Mortgage Rules Make it Harder to Qualify!

For some buyers, it will be more difficult to qualify for a loan for their new home. Why? Well, the mortgage market and the housing market have both changed a lot over the last couple of years. These changes have caused the rules for qualifying for a low-interest mortgage much more difficult.

In the past, many homeowners were passing on the fixed-rate mortgage and utilizing an adjustable rate mortgage. Bankrate says that for some homeowners, those not planning to stay in their home longer than 5 years, an adjustable rate mortgage was usually a good fit. For those that did plan on staying in their home for more than 5 years, a fixed rate mortgage was usually the right choice. With the changing economy and more difficult standards, however, things are changing.

Two of the new rules for mortgage qualification include:

• FICO scores must now be at least 740 in order to get the best rates, fees, and points.
• Homeowners using an FHA loan may now only spend 31% of their gross monthly income on their house payment, including principal, insurance, interest, taxes, and association fees.

Want a few tips to help improve your chances? First, check your FICO score regularly. If your score is lower than optimum, you can begin making changes to raise the score. If your score is already high, then you know you are doing the right things. Second, don't focus simply on interest rates when trying to get a loan. Remember that you have the option to pay discount points or change the type of loan. Third, always compare several different loan options to determine what the differences in cost really are. You can compare a loan with a higher interest rate with no points to a loan that is a lower rate but requires points to be paid. You can also compare your options with different companies. Finally, if you refinance your house after 5 years, don't get another 30 year loan. Get your loan amortized for the remaining period of your old loan.

To read the article from the Tulsa World, "Buyers Forced to Jump Through Hoops", visit this link.

To buy or sell your Broken Arrow, OK property, contact Kelly Howard of McGraw Realtors at 918-230-6341 or www.kellyhowardhomes.com.

A Few FAQ's about Brown Recluse Spiders?

In Oklahoma, it is not uncommon to see a Brown Recluse Spider. Many people call saying that they have seen one and need their property exterminated. Here are a couple of popular questions about Brown Recluse Spiders?

Are Brown Recluse Spiders the same as a Fiddleback Spider? Yes. A Fiddleback spider is the same thing as a Brown Recluse. They are also called the Violin spider.

Do Brown Recluse spiders come out during the daytime? Brown Recluse Spiders will rarely come out during the day unless they have been exterminated and have had their environment affected. Once extermination begins, you will actually see more spiders than you did before. This happens because their food supply is being killed and come out to find food.

Is it true that Brown Recluse spiders are attracted to wood? Yes, Brown Recluse spiders like wood. They are often found in wood piles. They do not like area inhabited by humans. They will usually inhabit wood piles, piles of rock or leaves, closets, basements, shoe boxes or shoes, etc.. If you have a wood roof, you are more likely to find Brown Recluse Spiders in your house. Having your attic dusted will help with the extra problem in these homes.

How do I know a Brown Recluse from another type of spider? Although the Brown Recluse is often called the Fiddleback, the violin (or fiddle) shape is actually more on its head than on its back. If your notice the picture below, you will see that there is an upside down shaped fiddle on the head and upper abdomen of the spider. In addition to this shape, a Brown Recluse will be tan to dark brown and have a body size of 1/4 to 1/2 inch.

To have your Broken Arrow, OK home exterminated for Brown Recluse spiders or other pests call Duane Montgomery, Montgomery Exterminating at 918-438-4885 or www.montogmeryexterminating.com

If you suspect you have been bitten by a Brown Recluse, visit the Emergency Room or your Doctor's office right away.

Family Fun, Just a Short Drive From Home!

With the economy the way it has been, there are many of us who simply are not taking a typical summer vacation. Some families are looking for fun things to do that are close by home. Oklahoma has many fun and interesting things to do for people of all ages. One of the most fun for parents and kids, however, would have to be The Jasmine Moran Children's Museum.

The Jasmine Moran Children's Museum was started by Melvin and Jasmine Moran. Although the museum is located in Seminole, Oklahoma, a town of only 7000 residents, it brings in upwards of 60,000 visitors each year. The museum started small but has grown to a 37,000 square foot facility and 10 acres of outside fun with the help of many donors including Henry Zarrow and The George Kaiser Family Foundation. In fact, the museum has become one of the largest children's museums in the country. Okay, I know you are probably saying, "Enough now, tell me what makes this museum so fun!"

When visiting the museum you will find that things are a lot different than at most museum. This museum is hands-on and educational. Parents and kids can learn and experience lots of different things including:

• miniature town (where kids learn safety)
• kid friendly train (kids ride over half-mile around museum grounds)
  
• 12,000 square foot maize
  
• large pond
• nature park
• mini grocery store (where kids learn about handling money)
• mock TV station/weather center (kids learn about video, TV, and weather)
  
• dinosaur bone digs (kids learn about archaeology)
  
• medical center (kids can also watch a video to learn what entering the medical field entails)
  
• school room
• courtroom
• WaterWorks exhibit (if you're not afraid to get wet)
  
• Mayan Exhibit
• much, much, more

There are so many fun things to do, learn and explore at the museum, I couldn't name them all. You have to just come see for yourself.

Museum Hours are Tuesday-Saturday 10AM-5PM, Sunday 1PM-5PM.
Admission Costs (not including tax) are $8 for ages 3-60, $7 for those over 60, kids under 3 are free with an adult.

For more information about The Jasmine Moran Children's Museum in Seminole, Oklahoma, visit their website at www.jasminemoran.com.

To read the original article in The Tulsa World, "Hands On" visit this link.

To buy or sell a home in Broken Arrow, OK and surrounding areas, call Kelly Howard of McGraw Realtors at 918-230-6341 or www.kellyhowardhomes.com

Preventing Water Damage!

Water damage and leaks can be anything from a minor irritation to a major problem. For some homeowners, the damage caused from water leaks may be covered under their homeowner's insurance policy. For others, the cost to repair these damages is out-of-pocket. No one likes to spends lots of money in repairs, therefore preventing damage is the best way help prevent those excess expenses.

1. Occasionally, check appliances that use water. Check for leaks around hoses, underneath for soft flooring and nearby for evidence of water leaks. When leaving the house, don't leave these appliances running. Disconnect or turn off the water to your washing machine before leaving the house for extended periods of time.
2. Check sinks, showers/tubs, and toilets for clogs and loose caulking. Also check for soft flooring or water nearby that might indicate a leak.
3. Check your water heater for rust and for wet spots on the floor.
4. Make sure your roof is in good condition, all soffits and vents allow for good air flow, there isn't any debris on the roof or guttering, and there is no evidence of bent, missing or damaged shingles.
5. During warmer weather, have your A/C unit serviced to ensure that it is in good working order.
6. Check all caulking and paint on the exterior of your house and around windows and doors.
7. Prevent water from sitting around the foundation of your home by filling low spots.
8. If you suspect a leak that you can't find, turn off all appliances (that use water), faucets and don't flush the toilet. Record your water meter reading at the beginning and ending of an hour. If the number has changed, a leak is possible.
9. Make sure everyone in the household knows where the water shut-off valve is in case of an emergency. Turning this off while away from home for vacation can also help to prevent damage from leaks.
   

Remember to keep the above tips in mind to help prevent water damage, however when water damage does occur consult with home maintenance professionals in the Broken Arrow, OK area.

If you have had water damage due to a disaster in the the Broken Arrow, OK area and need an estimate, contact Roger Fisher at 918-641-1111 or www.pcccr.com.

If you live in the Broken Arrow, OK area and need residential repair
(structural, plumbing, flooring), contact Jonathan Knapp of Royal Roofing at 918-621-1020 or www.residentialrepairinc.com.

For property drainage solutions and landscaping needs in the Broken Arrow, OK area, call Nathan Vaughn of Bluum Outdoor at 918-599-8500 or www.bluum.net.

For A/C service or for installation in the Broken Arrow, OK area, contact Stephen Taylor of Air Assurance at 918-258-HEAT or www.airassurance.com.

Incorporating Green Ideas Into Your Home

When building, remodeling or replacing things in your home, eco-friendly or greeen ideas can be very easy and often inexpensive to implement. Here are some easy ways to incorporate green products into your property:

• When building a new home, face the widest part of the building to the north or the south.
• Place doors and windows where you will receive good cross-ventilation.
• Ensure any attic space is well ventilated by using roof ridge vents, lighter colored roofing materials, lots of insulation, and by placing A/C ducts in the attic to absorb the heat.
• Install an energy-efficient and properly sized heating and A/C system, make sure that duct work is correctly sealed, and use a programmable thermostat.
• Utilize landscaping materials, plants and design that are appropriate for the climate and rainfall levels in your area.
• Use low-flow toilets and shower heads and energy-efficient appliances.
• Recyclable and renewable materials can be used for decking, siding, trim and more.
• Choose green flooring materials such as concrete, bamboo, or recycled wood.
• Replace your air-conditioning filter regularly to enhance the performance of your air conditioning system and to reduce pollutants.

For more ideas or estimates on incorporating green products and ideas into your Broken Arrow, OK area home, contact the professionals below:

Roofing: A-Best Roofing, Judy Smith at 918-587-1426 or www.abestroofing.com.
Landscaping Design: Bluum Outdoor, Nathan at 918-599-8500, Nathan@bluum.net, or www.bluum.net.
Heating and Air Conditioning: Air Assurance, Stephen Taylor at 98-258-COOL or staylor@airassurance.com.
Building: Gardner Construction, Bruce Gardner at 918-481-1377
Air Conditioning Filters: Filter 4 Me, Rick Butefish at 918-292-8600, rick@filters4me.com, or www.filters4me.com.
Flooring Products: ProSource Wholesale Floorcoverings, Jim Ecrette at 918-252-7711 or prosourcejim@tulsacoxmail.com (make sure you ask for Darryl Baskin's preferred pricing).

To find energy-efficient, eco-friendly, or green properties in the Broken Arrow, Oklahoma area contact Darryl Baskin, McGraw realtors at 918-258-2600 or www.darrylbaskin.com.

Some can still qualify for a tax credit!!

The Tax Credit is Over Right?

The $8000 tax credit may still be available for you if you are a Veteran and you have served 90 days between 12-31-2008 and 5-1-2010. If that is you, then you can still utilize the tax credit. You must have a contract by 4-30-2011 and close by 6-30-2011.

If you live in the Broken Arrow, OK area and want more information on this tax credit extension for Veterans, contact Karen Heston of BOK Mortgage at 918-230-9432 or visit her website.

To buy a home in the Broken Arrow, OK area to take advantage of the tax credit extension for Veterans, contact The Baskin Real Estate Specialists at 918-258-2600 or www.darrylbaskin.com

New Area Code

By  now, probably most everyone in the 918 area has heard that we will be getting a new area code.  It will no longer be simply 918.  Now we will be adding area code 539.  The hardest part for most of us will be getting adjusted to using a 10 digit phone number every time we call.  To ensure that we are all ready for the new area code and 10 digit calling, the Oklahoma Corporation Commission has set up a practice period before the 10 digit calling is required.  Keep these dates in mind:

• July 7, 2010- You should have received a notice in the mail with dates and information about the new area code.
• August 7, 2010-  "Permissive Calling Period Begins"-  you can call using 7 or 10 digits.
• March 5, 2011- "Permissive Calling Period Ends"-  you will now be required to use the 10 digit number.
• April 1, 2011-  New 539 area codes will be available.  You can also request a 918 area code phone number if one is available.
• Spring 2012- 918 area code phone numbers are expected to run out.
  

The same long distance rules will apply for the 539 area code.  Simply put, if you can call a 918 area code now without long distance, you will be able to call 918 or 539 without long distance.  If you pay long distance to call 918, then you will also pay for the 539 area code

CASA- Court Appointed Special Advocates

Court Appointed Special Advocates give children in the custody of the State a voice in court. Many children who have been removed from their homes are thrust into a system of attorney's, case workers, Foster homes, judges, and a host of other representatives. CASA volunteers are appointed by a judge to speak for a child in the "system" to give the child a voice in the courtroom. As a Foster parent for twenty children over the past 13 years and an adoptive parent to seven children, I have witnessed first-hand the need for CASA in the lives of these children.

Your support of CASA whether financially, by spreading the word to your friends, or by volunteering to represent a child, will make a lasting difference in their future. Find out more about CASA here.