Tulsa, Oklahoma real estate - Darryl Baskin

This show originally aired October 10, 2009

Listen to this show HERE!

The show topics for this episode include: How to make changes to your property in order to live in it long-term with Bruce Gardner, Gardner Construction, ; How to manage your property manager with Paul Boudreaux, Richardson, Richardson, Beaudreaux; How to handle animals in the attic with Duane Montgomery of Montgomery Exterminating will discuss the bug of the week.

A New Shark Sculpture is on Display at the Oklahoma Aquarium in Jenks
Kenny Alexopoulos, a marine biologist with shark handling experience, researched sculpture on the Internet which started with Clay and foam and has resulted in a beautiful bronze sculpture which will be on display in front of the aquarium.

Mortgage Rates Below 5% are Fueling a Refinance Boom-Again
According to the Mortgage Bankers Association's report this week, refinance applications climbed 18% from the previous week's. 30 year home loan interest rates dropped to their lowest in four months-4.89%. More than 16 million homeowners owe more on their mortgages than their homes are worth.

This is a good time to lower your monthly payment by refinancing call Karen Heston at BOK Mortgage, 918-230-9432 or http://kheston-boklo.mortgagewebcenter.com/Default.asp?bhcp=1.

The Silverdome Heads for the Auction Block
Former home of the Detroit Lions will be sold at auction to the highest bidder-regardless of the price. Tulsa's own Williams and Williams will be conducting the auction and accepting sealed bids through 4 PM on November 12. The top five bidders may be invited to a live auction on November 16. There is no minimum bid but a $250,000 deposit is required to tour the facility. Pontiac Michigan has tried repeatedly to sell the 80,000 seat domed stadium since 2002 and spends approximately $1.5 million annually to maintain the empty structure, which sits on 127 acres.

Senior Communities are Changing Directions
Experts are forecasting an older age to migration towards cities and transportation hubs where seniors can not only postpone retirement but can save money by living closer to where they work and play. It's interesting to note that nationwide, building permits for all types of residential re-development projects in central cities have dramatically increased in 25 of the largest metropolitan areas, according to environmental protection agency study in January. Although this is a national trend report, it is evident that many Tulsan's feel the same way As the PlanIt Tulsa study showed.

ATTENTION! As demand changes due to demographics and economics, values change.

Net-zero Housing Being Pushed in Texas
The environmental group is pushing for solar homes to be built in Texas that generate as much solar power as they consume. A study indicated that a $272,000 home would require approximately $55,000 to make it net zero. With federal utility and manufacturer rebates, the cost goes down to $26,000

High-speed Railway Funding Between Tulsa and Oklahoma City Progresses
Tulsa and Oklahoma City municipal government said this week they will help the state Transportation Department finance the operation of a high-speed intercity rail service if the federal government provides $2 billion in initial funding.

A Senate Bill to Limit Foreclosure.
Senate Democrats introduced a bill last week that it would expand federal loan modification programs and make it harder for lenders to foreclose on homeowners. "This bill would force lenders to modify qualified mortgages, create a homeowners assistance program, and give states a bigger role in mediation efforts" said US Sen. Dick Durbin of Illinois.

Listen carefully to what he said- force lender to modify qualified mortgages? Force the free market-qualified mortgages? Who sets the qualifications? The people with the political power to stuff their own pockets? I think I would be happier being kicked out of my home knowing I have the liberty to earn it back again. The bill would require banks to approve a loan modification if the "net present value" of the restructured mortgage is greater than that of foreclosure. This seems like a pretty reasonable expectation but it makes you wonder what else is contained in the bill when political leaders are obviously disconnected from the truth about what made our country great. Government forces and government qualification can't replace personal responsibility.

Busch Gardens- Sold $2.3 billion!
Anheuser-Busch (which purchased St. Louis-based Anheuser-Busch for $52 million) will sell its 10 theme parks across the United States including three Sea Worlds and two Busch Gardens to the Blackstone group for $2.3 billion. One of The Blackstone Group's other investment includes Universal Studios Orlando.

Free Trees
Up With Trees is offering free trees to area non-profit agencies, faith-based groups, government agencies and individual homeowners. Up to 10,000, five gallon trees will be distributed thanks to a grant from the Apache foundation. The majority of the trees are intended to be planted on the grounds of nonprofit and government agencies says director Anna America. Recipients are required to have someone on board who is knowledgeable about tree planting and care or to take a class offered by Up With Yrees. Applications for the trees are available at http://www.upwithtrees.org/ or call 918-610-8733 or e-mail trees@upwithtrees.org.

Burger King Corporation is Reinventing Itself
A new look is coming to Burger King-moving away from its generic fast food feel towards a more contemporary, edgy sit down feel. This is a plan to overhaul it's 12,000 locations worldwide. So far, remodeled restaurants have seen sales climb about 12 to 15% while stores that are torn down and completely rebuilt at the same location has seen sales climb as much as 30%.

River Rush
Today is the day of the Tulsa River Parks Authority River Rush Festival to raise money and showcase Tulsa River Parks improvements. The gala dinner starts at 6 PM tonight and the concert starts at 9 PM at the BOK center. for concert tickets visit http://www.bokcenter.com/.

What Should I Consider When Hiring a Property Manager?
When you hire a property manager you want someone you can trust and with whom you feel comfortable talking. Ask for monthly printouts of what the property manager is doing. Make sure you can call them with any questions. Also ensure that you know exactly what the property manager is going to do for you. Keep in mind that the property needs to stay in good shape if you want to sell it in the future. The property manager plays a huge part in this.

When placing a loved one in a nursing home, research the home thoroughly. Find out if they have been sued, what they have been sued for, and how it the lawsuit was handled. It is better to know beforehand than to find out something later on due to improper care.

For questions about the legal considerations when hiring a property manager, placing a loved one in a nursing home, and for other legal needs, contact Paul Boudreaux with Richardson, Richardson, Boudreaux at 918-492-7674 or http://www.richardsonlawfirmpc.com/

How do I Make My Home Ready for Long-term Living?
There are things you can do to enhance a home and make it easier to live in as you age. Watch how the home is placed on the lot and it's elevation. Make sure that there is a clear path to the home and that there are fewer steps. When steps are used make sure they are wide and level. Keep pathways and stairs well lit. When designing the interior or remodeling, keep in mind that making a bathroom or kitchen handicap accessible is pretty easy to do now or to design and plan for later. Staircases can be designed so that they are wide enough to handle a chairlift in the future. Also, plan for low storage for wheelchair access as well as storage that doesn't require stooping or reaching.

For more information on how to design or remodel your home for living long-term, contact Bruce Gardner, Gardner Construction, 918-481-1377.

What Type of Animal Am I Hearing in My Attic?
There are several critters you will hear in your attic. Many times they are raccoons or squirrels. During the day it will likely be squirrels. At night it will probably be raccoons. These are pretty easy to catch.

For more information about getting rid of raccoons, squirrels or other pests, contact Duane Montgomery, Montgomery Exterminating, 918-438-4885 or www.montgomeryexterminating.com.

What Darryl is Doing: