Important Questions to Ask Your Mortgage Banker

Although there are many questions that home buyers have when getting a home loan, there are some basic questions that are always important.

How much downpayment do I need to buy a house? If you are a veteran or buying in a rural area you can get 100% financing and seller can pay closing costs. If you are Native American you may be eligible for a Hud 184 loan. This loan requires as low as a 1.25% downpayment, depending on the amount of the loan. FHA requires a 3.5% downpayment, Conventional a 5% downpayment, and Investment loans a 20% downpayment.

What are Points/Origination Fees? Point and Origination Fees are additional fees paid at closing to lower your interest rate. 1 point is $1000.

How do I find out exactly what my closing costs, fees, and other things are when I am comparing mortgage companies and their rates? Ask for a Good Faith Estimate. Look at fee lines 800-900. Compare the rate, points/origination fee, and other items within that range.

What constitutes a rural development loan? It is all based on the population of an area. Owasso and Glenpool are still rural and are eligible for a rural development loan. The USDA Rural Development website can give you more information about an area you are interested in.

How do Mortgage Bankers get paid? My commission is based on the volume I produce. The more I produce the higher percentage I make.

Whether you are a first-time home buyer or have purchased before, no question is stupid. Remember that rules and regulations change and some requirements and information from your previous mortgage may not be the same. Always ask first rather than be sorry later.

If you have questions about a Tulsa, OK. mortgage, contact Karen Heston at BOK Mortgage, 918-230-9432 or http://kheston-boklo.mortgagewebcenter.com

Title Insurance??

Title insurance protects your claim of ownership of your property. When you buy Tulsa area real estate, you count on the paperwork being properly reviewed. One of the important parts of a mortgage transaction is the Title Opinion. When you get a "title opinion" from an attorney, that "title opinion" is simply the opinion of the attorney you hired. It is important however, it does not provide any insurance against errors made by the attorney or insurance against a later claim of error in the title. This is where Title Insurance comes into play.

If you purchase title insurance and someone later questioned your ownership of the property, the title insurance company would be required to come defend your title.

A few things to note:

• Title insurance only covers the period of time before your purchase of the property. It does not cover from the time you purchase and beyond.
• Sometimes "exceptions" can be listed in your title policy. These would be things that were known when the policy was written such as, your driveway or storage building being on the neighbor's property.
• Title problems are often called "clouds" which mean your ownership is not completely clear - someone could raise questions about it. Even if your ownership would not be lost, it can be expensive to remove the "cloud" on your title.
• Title issues can arise from forgeries, improper paperwork filing at the courthouse, incorrectly completed forms, deaths and bankruptcies, lawsuits between other parties, and many other unknown circumstances.

For more information about title insurance in Tulsa, OK, contact Karen Burnette, at FirsTitle, 918-493-2241 or www.firstitle.com.

Having Tulsa, OK. Title Problems? Contact Chuck Richardson of Richardson, Richardson, Boudreaux at 918-663-5070 or www.rrblawok.com.

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

An Easy DIY Firepit..

With the cooler weather here, it is the perfect weather to enjoy a nice outdoor fire. For many, a cozy firepit is the ideal solution. Follow the steps below to add a great surround to a purchased or existing firepit! (The first 4 steps can be found at the following link http://www.lowescreativeideas.com/)

1. Find the right location, away from trees and building. Make sure the spot is level.
2. Place the screen on the ground to use as a guide to laying the blocks for the surround. (Lowe's recommends using OldCastle blocks.) *If you have a built in firepit or one that runs on natural gas, make sure you turn off the gas first!! If this is the case, you likely won't be able to move your firepit, check the height first to ensure that the blocks will work with your firepit.
   
3. Stack the blocks and make 3 layers (or more to ensure the appropriate height for your firepit).
4. Place your firepit into the ground.
5. If you have a Natural Gas firepit, for added sparkle, try using glass mulch, in your firepit.
   

For information on glass mulch in Tulsa, visit www.gardenglassofoklahoma.com

For information on buying and selling your Tulsa area home, visit www.homeguidetulsa.com.

Fraud in Title Insurance...

Handling fraud in any situation is difficult. When it comes to title insurance, there are some things to keep in mind. First, let's define title insurance. Title Insurance is insurance that covers financial loss as a result of a defect in a title to real estate. Second, we need to know what period the insurance will cover. When we buy home or auto insurance, we are covering our home or auto from the time we purchase the policy until that point in the future that the coverage is canceled. With title insurance, though, it works in reverse. Title insurance covers from the moment you purchase your home and into the past. If you are sued after you close on the property, then the title insurance may not cover you. Finally, title insurance issues can be quite trick. To ensure that you are covered for everything you need, talk to your attorney or your title company. You may even consider asking for extended coverage on your title insurance to cover you from your real estate purchase into the future.

If you have legal problems with your Oklahoma title, contact David Keesling at Richardson, Richardson, Boudreaux, Keesling at 918-492-7674 or www.rrblawok.com.

To purchase Tulsa title insurance or if you have questions about Oklahoma title insurance, contact Karen Burnette of Firstitle at 918-493-2241 or www.firstitle.com

For all your Oklahoma property, auto, and life insurance needs and more, contact Mike Tedford, Tedford Insurance at 918-299-2345 or www.tedfordinsurance.com

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

Are There Bugs in Your Bed??

Okay. I know you are probably saying "Bugs in my bed? There are no bugs in my bed!" Actually, there are. There are two types of bugs that you are likely to find in your bed: Bed Bugs and Dust Mites. Dust Mites are microscopic bugs that eat dead skin cells that are shed from humans and animals. They can be found in lots of places, but are especially prevalent on mattresses, frequently used furniture, and carpeted areas. Humans slough off 1/3 (or 10 grams) of dead skin a week and cats and dogs produce even more. More than 100,000 can be on your mattress and in one square yard of carpeting. Many of us can actually be allergic to dust mites and their feces, which is a large component of dust.

Some of us might also discover Bed Bugs. Exterminating Bedbugs can be a difficult task. If you don't treat them they will move through the walls into another persons apartment or condominium (if you have shared walls). These bugs can come from buying things 2nd hand, letting someone spend the night in your home, using someone else's moving equipment plus many other ways. Bed bugs need a blood host- people or animals. They will usually be within 15 feet of a blood host and it only takes them 5 minutes to travel that far. They can sense our carbon dioxide when we exhale. When the population starts to get big, they become a part of your clothing. If you are trying to get rid of bedbugs, wash clothes and everything you can, weekly. They will be in mattresses and many other things. If you start to get bites or look like you have a rash, you might have bedbugs. They look like a tick but are smaller.

I know you're probably saying "That's enough, tell me how to get rid of the nasty things!"

We can't completely get rid of dust mites, here are some ways to reduce dust and Dust Mites in your home:

• Cover your mattress with a plastic cover or mattress cover made exclusively for reducing dust mites.
• Use Hardwood Flooring instead of carpeting since it is easier to reduce and clean dust from hard surfaces.
• Clean regularly. Wash your sheets and blankets at least once every two weeks and clean areas where they are likely to be every week.
• Reduce fabrics on your furniture by purchasing leather furniture, which is less inviting to Dust Mites.
• Use quality air filters and replace them often in order to reduce dust and allergens in your home.

To treat for Bed Bugs treatments are completely different. We don't use heat, we use pesticides to treat for Bed Bugs. Treatments range from $500-1000.


For all your Tulsa pest control needs, contact Mother Natures, 918-362-2000 or www.mothernaturesinc.com.

For more information about hardwood flooring options in the Tulsa, OK. area, contact Jim Ecrette of ProSource Wholesale Floorcoverings at 918-252-7711 or www.prosourcefloors.com/tulsa. (Don't forget to ask for Darryl Baskin's flooring discount!)

To purchase quality air filters contact Rick Butefish of Filters 4 Me at 918-292-8600 or www.filters4me.com.

Simple Ways to Incorporate More Green...

When building, remodeling, or replacing products in your home, eco-friendly or green ideas can be very easy and often inexpensive to implement. Here are some easy ways to incorporate green products into your home:

• When building a new home, face the widest part to the north or south.
• Place doors and windows where you will receive good cross-ventilation.
• Ensure your attic space is well ventilated by using roof ridge vents, lighter colored roof materials, lots of insulation, and by placing A/C ducts in the attic to help absorb the heat.
• Install an energy-efficient and properly sized heating and A/C system for your home, make sure that duct work is correctly sealed, and use a programmable thermostat.
• Utilize landscaping materials, plants and design that is appropriate for the climate and rainfall levels in your area. Consider eco-friendly mulch, such as glass mulch. Glass mulch is tumbled to be smooth and never need replacing.
  
• Use low-flow toilets and showerheads and energy-efficient appliances.
• Recyclable and renewable materials can be used for decking, siding, interior and exterior trim, and more.
• Choose flooring materials made out of concrete, bamboo, or recycled wood.
• Replace your air conditioning filter regularly to enhance the performance of your air conditioning system and to reduce pollutants in your home.

For more ideas or estimates on incorporating green products and ideas into your home, contact the professionals below:

Tulsa Roof Installation and Repair: A-Best Roofing, Judy Smith, 918-587-1426 or www.abestroofing.com
Heating and Air Conditioning Installation and Repair in Tulsa: Air Assurance, contact Stephen Taylor at 918-258-HEAT or www.airassurance.com
Tulsa Building and Remodeling: US Building Systems, contact Rick Oberlender at usbs@att.net.
Air Conditioning Filters: Filters 4 Me, contact Rick Butefish at 292-8600, rick@filters4me.com, or visit their website at www.filters4me.com.
Tulsa Flooring Products: ProSource Wholesale Floorcoverings, contact Jim Ecrette at 252-7711 or prosourcejim@tulsacoxmail.com (ask for Darryl Baskin’s preferred pricing).
Tulsa, OK Glass Mulch - contact Leigh Murray, Garden Glass of Oklahoma, 918-232-0210 or www.gardenglassofoklahoma.com.


To find energy-efficient, eco-friendly, or green homes in the Tulsa, Oklahoma area contact Darryl Baskin, McGraw realtors 918-258-2600 or www.darrylbaskin.com.

Laws Affecting Your Oklahoma Move

Did you know that the Oklahoma Corporation Commission requires insurance coverage and licensing for moving companies?

Not too long ago, an inter-city moving company was exempt from licensing and insurance laws but now faces penalties and fines for not holding these policies and coverages. Although the law took effect in 2009, homeowners are still sometimes deceived by companies who present a low bid but offer no coverages for damage or loss. Before you hire a mover, research their company and reputation carefully. Make sure that you can trust them with all of your belongings.

For more information on these regulations affecting your Tulsa move or for an estimate contact Mike at 918-459-6683 or www.relocationllc.net.

For all your Tulsa, Oklahoma area real estate needs, contact The Baskin Real Estate Specialists of McGraw Realtors, 918-258-2600 or visist www.homeguidetulsa.com.

If you have questions regarding Oklahoma legal issues, contact David Keesling with Richardson, Richardson, Boudreaux, Keesling at 492-7674 or www.rrblawok.com.

Termite Damage and Tulsa Property Value

Termites are everywhere. Whether you realize it or not, they are in virtually every area with dirt in Oklahoma. Whether it be your home or commercial property, termite damage will not only cost you money to repair and exterminate, but can also cost you value when you decide to sell your property. Properties that have a history of termite damage, treatment and repair can be the hardest hit. To avoid damaging your property value, contact a professional exterminator to exterminate. One of the most effective termite treatments around is the Sentricon Baiting System. Only select exterminators can install and care for these systems. Don't settle for just anyone to install a system. Ensure that they are qualified to install the Sentricon System and will guarantee the extermination of termites as well as check the system monthly! Also, make sure that you have repairs done quickly to prevent further damage.

For more information on the Sentricon Baiting System in Tulsa or other pest control needs in the Tulsa, OK area, contact Duane Montgomeryof Montgomery Exterminating at 918-438-4885 or www.montgomeryexterminating.com.

For information on what affects Tulsa property value or things to consider before purchasing a home in the Tulsa area, contact Darryl Baskin, McGraw Realtors at 918-258-2600 or www.darrylbaskin.com.

For all your Tulsa, OK mortgage needs contact Karen Heston of BOK Mortgage at 918-488-7353 or kheston-boklo.mortgagewebcenter.com

Protecting Your Tulsa Home and Family from Fire!

Fire can be a devastating event. It damages everything in its path and can cause serious injury and death. To help protect your family and home from fire, read on.

• Be prepared ahead of time! Being prepared is probably the most important step of all. This step involves many things. First, make sure you have Oklahoma homeowner's insurance in the event of a fire. Second, have a fire escape plan with all the necessary items such as escape ladders, fire extinguisher, smoke detectors etc. Third, practice your fire escape plan. If you have children, this is especially important. Take time to discuss what to do in the event of a fire and practice this at all hours of the day and night. Don't take for granted that they know what to do.
• Avoid unnecessary risk! Cigarettes, fire places, and appliances are common causes of fires in the home. To avoid these risks, make sure that all cigarettes are put out before going to bed or if you are sleepy. Consider putting them in a glass of water to be safe. Make sure that fires in your fireplace are completely out. If you use it often, install a screen and glass door for extra safety. Finally, avoid putting appliances near furniture. Appliances and heaters placed near furniture can often overheat and cause a fire to start. When a fire starts from any one of the items above, they often start very slowly and smolder for a long time before actually catching fire and being detected.
• Test your smoke alarm! It is very important to test your smoke alarm often to ensure that it is working properly. Also replace the battery at least once per year, even if it appears to be working. If your smoke alarm seems to go off regularly when there is not a problem, such as during cooking, consider moving it a few feet away. If your smoke alarm is 10 years old, replace it.
• Keep Emergency Numbers on Hand! Keep emergency numbers near all phones in case of fire or emergency.
• No matter how much we prepare, we can't completely prevent fires in our home. should a fire occur, remember to call your insurance agent and Tulsa area home maintenance professionals to take care of any damage and ensure insurance coverage of repairs.

Contact these professionals for questions or quotes:

Homeowners Insurance Coverage in Tulsa, OK- Mike Tedford, Tedford Insurance, 918-299-2345 or www.tedfordinsurance.com.
Roofing Repairs in the Tulsa, OK area- Judy Smith, Abest Roofing, 918-587-1426 or www.abestroofing.com.
Fire Damage and Restoration in the Tulsa area- Roger Fisher, PCC Cleaning and Restoration, 918-641-1111 or www.pcccr.com.
Tulsa, OK. Electrical Repair- Larry Murray, Murray Electric, 918-835-9605 or www.murrayelectric.com
Plumbing Repair in the Tulsa, OK. area- Mullin Plumbing, 918-258-6636 or www.mullinplumbing.com
Junk Removal in Tulsa- David, I-Haul USA at www.ihaulusa.com or david@ihaulusa.com

De-stressing the Closing Process

Buying and Selling a home can be a stressful process, but when the closing process doesn't happen smoothly, it can add even more stress. Here are a few tips to help the closing process happen without a few of the most common glitches. First, listen to the professionals. If your real estate agent or mortgage broker gives you suggestions for the closing and moving process, heed their advice. They see problems regularly and can help you avoid some of the most common problems. Second, pack and move out of the house as early in the day, or even the night before, as possible and schedule closing for the afternoon. For buyers, schedule the final walk through earlier in the day as well. This added time should help with any unplanned delays. Third, consider adding a little extra expense to your budget in case there is a delay in closing and storage or hotel costs are needed or you need to hire a professional for an unexpected home repair. Finally, ask for a final settlement statement a day or two in advance of closing so that there last minute surprises are kept to a minimum.

For more information on the closing process or if you are in need of Tulsa area closing services, contact JJ Pierce, FirsTitle, 918-493-2241 or www.firstitle.com

For all your Tulsa mortgage needs, contact Karen Heston, Bank of Oklahoma, 918-488-7353 or kheston-boklo.mortgagewebcenter.com

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

Get Artsy with Your Landscaping!

Many of us have not heard of glass mulch. Glass mulch is becoming more popular for many reasons. First, it is very earth friendly. It is made from recycled glass, tumbled to ensure there are no sharp edges, and lasts forever in landscaping as mulch. Second, it can be laid out in a design using various colors for a more artistic flair in landscaping.

There are many uses for glass mulch when it comes to landscaping. You can use it as:

• garden mulch
• accent for driveway or pathways
• mixed into concrete for a terrazzo tile effect
• used in non-skid or reflective paint
• used to create a beautiful fire pit

When you need a beautiful and sparkling effect for your landscaping, remember to consider glass mulch.

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

Summer Cleaning Tips

Although summer is coming to a close, it isn't too late to do some summer cleaning. When cleaning out your home, remember these tips to make the decisions even easier:

1. Have I used the item within the last year? Will I use the item within the next year?- If the item hasn't been used in the last year, it is unlikely that you won't use it this coming year, so consider getting rid of that item.
2. Is this a sentimental item?- If the item has sentimental value and you have the space to store it, then keep it if you want. Remember though, some of us think that everything has sentimental value, so limit your sentiment or you will be overflowing!
   
3. Does this item hold monetary value?- If you don't use or can't store the item, consider selling it or giving it to someone who would appreciate it.
   
4. Do I have room for this item?- If the answer is no, then store it or get rid of it.
   
5. Is this item usable?- If the item is broken, too old, or unusable, consider recycling it.
   

For all your Tulsa, OK. Junk Removal, contact David, I-Haul of Tulsa, 918-852-2146 or www.ihaulusa.com.

For Tulsa, OK. Storage and Moving Solutions, contact Mike Ellingson, Relocation LLC, 918-459-6683 or www.relocationllc.net

Finding Your New Neighborhood

by James Kim

Moving is an incredibly strenuous task in and of itself, but finding your new home could be just as stressful. One of the biggest components to finding the right house for your family is picking the neighborhood. Location is crucial, as any real estate mogul will tell you. If you know nothing about Austin real estate, for example, but you want to move to Austin, the process of finding a neighborhood could be extremely daunting. But not to worry -- there are several things to consider that can make your choice a tad easier.

1. Kids

Do you have children? If so, you will need to be near a school, preferably one of prowess. websites like Great Schools give you the rankings and standardized test scores of different schools in your area of interest. This could give you a better idea of what area is right for you. Of course, if you don’t have children, you probably don’t want or need to be near a school. However, keep in mind that being near a school can be a huge selling point and could help you sell your house later on down the road.

In addition to the school, you’ll probably want to get close to places like parks or a local pool if you have children.

2. Commute

How far is the area from your job? Is it near a congested intersection? Will you have to muddle through traffic every morning? If you can avoid being stuck in traffic daily, I think we can all agree that you should probably do so. Being close to public transportation could assuage your traffic situation.

You may also want to ask yourself how close your area is to amenities such as grocery stores, malls, restaurants, etc. While everyone wants a quiet area, it can be a huge burden to have to drive 30 minutes every time you need something at the grocery store.

3. Safety

This is probably the most important factor to consider when looking for an area for your new home. The Realty Times provides several excellent suggestions about how to investigate safety in your area, including inquiring at the local police department and talking to local business owners. You can also visit sites like Family Watchdog to examine general crime ratings and to check to see if any sex offenders live in the area.

4. The “Feel” Factor

Research can only tell you so much. In order to cover all your bases, visit your prospective neighborhood at several different times of day so that you’re not caught off guard later. Suppose, for example, that you are looking into a hip, downtown location. During the day, it could seem like the perfect find. But, at night, the area explodes with noise. You will want to be prepared for these types of scene-changes. A tenured real estate pro who specializes in the area will be able to help you get more of a “feel” for the area.

Finding the perfect home is never an easy task -- make things easier on yourself by approaching the process step-by-step. Methodically researching can assure that you will find a house that will fit you and your family for years to come.

James Kim writes for Austin Real Estate service Homecity.com. HomeCity combines powerful online Austin MLS search technology and other online tools with personalized real estate services to provide clients with the knowledge they need to make the right buying and selling decisions.


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

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

Abandoned Homes Can Decrease Your Property Value!

The article, "Battling the Neighborhood Eyesore" posted on Realtor.org says that "foreclosures will affect 91.5 million nearby homes by 2012 and reduce property values of these homes by $20,300 per household". For homeowners trying to sell their homes, losing an average of $20,000 in the value of their home is not pleasing. What can homeowners and neighbors of these abandoned properties do to reduce the chances of losing value on their homes? The article mentioned above gives several tips to help keep these abandoned homes from looking like an eyesore and therefore reducing property value of nearby homes. Read on for more information.

Abandoned homes can be an unpleasant sight. Overgrown lawns, boarded windows, sagging gutters, and unsightly mold—not to mention, a higher risk of fires, vandalism, rodents, and mosquitos.

Properties are often left to deteriorate while in foreclosure limbo; the owner is already gone but the bank can’t take possession until the foreclosure process is finalized.

So what happens when you have to sell the property next door? According to research by the Center for Responsible Lending, foreclosures will affect 91.5 million nearby homes by 2012 and reduce property values of these homes by $20,300 per household.

“We were getting a lot of complaints from real estate professionals about these properties looking unkempt and asking what we can do about it,” says Bud Humbert with Century 21 Associates in Waldorf, Md., and also the chairman of the legislative committee for the Southern Maryland Association of REALTORS®. On behalf of his association, Humbert, also an REO specialist, approached Charles County officials to request that they update the county’s nuisance abatement law to include a "clean and lien " provision. The rule would allow the county to step in and clean up vacant properties and put a lien on them for the cost of the cleanup. Other cities and counties have enacted similar ordinances.

If that neighborhood eyesore is bringing down your listing, here are some steps you can take:

Notify the homeowners’ association. Most HOAs will pay to have the grass mowed and take care of maintenance issues, and then tack the expense on to the HOA bill, which will have to be cleared by the bank before the property sells, Humbert says.

Investigate local and state laws. Some states, such as California, will fine owners for not maintaining properties. New Jersey passed a law that puts banks in charge of maintaining the property from the beginning of the foreclosure process. Whom should you contact with your gripe? Start with your city’s building division; it’s often in charge of making sure a vacant property is boarded and secured. The bylaw department can check for building code vio­lations, the fire department can inspect for fire hazards, and the police can help if there’s vandalism.

Make property boundaries clear. "We are called on to handle this situation frequently, " says Margaret Innis, owner of home staging company Decorate To Sell in Andover, Mass. "On the outside, fences make good neighbors; so does landscaping with arborvitae shrubs—a fast fix worth the investment. Inside, use plantation blinds turned down so the light comes in but the view does not. "

Help with cleanup. Stepping in to help with the maintenance can be tricky. Regardless of your good intentions, your actions could be considered trespassing. First figure out who owns the property, which can be a challenge in itself, and then offer your assistance. Some cities and counties have started a vacant property registration that makes it easier to locate the owner. When Andy Hood, with Weichert, REALTORS®–Covington Group in Madison, Miss., struggled to sell a condo that overlooked the patio of a foreclosed property, he called the neighbor and asked if he could clean. "The woman was grateful and accepted my offer, " he says. "I hauled away a truckload of junk, pressure-washed the exterior, washed the patio furniture, and weeded and pruned her flower beds and shrubs. " Hood’s listing sold immediately after.

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

Tulsa, OK. Homes for Sale

Sapulpa, OK Home for Sale

602 Cross Timbers Blvd.
The Lakes at Cross Timbers
$329,000

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

Jenks, OK. Luxury Estate for Sale

11425 S. Louisville Pl.
The Estates of Waterstone
$2,850,000

6 Bedrooms
6 Full 2 Half Bathrooms
7 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

Tulsa, OK. Area Horse Ranch For Sale...

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 this Tulsa, OK Area Luxury Ranch For Sale or for all your Tulsa, OK. luxury real estate needs, contact Kelly Howard of McGraw Realtors at 918-230-6341 or www.kellyhowardhomes.com.

Mortgage Rates Rise...

Freddie Mac reported that mortgage rates are on the rise after being at a "standstill" last month. Despite this, mortgage rates are very affordable. Read the article, "Mortgage Rates on the Rise" found at Realtor Magazine below:

After being mostly at a standstill the past month, long and short-term mortgage rates were moving up this week, reports Freddie Mac in its weekly mortgage market survey.

"Mortgage rates followed Treasury yields higher over the holiday week but remain quite affordable by historical standards,” says Frank Nothaft, chief economist at Freddie Mac. “For instance, interest rates on all mortgage outstanding in the first quarter of this year averaged just under 6 percent. With today's rates, these home owners who have the ability to refinance could shave $169 per month in interest payments on a $200,000, 30-year fixed mortgage."

To buy a Tulsa home while rates are still low, contact Kelly Howard, McGraw Realtors, 918-230-6341 or www.kellyhowardhomes.com.

Why Sellers Should Consider a Pre-Inspection

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Why Sellers Should Consider a Pre-Inspection

Traditionally in the real estate process, an inspection is requested by a home buyer around the time they are applying for a mortgage. In fact, more than 85% of home buyers request an inspection as a way to uncover hidden faults and costly repairs that may need to be taken care of. In today’s buyer’s market, revealing such faults prior to closing can serve as a bargaining chip for sellers, forcing the seller to either accept a lower price or foot the bill for repairs prior to closing.

That’s why an increasingly important strategy for home sellers in today’s market is to have your property inspected before even putting it on the market. Here are some reasons why:

• When potential buyers are considering your home, knowing that an inspection has already been done can make your home much more attractive to them. A pre-inspection can give you an important competitive edge by making buyers more confident about placing a bid on your home; with a pre-inspection, buyers know there will be no hidden surprises awaiting them down the road.
• If defects are uncovered once the buyer has already placed a bid and is applying for a mortgage, you are suddenly under the gun to either accept a lower offer or cough up the funds for repairs. Conversely, a pre-inspection allows you to take care of any repairs within your own timeframe. If expensive repairs are uncovered before putting your home on the market, you can budget accordingly over a period of time and comparison shop for the best pricing.
• A pre-inspection also allows you to decide which repairs are not necessary before putting your home on the market. Certain problems you might have been worried about may turn out not to be as bad as you originally thought…and, therefore, not make a difference in how you price your home.
• Having a pre-inspection affords you more control in the negotiating process. Being aware of your home’s pros and cons in advance, helps put you in the driver’s seat when it comes to price negotiations. In fact, a pre-inspection allows you to price your home more accurately in the first place.

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.

Darryl Baskin Darryl@DarrylBaskin.com McGraw Realtors Office: 918-258-2600 http://www.DarrylBaskin.com

Posted via email from The Baskin Report

Tulsa Area Homes for Sale...

Secluded Owasso, OK Luxury Home For Sale

15601 East 82nd Street North
in Owasso, OK.

$1,900,000

4 Bedrooms
4 Full, 2 Half Bathrooms
4 Car Garage

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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
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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
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For more information on any of these Tulsa, OK area homes for sale or for all your Tulsa, OK. real estate needs, contact Kelly Howard of McGraw Realtors at 918-230-6341 or www.kellyhowardhomes.com.

Consumers are Making Better Money Habits...

According to a recent article, "Recession Helping to Raise Awareness of Credit Scores and Leading to Start of Good Money Habits" at RISMedia.com, consumers are becoming more aware of and beginning to make better decisions with their money. They are striving to make better money habits. According to that article:

"Budgeting and Cash Flow:

• 25 percent of users have been late at least once on their monthly bills in the last year;
• Of those who said they were behind on their bills, 28 percent are concerned they will never catch up;
• Of those respondents with children, 64 percent did not currently make any contributions to an education fund;
• Less than half (48 percent) of those surveyed keep a budget to track monthly expenses and cash flow. This is down from 52 percent in 2010.

Credit Scores and Cards:

• 18 percent of respondents have maxed out at least one of their credit cards, down from 22 percent in 2010;
• 31 percent pay off their balances in full every month. This is down from 36 percent in 2010;
• When surveyed about the amount of credit card debt they are carrying, respondents with current debt stated:
-Less than $5,000: 27 percent
-Between $5,000-10,000: 16 percent
-More than $10,000 in debt: 20 percent
• Only 6 percent of users did not know their credit score.

Retirement:

• 39 percent of survey takers are scared or uneasy about their prospects for retirement;
• Nearly half of respondents said they plan to retire between 60-65, while 16 percent said they don’t ever see being able to retire"

When it comes to buying a home, these financial decisions and money habits can make a huge difference in getting a good mortgage rate to buy a home and not being able to get a mortgage at all. Begin today by making better money habits!

To buy a Tulsa home for sale, contact Kelly Howard, McGraw Realtors, 918-230-6341 or www.kellyhowardhomes.com.

Remodeling? Know which Projects Will Increase Your Home's Value

With many home buyers choosing to stay put as opposed to selling their home in the current marketplace, remodeling projects are gaining new ground. However, before you set out on your remodeling project, the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) advises homeowners to make sure they’re getting the most value out of their remodeling dollars.

In my years of experience as a real estate professional, I have seen first-hand how the right home improvements can add to your home’s value…especially today when equity has been so hard hit. Wise remodeling decisions will also help command a higher selling price if and when it comes time to put your home on the market. To help guide you, NARI offers the following suggestions when considering a remodeling project:

• Exterior home improvements such as roofing, siding, windows and doors are subject to the elements and usually need to be replaced after a number of years. In terms of re-sale value, updated exteriors give sellers an edge over buyers who are attracted to your home before entering.

• According to Energy Star, half of a home’s energy use is dedicated to heating and cooling. If a system is more than 10 years old, it may be time to replace it. New, energy-efficient systems are not only more cost-effective but are also better quality.

• All homes benefit from increased insulation and sealing, regardless of climate. Older homes are traditionally under-insulated compared to new homes, and recent insulation innovations like spray foam or cellulose increase the ability to trap air inside. Proper insulation evens temperature flows, reduces energy use and has long-term benefits.

• Kitchen and bath renovations continue to be winning remodeling choices, as homeowners continue to see the value in updating high-functioning areas of the home that are used frequently. Be sure to take universal design concepts into account, increasingly incorporated into kitchen and bath areas to accommodate people of all sizes, abilities and ages.

While it may be acceptable to handle cosmetic updates to your home on your own—such as painting—be sure to contact a qualified professional for larger remodeling jobs like the above. Also, if your home remodel is large scale in nature—and potentially cost prohibitive—consider “phased” remodeling, where projects are broken into phases over time, for a long-term project plan.

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.

Sincerely,

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

For Tulsa maintenance professionals, visit the link or check out the professionals below....

For Tulsa heating and a/c repair, contact Stephen Taylor, Air Assurance, 918-258-COOL or www.airassurance.com.

For Tulsa remodeling, contact Rick Oberlender, US Building Systems. 918-734-1293.

For Tulsa plumbing installation and repair, contact Mullin Plumbing, 918-258-6636 or www.mullinplumbing.com.

For Tulsa electrical repair and installation, contact Larry Murray, Murray Electric, 918-557-3020 or www.murrayelectric.com.

For Tulsa roofing installation and repair, contact Judy Smith, A-Best Roofing, 918-587-1426 or www.abestroofing.com.

Do you know enough to get a good mortgage?

Last month, RIS Media presented an article entitled, "Nearly Half of Home Buyers Surveyed Don’t Understand Essential Information about Mortgages". Do you know enough to ensure that you can make an educated decision and get a good mortgage?

Here is some surprising information found in that article:

• "More than half (57 percent) of prospective home buyers who were polled do not understand how adjustable rate mortgages (ARMs) work."
• "One-third (34 percent) of the respondents who are prospective home buyers do not understand that lender fees are negotiable and that they vary by lender."
• "Nearly half (45 percent) of polled prospective home buyers believe that they should always buy mortgage discount points when obtaining a mortgage."
• "More than half (55 percent) of prospective home buyers in the study do not understand that mortgage rates vary throughout the day."
• "More than one-third (37 percent) of prospective home buyers who were polled believe that pre-qualifying for a loan means they have secured financing."
• "More than two in five (42 percent) of the polled prospective home buyers do not understand that Federal Housing Administration (FHA) loans are available to ALL buyers."

One way to ensure that you are well educated about mortgages, before you get one, is to do your research. Zillow.com offers lots of great information about mortgages and other real estate related fields. Click the link for more information.

Another way to make sure that you get the best mortgage, is to use a knowledgeable, experienced, and well respected mortgage broker. Selecting the right mortgage broker can mean lots of savings for you in the long run, as well as prevent a lot of hassle and run-around.


To read the original article, "Nearly Half of Home Buyers Surveyed Don’t Understand Essential Information about Mortgages" visit the link.

For all your Tulsa mortgage needs, contact Karen Heston, BOK Mortgage, 918-231-9342 or http://kheston-boklo.mortgagewebcenter.com/Default.asp?bhcp=1

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

Tulsa, OK. Home for Sale

Tulsa, OK. Home for Sale

5821 East 101 Place
Forest Meadows Addition in Tulsa, OK.

$317,000

4 Bedrooms
2 Full 1 Half Bathrooms
2 Car Garage
3 Living Areas

For more information on this Tulsa, OK. Home for Sale or for all your Tulsa residential real estate needs, contact Kelly Howard, McGraw Realtors, 918-230-6341 or www.kellyhowardhomes.com.

Lawmakers Fight Over 20% Downpayment Requirement

Currently, a proposed law would require a 20% downpayment for all Qualified Residential Mortgages. There are concerns by many lawmakers and real estate professionals that this requirement would hinder the recovery of the real estate market. Read on for more details about this proposed law and how lawmakers are attempting to change the federal regulators minds...

More Lawmakers Fight 20% Down Payment

A proposed 20 percent down payment rule for qualified residential mortgages is too high, argues a growing group of lawmakers in the House of Representatives.

Late last week, about 240 lawmakers in the House sent a second letter to federal regulators urging them to lower the down payment rule on QRMs. Last month, about 150 lawmakers had signed a letter urging the same.

"The resultant reduction in demand for housing, due to an overly burdensome government dictate, would only add to the challenges the housing market faces, and could threaten a full-fledged economic recovery from years to come," the most recent letter reads.

The 20 percent down payment rule arises from an effort of several federal agencies that have been trying to urge more responsible lending and borrowing. The agencies created a proposed risk-retention regulation under the Dodd-Frank Wall Street reform law, which requires lenders that securitize mortgage loans to retain 5 percent of the credit risk unless the mortgage is considered a safe mortgage or a “qualified residential mortgage.” (FHA and VA mortgages would be exempt.)

QRMs would be exempt from the 5 percent credit requirement but would have to meet certain guidelines, such as the proposed 20 percent down payment requirement. Borrowers with less than 20 percent down could then be forced to pay higher fees and interest rates.

A 20 percent down payment requirement would cause more first-time buyers to flee from the already fragile housing market, analysts at Capital Economics say.

The National Association of REALTORS® also has been an outspoken critic of the proposal, saying that a 20 percent down payment requirement would jeopardize a housing recovery.

Source: “More Lawmakers Join Major Push to Reduce QRM Down Payment,” HousingWire (June 20, 2011)

To read the original article in Realtor Magazine, "More Lawmakers Fight 20% Down Payment", visit the link.

For Tulsa, OK. real estate needs, contact Kelly Howard, McGraw Realtors, 918-230-6341 or www.kellyhowardhomes.com.

Termites, When Will You Get Them in Your Home?

I am sure that there are many who are saying that they have never had termites in or around their home. In Oklahoma, the saying goes that "it's not if you get termites, it's when you get termites". According to our friends at Montgomery Exterminating, termites "break down plant and wood material" by tunneling underground until they get to a source of that material, your home for example. One of the main problems with termite damage is that they eat from the inside out. When you finally see the damage, often you can end up with structural damage as a result. In addition to your home, they will eat furniture, paper, fences, cloth and books.

Did you know?

• Termites on earth outweigh humans on earth!
• Over 5 million homes have some type of termite damage.
• Termite damage is more common than storm, fire, and earthquake damage.
• Your homeowners insurance will not likely cover termite damage.

So, what do you do to prevent termites from damaging your home?

Montgomery Exterminating uses the Sentricon Colony Elimination System to kill the termite colony and prevent any further damage to your home. For more information on Tulsa, OK. termite elimination or the Sentricon Colony Elimination System, contact Duane Montgomery, Montgomery Exterminating, 918-438-4885 or www.montgomeryexterminating.com.

12 Million Home Automation Systems to Be Installed by 2016

Although Home Automation Systems are popular in many Tulsa luxury homes today, they are forecasted to drastically increase by 2016. According to ABI research, "Shipments of home automation systems will total about 1.8 million worldwide this year. But according to ABI Research, that number is set to rise sharply soon, exceeding 12 million in 2016. These figures are contained in a new home automation study from the firm, which confirms its previous forecasts."

ABI believes that the sharp increase in system installations will be a result of new technology. In addition to new technology, innovation such as the new Google Android@Home could make it easier to control and access home automation systems from devices such as smartphones.


For more information, visit the article, " 'No New Wire' technologies to drive home automation market to 12 million systems in 2016, says ABI Research" by Julien Happich.

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

To buy a Tulsa, OK home with a home automation system, contact Kelly Howard, McGraw Realtors, 918-230-6341 or www.kellyhowardhomes.com.

Why do I need a survey when I build a new home or addition?

When you decide to build an addition or a new home in Tulsa, you will need a survey. A survey shows where the property lines are as well as any buildings, easements, driveways, or encroachments on the property such as a neighbor’s driveway. You might say, “I don’t need a survey, I have a plat map”. A plat map only shows the property boundaries, it doesn’t show easements or encroachments which can cause a problem with a legal title. A survey will ensure that anything you are building is not on someone else’s property or easement. It will also help if you have acreage and decide to sell some of it later.

For more information on Tulsa, OK. land surveys, titles, and the closing process, contact JJ Pierce at Closings of Tulsa at 918-493-2241 or www.closingsoftulsa.com.

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

Spectacular Tulsa, OK. Luxury Home For Sale...

Tulsa, OK. Luxury Home For Sale

1714 East 35th Street
Adams Estates in Tulsa, OK.

$749,900

5 Bedrooms
5 Full, 2 Half Bathrooms
4 Living Areas
2 Car Garage

For more information on this spectacular Tulsa, OK. luxury home for sale or to buy or sell Tulsa, OK. real estate, contact Kelly Howard, Tulsa Luxury Property Group at McGraw Realtors, 918-230-6341 or www.kellyhowardhomes.com.

New Flood Insurance Rate Maps

Many property owners in the Tulsa, OK. area are finding out that they will soon be required to purchase flood insurance on their property due to changes in the flood insurance rate maps. There are areas that are being changed: some will now be required to purchase flood insurance on their property and others who may be able to drop the flood insurance on their property. These FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) changes take place in 2012.

If you have questions or wish to see what changes may have been made to your property, visit the resources below:

• www.riskmap6.com Once at this address, select Oklahoma and enter your county. Areas added to the flood plan will appear in red and areas removed from the floodplain appear in green.
• Contact Bill Robison at 918-596-9475 to view the hard copies of the maps or for questions.

Those who have received a letter with changes, may protest during the 90 day appeal process, which will end sometime in July 2011. To protest, contact Bill Robison at 918-596-9475 or brobison@cityoftulsa.org. Don't forget to include the following information: your name, contact information, property address or legal description, and why you feel there is an error.

When the maps become effective, those with a federally backed mortgage, will be required to purchase flood insurance in accordance with federal regulations. You may receive a cheaper rate if you purchase flood insurance before the new rates are effective. For more information on flood insurance visit: www.floodsmart.gov or www.cityoftulsa.org/city-services/floodcontrol/2012-floodmaps.aspx.

For all your Tulsa, OK. area insurance needs, contact Mike Tedford, Tedford Insurance at 918-299-2345 or www.tedfordinsurance.com.

For questions regarding the new flood insurance rate maps and your 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.

What's Going on in the Real Estate Market?

The article, "Home Inventories Grow, Prices Fall" found at RealtorMag.com (Daily Real Estate News-June 16, 2011) cited some interesting real estate market statistics. Check them out below or follow the link above.

The inventory of for-sale homes grew in May by 3.5 percent, which marks the biggest monthly increase of the year, according to the latest housing data from Realtor.com. However, overall inventories dropped 14.3 percent compared to a year ago at this time.

Median asking prices for homes were down last month, falling 1.6 percent which follows two months of increases, the data shows.

Some of the largest declines were seen in Chicago and Tampa, Fla, where asking prices were down 5.7 percent from April, and in Phoenix prices were down 5.4 percent.

Listing prices increased in only 10 of the 146 markets tracked by Realtor.com. Denver and Washington, D.C., posted some of the largest listing price increases.

The National Association of REALTORS® will release next week its report on sales and inventory of existing homes.

For your Tulsa, OK. residential real estate needs, contact Kelly Howard, McGraw Realtors, 918-230-6341 or www.kellyhowardhomes.com.

Homes for Sale in South Tulsa

Jenks, OK. Luxury Home

11808 South New Haven
Scissortail at Wind River in Jenks, OK.

$785,000

4 Bedrooms
4 Full, 1 Half Bathrooms
3 Car Garage
Jenks School District
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Bixby, OK. Home for Sale

14493 South Lakewood Ave.
The Ridge at South County in Bixby, OK.
$339,990

4 Bedrooms
3 Full, 1 Half Bathrooms
3 Car Garage
Bixby School District
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Broken Arrow, OK. Home For Sale

2500 South 15 Street
Washington Lane III in Broken Arrow, OK.
$299,000

4 Bedrooms
3 Full, 1 Half Bathrooms
2 Car Garage
Broken Arrow School District



For information on these South Tulsa Homes for Sale or to buy or sell Tulsa, OK. area real estate, contact Kelly Howard, McGraw Realtors, 918-230-6341 or www.kellyhowardhomes.com.

Homeownership Survey- What do Americans Think?

According to a recent survey, "Despite the ups and downs of the housing market, home owners and non-owners alike consider owning a home essential to the American Dream." (RISMedia, June 10, 2011). Part of the survey information is found in an article, "Owning a Home Essential to the American Dream, Survey Shows" posted recently by RISMedia.

Americans are looking further than what the housing market is doing currently. Survey shows that Americans are looking into the future and seeing the value of owning a home long term. What are some other survey results?

• "Homeownership and a retirement savings program are considered by voters to be their best investments."
• "80 percent of home owners would advise a close friend or family member just starting out to buy a home."
• "Saving for a downpayment and closing costs is the biggest barrier to homeownership."
• "Americans believe that owning their own home is as important as being successful at their job or being able to pay for a family member’s education."

To read the entire article, "Owning a Home Essential to the American Dream, Survey Shows" posted recently by RISMedia visit the link.

For Tulsa, OK. real estate needs, contact Kelly Howard, McGraw Realtors, 918-230-6341 or www.kellyhowardhomes.com.

Condos For Sale in Tulsa, OK.

Tulsa, Oklahoma Condominiums for Sale

Enjoy the View from these Charming Spacious Condo's just Steps Away from the River Parks. Downtown and major interstates are only minutes away.

3731 South Riverside Drive
Tower Court Condo's in Tulsa, OK.

$172,900

3 Bedrooms
2 Full 1 Half Bathrooms
2 Car Attached Garage

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3727 South Riverside Drive
Tower Court Condo's in Tulsa, OK.

$169,900

3 Bedrooms
2 Full 1 Half Bathrooms
2 Car Attached Garage
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3729 South Riverside Drive
Tower Court Condo's in Tulsa, OK.

$169,900

3 Bedrooms
2 Full 1 Half Bathrooms
2 Car Attached Garage


To sell your Tulsa, OK area Condo or to find condominiums for sale in Tulsa, contact Kelly Howard of McGraw Realtors at 918-230-6341 or www.kellyhowardhomes.com

Tulsa, OK. Area Luxury Home 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



For more information on this Tulsa, OK area luxury 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.