm weather can drive them inside. Prevent this before it becomes a problem with regular pest control.
4. Check your smoke detectors to ensure that they work. Change the batteries if it has been one year since you have installed new batteries. Although this is not just a Spring problem, now is a good time to check it.
5. Play the inventory game. Let your kids help by taking pictures, a video, or simply making lists of all valuables, electronics, etc in your home and their serial number and other important information.

Preparing Your Landscape for Spring

1. If you are planning on adding new plants to your garden, get proper information about when to plant the species that you want.
2. Make sure that you don't have drainage issues around your property. If you find that water sits around the perimeter of your home or in areas around your property, have those issues solved before Spring storms come and make it impossible to repair quickly. Water that sits around your foundation can cause cracks and other foundation problems later. Don't assume it won't happen to your home. Foundation problems are more expensive to repair than drainage problems and will affect the resale ability of your home as well.
3. Weed around your plants now and add 3 inches of mulch to help keep the soil moist and weeds away.
4. Ensure that you have proper insurance coverage in the event that a disaster or a theft occur. Check the link for more information.
   

Preparing Your Family for Spring

1. Make sure that you have a fire escape plan, fire escape ladders, and tornado shelter in your home.
   
2. Practice your fire escape plan and what to do in the event of a tornado. Practice will help keep your children calm because they will know what to do.
3. Make sure your children are aware of what happens in a storm, tornado, etc. and what to do if they are away from the home. For example, know not to go under a bridge (in the overpass) during severe weather/tornado could save their life. Be prepared! Local TV weather station websites are great places to learn this life-saving information.

In the event that you have property damage from a Spring storm, contact home maintenance professionals to have repairs done.

For more information on these areas contact the following professionals:

Tulsa, OK Pest Control- Duane Montgomery, Montgomery Exterminating at 918-438-4885 or www.montgomeryexterminating.com.

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

A/C Service and Installation in the Tulsa, OK area- Stephen Taylor, Air Assurance, 258-COOL or www.airassurance.com.

Local Company Cleaned Oolagah-Talala Schools After Meningitis Outbreak

PCC Cleaning and Restoration, a Tulsa-based company, was responsible for cleaning the Elementary School at Oolagah-Talala Schools after the recent Meningitis outbreak. PCC provided this service for free as a way to support the community. They say that the products they used kill 99.97% of all harmful bacteria that is in the air.

PCC Cleaning and Restoration provides fire, water, and disaster recovery and restoration services for homeowners and business owners in the Tulsa, OK area. For more information or to receive a quote, contact Roger Fisher at 918-641-1111 or www.pcccr.com.

Raising Funds for Happy Hands

Happy Hands school for hearing impaired children held their annual silent auction at NSU Broken Arrow, OK campus. Founder, Al Proo, a former police officer, proudly announces near completion of their new 20,000 square foot facility on south Garnett Rd. In Tulsa,OK.

Pictured: Freddie Wasson, Beth Wasson (board member) and Darryl Baskin.

Posted via email from Darryl's posterous

Baskin Named to Top 5 in Real Estate

CONTACT:

Darryl Baskin

McGraw Realtors

918-258-2600

Darryl@DarrylBaskin.com 

Press Release  

Darryl Baskin, of The Baskin Real Estate Specialists with McGraw Realtors, Tulsa, OK, Named a Member of Top 5 in Real Estate Network® 

Local Realtor Earns Most Prestigious of all Industry Achievements 

Reaching the pinnacle of his profession nationally, Darryl Baskin, of The Baskin Real Estate Specialists with McGraw Realtors, was accepted as a Member of the Top 5 in Real Estate Network®, the most prestigious of all industry achievements.  

More than just a sales-driven recognition, the Top 5 in Real Estate Network® meets a need that heretofore has never been addressed – helping consumers identify the most professional real estate agents in North America. To qualify, each member must first meet a stringent set of criteria, based upon performance, as well as educational and professional skills and service to the consumer.   

Members of the Network are carefully selected and managed by RISMedia, which has provided the real estate industry with objective, unbiased news for nearly 30 years. As a Member of the Top 5 Network, Baskin is among the first real estate agents to be accepted into this elite organization.   

Allan Dalton, the president and co-founder of RISMedia’s Top 5 Network congratulated Baskin for earning this top status within the industry. “Darryl has reached the very highest level of North America’s residential real estate industry. Not only are his professional accomplishments extraordinary, he has long been a true champion for home buyers and sellers in his area. It is a pleasure to welcome Darryl into this elite group of industry leaders.”    

According to John Featherston, RISMedia's CEO & publisher and co-founder of the Top 5 in Real Estate Network, the significance of Top 5 is that consumers deserve full transparency regarding all matters related to the real estate transaction, which often begins with the need to select a highly competent, experienced and results-oriented real estate professional. Top 5 in Real Estate has been established to both empower consumers with leading real estate content through Top 5 members, as well as to ensure that consumers are made fully aware that there is a material difference between average and exceptional real estate professionals. 

In 1989, Darryl Baskin entered the real estate industry as a young associate determined to bring a different experience to buyers and sellers. Today, Baskin heads The Baskin Real Estate Specialists with McGraw Realtors closing more than $30 million in annual sales in the Tulsa metropolitan area. Specializing in high-tech service, Baskin provides sellers with an unmatched marketing program and meets the needs of his clients faster than expected. Baskin is on the Luxury Real Estate Board of Regents as well as a member of Cyberstars, a tech savvy Realtor group; and Star Power, a group of high-volume agents who share experience and train at national events. Baskin serves on the Northeastern Oklahoma Real Estate Services Rules and Regulations Committee, the Oklahoma Association of Realtors Grievance Committee and is on the board for the Oral Roberts University Golden Eagle Club. His civic involvement includes serving on the board of Court Appointed Special Advocates, providing a voice for neglected and abused children in court and a classroom volunteer for Junior Achievement. To learn more, contact Darryl Baskin at 918-258-2600 or e-mail Darryl@DarrylBaskin.com. 

For more information on RISMedia’s Top 5 in Real Estate Network®, please visit www.top5inrealestate.com or contact Member Relations at 203-853-2167 ext. 139.  

RISMedia’s Top 5 in Real Estate Network^® is a membership network of leading real estate professionals providing leading real estate information to consumers. To qualify for membership in the Top 5 in Real Estate Network, agents must meet specific criteria in five key categories: experience; results; education; information technology; and commitment to community. RISMedia, the leader in real estate information systems, has been providing the industry with news, trends and business development strategies for nearly 30 years through its flagship publication, Real Estate magazine, its leading website, RISMedia.com, and its renowned networking and educational events.

Posted via email from Darryl's posterous

Top 5 Reasons Why Now Is the Best Time to Buy a Second Home

Top 5 Reasons Why Now Is the Best Time to Buy a Second Home

With all the negative news about the economy and the real estate market, in particular, there’s a good chance you’ve put any ideas of buying a second home on permanent hold.

As a Member of the Top 5 in Real Estate Network®, however, I can tell you that just the opposite is true. The reality is that now is the best possible time to shop for a second home, whether it be the vacation spot you’ve always dreamed of, a retirement home or an investment purchase. Or, if you’ve thought that a second home was not a possibility for you, it just might be now. Here’s why:

1. Just about across the board, prices are down…in some spots, they are actually down to 2001 levels. Those of you who may have been priced out of the market in past years are suddenly back in.
2. Mortgage rates are sticking at about 5%. This won’t last forever, however, especially as the market slowly starts its climb upwards.
3. If you're able to itemize deductions on your tax return, then the interest expense on your second mortgage is tax deductible.
4. If you’re buying in a popular vacation spot—such as on the shore, in the mountains, near a lake, in the city—then you can rest assured that your investment will increase as the market continues to recover.
5. If you’re not ready to retire or take advantage of a second home yet, bear in mind you’re creating an excellent source of additional income in terms of rental revenue…something we can all use in today’s economy. Consider making this purchase now, while conditions are favorable for buyers, rent it out, and then enjoy your home when the time comes.

I’ve seen many a savvy client take advantage of today’s market to make a desired lifestyle change or an investment that will pay dividends when the market picks up. Don’t let the media negativity prevent you from missing this great opportunity to buy a second home. Please e-mail me for more information and pass this article along to friends and family who might also find it helpful.

Posted via email from Darryl's posterous

ORU Bracketology

Oral Roberts Golden Eagle Club hosted the 1st Annual Bracketology Breakfast at Southern Hills Country Club in Tulsa, OK. Former Final Four coaches, Nolan Richardson, Ted Owens, and Eddie Sutton share tips on Final Four brackets and stories from their Final Four games.  The event raised funds for ORU Golden Eagle athletics.

Tulsa's Ambassador Hotel Helps Save Lives Across the World!

Tulsa's Ambassador Hotel has helped save thousands of lives all across the world through a program called Clean the World. Clean the World takes used hotel hand soap and using a recycling process, cleans and sterilizes the soap and packages it for shipment to countries all around the world where many die from common diseases such as pneumonia and acute respiratory infections. These diseases and infections cause approximately 17 percent of deaths in infants and children. It is estimated that 60 percent of these deaths can be prevented when children wash their hands with soap and water.

Thanks Ambassador Hotel and Clean the World!

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

Top 5 Tips for Securing an Accurate Appraisal

Top 5 Tips for Securing an Accurate Appraisal

When it comes to buying or selling property, a successful outcome often hinges upon an accurate appraisal. Unfortunately, due to unrest in the appraisal industry sparked by government guidelines imposed by the Home Valuation Code of Conduct (HVCC), securing an accurate appraisal can be hard to come by these days. Colleagues have shared many a horror story about an appraisal gone wrong and a client that's left to pay the price.

As a member of the Top 5 in Real Estate Network®, however, I have learned that there are steps you can take to help ensure an appraisal accurately reflects the home's value. Consider the following advice:

1. Keep it local. Inaccurate appraisals are often the result of the current practice of using an appraiser who is unfamiliar with your community…sometimes, they're even coming from another state! Talk to your agent and/or lender and insist that the appraiser involved is local and, therefore, understands home values in your neighborhood.

2. Utilize comps. Make sure your lender and appraiser are accurately leveraging comps (comparable market sales) of local properties sold within the last six months to help appraise your home. Your real estate agent can help in this area.

3. Put your best foot forward. If you are selling your home, make sure it's in the best possible shape before the appraiser visit. Invest in any necessary repairs and effective cosmetic changes. Consider how your home stacks up against other homes in your neighborhood and let that be your guide.

4. Review carefully. Review the appraisal thoroughly to make sure all the basic facts are correct: square footage, features of the home, number of rooms, etc. If you find mistakes, call the appraiser and ask to have them corrected. If the appraiser refuses to make the corrections, file a complaint with your state's real estate appraisal board.

5. Don't settle. You are not bound to accept the appraisal results. Both buyers and sellers can request a new appraisal. There is no guarantee that the bank will accept the new appraisal, but it can be used to challenge the first appraisal.

An honest, accurate appraisal can make all the difference in your real estate transaction. Follow the above steps and please e-mail me for more details. I encourage you to forward this important information to your social network, as well.

Eastbrook Townhomes

Tulsa Luxury Property Group met at Eastbook this morning at 35th and Peoria. Prices start at $445,000. More information at www.tulsaluxurypropertygroup.com

Residential Real Estate Statistics for Broken Arrow, Jenks, Owasso, Tulsa, Bixby, and Union Public Schools

The following reports have been pcreated by Tom Allen, appraiser and reflect the trends in Residential real estate absorption rates in the Tulsa Oklahoma area including  Broken  Arrow, Jenks, Owasso, Bixby, and the Union Public School District.   It reflects an increasing length of market time based on the available inventory of single-family homes and the rate at which they are selling. On my radio program, The Future of Real Estate on KRMG,  I have been reporting that sales have been eclipsing the increase in inventory which would create a shortened market time. This latest data shows a  different story. Discussions with Mr. Allen Center around seasonal trends and the series of bad winter snowstorms and the Tulsa Oklahoma area which seemed to put a damper on sales. Regardless of the excuses, the numbers are the facts. Mr. Allen was recently a guest on my radio program and I was taken aback when he answered that  months of available inventory for homes in the Tulsa area were increasing. Rest assured, I will be discussing the latest data as it is available. Subscribe to The Baskin Report online and listen live at www.KRMG.com  Saturdays at noon central.

Darryl Baskin
The Baskin Real Estate Specialists
at McGraw Realtors

Serving Northeastern Oklahoma since 1989
www.darrylbaskin.com
www.baskincommercial.com
Member, TulsaLuxuryPropertyGroup.com
Recognized by Who's Who in Luxury Real Estate
A Recognized Allen Hainge CyberStar and Howard Brinton Star Power Star

 

 

 

 

Months supply of Inventory is calculated using the # of properties that sold PENDING during the

month.  NAR's caluation reflects the # of properties that CLOSED escrow during the month

 

Tulsa, OK- Alternative Energy Capitol of the World

Mayor Dewey Bartlett holds a press conference at the McBirney Mansion in Tulsa to unveil a new energy program for the City of Tulsa.  Using grant funds, the City will upgrade fixtures and equipment such as street lights to reduce operating costs and enable lights to be turned back on during these times of reduced income.  Only 2000 of the 6000 lights lining area highways are presently turned on.
 
Other plans include establishing natural gas fueling stations accessible to the public, which has been a major obstacle to individuals and businesses changing to natural gas as a fuel source.  An Office of Energy will be established by the City to coordinate programs and participation.

Leading the way sets an example for other cities and is a step in the right direction as the City establishes its program on sustainability.