Although Home Automation Systems are popular in many Broken Arrow homes today, they are forecasted to drastically increase by 2016. According to ABI research, "Shipments of home automation systems will total about 1.8 million worldwide this year. But according to ABI Research, that number is set to rise sharply soon, exceeding 12 million in 2016. These figures are contained in a new home automation study from the firm, which confirms its previous forecasts."
ABI believes that the sharp increase in system installations will be a result of new technology. In addition to new technology, innovation such as the new Google Android@Home could make it easier to control and access home automation systems from devices such as smartphones.
For more information, visit the article, " 'No New Wire' technologies to drive home automation market to 12 million systems in 2016, says ABI Research" by Julien Happich.
For Broken Arrow, OK. home automation system installation, contact Keegan Beck of KMB Enterprises LLC at 918-527-1031 or www.kmbenterprisesllc.com.
To buy a Broken Arrow home contact Darryl Baskin, McGraw Realtors, 918-258-2600 or www.darrylbaskin.com
Sunday, July 31, 2011
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
10 Ways to Get Rid of Mold in Your Home
Whether you’re a home buyer, homeowner, or home seller, mold poses a wide range of problems, from cosmetic issues to serious health hazards. According to the Alliance for Healthy Homes, more than 1,000 types of molds have been found in U.S. homes, and approximately 6-10 percent of the general population, and 15-50 percent of people who are genetically prone to develop allergies, are allergic to mold.
Surprisingly, some of today’s advanced building techniques unwittingly foster mold growth in the home. As buildings are increasingly designed to prevent the infiltration and exfiltration of air, the materials used lock in moisture and humidity. Older homes are at risk thanks to leaky windows and roofs that bring in even more moisture.
Finding and removing mold is of the utmost importance, whether you intend to sell your home in the near future or not. Here, from home inspection experts, Pillar To Post (www.pllartopost.com), are 10 tips for combating mold in your home:
1. Call in a home inspection professional to assess water-damaged areas.
2. Keep humidity low. Humidity levels should be under 40% in order for mold to stop its forward march.
3. Replace any carpets and furniture that have ever been significantly damaged (i.e., saturated in water), even if they look OK on the outside.
4. Carpet in a bathroom or basement is never a good idea. Remove any that exists in those areas in your home.
5. Use an air conditioner during the summer months, even if it’s set at a relatively high temperature, like 80. Use fans to circulate air.
6. Dust and clean furniture regularly, and vacuum carpets at least once a week (make sure your vacuum has a HEPA filter).
7. Provide adequate ventilation in hot areas. The kitchen and bath are two of the highest-risk rooms for mold. Install exhaust fans in the kitchen and bathroom.
8. When you’re shopping for house paint for big or small painting projects, ask the sales rep about mold inhibitors you can add before painting.
9. Does your central air system have a fan from the Ford Pinto era? If so, replace it with a high-performance electrostatic air filter. Your local HVAC technician can help with this.
10. Don’t neglect areas underneath the house—have a professional drain and ventilate all sub-basement areas, especially crawl spaces.
If you do find mold in your home, remove it with a store-bought anti-fungal solution, or get rid of it with a weak bleach solution—1 cup bleach in 1 gallon of water. Or, if mold exists in a larger area, call in a professional to help.
Surprisingly, some of today’s advanced building techniques unwittingly foster mold growth in the home. As buildings are increasingly designed to prevent the infiltration and exfiltration of air, the materials used lock in moisture and humidity. Older homes are at risk thanks to leaky windows and roofs that bring in even more moisture.
Finding and removing mold is of the utmost importance, whether you intend to sell your home in the near future or not. Here, from home inspection experts, Pillar To Post (www.pllartopost.com), are 10 tips for combating mold in your home:
1. Call in a home inspection professional to assess water-damaged areas.
2. Keep humidity low. Humidity levels should be under 40% in order for mold to stop its forward march.
3. Replace any carpets and furniture that have ever been significantly damaged (i.e., saturated in water), even if they look OK on the outside.
4. Carpet in a bathroom or basement is never a good idea. Remove any that exists in those areas in your home.
5. Use an air conditioner during the summer months, even if it’s set at a relatively high temperature, like 80. Use fans to circulate air.
6. Dust and clean furniture regularly, and vacuum carpets at least once a week (make sure your vacuum has a HEPA filter).
7. Provide adequate ventilation in hot areas. The kitchen and bath are two of the highest-risk rooms for mold. Install exhaust fans in the kitchen and bathroom.
8. When you’re shopping for house paint for big or small painting projects, ask the sales rep about mold inhibitors you can add before painting.
9. Does your central air system have a fan from the Ford Pinto era? If so, replace it with a high-performance electrostatic air filter. Your local HVAC technician can help with this.
10. Don’t neglect areas underneath the house—have a professional drain and ventilate all sub-basement areas, especially crawl spaces.
If you do find mold in your home, remove it with a store-bought anti-fungal solution, or get rid of it with a weak bleach solution—1 cup bleach in 1 gallon of water. Or, if mold exists in a larger area, call in a professional to help.
As a Member of the Top 5 in Real Estate Network®, I, along with my team, have a wealth of real estate and homeownership information that may be of help to you. Feel free to contact our team any time to learn more about this important information, and be sure to forward this article on to any friends or family that may be interested as well.
Sincerely,
Darryl Baskin, McGraw Realtors, 918-258-2600
For professional Broken Arrow, OK. mold removal, contact Roger Fisher, PCC Cleaning and Restoration, 918-641-1111 or www.pcccr.com.
For high performance air filters delivered to your door, visit www.filters4me.com.
For Broken Arrow Air Conditioning Repair and Replacement, contact Stephen Taylor, Air Assurance, 918-258-COOL or www.airassurance.com.
For wholesale flooring in Broken Arrow, OK. contact Jim Ecrette, Prosource Wholesale Flooring, 918-252-7711 or www.prosourcefloors.com/tulsa. Remember to ask for Darryl Baskin's wholesale pricing.
For all your Broken Arrow real estate needs, contact Darryl Baskin, McGraw Realtors, 918-258-2600 or www.darrylbaskin.com
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
Storm Damage and Insurance Claims
1. The first stage of the claim process - getting started:
I have a storm claim - what do I do?
The first step in the claims process is reporting your damage to your insurance company. Call your insurance company to report the claim. At this stage, your call will most likely be directed to someone gathering basic information such as contact information and broad general information regarding your loss. This person most likely will not be the adjuster assigned to assess and evaluate your claim and is not the person who will ultimately decide on insurance benefit payments to you. It is important to provide answers to any questions asked at this stage.
What if I cannot find my policy?
Immediately ask your insurance company or agent for a complete copy of your insurance policies, including your declarations page. That policy is the contract between your insurance company and you. You need a copy to understand what coverage types are available to you in case you later need to tell your lawyer this information. Some of these coverages may be difficult to understand. Basic coverage types in these policies include dwelling, other structures, personal property and loss of use. Common additional coverages include debris removal, property
collapse, and reasonable repairs. Also, the policy will also determine amounts of
coverage as well as any exclusions, conditions, and deductibles regarding coverage.
The debris removal coverage, if available, may be particularly helpful at this early stage
to pay to clear your property. While this fact sheet addresses residential homeowner’s
insurance, commercial property insurance can cover both physical structures and
property as well as loss of business and income as a result of a disaster.
I have been assigned an adjuster, so what happens now?
An adjuster’s job is to investigate the claim for the insurance company. Determining what caused the damage and placing a value on the damage are part of this stage. You should expect the adjuster to inspect the damage initially and provide guidance as to what you can do to move the claim forward. You should ask the adjuster what you should do to assist in the claims process. Take notes of any instruction given to you. If you do not understand anything, ask for clearer instruction or explanation.
The adjuster assigned to me does not work for my insurance company. Should I be concerned?
Oftentimes, following a natural disaster with widespread damage like we
experienced on April 27th, insurance companies will employ what are called
“independent” adjusters to help handle claims due to the high volume of claims coming
in. This does not change any obligation of your insurance company. The policy between
you and your company remains in effect and must be honored regardless of whether
the adjuster is a direct employee of your insurance company or an “independent
adjuster.”
I do not like my adjuster. What can I do?
You have an obligation under your insurance contract to cooperate with your insurance company. This might include answering questions you feel are unnecessary or impossible to answer at this time. Do not forget your obligation to cooperate. If you refuse to cooperate, you may be giving your insurance company an opportunity to not pay your claim, in whole or in part. That does not mean you have to accept any payment offer from the company. Instead, this means you have to provide information asked by the company or adjuster. If you find you cannot work well with your adjuster, you may request another one. Some policies provide for this right, while other policies do not. Prior to making this request, review your policy. Under the strain from and the recent destruction, such a request may also slow down your claim.
I cannot live in my home. What can I expect from my insurance company?
Determine what “Additional Living Expense” coverage you have from your adjuster and your policy. "Additional Living Expenses" generally includes hotel or restaurant bills; the limit in terms of specific dollar amounts or percentage of coverage are usually defined. Make sure you understand the limit - the maximum total amount of coverage - you have so you can budget your living arrangements. This coverage is designed to provide a comparable standard of living after a loss. Ask what documentation you need to provide to continue this coverage while you are displaced from your home.
**For part two of this article, visit www.darrylbaskin.com/baskinreport
For Broken Arrow, OK. legal questions regarding storm damage and insurance claims, contact David Keesling, Richardson Richardson Boudreaux Keesling at 918-492-7674 or www.rrblawok.com.
For all your Broken Arrow, OK. insurance needs. contact Mike Tedford, Tedford Insurance, 918-299-2345 or www.tedfordinsurance.com.
I have a storm claim - what do I do?
The first step in the claims process is reporting your damage to your insurance company. Call your insurance company to report the claim. At this stage, your call will most likely be directed to someone gathering basic information such as contact information and broad general information regarding your loss. This person most likely will not be the adjuster assigned to assess and evaluate your claim and is not the person who will ultimately decide on insurance benefit payments to you. It is important to provide answers to any questions asked at this stage.
What if I cannot find my policy?
Immediately ask your insurance company or agent for a complete copy of your insurance policies, including your declarations page. That policy is the contract between your insurance company and you. You need a copy to understand what coverage types are available to you in case you later need to tell your lawyer this information. Some of these coverages may be difficult to understand. Basic coverage types in these policies include dwelling, other structures, personal property and loss of use. Common additional coverages include debris removal, property
collapse, and reasonable repairs. Also, the policy will also determine amounts of
coverage as well as any exclusions, conditions, and deductibles regarding coverage.
The debris removal coverage, if available, may be particularly helpful at this early stage
to pay to clear your property. While this fact sheet addresses residential homeowner’s
insurance, commercial property insurance can cover both physical structures and
property as well as loss of business and income as a result of a disaster.
I have been assigned an adjuster, so what happens now?
An adjuster’s job is to investigate the claim for the insurance company. Determining what caused the damage and placing a value on the damage are part of this stage. You should expect the adjuster to inspect the damage initially and provide guidance as to what you can do to move the claim forward. You should ask the adjuster what you should do to assist in the claims process. Take notes of any instruction given to you. If you do not understand anything, ask for clearer instruction or explanation.
The adjuster assigned to me does not work for my insurance company. Should I be concerned?
Oftentimes, following a natural disaster with widespread damage like we
experienced on April 27th, insurance companies will employ what are called
“independent” adjusters to help handle claims due to the high volume of claims coming
in. This does not change any obligation of your insurance company. The policy between
you and your company remains in effect and must be honored regardless of whether
the adjuster is a direct employee of your insurance company or an “independent
adjuster.”
I do not like my adjuster. What can I do?
You have an obligation under your insurance contract to cooperate with your insurance company. This might include answering questions you feel are unnecessary or impossible to answer at this time. Do not forget your obligation to cooperate. If you refuse to cooperate, you may be giving your insurance company an opportunity to not pay your claim, in whole or in part. That does not mean you have to accept any payment offer from the company. Instead, this means you have to provide information asked by the company or adjuster. If you find you cannot work well with your adjuster, you may request another one. Some policies provide for this right, while other policies do not. Prior to making this request, review your policy. Under the strain from and the recent destruction, such a request may also slow down your claim.
I cannot live in my home. What can I expect from my insurance company?
Determine what “Additional Living Expense” coverage you have from your adjuster and your policy. "Additional Living Expenses" generally includes hotel or restaurant bills; the limit in terms of specific dollar amounts or percentage of coverage are usually defined. Make sure you understand the limit - the maximum total amount of coverage - you have so you can budget your living arrangements. This coverage is designed to provide a comparable standard of living after a loss. Ask what documentation you need to provide to continue this coverage while you are displaced from your home.
**For part two of this article, visit www.darrylbaskin.com/baskinreport
For Broken Arrow, OK. legal questions regarding storm damage and insurance claims, contact David Keesling, Richardson Richardson Boudreaux Keesling at 918-492-7674 or www.rrblawok.com.
For all your Broken Arrow, OK. insurance needs. contact Mike Tedford, Tedford Insurance, 918-299-2345 or www.tedfordinsurance.com.
Friday, July 15, 2011
Abandoned Homes Can Decrease Your Property Value!
The article, "Battling the Neighborhood Eyesore" posted on Realtor.org says that "foreclosures will affect 91.5 million nearby homes by 2012 and reduce property values of these homes by $20,300 per household". For homeowners trying to sell their homes, losing an average of $20,000 in the value of their home is not pleasing. What can homeowners and neighbors of these abandoned properties do to reduce the chances of losing value on their homes? The article mentioned above gives several tips to help keep these abandoned homes from looking like an eyesore and therefore reducing property value of nearby homes. Read on for more information.
To buy or sell Broken Arrow, OK area real estate, contact Kelly Howard of McGraw Realtors at 918-230-6341 or www.kellyhowardhomes.com
Abandoned homes can be an unpleasant sight. Overgrown lawns, boarded windows, sagging gutters, and unsightly mold—not to mention, a higher risk of fires, vandalism, rodents, and mosquitos.
Properties are often left to deteriorate while in foreclosure limbo; the owner is already gone but the bank can’t take possession until the foreclosure process is finalized.
So what happens when you have to sell the property next door? According to research by the Center for Responsible Lending, foreclosures will affect 91.5 million nearby homes by 2012 and reduce property values of these homes by $20,300 per household.
“We were getting a lot of complaints from real estate professionals about these properties looking unkempt and asking what we can do about it,” says Bud Humbert with Century 21 Associates in Waldorf, Md., and also the chairman of the legislative committee for the Southern Maryland Association of REALTORS®. On behalf of his association, Humbert, also an REO specialist, approached Charles County officials to request that they update the county’s nuisance abatement law to include a "clean and lien " provision. The rule would allow the county to step in and clean up vacant properties and put a lien on them for the cost of the cleanup. Other cities and counties have enacted similar ordinances.
If that neighborhood eyesore is bringing down your listing, here are some steps you can take:
Notify the homeowners’ association. Most HOAs will pay to have the grass mowed and take care of maintenance issues, and then tack the expense on to the HOA bill, which will have to be cleared by the bank before the property sells, Humbert says.
Investigate local and state laws. Some states, such as California, will fine owners for not maintaining properties. New Jersey passed a law that puts banks in charge of maintaining the property from the beginning of the foreclosure process. Whom should you contact with your gripe? Start with your city’s building division; it’s often in charge of making sure a vacant property is boarded and secured. The bylaw department can check for building code violations, the fire department can inspect for fire hazards, and the police can help if there’s vandalism.
Make property boundaries clear. "We are called on to handle this situation frequently, " says Margaret Innis, owner of home staging company Decorate To Sell in Andover, Mass. "On the outside, fences make good neighbors; so does landscaping with arborvitae shrubs—a fast fix worth the investment. Inside, use plantation blinds turned down so the light comes in but the view does not. "
Help with cleanup. Stepping in to help with the maintenance can be tricky. Regardless of your good intentions, your actions could be considered trespassing. First figure out who owns the property, which can be a challenge in itself, and then offer your assistance. Some cities and counties have started a vacant property registration that makes it easier to locate the owner. When Andy Hood, with Weichert, REALTORS®–Covington Group in Madison, Miss., struggled to sell a condo that overlooked the patio of a foreclosed property, he called the neighbor and asked if he could clean. "The woman was grateful and accepted my offer, " he says. "I hauled away a truckload of junk, pressure-washed the exterior, washed the patio furniture, and weeded and pruned her flower beds and shrubs. " Hood’s listing sold immediately after.
To buy or sell Broken Arrow, OK area real estate, contact Kelly Howard of McGraw Realtors at 918-230-6341 or www.kellyhowardhomes.com
Thursday, July 14, 2011
Tulsa, OK. Area Homes for Sale
602 Cross Timbers Blvd.
The Lakes at Cross Timbers
$329,000
3 Bedrooms
2 Full 1 Half Bathrooms
3 Car Garage
Broken Arrow, OK. Home for Sale1705 S. Juniper Ave.
Village Park
$159,900
3 Bedrooms
2 Bathrooms
2 Car Garage
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 Broken Arrow, OK real estate, contact Kelly Howard of McGraw Realtors at 918-230-6341 or www.kellyhowardhomes.com
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 Broken Arrow, OK real estate, contact Kelly Howard of McGraw Realtors at 918-230-6341 or www.kellyhowardhomes.com
Sunday, July 10, 2011
Tulsa, OK. Area Horse Ranch For Sale...
19983 S. Sheridan Rd
Mounds, OK. with 80 Acres
$2,699,000
4 Bedrooms
3 Full, 2 Half Bathrooms
5 Living Areas
3 Car Garage
For more information on this Tulsa, OK Area Luxury Ranch For Sale or for all your Broken Arrow, OK. luxury real estate needs, contact Kelly Howard of McGraw Realtors at 918-230-6341 or www.kellyhowardhomes.com.
Saturday, July 9, 2011
Mortgage Rates Rise...
Freddie Mac reported that mortgage rates are on the rise after being at a "standstill" last month. Despite this, mortgage rates are very affordable. Read the article, "Mortgage Rates on the Rise" found at Realtor Magazine below:
To buy a Broken Arrow home while rates are still low, contact Kelly Howard, McGraw Realtors, 918-230-6341 or www.kellyhowardhomes.com.
After being mostly at a standstill the past month, long and short-term mortgage rates were moving up this week, reports Freddie Mac in its weekly mortgage market survey.
"Mortgage rates followed Treasury yields higher over the holiday week but remain quite affordable by historical standards,” says Frank Nothaft, chief economist at Freddie Mac. “For instance, interest rates on all mortgage outstanding in the first quarter of this year averaged just under 6 percent. With today's rates, these home owners who have the ability to refinance could shave $169 per month in interest payments on a $200,000, 30-year fixed mortgage."
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
Tulsa Area Homes for Sale...
15601 East 82nd Street North
in Owasso, OK.
$1,900,000
4 Bedrooms
4 Full, 2 Half Bathrooms
4 Car Garage
_____________________________________
Updated Owasso, OK Home!
11607 E. 84 Ct. N.
Three Lakes Village in Owasso, OK.
$94,900
3 Bedrooms
1 Full, 1 Half Bathrooms
2 Car Garage
_____________________________________
in Owasso, OK.
$1,900,000
4 Bedrooms
4 Full, 2 Half Bathrooms
4 Car Garage
_____________________________________
Updated Owasso, OK Home!11607 E. 84 Ct. N.
Three Lakes Village in Owasso, OK.
$94,900
3 Bedrooms
1 Full, 1 Half Bathrooms
2 Car Garage
_____________________________________
19983 S. Sheridan Rd
Mounds, OK. with 80 Acres
$2,699,000
4 Bedrooms
3 Full, 2 Half Bathrooms
5 Living Areas
3 Car Garage
_____________________________________
For more information on any of these Tulsa, OK area homes for sale or for all your Broken Arrow, OK. real estate needs, contact Kelly Howard of McGraw Realtors at 918-230-6341 or www.kellyhowardhomes.com.
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
Consumers are Making Better Money Habits...
According to a recent article, "Recession Helping to Raise Awareness of Credit Scores and Leading to Start of Good Money Habits" at RISMedia.com, consumers are becoming more aware of and beginning to make better decisions with their money. They are striving to make better money habits. According to that article:
When it comes to buying a home, these financial decisions and money habits can make a huge difference in getting a good mortgage rate to buy a home and not being able to get a mortgage at all. Begin today by making better money habits!
"Budgeting and Cash Flow:
• 25 percent of users have been late at least once on their monthly bills in the last year;
• Of those who said they were behind on their bills, 28 percent are concerned they will never catch up;
• Of those respondents with children, 64 percent did not currently make any contributions to an education fund;
• Less than half (48 percent) of those surveyed keep a budget to track monthly expenses and cash flow. This is down from 52 percent in 2010.Credit Scores and Cards:
• 18 percent of respondents have maxed out at least one of their credit cards, down from 22 percent in 2010;
• 31 percent pay off their balances in full every month. This is down from 36 percent in 2010;
• When surveyed about the amount of credit card debt they are carrying, respondents with current debt stated:
-Less than $5,000: 27 percent
-Between $5,000-10,000: 16 percent
-More than $10,000 in debt: 20 percent
• Only 6 percent of users did not know their credit score.Retirement:
• 39 percent of survey takers are scared or uneasy about their prospects for retirement;
• Nearly half of respondents said they plan to retire between 60-65, while 16 percent said they don’t ever see being able to retire"
When it comes to buying a home, these financial decisions and money habits can make a huge difference in getting a good mortgage rate to buy a home and not being able to get a mortgage at all. Begin today by making better money habits!
To buy a Broken Arrow home for sale, contact Kelly Howard, McGraw Realtors, 918-230-6341 or www.kellyhowardhomes.com.
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