Quick Tips to Consider Before Buying Condo Insurance...

When purchasing insurance for your condominium, there are several important things to keep in mind. First, know your covenants and bylaws. Each condo association is different and has different covenants and bylaws. With some, if the condo is destroyed, they will rebuild the outside but the owner is responsible for everything from the sheetrock in. This type of information will help your insurance agent determine the proper coverage for your policy. Also, remember that you may be responsible for extra fees if the condo association falls short of funds (to replace the roof, for example). That can also be added as coverage for your policy.

For more information about condo insurance, renters insurance or other insurance in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, contact Mike Tedford, Tedford Insurance, 918-299-2345, or www.tedfordinsurance.com

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

Improve or Move?

Although the economy has shown signs of improvement, many homeowners are choosing to improve their home rather than move. By doing so, when the economy changes they will have increased the value of their home and will be able to sell it at that point. There are many ways to improve your home and add value, including: repairing and replacing your roof, repainting the interior and exterior of your home, installing energy efficient products, providing curb appeal through landscaping, upgrading fixtures, and doing basic maintenance and pest control.

• Repairing or Replacing Your Roof- Make sure that you keep your roof in good repair and when needed, replace it. Check with your roofing professional to see if you need a new roof, have venting problems, have loose shingles, or have any other roofing issues that are in need of repair.
• Repainting- repainting your home not only helps maintain the property but it is also appealing to buyers when you decide to sell. Keep neutral colors in mind, however, so that it will be appealing to a large number of buyers.
• Installing Energy Efficient Products- replace old windows, appliances, hot water heaters, and heating and a/c units with newer energy star rated ones. This will help decrease your energy bills and will be attractive to buyers.
• Providing Curb Appeal through Landscaping- make sure that your landscaping is attractive to buyers. An attractive exterior can help ensure that buyers will at least take a peak inside. Also remember to provide landscaping that will look good in every season.
• Upgrading Fixtures- this is an easy and often inexpensive way to improve your home. Replace doorknobs, cabinet pulls, light fixtures, and plumbing fixtures for newer ones.
• Doing Basic Maintenance and Pest Control- this is one of the best ways to improve your property and prevent buyers from walking out the door. Many buyers simply don't want a "fixer upper" or problems with pests. They want it move in ready. Simple home maintenance and pest control will keep buyers interested and will help prevent more expensive repairs later.

Remember, if you don't have the time or skill, hire a professional to do needed improvements and repairs. A poor repair job won't attract buyers when you decide to sell. Check our the professionals listed below or visit www.tulsahomemaintenance.com for a complete list of professionals. Should you decide to move, visit www.homeguidetulsa.com for tips on buying and selling and to search for homes for sale in the Broken Arrow, OK. area.

Roof Repair or Replacement in Broken Arrow, OK.- Judy Smith of Abest Roofing at 918-587-1426 or www.abestroofing.com.

Pest control in the Broken Arrow, Oklahoma Area- Duane Montgomery, Montgomery Exterminating at 918-438-4885 or www.montgomeryexterminating.com.

To buy or sell Broken Arrow, OK. Real Estate- Darryl Baskin, McGraw Realtors, 918-258-2600 or www.darrylbaskin.com.

Broken Arrow, OK. Moving Services- Mike Ellingson, Relocation LLC, 918-459-MOVE or www.relocationllc.net.

Broken Arrow, OK. Mortgage Services- Karen Heston, BOK Mortgage, 918-230-9432 or kheston-boklo.mortgagewebcenter.com

Broken Arrow, OK. Electric Repair and Installation- Larry Murray, Murray Electric, 918-557-3020 or www.murrayelectric.com.

Broken Arrow, OK. Building and Remodeling- Rick Oberlender, US Building Systems, 918-518-5913

Broken Arrow, OK. Home Automation- Keegan Beck, KMB Enterprises, 918-527-1031 or www.kmbenterprisesllc.com

Tulsa, OK. Area Luxury Homes for Sale

Secluded Owasso, OK Luxury Home For Sale

15601 East 82nd Street North
in Owasso, OK.

$1,900,000

4 Bedrooms
4 Full, 2 Half Bathrooms
4 Car Garage

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Luxury Home for Sale in Jenks, OK.

10726 S. Lakewood Ave.
The Gates at Forest Park

$4,200,000

6 Bedrooms
7 Full 4 Half Bathrooms
5 Car Garage

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Luxury Home for Sale in Owasso, OK.
10001 N. Glen Ellen Dr.
Clearbrook Addition

$2,100,000

5 Bedrooms
6 Full 2 Half Bathrooms
4 Car Garage




For information on any of these Tulsa, OK area luxury homes or for all your Broken Arrow, OK area real estate needs, contact Kelly Howard of McGraw Realtors at 918-230-6341 or www.kellyhowardhomes.com.

Tulsa, OK. Condos For Sale

Tulsa, Oklahoma Condominiums for Sale

Enjoy the View from these Charming Spacious Condo's just Steps Away from the River Parks. Downtown and major interstates are only minutes away.

3731 South Riverside Drive
Tower Court Condo's in Tulsa, OK.

$172,900

3 Bedrooms
2 Full 1 Half Bathrooms
2 Car Attached Garage

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3727 South Riverside Drive
Tower Court Condo's in Tulsa, OK.

$169,900

3 Bedrooms
2 Full 1 Half Bathrooms
2 Car Attached Garage
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3729 South Riverside Drive
Tower Court Condo's in Tulsa, OK.

$169,900

3 Bedrooms
2 Full 1 Half Bathrooms
2 Car Attached Garage


To sell your Broken Arrow, OK area Condo or to find condominiums for sale in Broken Arrow, contact Kelly Howard of McGraw Realtors at 918-230-6341 or www.kellyhowardhomes.com

No Post-Move In Surprises!

When buying a home, most buyers will hire a home inspector to inspect their property for problems. When problems arise, sometimes repairs can be negotiated with the sellers or even repaired after move-in. A home inspection can help prevent surprises for buyers after they move in to their new home. There are, however, some issues that an inspection won't uncover. After all, an inspector can't see everything. In a recent article in Realtor Magazine, "Avoid Home Flaws Being Uncovered Too Late", information is given to help buyers avoid being surprised with problems after moving in.

Home inspections don’t always turn up everything wrong with a home, but unknowing buyers can quickly turn unsatisfied when they move into their new home if they find a bunch of problems.

"The purpose of a home inspection is to look for material defects of a property: things that are unsafe, not working, or that create a hazard," Kurt Salomon, president of the American Society of Home Inspectors, told the Chicago Tribune. However, most buyers "think we can see through walls and predict the future.”

Home inspections, for example, don’t specifically test for environmental safety hazards like lead, asbestos, or radon--which can be costly to remove. Inspectors also may overlook mold or vermin when its hidden behind floorboards.

As such, buyers also should be on the lookout for common hazards because pinpointing these before closing at least allows them the opportunity to ask sellers to help pay for removal costs.

Experts warn that buyers should take note of homes built prior to 1978, which usually contain lead and possibly asbestos in 9-by-9 floor tiles in basements.

To help avoid post-move-in surprises, buyers also might consider bringing in additional safety inspectors to evaluate the home, such as chimney inspectors, electricians, or experts for leading or radon testing.

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

Homes for Sale in the Tulsa, OK. Area

Jenks, OK Luxury Home for Sale

720 W. 108th St. in Jenks
Aberdeen Falls Addition

$1,695,000

5 Bedrooms
5 Full 1 Half Bathrooms
4 Car Garage

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New Construction in Bixby, OK!

12204 South 68th East Avenue
Woodmere Addition in Bixby, Oklahoma
$899,900

5 Bedrooms
4 Full 1 Half Baths
4 Car Garage
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Magnificent Gated Estate in Jenks, OK!

777 West 106th Street
The Estates at Stone Bluff in Jenks, Oklahoma
$2,999,000

5 Bedrooms
7 Full 1 Half Bathrooms
3 Car Garage


For more information on any of these Tulsa, Oklahoma area luxury homes or to buy or sell your home in the Broken Arrow, Oklahoma area, contact Kelly Howard of McGraw Realtors at 918-230-6341 or www.kellyhowardhomes.com

American Housing Reform

The National Association of Realtors has concerns about reforms that might be considered in America's Housing Finance Market. The National Association of Realtors believe that reform must must include these factors more thoughtfulness and transparency. One concern of the NAR include the elimination of government-sponsored enterprises. They are also concerned in the amount of transparency and accountability in the secondary mortgage market. Read on for the full article, "Affordable, Reliably Home Financing is Priority" at Realtor Magazine (May 2011).

Reforms to America’s housing finance market must ensure a reliable source of affordable mortgage lending for creditworthy consumers. That’s according to REALTORS® and other industry insiders who examined the federal government’s future role in the secondary mortgage market at a session called “Fannie Mae & Freddie Mac: Obama Options and Beyond” at the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® 2011 Midyear Legislative Meetings & Trade Expo in Washington, D.C.

Steve Brown, 2011 NAR first vice-president nominee, opened the session by outlining NAR’s position for reforming the government-sponsored enterprises (GSEs), saying that reform is required, taxpayers must be protected from losses, and the federal government must continue to play a role in the secondary mortgage market to ensure a steady flow of mortgage liquidity in all markets under all economic conditions.

Reform Must Be Thoughtful

“As the leading advocate for home owners, NAR is concerned that eliminating the GSEs without a viable replacement is not a reasonable option and will severely restrict mortgage capital and result in higher fees and costs for qualified borrowers,” said Brown. “Reform of the secondary mortgage market needs to be comprehensive and undertaken methodically.”

James Parrot, senior advisor for housing at the National Economic Council in Washington, D.C., overviewed the Obama administration’s recommendations for reforming the GSEs in the wake of the financial crisis, which included varying levels of government backing. He noted the primary objective of the proposals was twofold: first, to lay out an immediate near-term path for reform, with steps that could be taken the next few years to reduce taxpayer risk and move the housing market to more stable footing, and second, to frame the discussion regarding the government’s long-term role in housing finance.

“The government’s large presence in the housing finance is unhealthy and needs to be scaled back; however, the steps we take over next few years to reduce the government’s role and increase private capital will have a tremendous impact on the housing market and economy as well as the availability and affordability of mortgages,” said Parrot. “The objective isn’t to turn away from housing, but to make the housing finance market stronger so that families and their most important asset are better protected,” said Parrot.

More Transparency Needed

Panelist Susan Wachter, a professor at The Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania, agreed that private capital needs to return to the housing finance market, but that most likely won’t happen until the market has stabilized.

“There needs to be more accountability and transparency in the secondary mortgage market so that private investors can best assess their risk and safely get back into the market,” she said.

Mark Calabria, director of Financial Regulation Studies at the Cato Institute, argued for a very limited government role in the secondary mortgage market; saying that the private capital market has the funds and capacity to absorb Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac’s market share. He said that increased government support in the past few decades has only slightly increased America’s home ownership rate and that rates in other countries are higher despite their government’s limited involvement.

Despite his opposing viewpoint to the level of involvement, Calabria did acknowledge that some government backstop was essential in the future, since the housing and finance markets are sensitive to booms and busts.

David Katkov, executive vice president and chief business officer at The PMI Group, countered that it would be naïve to move to a purely private market because it’s been successful in other countries, adding that the U.S.’s housing finance system dwarfs that of other countries and is far more complex.

Ann Grochala, vice president at the Independent Community Bankers of America also shared concerns for small lenders and community bankers in a purely private market, where competition from large lenders would be great.

Source: NAR

For Broken Arrow, OK. Real Estate, contact Kelly Howard, McGraw Realtors, 918-230-6341 or www.kellyhowardhomes.com.