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 you filter.

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.

Protecting Your Valuables

Most of us have something in our home that we consider valuable. For some that maybe jewelry or furs, for others, firearms or antiques. Here are some ways that we can keep those items protected and decrease the chances that they are stolen.

• Put small items in a safety deposit box or fireproof safe. If you are using a safe, consider securing it to the floor.
• Make sure that all of your doors and windows are property secure.
• Keep the exterior of your home well lit with motion sensor lighting.
• Pretend you are a burglar and try to find areas around your home that you could get in. If you find any areas that a burglar could enter, even with force, repair and secure those areas.
• Don't hide items in obvious locations.
• Install a security system that is monitored at all times.
• Don't open the door to strangers. If you have a delivery, emergency, or repair person at the door, always check their ID. Many people in these lines of work will wear uniforms and drive company vehicles.

To receive a quote for security system installation in the Tulsa, OK area, contact Tory Tipp of TNT Security at 918-313-4074 or torytipp@yahoo.com.

For insurance questions regarding valuables, contact Mike Tedford of Tedford Insurance at 918-299-2345 or www.tedfordinsurance.com.

Building Industry Shows Signs of Improvement

Despite the economy and the constant news that the housing market is failing, Tulsa, Broken Arrow, and the Tulsa metro area are doing quite well. Tulsa and Broken Arrow both had 32 housing starts (new residential building projects started) for the month of December. Broken Arrow, however, had 375 housing starts for the year of 2009, where Tulsa had 353. 190 building permits were issued in the Tulsa metro area in December. That is a 14.5% increase over November of 2009 and an 81% increase over December of 2008. Tulsa's housing starts for the year of 2008 were only 9.5% behind that of totals from last year at the same time. While that may not sound positive, the beginning of the year housing starts were 50% behind those of last years.

That news causes many to believe that the building industry is improving. While there is no one factor that could cause this improvement, there are several that may have helped with it: the first time buyers tax credit and new legislation in Oklahoma that would require builders to carry worker's compensation insurance.

To build a new home in the Tulsa, OK or Broken Arrow, OK area call Bruce Gardner of Gardner Construction at 918-481-1377 or gcc1946@aol.com.

To buy or sell a home in the Tulsa, OK or Broken Arrow, OK area, contact The Baskin Real Estate Specialists at 918-258-2600 or www.darrylbaskin.com.

For more information on the first time home buyer tax credit contact Steve Currington of Currington Mortgage at 918-810-0092 or stevec@curringtonmortgage.com

Preventing Water Damage!

Water damage and leaks can be anything from a minor irritation to a major problem. For some homeowners, the damage caused from water leaks may be covered under their homeowner's insurance policy. For others, the cost to repair these damages is out-of-pocket. No one likes to spends lots of money in repairs, therefore preventing damage is the best way help prevent those excess expenses.

• Occasionally, check appliances that use water. Check for leaks around hoses, underneath for soft flooring and nearby for evidence of water leaks. When leaving the house, don't leave these appliances running. Disconnect or turn off the water to your washing machine before leaving the house for extended periods of time.
  
• Check sinks, showers/tubs, and toilets for clogs and loose caulking. Also check for soft flooring or water nearby that might indicate a leak.
• Check your water heater for rust and for wet spots on the floor.
• Make sure your roof is in good condition, all soffits and vents allow for good air flow, there isn't any debris on the roof or guttering, and there is no evidence of bent, missing or damaged shingles.
• Before and during cold weather keep faucets off and hoses disconnected from the spigots.
• During warmer weather, have your A/C unit serviced to ensure that it is in good working order.
• Check all caulking and paint on the exterior of your house and around windows and doors.
• Prevent water from sitting around the foundation of your home by filling low spots.
  
• If you suspect a leak that you can't find, turn off all appliances (that use water), faucets and don't flush the toilet. Record your water meter reading at the beginning and ending of an hour. If the number has changed, a leak is possible.
• Make sure everyone in the household knows where the water shut-off valve is in case of an emergency. Turning this off while away from home for vacation can also help to prevent damage from leaks.
  

Remember to keep the above tips in mind to help prevent water damage, however when water damage does occur consult with home maintenance professionals.

If you suspect roof damage, contact Jonathan Knapp of Royal Roofing at 918-398-6500 or www.royalroofingllc.com.

For property drainage solutions and landscaping needs in the Tulsa area, call Nathan Vaughn of Bluum Outdoor at 918-599-8500 or www.bluum.net.

For A/C service or for installation in the Tulsa area, contact Stephen Taylor of Air Assurance at 918-258-HEAT or www.airassurance.com.

Recent Mortgage Modifications Fail!

President Obama's plan to help mortgage borrowers who are in trouble is failing for many. Almost 1 million borrowers applied for the mortgage modification program, however only 65,000 or 7 percent have completed the modification. Approximately 50,000 borrowers dropped out because they didn't qualify and the rest of those that applied are still waiting.

For more information on the mortgage modification program or to apply for a mortgage loan or refinance, contact Karen Heston of BOK Mortgage at 918-230-9432 or visit her website here.

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