Norman Homes 05-31

May 31, 2014

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CLEANING TIPS THAT EVERY HOMEOWNER SHOULD KNOW Written by Sophie Andersen for Realty Times

Cleaning Dust The right vacuum cleaner can help you with cleaning and maintaining the health of your family members. Regular maintenance will keep the amount of dust, mites, and bacteria at a minimum, and help preserve your floors and carpets.

How often do you vacuum?

If you live in a crowded house make sure you vacuum at least twice a week. The frequency also depends on the terrain around the house and pets, if you have any. Most vacuum cleaners come with various add-ons and extra gear for cleaning specific surfaces.

By changing the direction of your vacuuming motions on surfaces such as carpets you clean more dust and dirt and maintain the carpet's durability.

Cleaning for Pet Owners Most people who have pets consider them a part of their family. They are lovable and cute, but unfortunately, they can't really clean up after themselves.

Hairs that come of dogs and cats are charged with static electricity, which makes it stick to various surfaces. In order to remove hairs from wooden furniture use a soft cotton rag or a microfiber rag sprayed with antistatic atomizer or a cleaning solution for furniture polish. The atomizer will remove static electricity and make the cleaning easier. It will also lower the chances of hairs attaching themselves to surfaces again.

If you want to remove hairs from sheets and padded surfaces, all you need to do is put on some rubber gloves and gently moist them. Then, sweep

the surface you want to clean with your hand and the hairs will stick to the glove.

Other Useful Tips You can use sodium bicarbonate to clean your bathtub. Make an equal mix of sodium bicarbonate, scale solution, and add a touch of lemon juice. Let it stay on the tub for 30 minutes and then wash it out.

You can clean your TV screen or PC monitor with a coffee filter. Rags usually leave little fibers on your screen when you try to clean them, but with coffee filters, this won't happen.

Here's a great way to clean your drains. Mix half a cup of salt with hot water and pour it down the drain you want to clean, it will work like magic.

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Boyd’s Auto Machine is golden Page B7

With You Since the Land Run of 1889 Sunday, Oct. 6, 2013

Norman, Oklahoma

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Still unscathed After crisis, families save —Page A10

Deputy struck by vehicle Fri. A Cleveland County sheriff’s deputy was struck by a vehicle Friday evening while assisting other deputies in serving civil papers on a Norman resident.

Officials said Deputy Travis Shroyer was treated at a hospital and released.

Sheriff’s spokesman Meghan McCormick said the deputy was struck as a woman was attempting to leave the home where the child custody papers were being served. McCormick said more information would be available Monday. — Transcript Staff

Storm stalled —Page A7

whirligig

A l w a y s

Kyle Phillips / The Trans

OU’s Lacoltan Bester, right, celebrates with Brennan Clay after Clay scores a touchdown Saturday during the Sooners’ game against the Horned Frogs at Owen Field. Oklahoma beat TCU to remain undefeated on the season. See complete coverage in Sports.

Walk to remember Mariee Mena Memorial Walk in fourth year

C o n n e c t e d

TVCTDSJCF t F FEJUJPO t OPSNBOUSBOTDSJQU DPN & $PNBODIF /PSNBO t

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May 31, 2014 3003 RIVER OAKS #146

OPEN houses

OPEN SUN 2-4

(From Main and 36th Ave NW, go north to River Oaks, east on River Oaks, then north to The Huntington.)

THIS GROUND FLOOR EXTERIOR UNIT HAS FRESH NEUTRAL PAINT, Updated electrical, new faucets and bathroom fixtures, new carpet, and it comes with all the appliances and washer/dryer. Heat and air updated w/in the past 5 years as well. Conveniently located just north of the mall, this west side 2 bed, 2 bath unit is move in ready with many wonderful updates. $82,500.

Call Whitney Spears @ 312-7185. #271445 DON CIES REAL ESTATE, INC.

WWW.DONCIES.COM

3816 HAVENBROOK

329-0256

OPEN SUN 2-4

Robinson St to 36th Ave NW, south to Havenbrook, West to Home.

REMARKABLE TOWNHOME Has completely tiled first floor, master suite downstairs, open living area with cathedral ceiling, gas fireplace. The backyard is completely surrounded by a large vinecovered walls on all sides. This one is a must see Hosted by Warren Taber themoverwt@aol.com OLD TOWN REALTORS

WARRENKTABER.COM

405-834-6492

SOUTHEAST 3017 SUMMIT HILL

NORTHWEST 3000 LOCHINVER

OPEN SAT 10-6; SUN-WED 1-6

WESTPOINT HOMES’ SHOWCASE HOME IS A MUST SEE! WESTPOINT HOMES TODD@WESTPOINT-HOMES.COM

309 TURNBERRY DRIVE.

641-0447

OPEN SAT & SUN 1-5

MUST SEE! 3 bedrooms/2 1/2 baths. Open concept! Study with built-in desk and bookshelves.

2 dining areas. Sprinkler system. Oversized 3 car garage. Corner lot! Side entry garage. Granite. Italian marble. Walk-in shower. Wood floors. Stainless steel appliances. Large backyard for a pool!

WESTPOINT HOMES TODD@WESTPOINT-HOMES.COM 641-0447

4512 FOUNTAIN VIEW

OPEN SAT & SUN 2-4

(Tecumseh and NW 48th, south to Fountain View Drive, east to property.)

EXTRAORDINARY NEW BUILD

by Custom Builders of Oklahoma! 4 Beds, 2 down and 2 up. Great Room, Formal Dining, Study, Bonus Room, Media Room. Outdoor living with Wood Burning Fireplace & Kitchen, 4 Car Insulated Garage, Storm Shelter. Features include: Architectural Designed Ceilings, Wrought Iron Staircase & Front Door, Plank Wood Floor, Custom Built Wood Cabinetry, SS Gas Range/Convection Oven, Electric Oven, Refrigerate, Whole House Audio, Butler’s Pantry, Granite Counters, Central Vacuum System, & Sprinklers. $668,900.

Call Carol Lindley @ 401-0246. #267464 DON CIES REAL ESTATE, INC. WWW.DONCIES.COM 329-0256

3004 ROLLING WOODS

OPEN SUN 2-4

Alameda East of 24th to Summit Lakes, South to Summit Hill and East to 3017.

OPEN SUN 1-4

(From Rock Creek Rd. and NW 48th, go east to Las Colinas Addition and north to Rolling Woods.)

NEW CONSTRUCTION!!

With Majestic Fine Homes your family’s new home will have some amazing features: granite countertops, custom built cabinets, all the outside walls are 2x6, wood floors in dining room, living room, entry, and hallway. Tandem 3 car garage, custom lighting kitchen island, high ceilings, 3 bedroom + study that could be a 4th bedroom. Also pre-wired for surround sound. New home with breathtaking valley views. $423,000.

Call Mahnaz Partou @ 979-7462. #268412 DON CIES REAL ESTATE, INC. WWW.DONCIES.COM 329-0256

VERY NICE 1 OWNER HOME THAT SHOWS PRIDE OF OWNERSHIP THROUGHOUT. Unique plan has big kitchen, 4 bedrooms, 2 living areas both with fireplaces, 1 dining and a study. Great yard with covered patio and 3 car garage. Shows wonderful, you will not be disappointed. Approx. 2,341 Sq. Ft. $237,900!

Hosted by Sallie Vawter salliev@cox.net VAWTER REAL ESTATE

VAWTERREALESTATE.COM

116 HORIZON VIEW CT

(405)317-5810

OPEN SUN 2-4

Alameda & 24th Ave SE, right on Ridge Lake, curve around to Horizon View Ct, turn left towards the cul-de-sac.

REFRESHING WESTPOINT HELENA FLOOR PLAN HOME Featuring a spacious living room with fireplace & attractive wood flooring open to the island kitchen with granite & cabinets for days! The master bedroom with ensuite master bath is sure to please with a huge master closet that you’ll need more stuff to fill it up! Enjoy super-sized bedrooms, handsome study with built-ins & stylish wood floors, extensive crown moulding & thoughtful appointments make this house an inviting home!

Hosted by Pam Thompson pam@vawterrealestate.com VAWTER REAL ESTATE

VAWTERREALESTATE.COM

109 HORIZON VIEW

405-205-8478

OPEN SUN 2-4

(Alameda east to Ridgelake Blvd, north to Horizon view to home.)

GORGEOUS CONTEMPORARY HOME IN SUMMIT LAKES With travertine floors throughout, open concept floor plan, 13.5 ft island in kitchen ideal for entertaining, high ceilings and large windows w/amazing lakefront views.

Indulge yourself in beautiful spa style bathrooms with pebbled tiles and European vanities. Enjoy sunrise lakeview while having breakfast and entertain friends and family in huge media room on second floor w/lake view and full bath. A must see hidden gem in Summit Lakes! $299,900.

Call Karen McIntosh @ 590-2763. #271781 DON CIES REAL ESTATE, INC.

WWW.DONCIES.COM

329-0256

FOR MORE INFO CALL ANGELA WILLIAMS 366-3587 awilliams@normantranscript.com

Reach over 35,000 prospective buyers with Norman Homes’ “Open Houses”

May 31, 2014

5

HOW TO HAVE AN EFFECTIVE OPEN HOUSE Written by Realty Times Staff

When selling a home your success or

social media and other Internet services

likely to read the material online, she says.

failure often boils down to the open house.

to their fullest extent. It’s essentially free

And she finds that most of her attendees

Home sellers with an excellent open house

advertising that can sometimes do wonders.

have reviewed it before they come to the

draw in many potential buyers, while those

“Make sure your agent uses the latest

open house.”

with a lackluster presentation drive them

technology to market your house. Agents can

away. Most home buyers make up their

advertise open houses on a host of popular

decision based on first impressions, so

real estate sites, such as Realtor.com, Trulia.

deciding to take the time and properly

com, Zillow.com, and portals on Yahoo and

space is a vital selling point of any property.

set up a wowing open house is important.

Google,” says Joan Pratt, real estate broker

More is more when it comes to the nooks

Thankfully, by following a few easy steps,

with RE/MAX Professionals in Castle Pines,

and crannies of where to put belongings.

brought to you by the best minds in realty,

Colo.

Cluttered linen closets, kitchen cabinets and

this is achieved without too much hassle or expense.

By using the Internet and online mobile resources, you’re also saving money on paper flyers and

Haul Out the Trash HGTV recommends eliminating half

brochures. Bankrate acknoledges,

of your home’s clutter, either by renting a

“these days, many

storage facility or hiring a junk removal

agents put all of

service. “Clutter can cost a sale. Rent a

that information

storage unit or portable pod for extraneous

online, says Pat

pieces of furniture or knickknacks. Another

Vredevoogd

idea is to ask a friend if you can borrow some

Combs, past-

space in his or her garage.”

president of the

Outside of clearing away unwanted items,

National Association

also be sure to clean up every room and

of Realtors and

make the aesthetics of each minimal. De-

vice president of

personalize the house. Buyers want to see

Coldwell Banker

themselves living there, not you.

AJS Schmidt in

There’s an App for That Bankrate advises home sellers utilize

Grand Rapids, Mich.

People are more

Organize the Cabinets Realtor.com suggests that “storage

bedroom closets make it appear that your home doesn’t have enough storage. Solve

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May 31, 2014

this issue by streamlining and organizing all

open house. If you’re absent, buyers will

these spaces -- we guarantee a buyer is going

feel more comfortable asking questions to

to look.”

the realtor, and discussing the benefits and drawbacks of your home. You’ll also feel better

Disappear US News believes that you shouldn’t be at

not having to hear all of the potential buyers’ opinions first hand. Find something fun to do

the open house, or if you are that you need to

that will take your mind off of things. And if you

have limited to no interaction with potential

have pets, make sure you take them with you.”

buyers. “You shouldn’t be home during an

May 31, 2014

7

HOME DECORATING FOR MASS APPEAL: CHOICES YOU MAKE MAY AFFECT YOUR HOME SALE Written by Phoebe Chongchua for Realty Times

One of the advantages of owning your own home is the ability to decorate it and make structural changes the way you like. However, when it comes time to list and sell that same home, those changes may help or hurt you depending on what you have done to the house.

When it comes to homes listed for sale, being unique can be both a blessing and a curse. It's a blessing if what makes the home unique is appealing to most. For instance, the only lot with a larger than normal backyard.

It's a curse, if the home is unique because of its outrageous color, or incredibly small storage space.

If, for example, a two bedroom home was remodeled to remove a closet and make the room a den or study, this could negatively impact the home because it will appear to many buyers that while

the room can be used for sleeping, it's not practical because it lacks a closet.

Many buyers will see this as a flaw. While they might appreciate space for a den or office, it's better to not remove the closet because then when it comes time to sell it, the den can be shown as both - an office or a bedroom.

Wood floors offer a timeless appeal to the masses. Yes, some may not prefer wooden floors but, generally speaking, most buyers will appreciate them. They also know that they can easily cover up the wood with their own area rugs to keep the home cozier-appearing in winter months. Wood floors, kept in good condition, can create an anti-aging look.

Over the decades they hold their appeal.

Slightly worn furniture. I don't mean worn as in the baby threw up on the sofa.

Rather, I'm referring to pieces of furniture

that have slight imperfections. These imperfections can actually enhance the furniture. Instead of being seen as an eyesore, this style, sometimes called "distressed",is often coveted and more easily assimilated into current decor because any slight imperfections are perceived as "the way the piece was meant to be" rather than a flaw.

When you buy something that must be kept precisely perfect like new in order for it to look good, think of a white rug. You're in for a difficult road to keep it in its original pristine condition. Chances are that rug will be tossed out in the nottoo-distant future. However, it sure looks good in the model home pictures where no one is walking on it!

Custom-designed, built-in furniture that's meant for a specific piece of technology such as a computer or a

TV can limit your home and its appeal.

During the period in which the TV actually fits in the built-in cabinet, it may have mass appeal. However, because we are in rapidly changing technological times, the danger is that your beautiful custom built-in furniture may not fit future TVs. As technology evolves, things like TVs change drastically. Remember, how big a space you needed just a few years ago for a television set? Today, flat screens are the norm but eventually we might simply beam our TV screen onto an empty wall from our mobile device.

Then that custom-built TV storage may simply be in the way.

Keep your decorating and remodeling to timeless styles and you'll increase your home's mass appeal among buyers.