Relax!

Wouldn't you love to have someone turn on the lights at a moments notice? What about 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!

Can you afford to have your Broken Arrow, OK area home installed with a home automation system? Find out by contacting Keegan Beck of KMB Enterprises at 918-527-1031 or www.KMBEnterprisesllc.com

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

Preventing Carbon Monoxide Poisoning.

Carbon Monoxide is something that many of us simply don't think about, yet it can be very dangerous. Carbon Monoxide is a gas that can be created when combustible fuel doesn't burn properly or when the exhaust is not properly vented. It can come from appliances, water heaters, exhaust from your car, blocked chimney flues and malfunctioning appliances that burn fuel. If you see black soot around vents, flues, filters or appliance burners, there may be carbon monoxide present. Also, if your Natural Gas flame is yellow instead of blue, it may be present.

Follow these preventative tips and keep this list of symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning on hand you suspect a problem.

Preventive Tips:

• Make sure that chimney's are properly vented and the flue is not blocked. Cleaning the chimney regularly is also recommended as annual maintenance.
• Replace air filters regularly. If you find that it is hard to remember to change your air filter or have trouble locating one, contact Rick Butefish of www.Filters4me.com, 918-292-8600 about their easy air filter replacement program.
• Keep appliance air intake areas clear.
• Don't heat your business with a gas range or space heater.
• Keep your heating and air-conditioning system running properly and have regular maintenance scheduled. Call Stephen Taylor of Air Assurance at 918-258-HEAT or www.airassurance.com. to schedule a check of your heating and a/c system.
• Install a carbon monoxide detector that is UL- approved and has an audible alarm.
• Don't use a grill or start a lawn mower, car or any fuel burning engine in a closed garage, inside a building, or in an enclosed area.

Symptoms of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning:

• Dizziness
• Ringing in the ear
• Fatigue
• Increased perspiration
• Weakness
• Vomiting
• Headaches

If you think that you may be experiencing these symptoms due to carbon monoxide poisoning, leave the property and call 911.

For more information about:

air filter replacement in Broken Arrow, OK- contact Rick Butefish, www.filters4me.com or 918-292-8600

heating and a/c repair and installation in Broken Arrow, OK.- contact Stephen Taylor, Air Assurance, 918-258-HEAT or www.airassurance.com

Title insurance protects your claim of ownership of your property. When you buy Oklahoma real estate, 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 Broken Arrow, OK, contact Ann Rollins, at Closings of Tulsa, 918-493-2241 or www.closingsoftulsa.com.

Have Broken Arrow, 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 Broken Arrow, OK area, contact Darryl Baskin, McGraw Realtors, 918-258-2600 or www.darrylbaskin.com.

Signs of Structural and Termite Damage in Oklahoma

Whether you own or are purchasing a home in Oklahoma, damage caused by structural problems or termites can be bothersome and left untreated can cause very serious and expensive damage. Some issues are easy to discover and are noticed quickly; others take time and are discovered after substantial damage is done. Keep a watch for these signs of structural and termite damage:

Termite Damage

• Sagging floors or ceilings
• Traces of a dust like substance
• Areas that look water damaged

Structural Damage

• Cracks in the brick
• Separation of the fascia boards
• Doors or windows that stick
• Cracks in the sheetrock
• Sloping, uneven, soft, or squeaky floors
• Cracks in floor tiles
• Tears or wrinkles in the wall

If you suspect termite damage to your Broken Arrow, OK home, contact Duane Montgomery of Montgomery Exterminating at 918-438-4885 or www.montgomeryexterminating.com.

For Broken Arrow, OK structural damage questions and repairs, contact Jonathon Knapp of Residential Repair at 918-621-1020 or www.residentialrepairinc.com.

Tame that Angry Beast!

Buying and selling your Broken Arrow, OK home can be a very frustrating experience. At times, you might even find yourself so irritated that you feel like you have become an angry beast. Whether your real estate woes have precipitated the anger or simply everyday stresses, read on to help tame that angry beast.

• Write in a journal. When you find yourself getting angry over that seller or buyer that simply won't budge, consider writing in a journal. For some people, this is the perfect way to release the tension and anger without causing harm to your health, your relationships, or yourself.
• Find a stress reliever. Relieving stress can be done in many ways. Some very popular and productive ways include exercising, doing a project, or working around the house. You might find that taking a drive or simply deep breathing works well for you. Experiment, whatever you find that works for you, remember to do it often.

• Take an adult time out. Probably all of us have heard of time out when it comes to kids. but very few of us take a time out ourselves. When you begin to get angry over that real estate problem, take a time out. You may need to take a break from whatever is causing the anger and give yourself a few minutes before you continue with it.
• Change your thinking. Sometimes we make the situation worse because we assume something. If your real estate agent says something that offends you or does something that makes you mad, think the best of them. It is likely that they didn't intend it to come across that way. If you have the courage, ask them about it. It is probably just a misunderstanding.

Remember that anger and stress can bring on a multitude problems including relationship issues, high blood pressure, heart attacks and much more. Before allowing anger over a real estate problem get the best of you, ask yourself if it is worth it.

For all your Broken Arrow, OK. real estate needs, contact Kelly Howard of McGraw Realtors at 918-230-6341 or www.kellyhoward.com.

School Time!

It's back to school time again.  Whether you are a high school student, college student or parent, read on for some tips on how to make that college application sail right through.

Start with a plan!
You can't plan early enough when it comes to college.  Many of the best universities require that you have a high GPA and are well rounded in academics, sports, music, school clubs, and community service. In order to ensure that you have the requirements, you need to know which schools you want to attend.  Once you have your list, do your research!  Know what is required at each school.  Don't forget your school guidance counselor.  They can help you understand all the rules and requirements and give you great suggestions on which courses and clubs will help you achieve your goal.  In addition, remember to take the proper school entrance exam.

Competition Counts...
Don't think that you have to be the perfect student in order to get into a top school.   Be a competitor.  Do the best you can in every class but also remember not to take it too easy.  Take an honors class or a class that is more challenging and do your best in it. Also, begin to focus your course and extracurricular activities on an area that you love and in a field that you want to major.  It is often better to do one thing really well than to do many things halfheartedly.  Oh, and don't forget to take your SAT exam.


Finish with a Bang.
For High School Seniors, it is easy to let things slide a bit.  Don't lose focus and intensity!  You are almost there but it is important not to let the excitement of graduation get you off course.  Now is the time to focus on your essay and finals.  Make sure your essay is well written and on topic.  Don't wait to the last minute!  Start your essay early so that you have plenty of time to read and edit. 

When applying to schools, make sure you select more than one.  There will probably be your dream school, but it is important to also apply to several others as well.  Make sure that you are accepted and can complete your education.  If your top choice doesn't accept you, don't give up hope.    Consider enrolling in one of the colleges that did accept you and work toward the goal of transferring to your dream school in a year or two. And, if your dream school said no, ask them why!  Knowing this information can help you work toward a successful transfer later.



To buy or sell a home in the Broken Arrow, OK area, contact Kelly Howard of McGraw Realtors at 918-230-6341 or www.kellyhowardhomes.com.

From Our Top 5 Team: Looking for a Summer Remodeling Project? These Tips Might Help

Looking for a Summer Remodeling Project? These Tips Might Help

Other than vacations, summer is the time of the year most popular for home improvement. The long days and warm, sunny weather make a great time to work on repairs and renovations without much of the hassles and delays that rain and other elements bring.

As a member of the Top 5 in Real Estate Network®, I, along with my team, have years of experience and understand how taking on a remodeling project is beneficial to you, both now and then later down the road should you choose to sell.

For these reasons and more, a good number of homeowners undertake home improvement projects, especially during the summer.

 

Following are tips and projects—both large and small—for homeowners looking to spruce their homes up this summer.

Patios and Decks
What better way to enjoy the warm days than by creating an outdoor living space for the family to enjoy.

 

Decks and patios are among the most popular summer remodeling ideas. There are various factors to take into consideration when deciding on whether a patio or deck is the most appropriate project to undertake. Such factors include soil condition and consistency, site terrain, use, capacity and privacy, as well as the cost and maintenance you are willing to put up with.

Home Maintenance
Throughout the seasons, your home has taken good care of you and your family and now is the best time to give back.

 

Go through your property to evaluate and create a checklist on areas that need mending or replacement. This list is a crucial preparation before calling a contractor or handyman for maintenance/repair services. Some common maintenance and repair include:

• Waterproofing the basement
• Re-caulking and replacing weather-striping
• Cleaning and sealing wooden decks
• Trimming bushes and trees
• Realigning downspouts and gutters
• Repairing the roof
• Cleaning the pool
• Mending the fence
• Sealing cracks along driveways, foundation, walkways, etc.
• Maintenance of HVAC systems

Energy-Efficient Renovation
When it comes to summer remodeling, there's no better way to invest your hard-earned dollars than by making your home energy efficient. An energy-efficient summer remodel is truly a worthwhile endeavor as it will result in years of savings on your energy bills. Some of the common items you can buy and integrate into your energy-efficient renovation include:

• Insulation systems and materials
• Roofs that resist heat gain
• Biomass-burning stoves
• Energy-efficient windows
• HVAC systems with the highest efficiency tier
• Solar panels
• Fuel cells
• Geothermal heat pumps
• Wind energy systems

Taking on one (or more!) of these projects is a great way to give back to your home this summer…and, in some cases, save you a bit of money, too. For more information on home renovation projects, please e-mail our team - and please feel free to forward these tips to any family and friends you think might benefit from them as well.

Sincerely,

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

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The Ice House Fitness Center of Bixby, OK sponsors Chik-Fil-A World Record Attempt

Today starting 4pm at Nienhuis Park (3201 North 9th Street, Broken Arrow, OK,) Chik-Fil-A will attempt the world's largest sweet tea!  Will you be there? Come to the Ice House Fitness Center tent and meet four of The Biggest Loser final three contestants; Danny Cahill, Darus, Sean and Amanda.

The Ice House 24 hour fitness center is located in historic downtown Bixby, OK. visit www.icehousefitness.com for more information.

What to Consider When Buying a Home

Thanks to the perfect storm of low prices, attractive inventory, and affordable interest rates, this continues to be a lucrative time to invest in a home, whether it be a first home, a move-up home, or a second home.

Choosing a home is no easy process, however, and many factors must be carefully weighed before making your selection. As a member of the Top 5 in Real Estate Network®, I, along with my team, advise our clients to pay careful attention to a few details in particular when considering a home—these important details will significantly impact your long-term happiness in the home as well as the home’s appreciation over time. So, as you begin to consider properties in our neighborhood, here are a few issues to think about that may help you find exactly the right home for you and your family:

Type of home: One-story or two, single-family, duplex or condo? How will paying homeowner dues affect your overall buying power? Will a swimming pool be a bonus or a hindrance? Making these decisions in advance will help you focus on the right types of home to look at.

New or existing: A new home is all shiny and clean, but will carry with it some hefty initial costs such as landscaping and window coverings. An existing home will have many of these things, but repairs or renovations that may need to be made will also impact your budget.

Features: Weigh the costs of gas vs. electric heating and cooling, and the possible need for fencing. How important is a fireplace? Does the home have enough bedrooms and bathrooms to support your family in the coming years?

Ease of maintenance: What is the condition of the roof? The appliances? Will you have to paint the interior or exterior and/or replace the carpeting? Be sure to factor in such costs in your budget and your negotiations.

Location: Do you want to be in the city or in the country? Nearer to libraries, parks and entertainment or set among tall trees and lakes? What about the need for public transportation? Nearby hospitals and schools?

Crime rate and public schools: Check with local enforcement and local residents to get a feeling for statistics and quality. We can also provide you with up-to-date statistics on this information.

Economic stability: Whether an area is growing or not can affect its future property value—as will the economic stability of the area.

Property tax: Examine the annual amount of real estate taxes and other assessments levied in the neighborhoods you are considering.

We can help find the answers to the above concerns as well as provide more suggestions on what to look for in a new home—just e-mail our team. Also, please pass this article onto others who may benefit from this information.

To buy or sell your Broken Arrow, OK area home, contact Darryl Baskin, McGraw Realtors at 918-258-2600 or www.darrylbaskin.com.

For all your Broken Arrow, OK area roofing needs, contact Jonathon Knapp of Royal Roofing at 918-398-6500 or www.rrcok.com.

For all your Broken Arrow, OK area home maintenance needs and more, visit www.tulsahomemaintenance.com.

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Darryl Baskin
The Baskin Real Estate Specialists
McGraw Realtors
8040 S. Sheridan Rd.
Tulsa, OK 74133

918.258.2600 Ofc
918.398.5110 fax
918.740.0077 cel

www.DarrylBaskin.com
www.BaskinCommercial.com
www.TulsaLuxuryPropertyGroup.com

Make a difference in a child's life. Speak for a child in court. www.TulsaCasa.org

US Cell Phone Emergency Numbers

Some of you may have received various emails claiming that you can dial *112 or *77 (among others) from your cell phone in any state to contact the highway patrol or police. According to snopes.com, that is incorrect. Dialing 911 is the only official emergency number in the United States. There are, however, other helpful emergency numbers that you can dial from a cell phone to reach highway patrol to report accidents and other highway problems. Check out the numbers for Oklahoma and neighboring states:

• Oklahoma, dial *55
• Texas, dial *DPS or 911
• Louisiana, dial *LSP
• Arkansas, dial 501-296-1860 or 911
• Missouri, dial *55
• Kansas, dial *HP or *KTA
• Colorado, dial *CSP, *DUI, or 911
• New Mexico, dial 505-827-9301

For a complete list of emergency numbers by state, visit one of these websites: 911dispatch or ou.edu. Of course, it can be confusing trying to remember which number works in which state, especially if you are just traveling through. Therefore, it is easiest to simply dial 911.

To buy or sell real estate in the Broken Arrow, OK area, contact Kelly Howard of McGraw Realtors at 918-230-6341 or www.kellyhowardhomes.com.