Tulsa Real Estate and More...

Break out of your color comfort zone this winter

2010-02-08T08:14:00.000-06:00

Break out of your color comfort zone this winter

(ARA) - At first thought, winter might not conjure up words like spicy, bold or sunny. It should, though, at least when it comes to the inside of your home. While it might be gray and dreary outside, infusing color into interior decor is one of the quickest ways to create a cozy, inviting living area. And winter is the ideal time to do it.

Adding a shot of color to a space can be done quickly, but it can sometimes be confusing. In fact, mastering the ins and outs of decorating with color can be downright daunting.

"Although people love the idea of incorporating color into their homes, mixing and matching colors, patterns and textures can be an intimidating and overwhelming process," says Donna Schroeder, color marketing and design manager for Martin-Senour Paints. "Whether it's wall paint, new furniture or accessories, consumers might not have the confidence to step outside of their 'color comfort zone' and experiment with shades they might not normally gravitate toward."

So, how do you break out of that "color comfort zone?" You can start by using available color tools such as those found in Martin-Senour's color selector. Not just about wall color, it offers unique tools designed to help you balance the entirety of a home's interior design as well as room-to-room balance and flow. From wall color to room accents, the color selector is a resource for complete home design.

Having a basic understanding of color and knowing what emotions different colors can evoke also helps. So, if you're thinking about warming up your home this winter and are contemplating using a paint color that you've always wanted to try, but weren't sure how or where to use it, these tips can help steer you in the right direction:

Red

As the strongest color in the spectrum, red has the greatest emotional impact. Depending on the hue and shade, red resonates with passion, romance, energy and courage. In recent years, it's become a popular color choice for dining room walls, but the drama of red is also ideal for entryways, living rooms and even bathrooms. The color combination of red with neutrals, such as tans and browns, results in warmth that is certain to carry you through those cold months.

Orange

Orange has evolved throughout the years; think terracotta and copper tones. It enlivens any space and can easily take center stage as a primary wall color, or as an accent color to give a refreshed decor a bit of much-needed punch. When paired with blues or purples, a spicier orange can be very powerful. For a more subdued effect, combine it with warmer colors like reds and deep, welcoming greens.

Yellow

There is no better color to radiate warmth in your home than yellow, but don't underestimate the intensity of this color. Bright, strong yellows on walls are almost always best saved for an area like the kitchen because they are said to increase attentiveness and have "wake up" qualities. Creamier yellows - think the paleness of fresh butter - are popular in living rooms and can even translate well into bedrooms when joined with a classic red or blue.

Purple

Purples have a powerful connection with our spiritual and introspective side. Because purple has varying degrees of red and blue in it, it's easily paired with many complementary colors such as yellow, orange and softer greens. When slightly redder, purple can be vivacious and exciting; when slightly bluer it can be restful. If you're using purple for a room, decide whether the room is designed to entice drama, as with an eggplant-hued purple, or cast an air of relaxation and reflection, as found in a hydrangea shade.

Red, orange, yellow or purple, no matter what color you decide to use to help shut out those dark, chilly winter days, keep in mind that all colors can evoke powerful effects in any room. Understanding the basic building blocks of color can help you harness that power and create the stunning color schemes you've always wanted.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

What you need to know before doing your taxes online

2010-02-07T08:00:00.001-06:00

What you need to know before doing your taxes online

(ARA) - It now takes more than 71,000 pages to cover and explain federal tax laws. So it's not surprising the vast majority of taxpayers look for help preparing and filing their tax returns. Use of online tax preparation and e-filing continues to grow at record rates. In fact, more than 32 million taxpayers e-filed their tax returns from home last year, according to the Internal Revenue Service.

"Online tax prep can take a lot of the hassle out of doing your taxes," says Gary Lundberg, product management director for CompleteTax (www.CompleteTax.com), an online income tax preparation and e-filing service. "But you want to make sure you use a program that best meets your needs."

A recent independently conducted survey of approximately 1,000 taxpayers found that the most important factors to taxpayers in getting their taxes done are:

* Accuracy

* Safety and security

* Help and support

* Affordability

* Ease of use

* The best refund

According to Lundberg, questions you should look to answer when evaluating online tax programs are:

1. Does the program automatically check for accuracy?

Data entry errors and failing to enter key information, such as Social Security numbers, are some of the most common mistakes people make in preparing their taxes. Make certain the program automatically checks for errors or oversights. The program should provide links to the problems to help you quickly correct potentially costly mistakes.

2. Is the site secure?

You want to use an online program that encrypts your data using recognized security standards. Only use e-file programs that have been tested and approved by the IRS. These will display the IRS e-file logo on their home page.

3. What are the help options?

Ideally, the program should be straightforward, allowing you to finish your tax returns on your own. But you will want comprehensive help should you run into a question you can't answer. So make sure the online tax program provides help resources on every page and offers support via e-mail or live online chat.

4. Does it clearly show the cost of preparing and filing your returns?

The cost for using the program should be displayed clearly on the first page so that you can make an informed choice. According to Lundberg, many first-time filers and other taxpayers with uncomplicated tax situations can take advantage of free versions offered by some online tax prep providers. For example, CompleteTax's Free version can be used to prepare and file 1040EZ and even certain simple 1040 tax returns. Even if your taxes are more complicated, there is online software for basic federal income tax prep and e-file starting at under $20.

5. Is it easy to use?

Most online programs allow you to try them before you buy. You don't have to go to a store, purchase the software, install it on your computer and hope you like it. Rather, you simply go to the online program's Web site and start using it. Before you purchase, you can make sure the online program you choose is easy to navigate and presents information clearly.

6. What features does it include to help maximize your refund?

Most taxpayers are concerned that they may be missing deductions or credits that could save them money. Look for an online tax program that offers tools to help you make the most of credits and deductions. For example, this could include tools to help calculate the value of charitable deductions, such as clothing or household items.

"Part of getting your taxes done right is getting the biggest refund you deserve," says Lundberg. "You need to pay taxes, but you want to use an online tax prep solution that's helping make sure you're not paying more than necessary."

More information on online tax preparation and e-filing is available from CompleteTax at www.CompleteTax.com.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

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SIDEBAR:

A survey of approximately 1,000 taxpayers asked them what they wanted when it came to preparing their income taxes. They said:

* Getting my taxes done right - 86 percent

* Getting my taxes done safely and securely - 76 percent

* Having the support and expertise I need - 70 percent

* Getting my taxes done as affordably as possible - 65 percent

* Making sure it's as easy as possible - 65 percent

* Getting the biggest refund - 57 percent

The independently conducted survey was conducted by Opinion Research Corporation for CompleteTax.

2010-02-06T09:32:00.001-06:00

Tips for starting and maintaining a fitness program

(ARA) - Let's face it - if New Year resolutions actually worked, we wouldn't be making the same ones year after year, and largely, we do. In fact, more than 40 percent of the population makes resolutions, and on a grand scale, the top 10 resolutions are the same from year to year, with two of them consistently involving exercise and getting fit.

Perhaps the high failure rate of resolutions, estimated at 97 percent, is not because the resolution, itself, was unreasonable, but because hardly anyone takes resolutions seriously enough to conceive a plan for real change.

Here are some tips for creating an effective plan for a healthy lifestyle change:

* Determine your health/fitness goal. Call it a resolution if you wish, but don't limit yourself to trying it only on Jan. 1, and don't make it a goal that's frankly just too boring to keep. A goal of losing 10 pounds is a lot less exciting than an alternative goal to get fit and have fun while doing it.

* Make your plan of reaching your goal a simple one. Start with a list of fun activities that keep you headed in the right direction. Also, don't list activities that are nearly impossible to do or a huge drain on your time - they're way too frustrating, and likely to leave you overwhelmed and uncommitted.

A beginner's goal of running one mile a day every day might be too daunting, but an alternative goal of walking for 30 minutes a day after work with a friend allows added fun and social time.

* Schedule the time. You want exercise to be a priority in your life, and you're well aware of the benefits, but you're stretched way too thin as it is and are having a hard time fitting it in. Despite any resolution you make, it's unlikely that any of those other priorities in your life will suddenly go away. The answer? Scheduling. A plan is simply your list of activities (from above) paired with your calendar. When making your plan, seriously consider when you're going to fit in your activities. Review your calendar weekly, and don't be afraid to move things around in order to find what works best for you.

* Start. Every journey begins with just one step, as daunting as that step might be. If you haven't exercised in a while, and you're intimidated about getting started again, the best thing to do is just to start. (You should always consult your physician before beginning any new exercise routine.) Kick off by taking a long walk by yourself in the great outdoors for clarity of thought, or go with your spouse or best friend while you catch up on life's happenings.

* Measure your successes and optimize your workout. Whether you are just starting out or have been in your routine for a while, some measurement tools might come in handy to help you get the most from your efforts. To measure your speed, distance and calories burned with over 95 percent accuracy, try a Tech4o Accelerator fitness watch. Available in several fashionable colors in both men's and women's styles for $69.99, you don't have to make a huge investment for measurement's sake. You can feel good about your purchase, too, as a portion of the proceeds from the sale of each women's model are donated to the Breast Cancer Fund, a national organization dedicated to breast cancer prevention.

As you become more fit, you may want to include a heart rate monitor (HRM) in your routine that will signal when you are exercising within your target heart rate zone for optimal results. In addition to heart rate and zone training alarms, the Tech4o Heartbeat is a HRM that boasts calorie and fat burn, a female-specific size and fit, easy-to-read angled face, and coded transmission between the comfort-contoured chest strap and wrist watch display so there is no "cross talk" interference when used at the gym. The monitor is $89.99 at www.tech4o.com.

* Keep going. By all means, accept that just like any other appointment on your calendar, you won't be able to complete every workout activity as you had planned. Some days, commitments will get in the way; other days, you just won't feel up to it. That's fine, there's no resolution failure as long as you simply accept your missed workout and keep going with the next one on your calendar.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Oklahoma Lands A Multi-Million Dollar Movie Deal

2009-03-06T16:09:00.000-06:00

According to Tulsa Business News Oklahoma lands a Multi-million dollar Movie Deal. The film is named "The Killer Inside Me" and is a psychological thriller about a small town deputy sheriff named Lou Ford. The Movie is based on a novel written by Jim Thompson, who was born in Anadarko, and has also written the novels The Grifters and The Getaway.

"Although the film is set in West Texas, we determined that we could get the right look for the town in Guthrie, combining that with cityscapes in Oklahoma and Tulsa (doubling for Fort Worth)," she said. "Jill Simpson and the Oklahoma Film Commission went over and above the call of duty in helping us to find the locations that would work best for the film. The generous incentives and the friendly nature of the people here all combined to make Oklahoma our choice for 85 percent of the principal photography of the film."

The film will employ cast, crew and extras from Oklahoma, and the production is based in Guthrie. Shooting is scheduled to begin in Oklahoma on March 30 and will take place around the towns of Guthrie, Oklahoma City, Cordell, Enid and Tulsa.

The film will be directed by Michael Winterbottom who was the director of A Mighty Heart, the story based on the life of journalist Daniel Pearl, starring Angelina Jolie. The Killer Inside Me’s leading cast includes Jessica Alba as Joyce Lakeland, Kate Hudson as Amy Stanton, and Casey Affleck as Lou Ford. The film also stars Bill Pullman and Elias Koteas.

Stock Cabinetry -- an Affordable Kitchen Upgrade

2009-03-05T16:07:00.000-06:00

(ARA) - Families all across the country are tightening their purse strings and looking for ways to cut back on expenses. As a result, many are choosing to stay home and cook instead of going out to eat. This growing trend has sparked a demand for kitchens with the capability to handle high traffic and store a wide array of cooking essentials.

Fortunately, for homeowners who are looking to add a little spice to their kitchen without spending a lot of money, there are ways to cut back on remodeling costs and still achieve a high end look. And when your kitchen is complete, you’ll have a beautiful, functional new room that enhances the overall appeal of the home and offers a significant return on investment when it’s time to sell.

Connie Edwards, certified kitchen and bathroom designer and director of design for American Woodmark cabinetry, offers some useful tips and advice:

Stocking the Cupboards

“One of the major steps in getting the look for less is using stock cabinets instead of custom or semi-custom,” says Edwards. “These days, stock cabinetry isn’t what it used to be, as there are so many ways to personalize with moldings, hardware, wood species and finishes. Best of all, by using stock cabinets, you can get a fabulous look with money to spare for upgrades or future remodeling projects.”

According to Edwards, up to 50 percent of the average kitchen remodeling budget is spent on cabinets, so it’s important to get the most out of your money and minimize excess spending. While custom cabinets are great when you need a custom color or an exotic wood species, stock cabinets from manufacturers such as American Woodmark, sold exclusively at The Home Depot, come in a variety of sizes, shapes, door styles, finishes and accessories at much lower cost.

A Little Extra Goes a Long Way

Choosing stock cabinets means you’ll be able to make your dollar go further. For instance, consider extras in your budget such as decorative crown molding to give cabinets a finished, furniture-like look. If moldings aren’t your style, try personalizing cabinets with decorative accents such as corbels and overlays or glass inserts. To finish off the look, use attention-grabbing hardware to complement the overall design. Manufacturers list a variety of accessory combinations and hardware options on their Web sites, making it easy for customers to achieve a result that reflects their personal style.

Reorganize Your Options

In the past few years, stock cabinet companies have dramatically increased the cabinetry options available. Specialized organizational accessories such as base pot and pan organizers and wall china displays are among the popular stock cabinetry upgrades. Options like these can help maximize functionality and enhance the aesthetics of smaller kitchen spaces, making them an asset in increasing home value.

Old World Look -- New World Price

A popular trend in custom cabinetry is using the arsenal of finishing options to give cabinets an old-fashioned or rubbed look. However, similar styling can be achieved by choosing a stock cabinetry line that offers glazed door styles. Colors such as coffee, mocha, chocolate and butterscotch glazing give kitchens a deeply textured look without reaching deeply into your pockets.

Separating the Dollars and Cents

The first thing to do is set your kitchen priorities. If you can’t live without that state-of-the-art refrigerator with three ice settings, go for it but realize you may have to cut back on something else. On the other hand, the money you save using stock cabinets can be used on a trendy tiled backsplash or to upgrade appliances. The key to staying on budget is realizing it's OK to invest in some higher-priced items as long as you balance them with more affordable ones.

Kitchen remodeling is no small endeavor, but the payoff is a fresh, beautiful space in the heart of your home and the satisfaction in knowing that future potential buyers won’t dismiss a sale based on a sub-par kitchen. For more ideas on how you can create the kitchen of your dreams on a budget, visit http://www.woodmark-homedepot.com/.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

2009 Tax Credit Q & A

2009-03-04T16:02:00.000-06:00

Who is eligible to claim the tax credit?
First-time home buyers purchasing a principal residence are eligible for the tax credit. To qualify for the tax credit, THE LOAN CLOSING must occur on or after January 1, 2009 and before December 1, 2009.

What is the definition of a first-time home buyer?
The law defines "first-time home buyer" as a buyer who has not owned a principal residence during the three-year period prior to the purchase.

How is the amount of the tax credit determined?
The tax credit is equal to 10 percent of the home’s purchase price up to a maximum of $8,000.

Are there any income limits for claiming the tax credit?
The tax credit amount is reduced for buyers with a modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) of more than $75,000 for single taxpayers and $150,000 for married taxpayers filing a joint return.

How is this home buyer tax credit different from the tax credit that Congress enacted in July of 2008?
The most significant difference is that this tax credit does not have to be repaid. Because it had to be repaid, the previous "credit" was essentially an interest-free loan.

How do I claim the tax credit? Do I need to complete a form or application?
Participating in the tax credit program is easy. You claim the tax credit on your federal income tax return. Specifically, home buyers should complete IRS Form 5405 to determine their tax credit amount, and then claim this amount on Line 69 of their 1040 income tax return. No other applications or forms are required, and no pre-approval is necessary.

What types of homes will qualify for the tax credit?
Any home that will be used as a principal residence will qualify for the credit. This includes single-family detached homes, attached homes like townhouses and condominiums, manufactured homes (also known as mobile homes).

Is a tax credit the same as a tax deduction?
No. A tax credit is a dollar-for-dollar reduction in what the taxpayer owes. That means that a taxpayer who owes $8,000 in income taxes and who receives an $8,000 tax credit would owe nothing to the IRS.

For more information: http://www.federalhousingtaxcredit.com/

Obama Plan Wants to Decrease The Mortgage Interest Deduction

2009-02-27T16:00:00.000-06:00

You may have seen news reports about President Obama’s budget proposal that was released yesterday, February 26th, at 11:30 AM Eastern Time. A small section of the sweeping budget plan has the potential to become a major impediment to a recovery in real estate markets across the nation.

As currently drafted, the plan changes the Mortgage Interest Deduction by reducing the amount of mortgage deductibility on families earning over $250,000. This proposed change in the Mortgage Interest Deduction will result in further erosion of home prices and home values. If this proposal is enacted it will lead to a new round of price depreciation, will cause greater distress on the balance sheets of banks as the collateral value of mortgage backed securities declines. A second credit crisis could emerge before the first one is resolved.

The National Association of Realtors is 100% opposed to the Mortgage Interest Deduction and is prepared to use its formidable array of resources against its enactment. They will be expressing their concerns directly to President Obama, to all members of the United States House of Representatives and the Senate.

You can help too, call your senator and your state representatives today and urge them to fight against this provision in the budget plan.

Turn Your Backyard into a Sanctuary

2009-02-19T15:54:00.000-06:00

(ARA) – Your backyard is your sanctuary. But you want to make it even better -- perhaps with a patio where your family can congregate, enjoy outdoor barbeques and entertain guests.

Here are some design tips to help turn your backyard into the oasis of your dreams:

* Install a patio.

You yearn for a lovely patio area for picnic lunches or to relax and read a book as you enjoy the sun. The cost of using natural stone, however, is a negative, and so is the lack of creative colors and design allowed by precast pavers. Another option is to use stamped concrete for your patio base, which has unlimited patterns and colors and can be used in all climates.

"Homeowners are interested in concrete patios because they blend the connection between house and patio -- indoors and outdoors," says Jim Peterson of ConcreteNetwork.com, which offers a wide variety of patio designs, provides many useful concrete tips and comparisons and lists local contractors for your area. "Decorative concrete can create the look of authentic stone, slate or cobblestone, is more economical to install and adds value to the home."

* Gather around the fire.

Bring your family together with a fire pit. Whether you're building a fire for cooking dinner, roasting marshmallows or to keep warm on a chilly evening, it will become a gathering place for your family and – if invited – friends and neighbors. Depending on your creativity and building skills, you can make your fire pit an elaborate congregational area with permanent benches and a decorative wood rack, or a simpler ring for cozy family cookouts.

* Set up seats for relaxation.

Don't forget the tables, chairs and decorative planters to encourage people to relax in your backyard and enjoy your sanctuary. You will need to decide if you want permanent, built-in tables and chairs or benches on your patio or along strolling paths through your backyard landscape, or if you want furniture you can rearrange and store during inclement weather.

* Keep the hunger pains at bay.

Perhaps you are looking for more than just relaxation; you want to fill your tummy as well. Outdoor barbeques are becoming increasingly popular, complete with drink coolers and sinks. For an outdoor countertop, look for a material that can withstand weather, yet still have a warm, natural look that will work with the other materials you're using on your porch. Concrete countertops can be mixed with stains, pigments, aggregates and epoxy coatings to give them the look, texture and feel of more expensive quarried stones like marble, granite and limestone. Visit www.ConcreteNetwork.com to learn more about how this material can work in your backyard.

* Soothe the senses

Water features are popping up in backyards across the country. Families enjoy them by relaxing near the sound of trickling water and watching birds and other wildlife looking for a drink. Some homeowners install small fountains surrounded by landscaping to provide the water ambiance, while others take the route of building a full water garden.

Self-contained water features are easy to install in less than a day, while kit ponds might take a weekend to set up. But the larger water features give you more opportunities to be creative – for example installing a bridge, water wheel, water falls or tiny streams.

Once you have your backyard sanctuary complete, you'll have plenty of opportunities to enjoy your investment while relaxing. For additional tips in learning how to install a functional and appealing patio in your backyard, visit www.concretepatio.org.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

2009 Tax Credit For First Time Home Buyers

2009-02-18T15:46:00.000-06:00

There is a new $8,000 tax credit for first-time home buyers, a key provision in the sweeping economic stimulus legislation signed into law by our new President..

“The new tax credit provides a great opportunity for first-time home buyers,” said NAHB Chairman Joe Robson. “Combined with today’s near record low interest rates, the large selection of homes on the market and very competitive pricing, the tax credit should provide the extra incentive needed to get prospective buyers who have been sitting on the fence into the market.”
In addition to being limited to first-time home buyers, the tax credit :

Is equal to 10% of the home’s purchase price up to a maximum of $8,000.
Is available for homes purchased on or after Jan. 1, 2009 and before December 1, 2009.
Does not have to be repaid.
Has income limits of $75,000 for single taxpayers and $150,000 for married couples.

For questions vistit the new web site at http://www.federalhousingtaxcredit.com/ which includes basic information about the tax credit and a detailed question and answer section. It also includes information about other housing-related and small business measures in the legislation and a number of home-buying resources for consumers.

Affordable Spring Home Decorating Trends

2009-02-06T15:17:00.000-06:00

(ARA) – When the economy takes a downturn, people tend to stay in. For home environments stuck in the winter doldrums, easy and affordable updates can create a cozy spring haven.

“We’re expecting people to stay closer to home this year, so we’re seeing a lot of decor inspired by travel to faraway places,” says Nancy Bohnett, Academic Director of Interior Design for The Art Institute of Las Vegas. “Imagine the exotic places you’d like to visit and be inspired by the native styles. Animal prints, bamboo and the relaxing vibe of wine country are all top trends this spring.”

Vivid Natural Hues
Taking your cue from nature doesn’t necessarily mean using only neutral or subdued tones. Get inspired by the proud peacock and add bright, rich jewel tones. Dress up a basic wall with a piece of art in shimmering blues and greens and highlight a special piece of furniture or high ceilings with a tall vase filled with teal, royal blue and celadon fronds.

Exotic Influence
Asian-inspired bamboo accent pieces are beautiful and practical, offering storage for everything from books to the remote control. The bamboo console, end table and coffee table from Seventh Avenue (SeventhAvenue.com) create a tropical oasis in your living space for an affordable price.

Add an exotic sense of romance to your bedroom with touches of zebra print, giraffe and cheetah. Enhance the feeling of a getaway space with an indoor fountain to relax with the soothing sounds of flowing water.

A Taste of Wine Country
Invite friends and family for a relaxing evening in. Create a cozy nook with a small table to hold bottles of wine and glasses. Warm up the walls with an ochre paint, add soft uplighting with a torchiere or two, and freshen up your existing furniture with a stretch pique slipcover in burgundy or chocolate.

Energy Efficient
Eco-chic is in, especially when going green is easy. Thermal window treatments are available in many styles and colors and add a layer of insulation to your windows and patio doors, helping to save on heating bills in the winter and cooling costs in the summer.

Saving Time and Saving Money
It’s still possible to update your home during tough economic times. Look for deals online and through catalogs. Companies like Seventh Avenue offer credit plans with low monthly payments. They also save you time by compiling unique homescapes to inspire you in redecorating your space. For more information and inspiration visit SeventhAvenue.com.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

What Is Title Insurance?

2009-01-26T14:39:00.000-06:00

What is the Difference Between Title Insurance and Casualty Insurance?

Title insurers work to identify and eliminate risk before issuing a Title Insurance policy. Casualty insurers assume risks.

Casualty insurance companies realize that a certain number of losses will occur each year in a given category (auto, fire, etc.). The insurers collect premiums monthly or annually from the policyholders to establish reserve funds in order to pay for expected losses.

Title companies work in a very different manner -- Title Insurance will indemnify you against loss under the terms of your policy. However, title companies work in advance of issuing your policy to identify and eliminate potential risks and therefore prevent losses caused by title defects that may have been created in the past.

Title Insurance also differs from casualty insurance in that the greatest part of the Title Insurance premium dollar goes towards risk elimination. Title companies maintain "title plants" which contain information regarding property transfers and liens reaching back many years. Maintaining these title plants, along with
the searching and examining of title, is where most of your premium dollar goes.

Who Needs Title Insurance?
Buyers and lenders in real estate transactions need Title Insurance. Both want to know that the property they are involved with is insured against certain title defects. Title companies provide this needed insurance coverage, subject to the terms of the policy. The seller, buyer and lender all benefit from the insurance provided by title companies.

What Does Title Insurance Insure?
Title Insurance offers protection against claims resulting from various defects (as set out in the policy) that may exist in the title to a specific parcel of real property, effective on the issue date of the policy. For example, a person might claim to have a deed or lease giving them ownership or the right to possess your property.

Another person could claim to hold an easement giving them a right of access across your land. Yet another person may claim that they have a lien on your property securing the repayment of a debt. That property may be an empty lot or it may hold a 50-story office tower. Title companies work with all types of real property.

What Type of Policies Are Available?
Title companies routinely issue two types of policies: An "owner's" policy which insures you, the homebuyer for as long as you and your heirs own the home; and a "lenders" policy which insures the priority of the lender's security interest over the claims that others may have in the property.

What Protection Am I Obtaining With My Title Policy?
A Title Insurance policy contains provisions for the payment of the legal fees in defense of a claim against your property, which is covered under the policy. It also contains provisions for indemnification against losses which result from a covered claim. A premium is paid at the close of a transaction. There are no continuing premiums due, as there are with other types of insurance.

What Are My Chances of Ever Using My Title Policy?
In essence, by acquiring your policy, you derive the important knowledge that recorded matters have been searched and examined so that Title Insurance covering your property can be issued. Because we are risk eliminators, the probability of exercising your rights to make a claim is very low. However, claims against your property may not be valid, making the continuous protection of the policy all the more important. When a title company provides a legal defense against claims covered by your Title Insurance policy, the savings to you for that legal defense alone will greatly exceed the one-time premium.

What If I Am Buying Property From Someone I Know?
You may not know the owners as well as you think you do. People undergo changes in their personal lives that may affect title to their property. People get divorced, change their wills, and engage in transactions that limit the use of the property, and have liens and judgments placed against them personally for various reasons.

There may also be matters affecting the property that are not obvious or known, even by the existing owner, which a title search and examination seeks to uncover as a part of the process leading up to the issuance of the Title Insurance policy.
Just as you wouldn't make an investment based on a phone call, you shouldn't buy real property without assurances as to your title. Title Insurance provides these assurances.

The process of risk identification and elimination performed by the title companies, prior to the issuance of a title policy, benefits all parties in the property transaction. It minimizes the chances that adverse claims might be raised and, by doing so, reduces the number of claims that need to be defended or satisfied. This process keeps costs and expenses down for the title company and maintains the traditional low cost of Title Insurance.

Will The Sellers Accept My Offer?

2009-01-25T14:34:00.000-06:00

I get this question alot, especially with new buyers - will the sellers accept my offer?

Well, I don’t have a good answer. There is no way to know for sure. Although in my experience if you make a full price offer the sellers will accept it, unless there is something odd in your contingencies or closing date.

You can try to guess all you want. Or try to figure out the sellers’ motivation based on time on the market (some feel that the longer the marketing time the more likely the sellers will accept…not true), or perhaps from what you have learned from theMLS - “Motivated sellers” shows up frequently. But that really doesn’t tell you anything. Most sellers want to sell, don’t they?

You may have learned they have bought another place? Or are relocating? Or are getting divorced? Will that help you figure out what the sellers will do with your offer? Perhaps.

I wouldn’t waste a lot of time wondering about this. If you are making a low ball offer based on comparables, chances are you KNOW what they will do - say NO. But if your offer is in the market range, there’s a good chance they will come back with a counter offer so you can negotiate. The first response from the sellers is generally pretty revealing about how things might proceed. Countering at full price, or coming down $1000 tells you one thing; a counter of $10K less tells you something else.

Oh, and keep in mind…the sellers are going to wonder…will buyers accept our listing price? Or our counter offer?

Are We Going to lose our Parental Authority?

2009-01-15T15:14:00.000-06:00

Pete Chagnon Of OneNewsNow.com reports that the chancellor of Patrick Henry College is warning parents about a dangerous United Nations treaty.

The Convention on the Rights of the Child was established about 20 years ago. Although the U.S. has signed the treaty, it has not been ratified according to Constitutional mandate. Michael Farris, chancellor of Patrick Henry College, says if the treaty is ratified during the Obama administration, it would override all state laws regarding parental rights.

"The biggest problem with this treaty is that we replace American law [developed] by our elected officials with international law that is governed by a board of 18 child's rights experts in Geneva," he explains.

According to Farris, the treaty is far-reaching. It treats all parents like criminals -- even before trial, he explains.

"The child's wishes have to be considered by the government, and the government gets to decide at the end of the day -- when there is any conflict between parent and child, or any conflict between the government and the…parent -- ...what it thinks is best for the child," he points out. "That's in religion, that's in education, that's in 'do you let your kids put their real names on their Facebook accounts?' On every parenting decision you can imagine, the government gets to make the final call."

Farris is also certain that ratification of the treaty will be considered. He notes it will be up to the secretary of state -- Hillary Clinton -- to submit the treaty to Congress for ratification, a treaty Bill Clinton's administration favored.

"And the chances that it is going to be attempted are 100 percent," Farris contends. "Barbara Boxer said so in a meeting just before Christmas...every indication is that there is going to be an attempt."

For more information on the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, visit ParentalRights.org.

Helping You Avoid the Biggest Mistake!

2008-12-19T15:11:00.000-06:00

Recently the Home & Garden TV channel ran a show entitled “25 Biggest Real Estate Mistakes”. HGTV brought together some of the top real estate experts in the U.S. to compile the definitive list of the biggest mistakes people make when buying and selling homes. The complete list can be found at HGTV.com (Check out #’s 18, 13, 7, 5 & 2)

25. Buying a House for Its Decor
24. Not Providing Easy Access for Showings
23. Not Researching the Neighborhood
22. Losing Money With Auctions
21. Trying to Make the "Hard Sell" While Showing
20. Waiting Until Spring to Sell Your House
19. Treating Real Estate Like the Stock Market
18. Failing to Market Your Home in Different Ways
17. Not Thinking About Resale
16. Buying Without Actually Seeing the Property
15. Trusting Everything a Real Estate Advertisement Says
14. Picking the Wrong Agent
13. Not Hiring an Agent
12. Buying the Most Expensive Home on the Block
11. Not Setting a Realistic Budget
10. Visiting the House Only Once
9. Not Being Pro-Active at Closing
8. Doing Major Renovations/Remodeling Before Selling
7. Skipping the Loan Pre-Approval Step
6. Falling in Love With the First Property You See
5. Buying a Home Without a Professional Inspection
4. Overlooking the Extra and Hidden Costs
3. Buying What You Want, Not What You Need
2. Setting Too High of a Sale Price

The #1 mistake, according to HGTV, is Failing to Showcase Your Home and Make Small Cosmetic Changes. HGTV experts said, “When you are selling your house, you have to really look at it objectively and think about it from the viewpoint of the house hunter. Make minor enhancements to the house and maybe hire a professional stager to come and arrange your furniture. Staging is about decorating your house for the buyers’ taste, not yours.” One of HGTV’s experts said homestaging has been shown to increase the value of a home as much as 7%.

To help you keep from making the biggest real estate mistake, I offer a professional homestaging consultation to every seller who selects me to sell their home. There is no charge for the one-hour consultation. Homestaging is just one of the many services I offer homesellers to help them maximize the price they receive for their home. Contact me at 918-855-1788 or email me at jane@whitbyteam.com to learn more about homestaging and the other services I provide my customers.

They’ve Found It—Secret For Longer Life Revealed!

2008-12-18T15:07:00.000-06:00

It’s true. Credible scientific research has now confirmed the secret ingredient to a longer life.

Researchers at the Mayo Clinic, reporting on a study that spanned three decades, have found that optimistic people live about 19 percent longer than pessimists do. “It’s confirmed our common-sense belief,” said Toshihiko Maruta, a psychiatrist who was the lead researcher in the project. “It tells us that mind and body are integrally linked and that attitude has an impact on the final outcome, death.”

The findings came from a look at 839 people living in the Minnesota County where the Mayo Clinic is headquartered. They were among a group given a personality survey between 1962 and 1965, which detected how people habitually explain the causes of life’s events and then classified them as optimists, pessimists, or a mixture of both.

In looking at the test subjects 30 years later and comparing them against their expected survival rates, the researchers found that those classified as “optimists” had a significantly better survival rate, while there was a 19 percent increase in the risk of death for pessimists.

The report, published in the February 2000 issue of the Mayo Clinic Proceedings, did not try to explain why a positive attitude was equated with longevity. It simply said that optimists may be less likely to develop depression and helplessness, or they might be more positive in seeking medical help and taking care of themselves—with less fatalistic thinking about their own health.

Martin Seligman, a psychologist at the University of Pennsylvania, said pessimism is identifiable very early in life, and can be changed. He said it might be possible to put people into programs to change their way of thinking and actually lower their risks of physical illness.

Isn't It Magnificent?

2008-09-24T22:55:00.000-05:00

Simple Tips For Staging Your Home

2008-07-24T18:57:00.000-05:00

Tulsa Ranked No 5

2008-06-05T00:33:00.000-05:00

A study recently released by Relocate-America.com, a source of community information and real estate resources for those who are relocating ranked Tulsa No. 5 on a new list of the top 100 places to live in the U.S. More than 2000 cities were evaluated on such factors as economic growth, education, employment prospects, air and water quality, crime rate and housing options.

“The affordability of housing in the Tulsa area continues to attract interest from other parts of the country”, said Sam Rader, President of Coldwell RaderGroup Realtors. “While the average sales price of homes SOLD in the metropolitan area has continued to increase during 2008, homes here remain among the most affordable in the U.S. Hopefully, this Top 5 ranking will make even more people aware of our great housing values.”

Relocate-America’s Top 5 Places to Live
1. Charlotte, N.C.
2. San Antonio, TX
3. Chattanooga, TN
4. Greenville, SC
5. Tulsa, OK

NOTE: Oklahoma City was in the Top 100 list but not the Top 10.

They’ve Found It—Secret For Longer Life Revealed!

2008-06-03T00:57:00.000-05:00

It’s true. Credible scientific research has now confirmed the secret ingredient to a longer life.

Researchers at the Mayo Clinic, reporting on a study that spanned three decades, have found that optimistic people live about 19 percent longer than pessimists do. “It’s confirmed our common-sense belief,” said Toshihiko Maruta, a psychiatrist who was the lead researcher in the project. “It tells us that mind and body are integrally linked and that attitude has an impact on the final outcome, death.”

The findings came from a look at 839 people living in the Minnesota County where the Mayo Clinic is headquartered. They were among a group given a personality survey between 1962 and 1965, which detected how people habitually explain the causes of life’s events and then classified them as optimists, pessimists, or a mixture of both.

In looking at the test subjects 30 years later and comparing them against their expected survival rates, the researchers found that those classified as “optimists” had a significantly better survival rate, while there was a 19 percent increase in the risk of death for pessimists.

The report, published in the February 2000 issue of the Mayo Clinic Proceedings, did not try to explain why a positive attitude was equated with longevity. It simply said that optimists may be less likely to develop depression and helplessness, or they might be more positive in seeking medical help and taking care of themselves—with less fatalistic thinking about their own health.

Martin Seligman, a psychologist at the University of Pennsylvania, said pessimism is identifiable very early in life, and can be changed. He said it might be possible to put people into programs to change their way of thinking and actually lower their risks of physical illness.

Seasoned Sirloin Kabobs

2008-06-02T00:54:00.000-05:00

A tasty baste of soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic and citrus soda infuses succulent sirloin steak skewers, threaded with mushrooms, peppers, pineapple and cherry tomatoes, with a sweet symphony of flavors.

Ingredients
1/4 cup soy sauce

3 tablespoons light brown sugar
3 tablespoons distilled white vinegar

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon seasoned salt

1/2 teaspoon garlic pepper seasoning
4 fluid ounces lemon-lime carbonated beverage

2 green bell peppers, in 2 inch pieces
2 pounds beef sirloin steak, in 1-1/2 inch cubes skewers
1/2 pound fresh mushrooms, stems removed

1 pint cherry tomatoes
1 fresh pineapple - peeled, cored and cubed

Cooking Instructions
In a medium bowl, mix soy sauce, brown sugar, vinegar, garlic powder, seasoned salt, garlic pepper seasoning, lemon-lime beverage. Reserve about 1/2 cup of this marinade for basting. Place steak in a large resealable plastic bag, cover with the remaining marinade, seal & refrigerate for 8 hours, or overnight. Bring a saucepan of water to a boil. Add green peppers, and cook for 1 minute, just to blanch. Drain, and set aside. Preheat grill for high heat. Thread steak, green peppers, mushrooms, tomatoes, and pineapple onto skewers in an alternating fashion. Discard marinade and the bag. Lightly oil the grill grate. Cook kabobs on the prepared grill for 10 minutes, or to desired doneness. Baste frequently with reserved marinade during the last 5 minutes of cooking.

Energy Bars: Some Not As Healthy As You Might Think

2008-06-02T00:44:00.000-05:00

Professional athletes and “weekend warriors” alike use energy bars as a fast energy boost during sports. And some people eat them throughout the day as a quick-pick-me-up snack.

But a University of South Florida dietitian says sports enthusiasts often get better energy and nutrition from munching a handful of dried fruit or a peanut butter sandwich before exercising than from so-called energy bars.

Cynthia Sass explains that many energy bars are missing essential nutrients, while substances they do contain may not be cleared with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

A common ingredient is ephedra, a stimulant that Sass says can increase blood pressure and heart rate beyond safe levels. The FDA has recently warned against ephedra use, citing a link to “as many as 800 cases of medical problems and a dozen deaths,” says Sass. And unless you do marathons or other intensive sports, she adds, the high calories and simple carbohydrates typical of many bars don’t provide the kind of energy you need. Better and easy-to-grab sources include apples, yogurt, or a dollop of peanut butter on whole-wheat bread.

FOR SALE in Hunters Pointe

2008-05-30T00:33:00.000-05:00

FOR SALE in Sheridan Hills South

2008-05-29T14:22:00.000-05:00

Water Safety For Kids…

2008-05-29T00:49:00.000-05:00

Don’t let your child become a statistic. Each year 350 children less than five years old die and another 2,600 are seriously injured in drowning or near drowning situations. The key to preventing these accidents is to have layers of protection surrounding pools and to teach children about water safety.

A fence that is at least four feet in height and equipped with self-closing gates should surround all pools. Any doors leading to the pool should have an alarm. Safety covers should be in place when the pool is not in use and underwater pool alarms can be used for added assurance. For more information on safety barriers, visit www.cpsc.gov for pool safety publications.

When teaching children about pool safety, it is important that they learn to love the water, but also respect it. This can be done at an early age by taking advantage of tub time activities. Don’t be afraid to splash little ones in the face to get them use to the idea of getting under the water. Once you have progressed to the pool, be careful about harsh warnings. Give matter-of-fact safety rules in a positive manner. This will allow your children to enjoy the idea of swimming while still respecting the dangers associated with water. If you choose to enroll your child in swimming classes, you can find for a certified instructors at www.ywcaoftulsa.org, www.swimtulsa.splashcentral.com or www.millerswimschool.com. If you ever realize your child is missing from your home, check the pool first. In drowning situations, every second counts.

Real Estate Corner…

2008-05-29T00:47:00.000-05:00

Q. We’re considering buying a second home for vacations and eventually for retirement. What are the pros and cons of doing this?

A. Second homes are becoming an increasingly popular investment due to the great tax advantages. Before you buy, it is a good idea to consult a tax expert, but in most cases up to $1 million in mortgage debt insurance is deductible in addition to points and property taxes. As a bonus, you may collect rent for up to 14 days per year without claiming it as income. Be sure that you don’t go over that 14-day limit or you will have to abide by a whole new set of investment property rules. The Taxpayer Relief Act of 1997 also allows you to keep up to $500,000 in profit from the sale of the home as long as you have lived in it for two of the last five years and haven’t sold another home in the past two years.

Although these tax advantages may sound great, there are some pitfalls associated with the purchase of a second home. Financing on second homes is often more expensive than for a primary residence. Lenders raise the interest rates because during hard times, most people will let the mortgage payments for their second home falter before they risk loosing their primary residence. You will need to shop around to find a good mortgage broker. Often brokers close to the purchase site will give you a better deal. Also, consider seller financing or co-ownership to ease the financial burdens. When buying a second home you need to concentrate on the location very carefully. Look for the cheapest home in the best area in order to maximize your value and appreciation potential. Be sure that you choose something close to the activities you love and consider renting in the area before you buy. If you are thinking of selling or buying soon, and require competent and caring representation, please call me at 918-855-1788.

Are Two Really Better Than One?

2008-05-29T00:46:00.000-05:00

“How was your golf game dear?” asked Jack’s wife.

“Well, I was hitting it pretty well, but my eyesight’s gotten so bad that I couldn’t see where the ball went.” “You’re 75-years-old,” admonished his wife, “why don’t you take your brother Scott along?”

“He’s 85 and doesn’t even play golf,” protested Jack. “But he’s got perfect eyesight and can tell you where the ball went,” his wife pointed out.

So the next day Jack teed-off with Scott watching. Jack swung and the ball disappeared down the fairway. “Did you see it?” asked Jack.

“Yep,” answered Scott. “Well, where is it?” yelled Jack peering off into the distance. “I forgot!”

Little Ears, Big Mouths…

2008-05-28T00:53:00.000-05:00

The little boy greeted his grandmother with a hug and said, “I’m so happy to see you grandma. Now maybe daddy will do the trick he has been promising us.” The grandmother was curious and asked, “What trick is that my dear.” The little boy replied, “I heard daddy tell mommy that he would climb the walls if you came to visit us again.”

Trivia Tidbits

2008-05-28T00:51:00.000-05:00

Intelligent people have more zinc and copper in their hair.
The state with the highest percentage of people who walk to work is Alaska.
The first couple to be shown in bed together on prime time television was Fred and Wilma Flintstone.
The average number of people airborne over the U.S. at any given time is 61,000.
“I am.” Is the shortest complete sentence in the English language.

Easy Oven Cleaning Tips

2008-05-28T00:50:00.000-05:00

To clean a glass oven door, sprinkle baking soda on a damp cloth. Then, use circular motions to wipe the door, dissolving baked-on stains.
If food boils over in the oven, sprinkle the spill generously with salt while the oven is still hot. Once the oven has cooled, scrape up the spill with a spatula.

Helping You Avoid the Biggest Mistake!

2008-04-23T12:14:00.000-05:00

During the past month the Home & Garden TV channel ran a show entitled “25 Biggest Real Estate Mistakes”. HGTV brought together some of the top real estate experts in the U.S. to compile the definitive list of the biggest mistakes people make when buying and selling homes. The complete list can be found at HGTV.com (Check out #’s 18, 13, 7, 5 & 2)

The #1 mistake, according to HGTV, is Failing to Showcase Your Home and Make Small Cosmetic Changes. HGTV experts said, “When you are selling your house, you have to really look at it objectively and think about it from the viewpoint of the house hunter. Make minor enhancements to the house and maybe hire a professional stager to come and arrange your furniture. Staging is about decorating your house for the buyers’ taste, not yours.” One of HGTV’s experts said homestaging has been shown to increase the value of a home as much as 7%.

To help you keep from making HGTV’s biggest real estate mistake, I offer a professional homestaging consultation to every seller who selects me to sell their home. There is no charge for the one-hour consultation. Homestaging is just one of the many services I offer homesellers to help them maximize the price they receive for their home. Contact me at 855-1788 or email me at jane@whitbyteam.com to learn more about homestaging and the other services I provide my customers.

What Things Should I Consider Before Making An Offer On A Home?

2008-04-23T12:12:00.000-05:00

Even before starting to look at homes, find out what price home you can afford. In general, you can afford to buy a home equal in price to three times your gross annual income. More precisely, however, the price you can afford to pay for a home will depend on six factors:
1) Your income; 2) The amount of cash you have available for down payment, closing costs, and cash reserves required by the lender; 3) Your outstanding debts; 4) Your credit history; 5) The type of mortgage you select; and 6) Current interest rates.

The process of buying a home is much easier if you start out by getting pre-qualified or even pre-approved with your lender for a home loan. This amount will let you know how much home you can buy, and makes you a more credible buyer.

To get a free money-saving report, “8 Secrets For Saving Thousands When Finding, Buying And Financing Your Home,” please see my special “Insiders Free Money-Savings Resources” page in this newsletter. It’s free as part of my consumer service program. Please Call Me With ANY Real Estate Question At: 855-1788.

Sleep Disorder Alert

2008-04-22T12:10:00.000-05:00

There’s a sleep disorder that strikes more than 10 million Americans, yet many people don’t even realize that they are being affected. Sleep apnea is a serious disorder that has been tied to heart disease and stroke. People who have sleep apnea stop breathing as many as several hundred times during the night. This prompts people to wake up frequently in order to resume breathing. The process can leave you feeling extremely tired.

Obstructing tissue in the back of the throat usually causes the condition. The American Sleep Apnea Association has tips for identifying sleep apnea. If you are a loud, habitual snorer, are often sleepy during waking hours, are overweight or have a large neck, you may be more at risk for sleep apnea. A free brochure on sleep apnea is available by calling (202) 293-3650 or on-line at http://www.sleepapnea.org.

Five Simple Fire Safety Tips That Can Save Your Life!

2008-04-22T12:05:00.001-05:00

A house fire at any time can put you and your family’s lives in great danger. Yet, fire experts say you can dramatically reduce the risk of a potential fire by just following these simple safety tips:

1. Make sure your house number is visible from the street so emergency vehicles can find you. Consider using oversized reflective or illuminated numbers at the curb, preferably next to your mailbox.
2. Install smoke detectors in places where they will activate in time for you to save yourself and family. This is usually within a foot of the ceiling. Make sure you test them monthly by pressing the “test” button, and replace batteries at least once a year. Don’t rely on the alarm to make an intermittent “beep” to change batteries.
3. Create a fire escape plan with an emergency route for each family member’s bedroom. If bedrooms are on the second floor, purchase a simple chain ladder for escape from windows. Arrange for a safe family meeting place outside the home in the event fire strikes. This way you can account for each family member instantly.
4. Place an adequately sized fire extinguisher near the kitchen area of your home. Also, place one at the opposite end of the home. Most homes use undersized extinguishers. Even if a small fire breaks out, you will want all the suppression you can get.
5. Remove all weeds, tree branches, leaves, and litter away from the perimeter of your home. Put a screen on your fireplace and keep it closed at all times. It’s best to sleep with your bedroom door closed to give yourself more time to escape in case of a fire. And teach your children what to do if their clothes catch fire: Stop, Drop, and Roll.

Mom’s Cinnamon-Apple Oven Pancake

2008-04-22T12:02:00.000-05:00

2 eggs
½ cup skim milk
1 ½ cups buttermilk biscuit mix (Bisquick)
One 21 oz apple pie filling
½ tsp apple pie spice or ground cinnamon
Cooking oil spray
1 ½ cups finely shredded sharp Cheddar cheese
Warm maple syrup for passing at the table

1. Preheat the oven to 450 degrees. In a 2-quart or larger bowl, whisk the eggs. Whisk in the milk, biscuit mix and apple pie spice. Blend well. (The batter will have some lumps.) Stir in the apple pie filling.

2. Spray a 9-by-13-inch glass baking dish with cooking oil spray and pour in the batter. Bake for about 14 minutes or until the pancake just begins to brown around the edges and a wooden pick inserted in the center comes out clean. (The top will not brown.)

3. Remove the pancake from the oven and sprinkle with the cheese. Return it to the oven for 2 minutes to melt the cheese. Let the pancake rest for 2 minutes and serve with warm maple syrup, if desired. Makes 6 servings.

Termites Are Silent Destroyers

2008-04-22T12:01:00.000-05:00

One of the greatest hazards any homeowner faces is termites. They do more damage than fires, storms, and earthquakes combined.

Contrary to what many homeowners think, homeowner’s insurance does NOT cover termite damage, so annual inspections are critical and far less costly than termite treatments.
10 Best Ways to Best Protect Your Home Against Termites:

• Above all, schedule an annual termite inspection
• Clean clogged gutters and downspouts
• Trim bushes and shrubs away from the house
• Store firewood away from the house
• Make sure exterior finishes are at least four inches from the ground
• Keep watch for bubbling paint, crumbling dry wood and tiny holes in walls
• Seal all cracks in the foundation or utility openings
• Monitor damp areas inside the home
• Eliminate faulty or leaky plumbing
• Watch for swarming termites and mud tubes over exposed exterior surfaces

Points And The Taxman

2008-04-02T12:13:00.000-05:00

If you paid points to get a better rate on a home loan, you might be able to get a tax break.

According to bankrate.com, you can deduct points the same year you paid them if the loan you took was to purchase or build the home you live in. Also, the points you paid had to be part of the established business practice of your community and it had to be within the usual range.

You don't get as good a tax deduction if you paid points to refinance your house. The points are deductible, but only over the life of the loan. So if you paid $2,000 points on a 30-year mortgage, you would get to deduct a little more than $5.50 per payment you made during the year. If you made 12 house payments, you would get to deduct about $66 in point payments.

But wait! On the other hand if you use the cash from your refinancing to do home improvements, then you can deduct some of the points (those made directly related to home improvements) in the same year you paid the points.

I Can Help!

2008-04-02T10:26:00.000-05:00

Even as the “Good Thing You’re In Tulsa” campaign continues to inform area residents of the differences between our real estate market and what is being reported by national media services, there are still some local homeowners who are struggling to make their mortgage payments. In fact, a few are behind on their monthly payments and may be facing a possible foreclosure.

Some foreclosures can be prevented, but many homeowners are unaware of the options available to them. Some lenders will work with borrowers to defer some portion of their payments for a period of time. In other circumstances, a lender may accept less than a full payoff of the loan to allow the home to be sold.

At Coldwell Banker RaderGroup we have a Loss Mitigation Department which works with lenders and homeowners to avoid foreclosure. If you are behind on payments and facing a possible foreclosure, I may be able to help you! Contact Jane at 855-1788 or jane@whitbyteam.com. Of course, all inquiries are confidential.

Warding off Mosquitoes

2008-04-01T12:22:00.000-05:00

Warding off mosquitoes may be easier than you think. Preliminary research shows that taking 25 mg to 50 mg of Vitamin B1 three times per day may be the answer. The thiamine is believed to produce an odor that is undesirable to mosquitoes but undetectable to humans. It is worth a try if it means avoiding those nasty bites without using chemical sprays.

Q&A Home Improvements

2008-04-01T12:17:00.000-05:00

Q. We are planning to make major home improvements. I am worried about getting our investment back when we decide to sell. How do we know if we are spending wisely?

A. When remodeling, you must weigh the cost of the remodel versus the value of the finished product. When I say “value,” I am not only talking about resale value, but I am talking about the value of the remodel to you personally. Some important questions to ask are how long you will be staying in your home and what benefits will the remodeling project bring to your daily life.

Regarding resale value, your remodeling project needs to be assessed based on your neighborhood. The best home improvements are cosmetic improvements. Minor updates to the kitchen and bathrooms, or a new roof are always valuable. Aesthetic additions such as new carpeting or paint are another type of remodeling project that returns almost 100 percent of their cost to the value of your home.

For larger projects, the average return within one year after the remodel varies. Major kitchen remodeling gives an average return of 87 percent, a family room addition at 84 percent, a master suite averages 82 percent, and window replacement 68 percent. As you can see from these examples, your remodeling project will always add some degree of value to your home unless you over do it.

When remodeling, it is important to remember that you will be selling your home someday and you need to make wise remodeling decisions. You must weigh the up-front cost of the project versus the usefulness to you and added value to your home. If you are thinking of selling or buying soon, and require competent and caring representation, please call me at 855-1788.

Success With Self-Tanners

2008-04-01T12:16:00.000-05:00

Using self-tanning creams to get a healthy glow without the damaging effects of the sun has become a very popular option. Here are some simple tips to make your experience with these products wonderful:

Exfoliate first to avoid flakes and get a richer color.

Dilute the tanner with a moisturizer for areas that may get too dark with direct application.

Use latex gloves to avoid an uneven look on your hands.
Start at your feet and work up using a swirling motion to get a natural look.

Wait at least 10 minutes after a shower to apply the tanner. This allows your skin to cool properly.

Funny Laws - What were they thinking?

2008-04-01T09:00:00.000-05:00

In Virginia, chickens cannot lay eggs before 8:00 a.m., and must be done before 4:00 p.m.
In Massachusetts, it is against the law to put tomatoes in clam chowder.
In North Carolina, it is against the law for dogs and cats to fight.
In West Virginia, one can't cook sauerkraut or cabbage due to the odors and the offence is subject to imprisonment.
In Rochester, Michigan, the law is that anyone bathing in public must have the bathing suit inspected by a police officer.
In Utah, birds have the right of way on any public highway.
In Louisiana, a bill was introduced years ago in the State House of Representatives that fixed a ceiling on haircuts for bald men of 25 cents.
In Kentucky, it's the law that a person must take a bath once a year.
In Washington State, you can't carry a concealed weapon that is over 6 feet in length.
In Michigan, married couples must live together or be imprisoned.
In Georgia, it is against the law to slap a man on the back or front.
In North Carolina, it is against the law for a rabbit to race down the street.
In Georgia, it's against the law to spread a false rumor.
In New York, it is against the law for a blind person to drive an automobile.
In Galveston, Texas, it is illegal to have a camel run loose in the street
No more than 3000 sheep can be herded down Hollywood Blvd. at any one time.
In Cleveland, Ohio, it is unlawful to leave chewing gum in public places.
In Illinois, the law is that a car must be driven with the steering wheel.
In Philadelphia, you can't put pretzels in bags based on an Act of 1760.

Fun Facts To Entertain Your Friends With

2008-04-01T08:21:00.000-05:00

The opposite sides of a dice cube always add up to seven.
One in ten people in the world live on an island.
The chance of being born on Leap Day is about 684 out of a million, or 1 in 1461. Less than 5 million people have their birthday on Leap Day.
The odds of being struck by lightning are about 600,000 to one.
On average in the West, people move to a new house every 7 years.

Hearty Vegetable Lasagna

2008-04-01T07:23:00.000-05:00

INGREDIENTS
1 (16 ounce) package lasagna noodles
1 pound fresh mushrooms, sliced
3/4 cup chopped green bell pepper
3/4 cup chopped onion
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
2 (26 ounce) jars pasta sauce
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 (15 ounce) container part-skim ricotta cheese
4 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
2 eggs
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
DIRECTIONS
Cook the lasagna noodles in a large pot of boiling water for 10 minutes, or until al dente. Rinse with cold water, and drain.
In a large saucepan, cook and stir mushrooms, green peppers, onion, and garlic in oil. Stir in pasta sauce and basil; bring to a boil. Reduce heat, and simmer 15 minutes.
Mix together ricotta, 2 cups mozzarella cheese, and eggs.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Spread 1 cup tomato sauce into the bottom of a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Layer 1/2 each, lasagna noodles, ricotta mix, sauce, and Parmesan cheese. Repeat layering, and top with remaining 2 cups mozzarella cheese.
Bake, uncovered, for 40 minutes. Let stand 15 minutes before serving.

Good credit? Here's your reward

2008-02-22T10:13:00.001-06:00

If you've been (mostly) an angel in managing your credit, you could soon get some props in your FICO score.

(Money Magazine) -- Finally, some good news about credit: Fair Isaac, the company that calculates consumer credit ratings for lenders, is rolling out a new formula that promises to favor responsible credit holders. Your FICO score could benefit.

Fair Isaac began working on the new system in 2006 - before the subprime mess even unfolded - in an effort to better differentiate "good risk" borrowers from "bad risk" ones and give creditors a more accurate prediction of default. A consumer in good standing could see his or her score go up by as much as 25 points under the new formula.

In this credit crunch, "you can be sure every point helps," says John Ulzheimer, president of educational services at Credit.com. If you're on the high end of a "fair" score (680 to 690), for example, you could be bumped to "good" and qualify for better interest rates.

It may take months for the bureaus to adapt. (Experian and TransUnion plan to implement the new formula soon; it's not known if Equifax will follow.) But here's what you can expect:

Occasional mistakes will be forgiven over time

If you are generally in good standing on several accounts and have a credit history of 10 years or more, one big mistake from a while back - such as a late payment of 90 days or more - won't mar your record as much as it used to. In fact, you could see a one-time boost in your score with the new formula.

The system treats such a slip-up as an "isolated delinquency," says Fair Isaac spokesman Craig Watts. So now you don't have to sweat it if, say, your Visa bill got lost and went unpaid when you moved a few years ago. Routine late payments of less than 90 days will still ding your record. As before, paying bills on time is the key to maintaining a high score.

Shopping around for a loan will hurt you less

Under the new system, multiple credit inquiries in a short period of time won't do as much damage as before - now they will be weighted less heavily in determining your overall score. The change is a reflection of the fact that the average person has more credit accounts and loans today than in the past.

One thing hasn't changed: "Borrowers still have a 45-day window on inquiries before their score could be significantly affected," adds Watts.

Having a few kinds of credit works in your favor

The new rules applaud borrowers who show that they can aptly handle a combination of revolving debt (like credit cards) and installment loans (like auto loans and mortgages). Someone with a solid credit history and a mix of well-managed loans should see his or her score go up.

Keep in mind, however, that if you carry balances near the max on revolving credit, you could be docked several points. The new system interprets getting close to your limit as a sign of bad debt management.

Best bet: Spread your balance out among a few cards, especially now that the rules don't penalize multiple credit applications.

SOURCE: Money Magazine

LOCAL REAL ESTATE MARKET

2008-02-04T12:05:00.000-06:00

According to an article in the Tulsa World on January 29, 2008, Oklahoma was one of only six states to show a decrease in foreclosures in 2007 when compared to 2006. Nationally, 2.20 million foreclosures were filed, up 75% over 2006. During the same period, foreclosures fell 12.8% in Oklahoma. Additionally, less one percent (0.52%) households in Oklahoma faced foreclosure. These facts are just another example to support the reality that our market is much different than what is being reported in the national media.

Home Mortgage Rates

2008-02-04T12:02:00.000-06:00

Over the past 7-10 days home mortgage rates have fallen to levels nearly as low as they were in the finance boomlet of 2004. According to rates quoted early on Monday (2/4/08), 30-year rates were in the 5.75% range while 15-year rates were as low as 5 1/4%.

Above The Roar

2008-02-03T09:56:00.000-06:00

Even while the national media continues to bombard us with lots of bad news related to the national economy and the housing market, more local stories appear describing the strength of the Tulsa metro area real estate market. On January 9, 2008, the Tulsa World featured an article which showed the change in median sales prices in 2007 versus 2006 in several cities and towns. Overall, the greater Tulsa median sales price rose 7.26% in 2007 over 2006. Most suburban towns showed increases ranging from 0.3% to 12.3%.

While the median price and percent change varied from town-to-town, and the increases do not mean that every home within a given community rose by a like amount, the report does seem to show the Tulsa area is not having price declines like those being experienced in some other parts of the country. In addition, interest rates in the 5 ¼% - 5 ¾% range and this region’s extremely affordable prices make it a great time to buy and/or sell a home in the greater Tulsa market. If you are thinking of making a move, don’t let the national news stories about real estate dissuade you. Call me for the facts about this market, and make a decision based on what is really happening in our area.

How Much Insurance Coverage?

2008-02-02T09:57:00.000-06:00

How can I figure out how much insurance coverage I need to protect myself if my home is ever destroyed?

Over 70 percent of homes in the United States are underinsured. And, of those homes, 70 percent are underinsured by at least 30 percent. This is a major problem! The confusion between market value and replacement value is where many of these problems originate. Many people base their insurance coverage on the market value of their home. Market value is what a buyer will pay for your property, but this is irrelevant if your home is destroyed. What you should really be basing your coverage on is replacement value. This is much more complicated to compute.

When computing replacement value you must figure in all of the costs of rebuilding your home. This is often 20-30 percent more than new construction because of the added demolition and removal costs. Once the land has been cleared, you will need to add the cost of actually building your home by multiplying the square footage by the average cost per square foot. You can find out average square footage costs from your local builder’s association or builder’s union. Then, you need to add in additional money for upgrades and improvements that you have made. Also, check your local building codes because changes in codes since your original home was built can cost a bundle when rebuilding. In some cases, it may cost even more to rebuild your home than the market value. This is often the case in run-down areas where land values have fallen. In any case, don’t just base your homeowner’s coverage on the lender’s requirements. These often only cover the mortgage balance leaving you with nothing. If you are thinking of selling or buying soon, and require competent and caring representation, please call Jane at 855-1788.

Valentine Pizza

2008-02-01T10:11:00.000-06:00

Ingredients
3 cups bread flour
1 (.25 ounce) envelope active dry yeast
1-1/4 cups warm water
3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, divided
3 tablespoons chopped fresh rosemary
1 (14 ounce) can pizza sauce
3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
2 ripe tomatoes, sliced
1 zucchini, sliced
15 slices vegetarian pepperoni
1 (2.25 ounce) can sliced black olives

Cooking Instructions
1. Place bread flour, yeast, water, and 2 tablespoons olive oil into the bread machine pan in the order recommended by the manufacturer. Select the Dough setting. Press Start. when the dough is finished, knead rosemary into the dough.

2. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).

3. Divide the dough into three portions. Shape each piece into a heart shape about 1/2 inch thick. Brush with remaining olive oil, and spread a thin layer of pizza sauce on each pizza. Sprinkle cheese over pizza sauce, and arrange tomatoes, zucchini, pepperoni, and sliced olives on top.

Loud car stereos, indoor band practice threaten young people's hearing

2008-02-01T10:10:00.000-06:00

Millions of children age 6 to 19 have hearing loss in one or both ears. Audiologists at the University of Louisville in Kentucky say it's the same degree of hearing loss they see in 60-year-olds. Teens often turn up the volume of their car stereos so loud, it can be heard inside buildings they are passing by. When they turn up the volume, they damage the tiny hair cells in the inner ear that play a key role in hearing. Pumping loud music directly into the ears from an MP3 player has the same effect.

Over time, the hair cells begin to die out, and there is no way to restore them. The hearing loss is permanent.

Students playing in high school and college marching bands have a similar risk. Indoor rehearsals concentrate the sound. One student quoted in USA Today says that after indoor rehearsals, his ears hurt and start ringing. Now, he hears the ringing whenever he's in a quiet room.

Michigan State University and the University of North Texas, which have large music schools, are researching the effects of indoor practice and taking steps to protect band members. Measures they take include free hearing tests, courses in occupational health, and lining practice rooms with sound absorbing materials.

They also monitor sound levels during rehearsals and give ear plugs to music students.

Getting rid of household germs can help you avoid colds, and more

2008-02-01T10:08:00.001-06:00

The word is out about hand washing. If you do it right and often, you can get rid of bacteria that could make you sick. But attacking germs where you pick them up makes it less likely you'll get them on your hands in the first place.

In the kitchen: Sink handles, sinks, and counters are the biggest offenders. Clean sinks, sink drains, and counters with antibacterial soap at least once a day. Wash your sponge in the dishwasher to kill germs.

Fresh vegetables and fruits: They may carry salmonella, campylobacter, or E. coli, say microbiologists at New York University. Rinse them thoroughly.

In the laundry: Add bleach to a load of white clothes that includes underwear. It kills virtually all of the germs on underwear so they don't spread. Move the load immediately to the dryer and dry at a high temperature.

In the bathroom: Use a disinfecting cleaner on the bathtub weekly. If someone with a skin infection uses the tub, wash it with bleach right away so you don't pick up the germs.

Shared devices: Use antibacterial cleaner frequently on telephones, TV remotes, door handles, and shared keyboards, especially if someone in the household has an illness.

The NFL wants to be a global power

2008-02-01T10:08:00.000-06:00

American football is regularly broadcast on European television. A significant fan base has developed.

Now, Mark Waller, the NFL's senior vice president for marketing, says up to two regular-season games could be played next year in Britain, Germany, Mexico, or Canada. He says fans outside the U.S. love the game but want to see games that really count.

The November 2007 New York Giants-Miami Dolphins game played in London was a sellout. The first 40,000 of 86,000 tickets priced between $90 and $180 were sold in the first 90 minutes. Germany has many American football fans, and Waller says they are quite sophisticated. But for them, it's more of an excuse to have a fun night out. For the 2006 game in Britain, Miami cheerleaders said they would not sing as soccer cheerleaders do.

Soccer cheerleaders sing several times during a game, usually using words uncomplimentary to the opposing team. Sometimes they even use profanity in their songs.

The Value of Your Home

2008-01-01T10:15:00.000-06:00

Today, a number of internet websites claim to provide homeowners current market values of their homes or any home for that matter. Usually, these websites use public tax records to compile a list of recent sales in the general area of the property. However, that data is often sketchy and the “area” searches are often based only on proximity. They do not account for the differences in neighborhoods. As a result, it is not unusual for such programs to vary as much as 20% to 30% from the actual market value of a given home.

The best way to determine the real value of a home is to put it on the market and broadly distribute the property information. Real value will be determined by a price on which a willing seller and a willing buyer can agree. The best way to estimate that value is to look at what buyers have been willing to pay for similar homes. A real estate professional who knows the market and can identify the most comparable properties is the best person to help owners determine the most likely sales price range for their home. If you would like to know the current market value for your home, call me at (918) 855-1788.

Think Before You Redecorate

2008-01-01T10:14:00.000-06:00

The use of specific colors in decorating can really define the mood and purpose of a room. Below are some colors and how they influence a room.

Red – Increases circulation and muscular activity.
Orange - Signifies optimism and enthusiasm.
Yellow – Represents creativity and joy.
Green – Symbolizes balance and nature.
Blue – Represents inspiration and truth.
Violet – Suggests humility and spirituality.
White – Signifies purity and innocence.
Black – Suggests strength and restores energy.

So think before you choose your color scheme. It could change the entire mood of the finished room.

Are You Haunting Open Houses?

2008-01-01T10:13:00.000-06:00

Do you find yourself getting that urge to drop-into Open Houses, even when you’re busy? You’re not alone. Many homeowners visit open houses to get design ideas, or to see how their home compares in the neighborhood.

But if you find yourself attracted to Open Houses frequently, you might want to ask yourself “why.” You might just find that, even though you’re happy with your current home, you might be subconsciously searching for your dream home. Perhaps you want a bigger yard. A quieter street. A gourmet kitchen.

Whatever the reason, I can help. My computerized “Home Search” system can scour the market finding the exact home you want – automatically. I can get you daily updates on the newest homes on the market, and there’s never any pressure when working with me, just great service. Even if you’re just “thinking” and want to know what’s “out there,” call me at (918) 855-1788

NOT IN TULSA IT’S NOT!

2008-01-01T10:12:00.000-06:00

Judging from most of the news stories related to home sales, one would assume the real market is “horrible” everywhere, including the Tulsa metropolitan area. Yet, while the residential market is suffering in many parts of the country, this simply is not the case here in our local market.

For example on September 7, 2007 the Tulsa World ran a report on Tulsa area sales with the headline “Home sales down 9 percent from June level”. While the headline was technically true, it totally misrepresented the story. First of all, a drop in home sales from June to July is a common seasonal adjustment. In fact, home sales have fallen from June to July during four of the past five years, including 2007 which was the all time best home sales year in Tulsa area history.

What the article said - but the headline did not represent - was home sales for July 2007 were higher than July 2006 and both the average price (up 12.6%) and the median price (up 8.6%) were up significantly from a year ago. While total home sales for the year are down slightly (-2.2%) from the record pace of 2006, home sales are extremely good!

There are three basic reasons for our good market: (1) We did not have the huge inflationary price increases which were enjoyed in other parts of the U.S. and are not experiencing a “market correction”. (2) We are not having the number of foreclosures other areas are suffering. In fact, in an August 15, 2007 article in the Tulsa World, Tulsa was one of only 18 cities in the U.S. which had realized a decrease in foreclosures during 2007. (3) Our local economy is good with comparatively low unemployment and strength in the energy and agriculture sectors.

So, if you are thinking this is a bad time to buy or sell a home, it may be in some part of the country, but not here. Interest rates have fallen and prices have risen! Contact me at (918) 855-1788 or jane@WhitbyTeam.com, and I will you get the sales numbers for your area.

Need to Sell Before You Can Buy?

2007-09-25T14:58:00.000-05:00

Success Means Planning Ahead

If you're thinking of making an offer contingent on selling your current property, don't wait until you've found your "dream home" before putting your house on the market.

Most everyone who sells a house to buy another one faces this dilemma: How do you buy a new home before you've sold the one you live in?

When you make an offer with a sale contingency, escrow doesn't close until your current house is sold, so a sale contingency can be an appealing way to handle the transition between homes.

But sale-contingent offers are unpopular with sellers, because accepting one means taking on risk. While waiting for your house to sell, a seller can miss out on other, possibly better, offers. And if your house doesn't sell within a reasonable time, a seller may have to start from scratch finding a new buyer.

Here are some options for handling the financial transition from one home to the next — with and without contingencies.

Strategies for Making a Sale-Contingent Offer

Find a buyer for your home. This is the most common strategy. Generally, a seller will be more willing to accept a sale-contingent offer if your current home is already in escrow, or if it's at least listed for sale and priced competitively so that it will sell quickly.

Include a release clause. Sellers who are willing to consider a sale-contingent offer usually want the purchase contract to include a release clause, which allows the seller to keep the house on the market. If another buyer makes an acceptable offer, you'll be notified to remove the sale contingency — usually within 72 hours — or lose the house to the second buyer. If you choose to back out of the contract rather than release the contingency, you'll lose any money you spent investigating the property, such as fees for inspections.

Offer more. Some sellers may be willing to take on the extra risk of a sale contingency in exchange for a higher offer.

List your current home with a purchase contingency. With a purchase contingency, you find a new home before closing on any offers you receive on your current one. If you don't find a new home by an agreed-upon date, you (or the buyer) can cancel the contract without penalty. Some buyers, though, won't be willing to assume the risk of an open-ended closing date and a revocable contract.

Contingency-Free Strategies for Selling and Buying

Putting a contingency on your offer to buy may seem safer than selling first and buying later. But you're in a much better bargaining position if your offer is free of contingencies. Here are two common options.

Sell with a rent-back provision. Sell your house first, and negotiate for a provision that after closing you can rent it back for a time while you find and buy your new home. You'll be able to buy at a more competitive price because the seller of your new home will assume no extra risk. This is also the safest option financially — and most likely the least costly. However, many buyers won't have the flexibility to offer a rent-back provision, so it limits the pool of buyers for your home.

Apply for a bridge loan. If you qualify for a bridge loan, it will cover the transition for you. Drawbacks include risk — a bridge loan is essentially another mortgage — and higher interest rates. When you complete the sale of your home, the proceeds pay off the bridge loan.

If you're thinking of buying and need to sell your current home first, don't wait until you find a new home to discuss your options with your real estate agent. At that point, it's often too late, and you'll lose out on the home you'd like to buy.

What's With All The Penguins?

2007-08-21T14:49:00.000-05:00

Why are there dozens of 6 foot tall penguin sculptures scattered throughout the city?

It was a local art project to celebrate the Tulsa Zoo's 75th anniversary as well as to raise funds for the Tulsa Zoo's penguin habitat. Here are just a few examples.

The Center of the Universe IS in Tulsa!

2007-07-24T14:42:00.000-05:00

When in Tulsa you'll want to vist the Center of the Universe. It is a strange place located downtown on the Boston Avenue Pedestrian Bridge between Archer and 1st Street.

If you stand in the center and talk normally, you can here your own echo. It is just plain weird.

Mortgage Insurance (MI) will be Tax Deductible for Select Income Brackets

2007-06-11T09:28:00.000-05:00

Congress recently passed legislation allowing MI payments to be tax deductible for mortgages closed in 2007.
The Mortgage Insurance Fairness Act will allow homeowners with adjusted household incomes of $109,000 or less to deduct some or all of the cost of their MI premiums from their annual income on their 2007 federal tax returns.

Eligibility Parameters
• Loans closing in 2007 (January 1st – December 31st) that are required to pay private mortgage insurance, FHA Mortgage Insurance Premium (MIP) or the VA Funding Fee. Note: The legislation will be evaluated for extension into future years by Congress towards the end of 2007.
• All MI payment options are eligible for deduction under the new law. In the case of the Financed/Single Premium option, a portion of the up front premium may be deductible in the first year. If the law is extended, the remaining portion may be deductible in subsequent years. A tax advisor should be consulted to determine the actual deduction amount.
• Purchase and refinance transactions are eligible
• Eligible primary residence and second homes are permissible. Additional restrictions for investment properties apply and should be discussed with a tax advisor.

Tax benefit
• Mortgage insurance premiums will be 100% deductible for households whose adjusted gross income is $100,000 or less
• The tax benefit for households with adjusted gross income (AGI) between $100,001 and $109,000 is based on the following declining scale:

AGI of $100,000 or less, your Deductible MI is 100%
AGI of $100,001 - $101,000, your Deductible MI is 90%
AGI of $101,001 - $102,000, your Deductible MI is 80%
AGI of $102,001 - $103,000, your Deductible MI is 70%
AGI of $103,001 - $104,000, your Deductible MI is 60%
AGI of $104,001 - $105,000, your Deductible MI is 50%
AGI of $105,001 - $106,000, your Deductible MI is 40%
AGI of $106,001 - $107,000, your Deductible MI is 30%
AGI of $107,001 - $108,000, your Deductible MI is 20%
AGI of $108,001 - $109,000, your Deductible MI is 10%
AGI of $109,001 or more, your Deductible MI is 0%

Tulsa Education

2007-01-19T14:31:00.000-06:00

Education

Providing a comprehensive education from pre-kindergarten through college has been the goal of community leaders since the city’s founding. The results of this dedication are reflected in some impressive statistics. More than 83 percent of Tulsa area residents have a high school diploma or higher; 23 percent have
a bachelor’s degree; and more than 11 percent have a master’s degree.

Public Education
A great education starts with a solid foundation in elementary and preschool. Two dozen school districts offer public education in the Tulsa metropolitan area.

In Tulsa County alone, more than 106,000 students are instructed by 15 school districts. Tulsa Public Schools, the largest district in the state, educates more than 43,000 students at more than 80 sites. The district is noted for progressive programs, extensive technology and high levels of community involvement, including the very successful Partner-In-Education program. This program encourages companies to develop partnerships with schools that foster ongoing linkages between business and public education.

Other public school districts, such as Jenks, Union, Owasso, Broken Arrow and Bixby, offer students outstanding programs that provide a well-rounded educational experience. Each year, students from Tulsa area school districts garner impressive honors such as National Merit Scholars and all-American student-athlete awards.

Private Schools
The rich tradition of private schools in Tulsa dates to the 1880s, when small churches and congregations offered educational opportunities. The tradition continues at many outstanding private institutions and religious-based private schools.

Higher Education
Both public and private institutions offer a wide range of associate, undergraduate, graduate and vocational opportunities in Tulsa. With the creation of Oklahoma State University-Tulsa in 1999, higher education reached a new level of service delivery. As an urban university, OSU-Tulsa offers a wide array of undergraduate and graduate degree programs designed to accommodate non-traditional students.

Other institutions of higher learning include –

· University of Oklahoma
· University of Tulsa
· Oral Roberts University
· Tulsa Community College
· Northeastern State University-Broken Arrow
· University of Phoenix
· Tulsa Technology Center
· Bacone College
· Southern Nazarene University
· Oklahoma Weslyan University
· Rogers State University
· Langston University
· Oklahoma City University

More than ever, Tulsans have access to educational opportunities that are second to none nationwide. All state-supported higher educational institutions are currently expanding their role in Tulsa due to an influx of additional monies provided through a Tulsa county bond issue.

Early Tulsa History

2007-01-18T14:26:00.000-06:00

Tulsa is the second-largest city in Oklahoma and is located in the northeastern part of the state. Wichita lies 133 miles to the north, Oklahoma City is 100 miles southwest, Dallas is 235 miles south and Little Rock is 223 miles southeast.

Tulsa History
The earliest settlers of the area date back to the Ozark Bluff Dwellers. They lived in the northeast part of Oklahoma, otherwise know as Green Country.

The Native American population came to the area in 1836 by way of the infamous Trail of Tears. Their journey ended beneath the branches of the Council Oak Tree, located on the east side of the Arkansas River. It was here that many decided to make their home. They called their settlement Tulsey," meaning "old town," in memory of their former Alabama town. Today this spot is 18th and Cheyenne near downtown Tulsa.

The Lochapokas, a band of Creek Indians, carried burning embers from their council fire in Alabama. Every evening while they traveled, they re-lit the camp fires with the embers in remembrance of the home they left behind.

The "Five Civilized Tribes," Cherokees, Choctaws, Chickasaws, Creeks and Seminoles, all came to the area. They brought with them their ideas of trading and commerce, ideas that would influence and shape the Tulsa area as well as the state of Oklahoma.

For the next decades, the area remained untamed wilderness with only a few settlers and mostly Native Americans. In 1846, Lewis Perryman built a log cabin trading post near what is now 33rd Street and South Rockford Avenue. Perryman, who was part Creek, established a business foothold in the rugged frontier until the Civil War. The war forced many residents to flee the area.

Fortunately, the reconstruction period after the war contributed to the growth of the area. In 1879 the first Post Office opened, followed by the arrival of the railroad. By this time the area became known as Tulsey Town as it grew to be a trading post and cattle town.

It wasn't until the establishment of the Post Office in March 1879 that the name Tulsa was adopted as the growing city's name.

In 1882, Tulsa's population was about 200. But, by the time the city was incorporated on January 18, 1898, the population had sprouted to 1,100.

In 1905, Tulsa began to build houses, businesses and water systems to prepare for the arrival of the people who would harvest the reward of the discovery of oil. During this time period, Tulsa became known as the Oil Capital of the World.