Sunday, February 27, 2011
Take It Easy in Your Tulsa, OK. Home!
What exactly is home automation? Home automation involves using a remote control or another device to control multiple parts of your house, which can include: lighting, security, telephone, temperature, sprinklers, windows, and more. Home automation systems can even allow you to change the temperature of your home from a cell phone while you are away!
Can you afford to have a home automation system in your Tulsa, OK area home? Find out by contacting Keegan Beck of KMB Enterprises at 918-527-1031 or http://kmbenterprisesllc.com/
For home maintenance professionals in the Tulsa, OK area, visit www.tulsahomecare.com.
Friday, February 25, 2011
It's Not Too Early To Plan Your Tulsa, OK. Garden!
- Before you buy, make sure you know what type of garden you want. Do you want herbs, vegetables, flowers or plants.
- Now that you know what type of garden you want, its time to decide where to plant. Remember to keep in mind the type of garden and the types of plants that will be there. Some plants will interfere with the foundation of your home, water lines, overhead electrical lines, etc. Talk to a Tulsa, OK. home maintenance professional if you are unsure.
- Using paper, or a computer if you want, draw out the site. Be sure to include building, walkways, and existing plants and trees. Also take note of the type of soil you have, the sun exposure, climate, and any other areas that might cause problems.
- Once you know this information plant selection will be much easier. When selecting plants, consider the sun exposure they require, moisture needed, special soil requirements, and size at maturity.
- Finally, you can think about adding extra touches. Consider things such as landscaping lighting, sprinklers, mulch, water features, and paving stones. Landscaping lights can accent your flowerbed/garden and even add extra security at night. Automatic sprinklers can help keep your plants from drying out, especially during the hot summer months. For an extra special touch, consider using Garden Glass instead of mulch. It will add extra sparkle to your beds and will not wash or blow away.
Tulsa, OK Permanent Mulch- Garden Glass of Oklahoma: Leigh Murray, Garden Glass, 918-232-0210 or www.gardenglassofoklahoma.com.
Tulsa, OK Electric Services: Murray Electric, Larry Murray, 918-557-3020 or www.murrayelectric.com.
Tulsa, OK. Plumbing Services: Mullin Plumbing, Markwayne Mullin, 918-258-6636 or www.mullinplumbing.com.
For all your Tulsa, OK home maintenance needs and more, visit www.tulsahomecare.com.
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Are Tulsa, OK Houses More Affordable?
To buy or sell affordable Tulsa, OK real estate, contact Kelly Howard, McGraw Realtors, 918-230-6341 or www.kellyhowardhomes.com.
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Too Much Stuff in Your Tulsa, OK. Home?
- Sometimes it can be helpful to de-clutter before tackling any cleaning. Once you de-clutter there will be less stuff to clean and less stuff on counters, floors, and tables to move around.
- When de-cluttering, set out three boxes. One box is for things to keep, one is for things to donate, the last is for things to throw away. Consider these questions when deciding what to do with each item. Do I need the item? Will I ever use this item again? When did I use it last time? Has it got sentimental value? If it needs repair, will the repairs be made?
- Be realistic when de-cluttering. If you are short of space or haven't used it in a while, throw it away or donate it.
- Don't take a lot of time when de-cluttering. Many times, the longer you spend on one item, the more likely you will convince yourself that you need to keep it. If you still find it difficult to decide, put it aside for later and come back to it.
- If you find there is something, especially large items, that you need to keep but don't have space for, put it in storage.
For Tulsa, OK area junk removal or to haul off unneeded items, contact David of I-Haul USA, 918-852-2146 or www.ihaulusa.com.
For all your Tulsa, OK real estate needs, contact Darryl Baskin of McGraw Realtors at 918-258-2600 or www.homeguidetulsa.com.
Monday, February 21, 2011
Luxury Home For Sale in South Tulsa Area
3 Bedrooms
4 Bathrooms
6 Car Garage
For more information on this Jenks, OK. Luxury Home or to buy or sell Tulsa, OK area real estate, contact Kelly Howard, McGraw Realtors, 918-230-6341 or www.kellyhowardhomes.com.
Saturday, February 19, 2011
Should I Sue Over Mold in My Tulsa, OK Home?
- Before contacting an attorney, make sure that you inform your landlord or employer about the problem. Remember to keep proof that your landlord or employer received the information. Many times, your landlord or employer might not be aware of the problem, which can often be repaired at little cost. Make sure that you give them plenty of time to repair the problem as well. As the property owner, your insurance policy might cover the repairs. Contact your insurance agent to find out.
- If you suspect health problems as a result of the mold, see your physician. Don’t let health problems linger and potentially get worse.
For more information about Tulsa, OK lawsuits over mold in your home or place of employment, contact Chuck Richardson, Richardson Law Firm at 918-633-5070 or www.rrblawok.com.
To discuss mold damage and repair in Tulsa, OK , contact Roger Fisher with PCC Cleaning and Restoration at 918-641-1111 or www.pcccr.com.
To discuss insurance coverage of mold problems in Oklahoma, contact Mike Tedford of Tedford Insurance at 918-299-2345 or www.tedfordinsurance.com.
For all your Tulsa, Oklahoma area real estate needs, contact Darryl Baskin, McGraw Realtors at 918-258-2600 or www.darrylbaskin.com.
Friday, February 18, 2011
Should You Renovate Before You LIst Your Tulsa, OK Home?
RISMEDIA, January 25, 2011—You’ve probably seen those depressingly cheery home-themed TV shows: a couple needs to sell their house, they have an outdated kitchen, and a designer comes in and proceeds to convince them to renovate the kitchen into a stainless-steel-clad shrine to culinary greatness—for tens of thousands of dollars. In an ideal real estate market, that would add value, but in today’s market, expensive pre-sale renovations, for the most part, aren’t worth it. The numbers bear this out: In general, a home remodel will cost quite a bit more than you’ll get back when you sell; remodels done in 2010 will only recoup 60% of their price when the house is sold, according to Remodeling magazine’s 2010 Remodeling Cost vs. Value survey, done in partnership with the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR).To buy or sell Tulsa, OK real estate, contact Kelly Howard of McGraw Realtors at 918-230-6341 or www.kellyhowardhomes.com.Two of the areas that potential buyers are often most pressured to remodel before selling are the kitchen and bathroom. Here, we’ll tackle both of those rooms, and let you know what to do—and what to avoid—when considering a pre-sale renovation:
Kitchen
-Don’t put in expensive professional-grade cook’s appliances. You may choose a tricked-out, $10,000 Wolf stove, but the buyer may be a loyalist to Viking. Or, even worse, the potential buyer might be a take-out addict.-Do, however, service the appliances you have, so that they work perfectly. And, if you have seriously outdated appliances that can be replaced for $1,000 or less (like swapping a dingy old fridge for a basic new one), that’s a good idea. Similarly, if there are any appliances that you lack, which most buyers consider essential, it makes sense to buy one (like a dishwasher—you can get a nice model for under $1,000).
-Don’t replace your cabinetry entirely—even if it’s a little outdated. It’s just too subjective. You might think sleek, white Scandinavian cabinets are the way to go, but you’ll be in a bind if your potential buyer prefers dark wood.
-Do invest in cabinet refacing if your cabinets are extremely outdated. Many refacing companies will give your cabinets a fresh façade for well under $2,000, and it’s a good investment in creating a positive impression of the room without doing a pricey knock-down.
-Don’t go granite crazy. Or marble. Or etched-Murano-glass-accented tile. Spending thousands of dollars on a new countertop and backsplash is downright dangerous, as there are so many different options these days, it’s impossible to find one that will please most people.
-Do hire a professional cleaning company to come in and make what you have sparkle. While this won’t magically make your tile look magazine-spread-worthy, it will certainly make it look a lot better, as discoloration from age often makes tile look even worse.
Bathroom
-Don’t do expensive tub/shower repairs or replacements. Just like with the big-ticket kitchen fixes, this is a matter of taste. If you put in a round jetted tub, what if the buyer wants square? And is an amethyst-crystal steam shower really something everyone will love?-Do replace dated bath and shower fixtures; this can be done generally quite inexpensively. For instance, if you have a 30-year-old, tiny showerhead, replacing it with a large, rainwater-style model will lend a subtle spa-like quality without costing a lot.
-Don’t replace your smallish vanity with a new, built-in model. A lot of remodelers emphasize the intrinsically relaxing qualities of having all your toiletries, towels and even reading material beautifully organized in one big unit made of high-end wood, marble and chrome. And it is certainly beautiful. But it’s also a risky choice, and a matter of taste.
-Do freshen up the vanity area. Invest in a big mirror and put bright lights over it. And a few hundred dollars spent on a nice faucet is well worth it, as, like the showerhead, it’s a true basic—and updating the basics, in most homes and markets, is all you should be focusing on.
Other tips for redoing your kitchen and bathroom frugally
Kitchen:
-Declutter your counters. A disorganized kitchen is a buyer-deterrent. Clean up the counters and pare down countertop items to the essentials—toaster, microwave, coffee pot and not much more than that.-Keep your pantry and cabinetry clutter-free too. You don’t have to alphabetize your cereals—just know that potential buyers will probably open those cabinets, so they won’t want a ladle falling out on their head.
-Give your kitchen table or breakfast bar some life. It’s simple—placemats, a colorful vase or two and a tasteful flower arrangement will reinforce the idea that the kitchen is the heart of the home.
Bathroom:
-If you want to add a little life to the wall, try a simple, straight-lined wood or stainless-steel floating shelf with a few candles on it. It’s an elegant, boutique-hotel touch that doesn’t cost much.-Toss down a colorful floor mat. Bathrooms are often devoid of color; this is a great way to add that color, and a little warmth.
-Again, clear clutter. Even your beauty essentials shouldn’t be on the counter if you’re in the open house stage.
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Tulsa, OK Area Homes For Sale...
10824 S. 93 E. Ave.
Bixby, OK. in The Legends Addition
$725,000
5 Bedrooms
5 Full 1 Half Bathrooms
5 Living Areas
3 Car Garage
11607 E. 84 Ct. N.
Three Lakes Village in Owasso, OK.
$99,500
3 Bedrooms
1 Full, 1 Half Bathrooms
2 Car Garage
_____________________________________
10808 South New Haven Avenue
Belmont Addition in Jenks, Oklahoma
$1,895,000
4 Bedrooms
4 Full 2 Half Bathrooms
4 Living Areas
4 Car Garage
Gorgeous South Tulsa Area Luxury Home For Sale...
11707 South Fulton Avenue
Forest Hills Estates in Bixby, OK.
$725,000
4 Bedrooms
3 Full 2 Half Bathrooms
3 Car Garage
Saturday, February 12, 2011
Recycle, Don't Trash, Your Old Electronics
Knowing that these toxic metals can pollute the environment, what can we do with our old electronics? Donate or recycle old electronics. Recycling old electronics in the Tulsa, OK area is easy. Organizations like Goodwill, take these donations, sell what they can and recycle those that they can't sell. The money they make off these items helps with job training and employment. Other organizations such as Cell Phones for Soldiers, March of Dimes, Keep America Beautiful and Call To Protect also take used cell phones.
To read the full article, "Around the Home: Get Rid of Electronic Waste the Right Way" by Terri Bennett click the link.
To buy or sell Tulsa, OK real estate, contact Kelly Howard, McGraw Realtors, 918-230-6341 or www.kellyhowardhomes.com.
Tulsa, OK. Area Homes for Sale
602 Cross Timbers Blvd.
The Lakes at Cross Timbers
$339,000
3 Bedrooms
2 Full 1 Half Bathrooms
3 Car Garage
1705 S. Juniper Ave.
Village Park
$165,000
3 Bedrooms
2 Bathrooms
2 Car Garage
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
Friday, February 11, 2011
Keeping Your Tulsa, OK Home Secure While On Vacation
RISMEDIA, February 11, 2011—With school vacations approaching, many lucky families are planning trips to cure their winter blues. Here are some important things to remember if you leave your home for several days.
1. Turn down your thermostat, but don’t shut it off. You shouldn’t set your thermostat any lower than 55 degrees in order to protect your pipes from freezing.
2. Arrange for snow removal in your absence in case there’s a storm while you are away. Massachusetts law requires residents to clear their own sidewalks and walkways six hours after a storm takes place and you’re not off the hook if you are out of town.
3. Make sure to hold the mail and newspaper. If you can’t have someone pick it up every day, it’s a sure giveaway that nobody’s home and can be a green light for burglars.
4. If possible, leave a key with someone you trust, preferably a neighbor and have them keep an eye on your home while you’re gone. Make sure to offer returning the favor and thank them with a gift when you return.
5. Unplug all electronics that don’t need to used like the television, coffee maker, and home computers.
6. Lower the temperature on your water heater.
7. If you can, leave a car in the driveway and use timers to turn on outdoor and indoor lights to give the impression that someone is home. Leaving the porch light on the entire time you’re gone is a bad idea. If you don’t have a timed light, you can leave an interior light on for the duration of your trip as long as you can’t easily notice it during the day.
8. As excited as you may be to go on vacation, avoid advertising it over Facebook and Twitter. Also, keep this in mind while posting updates from your cell phone on vacation.
9. If you have access to one, place all your valuables in a safe or safe deposit box.
10. Remember, if your house is on the market, you can ask your REALTOR® to stop by and check in. While you’re on vacation, it’s a great time for showings because you won’t have schedule conflicts.
If you follow these tips the next time you are out of town, you will most likely protect your house and your peace of mind.
For Tulsa, OK real estate needs, contact Kelly Howard, McGraw Realtors, 918-230-6341 or www.kellyhowardhomes.com.
Friday, February 4, 2011
Luxury Homes For Sale in the Tulsa, OK Area
1724 East 151 Street
in Bixby, OK.
$2,675,000
5 Bedrooms
6.5 Bathrooms
4 Car Garage
________________________________________
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
__________________________________
Secluded Owasso, OK Luxury Home For Sale
in Owasso, OK.
$1,900,000
4 Bedrooms
4 Full, 2 Half Bathrooms
4 Car Garage
For more information on these Luxury Tulsa,OK Area Homes for Sale or for all your Tulsa, OK real estate needs, contact Kelly Howard, McGraw Realtors, 918-230-6341 or www.kellyhowardhomes.com