Thursday, September 30, 2010

A Little Luxury Living in Your Tulsa, OK Home!

Would you love to have someone in your home to turn on the lights at a moments notice? How about someone to turn on the home theater system or even the security system? No need. With home automation, you can control all of these things and more with a remote, all from the comfort of your favorite chair.

What exactly is home automation? Home automation involves using a remote control or another device to control multiple parts of your house, which can include: lighting, security, telephone, temperature, sprinklers, windows, and more. Home automation systems can even allow you to change the temperature of your home from a cell phone while you are away!

Home automation systems are features that are becoming the "norm" in many Tulsa, OK area luxury homes. Some may have a partial automation system that controls the entertainment components or lighting, for example. For others, it may include an entire home automation system, which can include everything. Home automation systems come in many price ranges and include many different components. Contact Tulsa, OK area home automation professionals to find out what system is best for you!

To discuss Tulsa, OK area home automation systems contact Keegan Beck of KMB Enterprises at 918-527-1031 or www.KMBEnterprisesllc.com

For home maintenance professionals in the Tulsa, OK area, visit www.tulsahomecare.com.

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

Wednesday, September 29, 2010

Questions for the 2010 Oklahoma State Ballot #5

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 and SQ 748- 4 of 11 questions on the Oklahoma State Ballot for November 2010. Today, we will discuss the fifth and sixth of the eleven Oklahoma state questions- SQ 750 and SQ 751.

SQ 750: This measure amends a section of the State Constitution. This section deals with initiative petitions. It also deals with referendum petitions. It deals with how many signatures are required on such petitions. It changes that requirement.

"Initiative" is the right to propose laws and constitutional amendments. "Referendum" is the right to reject a law passed by the Legislature. The following voter signature requirements apply: 8% must sign to propose a law. 15% must sign to propose to change the State Constitution. 5% must sign to order a referendum. These percentages are based upon the State office receiving the most total votes at the last General Election. The measure changes this basis. The measure's basis uses every-other General Election. General Elections are held every two years. The Governor is on the ballot every four years. The measure's basis only uses General Elections with the Governor on the ballot. The President is on the ballot in intervening General Elections. The measure's basis does not use General Elections with the President on the ballot. More votes are usually cast at Presidential General Elections. Thus, the measure would generally have a lowering effect on the number of required signatures.

SQ 751: This measure amends the State Constitution. It adds anew Article to the Constitution. That Article deals with the State's official actions. It dictates the language to be used in taking official State action. It requires that official State actions be in English. Native American languages could also be used. When Federal law requires other languages could also be used.

These language requirements apply to the State's "official actions." The term "official actions" is not defined. The Legislature could pass laws determining the application of the language requirements. The Legislature would also pass laws implementing and enforcing the language requirements.

No lawsuit based on State law could be brought on the basis of a State agency's failure to use a language other than English. Nor could such a lawsuit be brought against political subdivisions of the State.

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

For more information about SQ 750 or SQ 751 or any other question on 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, September 28, 2010

What Exactly Is Oklahoma Title Insurance?

Title insurance protects your claim of ownership of your Tulsa, Oklahoma property. When you buy real estate in the Tulsa, OK area, you count on the paperwork being properly reviewed. You should get a "title opinion" from an attorney. That does not, however, provide you any insurance that the attorney did not make an error or that someone later does not come back and claim an error was made (regardless who is right or wrong.) It is simply the opinion of the attorney you hired.

If you purchase title insurance and someone later questioned your ownership of the property, the title insurance company would be required to come defend your title.

A few things to note:
  • Title insurance only covers the period of time before your purchase of the property. It does not cover from the time you purchase and beyond. If you are concerned about problems that might arise after you purchase the property, talk to your title company and ask about appropriate insurance.
  • Sometimes "exceptions" can be listed in your title policy. These would be things that were known when the policy was written such as, your driveway or storage building being on the neighbor's property.
  • Title problems are often called "clouds" which mean your ownership is not completely clear - that someone could raise questions about it. Even if your ownership would not be lost, it can be expensive to remove the "cloud" on your title.
  • Title issues can arise from forgeries, improper paperwork filing at the courthouse, incorrectly completed forms, deaths and bankruptcies, lawsuits between other parties, and many other unknown circumstances.

For more information about title insurance in Tulsa, OK, contact Ann Rollins, at Closings of Tulsa, 918-493-2241 or www.closingsoftulsa.com.

Have Tulsa, OK area title problems? and have legal problems as a result of your title or lack of title insurance, contact Chuck Richardson of Richardson, Richardson, Boudreaux at 918-663-5070 or www.richardsonlawfirmpc.com.

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

Monday, September 27, 2010

What to Consider When Buying a Tulsa OK Area 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 Tulsa, OK area 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, single-family, duplex or condo? 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. How important is a fireplace? 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 home, contact Darryl Baskin, McGraw Realtors at 918-258-2600 or www.darrylbaskin.com.

For all your Tulsa, OK area roofing needs, contact Jonathon Knapp of Royal Roofing at 918-398-6500 or www.rrcok.com.

For all your Tulsa, OK area flooring needs, contact Jim Ecrette of ProSource Wholesale Floorcoverings at 918-252-7711 or www.prosourcefloors.com/tulsa. Remember to ask for Darryl Baskin's wholesale pricing.

For all your Tulsa, OK area home maintenance needs and more, visit www.tulsahomemaintenance.com.

New Price on South Tulsa Luxury Home!

Luxury Home for Sale in Jenks, OK.
The Gates at Forest Park

$3,999,000

6 Bedrooms
7 Full 4 Half Bathrooms
5 Car Garage

Never Before Has a Home of this Grandeur, Quality, Technology been Available! 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 information on this Jenks, OK luxury home or for all your luxury real estate needs in the Tulsa, OK area, contact Kelly Howard of the Tulsa Luxury Property Group of McGraw Realtors at 918-230-6341 or www.kellyhowardhomes.com.

Wednesday, September 22, 2010

Oklahoma State Questions for November 2010- #4

As Tulsa residents, the upcoming election in November will be very important There are a record 11 questions on the Oklahoma State Ballot. As voters, it is important to be aware of each question on the ballot so that we can make well informed decisions. So far we have given an overview of SQ 744, SQ 746 and SQ 747- 3 of 11 questions on the Oklahoma State Ballot for November 2010. Today, we will discuss the forth of the eleven Oklahoma state questions- SQ 748.

SQ 748: This measure amends Sections 11A and 11B of Article 5 of the Oklahoma Constitution. These provisions deal with how the Legislature is divided into districts.

This process is know as apportionment. The Legislature must make an apportionment after each ten-year federal census. If the Legislature fails to act, an Apportionment Commission must do so. The measure changes the name of this Commission. It removes all three existing Commission members. It removes the Attorney General. It removes the Superintendent of Public Instruction. It also removes the State Treasurer.

The measure increases the number of members from three to seven. The President Pro Tempore of the Senate appoints one Democrat and one Republican. The Speaker of the House of Representatives appoints one Democrat and one Republican. The Governor appoints one Democrat and one Republican.

The measure provides that the Lieutenant Governor chairs the Commission and is a non-voting member. It requires orders of apportionment to be signed by at least four members of the Commission.

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

For more information about SQ 748 or any other question on 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 The Tulsa Luxury Property Group of McGraw Realtors at 918-230-6341 or www.kellyhowardhomes.com.


Click the links below to read about one of the other State Question Blog Posts:
SQ 744
SQ 746
SQ 747

Tuesday, September 21, 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


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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


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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

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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.