Big Plans for Tulsa – What a Master Idea

At Tuesday night’s public meeting, city officials unveiled their new ideas of a master plan for the City of Tulsa.  The new plan will include many exciting proposals along with urban housing of many kinds and a train that will travel through downtown Tulsa and connect to all nearby suburbs. 

Everyone in Tulsa knows that from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., downtown Tulsa is the place to be.  However, after 5 p.m., it’s a virtual ghost town.  Therefore, there is a need for change in the city and the new master plan will be a huge help with that.

In the downtown Tulsa area, there are currently around 300 residential units that are ready to be built with hundreds more on the way.  This will allow for thousands of Tulsa residents to work and live in the downtown area.

Downtown Tulsa will soon be transformed, making it easier for the next generation to come in and do their own thing in Tulsa.

More of the master plan includes changes to the East Village.  It will soon include an art museum, an outdoor amphitheater, green buildings and tons of green space.  Everyone has been talking “green”, and the City of Tulsa is going all out.

The city now has a wonderful plan ahead of it and what could be a great future for many years to come.  We can’t wait to see some of these great changes start to take place.

Realtors® Tom & Bev Herring  ~  Tulsa Oklahoma Real Estate

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Changes in Mortgage Rules Helps Lure Investors

Realtors® Tom &Bev Herring  ~  Tulsa, Oklahoma Real Estate

Many real estate investors follow the guidelines of Fannie Mae, which is a major mortgage investor themselves.  And good news investors; Fannie Mae has recently increased the number of properties an investor is allowed to carry.  The property limit imposed since September stated that investors were only allowed to carry four financed investment properties at one time.  However, now things are changing and investors will be allowed to carry 10 financed investment properties at one time.

The limit change took effect in March, which was welcomed by many investors nationwide. 

Before the invest property limit was raised, investors who owned more than four homes couldn’t refinance one of their properties or add a new mortgage even if they had a down payment and perfect credit.  It was crushing many investors who wanted to add to their list of investment properties.

Now that the 10 financed investment properties are back, many investors are happy that they will be able build their investment list once again.

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Give Your Kitchen That Much Needed Facelift

As homeowners, we often want to redecorate to help change things up and give our homes a bit of a different feel.  The most common rooms that homeowners redecorate are the family room, bedrooms, office and living room.  Many times, the poor kitchen just gets left out in the process.  However, we are now seeing more kitchens getting facelifts than ever before.  We would like to share some of these ideas for giving your kitchen that much needed facelift. 

Many homeowners think that tackling the kitchen can be an overwhelming task, but that’s actually not true.  A small facelift can be very simple.

·         Match all your appliances.  Do you have mix and match appliances?  If so, decide on what you want to stick with.  Do you like stainless steel, white or black?  Stainless steel is the most popular choice for boosting a kitchen’s appearance.  Now, shop for bargains to save money.

·         Cabinets can be a big job or you can keep it simple by painting them.  If you choose to paint them, keep within the neutral shades.  If you are up for a tougher job, you can sand them down and re-stain them.  Be sure to check all your knobs also.  Are they up-to-date and do they match?

·         Replace your out-of-date countertops with new ones.  Many homeowners are opting in for granite.  It is very popular and quite beautiful.  They can also be pricey, so shop around for the best prices.  You may have to shop in nearby cities to find the best price.

·         Change your flooring.  If your floors are linoleum, consider replacing them with ceramic tile or hardwood.  The floor is an eye catcher, so be bold.

·         Splash some paint on the walls.  Stay in the neutral family when choosing colors for your walls.  This will be best if you ever try to sell the home.  Not everyone likes bright or dark colors, so it’s best to just stay neutral.  Also, consider adding a little backsplash to your walls behind your counters.  This really makes the room pop.  Simple ceramic tile backsplash is inexpensive to add, but looks like it’s worth hundreds.

If you ever decide to put your home on the market, these simple ideas can be very beneficial.  In the meantime, we hope you enjoy your kitchen’s new facelift.  It is sure to be the center of attention when you have house guests.

Realtors® Tom and Bev Herring  ~  Tulsa Oklahoma Real Estate

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It’s Time to Get Your Lawnmower Into Gear

Since the arrival of spring, most of the nation has seen alot of rain.  Many homeowners have a long list of chores to accomplish as the weather permits.  During this season, it is so important for homeowners selling their homes to maintain a beautiful lawn.  With all this rain, the grass seems to get out of control if we don’t stay on top of it, which is a big turn-off for potential homebuyers. 

First impressions mean alot when it comes to selling your home.  To get buyers in the home, you first have to get them past the yard.  Therefore, it is crucial to maintain a beautiful lawn, especially in this day and time when it can be more difficult to sell real property. 

Some homeowners are able to hire a service to maintain their lawn for them.  However, many of us are unable to afford the service fees and have to maintain the lawn ourselves.  A dependable mower with a sharp mower blade is essential.  Dull blades simply make for a ragged, ugly lawn.

Here are some tips and advice to get your mower in tip-top shape to maintain a beautiful lawn while your home is on the market.

Routine Maintenance:

·         Drain the gas – Pull the gas plug from the gas tank and run the engine until the mower stops running.

·         Unplug the spark plug wire – Disconnect the spark plug wire so the mower cannot start.

·         Change the oil – Remove the oil drain plug and drain all old oil into an oil drip pan.  Replace the oil plug securely back in place.

·         Clean under the mower – Tilt the mower to its side and scrape away any grass stuck on the mower with a putty knife.  Use a water-hose sprayer to remove any remaining grass or dirt. 

·         Remove the blade for sharpening – Using a towel or rag, remove the blade with a socket wrench.  You can now sharpen the blade yourself or have a professional sharpen it for you.

·         Replace air filter – You can either clean or replace the air filter.  However, it is suggested to change the air filter at least once a year.

·         Replace the spark plug – You can either clean or replace the spark plug.  However, it is also suggested to change the spark plug at least once a year.  If you choose to clean it, use a wire brush to clean off carbon deposits.

·         Getting started – When you’re finished with the maintenance, it’s time to replace the spark plug wire and fill the mower with gas.  You are now ready to get started on maintaining a beautiful lawn.

Sharpening your mower blade yourself:

·         Wearing safety-glasses, begin sharpening the blade with a steel file by using smooth, quick strokes across the blade.

·         After every few strokes, dip the blade in icy cold water so the steel doesn’t soften.

·         Test for balance after grinding by placing the blade on a screwdriver and spinning it.  If one side is heavier, work more on that side.  Once you are satisfied with the sharpness of the blade, leave it alone.  To help with balance, grind a little off the back or a corner of the blade.

·         Reattach the blade once it’s sharpened.  Be sure to oil the bolt hole before replacing.

These tips and advice are sure to get your mower ready to help you maintain a beautiful lawn that potential homebuyers will be very pleased with.  Now that you’ve got them past the yard and into the house, that’s a whole other blog.  Check back often for more homeowner tips and advice.

Realtors® Tom and Bev Herring  ~  Tulsa, Oklahoma Real Estate

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What to Look for in a Realtor

Many sellers of real estate believe they can sell their home without the help of a real estate professional.  And many of them don’t expect or factor in many things, such as the gap between the selling price and the actual net proceeds.  All too often, in the haste of transferring real estate property, the cost of selling is often overlooked or underestimated.  As real estate professionals, we see this time and time again.

Once the loans and liens are satisfied, there comes the cost of brokerage fees and more.  This is where many sellers go wrong by not seeking the help of a real estate professional. 

Many sellers simply don’t know what to look for a Realtor® or they are leery of all the newbies that seem to flood the real estate field each year.  Therefore, we have some tips and advice on what to look for in a Realtor® when you’re ready to sell your home.

A real estate professional’s duties can be broken down into three main categories: compliance duties, functionary duties and fiduciary duties.

Compliance duties basically mean the real estate professional will make sure you are in compliance with all the legal mandated requirements for your state.  This is also known as a risk reduction strategy.  Without the help of a real estate professional, many sellers will not know what the government regulations are and the sellers responsibilities or what will happen if they fail to provide them.

Functionary duties are what the real estate professional does best.  They will canvas the neighborhood, design flyers, hang a lock-box, market your home and so much more.

Fiduciary duties are what the public does not usually see.  Top professionals are usually selective in the clients they accept.  The fiduciary relationship is built on fairness and honesty.  In a nutshell – trust.  Basically, the real estate professional has educated themselves, continued their training and committed themselves to mastering the legal and technical duties of the business.

Some other factors you will want to look for in a Realtor® is one that is attentive to your needs and one that is easily accessible when you need them.  When you are talking to your real estate professional, are they listing to you or talking over you?  Can you call your real estate professional anytime you need to speak to them?

These are very important questions to ask yourself and good tips to look for when you are ready to sell your home.

Realtors® Tom & Bev Herring  ~  Tulsa, Oklahoma Real Estate

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Tulsa Entrepreneurs Get Into the Spirit of Competition

The 3^rd Annual Mayor’s Entrepreneurial Spirit Award was recently kicked-off.  This year’s competition is sponsored by SpiritBank of Tulsa.  Representatives and business leaders from the local and state levels were all there to lend their support to the new entrepreneurs getting involved in this year’s business competition. 

For interested entrepreneurs, you can enter the competition by submitting your executive summaries to the Spirit Award website anytime between April 2^nd and May 15^th.  The lucky first place winner will win the grand prize of $30,000, second place will win $5,000 and third place will win $2,500.  All prize money is being donated by SpiritBank.

Many people don’t know this, but Tulsa was built on entrepreneurial spirit and creative thinking.  So, for the past three years, the Mayor has been making sure the city will continue to grow and strengthen through business success.

The Entrepreneurial Spirit Competition is open to anyone in the City of Tulsa with an existing business from a start-up business, an idea for a new business or one that has been in operation for five years.  Two more things entrants need to know before entering: the company must be based in Tulsa and the entrant must agree to establish or expand in the City of Tulsa if they win.

Once submissions are complete, the top 25 business will be contacted.  These companies will then go through a series of judging and coaching rounds where entrepreneurs will pitch their business idea to a panel of judges.  The top three winners will be announced on November 17^th during the Entrepreneurial Celebration of Global Entrepreneurship Week.  They will also receive their cash prize on this day.

Anyone interested in entering the competition can find more information on instructions and submissions at www.tulsaspiritaward.com.

We wish luck to all Tulsa’s entrepreneurs entering – Good luck!

Realtors® Tom & Bev Herring – Tulsa, Oklahoma Real Estate

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Should You Do Your Home Repairs Yourself?

Many homeowners think about home improvements.  And while many of us have expensive tastes, we also have a small budget.  We find ourselves calling contractors and getting bids we can’t afford.  So, then we begin thinking about becoming do-it-yourselfers.  Many times, by doing it ourselves, we can cut the expense of the project in half. 

But the big question is, should you do the work yourself?  This answer could depend on many factors and your abilities.  Do you have the time, proper tools, safety gear and are you ready to do some hard work?  If you are not highly skilled at home improvements, you should avoid taking on this type of work, as it could prove to be dangerous and difficult.  It could also be costly when mistakes are made.  Some jobs are worth hiring a contractor to do it for you. 

Here are some projects you may want to hire a contractor for:

·         Plumbing work that involves piping under the house.

·         Concrete work, such as pouring a floor or new parking pad.

·         Extensive electrical work.

·         Siding work on homes higher than two stories.

·         Roofing work on high or steep roofs.

·         Any work you don’t know anything about.

Take a closer look at your time, skills and tools before you make your final decision.  When you’re accessing your skills, be realistic.  Don’t take on work that you really don’t know how to do.  It will only end up looking unprofessional or may not get finished at all.  If you end up hiring a professional to finish the job for you or fix your work, it can end up costing you much more than it would have if you would have hired a professional to do it in the beginning.

Check to make sure you have the proper tools needed for the job.  You may need to buy or rent the necessary tools for the job. 

And, once again, consider your time for the project.  Many home improvements can take days, weeks or even months in your spare time.  Do you have it?  A great option to save both time and money is to do some of the work yourself and hire a professional for the complicated tasks.  Just be sure to check with your contractor beforehand about what you will be doing and what they will be doing.  Good luck on your home improvement project.

Realtors® Tom & Bev Herring – Tulsa, Oklahoma Real Estate

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Tulsa, Oklahoma Easter Celebrations

Tulsa and some of its surrounding communities are celebrating Easter with many great activities for the whole family to enjoy.  Therefore, we are taking the opportunity to blog about these activities to keep our community’s residents and visitors up-to-date.

·         Egg Hunt and Food Baskets – April 4^th (2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.) at Faith CP Church, 2801 S 129^th E Ave.  Children ages 3-8 join one another for a fun egg hunt complete with prizes.  Parents can register for drawings for a chance to win a meal basket.

·         Egg Hunt at Bixby Community Center – April 8^th (9:45 a.m.) in Haikey Creek Park, 113^th & S. Garnett Ave.  For children ages 12 and under.  Rain date is April 9^th at 12:45 p.m.

·         Egg Hunt at Chandler Park – April 8^th (9:45 a.m.) 6500 West 21^st.  For children ages 12 and under.

·         Egg Hunt at Glenpool Community Center – April 8^th (10:00 a.m.) in the practice field near Glenpool High School, 144^th & Fern.  For children ages 10 & under.

·         Egg Hunt at LaFortune Park Community Center – April 8^th (10:00 a.m.) in LaFortune Park Gardens, 51^st & West Hudson.  For children ages 3-8.

·         Egg Hunt at O’Brien Park Community Center – April 15^th (11:30 a.m.) 6149 N. Lewis Ave.  For children ages 12 and under.  Doggie hunt will immediately follow the children’s hunt.

Each Easter celebration is within Tulsa County and is free for all to enjoy.  We hope everyone can get out and enjoy as many activities as possible.

Realtors® Tom & Bev Herring - Tulsa Oklahoma Real Estate

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Sell Your Home Successfully

As real estate professionals, sellers ask us all the time, “What is the most successful way to sell a home?”   Therefore, we have some helpful hints to share with everyone for a successful home sale.

If you are going to live in your home while it is on the market, begin by decluttering your home.  Box up anything that you are not using or anything that is taking up unnecessary space.  Leave only what you absolutely can’t live without.  You want the house to look as empty as possible.  Don’t forget your closets and kids rooms.  Potential buyers will look in closets, so be sure to only leave what outfits you will need.  You want this area to also look as tidy as possible.  In the children’s rooms, pack away all their toys except just a few that don’t leave clutter or large messes.  Explain to them that their toys will be waiting for them at their new house.  And pack up any valuables such as jewelry, cash, saving bonds, etc.  You don’t want these lying around when potential buyers come to look at your home.  Remember, no matter how professional a real estate agent is, they are not guards for your valuable items.  That is up to you.  Another important thing to remember is to make sure the trash gets taken out regularly to avoid offensive odors.  You can always help by placing scented candles around the home.

If you are not going to live in your home while it is on the market, then by-pass the above and begin here – cleaning the home.  Everyone likes a clean home.   Therefore, you will need to do a thorough cleaning of your home.  Everything from the ceilings to the floors needs to be cleaned.  Dust for cobwebs around the corners of your ceilings, clean bathrooms, polish bath fixtures, clean appliances, clean floors, etc.  You will need to keep this up at all times while your home is on the market.  Keep in mind that you are going to be up against model homes.  Also, always keep your beds made.  Unmade beds create negative images.  You may even want to consider scheduled showings throughout the week.   For example: Showings available Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.

If you do decide to have scheduled showings, ask your real estate professional if he or she is available to come at this time on these days.  Also, make yourself scarce.  Ask a neighbor if you can come over for a visit or take a drive somewhere.  You never want to be around when potential buyers come to view your home.  And you never want to volunteer any information or answer any questions the potential buyer may have.  That is our job as real estate professionals to handle for you.  And, it’s in your best interest.

On warm days, turn your air conditioning down 4-5 degrees to help the home feel airy and inviting.  In cooler weather, you may consider starting a fire in your fireplace with natural wood.  This also sends an inviting feeling.

Do any necessary home repairs before you place your home on the market, such as fixing leaky faucets, touching up paint, replacing blown light bulbs, replacing any damaged blinds, etc.

Let’s not forget the outside.  You want potential buyers to come into your home right?  Well, we have to get them to the door first.  Start by cutting the grass.  Fertilize, if necessary, for a greener lawn.  Trim the hedges and clear out flower beds.  Plant seasonal flowers to spruce things up a bit or add some mulch for a little décor.  Also, paint the outside of your home if it needs it.  This is a big deal for many buyers.  Don’t forget to clean out the gutters.  You can also add some lawn furniture for extra home appeal. 

Following these simple steps should help you have a successful home sale.  Good luck everyone.

Realtors® Tom & Bev Herring - Tulsa, Oklahoma Real Estate

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Spring Cleaning for Your Home the Green Way

Although many areas around the country have seen warmer weather, we are still in winter.  However, Spring is only a few weeks away.  And, we love Spring.  It’s an exciting time of the year.  The weather begins to warm to almost perfect temperatures, flowers begin to bloom and the skies are absolutely beautiful.  Spring is also the perfect time of year to spend time gardening and the traditional “Spring cleaning.”  And, it’s more important than ever to clean in a more eco-friendly fashion.  Therefore, if you truly love your home and environment, then follow these simple tips for your spring cleaning.

·         Freshen your home by opening your windows.  This is the perfect time of year to air out your home with the freshest air available, so take advantage of it.  By opening your windows, you will eliminate dirty air while cleaning your home’s interior air.

·         When it comes to cleaning, take advantage of nature’s cleaning products.  Vinegar is excellent for an all-purpose cleaner.  Vinegar is an acid-based product and can be used to clean almost anything you need cleaned.  Use it on windows, floors, countertops, sinks, tubs, carpe, and so much more.  When mixed with baking soda, it creates a cleaning paste.  Vinegar is a non-toxic substitute for cleaning.

·         If you really like buying cleaning products out of convenience, be sure to purchase those that are vegetable-based.  There are several vegetable-based cleaners on the market.  These cleaners reduce your home’s air pollution and toxins.

·         Always avoid using any cleaner that contains bleach or chlorine.  These chemicals are very harmful and toxic to us and our environment, especially when ingested or sent down our drains.  Clorox now has a great line of cleaning products called Green Works.  They contain no bleach or chlorine.  In fact, the toilet bowl cleaner smells like limes. 

·         Last but not least, we can reduce our amount of waste by using rags to do our cleaning, not paper towels.  Even using a reusable rag will be better than paper towels.

We hope these tips will help you do some great, successful Spring cleaning for your home the green way 

Realtors® Tom & Bev Herring – Tulsa, Oklahoma Real Estate

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