Saturday, October 30, 2010

According to a recent article posted by Paul Davidson in USA Today, the bailout of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac will cost taxpayers more that was originally thought. So far, Fannie and Freddie have received $135 billion in funds from the Treasury Department. They are expected to receive another $19 billion by 2013.

Paul also mentions that the $154 billion bailout is not the compete figure...
"All these figures exclude dividends paid, or expected to be paid, to Treasury based on its preferred shares in Fannie and Freddie. If those amounts were included, the companies are expected to draw $221 billion to $363 billion by 2013."
The bailouts for the financial firms and auto industry cost taxpayers $50 billion.

Read the original article, "Fannie, Freddie bailout to cost taxpayers $154 billion", here.


To buy or sell Tulsa, OK luxury real estate, contact Kelly Howard, McGraw Realtors at 918-230-6341 or www.kellyhowardhomes.com.

Friday, October 29, 2010

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



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
$935,000

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

Got Too Much Stuff in Your Tulsa, OK Home?

It is all too common to hear someone say, "I have way too much stuff" or "I don't have any more room in my Tulsa, OK home"! Some people hoard, others save “just in case”, and many find out they have too much stuff when they have to move. Whatever your reasons, now that fall is here, it is the perfect time to go through that stuff and figure out what to do with it. Here are your five basic options: Keep it, Store it, Sell, it, Donate it, and Throw it Away. The hardest part for most people is trying to put that stuff in the right category. Try these tips to make getting rid of all that stuff easier.

First- get five buckets, bags, or containers. and label them with Keep, Store, Sell, Donate, Throw Away. As you go through items, put them in the proper containers. If you have any doubts, set it aside and come back to it later.

Second-
ask yourself these questions:
  • Does this item add positive value to my life or does it make me feel bad?
  • Does this item have sentimental value? Is it a family heirloom?
  • Have I used this item or worn these clothes in the last year?
If the items make you feel bad or haven't been used in the last year, don't keep them. Keep the items that are very important to you and that you use regularly.

Third- if the item is in the keep pile but you don't have room for it, consider placing it in a Tulsa, OK storage facility. Remember to think about insurance coverage and special needs for items in storage, such as temperature, parking, etc.

Fourth- if you are getting rid of the item, follow these basic rules to categorize that “stuff”!

  • Throw it away if it is torn, ripped, broken, or stained. If you have large items, old building supplies or just too much stuff for the trash can, call a Tulsa, OK Junk Removal Service, like I/Haul.
  • Sell it if it is something that you think someone else would buy or could imagine someone else using. Remember that selling items will often take time, whether selling in a garage sale, consignment store or online.
  • Donate items that are in good shape and would be helpful to others. Places like John 3:16 in Tulsa, OK , Tulsa Salvation Army and Goodwill of Tulsa take many donations and some even pick up in certain areas. Also remember that some items like children’s toys, book and videos can be donated to children’s hospitals and other organizations with needy or sick children. Be creative and check around. There are many worthwhile places to donate good used items.

For information on Tulsa, OK storage facilities and moving services call Mike Ellingson, Relocation LLC at 918-459-6683 or www.relocationllc.net.

For Tulsa, OK junk removal services, contact David Tuttle of I/Haul at 918-261-4008 or www.ihaulusa.com

For all your luxury real estate needs in the Tulsa, OK area contact Darryl Baskin of the Tulsa Luxury Property Group of McGraw Realtors at 918-258-2600 or www.tulsaluxurypropertygroup.com.

Tuesday, October 26, 2010

MOVING WITH PETS

Moving can be as stressful for us, as Tulsa, OK homeowners as it is on our pets. To make that move easier on our pets, read on for some helpful tips. First, keep your pet's routine as normal as possible during the packing and moving process. Second, if possible, have a friend or boarding service watch him. If that's not possible, avoid giving him food or water an hour or two before your trip. Third, if he will be traveling in a pet carrier, make sure there is room for him to stand up and turn around and plenty of ventilation for him to breathe. Remember to use newspaper or other absorbent material in the bottom of the carrier, in case he has an accident. Finally, remember his favorite toy!

For more moving tips or questions or to get a quote for moving services in Tulsa, OK quote, contact Mike Ellingson at 918-459-6683 or visit www.relocationllc.net

Need other reliable professionals for Tulsa, OK home maintenance needs? Visit www.tulsahomemaintenance.com.

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

Sunday, October 24, 2010

Lead, Why it is it Such a Big Deal?

There are many health concerns that go along with lead. One of the main concerns involves children. When kids get a hold of it, it can cause central nervous damage, ADD and many other issues. Why does lead create such a problem? Lead particles are very small and can be easily disturbed. 1978 was the cut off date for using lead in the US, however it has been found in things from other countries. With children it is very concerning because they put their fingers in their mouth and ingesting lead can cause health issues. How do I know if there is lead in my home? The biggest areas to watch are paint and caulk. When disturbing paint or caulk, be cautious and call professionals. Instead of sanding or removing it yourself it is better to paint over it so that it is not disturbed. It can spread easily even when taking precautions. For health reasons, it is important to call a professional instead of trying to handle it yourself. Professionals must be certified in order to handle lead removal.

Call the professionals at PCC Cleaning and Restoration for lead paint removal in the Tulsa, OK area at 918-641-1111 or www.pcccr.com.

For luxury real estate needs in the Tulsa, OK area, contact Darryl Baskin of McGraw Realtos at 918-258-2600 or www.darrylbaskin.com.

Friday, October 22, 2010

Homes for Sale in the Tulsa, OK Area




19983 S. Sheridan Rd
Mounds, OK. with 80 Acres

$2699,000

4 Bedrooms
3 Full, 2 Half Bathrooms
5 Living Areas
3 Car Garage

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Updated Owasso, OK Home!

11607 E. 84 Ct. N.
Three Lakes Village in Owasso, OK.

$105,000

3 Bedrooms
1 Full, 1 Half Bathrooms
2 Car Garage

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Exquisite Custom Luxury Home in Bixby, OK.

15080 S. Columbia Ave.
The Estates of Posey Creek Farms in Bixby, OK.

$1,250,000

4 Bedrooms
3 Full 2 Half Bathrooms
4 Living Areas
3 Car Garage


For more information on any of these Tulsa, OK area homes for sale or 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.

Friday, October 15, 2010

Questions for the 2010 Oklahoma State Ballot #7

As Tulsa residents, the upcoming election in November will be very important. There are a record 11 questions on the Oklahoma State Ballot. As Tulsa voters, it is important to be aware of each question on the ballot so that we can make well informed decisions. After all, these decisions will affect Tulsa for years to come. So far we have given an overview of SQ 744, SQ 746, SQ 747, SQ 748, SQ 750, SQ 751, SQ 753, and SQ754- 8 of 11 questions on the Oklahoma State Ballot for November 2010. Today, we will discuss the seventh and eight of the eleven Oklahoma state questions- SQ 755, SQ756, and SQ 757.

SQ 755: This measure amends the Oklahoma Constitution. It changes a section that deals with the courts of this state. It would amend Article 7, Section 1. It makes courts rely on federal and state law when deciding cases. It forbids courts from considering or using international law. It forbids courts form considering or using Sharia Law.

International law is also known as the law of nations. It deals with the conduct of international organizations and independent nations, such as countries, states, and tribes. It deals with their relationship with each other. It also deals with some of their relationships with persons.

The law of nations is formed by the general assent of civilized nations. Sources of international law also include international agreements, as well as treaties.

Sharia Law is Islamic law. It is based on two principal sources, the Koran and the teaching of Mohammed.

SQ 756: This measure adds a new section of law to the State Constitution. It adds Section 37 to Article 2. It defines "health care system." It prohibits making a person participate in a health care system. It prohibits making an employer participate in a health care system. It prohibits making a health care provider provide treatment in a health care system. It allows persons and employees to pay for treatment directly. It allows a health care provider to accept payment for treatment directly. It allows the purchase of health care insurance in private health care systems. It allows the sale of health insurance in private health care systems.

The measure's effect is limited. It would n ot affect any law or rule in effect as of January 1, 2010.

Nor could the measure affect or negate all federal laws or rules. The United States Constitution has a Supremacy Clause. That clause makes federal law the supreme law of the land. Under that clause Congress has the power to pre-empt state law. When Congress intends to pre-empt state law, federal law controls. When Congress intends it, constitutionally enacted federal law would pre-empt some or all of the proposed measure.

SQ 757: This measure amends the State Constitution. It amends Section 23 of Article 10. It increases the amount of surplus revenue which goes into special fund. That fund is the Constitutional Reserve Fund. The amount would go from 10% to 15% of the funds certified as going to the General Revenue fund for the preceding fiscal year.
This information provided by "Do You Have the Answers?" by Sid Sperry published in Oklahoma Living Magazine.

For more information about SQ 755, SQ 756, or SQ 757 or any other question on the November 2, 2010 ballot, visit the www.okpolicy.org website or visit www.ballotpedia.org.

For your Tulsa, OK area luxury real estate needs, contact Kelly Howard of McGraw Realtors at 918-230-6341 or www.kellyhowardhomes.com.

Wednesday, October 13, 2010

Questions for the 2010 Oklahoma State Ballot #6

As Tulsa residents, the upcoming election in November will be very important. There are a record 11 questions on the Oklahoma State Ballot. As Tulsa voters, it is important to be aware of each question on the ballot so that we can make well informed decisions. After all, these decisions will affect Tulsa for years to come. So far we have given an overview of SQ 744, SQ 746, SQ 747, SQ 748, SQ 750 and SQ 751- 6 of 11 questions on the Oklahoma State Ballot for November 2010. Today, we will discuss the seventh and eight of the eleven Oklahoma state questions- SQ 753 and SQ 754.

SQ 753: This measure amends a section of the Oklahoma Constitution. It amends Section 3 of Article 7-B. The measure deals with the Judicial Nominating Commission. This Commission selects nominees to be appointed judges or justices, when a vacancy occurs. The Commission selects three, sometimes four, qualified nominees. The Governor must appoint one of the nominees.

The amendment adds two at-large members to the Commission. At -large members can come from any Oklahoma congressional district. The Senate President Pro-Tempore appoints one of the new at-large members. The Speaker of the House of Representatives appoints the other. At-large member can not be lawyers. Nor can more than two at-large members be from the same political party.

Six non at-large members are appointed by the Governor. They cannot be Oklahoma lawyers. The measure adds a new qualification for non-lawyer members. They can not have a lawyer from any state in their immediate family. Each congressional district must have at least one non-lawyer member.

Six lawyer members are elected by members of the Oklahoma Bar Association. Each congressional district must have at least one-lawyer member.

SQ 754: This measure add a new section to the Oklahoma Constitution. It adds Section 55A to Article 5. The Legislature designates amounts of money to be used for certain functions. These designations are called appropriations. The measure deals with the appropriation process.

The measure limits how the Constitution could control that process. Under the measure the Constitution could not require the Legislature to fund state functions based on 1) Predetermined constitutional formulas; 2) How much other states spend on a function; 3) How much any entity spends on a function.

Under the measure these limits on the Constitution's power to control appropriations would apply even if: 1) A later constitutional amendment changed the Constitution, or 2) A Constitutional amendment to the contrary was passed at the same time as this measure.

Thus under the measure, once adopted, the measure could not be effectively amended. Nor could it be repealed.

This information provided by "Do You Have the Answers?" by Sid Sperry published in Oklahoma Living Magazine.

For more information about SQ 753 or SQ 754 or any other question on the November 2, 2010 ballot, visit the www.okpolicy.org website or visit www.ballotpedia.org.

For your Tulsa, OK area luxury real estate needs, contact Kelly Howard of McGraw Realtors at 918-230-6341 or www.kellyhowardhomes.com.

Tuesday, October 12, 2010

Luxury Homes for Sale in the Tulsa, OK Area

Elegant Luxury Home For Sale in Bixby, OK.

$999,000

13420 South Lewis Avenue in Bixby, OK
The Estates of Hampton Hills Addition

5 Bedrooms
5 Full, 1 Half Bathrooms
3 Car Garage

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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

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

Monday, October 11, 2010

Luxury Home for Sale in Jenks, OK.


10808 South New Haven Avenue
Belmont Addition in Jenks, Oklahoma

$1,895,000

4 Bedrooms
4 Full 2 Half Bathrooms
4 Living Areas
4 Car Garage

For more information on this Exquisite Luxury Home for Sale in Jenks, OK, or for all your Tulsa, OK area residential real estate needs, contact Kelly Howard, McGraw Realtors at 918-230-6341 or www.kellyhowardhomes.com

Luxury Home for Sale in Jenks, OK.

Exquisite Luxury Home for Sale in Jenks, OK.

10808 South New Haven Avenue
Belmont Addition in Jenks, Oklahoma

$1,895,000

4 Bedrooms
4 Full 2 Half Bathrooms
4 Living Areas
4 Car Garage

For more information on this Exquisite Luxury Home for Sale in Jenks, OK, or for all your Tulsa, OK area residential real estate needs, contact Kelly Howard, McGraw Realtors at 918-230-6341 or www.kellyhowardhomes.com

Monday, October 4, 2010

Magificent Jenks Luxury Estate For Sale!

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

Magnificent Gated Estate with Grand Living Spaces, Groin Vaulted Ceilings, Arched Entries, Reclaimed Beams, Hardwoods, Granite, 2 Story Library, Master/Guest Suite Down + 3 Bedrooms Up with Private Baths. Game/Media Room with Wet Bar.
Pool with Beachfront. Incredible Views!


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

Magificent Jenks Luxury Estate For Sale!

Magificent Jenks Luxury Estate For Sale!

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

Magnificent Gated Estate with Grand Living Spaces, Groin Vaulted Ceilings, Arched Entries, Reclaimed Beams, Hardwoods, Granite, 2 Story Library, Master/Guest Suite Down + 3 Bedrooms Up with Private Baths. Game/Media Room with Wet Bar.
Pool with Beachfront. Incredible Views!


For more information on this 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