Buy Now or Wait for Lower Rates?

With memories of home mortgage rates of 16% and 18% in years past, current mortgage interest rates are at some of the lowest points in the last 25 or 30 years. At this time, mortgage interest rates are in the 5% range, depending on the type of loan obtained. For most "First Time Home Buyers," the interest rates have probably never been lower in their lifetime. Even for seasoned home buyers, current interest rates are a real bargain! Waiting for a possible drop of perhaps 1/4% of mortgage rate does not justify waiting to purchase a home when the mortgage interest rate could just as easily go up 1/4% to 1/2%. If a home purchase is a consideration, taking advantage of the current interest rates would be a wise course of action.

To discuss current mortgage rates and information contact Steve Currington of Currington Mortgage at 918-810-0092 or www.curringtonmortgage.com.

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

For a directory of home maintenance professionals visit www.tulsahomemaintenance.com.

Preparing Your Landscaping For Cold Weather

When the temperature drops and cold weather months arrive, it is important to remember that our landscaping still needs attention. There are many things that we can do to prepare our landscape for the cold weather. Here are just a few:

• Prune- it is helpful to prune some varieties of plants during the Fall and Winter months.
• Plant- check out plant and vegetable varieties that can be planted during the cold months.
• Mulch- remember to keep about 3 inches of mulch on your flowerbeds all year long. Mulch can help keep the roots warm and hold in moisture.
• Container Plants- don't forget container plants. Some work well inside during cold weather and some can re-grow simply by taking a cutting of the plant.

If you have questions about preparing your landscaping for cold weather or want an estimate for landscaping services contact Nathan at Bluum Outdoor at 918-599-8500 or nathan@bluum.net.

To find out how to prepare your home for sale and for all your real estate needs in the Tulsa, Ok. area, contact The Baskin Real Estate Specialists at 918-258-2600 or www.darrylbaskin.com.

Petition to Partition

Many times, people will purchase a property with a friend or family member, only to find that years later a strain happens in the relationship and one or both parties want to sell their share in the property. That in itself is not a big problem unless the parties disagree about what should happen with the property. When a disagreement happens that can't be resolved, each party will need to seek an attorney. Usually, it will end up before a judge. Each party will lay out their interest for the property and the judge will determine what will happen with the property, including the interest each party will have with the property. The judge can also appoint appraisers to determine the property value. Getting to this point will usually cost quite a bit of money in legal fees. To avoid this type of situation, contact an attorney to discuss plans before a contract is signed.

If you have questions regarding a Petition to Partition or other legal issues, contact David Keesling with Richardson, Richardson, Boudreaux at 492-7674 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.

Homebuyer's Tax Credit Extended

The $8000 tax credit for first time home buyer's has been extended. Originally, the tax credit was only offered until November 30, 2009. The new tax credit extension enables home buyers under contract by April 30, 2010 to use the tax credit. The extension also allows for a $6500 tax credit for home buyers who have owned a home and lived in it for 5 years. In addition, home buyers have an additional 60 days to close the sale. For more information on the tax credit extension, contact Jeff Sargent at ONB Mortgage at 918-392-6572 or jeff_sargent@onbbank.com.

For your Tulsa, OK. area real estate needs, contact The Baskin Real Estate Specialists at 918-258-2600 or www.darrylbaskin.com.

Month's Supply of Inventory - Tulsa Public Schools District

Month's Supply of Inventory in Tulsa Public Schools District has trended down over past 2 years.

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

If you are interested in building a new home or addition, contact Bruce Gardner of Gardner Construction at 918-481-1377 or gcc1946@aol.com.

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

New Law Affecting Your Move

Mike Ellingson, owner of Relocation LLC, says local movers in Oklahoma will be facing new rules from the Oklahoma Corporation Commission requiring insurance coverage and licensing. Formerly, an inter-city moving company was exempt from licensing and insurance laws but will now face penalties and fines for not holding these policies and coverages. The law takes effect November 1st, 2009. Homeowners are often deceived by companies who present a low bid but offer no coverages for damage or loss. Research carefully before you hire a mover and make sure that you can trust them with all of your belongings. For more information on these new regulations affecting your move, for an estimate, or for moving tips, 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 www.darrylbaskin.com.