A Little Luxury Living in Your Tulsa, OK Home!

Would you love to have someone in your home to turn on the lights at a moments notice? How about someone to turn on the home theater system or even the security system? No need. With home automation, you can control all of these things and more with a remote, all from the comfort of your favorite chair.

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!

Home automation systems are features that are becoming the "norm" in many Tulsa, OK area luxury homes. Some may have a partial automation system that controls the entertainment components or lighting, for example. For others, it may include an entire home automation system, which can include everything. Home automation systems come in many price ranges and include many different components. Contact Tulsa, OK area home automation professionals to find out what system is best for you!

To discuss Tulsa, OK area home automation systems contact Keegan Beck of KMB Enterprises at 918-527-1031 or www.KMBEnterprisesllc.com

For home maintenance professionals in the Tulsa, OK area, visit www.tulsahomecare.com.

For all your Tulsa, OK area luxury real estate needs, contact Tim Hayes of The Tulsa Luxury Property Group of McGraw Realtors at 918-739-0397 or www.tulsaluxurypropertygroup.com.

Protecting Your Valuables

Most of us have something in our Tulsa, OK area home that we consider valuable. For some that may be jewelry or furs for others firearms or antiques. Here are some ways that we can keep those items protected and decrease the chances that they are stolen.

• Put small items in a safety deposit box or fireproof safe. If using a safe, consider securing it to the floor.
• Make sure all your doors and windows are properly secure.
• Keep the exterior of your home well lit with motion sensor lighting.
• Pretend you are a burglar and try to find areas around your home that you could get in. When you have a list, make sure those areas are completely secure.
• Don’t hide items in obvious locations.
• Install a security system that is monitored at all times.
• Don’t open the door to strangers and check ID for delivery, emergency, repair persons.
• Always plan for the worst. Although we hope that we will never experience a break in at our home, always make sure that your Tulsa, OK. homeowner's insurance is more than adequate to cover loss due to a burglary.
  

To receive a quote for security system installation in the Tulsa, OK area, contact Tory Tipp of TNT Security at 918-313-4074 or torytipp@yahoo.com.

For homeowner's insurance coverage for your Tulsa, OK home, contact Mike Tedford of Tedford Insurance at 918-299-2345 or www.tedfordinsurance.com.

Questions on the 2010 Oklahoma State Ballot #5

As Tulsa residents, the upcoming election in November will be very important There are a record 11 questions on the Oklahoma State Ballot. As Tulsa voters, it is important to be aware of each question on the ballot so that we can make well informed decisions. After all, these decisions will affect Tulsa for years to come. So far we have given an overview of SQ 744, SQ 746, SQ 747 and SQ 748- 4 of 11 questions on the Oklahoma State Ballot for November 2010. Today, we will discuss the fifth and sixth of the eleven Oklahoma state questions- SQ 750 and SQ 751.

SQ 750: This measure amends a section of the State Constitution. This section deals with initiative petitions. It also deals with referendum petitions. It deals with how many signatures are required on such petitions. It changes that requirement.

"Initiative" is the right to propose laws and constitutional amendments. "Referendum" is the right to reject a law passed by the Legislature. The following voter signature requirements apply: 8% must sign to propose a law. 15% must sign to propose to change the State Constitution. 5% must sign to order a referendum. These percentages are based upon the State office receiving the most total votes at the last General Election. The measure changes this basis. The measure's basis uses every-other General Election. General Elections are held every two years. The Governor is on the ballot every four years. The measure's basis only uses General Elections with the Governor on the ballot. The President is on the ballot in intervening General Elections. The measure's basis does not use General Elections with the President on the ballot. More votes are usually cast at Presidential General Elections. Thus, the measure would generally have a lowering effect on the number of required signatures.

SQ 751: This measure amends the State Constitution. It adds anew Article to the Constitution. That Article deals with the State's official actions. It dictates the language to be used in taking official State action. It requires that official State actions be in English. Native American languages could also be used. When Federal law requires other languages could also be used.

These language requirements apply to the State's "official actions." The term "official actions" is not defined. The Legislature could pass laws determining the application of the language requirements. The Legislature would also pass laws implementing and enforcing the language requirements.

No lawsuit based on State law could be brought on the basis of a State agency's failure to use a language other than English. Nor could such a lawsuit be brought against political subdivisions of the State.

This information provided by "Do You Have the Answers?" by Sid Sperry published in Oklahoma Living Magazine.

For more information about SQ 750 or SQ 751 or any other question on November 2, 2010 ballot, visit the www.okpolicy.org website or visit www.ballotpedia.org.

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

What Exactly Is Oklahoma Title Insurance?

Title insurance protects your claim of ownership of your Tulsa, Oklahoma property. When you buy real estate in the Tulsa, OK area, you count on the paperwork being properly reviewed. You should get a "title opinion" from an attorney. That does not, however, provide you any insurance that the attorney did not make an error or that someone later does not come back and claim an error was made (regardless who is right or wrong.) It is simply the opinion of the attorney you hired.

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. If you are concerned about problems that might arise after you purchase the property, talk to your title company and ask about appropriate insurance.
  
• 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 - that 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 Ann Rollins, at Closings of Tulsa, 918-493-2241 or www.closingsoftulsa.com.

Have Tulsa, OK area title problems? and have legal problems as a result of your title or lack of title insurance, contact Chuck Richardson of Richardson, Richardson, Boudreaux at 918-663-5070 or www.richardsonlawfirmpc.com.

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

Protect Your Home Value During Tough Economic Times

During today's tough economic times, we constantly hear about the suffering housing market. Keep the following tips in mind to help protect the value of your Tulsa, OK area home.

• Mow your yard.
• Mow your neighbor's yard.
• Keep your house painted.
• Support your Tulsa homeowner's association. This is not the time to be quibbling over inconsequential matters.
• Watch your entry to the neighborhood. Keep it well maintained.
• Exterior matters most- many owners will be facing difficulty finding the funds to maintain their home as they have in the past. Don't put home maintenance issues off or you might find a bigger problem with a bigger bill later. Hire home professionals if necessary.
• Don't flood the market if you are not a necessary seller. Your presence as a home for sale (if it competes with another house in the neighborhood) could cause a seller who is desperate to sell to become more desperate and drop their price further to compete.
• Variety of selection is important.
• Talk up the neighborhood! What you say to your friends is as important as any house advertisement.
• Never say "They will never get that!" to anyone...EVER! You should HOPE AND PRAY they DO!

To find out what your home is worth and for all your real estate needs in the Tulsa, Oklahoma area contact Darryl Baskin, McGraw Realtors, 918-258-2600 or www.darrylbaskin.com.

For estimates for residential repairs in the Tulsa, Oklahoma area, contact Jonathon Knapp of Residential Repair Inc at 918-621-1020 or www.residentialrepairinc.com.

To check your Tulsa, Oklahoma home for termite damage or wood rot, contact Duane Montgomery of Montgomery Exterminating at 918-438-4885 or www.montgomeryexterminating.com.

New Price on Jenks, OK Luxury Home!

Luxury Home for Sale in Jenks, OK- NEW PRICE!

Luxury Home for Sale in Jenks, OK.
The Gates at Forest Park

$3,999,000

6 Bedrooms
7 Full 4 Half Bathrooms
5 Car Garage

Never Before Has a Home of this Grandeur, Quality, Technology been Available! Magnificent Master Suite & 4 other Luxury en-suite, Apartment w/Elevator. Cinema, Gym, Sauna, Tennis Court, Pool/Spa. Rare Opportunity to Own One of Tulsa's Foremost Properties.


For information on this Jenks, OK luxury home or for all your luxury real estate needs in the Tulsa, OK area, contact Kelly Howard of the Tulsa Luxury Property Group of McGraw Realtors at 918-230-6341 or www.kellyhowardhomes.com.

Protect Your 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 Tulsa, OK area 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 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 Tulsa, OK Area emergency numbers near all phones in case of fire or emergency. A great place to check is the local phone book.
  
• No matter how much we prepare, we can't completely prevent fires in our home. should a fire occur, remember to call your homeowners insurance agent and 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, OK area- Roger Fisher, PCC Cleaning and Restoration, 918-641-1111 or www.pcccr.com.