Tuesday, August 31, 2010

South Tulsa Area Homes For Sale!

Bixby OK Luxury Ranch For Sale- Front View.jpg

Gated and Secluded Luxury Estate in Bixby, OK

1724 East 151 Street
in Bixby, OK.

$2,675,000


5 Bedrooms
6.5 Bathrooms
4 Car Garage


______________________________________________________________________

South Tulsa Area Home For Sale- Front View.jpg

New Construction in Bixby, OK!

14558 South Urbana Court
The Auberge in Bixby, OK.

$224,900

2 Bedrooms
2 Full 1 Half Bathrooms
2 Car Garage


___________________________________________________________


Home For Sale in Jenks, OK.jpg

Charming Old World Home in Jenks, OK!


6338 East 111th Place
Woodfield Village in Tulsa, OK.

$325,000

3 Bedrooms
2 Full 1 Half Bathrooms
2 Car Garage

____________________________________________________________

Tulsa, OK Luxury Home For Sale- Front View.jpg

Gorgeous Luxury Estate on Over 1/2 Acre in Bixby, OK.


11707 South Fulton Avenue
Forest Hills Estates in Bixby, OK.

$785,000

4 Bedrooms
3 Full 2 Half Bathrooms
3 Car Garage



For more information on luxury real estate in the Tulsa, Oklahoma area or for more information on these South Tulsa, OK area homes, contact Kelly Howard of McGraw Realtors at 918-230-6341 or www.kellyhowardhomes.com.

Monday, August 30, 2010

Protect Your Family From Fire!

Fire can be a devastating event. It damages everything in its path and can cause serious injury and death. To help protect your family and home from fire, read on.

  • Be prepared ahead of time! Being prepared is probably the most important step of all. This step involves many things. First, make sure you have homeowner's insurance in the event of a fire. Second, have a fire escape plan with all the necessary items such as escape ladders, fire extinguisher, smoke detectors etc. Third, practice your fire escape plan. If you have children, this is especially important. Take time to discuss what to do in the event of a fire and practice this at all hours of the day and night. Don't take for granted that they know what to do.
  • Avoid unnecessary risk! Cigarettes, fire places, and appliances are common causes of fires in the home. To avoid these risks, make sure that all cigarettes are put out before going to bed or if you are sleepy. Consider putting them in a glass of water to be safe. Make sure that fires in your fireplace are completely out. If you use it often, install a screen and glass door for extra safety. Finally, avoid putting appliances near furniture. Appliances and heaters placed near furniture can often overheat and cause a fire to start. When a fire starts from any one of the items above, they often start very slowly and smolder for a long time before actually catching fire and being detected.
  • Test your smoke alarm! It is very important to test your smoke alarm often to ensure that it is working properly. Also replace the battery at least once per year, even if it appears to be working. If your smoke alarm seems to go off regularly when there is not a problem, such as during cooking, consider moving it a few feet away. If your smoke alarm is 10 years old, replace it.
  • Keep Emergency Numbers on Hand! Keep Tulsa, OK Area emergency numbers near all phones in case of fire or emergency. A great place to check is the local phone book.
  • No matter how much we prepare, we can't completely prevent fires in our home. should a fire occur, remember to call your homeowners insurance agent and home maintenance professionals to take care of any damage and ensure insurance coverage of repairs.

Contact these professionals for questions or quotes:

Homeowners Insurance Coverage in Tulsa, OK- Mike Tedford, Tedford Insurance, 918-299-2345 or www.tedfordinsurance.com.
Roofing Repairs in the Tulsa, OK area- Judy Smith, Abest Roofing, 918-587-1426 or www.abestroofing.com.
Fire Damage and Restoration in the Tulsa, OK area- Roger Fisher, PCC Cleaning and Restoration, 918-641-1111 or www.pcccr.com.

Sunday, August 29, 2010

How to Buy a Home From a Tulsa, OK Builder

How Home Builderʼs Negotiate
This common question has some uncommon answers. Home builders in the Tulsa, OK area - just like any other home seller - have their own agenda based upon the type of home they are building, their own personal philosophies of building new houses and the market forces which affect any home seller anywhere. Despite the exponential differences these variable can create, there are common practices which make buying a new home in Tulsa and the surrounding communities somewhat consistent between them.

How much should I offer on a brand new home?
Like any other home a buyer falls in love with, the reason the buyer likes the house is because it stood out as the best overall value of the houses that are available. This often means it is priced well to begin with. Therefore, while you may still be able to negotiate a better deal, donʼt be so eager to steal the property that you forget this important fact. Consider your second choice. Would you rather pay full price for your favorite or get a discount on your second favorite. An honest answer to this question will tell you if you are making a price decision based on negotiation pride or market value.

Home builders pay for workers.
Often, buyers think of home builder as “Big Corporate America,” “Big Oil,” “Real Estate Dynasties,” and such. While there are some legendary home builders with deep pockets, most are just small business people who have taken extraordinary risk to build a home. Even those well-funded builders have a bottom to their funds and have to manage their business efficiently. What you are hiring is a manager of the complex home building process. Negotiate a good deal but make sure you pay enough for the builder to be profitable or you could find your new dream home encumbered with contractor liens. This will quickly turn into a nightmare.

Interested in building a new home in Tulsa, OK? Call Bruce Gardner of Gardner Constructions at 918-481-1377 or www.gardnerconstructioncompany.com.

Need help negotiating your real estate contract? For all your Tulsa, OK luxury real estate needs, contact Peter McGraw of The Tulsa Luxury Property Group at McGraw Realtors at 918-592-6000 or www.tulsaluxurypropertygroup.com

Saturday, August 28, 2010

Oklahoma Eco-Friendly Landscaping

I always think about eco-friendly household cleaners, organic produce, and green flooring. Frankly though, I never thought about eco-friendly landscape, here in Oklahoma. Here are a few easy ways to improve your environment through landscaping.

  • Reduce energy costs by planting deciduous shade trees. These trees will allow warmth in the winter and help reduce heat in the summer.
  • Use evergreen trees to reduce cold wind in the Winter. Evergreens should be planted in an area that will block the wind during cold weather months.
  • Add plants that are native to Oklahoma and will work with our weather patterns.
  • Plan for irrigation, plants, and garden design that will save water.
  • Consider solar powered landscaping lights.
There are many more ways to incorporate eco-friendly landscaping in Tulsa, OK, contact Nathan Vaughn of Bluum Outdoor at 918-599-8500 or www.bluum.net.

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

Friday, August 27, 2010

What Not to Send with Your Tulsa, OK Moving Company!

Packing and moving can be a lengthy and stressful process. Knowing what to pack should be simple, right? Not always! There are some items that should not be packed and sent with a moving company. Hazardous items are actually illegal for movers to transport. The following items should not be sent in the moving van:
  • Pant and paint thinners
  • Ammunition and firearms
  • Gas, Propane, or Oil
  • Flammable or Explosive Materials
  • Aerosols
  • Acetone Products
  • Stereo
  • Matches
  • Valuable items
  • Pets
For a complete list of items that you shouldn't send with your moving company or for a quote to move your Tulsa, OK. property, contact Mike Ellingson of Relocation LLC, at 918-455-6683 or www.relocationllc.net.

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

Thursday, August 26, 2010

Tame that Angry Beast!

Buying and selling your Tulsa, 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 Tulsa, OK. real estate needs, contact Kelly Howard of McGraw Realtors at 918-230-6341 or www.kellyhoward.com.

Wednesday, August 25, 2010

South Tulsa Luxury Homes for Sale!

Some of South Tulsa's Finest Luxury Homes for Sale...


New Construction in Gated Luxury Neighborhood!

12204 South 68th East Avenue
Woodmere Addition in Bixby, Oklahoma
$935,000

5 Bedrooms
4 Full 1 Half Baths
4 Car Garage
_________________________________


European Designed Home in Gated Community!

6010 East 117th Street
River Oaks Addition in Bixby, Oklahoma
$2,500,000

5 Bedrooms
5 Full 2 Half Bathrooms
4 Car Garage

________________________________

Magnificent Gated Estate!

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 Tulsa, Oklahoma area, contact Kelly Howard of McGraw Realtors at 918-230-6341 or www.kellyhowardhomes.com

Saturday, August 14, 2010

Luxury Home for Sale in Jenks Oklahoma

Jenks Luxury Property Front View.jpg

720 West 108th Place
Aberdeen Falls in Jenks Oklahoma


$1,695,000

5 Bedrooms
5 Full, 1 Half Bathrooms
5 Living Areas


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!

Jenks Luxury Property Kitchen.jpg

Jenks Luxury Property Master Bedroom.jpg

Jenks Luxury Property Theatre Room.jpg

Jenks Luxury Property Pool View.jpg


For a list of luxury homes for sale in Jenks Oklahoma and for all your Jenks OK real estate needs contact Kelly Howard of McGraw Realtors at 918-230-6341 or visit www.kellyhowardhomes.com.

Saturday, August 7, 2010

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 Tulsa, OK area, contact Kelly Howard of McGraw Realtors at 918-230-6341 or www.kellyhowardhomes.com.


Thursday, August 5, 2010

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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Monday, August 2, 2010

What to Consider When Buying a Luxury 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? 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. 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 Tulsa, OK area luxury home, contact Darryl Baskin, McGraw Realtors at 918-258-2600 or www.darrylbaskin.com.

For all your Tulsa, OK area roofing needs, contact Judy Smith of A-Best Roofing at 918-587-1426 or www.abestroofing.com.

For all your Tulsa, 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

Sunday, August 1, 2010

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 Tulsa, OK area, contact Kelly Howard of McGraw Realtors at 918-230-6341 or www.kellyhowardhomes.com.