LISTING OF THE WEEK
HOUSE PLAN
Award winner
Avondale
The Listing of the Week is an award-winning mixed Queen Anne Victorian dating to Oklahoma statehood on a double lot in Guthrie. PAGE 3E
Skylights abound in this eye-catching update of the Victorian stick house, named for the slender decorative trusses at its apex. PAGE 8E
REAL ESTATE
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THE OKLAHOMAN | NEWSOK.COM
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2013
Real estate runs in family SALES | NEW PRESIDENT OF OKLAHOMA CITY METRO REALTORS HAS AT LEAST SEVEN RELATIVES IN INDUSTRY BY DYRINDA TYSON For The Oklahoman Dyrinda@gmail.com
MUSTANG — When Marolyn Pryor decided to step down as Coldwell Banker Select’s managing broker here in 2008, she knew the perfect candidate to replace her: her own son, Keith Taggart. And that’s what she told the company. “I didn’t know if he would or not, but I said he’d be perfect,” Pryor recalled. This was a serious move for a company that rested on the shoulders of Pryor herself and carried her name for many years. The former schoolteacher started Marolyn Pryor Realtors in 1977 after moving from Weatherford to Mustang. The company grew over the years, eventually employing 125 agents in Mustang, Oklahoma City, Yukon, Tuttle and Moore. When Marolyn Pryor Realtors merged with firms in Tulsa and Sapulpa in summer 2008 to form Coldwell Banker Select, it created the largest real estate firm in state history in terms of agents — about 700 in all. Luckily, Taggart was game. After a career as a real estate attorney that took him to Boston and back, he recognized a perfect opportunity when he saw it. And he took it. “It was a perfect fit because I had worked with these people for so many years,” he said. “And some of the people here I’ve known since the ’80s — they’re still here selling real estate.” As 2013 president of the Oklahoma City Metro Association of Realtors, Taggart said he wants to extend the group’s reach further into the community. Last year’s president, Lorna Koeninger, worked to bring on board more affiliate members such as mortgage firms and title companies.
Kenneth Harney THE NATION’S HOUSING
REVERSE MORTGAGE NIGHTMARE Jeanette Ogle, a 91-year-old widow, is caught in a reverse mortgage nightmare — and is losing her home. PAGE 2E
IN BRIEF
CRAFT BOOK CAN GET YOU STARTED
Realtors Keith Taggart and Paulette Statler look at a wallboard of listings at the Coldwell Banker Select office in Mustang. Taggart is 2013 president of the Oklahoma City Metro Association of Realtors. PHOTOS BY JIM BECKEL, THE OKLAHOMAN
SCAN IT To view a related video, scan the QR code below or go to NewsOK.com
Coldwell Banker Select has this 3,548-square-foot home at 3615 Blue Stem Drive in Tuttle listed for sale for $480,000. The home, built in 2008, has four bedrooms, three baths and a three-car garage. PHOTO PROVIDED
“We really did that,” Taggart said. “We built up the affiliate membership and had them really involved with all of our
events. I want to take it a step further, and I want to go to the businesses in Oklahoma City. I want to reach out to a lot of the
corporations that may not necessarily be directly involved in real estate, but I think may have an interest in real estate because of
their employees. I mean, every employee needs a home.” Real estate is a family affair for Taggart. He identified at least seven relatives SEE TAGGART, PAGE 2E
Tips for making the ‘yard’ decisions As a homebuyer, the type of property you choose can have a big influence on how you spend your time — especially if you pick a place with a large lot. If you have a hectic career or a large family, you may wish to avoid a place with lots of greenery, one that could make you a slave to all that pruning, clipping, fertilizing and watering. In his 30 years as a timemanagement consultant, Maynard Rolston spent long hours at the office and traveling for work. If he’d worked less, he might have opted for a home with a lovely lawn and impressive flower beds. Instead, he settled for a town house with a tiny yard, located in a subdivision where all the upkeep is done in exchange for a monthly maintenance fee. “I’m not that guy with the green thumb,” Rolston said. “I refuse to sacrifice my precious time to yard work.” Rolston, author of “Time Management is an Oxymoron,” knows that in today’s economy, time is a valuable commodity.
Ellen James Martin SMART MOVES
“You have to face the reality that there are many trade-offs to a big home — even if you hire a landscaping crew to care for the place,” he said. Here are a few tips for homebuyers wrestling with the issue of yard size: I Recognize the commuting penalties linked to a large yard. Alan Pisarski, author of the book “Commuting in America,” said the average commute is now 25.5 minutes each way. And although average commuting time has stayed constant for several years, many people are still willing to accept a punishing daily drive to live in an outer-tier area where they can own lots of land. In areas with high housing costs, some people must move to
the distant suburbs to become homeowners. To obtain a property of any size, they’re willing to accept what Pisarski calls “a killer commute.” But others could afford to live closer to their jobs if they simply settled for a smaller place. One way to grasp the reality of a long commute is to test-drive it during rush hour. “People go out and buy a house on a Sunday afternoon. Then after moving in, they’re hit with the painful reality of how bad their commute really is,” Pisarski said. I Check into labor costs for yard maintenance. For years, Rolston has advised business executives that the key to saving time is delegation. Yet when it comes to yard work, delegation doesn’t always save as many hours as people assume. “The trick is to find landscape people who are reliable and trustworthy. But that’s not always as easy as it sounds. And supervising your yard crew can also take time,” Rolston said. In addition, hiring contractors can also be expensive — depend-
Want to try your hand at a new creative pursuit? “Craft: Techniques & Projects” can get you started. The book is a comprehensive guide to a variety of craft techniques, written by top crafters in their fields. The authors teach the basics of each craft through words and photos, and then offer a project to let you practice the techniques. The crafts in the book are appropriate for beginners as well as seasoned crafters, and they don’t require a lot of specialized equipment. Included are textile crafts, paper crafts, jewelry, ceramics, glass, candles, soap and eco crafts. “Craft: Techniques & Projects” is published by DK Publishing and is priced at $40 in hardcover.
ing on the labor pool in your area and how many months per year you’ll need help. “Don’t buy that huge property until you get the full picture,” he said. I Think realistically about your need for a big yard. Do you have happy memories of childhood hours playing in your backyard? And do you aspire to ownership of a place where your kids could do the same? Such a dream is understandable. But Rolston said you need to recognize that your kids’ lives are probably very different. Were there two working parents in your family? Were you involved in as many organized athletic teams as your kids? Did you spend as many hours playing video games? After thinking through these differences, Rolston said some homebuyers realize that ownership of a home with a large yard isn’t warranted, given the limited time their children spend outside. To contact Ellen James Martin, email her at ellenjamesmartin@gmail.com. UNIVERSAL UCLICK
AQUEDUCK SINK HELPER Aqueduck Products make it easier for children to use the bathroom sink without help from mom or dad. The company makes a faucet extender that funnels water forward in the sink so little hands can reach the water. Its handle extender attaches to a handle of a double-handle faucet to enable kids to turn it. For safety reasons the handle extender is recommended for use only on the cold-water side. The faucet extender comes in five colors and sells for $12.99 at www. peachyco.com. The handle extender is $19.99. Shipping is extra. MCT INFORMATION SERVICES
INDEX Permits Barry Stone
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SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2013
REAL ESTATE
THE OKLAHOMAN | NEWSOK.COM
Ruling stirs reverse mortgage nightmares WASHINGTON — The federal Department of Housing and Urban Development has a birthday gift for 91-year-old widow Jeanette Ogle that should cause any senior to think twice before signing up for a government-insured reverse mortgage. Later this month, on Ogle’s 92nd birthday, her home in Lake Havasu City, Ariz., is scheduled for foreclosure — not because she did something wrong. Instead, she is expected to lose her house because during a refinancing in 2007, only her husband’s name was included on the reverse mortgage documents prepared by a loan broker. This was despite the fact that both her husband’s and her names were clearly listed as co-borrowers in the documents for the mortgage being refinanced, Ogle said, and the longtime married couple wanted no change in that status. But under a controversial policy that is drawing
national scrutiny and at least one major lawsuit, HUD, the agency that runs the reverse mortgage program, now insists that when a spouse dies, and the surviving spouse’s name is not on the loan documents, the full mortgage balance becomes due and payable. If a relative or the surviving spouse cannot purchase the house and pay off the debt, the loan may be subject to a foreclosure sale. Ogle, whose husband, John, died in 2010, said she cannot imagine why she is facing foreclosure. “We did everything we were supposed to do,” she said. “I signed every piece of paper, we followed the rules.” Jeanette and John assumed that the loan they initially took out in 2004 would allow them to do what advertisements for reverse mortgages consistently promise: stay in their home indefinitely, with some extra money for living expenses.
Kenneth Harney THE NATION’S HOUSING
But it’s not turning out that way. “I just don’t understand why they are doing this to me,” she said in an interview. “I don’t want to lose my home.” HUD’s reverse mortgage program, run through the Federal Housing Administration, has been big business. Promoted on TV by pitchmen such as Hollywood’s Robert Wagner and former Sen. Fred Thompson, there were 582,000 loans outstanding nationwide as of November 2011, according to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, which issued a critical evaluation of the program last year. Reverse mortgages are restricted to seniors 62 years or older. The pro-
gram allows homeowners to tap into equity and pull out money for use in their retirement years. As long as they pay their property taxes and hazard insurance, generally they don’t have to repay any of the money until they move out, die or sell the house. The policy change on surviving spouses that has snagged Jeanette Ogle was not adopted until late 2008, more than a year after the Ogles’ refinancing. That change has been challenged in a federal lawsuit filed by AARP, the seniors advocacy group. On behalf of two widows and one widower — Ogle was not a plaintiff — who were threatened with foreclosure, AARP charged that HUD disregarded clear statutory language that allows surviving spouses to remain in their homes even if their name is not on the documents. In an appellate court ruling last month, U.S. Circuit Judge Laurence H. Silberman said that the court
was “somewhat puzzled as to how HUD can justify a regulation that seems contrary to the governing statute.” HUD had no comment on that ruling, which sent the case back to a lower court, and refused to discuss Jeanette Ogle’s pending foreclosure. So did Ogle’s loan servicer, Reverse Mortgage Solutions Inc. of Spring, Texas, which initiated the foreclosure action. Fannie Mae, the federally regulated mortgage investor that owns Ogle’s loan, said the foreclosure would have to proceed because the mortgage is insured by FHA and that agency’s rules effectively require it, given the absence of Ogle’s name on the documents. Andrew Wilson, a Fannie Mae spokesman, said the company has a document purportedly signed by the Ogles acknowledging that their refinanced mortgage lists only John Ogle as the borrower. Jeanette Ogle said she has no
recollection of signing anything of the sort. “Why would we?” she asked in an interview. Wilson said that whatever the facts, Fannie Mae is “sympathetic” toward Ogle’s plight, and will seek to delay any post-foreclosure eviction. Jean Constantine-Davis, AARP’s senior attorney on the surviving spouse suit, called Ogle’s circumstances “pretty horrible” and said HUD’s “current regulation has been devastating on surviving spouses.” AARP’s suit alleged that there are hundreds of elderly victims of the policy. Ogle’s son, Robert, has asked the Arizona state attorney general’s office to intervene and investigate how his mother’s name was left off the mortgage. But in the meantime, the clock is ticking toward Jeanette Ogle’s foreclosure. And her 92nd birthday. Ken Harney’s email address is kenharney@earthlink.net. WASHINGTON POST WRITERS GROUP
Taggart: Attorney loves ‘math part and the financing’ FROM PAGE 1E
in the business, including his grandmother, mother, a niece and a couple of aunts. As president, Taggart steps into a role his mother has held twice before, in 1988 and 2008. Things have changed considerably even since 2008, Pryor said, just in terms of technology. The more muscular programming underpinning the Multiple Listing Service, for example, has propelled it to the top of its game. “At least that’s what people are telling me,” she said. Home sales in the metro area were up 20 percent in 2012 over 2011, Taggart said. And his office offers evidence that 2013 could be even better. By midJanuary, associates had sold as many houses as were sold in all of January 2012. Office newcomers offer even more compelling evidence. “Typically it’s hard to get started as a new agent, but the new agents in this office are really busy,” he said. “I’m very proud of them.” Taggart decided on a law career midway through his undergraduate years at the University of Oklahoma. That prompted him to
switch his major from piano to musical composition, a more analytical pursuit to prepare him for law school. He then went to law school at OU. “My original intention was to be a copyright attorney and entertainment attorney because I had the music background,” he said. “But I got into law school, and I excelled at real estate law for some reason and didn’t do too well at copyright law.” He laughed at the memory. “So I started getting these awards in real estate,” he said. “And I thought, ‘Well, I guess this is what I need to do.’ ” Taggart’s strength could lie in the fact that he enjoys details that leave many people’s eyes glazed over. “I love the legal descriptions,” he said. “I love the math part and the financing, and I like looking at the settlement statements, closings — yeah, the math part excites me.” He went on to work for the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp., helping it close troubled banks during the turbulent 1980s, and lived 10 years in Boston, where he also worked as a real estate attorney for a major engineering firm. He ultimately came home, though, to rejoin the family business.
Keith Taggart is shown at the Coldwell Banker Select office in Mustang. He is 2013 president of the Oklahoma City Metro Association of Realtors. PHOTO BY JIM BECKEL, THE OKLAHOMAN
Taggart ran two real estate offices, in Yukon and northwest Oklahoma City, as well as his own agency
in midtown Oklahoma City. He also served as MLS president. In his new role, Taggart
will help Realtors navigate through big changes in financing, regulations and appraisals. That could be a
challenge, he said, “but we’ve had challenges before. I don’t anticipate that much of a problem.”
BUSINESS BUSINESS NEWS P.O. BOX 25125, Oklahoma City, OK 73125 Fax: (405) 475-3996 NewsOK.com HomesOK.com
DON MECOY Business Editor (405) 475-3942, dmecoy@opubco.com
RICHARD MIZE Real Estate Editor (405) 475-3518, richardmize@opubco.com
HOMESOK.COM
Find real estate news on the Internet at HomesOK.com
FOR EDITORIAL INQUIRIES: Contact Richard Mize
JERRY WAGNER Coldwell Banker Select has this 3,702-square-foot home at 2501 Fontaine Place listed for sale for $529,900. The home, built in 2009, has four beds, 3 1/2 baths and a four-car garage. It is in Canadian County in the Yukon school district. PHOTO PROVIDED
Assistant Classified Advertising Manager (405) 475-3475, jwagner@opubco.com
FOR ADVERTISING INQUIRIES: Contact Jerry Wagner
REAL ESTATE
THE OKLAHOMAN | NEWSOK.COM
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2013
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LISTING OF THE WEEK: 523 E CLEVELAND AVE., GUTHRIE
The Listing of the Week is at 523 E Cleveland Ave. in Guthrie.
PHOTO PROVIDED
How to properly seal your home’s envelope BY ANGIE HICKS Angie’s List
Homeowners who want to get the most out of their energy dollars have only to focus on two areas of the home. Unfortunately for homeowners with issues in either, they’re big areas. “The main problem with most homes is the envelope,” said Corbett Lunsford of Green Dream Group LLC, a home performance analysis firm in Chicago that offers energy auditing services to pinpoint issues throughout the house. The “envelope” is just what it sounds like — the shell of the house that if properly sealed can keep your hot and cold air where you want it. The heating, ventilation and cooling system (HVAC) is the producer of the temperature control. Lunsford uses scientific testing to tell homeowners exactly where their homes are losing energy and then offers advice on the best steps to make them more efficient. A common issue, he said, is homeowners who try to make improvements on their own without first having an energy audit done by a professional who is certified as such by the Building Performance Institute or is a certified Home Energy Rater by the Residential Energy Services Network. “A contractor that really checks their work would first do a blower door test before they start anything,” Lunsford said. Lunsford said he often gets calls from homeowners who have already spent thousands of dollars insulating their homes or upgrading their windows, only to still be dissatisfied with their comfort level or energy bills. Homeowners should first air seal the attic, then air seal the basement or lowest level of the house before addressing windows, doors or the middle floors of the home, he said. “Windows do not make a big difference in homes where there are envelope
Two join The Allen Group The Allen Group, 3600 NW 138, Suite 102, has added Adam Woods as a real estate sales associate and Alysha Spaulding as office manager. Woods followed in his father Roy Woods’ footsteps by becoming a Realtor. In addition to pursuing real estate as a career, he is co-founder of The Woods Foundation, a family charity that focuses on an orphanage in Nicaragua. He also spends time investing in Faithworks of the Inner City in Oklahoma City. Spaulding, a graduate of Putnam City West High School, oversees transactions and client coordination with listings and handles property management for the company. Chris Allen started The Allen Group in 2003.
and HVAC problems,” Lunsford said. “Once you’ve (addressed) the envelope and HVAC systems, then windows can make a big difference. The most common mistake people make is prescribing their own solutions for things. “Most people think they need to insulate their attic, but that’s not (entirely) the case. If you insulate the attic without air sealing it, you’re actually wasting thousands of dollars. Air sealing is the No. 1 secret almost no one understands. It’s the main opportunity for improvement in every house, period. I see people wasting thousands of dollars every single year. It gets me really annoyed because
it’s so easily solvable.” Additional insulation is only as good as the person doing the insulation, added Buddy Edwards of AC Lynn Homes in Charlotte, N.C., which focuses on green building and remodeling practices. “We highly encourage all of our customers to put their money (toward insulating the home) first,” Edwards said. “That’s where they’re going to get the most bang for their buck when it comes to home performance and energy efficiency.” Angie Hicks is the founder of Angie’s List, the resource for local consumer reviews on everything from home repair to health care. MCT INFORMATION SERVICE
The Listing of the Week is an award-winning mixed Queen Anne Victorian dating to Oklahoma statehood on a double lot in Guthrie. The 2,788-square-foot home at 523 E Cleveland Ave. has four bedrooms, 3 ½ baths, two living rooms, one dining room and a detached two-car garage. The formal living room has a bay window. The study has a ceiling fan. The remodeled kitchen has a work island, custom cabinets, new appliances and ceramic tile. The master bedroom has a bath with whirlpool tub. Two secondary bedrooms have full baths. The home retains its original accents and has 10-foot ceilings, tilt-out windows, crown molding,
original wood staircase, pocket doors and a wraparound porch. The home, built by early-20th-century real estate developer James Fife, has been awarded the Foucart Award by the Logan County Historical Society and in 2007 was recognized as a Centennial Home by Oklahoma Today magazine. The home, built in 1907, is listed for $199,900 with Jan Goodyear of Century 21 Goodyear Green. For more information, call 740-6572. Nominations for Listing of the Week are welcome. Send a copy of the MLS information sheet on a single-family home to The Oklahoman, Richard Mize, P.O. Box 25125, Oklahoma City, OK 73125. Nominations may be faxed to 475-3996.
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SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2013
THE OKLAHOMAN | NEWSOK.COM
Thermostats enter the smartphone age
Home from Heart Survey seeks homeowners’ opinions In the best of all worlds, your home provides a nurturing environment for your family. It meets everyone’s needs, provides ample comforts and feels inviting to family and friends. If this doesn’t describe your home, here’s your chance to design one that’s a better fit. The 2013 Home from the Heart survey makes it fun and easy for you to think through the details and pull all the pieces together. First off, you’ll want to mull over major choices such as square footage, exterior styling, number of private rooms and layout of family living areas. After that, you can start filling in the details. You may even want to sketch out your floor plan on graph paper. Some families like having formal dining and living rooms, while many now opt for a great room open to the kitchen as their only gathering area. Increasing numbers include home offices and prefer green building techniques and products. Our surveys help us keep abreast of
these changes. When it comes to describing what today’s families really want in a home, readers like you have greater credibility than any other source. So when you finish filling out your form, you can help out by sending us a copy, along with any other ideas you have, in words or sketches. In past years, readers from every U.S. state and Canada have participated. Participants often thank us for the experience, noting that completing the survey was fun and helped clarify their thoughts. Once we’ve tallied the surveys, we’ll follow up by designing a home based on reader preferences. The compiled results, plus the 2013 Home from the Heart, will be ready for publication in The Oklahoman in three months. So right now, pick up a pencil and your survey form, then find a quiet place to sit and think. Let the home that’s in your heart take shape and spill out onto paper. And when you’re done, we’d love to hear about it.
Home-office tax break gets easier to compute BY MCT INFORMATION SERVICES
The Internal Revenue Service is offering people who work from home an easier way to deduct the cost of their home offices. Under the new formula, home-based workers will be allowed to deduct $5 per square foot of office space, up to 300 square feet, for a total deduction limited to $1,500. The new option is available for the 2013 tax year, meaning for tax returns filed in 2014. If they prefer, they could stick with the old way, which involves adding up all their housing expenses — mortgage interest, property taxes, insurance, electricity and so on — and deducting a percentage that’s equal to the share of the home’s space that is devoted to the office. So if your home office, which must be used exclusively for work, takes up 10 percent of the space in your home, you could deduct an amount equal to 10 percent of the homerelated costs. The release of the new
deduction formula coincides with an upsurge in home-based businesses since the last recession, one of the worst since the Great Depression. According to the American Community Survey compiled by the U.S. Census Bureau, 5.8 million, or 4.3 percent of the U.S. workforce, worked the majority of the week at home in 2010. This is an increase of about 1.6 million since 2000. Park Ridge, N.J., accountant Thomas Braun predicted the streamlined option will be popular. “A lot of people are going to jump on this,” he said. “It’s going to be very easy to determine. You’re not going to have to worry about getting 12 months of bills together.” With almost 3.4 million taxpayers claiming homeoffice deductions nationwide, the new option is expected to cut the paperwork burden on taxpayers by 1.6 million hours a year, according to the IRS. Braun estimated that 10 to 15 percent of his clients take the deduction, which
is available both for the self-employed and for those who work for others, but at home. “It’s taken off in the past 10 years, no doubt about it,” he said. “Telecommuting is very popular.” In addition, he said, many people who lost their jobs during the 200709 recession started home-based businesses. Typically, he said, his clients deduct from $500 to several thousand dollars, depending on the size of their home offices. Psychotherapist Loren Gelberg-Goff, who sees patients in a 144-squarefoot office in her River Edge, N.J., home, said she welcomes the idea of simplifying her paperwork. “Every year I go through my receipts to see what I paid (on housing) and give the total numbers to my accountant,” said GelbergGoff, who has had a home office for 25 years. The new option, she said, “would probably save time,” though she said she’d have to check to see if it makes financial sense.
It certainly comes as no big surprise to anyone that the heating and cooling systems in our homes consume huge amounts of power and typically account for the lion’s share of our utility bills. So anything we can do to conserve on the amount of power these systems use will help lower those bills each month. Programmable thermostats are one of the best ways to do that. Using internal computer circuits that raise and lower the thermostat set points at various times during the day in accordance with our occupancy and habits, they help keep the furnace or air conditioner from running when it doesn’t need to. Programmable thermostats have been around for decades, but it’s only been recently that they’ve caught up with the Internet and smartphone age. Now they’re more intelligent than ever, and, used correctly, that can translate into even more energy savings. I Nest Learning Thermostat One of the most talked about thermostats on the market today is the Nest Learning Thermostat. You probably don’t think of “attractive” when you think of thermostats, but this one definitely is, with a small round shape that glows blue when it’s in cooling mode and orange when it’s in heating mode. Beyond its appearance, there’s the lack of buttons. Adjustments are done with the outer ring, and you see programmed settings on a screen in the center of the thermostat. As you make the various adjustments throughout the day, the Nest “learns” your habits, and programs those habits into its circuitry. Soon, it’s set up a temperature schedule that meets your specific lifestyle. The Nest also has sensors in it that detect when no one is home. It switches into Auto-Away mode, automatically turning itself down to save even more energy. In that mode, the face switches to black. As additional motivation, there’s even a leaf symbol that appears periodically to show you when you’re saving more energy than what you’d originally programmed it for. There are two generations of Nests. The first generation retails for around $198, and works with about 75 percent of heating and cooling systems. The second generation retails for $250, is 20 percent thinner, and is compatible with an estimated 95 percent of systems. Both generations offer Wi-Fi remote control so you can control your thermostat remotely from your smartphone, laptop or tablet. I Ecobee EB-STAT This thermostat takes programmable to a whole new level. At around $295, it’s not cheap, but with the flexibility it offers you should have the opportunity to recoup that investment within a couple of years on average. The Ecobee is rectangular, so it looks a bit more like a conventional thermostat, but with a fullcolor screen and animated
Paul Bianchina HANDY @ HOME
icons it’s pretty cool, and easy to program and adjust. It offers connectivity to the Internet, as well as control through a smartphone, tablet or desktop computer. It offers 365day scheduling, free overthe-air software upgrades, and downloadable system reports. It’s compatible with most types of heating and cooling systems, including heat pumps, and can also be used to control humidifiers, dehumidifiers and ventilators. I Hunter Universal Internet Thermostat At less than $100, this is a more affordable option, available from most home centers. Installation is quick and easy, with clear instructions. Everything you need except a screwdriver is included in the box. Once installed, it has an Internet gateway that connects to your router, and allows Internet access to the thermostat. You can program the thermostat from your smartphone, tablet or computer. As with the other programmable thermostats, you can call it to change settings from a remote location, making it
perfect if you’re delaying getting home from work, or for situations such as warming up the vacation home before you get there. It will also send you email alerts for low batteries and when it’s time to change the filter. As with any technology, none of these thermostats are perfect. Online reviews from actual users of all of these thermostats are mostly positive, but they do indicate some compatibility issues and software glitches in some instances. Not all thermostats are compatible with all systems, and while they’re all OK for do-it-yourself installation, depending on your skill level you may still need the help of a pro to get them installed and operating correctly. And, of course, there’s always a learning curve involved. In general, I like what these thermostats have to offer. I like the additional control options, particularly for vacation homes, and the flexibility of smartphone control. But do a little homework when selecting the right model for your home and your lifestyle. Make sure it’s compatible with your system, and that it has the features and operating modes that you like. Remodeling and repair questions? Email Paul at paulbianchina@inman.com. All product reviews are based on the author’s actual testing of free review samples provided by the manufacturers. INMAN NEWS
THE OKLAHOMAN | NEWSOK.COM
REAL ESTATE
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2013
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Pantry helps make order of life’s chaos BY KAREN SULLIVAN
AT A GLANCE
The Charlotte Observer
A pantry is a cook’s prop closet. With planning, the meal maker can always have something special tucked away to dazzle the audience, whether that’s a large gathering or just a few sleepy-eyed youngsters. Cereals, spices, fine oils, sauces and sweet surprises can become part of the repertoire. There are no rules today for the size or shape of that stash of food staples, snacks, linens and party platters. A pantry can be a row of baskets, a freestanding cabinet, built-in custom shelves or even a separate room. The idea is to have a plan for keeping up with everything. “The evolution of pantry space in the home is part of the organization trend that continues to be popular,” said Jaclyn Pardini, a spokesman for Lowe’s home improvement. “They really want to control the chaos.” If the goal is to control the chaos, then it makes sense that families are being more generous with kitchen storage space. They’re buying in bulk at Costco and Sam’s Club. When they come home, they need room for the goods. “Very similar to closets in general, we’ve seen pantries are getting bigger,” said Ginny Snook Scott, chief design officer for California Closets, which devotes a tab on its website to pantries. “We’re seeing multiple cabinets or spaces that are almost like a walk-in closet.” In some homes, owners want pantries with space for craft supplies and wrapping papers, said Keri Henley, a certified kitchen and bath designer and an owner of Artisan Cabinetry in Charlotte. As a result, retailers are offering more options for storage or improving on existing products. “We’re working in all
ORGANIZING YOUR PANTRY
SieMatic USA’s Floating Spaces systems are well suited for open floor plans, where one room blends into another. The components can be configured for a variety of floor plans, as shown with this beech corner unit. MCT PHOTOS
kinds of things to make it a multipurpose room,” Henley said. “That’s kind of where life happens.” Henley designed a custom, walk-in pantry in Davidson, N.C., recently. Knotty alder cabinet doors conceal the pantry and the 48-inch-wide refrigerator beside it. “You can imagine if you had a plain door there,” Henley said with a hint of distaste. “We wanted it to look like a wall of cabinetry.” While a pantry should improve the look of the kitchen, whether concealed behind doors or visible, it also should make it easy to locate and grab items out of storage. Baskets, carts, drawers and caddies are some options. “Products that provide simplicity, function and improved organization are the most in demand,” said Mary Bush, a spokesman for Olson. “Built-in storage and organization, easy access through rollout trays to prevent bending and reaching, anything that improves accessibility and ease of use — all very important factors to consider.” SieMatic USA is one of the companies pushing to make custom storage available to a bigger share of the market. The price
Free-standing cabinets, such as this mahogany unit from Nadeau, are a good choice for apartments or kitchens with no space for upgrades. Almost any cabinet can be used as a pantry. This one has an unexpected color and price tag, at $284.
for cabinets from the company’s high-end BeauxArts 02 collection starts at about $100,000 for a small kitchen. The floor-to-ceiling cabinets in SieMatic’s Floating Spaces collection are well-suited to open floor plans because of the clean, contemporary design and ability to adapt to lots of floor plans. Just as much effort went into planning the space behind the cabinet doors. Prices in that collection start around $35,000.
“It’s always a play between form and function,” said Hans Henkes, SieMatic USA president. “The consumer is realizing that it is not just the exterior that can be beautiful.” Freestanding hutches and shelves are a better choice for an apartment or a tiny kitchen. The furniture store Nadeau on South Boulevard has affordable pieces that can be used as pantries in styles such as French country, shabby-chic, farmhouse and traditional. The com-
How to create a place for everything in your pantry: I Keep your work area small. Don’t be afraid to improvise. Vertical space and shelves are less expensive than drawers and baskets. I If you’ve got a large space, you’ve likely got space for wine storage, chafing dishes, platters, glasses and small appliances. Stick to the basics in a small space. Dry goods and canned foods are among those. I Keep your work area concise, so you won’t have far to walk from prep area to pantry. The stove, sink and food storage areas should be within a tight triangle. I Store heavy items on lower shelves. Use top shelves for paper products, linens and things less likely to harm you. I Most shelves should be no deeper than 10 inches. Smaller items get lost or forgotten when stored on deep shelves. I Include a basket or drawer for healthy snacks if you have children in the home. They’ll know the foods stored there have your OK. I Store cookie sheets and platters vertically. You’ll waste time getting to them if they’re stacked. SOURCE: GINNY SNOOK SCOTT, CALIFORNIA CLOSETS ONLINE
pany sells a bright red mahogany cabinet for $284. That color is unexpected, which can make for compelling decor. A well-stocked pantry can make the work of the most humble cook more sparkly. Suddenly the cook can have dried fruits, chilies, extracts and imported chocolates within easy
reach. Holidays, potlucks and treats for movie night in your jammies might never be the same. “Our lives are too busy to run by the grocery store every night,” Henley said. “When you’re trying to figure out what to have for dinner, you go to your pantry.” MCT INFORMATION SERVICES
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Permits Oklahoma City Bockus Payne Associates Architects, 7025 SW 119, public building, erect, $2,200,000. Tim Hughes Custom Homes LLC, 904 NW 139 Parkway, office, erect, $525,000. Linane Drews Architects, 1901 Northwest Expressway, retail sales, remodel, $400,000. G.L. Cobbs & Co. LLC, 11916 Sawgrass Road, residence, erect, $350,000. Atlas Paving Co., 2001 NW 178, parking, install, $350,000. Manchester Green Homes LLC, 1401 NW 188, residence, erect, $286,850. Spring Creek Homes LLC, 19613 Stratmore Way, residence, erect, $280,000. Joe Roberts Construction Co., 5416 NW 119 Terrace, residence, erect, $275,000. J.W. Mashburn Development Inc., 5601 NW 119 Circle, residence, erect, $265,000. Old World Design Build LLC, 19716 Meadow Bend Ave., residence, erect, $260,000. Braxton Homes LLC, 1708 NW 198, residence, erect, $250,000. CGA Construction LLC, 17116 Royal Troon Drive, residence, erect, $250,000. J.W. Mashburn Development Inc., 3145 SW 136 Terrace, residence, erect, $250,000. J.W. Mashburn Development Inc., 3132 SW 136 Terrace, residence, erect, $250,000. Chambers (Ken) Design/ Build Inc., 1524 NW 172, residence, erect, $250,000. Tiffany Enterprises LLC, 5505 NW 130, residence, erect, $250,000. Smith & Pickel, 608 Stanton L. Young Blvd., office, remodel, $250,000. 4 Corners Construction LLC, 10024 Volare Drive, residence, erect, $242,000. J.W. Mashburn Development Inc., 3209 SW 137 Court, residence, erect, $240,000. Rice Custom Homes LLC, 19533 Green Meadow Lane, residence, erect, $240,000. St. Lawrence Custom Homes, 9105 SW 35, residence, erect, $235,000. Spring Creek Homes LLC, 19612 Stratmore Way, residence, erect, $230,000. Manchester Green Homes LLC, 1300 NW 188, residence, erect, $217,300. Eason Homes LLC, 21900 SE 89, residence, erect, $216,000. Oklahoma Hi-Tech Inc., 7501 NW 131, residence, fire restoration, $213,631. D.R. Horton, 11016 SW 38 Circle, residence, erect, $209,990. Claud Cypert, 11405 Fairways Ave., residence, erect, $200,000. Joe Roberts Construction Co., 9040 NW 82, residence, erect, $200,000. Dodson Custom Homes 1 LLC, 3332 NW 189, residence, erect, $198,800. D.R. Horton, 11100 SW 40, residence, erect, $191,990. Design One Building Solutions, 1317 SE 44, medical clinic-office, remodel, $190,000. 2k Country Homes LLC, 8712 Bella Ranch Drive, residence, erect, $189,000. 2k Country Homes LLC, 8700 Bella Ranch Drive, residence, erect, $185,000. Clark Construction Inc., 616 W Interstate 240 Service Road, automotive sales, remodel, $180,000. Keith Johnson, 11701 S Portland Ave., manufacturing, add-on, $170,000. Pruitt Investments LLC, 19717 Red Rock Ridge Farm Road, residence, erect, $164,700. Griffin Homes LLC, 11221 NW 8, residence, erect, $160,000. Griffin Homes LLC, 11212 NW 8, residence, erect, $160,000. Trinity Architects, 4013 Northwest Expressway, office, remodel, $150,000. Design Development Service, doing business as Elite Quality Homes, 12408 Heathfield Lane, residence, erect, $147,000. Jeff Click Homes LLC, 17712 Black Hawk Circle, residence, erect, $144,800. Mike Abernathy Construction, 7300 Ridge Manor Lane, residence, erect, $140,688.
Cutter Homes, 2321 Wayne Cutt Ave., residence, erect, $140,000. D.R. Horton, 11308 NW 96, residence, erect, $139,897. Mike Abernathy Construction, 7301 Ridge Manor Lane, residence, erect, $128,376. Ideal Homes of Norman LP, 14213 Wagon Boss Road, residence, erect, $126,000. Conchy LLC, 8417 SW 26, residence, erect, $122,500. Conchy LLC, 2716 Coventry Manor Drive, residence, erect, $120,000. Conchy LLC, 2800 Coventry Manor Drive, residence, erect, $120,000. R&R Homes LLC, 10709 SW 34 Terrace, residence, erect, $120,000. General Growth Properties, in care of Footlocker, 2501 W Memorial Road, retail sales, remodel, $120,000. First Star Homes, doing business as Turner & Son Homes, 19100 SE 134, residence, erect, $118,000. Home Creations, 3045 NW 181, residence, erect, $109,000. Home Creations, 16008 Romeo Drive, residence, erect, $106,600. Ideal Homes of Norman LP, 18525 Abierto Drive, residence, erect, $106,000. Home Creations, 11300 NW 99, residence, erect, $104,500. Rausch Coleman Homes LLC, 628 SE 60 Court, residence, erect, $100,000. Rausch Coleman Homes LLC, 8400 SW 47 Circle, residence, erect, $100,000. Terry Novak Designer, 4600 NW 23, recreation center, remodel, $100,000. D.R. Horton, 11121SW 40, residence, erect, $93,129. Home Creations, 11145 NW 6 Terrace, residence, erect, $93,000. Home Creations, 19820 Sonatina Drive, residence, erect, $85,900. Salazar Roofing & Construction Inc., 11508 NW 121 Place, residence-attached, erect, $80,000. Destin Construction, 1080 Metropolitan Ave., office-warehouse, remodel, $75,000. Westpoint Homes, 6213 NW 156, residence, erect, $70,000. Kudron Concrete & Construction Co., 4501 W Reno Ave., parking, install, $68,000. Hilltop Homes LLC, 1305 SW 135, residence, remodel, $50,000. RGP Restoration LLC, 1340 SW 81 Place, residence, fire restoration, $50,000. Ron Walters Homes LLC, 8501 S Walker Ave., residence, add-on, $50,000. Westpointe Shoppes, 736 S Mustang Road, business, remodel, $50,000. Tri Stone Construction Inc., 9801SE 44, accessory, erect, $38,000. Iconstruct, 13301 N Pennsylvania Ave., retail sales, remodel, $32,000. Les Spinner, 5400 NE 48, accessory, erect, $30,000. Welcome Home LLC, 1409 Life Style Lane, manufactured home, move-on, $30,000. Eddy and Patti Mix, 11005 S Harvey Ave., accessory, erect, $26,000. Jamars & Long Inc., 3017 N Stiles Ave., office, remodel, $25,000. Country Estates, 11814 SW 15 Terrace, manufactured home, move-onmobile home park, $24,000. Country Estates, 12011 SW 16, manufactured home, move-on-mobile home park, $24,000. A Karen Black Co., 12608 Arrowhead Drive, residence, remodel, $20,000. Kevin and Tonya Rogers, 6600 SW 92, accessory, erect, $18,000. Randy C. Young Construction, 9616 SW 33, residence, fire restoration, $16,000. Elite Contracting, 16637 Little Leaf Lane, residence, add-on, $15,000. John Pennington, 18201 SE 44, residence, add-on, $10,000. Trinity Group Architects, 13901 McAuley Blvd., office, remodel, $10,000. Alma Vance, 2439 SW 22, residence, add-on, $8,500. Phillip Reimer, 2620 NW 39, accessory, erect, $7,000. Kent Harper, 1513 NW 39, residence, fire restoration, $5,000.
REAL ESTATE Michael Geurin, 15301 Wythe Lane, accessory, erect, $4,840. Robert Sauerwine, 6725 NW 121, storm shelter, install-storm shelter, $4,200. Karen White, 3401 Twelve Oaks Road, storm shelter, install-storm shelter, $4,095. David Brown, 2005 Sycamore Creek Ave., storm shelter, install-storm shelter, $4,025. Dennis Luman, 341 Ranchwood Manor Drive, storm shelter, installstorm shelter, $4,000. Larry and Barbara Kneese, 400 Cactus Road, storm shelter, installstorm shelter, $4,000. Rusty La Forge, 3324 Quail Creek Road, storm shelter, install-storm shelter, $4,000. Jerry Peery, 12905 Doriath Way, storm shelter, install-storm shelter, $3,995. Thomas Hoffman, 1061 SW 98, storm shelter, install-storm shelter, $3,995. William Baker, 712 NW 159, storm shelter, installstorm shelter, $3,795. Carolyn Engelke, 3339 Stone Brook Court, storm shelter, install-storm shelter, $3,775. Jordan Carris, 19517 Brookshire Court, storm shelter, install-storm shelter, $3,775. Lori Weaver, 19121 Pinehurst Trail Drive, storm shelter, install-storm shelter, $3,775. Brian Allen, 412 NW 142 Circle, storm shelter, install-storm shelter, $3,750. Shannon Wann, 10320 SE 55, residence, installstorm shelter, $3,700. Margaret Schroeder, 12005 Cantle Road, storm shelter, install-storm shelter, $3,635. Jason Schaefer, 5601 Hidden Fawn Circle, storm shelter, install-storm shelter, $3,500. Justin Baldwin, 10605 Cliffe Hollow Drive, storm shelter, install-storm shelter, $3,500. Seth Schwenn, 1105 SW 155, storm shelter, installstorm shelter, $3,500. Wesley Paugh, 17216 Saddlecreek Way, storm shelter, install-storm shelter, $3,500. Diane and Michael McGee, 12308 Shorehan Court, storm shelter, install-storm shelter, $3,400. Matthew Bay, 528 SW 157, storm shelter, installstorm shelter, $3,200. Ray Vasquez Jr., 2617 SE 95, storm shelter, installstorm shelter, $3,200. Gary U’Ren, 7201 NW 105 Terrace, storm shelter, install-storm shelter, $3,150. James McKinney, 3325 NW 163, install-storm shelter, install-storm shelter, $3,150. Mark Chippeaux, 11868 SW 2, storm shelter, install-storm shelter, $3,150. Michael Goza, 9705 Allie Hope Lane, storm shelter, install-storm shelter, $3,150. Sandina M. Clayton, 3116 N Warren Ave., storm shelter, install-storm shelter, $3,150.
Brian M. Rucker, 2216 NW 195, storm shelter, install-storm shelter, $3,100. Charlie Gooch, 8128 John Robert Drive, storm shelter, install-storm shelter, $3,000. David Baer, 1808 Paisley Court, storm shelter, install-storm shelter, $3,000. Larry G. Walker, 2400 S MacArthur Blvd., manufactured home, move-onmobile home park, $3,000. Ricky Nix, 1801 Breakers West Blvd., storm shelter, install-storm shelter, $2,970. Brandon Rhodes, 8724 NW 85 Place, storm shelter, install-storm shelter, $2,900. Lori Hansen, 3113 SW 125, storm shelter, installstorm shelter, $2,850. Kevin Bales, 9917 NW 100, storm shelter, installstorm shelter, $2,800. Roger Wronowski, 2112 Mulberry Creek Ave., storm shelter, erect, $2,800. Amanda Stubblefield, 4449 Rankin Road, storm shelter, install-storm shelter, $2,795. Barbara Tucker, 12036 SW 13, storm shelter, install-storm shelter, $2,795. Chad Jumper, 13728 Hillahay Drive, storm shelter, install-storm shelter, $2,795. Crawford Rogers, 9 SW 141, storm shelter, installstorm shelter, $2,795. James Flannigan, 11109 Arbor Lake Drive, storm shelter, install-storm shelter, $2,795. Michael and Scharlotte Myers, 6605 NW 135, storm shelter, install-storm shelter, $2,795. Kara Cheek, 4820 Republic Drive, storm shelter, install-storm shelter, $2,750. Arley Kanlaity, 11801 Tuscany Ranch Road, storm shelter, installstorm shelter, $2,700. Eric Ackerman, 17516 Black Hawk Drive, storm shelter, install-storm shelter, $2,700. Gary Hill, 7025 NW 161, storm shelter, installstorm shelter, $2,700. Louis Bracaglia, 6016 SE 82 Circle, storm shelter, install-storm shelter, $2,700. Shane Foote, 2628 Shady Tree Lane, storm shelter, install-storm shelter, $2,700. Amy Trent, 8436 NW 142, storm shelter, installstorm shelter, $2,695. Doris Simmons, 5012 Lunow Drive, storm shelter, install-storm shelter, $2,695. Jerrod Stutzman, 4324 NW 164 Terrace, storm shelter, install-storm shelter, $2,695. Larry Brown, 4717 NW 70, storm shelter, installstorm shelter, $2,695. Norma Johnson, 4116 NW 60, storm shelter, install-storm shelter, $2,695. Donna K. Rushing, 1313 SW 116 Place, storm shelter, install-storm shelter, $2,650. Joe and Jennifer Holman, 2109 Sycamore Creek Ave., storm shelter, installstorm shelter, $2,650. Tami U’Ren, 3120 NW 70, storm shelter, install-
THE OKLAHOMAN | NEWSOK.COM
storm shelter, $2,645. Adam Baber, 18008 San Mateo Court, storm shelter, install-storm shelter, $2,600. Andrew Janzen, 3024 SW 137, storm shelter, install-storm shelter, $2,600. Chriss Phelps, 17105 Prado Drive, storm shelter, install-storm shelter, $2,600. Jack Freeman, 7112 S Winston Way, storm shelter, install-storm shelter, $2,600. Wayne Cheng, 11809 Grande Mesa Terrace, storm shelter, installstorm shelter, $2,600. Glen Dotterer, 8404 NW 106, storm shelter, installstorm shelter, $2,505. Taber Built Homes, 15304 Homecoming Drive, storm shelter, installstorm shelter, $2,500. Taber Built Homes, 2417 NW 155, storm shelter, install-storm shelter, $2,500. Taber Built Homes, 2333 NW 155, storm shelter, install-storm shelter, $2,500. Dimple Kaul, 1418 SW 137 Terrace, storm shelter, install-storm shelter, $2,495. Matthew Reily, 3009 SW 110, storm shelter, installstorm shelter, $2,495.
Michael Scanton, 12313 St Lukes Lane, storm shelter, install-storm shelter, $2,400. Thomas Fondren, 916 Sandia Circle, storm shelter, install-storm shelter, $2,400. Kristen Do, 16409 Josiah Place, storm shelter, install-storm shelter, $2,395. Mike Spickett, 14632 Paddington Ave., storm shelter, install-storm shelter, $2,395. Peggy Fritschle, 13105 NW 1, storm shelter, install-storm shelter, $2,395. Gustavo Miranda, 2117 SW 21, residence, add-on, $1,300. Design One, 1317 SE 44, storage, remodel, $1,000.
Demolitions Total Demolition Services LLC, 6708 S Santa Fe Ave., school. Ray’s Trucking, 1720 NW 34, residence. Kendall Concrete, 7320 NW 115, residence. Tri Stone Construction Inc., 9801SE 44, accessory. M&M Concrete & Wrecking Inc., 1601 N McKinley Ave. Midwest Wrecking, 705 NW 57, residence.
THE OKLAHOMAN | NEWSOK.COM
Builders group applauds green builders standards FROM WIRE REPORTS
The National Association of Home Builders and the International Code Council applaud the recent approval of the 2012 ICC 700 National Green Building Standard. In 2007, the builders group and code council partnered to establish a nationally recognizable standard definition of green building. The resulting ICC 700 National Green Building Standard is the first and only residential green building rating system to undergo the full consensus process and receive approval from the American National Standards Institute, ANSI. This is the first time the standard has undergone Consensus Committee review and update since it was published in 2009. “The introduction of the 2012 National Green Building Standard is a huge deal for our industry,” said Barry Rutenberg, chairman of the builders group and a homebuilder from Gainesville, Fla. “Not only does the updated version raise the bar on energy efficiency requirements, but it also completely revolutionizes how renovations and remodeling projects are treated under the standard. The 2012 updates make the standard easier to understand and implement, and we expect that this will certainly help to build upon the momentum we are already seeing in green building across the residential building indus-
try.” The standard has been widely implemented throughout the industry. The NAHB Research Center, which is serving as the secretariat of the standard as it progresses through ANSI, has certified the compliance of thousands of dwelling units and developed lots to the ICC 700. Dozens of regional and local green initiatives refer to the standard within their program criteria and the International Green Construction Code requires compliance with the ICC 700 if a jurisdiction chooses to regulate residential buildings four stories or less in height. “ANSI’s approval of the 2012 ICC 700 National Green Building Standard reinforces the quality and transparency of the process used to develop this important standard for constructing green residential buildings across America,” said International Code Council Board President Ronald Piester and CEO Dominic Sims in a joint statement. “We are proud to develop the codes and standards that ICC and NAHB Members use to guide the construction of safe, sustainable and affordable homes.” The new version of the standard includes several changes including: •Energy Code Update: While the original ICC 700 used the 2006 version of the International Energy Conservation Code as a basis, the new version will use the 2009 IECC. The
REAL ESTATE
requirements of the 2009 code are estimated to result in energy efficient performance that is about 15 percent higher than the 2006 code. •Restructured Scoring for Remodeling: The new version completely revamped the scoring for renovations and remodeling projects. The revised standard includes two new chapters devoted to existing building projects. The first provides criteria for entire buildings and includes requirements for improved energy and water efficiency that increases as higher levels of compliance are sought. The second provides a green protocol for the most common renovation and addition projects that focus on functional areas of a home such as a kitchen, bathroom or basement. •Incentives for Development and Lot Design: The 2012 ICC 700 includes the addition of a new scoring opportunity for those choosing the build lots in green communities. In the new version, six points can be earned in the Lot Design, Preparation and Development chapter for choosing lots in developments that have been certified to ICC 700 or an equivalent program. In the previous version of the standard no such incentives were provided. The standard is available for order at www.Builder Books.com. For more information on the 2012 ICC 700 National Green Building Standard, go to www. nahb.org/nahbgreen. SOURCE: NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF HOME BUILDERS
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Legal help needed to fight code violation DEAR BARRY: We purchased our home 10 years ago. A primary selling feature of the property was the detached guesthouse, built in 1964. But now, that bonus building has become a nightmare. Last month, the county posted a sign on our gate declaring that we are in violation of code. When we inquired at the county courthouse, they cited four violations: Construction without a permit; construction of a detached building next to a garage; maintaining an unpermitted building; and construction of a guesthouse on a property smaller than 1 acre. They have given us 90 days to bring the property into compliance. Failure to comply will result in penalties of $2,500 per day per violation. That would be $10,000 per day. We had no idea the guesthouse was unpermitted until this happened. What can we do to get out of this mess? Kimberly DEAR KIMBERLY: The authorities in your area are employing undue harassment to address a common case of grandfathered noncompliance. First, they are attempting to punish you for a violation that was committed by others nearly half a century ago. Second, they are using legalistic verbiage to compound a single infraction; making it appear to be four separate violations. Finally, they are using that expanded number to compound the financial penalty, defying any reasonable
The authorities in your area are employing undue harassment to address a common case of grandfathered noncompliance.
Barry Stone INSPECTOR’S IN THE HOUSE
sense of proportion or justice. One would almost think you had committed a felony. My advice is twofold: First, you need legal representation from an attorney who has experience opposing out-of-control government employees. Second, you should schedule a meeting with your county supervisor. Elected officials are often willing to intervene in matters when people are being treated unfairly by bureaucratic bullies. DEAR BARRY: I am a remodeling contractor and am studying to become a home inspector. Recently, I’ve come across several references to an electrical problem referred to as a bootlegged ground. Could you describe this situation and how to test for it? Charlie DEAR CHARLIE: Bootleg grounding is often found in older homes, where the original twoprong outlets were replaced with three-prong outlets. In those homes,
the old wiring usually does not include a ground line. To compensate for the lack of a ground wire, people will connect the neutral wire to the ground terminal on each outlet, thus creating an inadequate (or bootleg) ground. This is an unsafe practice because it creates the potential for live current to energize the casing on an appliance, such as a refrigerator or washing machine. Someone touching the casing could then receive a shock. There is a little-known test that home inspectors can do to detect bootleg grounds, using a simple three-light outlet tester, the kind that is equipped with a GFCI (ground fault circuit interrupter) test button. When the tester is plugged in, the outlet may appear to be properly grounded. However, if the outlet has a bootleg ground, this can be detected by pressing the GFCI test button. If the neutral is wired to the ground terminal, the tester will give a false reading of reverse polarity. When this occurs, home inspectors should recommend evaluation and repairs by a licensed electrical contractor. To write to Barry Stone, visit him on the web at www.housedetective.com. ACTION COAST PUBLISHING
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THE OKLAHOMAN | NEWSOK.COM
HOUSE PLAN
New home sales Skylights illuminate Avondale during 2012 are best since 2009
Skylights abound in the Avondale, an eye-catching update of the Victorian stick house, named for the slender decorative trusses at its apex. The home is interesting from the sides and back too. From every viewing angle you can see triangular windows slanting up to echo the shape of the gables they underlie. Generously sized outdoor living spaces are an important feature of this plan. On both levels, partially covered decks span the entire front facade. Access to the lower deck is through the dining doom and living room. The upper deck is essentially private, because the owners’ suite fills the entire upper floor. Rich in skylights and windows, this home needs little artificial lighting during daylight hours. The vaulted living room has more windows than walls. Two levels of windows flank the stone veneer fireplace, and tall windows face the front. A long eating bar is all that separates the kitchen and dining room. The roomy kitchen has a doubledoor pantry, and the dining room has a service bar with built-in cabinetry above and below. Utilities are nearby, hidden behind folding doors next to the first-floor bathroom. Two bedrooms are right across the hall. Designed to serve as an adult retreat, the Avondale’s luxurious vaulted owners’ suite is as bright and spacious as the living room. In addition to its private deck, it has eight skylights, windows on three sides and space for a
BY THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
freestanding wood stove. The walk-in closet is huge, and the vaulted owners’ bathroom features a spa tub as well as a sep-
arately enclosed shower and toilet. A review plan of the Avondale 10-347, including floor plans, elevations, section
and artist’s conception, can be purchased for $25 by phone, mail or online. Add $5 for shipping and handling. Associated Designs, 1100 Jacobs Drive, Eugene, OR, 97402. www.associated designs.com. (800) 634-0123.
WASHINGTON — Sales of new U.S. homes cooled off in December compared with November but for the entire year were the best since 2009. The Commerce Department said that new home sales fell 7.3 percent to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 369,000. That’s down from November’s rate of 398,000, which was the fastest in 2½ years. For the year, sales rose nearly 20 percent to 367,000. That’s the most since 2009, although the increase is coming off the worst year for new home sales since the government began keeping records in 1963. Sales are still below the 700,000 level that economists consider healthy. The housing market began to recover last year, roughly five years after the housing bubble burst. Stable job gains and record-low mortgage rates encouraged more people to buy homes. Prices have been rising on a sustained basis. And builders started to increase construction of new homes, partly because the supply of homes had thinned to extremely low levels. Jennifer Lee, a senior economist at BMO Capital Markets, said the December decline in sales of newly built homes wasn’t cause for worry. She still expects sales to improve this year. In a note to clients, she points out that figures for November, October and September were revised higher. And many buyers may have held off last month because of uncertainty over taxes. The White House and Congress reached a deal on Jan. 1 to keep income taxes from rising on most Americans. “Take December’s drop with a grain of salt, especially given all of the uncertainty about what will happen to taxes in the new year,” Lee said. “And with new mortgage applications already picking (up) in the first three weeks of January, we should see a better report next month.” For December, new home sales fell 29 percent in the Northeast, 11percent in the West and roughly 8 percent in the South. Only the Midwest showed strength, with sales rising 21.3 percent. The median price for a new home rose in December to $248,900, up 1.3 percent from November and 13.8 percent from December 2011. The housing market has a long way back to a full recovery. But most economists expect the recovery will strengthen in 2013. One reason is more people are looking to buy or rent a home after living with relatives or friends during and immediately after the Great Recession. Though new homes represent less than 20 percent of the housing sales market, they have an outside impact on the economy.
REAL ESTATE
THE OKLAHOMAN | NEWSOK.COM
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2013
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A look at spring decor’s best blues of 2013 BY KIM COOK For The Associated Press
As the new year begins, bringing new colors into our homes can help refresh and recalibrate our spirits. This spring, blues may be just the tonic we need. Many color marketing and manufacturing groups have named some version of blue among their 2013 colors of the year. AzkoNobel likes indigo; Pantone’s top palette includes Monaco Blue, a mix of royal and navy; Color Marketing Group chose midrange blues. That means that lots of home retailers will be singing the blues this spring, in a good way. Blues range from energetic to restful. They can call to mind the graduated blues of the sky or those of the oceans, rivers and lagoons. Blues play well with most colors, textures and room styles. HomeGoods offers a set of storage boxes that add blue accents Rustic woven elements bring to a room in a practical way. AP PHOTOS indigo home with a traditional, often global sensibility. Cana- HGTV Magazine’s editor-in- fresh, fun peacock and white cirdian designer Windsor Shaw chief. cle print. (www.crateand pairs indigo silk drapes with a RH Baby and Child has a re- barrel.com) jute rug, for example. versible navy and natural braided At C&B there’s the little Willa Blue-and-white is a combina- wool rug, while Restoration wooden chair in perky peacock, tion with lots of possibilities. Hardware offers Ben Soleimani’s and the Kruger patio side table “We love soft blue-grays in heathered navy pinstripe rug; and stool come in a deep ultramaster bedrooms, with white both would be great bases for marine called Harbor Blue. linens and dark wood furniture. other navy touches in a room. (www.cb2.com) Light blue is really pretty on (www.rhbabyandchild.com; This spring, Target’s Threshpainted kitchen cabinets with www.rh.com) old collection features an array white countertops. In a kid’s Crate & Barrel and CB2 have of landscape blues, focusing on room, cobalt blue is fun when some peppy peacock-blue pieces one in particular. paired with painted white furni- in the spring collections. The “As we traveled through Euture and bursts of bright accent latter’s got the low-slung Avec rope and Asia on our trend trips, colors, like fuchsia or lime sofa, skinny John floor lamp, and teal started to become more green,” said Sara Peterson, the Yolo flat-weave rug in a prominent,” said Julie Gugge-
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Rent to Own: Nice 2 & 3bed MWC $350 & up 390-9777
I BUY HOUSES
410-5700
Any condition. No cost to U
Updated 4 bed 3K ba 3car
7 Acres & 5bd 4ba 7600sf, 3 fp, built 2005. 3800sf attached gar w/room for indoor tennis court, huge shop. Minutes from Norman $446,000 Realty Experts 414-8753 PIEDMONT OPEN SUN 2-5 Model home. New hms on 1/2 ac lots. From NW Expwy & Sara Rd go 4.5 mi N Cleaton & Assoc 373-2494 1N to 10A E of OKC, pay out dn. 100's choices, many M/H ready TERMS Milburn o/a 275-1695 www.paulmilburnacreages.com
4000sf, new granite & roof, large corner lot, huge pool w/new liner $199,900 Realty Experts 414-8753 Bank Owned 3/1 Early American, 1484sf, ch/a, fp, hardwood floors, $38,900 Realty Experts 414-8753
Almost an acre fenced plus house w/huge basement, giant garage, $36500cash 2301 SE 44. 301-6495
20 Acres, nr Noble, home, shop, barn, pond, fenced 426-5566 co 5 acres, Country living in town, pipe fencing, SW OKC 378-0232
I BUY & SELL HOUSES 27 YRS EXP 650-7667 HOMESOFOKCINC.COM
Top Quality Farms & Ranches, S. of Norman. Tom Anglin, Shadow Lakes Properties, 405-830-5177
1/2 acre, brick, 3 bedroom on cul-de-sac, $29,900cash. 1533 Mallard ¡ 301-6495
3000 W Simpson » Beautiful 5bd 2 bath approx. 3900sf house on fenced 5 acres m/l, lots of trees with outbuilding, 2 car garage attached, cathedral ceilings in living area. It will be sold as is, needs minor repairs. Call for more information at 405-273-5777
1bd 1ba, W/D, all appls, FP, ceil fans, granite counters, cvrd prkg 640sf, gated free wtr/cable. Quail Sprgs Condos $650mo 722-3882 NW OKC, PC Schools, 2 bed, 2K bath, all appliances, most bills No pets, No section 8. 720-1419 Newly Remodeled Townhome 2720 SW 74th 2bd, 1.5ba, $525 & dep No pets or S8. (405)702-5004
UNFURNISHED ALL BILLS PAID
Rates starting at $825/mo. 1 month FREE w/12 mo. lease. Citadel Suites, 5113 N. Brookline 405-942-0016 www.citadelsuites.com Including are the following: » All Utilities » Cable » Telephone » High speed internet » Business Center » 2 Pools » Free Movie Rental » Breakfast Mon.-Fri. » Social Hour
Gated Belle Isle Terrace
Apartments
• Large 2Bd 2Ba with Fireplace • We Pay Heat, Hot Water • Covered Parking • Free Laundry • No Section 8 848-4339 or 659-2788 anytime
$200 off
7301 NW 23rd 787-1620
$200 Off
PARKLANE
721-5455
8100 N. MacArthur Blvd
$99 Special
1 & 2 BD & Townhouses
OPEN Sun 3-5, 4/4/3 fenced gated 5ac, pond, pool, barn, 14301 S Blackwelder $449K. 378-0232
ALL BILLS PAID IN ELK CITY Lease nego., $550 for 1, $1000 for 2, 400'sq ea. 580-453-9502
OWNER FINANCING $2000 down 326 SW 43, 2/1, $51,000 No Credit Check ‘ 596-4599 ‘
GREAT Office Space. Various NW locations, 300-6000sf 946-2516
•City bus route/Shopping •Washer/Dryer hookups
Valencia Apts
2221 N. Meridian 946-6548
Oakbriar Apartments
3756 NW 36th 2/1 $480 www.usespectrum.com 848-9400
13444 Cross Vine Court OKC, OK 73170 3bed, 2ba, 2.5 Car 1712 2010 229k 405-609-4847
Briargate Apts 1718 N Indiana 1bd 1ba 800sf, wood floors, $600 mo, $300/dep 409-7989 No sec 8 NEW Emerald Pointe on 1/2ac MOL 3bd w/study $218,500 1 AC mol 3bd + off or 4bd storm shelt approx 2200' $204,500 NEW Windmill Park 3bd 3ba study, bonus rm $270,000 Marian 850-7654 Cleaton & Assoc 373-2494
Oakwood Apts 5824 NW 34th 1 bed 1 bath $350/mo $175/dep 800sf 409-7989 u pay elec no sec8 Furnished/Unfurnished. Bills Paid » Wkly/Mnthly. Wes Chase Apts Elk Horn Apts, Hillcrest, 370-1077 $99 Special 5944 NW 40th-Large 1 & 2bed, $445mo, stove, fridge, covered prkng. No Sec 8 470-3535 Putnam Heights Plaza 2bed, newly remodeled, ch/a, 1830 NW 39th 524-5907
Scenic Blue River aprx 17Acres S of Ada 660' frontage Very remote & private $9000/Ac 580-490-1819
917 NW 34 3/1 $1050 2706 Ann Arbor 3/2/1 $825 9709 University 2/1/2 $650 2440 Huntleigh 3/1.5/2 $925 11412 Shasta Ln 4/3/3 $1600 8632 NW 111 4/2/3 $1695 6616 Fawn Canyon 3/2/2 $1095 Express Realty 844-6101 www.expressrealtyok.com KAT Properties-Apt & Homes for rent. Scan this w/your phone app
Very Nice 2 Bed 1 Bath Lg Lv Rm Lg Den CH/A Near Grand & May $675 $500dep. Pets OK w/Addnl Dep. No Sec 8. 620-5204 4504 N Miller, Lovely 2 story 3bd 1car garage. Fresh paint, fenced yard $850mo Harris RE 410-4300
2324 NW 20th 2 bed 1 ba 864sf new paint and fixtures $700 mo, $300 dep 405-409-7989 no sec 8
2616 Ann Arbor $725+dep gas/cbl wtr/gbg Free. You pay elec. Fireplace 596-0165
1719 NW 1st 1bed 1bath 681-7272
12404 Fox Run Dr. 3 Bed 2Bath 2 car w/opener $895Mo $700Dep. See details at tms4rent.com
$365
Welcome to Your New Home! Yukon School District, 3bd, 2ba, 2 car gar, Move-in Ready. $950mo Contact Eric, 865-293-9936
Cute 3 bed 2 bath + Bonus Rm 3213 NW 28th 750 mth + 750 dep 1500sq ft Call Benny 201-1487 13305 Green Valley Executive Home, 2459sf 4bd 3ba 2car $1600 mo $1600/dep 409-7989 no sec 8 Remodeled 4bd 2 full bath + ch&a $845mo $500dep. 326-3370
Bills Paid
Furnished/Unfurnished Weekly/Monthly 370-1077 228 SE 58th 1bd 1bath 681-7272
$375
14701 SE 25, Nice 3bd 2.5 ba 2car Fpl, 1.3A lot, excellent neighborhood $1200 mo 732-3411
3 Bdrm, 1 Bath with large fenced yard. Stove, Refrig, laundry room. $525 mo. Call 596-8410 Clean, remodeled 2 bed 4328 SE 39th No Sec 8. $600mo 672-8547 2bd, 1ba, 1gar, ch&a $600+dep No Pets, No Sec 8 650-9684 3/1.5/1, 3125 Dentwood Terr, $700+$500dep, sec 8 ok, 324-2611
4516 S Melrose sharp 2bd, 2 liv/ din, detached gar/carport, fresh paint, new crpt, corner lot, quiet area, $695 Harris RE 410-4300 4609 S Melrose immaculate 2bd, 2 liv/din, oversized detached garage, fenced yard, nice quiet area, $650 mo Harris RE 410-4300 633 SW 33rd 2bd 1ba $325 2603 S Penn 2bd 1ba $395 1616 SW 68th 3bd 1ba 1car $750 Free List ¡ 681-7272
»» 2644 SW 45th »»
Nice 3bd in good area, clean, fenced, $550 Fidelity 410-4200
»» 109 SW 41st »»
2bd 1 car detached garage, fresh paint clean $395 Fidelity 410-4200 1715 Craig 4/2/2 $1295 918 Crown 3/2/2 $950 410 Sunnyside 2/1/1 $850 2009 Fair Meadow 3/2/2 $1195 1929 Chaparral Ln 3/2/2 $1595 Express Realty 844-6101 www.expressrealtyok.com
K Off 2nd Month Rent!
1404 Youngs newly built 2/1 $495 ¡ Free List ¡ 681-7272 ¡ 4108K S Robinson 1bed home, 1car garage, water & garbage paid. Only $375 Fidelity 410-4200
15824 Darlington Ct Executive 3bd 2ba 3car 2liv 2din 2 fireplaces $1750/mo $1750/dep 2119sf Amazing!!! 409-7989 no sec8 MAY & 150TH 15604 Sugar Loaf, $1,695/mo, $1,000dep, 2520sf, 3bd/2.5ba/ 3car, ofc, YD care incld. 209-9303 900 N Fretz #2 2/1.5 681-7272
$600
1742 Churchill 3bd 1ba 1car $730 » New Paint, Updated Bath » www.usespectrum.com 848-9400 Two living areas 2bed, 1.5ba, 2 Car 1600sq ft 1FP, $975. Call 820-3838
MAYFAIR Great loc! 1&2 bd W/D hdwd flr quiet secure ¡ 947-5665 •ABC• Affordable, Bug free, Clean » 787-7212»
OKC-NW OPEN SUN 2-4 8717 NW 105th Terr 4bd 2.5ba $191,000 Piedmont schls Hefner & County Ln go E on Hefner left to 105th Kristin 314-6496 Cleaton & Assoc 373-2494 PIEDMONT OPEN SUN 2-5 Model home. New hms on 1/2 ac lots. From NW Expwy & Sara Rd go 4.5 mi N Cleaton & Assoc 373-2494
Furnished Effi & 1bd » $320-360 + elec. 2820 S Robinson 232-1549
WILLIAMSBURG
Gas Station for Sale $599,000 Business only $100,000 For more info, call Bo 397-0451.
10 ACRES, Dibble Schools, $264.30 per mo, 405-426-5566
Picadilly Sq 2bd 2.5ba W/D stv frig DW PC schls $40K 202-9278
Free Rent 'til March. 1 & 2 bed. Spring Tree Apts. 405-737-8172.
It pops against many of the season’s more playful shades, such as nectarine, pea green, violet, poppy red and lemony yellow. Turquoise, which held sway over much of 2012’s color story, stays strong into spring. The color’s pretty, yet carries an edge. Modern decor looks great in turquoise: IKEA’s Klippan sofa comes in a version that will have you thinking of the tropics. Go with that vibe by pairing it with textural white and cream accessories evoking sandy beaches, nubby shells and palm bark.(www.ikea.com) Safavieh offers the Paris ceramic table lamp in a gentle light blue or the more emphatic navy. An upholstered ottoman in powder or ink would be a chic addition. (www.safaviehhome. com)
1st Mo Rent Selected Units Large Townhomes & Apartments • Washer, Dryers, pools • PC Schools, fireplaces
C-Store/gas, 40K Goodwill + inv. $2500mo; For sale $325K. Owner fin. Busy loc. Okc 405- 834-4464
Call for Maps! See why we sell more acreages than anyone in Okla. E of OKC. o/a 275-1695
6 ACRES, 3 MI SE OF Tuttle. Tuttle schls, rural water, $35,000 405-381-2617 or 405-974-8469.
MOVE IN NOW!
Pd. water/garbage Quiet. Try Plaza East • 341-4813
1st Mo Rent Selected units 2 & 3 bed Townhouses Washer/Dryers, Fireplaces, P.C. Schools
155 Acres Cogar area. secluded 4 bed house, new ch&a, fenced. Hunting, timber. $2000 per Acre. 405-381-2617 or 405-409-3804.
5 Acres in Country Financing available. New well. Noble schools 360-6586 or 590-4367
mos, vice president of product development. Target’s spring collection includes an ikat print shower curtain, a floral door mat and a ceramic lamp in teal. (www.target. com) Indigo, an inky shade often found in dyed textiles, works with a variety of interior styles. It anchors neutrals less harshly than black, and it’s a sophisticated counterpoint to bright colors or pastels. Homegoods has well-priced, indigo printed upholstered chairs, fabric-covered storage boxes and ikat patterned towels. (www.homegoods.com) Deep water or blueberries come to mind with Monaco Blue.
1985 Palm Harbor. 1500 sf, 3bd, 2ba, fireplace, appls, new comp roof & central heat & air. $12,500. 405-360-6806
Abandoned D/W set up on 6 acres. Ready to move in. Many to choose from. Statewide 631-7600 CITY COUNTRY CITY!! 1.5Ac MOL Near Remington! Nice 4bd 2ba all elec. $139,900 405-610-7088
Target’s Threshold spring décor line, in one of the season’s statement colors, a rich blue, includes this lamp.
HomeGoods offers this upholstered chair in a blue-andwhite print.
800 N Meridian - 1bd All bills paid Brand New 2bd 2ba 946-9506
» $99 Special »
Near Tinker, 2 bed, 1 bath, ch&a, fenced yard, NICE! $675 mo + dep 405-626-7718 203 Rickenbacker 3 bd 1ba Nice $550. 732-3411 1305 Pinewood Ct 3/1/1 681-7272
$525
Large 1 & 2 beds. Stove, refrig, 3 SW OKC Locations $345-420mo No Sec 8 632-9849
$99 Special
Lg 1 & 2Bd close to SNU. Covered parking. $345-$445mo 470-3535
Furnished/Unfurnished. Bills Paid » Wkly/Mnthly. Wes Chase Apts Elk Horn Apts, Hillcrest, 370-1077
Rent to Own: Nice 2 & 3bed MWC $350 & up 390-9777
PROFESSIONAL REAL ESTATE SERVICES • SINCE 1982 Mgmt • Leasing • Sales Spectrum Mgmt 848-9400
www.usespectrum.com
833 E Eubanks 3 bed 1 bath, garage converted $525 681-7272
Professional Property Management & Sales Since 1962 Home & Ranch Realty 794-7777
10E
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2013
THE OKLAHOMAN
NEWSOK.COM