Why Buy Title Insurance?

Title insurance can sometimes be a little confusing.  It can also leave homeowners wondering, "Why Buy Title Insurance?" When getting a Tulsa mortgage, one thing that will be an important consideration is Tulsa title insurance.  Darryl Baskin has provided some great information on the Importance of Title Insurance on his website.  Visit the link provided to brush up on your understanding of title insurance and your property. 

Location, Location, Location!

In real estate, the phrase "location, location, location" is always around.  Location is one of the most important factors in the home buying process.  The same also holds true with building.   Tulsa Realtor, Darryl Baskin, says that "before you build, consider the location of the property"!   Whether you are simply purchasing land or are building your dream home, "work with your Tulsa Realtor to make sure that the location you desire will fit your budget as well as the style and size you want in your home. Don't find out after purchasing that you can't do what you want or that the market will not handle your specific plans."

For more tips on what to do before you build, read "Before You Build A Home".

Home Buyers- Avoid These Common Mistakes

If you ask any successful Tulsa area Realtor, "What are the Most Common Mistakes that Home Buyers Make?"  you will likely get quite a list.  Darryl Baskin, Tulsa area Realtor with eXp Realty posts some helpful information for home buyers trying to avoid those common errors.

One error that home buyers often make is expecting closing to occur within 30 days.  Although this can happen, it doesn't happen every time.  Many things must happen before your Tulsa area closing company and Tulsa mortgage company can proceed with closing.  For more common errors that home buyers make, visit the post, "Common Mistakes by Home Buyers". 

Going Green in Tulsa New Construction

There are so many different ways to build a greener, more environmentally friendly home.  In a very helpful building guide, from Tulsa Realtor Darryl Baskin, you will learn the Top 5 Ways to Build a Greener Home.  They include focusing on:  the roof, the windows, the walls, the outside, and the appliances.  Visit the article link above for some great information on building a greener home.

I thought Bed Bugs Meant a Dirty House!

That is a common myth, however, a very untrue one.  Bed Bugs do not mean you have a dirty home.  They can come from many different places, including second hand clothing and visiting somewhere else they are found.  Read, "Eliminating Bed Bugs and Dust Mites in Your Tulsa Home" for more information.

Land Surveys

Whether you are building a new home, remodeling, or selling your home, a survey of your property can be very beneficial. When a land surveyor is hired to perform a survey, he will do several things. One of the first things he will do is to research, through several sources including the County Clerk’s office, in order to gather information about anything that affects the property and it’s boundaries. The surveyor will then perform a field survey of the property. He will find any physical evidence that will affect the boundaries as well as note any improvements made. After all this has been done, the surveyor will determine where the property lines are based on his research and data. He will then put the data into the computer to verify and draw a plat.

There are various types of surveys that can be performed.

• A boundary survey is simply for the purpose of locating the boundaries and corners of a piece of land.
• A topographical survey is used to locate elevations, land contours, streams, fences, etc.
• A subdivision survey divides the land into smaller pieces with their boundaries.
  
• A mortgage location survey must meed the requirements for title insurance.

Whatever your reasons for considering a survey, remember to tell the surveyor. They can help you determine which survey is you need.

For more information about surveys required before your Tulsa real estate closing, contact Karen Burnette of FirsTitle at 918-493-2241 or www.firstitle.com.

For Tulsa mortgage needs, contact Steve Currington of 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.

Want to buy or sell your Tulsa home, visit www.homeguidetulsa.com for helpful tips on selling your home, buying your home, and Tulsa homes for sale.

Your Responsiblity During Your Move

When anyone, whether it is you or a moving company, moves household goods over the highway, there are responsibilities and rights that you and the moving company have.

1. Moving companies are not legally required to provide an estimate for services. You should however ask for one.

2. Moving companies are required to prepare a bill of lading for any shipment being transported. That is the contract you have with the mover. You must be provided with a copy before your furniture is loaded and should read it carefully before accepting it.

3. Make sure that either you, or the moving company, inventories everything in the shipment. Sign each page of the inventory copy after checking it carefully.

4. Moving companies do have to assume some degree of liability for the goods they transport. Mare sure you are aware of the different levels of liability and the cost to you for each one.


For more information or an estimate for Tulsa area moving services, contact Mike Ellingson at Relocation LLC at 918- 4159-6683 or www.relcationllc.net.

For Tulsa area junk removal, contact David Tittle at I-Haul USA at 918-852-2146 or www.ihaulusa.com.

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

Get Ready for Spring

With Spring just around the corner, we can expect beautiful Spring weather as well as Spring storms. Taking some time now to prepare your family, home and landscaping for Spring can prevent possible disaster and added stress later.

• Have a Tulsa air conditioning company service your A/C and Tulsa roofing company inspect your roof.
• Inspect your windows, doors, and siding.
  
• Have regular pest control treatments on your Tulsa home to help prevent problems later.
• Review your Tulsa area insurance coverage with your agent.
• Install good quality air filters to reduce allergens.
• Plan your landscaping projects now.
• Practice your fire escape plan and tornado drills now.

For more information on Preparing For Spring, read the full article at www.darrylbaskin.com.

For all your Tulsa home maintenance professionals, visit www.tulsahomecare.com or contact one of the professionals below:

Tulsa, OK Pest Control- Mother Natures Pest and Lawn, 918-362-2000 or www.pestsecret.com.
Tulsa Roofing Installation- Judy Smith, A-Best Roofing, 918-587-1426 or www.abestroofing.com.
A/C Service in the Tulsa, OK area- Stephen Taylor, Air Assurance, 258-COOL or www.airassurance.com.
Tulsa Homeowners Insurance- Mike Tedford, Tedford Insurance, 918-299-2345 or www.tedfordinsurance.com.
Tulsa area Electrical Service- Larry Murray, Murray Electric, 918-254-5771 or www.murayelectric.com.
Tulsa Plumbing Service- Markwayne Mullin, Mullin Plumbing, 918-258-6636 or www.mullinplumbing.com.
Air Filter Replacement- Filters4Me, www.filters4me.com
Glass Mulch in the Tulsa area- Garden Glass of Oklahoma, 918-232-0210 or www.gardenglassofoklahoma.com
Tulsa area Disaster Restoration- Reset Restoration, 888-917-3738 or www.resetrestoration.com.
Tulsa area Building and Remodeling- Rick Oberlender, US Building Systems, 918-734-1293

Exterminating Pests in the Winter...

During the winter, many property owners don't think about pest control. It can be, however, a great time to think about pest control. Failure to plan for your pest control needs now, can cause greater pest problems in the Spring as pests emerge from the walls and eggs hatch. During the Winter, some pests can tolerate the cold weather, others must find a way to stay warm. For pests that need to stay warm, they will often come inside your home and walls or burrow into the ground for warmer soil.

There are several ways to treat for pests during colder weather that will not only help kill pests now, but also prevent them when warmer weather comes.

1. The outside of your property can be inspected during the Winter weather for nests, eggs, and signs of pest damage.
2. The perimeter of your home, including windows, doors, and eaves, can be treated to kill pests trying to enter your property.
3. The interior of your home can be treated to kill any pests that may have already entered.

For a free, no obligation pest evaluation and estimate in the Tulsa area, contact Mother Natures Pest and Lawn, 918-362-2000 or www.pestsecret.com.

Family Fun Night...

Those who have had a catastrophe know how much work it is to find receipts and locate and remember all the items in your home. To prevent this problem should a catastrophe occur, here is a fun idea for the whole family. First, prepare an insurance inventory list. Think of all your electronic items, valuables, antiques, and anything else you want to list. Second, get a video camera and turn your insurance inventory list into a game for the whole family. Video everything from your sock drawers (let your kids count them) to your new TV. This will not only help teach your kids the importance of serial numbers on electronic items, but can also help your young kids with their counting skills. Finally, place the video in a safe place. A safety deposit box or fireproof safe are great locations. In the event of a fire or another catastrophe, this video will be of tremendous help. Have fun!

For Tulsa area insurance quotes or questions, contact Mike Tedford, Tedford Insurance at 918-299-2345 or www.tedfordinsurance.com

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

Had fire, wind, or water damage? For disaster restoration services in Tulsa, OK. contact PCC Cleaning and Restoration at 918-641-1111 or www.pcccr.com

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.