Homeowners Hope for Easier and More Streamlined Modification Rules

Hello, Valued Member! Top 5 in Real Estate Network® Members are dedicated to providing you with the most up-to-date, helpful real estate information. This monthly newsletter, "Real Estate Matters," offers articles on a range of topics that will inform you in your real estate pursuits. Having trouble seeing this email? Click to view it as a web page. Add newsletter@rismedia.com to your address book to ensure email delivery. Buying Selling Owning Financing Home Improvement My Website My Listings Darryl Baskin Broker Associate McGraw Realtors My Website Member, Top 5 in Real Estate Phone: 918-258-2600 Cell: 918-740-0077 Fax: 918-398-5110 Email Me Are More Streamlined Loan Modifications on the Horizon? This month’s newsletter provides a detailed look at the foreclosure probe and homeowners' hope that streamlined modification rules will help simplify the process. Real Estate Matters also offers some tips to save you time and money on home appraisals; a guide to navigating today's housing inventory; a look at housing recovery factors; ways to prevent identity theft and more. Top 5 Members are uniquely qualified to not only help you get educated on these matters, but make them as effortless as possible. Only Top 5 Members can provide you with the kind of exclusive information found here in Real Estate Matters - a monthly look at what's really happening in the housing market. It's a privilege to provide you with this important information. Enjoy this monthly e-newsletter, and as always, your feedback is welcomed - call or email any time! This Month's Top Story Homeowners Hope for Easier and More Streamlined Modification Rules as Result of Foreclosure Probe RISMEDIA, December 7, 2010—(MCT)—Union County, N.C., homeowner Barry Lancett signed two agreements with a national lender this year to modify the terms of his mortgage but still received a disturbing piece of paperwork: a foreclosure notice. “A deputy comes to your door and delivers it in front of the community,” said Lancett, who later avoided foreclosure but is still dealing with lingering issues. “It was humiliating, to say the least.” More Top Stories 10 Appraisal Tips that Will Save You Time and Money RISMEDIA, December 7, 2010—Mortgage rates are at near-historic lows, but sinking home values are often lowering appraisals as well. If you are considering refinancing your home, what do you need to know about the appraisal process to help ensure you get the best possible appraisal on your home? Top 10 Ways to Guard against Identity Theft RISMEDIA, December 7, 2010—Consumers today are well aware that having their identity stolen can be a financial and emotional disaster. Most know better than to give out PIN or credit card numbers over the phone or the Internet unless they are very sure who is on the other end of the line. Tips on How Buyers Can Sift through Housing Inventory Effectively and Efficiently RISMEDIA, December 7, 2010—Five years ago, a serious buyer who was pre-approved for a mortgage loan typically spent three to four weeks looking for a home and usually visited 15-20 homes. Now the search can take much longer with the amount of inventory on the market. Housing Market Recovery Depends on Jobs and Access to Credit, Says NAR RISMEDIA, December 7, 2010—Although the recent trend of rising long-term borrowing rates may mean higher mortgages for consumers in the coming months, the greater obstacles to housing market recovery are job creation and availability of credit, according to a National Association of Realtors analysis. “Modest changes in mortgage rates are less important to a housing market recovery than the number of people who are able to obtain mortgages,” said NAR Chief Economist Lawrence Yun. Have You Heard About The Top 5 Real Estate Social Networking SystemSM? Sign up to receive my free, weekly e-Articles - brief, compelling, home-related informational articles that you or your family and friends will find helpful in pursuing your real estate goals! Here are some article samples recently sent out to my Real Estate Social Network: 7 Moving Mistakes that Can Cost You How to Rent Your Vacation Property ... Fast 6 Ways to Get Your Home in Tip-Top Shape Top 5 Tips for First-Time Home Buyers Top 5 Ways to Spend Less This Holiday Season Email me for more information. * This monthly newsletter is brought to you by your Top 5 in Real Estate Network® Member Agent and is intended as educational information only. RISMedia's Top 5 Real Estate Network® is a network created by, for, and of "leading real estate professionals" who are dedicated to providing "leading real estate information to consumers." The RISMedia Top 5 in Real Estate Network is backed by the commitment and resources of RISMedia. Top 5 was created to fill a profound void in how high-impact consumer relevant information was presented by leading real estate industry members to increasingly sophisticated, discerning, and demanding consumers, in order to both sustain and elevate the ongoing viability and appeal of the industry's leading professionals. For more information, visit www.top5inrealestate.com RISMedia, publisher of Real Estate magazine, is dedicated to providing real estate professionals with the most up-to-date news, information and business development resources in the industry. To submit questions, comments, suggestion, press releases or story ideas, please e-mail realestatemagazinefeedback@rismedia.com. RISMedia, Inc./Top 5 in Real Estate Network® 69 East Avenue, Norwalk, Connecticut 06851 P (203) 855-1234 F(203) 852-7208 www.top5inrealestate.com © 2010. RISMedia, Inc. All Rights Reserved. This email is intended for: post@posterous.com. If you wish to edit your subscription or unsubscribe from Real Estate Matters, please click here.

Posted via email from The Baskin Report

Tulsa, OK. Area Homes for Sale

Sapulpa, OK Home for Sale

602 Cross Timbers Blvd.
The Lakes at Cross Timbers
$339,000

3 Bedrooms
2 Full 1 Half Bathrooms
3 Car Garage

Broken Arrow, OK. Home for Sale

1705 S. Juniper Ave.
Village Park
$165,000

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

Ways to Go Green in Your Tulsa, OK Home This Christmas!

With Christmas fast approaching, there are many tasks that you might find yourself rushing to complete in your Tulsa, OK home. For some, it is decorating, for others it is completing last minute projects and touch-ups that have gone undone. Whatever you find yourself trying to complete before you Christmas guests arrive, read this great article on ways that you can go green this Christmas season!

RISMEDIA, December 4, 2010—(MCT)—Now that the holidays are in full swing, the thought of guests descending on your home may have you in an all out redecorating rush. Do your part this holiday season and go green while you paint, clean, and even accessorize.

We all know that paint can completely and inexpensively change the look of any space. But did you know that it’s one of the biggest sources of indoor air pollution? That’s because conventional paints contain volatile organic compounds—or VOCs—which are known to cause everything from headaches to certain cancers.

Now, it’s easier than ever to get your hands on low or no VOC paint from nearly any paint manufacturer. The cost of low or no VOC paints are comparable to conventional paints and they last just as long. Just look on the can’s label to make sure you are choosing the healthiest option for your home.

Another source of those dangerous VOCs is household cleaners. If you’re like me, you may take cleaning to a whole other level when company comes to town. Before you spend a lot of money on store-bought cleaners, take a look at the non-toxic options you may already have in your pantry.

Items like baking soda, vinegar, and borax are effective cleaners for every room in your home. They do everything from disinfecting surfaces to killing mold. If you want to go the store-bought route, look for cleaners that are plant-based and biodegradable.

Now for the fun part of buying things for your home. If you’ll be picking out a new piece of furniture before your friends and family arrive, pick ones that don’t emit dangerous chemicals into the air. Some affordable pieces made from medium density fiberboard—or MDF—actually contain a formaldehyde-based resin.

Gas from the formaldehyde is known to slowly release into the air and can irritate eyes and cause breathing problems. Formaldehyde is also used in many furniture adhesives. When shopping, find out what the furniture is made of and if any formaldehyde adhesives are used in the manufacturing process to ensure you aren’t bringing toxic pieces into your home.

There may also be some smaller items on your shopping list this year. If you’ll be getting new towels or sheets for your guests, opt for organic cotton items. These pieces are produced from cotton that is grown without using harmful pesticides or insecticides. Not only that, you’ll also find organic cotton items are generally softer. Major retailers now offer organic options in every price range. You can also find decorative bed pillows made with organic cotton at many home goods stores.

There are plenty of ways to get in the green spirit this holiday season and it won’t cost you any more money or time. So do your part when guests come to visit to make sure your home is the healthiest it can be.

(c) 2010, The Charlotte Observer (Charlotte, N.C.).

Click here to view this article, "Around the Home: Green Your Home for the Holidays"

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

From Our Top 5 Team: Top 5 Ways to Spend Less this Holiday Season

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Top 5 Ways to Spend Less This Holiday Season

While the holidays should be a joyous time for all, unfortunately, financial pressures can make this time of the year stressful and depressing for many. There are countless ways, however, to stop holiday spending from spiraling out of control in order to get back to the true meaning of the season.

As a Member of the Top 5 in Real Estate Network®, I -- along with my team -- often play the role of financial advisor to many clients. After all, owning a home is most likely the biggest investment you'll make, so being prudent regarding spending is a must ... especially in today's economy.

There are many great organizations out there that offer wonderful advice on managing your finances, such as The Homeownership Preservation Foundation (HPF), a nonprofit entity dedicated to helping distressed homeowners navigate financial challenges (www.995hope.org). HPF offers the following great tips for curbing holiday spending:

1. The number-one rule of financial management is creating a budget and the holidays are no exception. Instead of just random spending, create a detailed budget for gifts, travel, entertaining, cards, decorating, etc. Create a budget for each person on your shopping list and don’t go over it.
2. Stick to this budget by only taking cash, not credit cards, with you when you shop. This will help you avoid impulse purchases.
3. Avoid the expense of the office grab bag or Yankee swap by suggesting your employer make a donation to a local charity instead; ask employees to contribute gently used clothing, canned goods, winter coats, etc. This will not only save everyone money but emphasizes the true spirit of the season.
4. If this is your first year in a new home, don't feel pressured to invest in a full set of ornaments for your tree. Collect those gradually over the years and, in the meantime, decorate with paper snowflakes, popcorn and cranberry garlands, spraypainted pine cones, and other homemade ornaments. The effect will be charming and memorable for years to come.
5. Streamline the preparations and costs of your holiday get-togethers by sticking to appetizers only. Ask everyone to bring an hors d'oeuvre and serve beer and wine only.

Not only will the above tips help you spend less, but they will help eliminate many of the common stresses that accompany the holiday so that you can truly enjoy the season with family and friends. Feel free to e-mail our team for more cost-saving ideas and please forward this information to others ... after all, we could all benefit from spending less this year!

Sincerely,

Darryl Baskin
McGraw Realtors
Office: 918-258-2600
Mobile: 918-740-0077
Darryl@DarrylBaskin.com
http://www.DarrylBaskin.com

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Posted via email from The Baskin Report

November Housing Scorecard Shows Continued Signs of Stabilization in House Prices and High Home Affordability

RISMEDIA, November 24, 2010—The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the U.S. Department of the Treasury released the November 2010 edition of the Obama Administration’s Housing Scorecard (www.hud.gov/scorecard). The latest housing figures show continued signs of stabilization in house prices and high home affordability due in part to record low mortgage interest rates. The housing scorecard is a comprehensive report on the nation’s housing market.

“The Obama Administration has made significant strides in promoting stability for the housing market and the nation’s homeowners. Through a range of swift actions since we took office, we’ve seen millions more families able to stay in their homes and a steady rise in responsible borrowers refinancing their loans or becoming homeowners,” said HUD Assistant Secretary Raphael Bostic. “But, while we cannot stop every foreclosure, we know that more has to be done to reach homeowners in distress and to help unemployed borrowers. That’s why we’re continuing to focus on successfully implementing the programs we’ve put in place—such as neighborhood stabilization funding, additional assistance on refinancing and emergency loans to help unemployed homeowners—and ensuring that help is available to homeowners as early as possible.”

“The recent reports of problems in the foreclosure process underscore the importance of helping responsible homeowners avoid the pain of foreclosure,” said acting Assistant Secretary for Financial Stability Timothy Massad. “As we implement additional program enhancements to reach more homeowners, we continue to stress to mortgage servicers the importance of making every effort to enroll eligible homeowners in HAMP and provide meaningful alternatives to avoidable foreclosures.”

The November Housing Scorecard features key data on the health of the housing market including:

-An additional one million families refinanced their mortgages in the last quarter, taking advantage of the lowest rates in history on 30-year fixed mortgages. Since April 2009, record low interest rates have helped more than 8.3 million homeowners to refinance, resulting in more stable home prices and $15.2 billion in annual borrower savings.

-As expected with the expiration of the Home Buyer Tax Credit, new and existing home sales have remained below levels seen in the first half of 2010. At the same time, home prices remained level in the past year after 33 straight months of decline and homeowners added $95 billion in home equity in the second quarter.

-More than 3.73 million modification arrangements were started between April 2009 and the end of August 2010—more than double the number of foreclosure completions during that time. These modification arrangements included nearly 1.4 million trial Home Affordable Modification Program (HAMP) modification starts, more than 600,000 Federal Housing Administration (FHA) loss mitigation and early delinquency interventions, and nearly 1.8 million proprietary modifications under HOPE Now. While some homeowners may have received help from more than one program, the number of agreements offered were more than double the number of foreclosure completions for the same period (1.6 million).

Data in the scorecard also show that the recovery in the housing market continues to remain fragile. While the recovery will take place over time, the Administration remains committed to its efforts to prevent avoidable foreclosures and stabilize the housing market.

For more information, visit www.hud.gov.

Interested in a Tulsa, OK area mortgage? Contact Karen Heston of BOK Mortgage at 918-488-7353 or visit her website.

To take advantage of the affordability of the Tulsa, OK area real estate market, contact Kelly Howard of the Luxury Property Group of McGraw Realtors, 918-230-6341 or www.tulsaluxurypropertygroup.com.

Is the U.S. Economy Growing?

In an article posted on RISMedia.com titled "New GDP Numbers Show Economy Growing Slowly" by Kevin G. Hall says that newly reported Gross Domestic Product figures show that the economy could be growing. For most of us that is a great thought, especially with so many foreclosures, job losses, and difficult economic times. The article also mentions that consumer spending is up, which is a sign that stress over job losses and other financial woes are decreasing. Want more information on this news? Visit the link to the article here.

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

Eliminating Autumn Pests from Your Broken Arrow, OK Home

Many insects find their way into our Tulsa, Oklahoma homes during this time of year. They come in through crevices and cracks in roof flashing, siding, trim, vents, and any other way they can. Once they are inside the walls and structural areas of our homes they can be very hard to exterminate. When the weather warms up they will often come inside through light fixture openings, vents, light switches, and fireplaces. To help eliminate pest problems in the Spring, follow these simple steps:

1. Walk around your home, inside and out. Look for any cracks, crevices, and missing caulk in your siding, doors, and windows.
2. Look around for holes in drywall.
3. Check your roof for loose roof flashing and shingles. For a thorough inspection, call a Tulsa, OK roofing company.
4. Basically look for any little areas of your home where pests can enter.
   

For Tulsa, OK pest control, call M.E.- Duane Montgomery of Montgomery Exterminating at 918-438-4885 or www.montgomeryexterminating.com.

For a Tulsa, OK roofing services, call Judy Smith of A-Best Roofing at 918-587-1426 or www.abestroofing.com.

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