Norman Homes, June 29

Have a Safe and Happy 4th of July!

June 29, 2013

1203 Brookhaven Blvd. 路 424 W. Main (405) 329-0256

www.DonCies.com See Page 2

Saturday, June 29, 2013

NORTHWEST

5504 NW PIONEER CIR

B-1

OPEN SUNDAY 2-4

(Indian Hill Rd & 36th Ave NW, South to Pioneer and West to property)

IMMEDIATE OCCUPANCY! Over 3000 sq ft, 4 bedroom on 1 acre lot in amazing location. Great shop, 60’x24’ with room for RV, group-sized, dry storm cellar with electric and storage. come see the fresh, new interior look and beautiful treed lot. $250,000

APPLE REALTY www.applerealtyok.com 4301 BERRY FARM ROAD B-3

405-691-1111 OPEN SUNDAY 2-4

(West on Robinson to 36th street, north on 36th to Rock Creek, west on Rock Creek to Ashton Grove to Berry Farm Road, turn right to property.)

IF YOU WANT TO MAKE YOUR DREAMS COME TRUE, you MUST SEE this outstanding home in prestigious Ashton Grove! Located on 1.5 lots boasting “House and Garden” backyard with 5 star pool, cabana, outdoor fireplace/grill. No cost spared on interior that’s sure to please the most discriminating buyer. Impressive foyer, 3 living rooms, custom fireplaces, cook’s kitchen w/Viking appliances, master suite & additional bedroom w/bath down. Charming bdrm suite w/private bath upstairs plus 2 unique bedrooms w/J&J bath. $1,900,000. Call Karen McIntosh @ 590-2763. #261971

DON CIES REAL ESTATE, INC. www.DonCies.Com 329-0256 402 N. SHERRY D-5 OPEN SUNDAY 2-4 (From Main Street, north on Sherry to property on west side of street.)

THREE BEDS & 2.5 baths on ground floor, one bedroom w/fireplace and full bath, and office upstairs. Sunroom has cathedral ceiling, enormous windows and a fireplace. Family room has extensive built-in bookcase. Formal and kitchen dining. Stained wood trim and doors throughout with original antique brass hardware. Host: Melissa Wolfe, Realtor OLD TOWN REALTORS 329-1111

3000 LOCHINVER

E-3

OPEN SAT. & SUN. 12-6

WESTPOINT HOMES’ SHOWCASE HOME IS A MUST SEE! As your walk thru this open design and see the colors you will have a warm, at home feel. This 3 bedroom, 2 ½ bath home has special features such as a study with beautiful bookshelves and wood flooring, a mudroom, decorative tile work and so much more.

WESTPOINT HOMES westpoint-homes.com 366-0000 3001 LOCHINVER E-3 OPEN WEEKDAYS 1-6, 2-5 WEEKENDS, TUESDAY’S BY APPOINTMENT ONLY (North on Porter Ave, past Rock Creek Road, turn left into Highland Village, then go right onto Lochinver.)

SOUTHWEST

1206 GREENBRIAR CT.

swilliams@muirfieldhomes.net

760-1330

D-7

OPEN SUNDAY 2-4

(From Berry and Lindsey, south on Berry to Greenbriar Ct. (sign says no outlet).)

CLASSIC HOME IN SW Norman on cul-de-sac west of campus. Three beds, two baths, two car-garage with lush backyard. Fresh paint throughout inside, huge formal living/ dining room, wood burning fireplace with gas starter in 2nd living area, newer appliances, laminate flooring and tile in common areas, newer carpet in bedrooms. Ready for new owner’s finishing touches! Host: Marianne Allbritton, Realtor

OLD TOWN REALTORS

THIS SHOWCASE HOME has the best in quality, detail and value for your new home.

It features 3 beds, study or 4th bed, dining with open chef style kitchen, granite counters, real Oak hard wood floors throughout main Muirfield Homes can do for your family. Host: Scott Williams

MUIRFIELD HOMES

3

4313 SPYGLASS

329-1111

SOUTHEAST G-9

OPEN SAT & SUN 12-5

(Hwy 9 east to 12th Ave. SE, south to Cobblestone Creek Dr., north on Spyglass.)

NORTHEAST

421 SANDPIPER LANE

F-4

OPEN SUNDAY 2 - 4

(From Robinson and Porter, north to Sandpiper Lane and east to property.)

THIS ONE-OWNER HOME is like new and move-in ready. Wonderfully open floor plan with 4 beds, 2 baths and over 2,200 sq ft mol. The lot is one of the largest in the neighborhood and is only a few steps from the neighborhood pool, park and playground. $219,750 Host: Doug Bergman

VAWTER REAL ESTATE 1500 FAWN RUN CROSSING

dougb3@cox.net 833-0717 G-3 OPEN SUN-MON 1-5, TUES-SAT 11-5

(From Rock Creek Road and 12th Ave NE, go east to Queenston. Turn left - Show home islocate on the SE corner of Queenston and Fawn Run Crossing.)

YOU’LL LOVE THE pond, walking trails and playground with basketball court. Full brick NEW HOMES in NE Norman. Deerfield Addition. Amenities include Energy Star, Whirlpool Appliances, Ceramic Tile, Builder also pays Closing Costs (restrictions apply).

Starting in the $130’s. Hostess: Peggy Darr

DILLARD GROUP

www.peggydarr.com

642-0549

THIS WONDERFUL HOME is in the works. Another quality home by Skyridge. Still time to choose your own fixture, interior finishes, colors and flooring. Plus has entertainment room on second floor. $239,000. Call Mahnaz Partou @ 979-7462. #259455

DON CIES REAL ESTATE, INC.

www.DonCies.com

NOBLE

10601 TURTLE CREEK RD.

329-0256

OPEN SUNDAY 2-5

(Hwy 77/Main south of Noble (6 mi. south of Etowah) to Slaughterville Rd (Shamrock Station), east 6/10 mi. to rock wall entrance, north to property.)

NEAT HOME ON 2.92 Acres with 30X40 shop! So much is new including carpet, tile, water htr, HVAC, roof and more. Just 10 minutes to heart of Noble for shopping.

Noble schools. Come see today! All for $136,500. Hostess: Patti Krings

DILLARD GROUP REAL ESTATE

Patti@PattiKrings.com 990-9748

4

Saturday, June 29, 2013

Saturday, June 29, 2013

5

Knowing your soil: The foundation of a great home

By Realty Times Staff

Anyone who has ever bought or built a home knows the importance of choosing materials that not only look great but that also work with the climate and other conditions of the location. After all, you wouldn't live in a tent in the freezing Antarctic any more than you would an igloo in the sweltering desert. The same holds true with foundations. The proper type depends on where you live.

Different regions of the country have different types of soil: • Sandy soil does not absorb water. It is known for being a stable soil, but is also

uncommon.

• Loamy soils are also stable and do not typically respond to changes in moisture.

However, they are prone to erosion problems.

• Soil with a higher clay content, also known as expansive soil, can absorb water more easily than other types of soil, causing it to expand and contract.

Several areas throughout the country, such as Colorado, North Dakota, South Dakota, Montana, and Texas, have expansive soil.

Building A Home

Because different types of soil require different types of foundations, it is important to know the type of soil you are working with if you are building a home.

Are you looking to live in an a desirable north Texas community like Southlake, Frisco, Las Colinas, Carrolton, Cedar Hill, or Grand Prairie? What these areas have in common, other than being among the most in-demand places to live in DFW, is expansive soil.

Special techniques like pier and beam and soil injections can be

used to treat soil and build strong foundations to offset the shrink-swell properties of the soil. A qualified professional skilled in soil engineering will know the best methods for working with your type of soil.

Resale Homes If you are buying a resale home, start with the soil maps on the United States Department of Agriculture website to figure out the type of soil under your home. You will definitely also want to pay extra consideration to your home inspection in case there are any telltale

signs of foundation issues, like cracks in walls, floors, or ceilings.

Unfortunately, it may not be possible to determine if the soil was treated properly and the best foundation built for a resale home until you have already discovered

cracks. Since you may never know how the existing home was engineered and built, the safest bet may be to have your new home built, so you know that it was done correctly.

After Purchase (con’t. on page 6)

6

Saturday, June 29, 2013

Get the facts, stop mosquito attacks

By Broderick Perkins RealtyTimes.com

It's mosquito season, but there's no telling how big it will get or how extensive a West Nile Virus outbreak could be.

But one thing's for sure, more than 30,000 people in the US have been reported with West Nile Virus disease since the first outbreak in 1999, according to the Centers for Disease Control.

Among those 13,000 have been seriously ill and over 1,200 have died. Many more cas-

Soil (con’t. from page 5)

Just as important as working with a qualified company to construct the right type of foundation for your home is knowing how to properly treat it once it is built. The combination of Texas soil and weather conditions means the proper irrigation and drainage design is critical. Your slab needs to stay moist without water accumulation. Drip irrigation is an often-recommended tool, but other tips for ongoing care will help keep your foundation sound.

es of illness are not reported to the CDC, but it's likely that more than 300,000 people from almost every state have been sickened in the 12 years since West Nile virus came to the US. The older you are, the more likely that you could get severely ill if you get infected.

People who have ever received an organ transplant also seem to be at higher risk for severe disease.

Orkin would like you to call them if you think you have a mosquito problem, but any

licensed, credentialed and professional pest control operator can get the job done.

However, Orkin recently provided some special insight on your approach to keeping mosquitoes away from you, your loved ones and your home.

• The mosquito season typically runs from April through October Breeding season is usually July through September, while peak West Nile Virus season is usually not until late August through

early September or even October in some areas. Freezing temperatures will kill off mosquitoes for the winter.

• Most mosquito species are only active during dusk and dawn There are more than 3,000 mosquito species throughout the world, and about 200 of those exist in North America. Prime mosquito biting hours are between dusk and dawn, but some species are active during the day.

• Mosquitoes don't (con’t. on page 8

Saturday, June 29, 2013

7

8

Saturday, June 29, 2013

Mosquitos (con’t. from page 6)

need large pools of standing water to breed The buggers only need about of cup of water to make baby skeeters.

Breeding areas include water in flower pots, bird baths and old tires, gutters and downspouts.

Small crevices can allow water to collect in in kids' toys and playground equipment.

Water can also collect in your car, especially that junker in your driveway, in landscape statues, rain gauges, garden hoses and even on large plant leaves. A full plastic garbage bag left in the rain can develop small pockets where water can collect.

And just because your yard is free of standing water, it doesn't mean your neighbor's yard is too.

• Mosquitoes typically lay their eggs in water, but eggs can survive in wet dirt Most mosquito species prefer to lay eggs at the edge of water bodies against

mulch, grass, foliage or refuse that will hold the eggs at the surface of the water.

If the water evaporates – or you pour it out – before the eggs develop, the eggs will not develop completely into adults, and they will die. Eggs develop in about a week to 10 days.

If water is not present, but the ground is moist, those eggs can sit for months until there is enough water to float the eggs to develop and feed the larva.

• How large the mosquito population will become or how severe the nation's West Nile Virus outbreak will get is difficult to foretell.

Orkin says the winter of 2012 was abnormally mild, and, along with last summer's record-breaking temperatures across some areas of the country, mosquitoes were able to thrive. This past winter saw more seasonal temperatures, in many parts of the nation.

Other factors to consider are droughts and hurricanes. Even a little bit of water from a thunderstorm, washing your car or water-

ing your lawn can be enough to encourage mosquitoes to mate.

Strong winds from hurricanes can displace mosquitoes, including those that carry West Nile Virus.

The virus is carried in and transmitted by birds, and wind can also move birds to different areas.

Experts advise the following mosquito protection precautions, especially if your area faces a West Nile Virus outbreak.

• Wear EPAapproved insect repellent along with long sleeve shirts and long pants.

• When possible, stay indoors during dusk and dawn and an hour before and after dusk and dawn.

• Protect your yard, by eliminating standing water conditions.

Chat with your neighbor about precautions.

• Replace outdoor light bulbs with yellow bulbs that are less attractive to mosquitoes.

• If you feel the need, call a professional pest control company for a customized mosquito inspection and treatment program.

normantranscript.com

normantranscript.com

RENTALS

ONE GREAT

RATE

10 DAYS

$50

normantranscript.com 366.3501 or 366.3503

Saturday, June 29, 2013

Manufactured Homes

Sales Homes

510

2 Lots Side By Side 4 acres All or Part, 4Bd/ Home needs repair. $75,000.

12103 to 12109 N.E. 26 Nicoma Park (405) 816-7037 Builder has new brick homes in Tecumseh OK. 3 Bed / 2 Bath / 2 Car. $140’s-$150’s 405-206-8551 FSBO • Blanchard 812 Pine Circle 4bd/2Bth/2living room, 2350sf, cul-de-sac lot. Granite, stainless steel appl’s, New roof 2009. storm shelter. Home Sound System. $219,000. Jenny 405 408-4705 Open house July 2nd, 5-7pm,

New Home in Tuttle, 2 Story, 4Bd/4Bth 3/4 Acres, Builders Custom, 2524sq’,

$282,000.

30 minutes to Norman, River Ridge Estates.

(405) 326-9405 RENTAL INVESTMENT 4 units, Income $2670/month.

West Norman. Would consider pkg sell of 2. $195,000 (405) 694-8983

S.E. NORMAN CLOSE TO LAKE THUNDERBIRD Attractive Custom Kitchen with Updates, Granite Counters, Sprinkler Syst, New Roof, 3Bd/2Bth, 5 Acres Inground Pool, 3/Storage Bldgs, Historical Site, Mature Landscape. FSBO 2055 SE 60th • Norman 405 388-4849 $279,900. OBO Check Craigs List!

Savannah Hills, Noble, $285,000 Beautiful 2-story on Very Lg Lot. Approx. 3300 sq. ft. Blt 2010.

4 Bed/3.5 Bath/3 Car/2 Lvng OR 1 Lvng + Office/Study/3 Dining/Lg Utility & Mud Rm, Hardwood Flr / Tile / Carpet, Fireplaces in Lvng & Mstr Bed, Covered Patio w/ Large 10’x12’x7’ Deep Storm Shelter Under Patio, 1/2 mi. S. of Noble on Hwy 77. Margaret Womack Real Estate Services LLC, Owner/Agent 405-417-7041

515

FSBO: Like New 2012 18x80 Singlewide Manufactured Home, 3Bd/2Bth, Need Own Financing, No Down. $40,000 • 918 208-6125

Land / Acreage

530

2 Acres, 200’x 430’, paved roads, huge concrete pad for tennis or basketball, 2 mi from Markham’s Nursery in Goldsy. 820-2955

Commercial/ Business

540

Commercial Bldg. • Noble 2400Sq’ 116 N. 2nd, 2/over head doors w/ big office & kitchen area. Some financing. $123,500. 408-5027

Real Estate Rentals Homes

610

1406 Priincetson. ..3/1/1..........$660 2719 Osage ..3/2/1.................$700 2918 Queenston....3/2/2 ....... $735 908 Branchwood Ct.$800 360-2873 2Bd/1Bth, Quiet duplex in Noble.

1 year Contract Required $600/mo + $500/dep Call 623-2931 3 & 4 Bedroom, 2 Bath Homes for Rent East of Noble CH/A, Single Car Garage in 4 Bed, $700 800/mo. + $400/dep. 329-9697

Homes

Moore, 3BD/2BA 1720 sqft Home With Storm Shelter ...

Granite countertops, wood floors, extended patio, large open kitchen and dining, and a privacy fence!

For Sale by Owner $188,000. Call (405) 823-5406

610

Norman’s Rental Website NormanRentalsOnline.com 

Avail Now! • 1609 S Pickard, University Area, 3Bd/2Bth/1Car, Lg Fen/Yd, Study, Lse & Dep. $1500/Mo • 366-1700 • 818-4441 1710 Pamela Cir • Nice 3Bd/1Bth 1Car, Fenc • Srv Pet Only!• $695/Mo • 321-3078 Action Property Management

• 2b/1bth Noble $475/400 • 1932 E Lindsey 1b/1bth W/D $425/350 • 2b/2bth W/D $650/500

SPM Realty Inc 405-360-0526 NEW Brick Home • 512 Laws 3Bd/2Bth/2Car Granite Counter Tops, Range, FP, 1800SF $1600/Mo +1000/Dep • 410-9773

716 Stinson St..

3Bd/2Bth/2Car, Utility Room 1/2 Mile to OU • $875/Mo $700/Dep 405-701-0952

Call

364-4114 or Get all the info at dmgrealestate.com

2002 Twisted Oak 2/1 Dplx..$650 126 W. Mosier 2/1.................$640 622 Albany Pl 3/1/1..............$785 305 College 2/1...................$1500

366-RENT www.bpmok.com RJH Realty • 364-4801

LARGE SELECTION! APARTMENTS 401 12th AVE SE #232...1/1...$450 901 S Main #1 (Noble)....1/1...$475 1901 E Lindsey #23B • 1/1.....$495 309 Falcon Ct #1 • 2/1............$575 1904 Dover D......• 2/1............$575

DUPLEXES 2337 Heatherfield...2/1...........$575 1106 N 5th (Noble)...2/1.5......$595 1009 Acacia (Noble)....2/1......$595 1332 Glen Oaks Ct...2/1.5......$550

HOUSES 2924 Misty Ridge..3 w/ office 2/3 . .$1,395 2821 East Lake......3/2/2.....$1,150 1009Classen.............4/2.....$1,700

Homes

610

Apartments

630

1504 Dakota

Westside Townhouse

2Bd/ 1Bth/1Car W/D hkups, Fenced yard. $700/mo. $600/dep.

485-2766

2Bd/1.5Bth • $595/mo + $400/dep 405-364-7500 www.rentalsun.com

4Bd/3Bth/2Car, 3070sq’, Fncd Yd, Stove/DW, $2100/mo + $2100/dep. 405 476-9133 4100 Bent Brook Pl, LS. OP Avail Norman, Oklahoma 73072 OLDER NORMAN HOUSE Just South of West Main.

3BD/3Bth/2 Living areas, 2 stoves, Large enclosed backyard.

406-587-2855. • 1200/month.

Apartments

630

1 Bed/1Bath Apt. Near Campus • Apl’s $440/mo + Dep. 535-5519 or bluechannelmedia.com/Apt/ Lease Takeover - 1st Mth Free 1 Mile From Campus, 1st Floor, 2Bd/2Bth 900sq’, Remodeled, Apt’s, Pet Friendly, Wd Flrs, FP, Washer/Dryer in Unit, All bills pd ex/elect, 2/Pools, $829/mo @ Post Oak. 863-9518

LEASE NOW!!!

CHANCE TO WIN!!!

32 TV & X-Box 360 Android Tablet 1 & 2 Bd Apt Home Appliances Included Large Walk In Closets & upgraded interiors

WAREHOUSES 1207 Robinson • 30X30 + util.$425 For Additional Properties, Visit

www.Rjh-realty.com Owner/Broker • Section 8 OK

Country Living! Eside 5mi to OU! 2Bd/1Bth • Hardwood Floors CH/A • W/D HkUps • Carport

$725/Mo+600/Dep • 321-3727

Homes



516 Oak Ridge • Blanchard Excel Cond. 3Bd/2Bth, Great Location, Near Schools, Nice wooded lot. $1500/mo + Dep. (405) 756-7163 709 East Oliver - 2 Bed/1 Bath, Close to Norman Regional,Carport, Fenced Back Yard, 1 yr lease $550/mo.+$400 dep. 329-9697

610

9

(Off W. Lindsey behind McAllister’s)

364-9414 M-F 8:30-5:30, Sat. 10-3

GREAT RATES!!!!

1 2 3 4

Bedroom Bedrooms Bedrooms Bedrooms

$375 $425 $750 $900

- $500 - $850 - $1500 - $2000

View all of our lisitings at:

www.gorentking.com 801-2293

1828 Parkridge Avl July. 3Bd/2Bth/2Car $1050/Mo + $900/Dep. Service Pets Only!

2Bed/1.5Bath Townhomes, Optional Utility Package,

A-1 Property Mgmt 360-2587

900 Halray Dr Just 6 Blks East of OU • Start @ $550/Mo • 360-6298

AUGUST 1ST! CLOSE TO OU! 3116/3118 Ridgecrest Ct. 2Bd/1.5/2.5Bth/1Car Gar, CH/A, FP $700-795/mo. • 580-772-7665

Country Living in Purcell. Large 1 & 2 Bds, Basic Cable & water included. Pool, Laundry.

Halray Townhomes,

$350-400/Mo (405) 527-2008

Norman’s Finest 55+ Community • Independent Living, Savanah House II 701-8440 • www.carlsbadok.com Independence, Daily Activities & A Full Range of Services.

Call Now! Heartland-Plaza.com (405) 799-9919

NOW LEASING 1-2-3 BDRMS. CALL ABOUT MOVE-IN SPECIALS

364-0350 $180 Move-In Special Best Norman Location • Modern Renovated Apts • Close to 1-35 Friendly Patio Apts • 366-1155

10

Saturday, June 29, 2013

Five swimming pool myths that are all wet

Myth: It’s difficult and costly to maintain a pool.

Reality: Pool pumps and filtration systems are more energy efficient than ever, saving money on electricity costs.

Myth: Pools are not energy efficient.

Reality: Energy-efficient pool pumps can use up to 30 percent less power to operate.

630

Commercial/ Business

635

Thunderbird Lodge, LLC

1253 Lindsay Plaza Dr

1430 24th Ave SW • 329-6990

(S of Sonic -1Blk E of 12th Ave SE) Condo Office Warehouse, 1500 SF 1-12’ OD. $850/mo Bill 326-9206

✰ NO LEASES ✰ ✰ ALL BILLS PAID ✰

From the belief that it costs too much to operate a pool to the misconception it will go unused, myths about pool ownership abound - and they likely dissuade some homeowners from making this valuable home improvement. Here are five myths that simply don’t hold water: Myth: Pools are too costly to install.

Reality: The cost of a pool will depend on many factors, including the size of your yard, the dimensions of the pool and the materials you choose. Finding the right installer is key.

The Association of Pool & Spa Professionals (APSP) offers an online member locator to help consumers find an APSP Certified Professional in their area.

Apartments

Free Wi Fi • 60 TV Channel Furn/1Bd/Kit/UpStrs/1Person

Weekly Rates Available

Manufactured Homes

ALL BILLS PAID

NOBLE AREA

Incl: Phone, Cable/HBO, No Deposit, No Lease. Furn, Onsite Laundry, Rooms, Eff,1 & 2 Bdrm Apt. Mon Rates, Payments Avail on Mon Rates

OU MOTEL & APARTMENTS

1/1, 2/2 & 3/2 Pet Dep. $500.

Mobile Homes • $500/Dep $350-$550/Mo/1yr ls, Call 659-9256

Rooms

655

LOOKING FOR ROOM TO RENT End of July to End of September.

Preferably near OU Campus.

Please call 918-407-2059.

2420 S. Classen Blvd.

321-4670 2Bd/1Bth • 1Bd/1Bth All Bills Pd Except Electric $495 $575/Mo Irving/Kennedy Schls

By Shopping, Sec 8 OK! 364-8439

Commercial/ Business

645

4BR/2BA $750/mo.

3BR/2BA $550/mo.

Incl Water/Sewer Rent/RTO 405-872-1818, x1

635

Townhomes /Condos

660

4 bed 4 bath units at the Edge All bills paid $425 per bedroom SPM Realty Inc 405-360-0526 WEST SIDE • Ex Lg 2 & 3 Bd 2 Car w/Opener, Gas Heat, Hot Water, Fireplace, Yards Maintained, Swimming Pool Starting $895/Mo & Up ♣ ♣ ♣ ♣ 360-4445 ♣ ♣ ♣ ♣

Myth: A pool won’t enhance my home’s value.

Reality: Among people who purchased a home with an existing swimming pool, an eyeopening 78 percent said the presence of the pool contributed to their decision to buy, according to the APSP survey.

Myth: If we get a pool, we’ll never use it.

Reality: Seventy-six percent of pool owners say they are extremely or very satisfied with their pools. They believe having a pool entices their family to spend more time together in their own backyards.

704 E. Main • Moore 200sq’ office for out of state contractors. CH/A Included. $500/mo • First/Last. 618-5800

GREAT LOCATIONS Spaces starting at $250. Quick access to I-35 & Hwy 9. I-35 Expo Utilities Paid & Janitorial Service.

Sooner Traditions Realty, LLC

329-7143 800 W Rock Creek Rd 1250 SF Office/Whse Combo 3 Offices + Reception EZ to I-35 • $850/Mo • 364-3935 PROFESSIONAL OFFICE Bldg. in Noble 333 Etowah, 1100sq’, Newly Redecorated $975/mo Bills Pd. 850-5274 Warehouse & Storage Yard 1500sq’ with 12’ overhead door.

Located @ 409 S. Front St. Noble $440/MO . 321-3078

Saturday, June 29, 2013

11

Easy ways to add digital fun to your outdoor living space (BPT) - It’s always been possible to watch the big game or your favorite movie from your deck or patio. But until the arrival of wireless technology, you would have needed a really long extension cord and a super-long cable connection (or rabbit ears) to do it.

And rain would have ruined your fun in more ways than one.

Now, wireless technology and a host of advances in how digital devices are manufactured and function have made it much easier to enjoy electronic entertainment in the great outdoors.

Versatile technology could be part of what’s driving the growth in outdoor digital entertainment.

Installations of outdoor entertainment systems doubled from 2010 to 2011 (the most recent numbers available), and the average project cost nearly $8,000, according to the Custom Electronic Design and Installation Association (CEDIA).

Adding sound and audio systems is a great way to liven up outdoor kitchens and living spaces, patios and even screened

porches. If you’re looking to outfit your outdoor spaces with the latest in digital fun, here are a few ideas to get you started: • Adding high quality sound to your deck or patio is as easy as upgrading your home audio system. Modern systems allow you to wirelessly transmit sound (either music or audio from the TV) throughout your home. Bringing that sound outside requires a wireless setup and incorporat-

ing outdoor-ready speakers into your existing sound system. Sensitive system parts, like the radio tuner or CD player reside safely indoors and the wireless function transmits the sound outside to weather-resistant speakers.

• No more superlong extension cords and wheeling the TV in and out of the house. Wireless technology allows you to mount a TV outdoors and access content from your digital cable, satellite TV

feed, DVD player or even indoor game console. Be sure to safely mount your television using a mount made for outdoor use, like the Sanus HDpro Series VXF220. The allweather wall mount can support TVs 42 to 84 inches, and features a rust-resistant coating and stainless steel hardware to stand up to the elements. A cable channel inside the mount conceals and protects power and connection cables, but never inhibits the move-

ment of the mount so you can tilt it for the perfect viewing angle.

• When choosing a TV for outdoor use, keep in mind positioning and concerns like sun glare. If you want to go with a plasma TV, it will be important to protect the set from sun and rain, and you’ll need to mount it in the shade. A weatherproof LCD can be a better option if you won’t be able to avoid sun glare and exposure to the elements.

LCD images are less

likely to look washed out in the sun.

• Keep in mind that where you position electronics will affect your enjoyment of them. Just as you arrange seating indoors to provide the best view of your TV, you’ll need to arrange outdoor furnishings to ensure your electronics are both visible and protected - and have easy access to an outdoor power source.

• Water and electronics are notoriously bad together, so even if your outdoor electronics are weather resistant, it pays to protect them from the elements as much as possible. Consider adding an awning to your outdoor living space and outfitting it with an automatic rain sensor. Motorized retractable awnings that have these sensors will open to shield your outdoor living space when it begins to rain - even if you’re not home at the time.

Thanks to new technologies, it’s easier than ever to enjoy the great outdoors and your favorite digital entertainment at the same time.