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.

Quick Tips for Increased Home Security

Security is important to just about everyone. If you're like me, you probably feel pretty secure in your home and automobile. Despite the fact that we may feel secure, are we really secure. Keep these simple tips in mind to improve your home security.

• Always know your surroundings. If you are in a new subdivision, take a walk or drive around during the day and check out the area. Make a note of routes that might be safer to walk or drive. Also, make a mental note of normal parking routines and people in your area.
• Get to know your neighbors. Find out who lives where and what's been going on.
• Keep your windows and doors closed and locked when you are not home. Don't assume everything will be okay.
  
• Leave a few lights on. If you will be away for more than a day, consider putting a few lights on a timer.
• When going on vacation or a business trip, be prepared. Put lights on timers, cancel mail and newspaper delivery or arrange for it to be picked up. Have a friend stop by a few times to check things out. Don't leave clues that you are not at home.
• Remember to set your security system!

To have a security system installed or monitored in your Broken Arrow, OK area home, contact Tory Tipp of TNT Security Services at 918-313-4074 or www.tntsecurityservices.com.

Pre-Nup, Is it For Me?

Quite often, pre-nuptial agreements are thought of as negative. In some cases, however, a pre-nup can be very helpful and even create peace of mind. A pre-nuptial agreement (or pre-marital agreement) defines to whom property belongs and can prevent legal arguments later, should a death or divorce occur. The agreement covers three areas: during marriage, upon divorce, upon death of a spouse. Some people that can benefit from a pre-nup might include those who own a business, have children or someone needing special care, or those that have many assets.

One thing that all parties should ensure, when planning a pre-nup, is independent counsel. Another is honesty and full disclosure of each parties assets. Without full disclosure, the agreement will likely be void later on.

For more information on pre-nuptial agreements or other legal issues in Oklahoma, contact Richardson, RIchardson, Boudreaux at 918-492-7674 or www.richardsonlawfirmpc.com. Also, view the video below.

What to Do About Mold in Your Home!

Mold is a problem that we hear about a lot. It is also something that causes great concern when it is found in our home. Because of potential health issues, it must be taken care of quickly and properly. Often, it is easiest to leave this to home maintenance professionals. At what point, however, does it become a legal issue and a lawsuit might be appropriate? To determine this, keep these things in mind:

• If you rent your home, make sure that you inform your landlord about the problem, before you contact an attorney. Keep proof that you informed your landlord and that they received the information. Also, make sure that you give them plenty of time to repair the problem. Remember, many times the landlord isn't even aware that there is a problem or that it can often be repaired for little cost.
  
• As the property owner, your insurance policy might cover the repairs. Contact your insurance agent to find out.
• Finally , if you suspect health problems as a result of the mold, see your physician. Don't let health problems linger and potentially get worse.

If you own a home, have mold removed before it spreads, health problems result, or a lawsuit occurs.

For more information about when it is appropriate to sue over mold problems in Oklahoma, contact Chuck Richardson, Richardson Law Firm, at 918-633-5070 or www.richardsonlawfirmpc.com.

To discuss cleaning, preventing, and repairing mold damage in the Broken Arrow, OK area, contact Roger Fisher at PCC Cleaning and Restoration at 918-641-1111 or www.pcccr.com.

For Oklahoma mold insurance, contact Mike Tedford of Tedford Insurance at 918-299-2345 or www.tedfordinsurance.com.

For all your Broken Arrow, OK area real estate needs, contact Darryl Baskin of McGraw Realtors at 918-258-2600 or www.darrylbaskin.com.

Times Running Out- ONLY 5 DAYS LEFT!

Time is running out on the buyers tax credit. The tax credit ends on April 30, 2010. The basics of the tax credit are as follows:

1. Qualified first time home buyers can receive a tax credit of $8000.
2. Qualified current home owners can receive a tax credit of $6000.
3. The home contract must be written by April 30, 2010.
4. The home sale must close no later than June 30, 2010.

To find your Broken Arrow, OK home now, contact Darryl Baskin of The Baskin Real Estate Specialists at McGraw at 918-258-2600 or www.darrylbaskin.com.

To find out if you qualify for the buyers tax credit for a Broken Arrow, OK home, contact Steve Currington of Currington Mortgage at 918-394-5626 or www.curringtonmortgage.com.

Market Condition Report - 7 county MSA - All prices - New construction and Pre-owned - Source: Tulsa MLS (NORES) - Compiled by Terradatum, Inc. - Thomas E Allen Appraisals, LLC

Slight decline in Median Price (Sold) - $131,000 average over 2 years.

 

On a linear trend basis, supply has been trending down. Supply has trended up the past 4 months.

 

 

March, 2010, Month's Supply of Inventory is favorably in the 4.0 Month's Supply range, the lowest in 2 years!

 

 

NAR calculates Month's Supply based on Sold-Closings and lags behind the previous graph that is based on contract activity.

 

 

Listings going to contract on a weekly basis. The last five weeks activity exceeds Past and Previous 12 week averages.

 

 

Need more information? Specific market information? Contact me.

 

 

Thomas E Allen, CRP, RAC Member

Thomas E Allen Appraisals, LLC

PO Box 702438

Tulsa, Ok 74170-2348

 

(918) 481 3500  FAX (918) 477 2044

TomAllen@TulsaCoxMail.com   or TomAllen@RAC.net   

"Some people spend an entire lifetime wondering if they made a difference in the world.  But the U.S. ARMED FORCES don't have that problem."  ...Ronald Reagan