Nasty Little Pests!

Dust Mites are nasty little pests. They are everywhere, yet we can't even see them. 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. Okay, I know you're probably saying "That's enough, tell me how to get rid of the nasty things!"

Although we can't completely get rid of dust mites, here are some ways to reduce dust and Dust Mites in our homes:

• 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.

For more information about hardwood flooring options in the Broken Arrow, OK. area, contact Jim Ecrette of ProSource Wholesale Floorcoverings at 918-252-7711 or email him at prosourcejim@tulsacoxmail.com. (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.

To get rid of pests in your Broken Arrow, OK property, contact Duane Montgomery, Montgomery Exterminating, 918-438-4885 or www.montgomeryexterminating.com.

Negative Equity in Oklahoma

Did you know that Oklahoma ranks #1 in states with the least number of homeowners with negative equity in their home. It wasn't too long ago that many people were getting 2nd and 3rd mortgages on their property. This means that they have negative equity. This can be a problem for many reasons, but is especially difficult when you want to sell your property. When you have negative equity many homeowners can't sell their property unless they have cash on hand to pay the overage. When this happens, homeowners shouldn't expect their property to sell for what they have into it. It will only sell for what it is worth. That may be more than what is owed or less than what is owed.

When you go looking for a property remember to find an experienced agent to help you make a wise decision. A good Realtor will show you homes you like but also comparable properties. This enables you to see what properties in that price range look like. Without a knowledgeable and experienced Realtor you might find that you have negative equity as soon as you buy a home.

For all your Broken Arrow, OK mortgage needs and for questions about negative equity in Oklahoma, contact Steve Currington of Currington Mortgage at 918-394-5626 or www.curringtonmortgage.com

To avoid negative equity in your next Broken Arrow, OK area home purchase, contact Darryl Baskin, The Baskin Real Estate Specialists of McGraw at 918-258-2600 or www.darrylbaskin.com.