Home Automation, What is It?

Home automation is, basically, anything that gives you control over certain aspects of your property from one location, whether that is inside your home or remotely. Home automation systems can be as simple as being able to control some or all of the lights in your home from one control. It can also be quite complex.

Home automation systems can include: lights (both interior and exterior), security systems, home audio systems, home theater systems, heating and A/C systems, and even window draperies and shades. These systems allow you to use one controller inside your home to control these systems. They can also be set up to allow access through the internet or your cell phone. You can even use voice recognition to access some systems.

What's even better than being able to do all these things without getting up? Saving energy costs at the same time. Many of the features, especially lighting systems, can pay for themselves with a 10% energy savings each year.

For more information on home automation system installation and pricing in the Tulsa, OK area, contact Keegan Beck of KMB Enterprises at 918-527-1031 or www.kmbenterprisesllc.com.

To have a home security system installed in the Tulsa, OK area, contact Tory Tipp of TNT Security at 918-313-4074 or www.tntsecurityservices.com.

For all your luxury real estate needs in the Tulsa, OK area, contact Gordon Shelton of The Tulsa Luxury Property Group of McGraw Realtors at 918-739-0397 or www.tulsaluxurypropertygroup.com

Maintaining Your Homes' Appraisal Value!

With mortgage rates at an all-time low, it is not uncommon for homeowners to consider refinancing their home. One of the biggest concerns some homeowners have during this real estate market, however, is keeping the appraisal value of their home high. Read on for a few tips to help maintain your home's high appraisal value.

1. Before your appraisal is ordered, ask your lender to request an appraiser who is from your county. Also request an appraiser that is certified and has a professional designation such as a Senior Residential Appraiser from the Appraisal Institute (SRA) or a Member of the Appraisal Institute (MAI).
   
2. One of the first things to do as a homeowner when you are facing an appraisal on your home is to be knowledgeable. Ask your realtor for comparable sales in your area. Also, take the time to visit some of the open houses in your area. With this pricing information you should have a good idea of your home's value.
   
3. Don't be afraid to let the appraiser know that you have seen comparables to your home. Also be willing to confront the appraiser if he overlooks important facts and features of your home.
   
4. If the appraisal is low, don't be afraid to question the appraiser. Sometimes they can overlook important information that will affect the value of your home.

Although you cannot control the value the appraiser will place on your home, with the right knowledge and preparation you can help prevent a low appraisal during this struggling real estate market.

To buy or sell your Tulsa, OK area luxury home, contact Kelly Howard of McGraw Realtors at 918-230-6341 or www.kellyhowardhomes.com.

To Read More on this subject, check out the original articles "Keeping Home Appraisal Values Up" in the Tulsa World and "How to Avoid a Low Home Appraisal" from Bankrate.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.

• 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.
• Check sinks, showers/tubs, and toilets for clogs and loose caulking. Also check for soft flooring or water nearby that might indicate a leak.
• Check your water heater for rust and for wet spots on the floor.
• 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.
• Before and during cold weather keep faucets off and hoses disconnected from the spigots.
• During warmer weather, have your A/C unit serviced to ensure that it is in good working order.
• Check all caulking and paint on the exterior of your house and around windows and doors.
• Prevent water from sitting around the foundation of your home by filling low spots.
• 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.
• 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.

If you suspect roof damage on your Tulsa, OK area luxury home, contact Judy Smith of A-Best Roofing at 918-587-1426 or www.abestroofing.com.

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

If you have suffered water damage or suspect water damage to your Tulsa, OK area home, contact Roger Fisher of PCC Cleaning and Restoration at 918-641-1111 or www.pcccr.com.

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

New Luxury Listing...

Extraordinary Mediterranean Style Residence!

720 West 108th Place
Jenks, OK. in Aberdeen Falls

$1,695,000

5 Bedrooms
5 Full 1 Half Bathrooms
4 Car Garage

Extraordinary Mediterranean Style Residence, Classic & Stately.
Be Prepared to Enter a World of Opulence Exceeding Every Buyers
Expectations in Architectural Design, Craftsmanship & Attention to Detail!

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

Selecting a Tulsa, OK Area Pest Control Company....

How do you select a great Tulsa, OK area pest control company?

One of the easiest ways to is to ask people in Tulsa, OK. What do people in Tulsa, OK say? In their June issue, Tulsa People magazine featured readers’ favorite service companies. Among the favorites for Tulsa, OK is our very own Montgomery Exterminating! In addition, Montgomery Exterminating is among the top favorite service companies in Tulsa, OK as listed in the Tulsa People Magazine A-List. As a customer, I am not surprised that Montgomery is a favorite! They are knowledgeable, friendly, reliable, effective, and a great value. Congratulations Montgomery Exterminating!

To check out the Tulsa People Magazine A-List visit their website.

For pest control service in the Tulsa, OK area, call Duane Montgomery of Montgomery Exterminating at 918-438-4885 or www.montgomeryexterminating.com.

For all your Tulsa, OK luxury real estate needs, contact The Baskin Real Estate Specialist of McGraw Realtors at 918-258-2600 or www.darrylbaskin.com.

New Luxury Property Listings!

Exceptional Luxury Estate!

10001 N. Glen Ellen Drive
Clear Brook Subdivision in
Owasso, Oklahoma

$2,100,000

5 Bedrooms 6 Full 2 Half Baths
4 Car Garage

Exceptional Luxury Estate Features All the Finest Details. Hardwoods, Beams, Travertine Marble, Gorgeous Moldings, Granite, & Chateau Cabinetry Thru-out. Culinary Kitchen, Office, Wine, Hobby & Media Room. Master Suite w/Spa Bath, Laundry & Exercise Rm.

Grandeur!

10726 S. Lakewood Ave.
The Gates at Forest Park Addition in
Tulsa, Oklahoma

$4,200,000

6 Bedrooms
7 Full 4 Half Baths
5 Car Garage

Never Before Has a Home of this Grandeur, Quality, and Technology been Available! 6 Bedrooms, Magnificent Master Suite & 4 other Luxury en-suite, Apartment w/Elevator. Cinema, Gym, Sauna, Tennis Court, Pool/Spa. Rare Opportunity to Own One of Tulsa's Foremost Properties.

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

What NOT to do with Your Credit Card!

For most of us, using a credit card has become a way of life.  To improve our credit score, or keep our credit score high, and keep those credit cards available remember what NOT TO DO!

1.  Seek a lower rate.  Although asking for a lower rate can be a good thing sometimes, keep in mind that when you ask for a lower rate, credit card issuers will often check your credit score or credit report or even question you about your financial situation.  Once you ask for a lower rate, companies will often treat you as if you are a new customer and check your most recent credit history.  If you have had any credit problems that show up in your credit report, this could actually cause your credit limit to be lowered or your account closed.  To prevent this, check your credit report before you ask the credit card company for a lower rate.

2.  Close your account.  If may seem that closing your account would improve your credit score, but it may not.  Credit bureaus use the information from these creditors to track your information and give you a score.  When there is too little information, it will actually cause your score to decrease.  Closing an account will not remove any information from your credit history right away.  It can take up to 7 years for delinquencies to get off your record.  In addition, credit bureaus use the information they get from your credit report to figure the "debt-to-limit ratio".  When you close an account that already has a zero balance it will cause your available credit to decrease which raises that debt-to-limit ratio.  Instead of closing the account you owe nothing on, consider reducing the balances on other credit card accounts.

Remember that a lower credit score makes it more difficult to get a loan for school, a car, or a mortgage.  Keep your credit score high and you will increase your chances of getting that much needed loan next time you want to buy a car or a home.

Read more from this Tulsa World article "Safety in the Credit Card Ring", here.


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

Gated and Secluded Estate!

Gated and Secluded Estate! Luxurious Private Estate sits on 4 Acres with up to 100 acres available including a 12-acre pond. Rare & unusual hand carvings and stone accents. Master suite is separate from the 3 guest en suites. Gourmet kitchen with stainless appliances, Saloon w/impressive Bar & Huge exercise room. Gorgeous outdoor living space with kitchen, pool and 2 Beautiful Koi Ponds. Truly resort like living! 5 Bedrooms, 6.5 bath rooms and 4 car garage. $2,675,000

For more information on this gated and secluded luxury estate in the Tulsa, Oklahoma area, contact Kelly Howard of McGraw Realtors at 918-230-6341 or www.kellyhowardhomes.com.