LISTING OF THE WEEK
HOUSE PLAN
Brick home
The Caspian
The Listing of the Week is a large traditional brick home with an indoor pool on a 1-acre corner lot in Yukon. PAGE 5F
Slender sets of twin posts bound the front porch of the compact contemporary cottage with a sleek footprint. PAGE 8F
REAL ESTATE
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THE OKLAHOMAN | NEWSOK.COM
SATURDAY, MARCH 23, 2013
Kenneth Harney THE NATION’S HOUSING
‘GREEN’ FEATURES SLIGHTED When it comes to energy efficiency and “green” features in homes, there’s a disconnect in the marketplace among consumers, real estate appraisers and the nation’s realty sales system. PAGE 3F
IN BRIEF
Metro First Realty has listed this home for sale at 6916 Cypress Hollow in Edmond.
PHOTOS BY CHRIS LANDSBERGER, THE OKLAHOMAN
‘Hall of Fame’ Realtor still busy AWARDS | BILL POERTNER HONORED FOR HIS 34 YEARS AS REALTOR AND ACTIVE COMMITTEE INVOLVEMENT BY TIM FALL For The Oklahoman trfall@gmail.com
When the Oklahoma Association of Realtors selected Bill Poertner to honor with its Lifetime Achievement Award, it was a tip of the hat to a man whose career is like a tour of the history of the real estate business in Oklahoma. The award carries with it Life Member status for Poertner. “It’s like the Hall of Fame for athletes,” Poertner joked, “only I don’t have to be retired or deceased” to be inducted. After 34 years as an Oklahoma City metro area Realtor and 30 years as a licensed broker, Poertner remains as active as ever, since 2010 as an associate with Metro First Realty in Edmond. Active for 29 years on committees with both the Oklahoma City Metro Association of Realtors and the Oklahoma Association of Realtors, Poertner said that serving the community of Realtors is “the way I was taught.” He has served twice as
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president of the state chapter of Certified Residential Specialists, and has been active on the state association’s board of directors and numerous state committees. “All my mentors were focused on giving back to their colleagues,” Poertner said. “That was just the culture.” Poertner began his career in suburban Denver after graduating from the University of Colorado. Sharing Oklahoma roots, he and his wife, Lea Anne, returned to their home state in the late 1970s. It was an easy call, Poertner said. Watching Oklahoma’s rising real es-
tate market from Colorado, where “affordability was being squeezed” made him eager to jump the state line. Plus, Poertner’s heart was in Oklahoma. “We knew it’s where we wanted to raise our family,” he said. “There’s just something special about Oklahoma.” Time after time, his business dealings over the years have been “like in the movie ‘Oklahoma!’ ” he said. “Here, your word and your integrity mean everything.” Poertner got his start in Oklahoma as an agent with Abide Realty, one of a handful of locally owned and operated firms that handled most of the state’s residential real estate business. As Abide transformed through mergers and acquisitions, Poertner settled with Coldwell Banker Advantage as relocation director, and launched that company’s real estate school. Poertner next landed at Keller Williams as productivity coach. SEE POERTNER, PAGE 2F
The Oklahoma Association of Realtors recently presented Bill Poertner, longtime Realtor and associate at Metro First Realty in Edmond, with its Lifetime Achievement Award and Life Member status He is shown in the kitchen at 6916 Cypress Hollow in Edmond, a listing with Metro First Realty.
Renting lets you keep options open Many homeowners resist the idea of renting out their property. They fear that the place they’ve nurtured for years will be badly damaged. Plus, they worry the tenants will default on rent, forcing them to court to collect what’s due. But Sid Davis, a veteran real estate broker who’s owned many rental properties, said the positives of a temporary rental can sometimes outweigh the negatives, especially for homeowners who are unsure whether a move they’re making will work out. “With rising real estate prices in most areas, the costs of moving back could be a lot higher than the costs of keeping that home until your plans gel,” said Davis, the author of “A Survival Guide to Buying a Home.” Retirees who’d like to try out a new location before making a permanent move also could benefit from renting. “Lots of folks like the concept of moving to a balmy area for retirement. But as enticing as that sounds, they’re not certain they’ll like leaving friends in their old neighborhood. In that case, they
Ellen James Martin SMART MOVES
could be better off renting out the old house and also renting an apartment in the new area until their plans are less fuzzy,” said Leo Berard, a real estate broker and charter president of the National Association of Exclusive Buyer Agents (www.naeba.org). Renting lets you keep your options open about when and where you’ll settle down, said Mark Nash, a real estate broker and author of “1001 Tips for Buying & Selling a Home.” Nash urges homeowners to exercise caution before renting out their home. Here are a few pointers for would-be landlords: I Investigate the realities of your local rental market. If the stock of available rentals in your neighborhood outstrips demand, depressing the rental in-
come you could collect, renting instead of selling might not be the best option, Berard said. Most large realty firms have rental departments that can help you assess the relative strength of your local market. Agents who list many rentals on the Multiple Listing Service can quickly estimate how much rental income your property could command. I Factor in the financial implications of renting your home. “Upkeep can be a big item. Suppose, for example that your tenants have a major plumbing problem at 3 a.m. At that hour, calling in a plumber could be really pricey,” Nash said. You’ll also want to consider the tax implications of renting out your home. To do so, Nash recommends you call an accountant for advice. I Look into professional management for your rental property. If you’re moving far away, you may worry about managing your rental. In such cases, Nash said it could be sensible to consider engaging a professional manager to oversee the property, which would
spare you the onerous tasks that come with being a landlord. He said the sole downside of hiring a good rental manager, who’s best found through personal referrals, is that it will cut into your rental income. That could pinch your budget if you’re operating with a narrow profit margin. I Try to damage-proof your property before your tenants move in. “Psychologically, as well as financially, people still have an umbilical cord attached to a property they own while tenants are living there,” Davis said. No one can guarantee that your home won’t sustain serious damage while a rental. But you can minimize the risk with what Davis calls “preventive decorating.” “Before your tenants move in, repaint your walls with easy-toclean semi-gloss paint. Seal your hardwood floors with two or more coats of protective coating. And replace valuable light fixtures with less expensive ones,” he said. To contact Ellen James Martin, email her at ellenjamesmartin@gmail.com. UNIVERSAL UCLICK
NATIONWIDE HOUSING UP 0.8 PERCENT Nationwide housing production edged up 0.8 percent to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 917,000 units in February, according to the National Association of Home Builders. It represented gains in both the single-family and multifamily sectors, with single-family housing starts reaching their fastest pace since June 2008. “Demand for new homes and apartments is definitely rising as the spring buying season approaches and more young people move out on their own,” said Rick Judson, chairman of the association and a homebuilder from Charlotte, N.C.
SIMPLIFIED GROWING METHOD Joel Karsten introduces readers to a simplified raisedbed growing method in his book “Straw Bale Gardens.” The method involves planting food crops directly in beds of straw with a small amount of planting mix instead of planting in soil. The bale serves as a container, and the straw provides nutrients to the plants as it decomposes. It’s inexpensive, eliminates weeding and puts the plant at a raised height for less bending. At the end of the season, you just toss the bale onto a compost pile. Straw bales can be used to grow vegetables, fruits, herbs and even flowers. The book is published by Cool Springs Press and sells for $19.99 in softcover. STAFF AND WIRE REPORTS
INDEX Barry Stone Permits
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SATURDAY, MARCH 23, 2013
REAL ESTATE
THE OKLAHOMAN | NEWSOK.COM
Event showcases ideas for homes, outdoor living FROM STAFF REPORTS
The Metro First Realty listing at 6916 Cypress Hollow has a swimming pool among other features. PHOTO BY CHRIS LANDSBERGER, THE OKLAHOMAN
A hot tub is among the features at 6916 Cypress Hollow in Edmond. PHOTO BY CHRIS LANDSBERGER, THE OKLAHOMAN
A large island balances the wide-open space of the kitchen at 6916 Cypress Hollow. PHOTO PROVIDED
Poertner: ‘I bleed Realtor blue’ FROM PAGE 1F
Poertner describes his present home, Metro First Realty, as a company modeled on “agent freedom” where “agents already have successful business plans from previous experience.” Poertner said his experience has taught him that in realty, no man is an island. Terry Pufahl, Poertner’s longtime associate and mentor, emphasized Poertner’s dedication to clients and colleagues alike. “Bill is one of those people who does everything he does for the benefit of his customers and the Realtor community,” said Pufahl, a broker-associate with Keller Williams Platinum in Oklahoma City. Whether it’s helping homebuyers with “the most important investment they’ll ever make” or receiving an award of recognition for his decades of service, “it takes other Realtors to make what I do possible,” Poertner said. “I bleed Realtor blue,” he added while discussing his recent accolades in a house at 6916 Cypress Hollow, a 2007 custom home by builder Jim Knight listed for sale by Metro First Re-
The OKC Home & Outdoor Living Show offers ways to refresh homes this spring season, with more than 200 exhibitors plus experts in landscaping, remodeling, cooking and design through Sunday at State Fair Park. The show, which started Friday, showcases ideas for remodeling, home improvement and outdoor living. Adult admission is $9, and admission for children ages 12 and under is free. For a $2 discount, tickets can be purchased online at www.home showokc.com or at the customer service desk at Buy for Less stores. Show hours are 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday. For details, go to www.home showokc.com or call (800) 466-7469, ext. 120. Features include: I Chris Crary from Bravo’s “Top Chef.” Chris Crary from Bravo’s “Top Chef” will showcase his passion and enthusiasm for cooking through live cooking demonstrations. Crary will share the behind-thescenes scoop from the show, some of his favorite cooking tricks and his story about how healthy eating helped him shed more than 70 pounds. He will demonstrate two healthy variations of classic dishes and provide samples and recipes for the spring and summer dishes. I Living inside, out. Homeowners will have the opportunity to learn how to expand their living space without building onto their home. Local experts from Ward Design Group will demonstrate how to bring the inside out by bringing indoor design amenities to an outdoor living space. Featuring a combination of modern and old-school design elements, the exhibit will display a large water feature and plants and trees indigenous to Oklahoma integrated into an outdoor bedroom. Landscape designers will be present to answer questions, share advice and provide design and landscaping tips. I Grilling stage. Chefs from local restaurants will give live cooking
Chris Crary from Bravo’s “Top Chef” will give cooking demonstrations. PHOTO PROVIDED
demonstrations on the outdoor grilling stage and share recipes and tips to make easy, satisfying meals. I Outdoor marketplace. Tony’s Tree Plantation will feature trees, a garden market and seminars that will provide attendees with everything they need to know about growing in Oklahoma. Landscape designers also will show attendees how to incorporate natural features and creativity to spruce up the look of home exteriors, even on a budget. I Central Oklahoma Humane Society. Show attendees can stop by the Central Oklahoma Humane Society booth to play with adoptable animals and fill out a questionnaire if interested in adopting. Attendees can also learn about the new Guardian Club monthly donation program that provides the society with year-round support. Children will be able to learn the importance of having a collar and tag on their pets by playing the “collar toss” game. The booth also will include “The Barkery Boutique” which will feature collars, leashes and other petrelated items inspired by this spring’s trends. A portion of the proceeds from the boutique will benefit the Central Oklahoma Humane Society, a nonprofit organization working to enrich the communities it serves by promoting the well-being of animals.
BUSINESS BUSINESS NEWS
The previous owner of 6916 Cypress Hollow kept the large study in walls of books. PHOTO PROVIDED
alty. At just under 3,800 square feet, the four-bedroom home with three full baths and three half-baths rests on a lot more than 1 ½ acres in size. Listed at $685,000, it features a chef’s kitchen and hardwood or tile flooring throughout. To be eligible for the Lifetime Achievement Award, a Realtor must have been a member of the state organization for at least 30 years, been nominated by a local board and have demonstrated unusual meritorious service.
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
This view shows the living area of the Metro First Realty listing on Cypress Hollow. PHOTO PROVIDED
Assistant Classified Advertising Manager (405) 475-3475, jwagner@opubco.com
FOR ADVERTISING INQUIRIES: Contact Jerry Wagner
REAL ESTATE
THE OKLAHOMAN | NEWSOK.COM
‘Green’ features often slighted in marketplace WASHINGTON — When it comes to energy efficiency and “green” features in homes, there’s a disconnect in the marketplace among consumers, real estate appraisers and the nation’s realty sales system. On the one hand, prospective buyers routinely tell researchers that they place high priority on energy-saving and environmentally friendly components in houses. The presence of high-efficiency systems in a home makes shoppers more interested in buying because they’ll save money in the long run. On the other hand, the vast majority of multiple listing services (MLS) — the organizations that compile listings of local homes for sale — do not yet include so-called “green fields” in their data search forms to facilitate consumer shopping for homes with high-performance features. Plus most real estate appraisers do not yet have training in the valuation of green homes and often do not — or cannot — factor in the economic values of expensive but money-saving components such as solar photovoltaic panels. Two new research studies document consumers’ strong appetites for energy efficiency and green features. A survey of 3,682 actual and prospective purchasers by the National Association of Home Builders found that 94 percent of respondents rated Energy Star appliances as among their
Kenneth Harney THE NATION’S HOUSING
top several “most wanted” items out of 120 they could choose from. Ninety-one percent said the same for new houses that came with Energy Star certifications on the total structure. Energy Star is a federally backed set of energy-saving performance standards for a wide range of products including appliances, lighting, windows, doors, electronics, heating and cooling systems all the way up to and including newly built homes. The study also found that buyers would be willing to pay an additional average of $7,095 in the upfront cost of a house if that investment saved them $1,000 a year in utility expenses. Meanwhile, a survey of buyers and sellers conducted by the National Association of Realtors found that 87 percent rated energy efficiency in heating and cooling as “very” or “somewhat” important to their choice of a home. Seventy one percent said the same for energy-efficient appliances. The newer the house, the more important were energysaving and green components. Now here’s the disconnect: While most new homes come with energy
certifications and ratings, the overwhelming majority of resale homes do not. For shoppers and purchasers who prefer to save on energy outlays, there’s often little information in the formal listings search data on MLS systems to highlight houses with extensive green components. Of the 860 multiple listing services nationwide, according to industry estimates, only about 210 have gone green — that is, included distinct sections of their standard listing formats for high-performance and sustainable features. Though there is an industry effort under way to “green the MLS” by including green fields as standard sections in MLS listings, adoption has been slow. The lack of green fields, in turn, not only hampers buyers. Appraisers who search for “comps” — recently sold comparable houses — often are unable to readily distinguish those with significant energy efficiency investments from ordinary energy-guzzling homes. Worse yet, say industry critics such as Sandra K. Adomatis of Punta Gorda, Fla., most appraisers have no specific training in valuing highperformance or green features and tend to ignore them or undervalue them in their appraisal reports to lenders. This hurts sellers and buyers alike. To help bridge the information gap, the country’s largest appraisal professional group, the Appraisal Institute, recently released
an updated “green addendum” that realty agents and sellers can use to call attention to the energy saving features of homes, especially in areas where the local MLS provides no separate green fields. Appraisers can attach the addendum to their standard appraisal reports as a way to justify additional value assigned to the house because of the cost-saving improvements. Of special note, given the fast-growing popularity of solar panels and arrays, is a special section within the addendum that provides the appraiser access to an online tool — a “PV value” calculator developed by Sandia Labs and Energy Sense Finance — that estimates the incremental value the photovoltaic installation adds to the property based on a discounted cash flow model. Bottom line for sellers with significant energy conservation investments: Make sure your realty agent gets them highlighted in the MLS listing. And make sure that the appraiser who is sent to value your property uses the green addendum and has adequate training to do the job. Otherwise the money you spent may not get the fair treatment it deserves in the valuation. The addendum is available at www.appraisal institute.org. Ken Harney’s email address is kenharney@earthlink.net. WASHINGTON POST WRITERS GROUP
Buyers worry about radon in home DEAR BARRY: We are in the process of buying a house and were informed that the sellers installed a radon mediation system last year. Radon levels before the system was installed were about 7 picocuries per liter. What should we do about this situation, and what are the effects of radon exposure to occupants? Ananda DEAR ANANDA: If the mitigation system that was installed in the home has effectively reduced the radon level below 4 picocuries per liter, there is no need to worry. Ask the sellers for radon test results taken after the system was installed. If a followup test was not done, or if they do not have documentary results of the test, you should request that a test be done as a condition of the purchase. Radon is a radioactive gas that is produced by the decay of uranium in the soil or in groundwater. It is particularly common in areas where the soil contains granite or shale. Radon is regarded as the second highest cause of lung cancer (next to smoking) and is credited with approximately 21,000 deaths annually in the United States. Radon gas is emitted from the earth worldwide, with an average outdoor level of 0.4 picocuries per liter. When radon emerges from the ground beneath a building, indoor levels can become concentrated. The average indoor radon level in American homes is about 1.3 picocuries per liter. The threshold level for concern, according to the Environmental Protection Agency, is 4 picocuries per liter. When indoor radon is measured at that level, mediation is recommended for the health and safety of occupants. Fortunately, mediation systems are simple and relatively inexpensive. The type most commonly used is known as the soil suction radon reduction system. It consists of vent pipes with a fan that pulls radon from beneath the
Radon is a radioactive gas that is produced by the decay of uranium in the soil or in groundwater. It is particularly common in areas where the soil contains granite or shale. Radon is regarded as the second highest cause of lung cancer (next to smoking) and is credited with approximately 21,000 deaths annually in the United States.
Barry Stone INSPECTOR’S IN THE HOUSE
building. For increased effectiveness, cracks and seams in the floor should be thoroughly sealed. Again, be sure to verify that radon levels have been sufficiently lowered. You should also ask for proof that the mitigation system was installed by a contractor who is licensed as a radon mitigator. For more information on radon, visit www.epa.gov/ radon/pubs.
DEAR BARRY: I just completed an 80-hour classroom course in home inspection. Now that I’ve got my certificate, I’m not sure what to do next. What do you suggest? Randy DEAR RANDY: Now that you’ve learned the basics of home inspection, your internship is about to begin. Home inspection is a learn-as-you-go business. The longer you do it, the more you learn and the more proficient you become as a home inspector. And no matter how long you do it, you never learn it all. The problem with the first few years in business is legal and financial liability for defects that you fail
to report. Therefore, to spur the learning process, join a local chapter of the American Society of Home Inspectors or a recognized state association, and participate as much as possible in their educational programs. If possible, find an experienced home inspector who will let you ride along on a few inspections. This is one of the best ways to learn the ropes. To write to Barry Stone, visit him on the web at www.housedetective.com. ACTION COAST PUBLISHING
SATURDAY, MARCH 23, 2013
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SATURDAY, MARCH 23, 2013
Permits Oklahoma City City of Oklahoma City, 2101 NE 50, medical clinicoffice, erect, $7,400,000. Horizon Construction Group, 14901 N Pennsylvania Ave., nursing home, add-on, $4,000,000. Van Hoose Construction, 7100 N Santa Fe Ave., office-warehouse, erect, $2,100,000. Tim Hughes Custom Homes LLC, 3557 NW 173 Circle, residence, erect, $1,041,000. New Generation Homes LLC, 11509 Milano Road, residence, erect, $580,000. Sanders Development Corp., 13186 N MacArthur Blvd., office, erect, $535,000. Ray Owens Homes LLC, 17716 Ptarmigan Lane, residence, erect, $350,000. Sanders Development Corp., 5613 NW 130, residence, erect, $350,000. GLW Homes LLC, 9516 Towry Court, residence, erect, $350,000. Willa Construction Co. Inc., 13712 Portofino Strada, residence, erect, $340,000. Red Eagle Construction, 309 NW 13, office, remodel, $320,000. Landmark Fine Homes LP, 18416 Salvador Road, residence, erect, $310,000. American Building Contractors & Developers LLC, 6900 SW 92, residence, erect, $300,000. Rice Custom Homes LLC, 19533 Fieldshire Drive, residence, erect, $300,000. Grace Contracting LLC, 300 NW 62, business, erect, $300,000. Cobanks Construction Inc., 8521 NW 126, residence, erect, $290,000. J.W. Mashburn Development Inc., 11929 Dornick Circle, residence, erect, $270,000. Jason Powers Homes Inc., 2132 Redbud Creek Ave., residence, erect, $270,000. JGVE Engineering, 17334 N May Ave., shell building, erect, $270,000. JGVE Engineering, 17334 N May Ave., shell building, erect, $270,000. Aaron Tatum Custom Homes LLC, 17100 Cadiz Court, residence, erect, $262,000. SAS Construction, 6900 NW 122, restaurant, remodel, $250,000. Bronco Steel Inc., 8709 Gateway Terrace, officewarehouse, erect, $250,000. H&H Shooting Sports Complex, 400 S Vermont Ave., retail sales, remodel, $250,000. Garnet Homes LLC, 9120 SW 36, residence, erect, $245,000. Garnet Homes LLC, 3205 Chesterfield Place, residence, erect, $240,000. Jason Powers Homes Inc., 2128 Redbud Creek Ave., residence, erect, $240,000. Rice Custom Homes LLC, 19516 Green Meadow Lane, residence, erect, $235,000. Terry Covey Custom Homes, 9033 NW 82, residence, erect, $235,000. Red Fox Construction, 2200 SE 40, automotive repair-wash, erect, $229,000. Desert Crest LLC, 5505 S Sunnylane Road, apartment, remodel, $220,000. Foster Signature Homes LLC, 3201 NW 158 Terrace, residence, erect, $210,000. D.R. Horton, 11901 Whitney Way, residence, erect, $204,990. Aaron Tatum Custom Homes LLC, 412 SW 170 Terrace, residence, erect, $200,000. Vesta Homes Inc., 9017 Lolly Lane, residence, erect, $200,000. Vesta Homes Inc., 4805 SW 127, residence, erect, $200,000. Smith & Pickel Construction, 301 NW 63, office, remodel, $200,000. D.R. Horton, 8728 Ally Way, residence, erect, $198,990. Debbie Gregory Homes, 9021 NW 83, residence, erect, $195,000. 4 Corners Construction LLC, 5208 NW 161 Terrace, residence, erect, $193,000. Elite Construction, 1401 Jaxon Court, residence,
erect, $190,000. Gary Owens Carpet & Construction Inc., 11816 SW 17, residence, erect, $190,000. S&D Homes, 705 Evening Drive, erect, erect, $190,000. Two Structures LLC, 8413 NW 142, residence, erect, $190,000. Taber Built Homes LLC, 2625 Kathleens Crossing, residence, erect, $187,000. 4 Corners Construction LLC, 11508 Tarantino Drive, residence, erect, $185,000. Baer Hall Homes, 17104 Barcelona Drive, residence, erect, $180,000. Jester Homes Inc., 6312 Bentley Drive, residence, erect, $180,000. 4 Corners Construction LLC, 9917 Volare Drive, residence, erect, $177,000. Affinity Homes LLC, 316 SW 175 Terrace, residence, erect, $175,000. Oklahoma Diamond Group LLC, 8608 NW 124, residence, erect, $175,000. Vesta Homes Inc., 9004 Lolly Lane, residence, erect, $174,000. Sure Safe Homes LLC, 2409 SE 89 Terrace, residence, erect, $170,000. Sure Safe Homes LLC, 2416 SE 92 Terrace, residence, erect, $170,000. D.R. Horton, 6009 NW 162, residence, erect, $166,800. Mashburn Faires Homes LLC, 9509 Watercrest Court, residence, erect, $160,000. Sun Custom Homes LLC, 17409 Aragon Lane, residence, erect, $160,000. Two Structures LLC, 8316 NW 141 Circle, residence, erect, $160,000. McDermott Construction Co. LLC, 9117 NW 92 Terrace, residence, erect, $158,000. Vesta Homes Inc., 9121 Lolly Lane, residence, erect, $150,000. Tom Vorderlandwehr Inc., 9204 Scarlet Blvd., residence, erect, $149,900. King’s Crown Homes Inc., 8901 Ava Ave., residence, erect, $149,000. King’s Crown Homes Inc., 37 SE 88, residence, erect, $149,000. Authentic Custom Homes LLC, 8013 Calm Water Drive, residence, erect, $147,000. Dulce Sosa, 9325 E Memorial Road, residence, erect, $145,000. King’s Crown Homes Inc., 41 SE 88, residence, erect, $140,000. King’s Crown Homes Inc., 40 SE 88, residence, erect, $140,000. New Generation Homes LLC, 13204 NW 1, residence, erect, $140,000. SWM & Sons Inc., 9901 S Anderson Road, residence, erect, $132,020. Landmark Fine Homes LP, 9537 SW 28, residence, erect, $130,000. Landmark Fine Homes LP, 9544 SW 27, residence, erect, $130,000. SWM & Sons Inc., 5400 S Peebly Road, residence, erect, $127,960. Sun Properties LLC, 11745 SW 21, residence, erect, $125,000. Sun Properties LLC, 2105 Mark J Ave., residence, erect, $125,000. Sam Gresham Architect, 3209 Northwest Expressway, medical clinic-office, add-on, $125,000. Home Creations, 1613 NW 125, residence, erect, $124,400. Manco Enterprises LLC, 3505 Marston Circle, residence, erect, $120,000. Ideal Homes of Norman LP, 2545 NW 186, residence, erect, $114,000. D.R. Horton, 11712 Gwendolyn Lane, residence, erect, $111,185. Foster Signature Homes LLC, 16412 Iron Fire Court, residence, erect, $110,000. Home Creations, 12617 Edison Drive, residence, erect, $109,000. Home Creations, 3308 Morgan Creek Road, residence, erect, $108,600. Home Creations, 1620 NW 126, residence, erect, $108,500. Vintage Custom Homes LLC, 10616 SW 36, residence, erect, $106,000. Home Creations, 18205 Groveton Blvd., residence, erect, $105,200. Bob Merrill, 4545 S Frisco Road, manufactured home, move-on, $105,000. Home Creations, 1609 NW 125, residence, erect,
REAL ESTATE $104,000. Rausch Coleman Homes LLC, 8409 SW 48, residence, erect, $100,000. Home Creations, 3021 NW 181, residence, erect, $97,500. Ideal Homes of Norman LP, 18613 Agua Drive, residence, erect, $95,000. D.R. Horton, 11704 Gwendolyn Lane, residence, erect, $93,400. Cresap Capital LLC, 2437 NW 194 Terrace, residence, erect, $85,000. Cresap Capital LLC, 2436 NW 194 Terrace, residence, erect, $85,000. Dr. Asim Chohan, 5200 E Interstate 240 Service Road, office, remodel, $80,000. Home Creations, 1104 Laurel Creek Drive, residence, erect, $78,000. Thom Toben Studio T2 Design, 2501 W Memorial Road, retail sales, remodel, $73,000. Coe Contracting Inc., 1425 Westchester Drive, residence, add-on, $60,000. Anderson & House Inc., 301 W I-240 Service Road, rehabilitation center, remodel, $52,000. Champion Window Co., 5601 Blackjack Ridge Road, residence, add-on, $45,459. Frontier City, 11501 N I-35 Service Road, accessory, erect, $30,000. Kyle Trumbly Homes LLC, 317 John Wedman Blvd., canopy-carport, erect, $30,000. Ceiling 2 Floorz Roofing and Remodeling, 7933 S McKinley Ave., residence, add-on, $28,000. Dan Azcala, 2501 W Memorial Road, retail sales, remodel, $27,000. Gary Cobo, 19601 N Peebly Road, accessory, erect, $27,000. Champion Window Co., 11300 N Ann Arbor Ave., residence, add-on, $26,316. Donald Hill, 15200 Michelle Road, accessory, erect, $26,000. Four Seasons Sunrooms, 5817 SE 82, residence, addon, $22,771. Alvin Keely, 15900 SW 25, accessory, erect,
$22,300. Brenton Kernes, 19600 SE 66, storage, erect, $15,000. Howard Hines, 11823 Sagamore Drive, residence, add-on, $15,000. CLS Group, 1446 SW 59, equipment, install, $15,000. Pamcorp, 5504 SE 44, tower-antenna, install, $15,000. Sprint, 12542 N May Ave., tower-antenna, install, $15,000. Urology Associates, 11100 Hefner Pointe Drive, medical clinic-office, remodel, $15,000. Southwest Structures, 15600 Kyles Court, residence, remodel, $12,600. James McClanahan, 9220 McDonald Road, accessory, erect, $9,000. J.L. Walker Construction, 6421 S Miller Ave., temporary building, moveon, $7,500. Walker Construction, 2601 S Tulsa Ave., temporary building, move-on, $7,500. Lindsay Ballard, 3216 Rosewood Lane, storm shelter, install-storm shelter, $6,500. Elite Construction, 12001 S Mustang Road, accessory, erect, $5,000. Storm Safe, 2405 Tivoli Terrace, storm shelter, install-storm shelter, $4,700. Josh Flattem, 3217 SW 93, storm shelter, installstorm shelter, $4,600. Jerry L. Jones, 2937 SW 127, storm shelter, installstorm shelter, $4,500. Gary Jones, 14812 SE 78, storm shelter, installstorm shelter, $4,295. Robert Moore, 7100 S Douglas Ave., storm shelter, install-storm shelter, $4,295. Samuel Mason IV, 8509 SW 44 Court, storm shelter, install-storm shelter, $4,295. George Adams, 8701NW 116, storm shelter, installstorm shelter, $4,250. Richard Archer, 3015 Oakbriar Drive, storm shelter, install-storm shelter, $4,250. Scott and Leesa Garrod, 7200 NE 104, storm shel-
THE OKLAHOMAN | NEWSOK.COM
ter, install-storm shelter, $4,200. Sherri Liebel, 1825 NW 56 Terrace, storm shelter, install-storm shelter, $4,195. Edward and Sharon Gassen, 11205 Cimarron Drive, storm shelter, install-storm shelter, $4,025. Amber Tomlin, 10315 Bacardy Place, storm shelter, install, $4,000. Bradley Hallmark, 17001 Gladstone Lane, storm shelter, install-storm shelter, $4,000. Debbie Gregory, 18508 Autumn Sage Drive, storm shelter, install-storm shelter, $4,000. Peter and Janet Tucker, 13124 Callie Drive, storm shelter, install-storm shelter, $4,000. Julie Trepagnier, 12105 Grande Mesa Terrace, storm shelter, installstorm shelter, $3,900. Keith Harralson, 8208 NW 68 Place, storm shelter, remodel, $3,800. Ashley Mitchell, 3448 Hemlock Lane, storm shelter, install-storm shelter, $3,700. Gary Brantley, 5317 NW 109, storm shelter, installstorm shelter, $3,700. Brian Laske, 16204 Scissortail Drive, storm shelter, install-storm shelter, $3,600. James Strickland, 7309 NW 119, storm shelter, install-storm shelter, $3,600. John Cylmer, 5705 Melton Drive, storm shelter, install-storm shelter, $3,550. Jeremy Thurman, 7315 SW 112, storm shelter, install-storm shelter, $3,500. Robert Woods, 12524 S Barnes Terrace, storm shelter, install-storm shelter, $3,500. Jeannetta A. Matthews, 613 Waterview Road, storm shelter, install-storm shelter, $3,450. Stan Kelley, 2700 NW 152, storm shelter, installstorm shelter, $3,450. Frederica McGinnis, 11817 Larkdale Drive, storm shelter, install-storm shelter, $3,450. Brian Ingalls, 19209 Ca-
nyon Creek Place, storm shelter, install-storm shelter, $3,400. Don Finley, 13921 Agate Drive, storm shelter, install-storm shelter, $3,400. Jack Adkins, 6208 NW 30, storm shelter, installstorm shelter, $3,400. Stephanie Spears, 12721 Edison Drive, storm shelter, install-storm shelter, $3,400. Antonio Rodriquez, 2837 SW 86, storm shelter, install-storm shelter, $3,395. Brian Lahann, 12513 Jacinth Court, storm shelter, install-storm shelter, $3,300. Kurt Melzer, 16112 Ledge Lane, storm shelter, install-storm shelter, $3,300. Gay Ashcraft, 5604 NW 107 Terrace, storm shelter, install-storm shelter, $3,200. Jerry Anstine, 2213 NW 182, storm shelter, installstorm shelter, $3,200. Terry Pargeter, 6604 Ridge Springs, storm shelter, install-storm shelter, $3,200. Patrick Lenow, 7220 NE 111, storm shelter, installstorm shelter, $3,095. Expert Services, 2741 NW 111, residence, add-on, $3,065. Bobby Robles, 8313 Bellmon Ave., storm shelter, install-storm shelter, $3,000. Cutberto Fraire, 1614 NW 14, residence, add-on, $3,000. David Ghirardi, 2321NW 154, storm shelter, installstorm shelter, $3,000. Morgan Callender, 2633 SE 97, storm shelter, install-storm shelter, $3,000. Robert Bookout, 6713 Chelsey Lane, storm shelter, erect, $3,000. Sarah Welte, 6701 NW 125 Court, storm shelter, install-storm shelter, $3,000. Shirley Thompson, 3630 NW 47, storm shelter, install-storm shelter, $3,000. Aaron Howell, 6033 SE 88, storm shelter, installSEE PERMITS, PAGE 5F
REAL ESTATE
THE OKLAHOMAN | NEWSOK.COM
Permits FROM PAGE 4F
storm shelter, $2,995. Amy Denner, 4000 Spyglass Road, storm shelter, install-storm shelter, $2,995. Brooke Roebuck, 9308 Tara Plantation Drive, storm shelter, installstorm shelter, $2,995. John Alan and Terri D. Imhoff, 10120 Cottonwood Drive, storm shelter, install-storm shelter, $2,995. Jonathan Imhoff, 7904 Eagle Circle, storm shelter, install-storm shelter, $2,995. Vivian Alexander, 800 SE 69, storm shelter, install-storm shelter, $2,995. Chris Haltom, 4609 NW 164 Terrace, storm shelter, install-storm shelter, $2,900. Kelly Bentley, 2536 NW 179, storm shelter, installstorm shelter, $2,875. Seth and Carol Gordon, 6825 NW 130, storm shelter, install-storm shelter, $2,875. Brian Yager, 11001 Davis Road, storm shelter, install-storm shelter, $2,800. David Yee, 1505 NW 197 Circle, accessory, erect, $2,800. Jason Davis, 17700 Opal Lane, residence, installstorm shelter, $2,800. Joe Woods, 13900 Chandelle Drive, residence, remodel, $2,800. Kevin Werth, 10025 Volare Drive, storm shelter, install-storm shelter, $2,800. Mau Dang, 11425 Wallace Ave., storm shelter, erect, $2,800. Nikunj & Mollie Damani, 10420 Glascow Drive, storm shelter, installstorm shelter, $2,800. Robert Jakola, 4413 SE 86, storm shelter, installstorm shelter, $2,800. Ettrick Lucas, 16105 Bravado Place, storm shelter, install-storm shelter, $2,795. Jeanie Coley, 616 SW 163, storm shelter, installstorm shelter, $2,795. Jeff Scroggins, 13616 Legacy Court, storm shelter, install-storm shelter, $2,795. Lucas and Shara Sage, 8000 John Robert Drive, storm shelter, installstorm shelter, $2,795. Megan Hall, 11821 NW 133, storm shelter, install-
storm shelter, $2,795. Robert Hughes, 2429 NW 197, storm shelter, install-storm shelter, $2,795. Taylor Lamar, 9816 SW 27, storm shelter, installstorm shelter, $2,795. No name provided, 3113 NW 192 Terrace, storm shelter, install-storm shelter, $2,790. Jason McKinney, 11613 SW 17 Court, storm shelter, install-storm shelter, $2,775. Adam Wilson, 5004 NW 153, storm shelter, installstorm shelter, $2,700. Andrew Lake, 2709 NW 173, storm shelter, installstorm shelter, $2,700. Carol Pope, 7901 NW 14, storm shelter, installstorm shelter, $2,700. Eric Jamison, 12609 Preakness Road, storm shelter, install-storm shelter, $2,700. Jim Abernathy, 1605 SW 113 Place, storm shelter, install-storm shelter, $2,700. Lois A. Rogers, 17305 Vitoria Drive, storm shelter, install-storm shelter, $2,700. Mikael Dubois, 19025 Meadows Crossing Drive, storm shelter, installstorm shelter, $2,700. Curtis Lewis Jr., 5205 NW 119 Terrace, storm shelter, install-storm shelter, $2,695. Jim and Pamela Clark, 4401 Tamarisk Drive, storm shelter, installstorm shelter, $2,695. Mohammad Razaq, 11320 Running Deer Court, storm shelter, installstorm shelter, $2,695. Shirley Johnson, 3113 NW 61 Place, storm shelter, install-storm shelter, $2,695. Joe Hauaknecht, 16717 Village Garden Drive, storm shelter, installstorm shelter, $2,650. Brett Williams, 16209 Old Oak Drive, storm shelter, install-storm shelter, $2,600. Adam Basic, 18413 Piedra Drive, storm shelter, install-storm shelter, $2,500. Mike Gushwa, 10701 Eastlake Circle, residence, remodel, $2,500. Salvador Cardenas, 3131 SW 38, canopy-carport, add-on, $2,500. Sreedhar Domakonda, 1712 NW 164 Circle, storm shelter, install-storm shelter, $2,500. Aaron Enger, 7004 NW 160, storm shelter, installstorm shelter, $2,450. Elizabeth Williams,
12508 Covey Creek Drive, storm shelter, installstorm shelter, $2,300. Russell Grassmann, 14001 Gateway Drive, storm shelter, installstorm shelter, $2,300. Scott Garnand, 12037 NW 136 Terrace, storm shelter, install-storm shelter, $2,095. Sean Ting, 133 NW 23, business, remodel, $2,000. Lithko Contracting, 14901 N Pennsylvania Ave., accessory, move-on, $1,720. Sai J. Anania, 5008 S Anderson Road, manufactured home, move-onmobile home park, $1,000. Spinner Bros. Construction, 11100 Hefner Pointe Drive, medical clinic-office, remodel, $1,000.
SATURDAY, MARCH 23, 2013
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LISTING OF THE WEEK: 1300 ELK RUN, YUKON
Demolitions M&M Concrete & Wrecking Inc., 104 NE 46, residence. Bill Walker, 1225 SW 34, storage building. Linda Walker, 2117 W Park Place, accessory. M&M Concrete & Wrecking Inc., 1515 NW 39, house. Midwest Wrecking, 1112 NW 23, retail.
The Listing of the Week is at 1300 Elk Run in Yukon.
The Listing of the Week is a large traditional brick home with an indoor pool on a 1-acre corner lot in Yukon. The home at 1300 Elk Run has four bedrooms, 4 ½ baths, three living rooms, two dining areas
and an attached three-car garage. The home has two fireplaces, a sauna and builtin tanning bed. The home, built in 1983, is listed for $370,000 with Leesa Williams of Keller Williams Realty.
PHOTO PROVIDED
For more information, call 205-0867. 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, MARCH 23, 2013
REAL ESTATE
THE OKLAHOMAN | NEWSOK.COM
Mildew starts with few little spots, then spreads BY CAROLE FELDMAN The Associated Press
WASHINGTON — It may start with a couple of small dark spots on the grout where the shower stall meets the tiled wall. A few days later, they multiply. Mildew. “For most people it’s just kind of an ugly pain. Their bathroom gets these black stains,” said Ken Collier, editor-in-chief of The Family Handyman. For others, though, “it’s an allergen, like cat hair, dog hair,” he said. If it’s not removed, it can result in respiratory problems or other allergy symptoms, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Mold and mildew, which the Federal Emergency Management Agency calls “mold in early stage,” can grow on a wide range of surfaces as long as moisture is present, and they can give your house a musty smell. “It’s an indication of dampness, like in bathrooms that are not ventilated very well,” said Kathie Birenbaum, who works in households at Strosniders Hardware Store in Bethesda, Md. “Molds can gradually destroy the things they grow on,” the Environmental Protection Agency says in a pamphlet for consumers on its website. “You can prevent damage to your home and furnishings, save money and avoid potential health problems by controlling moisture and eliminating mold growth.” It’s important to do both — control the moisture and clean up the mold — to keep it from growing back, the EPA says. Cleaning large areas — more than 10 square feet, the EPA says — might require a contractor trained in mold removal. For smaller areas, it can be a do-it-yourself job. Frequently, the bathroom is the first place that a homeowner or apartment dweller might notice mildew. “A lot of people take a shower, get out of the shower” and go on their way, Collier said. “Basically, they’ve left all this water on the walls and floor of the shower and surprise, surprise, the bathroom is damp and you find mildew growing on the grout.” Often, condensation — not a leak — is the source of the moisture, Collier said. “The bathroom fan is a big part of keeping the moisture level down in the bathroom,” he said.
This photo provided by The Family Handyman shows mold forming on a ceiling under a duct. Warm, moist air condenses and forms water on ducts carrying cold air through an attic or crawl space. The condensation is a sign the duct is not insulated or missing a vapor barrier. Eventually the water saturates the insulation and drywall and mold spores take root. AP PHOTOS
Opening the bathroom window also helps, as does more frequent cleaning, according to the EPA. Collier also suggests using a squeegee to wipe down the shower walls. There are many products available for cleaning mildew and mold, but homeowners also can mix their own. A bleach solution that CDC says should be “no more than 1 cup of bleach in 1 gallon of water” can be used to clean and kill mildew. “For the typical homeowner, they would scrub it down really well with bleach water and then they
should seal the grout, seal it once a year or so to keep it water tight,” Collier said. Wear protective gloves while cleaning. The CDC also recommends protective eyewear. If you can’t get rid of the mildew with bleach, you might have to dig out the grout and replace it, Collier said. For those looking for an environmentally friendlier alternative to bleach, Collier said one of the products that mold experts recommend is Concrobium, which also can be used as a fog if a whole room is affected.
Kathie Birenbaum arranges display of different products to kill mildew at Strosnider’s Hardware in Bethesda, Md.
It’s not just bathrooms where you’ll find mold or mildew. “Sometimes people find it in closets where there’s limited air circulation, and where maybe there’s a cool wall and it’s humid,” Collier said.
Or there could be condensation around heating ducts, and you’ll find a moldy patch on the ceiling. Moisture from roof leaks also can lead to growth of mold and mildew. If you paint over mildew, the paint likely will
peel. Birenbaum said there are special primers that inhibit mold growth. Mona Weingarten of Washington, D.C., wasn’t aware that there was mold in her house. She didn’t see anything or smell anything. But when one of the tiles on the bathroom floor became loose, she called a contractor to fix it and he discovered mold. Mold later was discovered elsewhere in her house. Weingarten, who has severe allergies, developed a fungal infection in her sphenoid sinus and had to have surgery. After spending tens of thousands of dollars on remediation and related costs, she now has an environmental engineer test her house every six months and remove any mold spores.
REAL ESTATE
THE OKLAHOMAN | NEWSOK.COM
SATURDAY, MARCH 23, 2013
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Here’s how to hire improvement contractor Q: I’m now getting estimates to add a front porch to my house. What is the standard way to check on the licensing and insurance of the contractor, and the standard method of payment, such as certain percentage paid upfront or at the finish? A: There are actually a couple of steps that I recommend to anyone looking to hire a contractor: 1. Know specifically what you want to have done. The more information you have available for the contractor, the better. 2. Try to get personal referrals, rather than relying on the phone book. If you have a friend or a relative who had some work done on their home that they were pleased with, that’s a great starting point. You can get some honest feedback about the contractor’s skill level, price, scheduling, level of cooperation, and much more. There are a lot of contractors out there to choose from, and, like most businesses,
they succeed or fail mostly by their reputation, so a good referral is very helpful. There are other sources of referrals as well. If you see some work going on down the street, stop and talk to the homeowner. Most people are more than willing to share their experiences — good and bad — about the contractor they’ve hired, and here again you can get some great firsthand information. Material suppliers are also great sources. Ask the people where you buy your lumber or your plumbing supplies if they know of anyone who’s particularly good at the type of project you have in mind. Retailers have a reputation to protect as well — they want to keep you happy and coming back as a customer — so they will typically refer only those contractors who they know are honest and will do a quality job. Other good sources of referrals include real estate agents, insurance agents, property man-
Paul Bianchina HANDY @ HOME
agers, your utility company, and your local building department. 3. When you have a referral or two, call the contractors to set up an appointment. Ask the following four questions: I Do they do the specific type of work you’re looking for? It could be they no longer do kitchens or room additions, or they now do remodeling and have stopped building new homes. Clarify that upfront. I What is their schedule like? If you have a project that has to be done within the next month and the contractor can’t even start until then, there’s no point in wasting your time or theirs. I Can they provide you with
referrals? Most companies are more than willing to provide you with names and phone numbers of past clients. If they can’t or won’t provide you with referrals, don’t hire them. Between the time you call the contractor and the time they come out, be sure to follow up on a couple of the referrals and get some feedback from the homeowners. If possible, see if the referral would mind if you came out to their home to view the contractor’s work in person. I What is the contractor’s name and license number? Get the contractor’s full legal business name, address and business phone number, as well as their contractor’s license number. Immediately follow up on this information, and call the contractor’s board to verify the status of the license and that all of the proper bonds and insurance policies are in place. 4.Have a written contract that describes all the details of your agreement with the contractor,
including materials to be used, a description of what’s to be done, beginning and completion dates, price, and a payment schedule. Never pay in full upfront, even if you’re offered a discount. Make a reasonable down payment if it’s requested, typically no more than 20 percent, then make payments as the job progresses. The payments should be tied to specific completions, such as completion of frame inspection, completion of final inspection, or something else that you can easily verify. For more information about the proper steps in hiring a contractor, including state-by-state licensing information, you can also download my book, “Hire the Right Contractor for Your Home,” from Amazon.com. 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
Texas lawmakers seek stronger protection from squatters BY ANNA M. TINSLEY Fort Worth Star-Telegram
FORT WORTH, Texas — Tarrant County cracked down on squatters years ago, after millions of dollars in abandoned homes were being claimed by potential owners taking advantage of an arcane law. Now state lawmakers are stepping in, trying to make sure there’s not another outbreak of Texans taking advantage of an obscure “adverse possession” clause in the law, helping them gain costly homes and land for little cost. “This legislation ad-
dresses the problems several North Texas communities have experienced with transients moving into foreclosed homes in their neighborhood with the goal of taking over possession of the property under an archaic adverse possession law,” said state Sen. Jane Nelson, R-Flower Mound, who has filed Senate Bill 947. The problem was discovered locally a few years ago, after dozens of affidavits were filed with the Tarrant County clerk’s office, seeking ownership of more than $8 million of abandoned homes. They included property belong-
ing to widows and people seeking cancer treatments in other parts of the state. Under state law, people are legally able to claim ownership of abandoned properties when they file affidavits of adverse possession, as long as they agree to maintain the property and pay taxes on it. The affidavits cost $16 to file. Tarrant County District Attorney Joe Shannon weighed in on the issue in November 2011, instructing the county clerk’s office to stop accepting the affidavits and asking law enforcers to be aware of the squatters and to feel
free to pursue criminal action against them. Since then, nine people have been charged related to these cases: Eight have had their cases disposed, and one is still pending, Tarrant County records show. The first “squatter” convicted of a felony in Tarrant County for crimes stemming from an adverse possession court filing was David Cooper of DeSoto, Texas, who was convicted of first-degree theft and burglary in November 2012. He was sentenced to 90 days in jail, a $10,000 fine and 10 years of probation.
Nelson’s bill, which has been filed but not yet sent to committee, stipulates that an affidavit of adverse possession is not the same as a title and that anyone trying to stake claim to a property this way must send written proof of their intent to the last known address of every person who holds an interest in the property. The measure also states that a county clerk may not accept an affidavit of adverse possession if all the requirements aren’t met. “This bill simply states what a reasonable person would expect — that prop-
erty does not convey simply by squatting,” Nelson said. Shannon said he realizes the bill is a work in progress. “As the final product gets near, we may have a comment,” he said. Tarrant County Clerk Mary Louise Garcia noted that Nelson is working with the County and District Clerk’s Association of Texas on this bill, saying she hopes it will ensure there is “new language that will protect property owners from attempted fraudulent adverse possession filings.” MCT INFORMATION SERVICES
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SATURDAY, MARCH 23, 2013
REAL ESTATE
THE OKLAHOMAN | NEWSOK.COM
HOUSE PLAN
Builder confidence Compact cottage has sleek footprint falls on weak supply, shortage of labor
Slender sets of twin posts bound the front porch of the Caspian, a compact contemporary cottage with a sleek footprint. Shingle siding adds to the visual appeal of both triangular gables, while multipane windows sparkle across the front facade. Spacious linked gathering areas fill the right wing. Sleeping areas dominate the left side, tucked behind the two-car garage. Entering, you step into a short foyer. Its angled display shelves are ideal for sharing family photos or small objects of beauty. The foyer leads on into the dining area, which is totally open to the living room behind and the kitchen up front. A door to the garage, next to the coat closet at the end of the foyer, makes for ease of unloading groceries and other household items. A mess-free gas fireplace nestles into one rear corner of the living room. It’s next to wide sliding glass doors that let in plenty of daylight, while providing easy, breezy access to a covered patio at the rear. This sheltered space is ideal for outdoor dining and could be screened. Counters wrap around four sides of the G-shaped kitchen at the opposite end of the gathering space, where a flush eating bar fronts the dining area. Cabinets line the walls above and below most of the counters. Kitchen workers standing at the sink can keep an eye on activities in the front yard, porch and patio outside, plus the dining and living areas inside. Three bedrooms, two
BY THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
bathrooms, and a goodsized utility room cluster together on the left of the Caspian, along with a roomy storage closet. Amenities in the owner’s suite
include a walk-in closet and a private bathroom with a dual vanity and separately enclosed shower and toilet.
A review plan of the Caspian 30-868, 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.
Confidence among U.S. homebuilders fell this month because of concerns that increased demand for new homes is exceeding supplies of ready-to-build land, building materials and workers. In the short term, those constraints could slow sales. But builders’ outlook for sales over the next six months has reached its strongest point in more than six years. The National Association of Home Builders/Wells Fargo builder sentiment index fell to 44 from 46 in February. It was the second decline since January, which was preceded by eight straight monthly gains. A measure of current sales conditions declined from February’s reading. Readings below 50 suggest negative sentiment about the housing market. The last time the index was at 50 or higher was in April 2006. The index began trending higher in October 2011, when it was 17. That increase coincided with the start of a housing recovery. An improving job market, persistently low mortgage rates and rising home values have helped fuel U.S. homes over the past year. New-home sales jumped 16 percent in January to the highest level since July 2008. The combination of heightened demand and a tight supply of previously occupied homes for sale have motivated builders to ramp up construction. Builders started work on the most homes last year since 2008. Despite the positive sales trends, many builders are facing higher costs for building materials and competition for land cleared for development. Some also are having trouble obtaining financing to buy land and cover construction costs. Meanwhile, builders large and small have reported that a shortage of workers in markets where residential construction has picked up sharply, such as Texas and Arizona. While U.S. residential construction jobs increased 3.1 percent in February from a year earlier, they remain about 40 percent below the peak reached during the housing boom. Many construction workers — from roofers and drywall installers, to framers and carpenters — appear to have fled to other fields, such as the booming oil and natural gas industry. “The road to a housing recovery will be a bumpy one until these issues are addressed, but in the meantime, builders are much more optimistic today than they were at this time last year,” said David Crowe, the builders group’s chief economist. The latest builder confidence index, based on responses from 341 builders, comes as the critical spring home-selling season is under way.
REAL ESTATE
THE OKLAHOMAN | NEWSOK.COM
SATURDAY, MARCH 23, 2013
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Rainscaping is answer to storm runoff woes BY DEAN FOSDICK Associated Press
Stormwater runoff can quickly drain a homeowner’s wallet. The flooding erodes yards, soaks basements, pollutes streams and wastes a precious resource. But rainscaping — an integrated system of directed water flow and settling basins — can convert those losses into gains by providing new wildlife habitat, beautifying properties and in some cases providing food for the dinner table. “It’s becoming a pattern of capture and reuse rather than simply moving the water off,” said Pat Sauer, Rainscaping Iowa Program administrator. “There are more options out there than just rain gardens. We’re looking more comprehensively at what can be done on the landscape.” Numerous state and local groups are holding workshops and providing rebates for residents who add such refinements to their properties as rain barrels, cisterns, permeable paving, settling ponds, green roofs and berms. “Iowa is providing training for professionals — certified rainscapers — who are designing some of those programs,” Sauer said. “Many of these agencies also build large-scale infiltration systems projects on public lands,” said Cleo Woelfle-Erskine, who
Art complements science on this settlement pond in Seattle’s Northgate neighborhood. Sediment ponds slow the flow of storm water, allowing particles and pollutants to settle out. The accumulations are removed every five years or so by Seattle Public Utilities crews, leaving cleaner and clearer water to flow downstream. AP PHOTOS
along with Apryl Uncapher wrote “Creating Rain Gardens.” (Timber Press, 2012). Landscapers often merge art with science. “In Portland, Ore., many parking lots and curb strips sport swales (depressions) and retention basins, often decorated with sculptures of leaping fish,” Woelfle-Erskine said. Rainscaping, though, can be expensive and complicated. So why bother? “A rain garden is not only a beautiful, low-maintenance, water-saving garden, but can additionally provide habitat and forage for local fauna, sustain select edibles for harvest, re-
duce pollution, flooding and erosion to nearby rivers and become a daily reminder of the importance of water conservation,” Uncapher said. Yards vary, and rainscaping designs must be site specific. Some suggestions: I Perk. Conduct a soil test to see if your yard will percolate (drain) rainwater, Sauer said. “If it doesn’t perk, then all you’ll be left with is standing water. If your yard is hard, like concrete, you’ll have to improve the soil.” I Plant native. Prairie plants and woodland seedlings with deep roots help soak up stormwater, filter pollutants and re-
charge groundwater levels, Sauer said. “Using native plants also helps ensure they’ll survive their new setting.” I Installing a residential rain garden, which is a saucer-like depression in the ground that captures rain from a downspout, driveway or patio, is the simplest and least expensive way to retain stormwater, Woelfle-Erskine said. But here’s his kicker: “They won’t work if your yard is uphill from your house.” I Use permeable materials like bricks, paving blocks or gravel on driveways and walkways, with spacing that allows water to seep into the soil.
Rainscaping features can be expensive and complicated or simple and cheap, like this rain barrel capturing water from a downspout on a rural home in northern Belgium. The gardener simply dips a spray can into the surplus when she wants to water her plants.
I Edibles. Berries, asparagus, fiddlehead ferns, fruit trees, winter squash, Brussels sprouts, and culinary and tea herbs can be creative additions in the right rain garden sites, but use them with care. “Be aware of where the water is flowing into your rain garden from,” Uncapher said. “Rain gardens serving to intersect runoff from potentially polluted surfaces are not ideal for edibles unless soil and water nutrients are tested and monitored.” Rain gardens and related rainscaping features give homeowners a chance to be part of the stormwater
and pollution solution, while serving aesthetic and functional purposes, said Bob Spencer, RainWise program manager for the City of Seattle. “Not only are the gardens attractive landscaping, they are protecting our water bodies and the creatures that live there,” he said. For more about rainscaping, see this Missouri Botanical Garden guide: http://www.missouri botanicalgarden.org/ sustainabilityconservation/ sustainable-living/ at-home/rainscaping guide.aspx
We Buy Houses
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410-5700
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Bank Owned 3/3.5/2, Moore Schls community pool, pond, 2 liv, 2 din, 3016sf, N acre, large master, $219,900 Realty Exprts 414-8753 Owner carry, 2712 SW 46 Terr, 2 bd 1 car, Knob Hill Addition. 650-7667 4 bdr,3bath - forest/creek lot 11604 Core Ave 405-365-2915
Norman, open Sat and Sun, 2-5, 3900 E Robinson, 5 bd, 4 ba, 3800 sf, on 20 beautifully landscaped acres with creek, $895,000.
TAKE OVER 10 ACRES No Down. $79/Month. Trees. Deer. Southeast Oklahoma. 818-340-1912 www.grland.com 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 Call for Maps! See why we sell more acreages than anyone in Okla. E of OKC. o/a 275-1695
Check it out Lots of living space! Newly renovated kitchen & baths. Security & sprinkler systems. 3bed, 2ba, 2 Car Garage, 1-story Home, central A/C, $144,500 Call to see: 405.210.1662 or 405.204.9000
by owner. 1360sq ft., 2 full baths, sleeps 10. Newly remodeled with new H & A, paint, flooring, metal roof, wiring. Quiet neighborhood, 100yrds to white sand beach. Beach view addn, OK. $118,500. 580-817-0241 or 580-817-0240
Lake Texoma Vacation Home
on large lot, 3/2, wood burning fireplace, large deck w/lake view. Little Glasses Resort 405-250-5084 or 405-250-3733 LAKE TEXOMA Willow Springs Fully furn 3bd 2ba 1car+dbl car port on 2 lots Aprsd $65K, Sacrifice $55,000 405-527-2634
Thursday, March 28, 10:06 a.m.
Canton Community Center Canton, Ok.
207 Acres, hunting, recreation, or livestock. Sportsman’s Paradise with quail, turkey & deer. For information go to or call
www.heardknight.com 1-800-309-6120
24 hour Diners: OKC $5k Dn, no
pymt till you net 100k Up to $15K wk revenue guar. 571-337-8036 C-Store/gas, $40K Goodwill + inv. $2500mo; For sale $325K. Owner fin. Busy loc. Okc 405- 834-4464
80 acres of Prime Hunting in Western OK.
Zone 3 Industrial Lot in Mustang: $65,000 ¡‘¡‘¡‘¡ 405-596-3334
Double Your Tax Refund up to $5,000!! Use refund & receive Visa gift card with new home purchase. No refund, use your land/family land ZERO down. E-Z qualify by phone. WAC 631-7600
GREAT Office Space. Various NW locations, 300-6000sf 946-2516
Owner Financing
PUBLIC NOTICE! Foreclosures: MUST GO! FixerUppers HUD REO& BnkOwnd Homebuyers/Investors welcome Call for FREE list of 2-4bd homes PATRICK W/Allied 405-740-6616
FIRST TIME HOMEBUYERS FREE Downpayment Assistance Available to Buy Your Home! NO Closing Costs - Save $1000's Call for FREE list of 2-4bd homes Patrick w/Allied 405-740-6616
601 SE 70 $59,500. 3bd 1K ba 2c cp, shop & stg & up to $3000 buyer cc. Bateman co 324-2022
Isola Bella Open House St. Patrick's Day Open House! Take A Tour Of One Of Our Newly Renovated Hospitality Residences And With A Little Luck Of The Irish, You Could Win Some Great Prizes!!
Double Your Tax Refund up to $5000 w/new home purchase. Don't prejudge credit. E-Z qualify by phone. New & repo homes available 405-631-7600 WAC
Warehouse-2,000sf, $850/mo. 7504 Melrose Lane. 948-6561
Enjoy Refreshements and $1.00 Green Beer Draws! Isola Bella 6446 N. Peniel Avenue Oklahoma City, OK 73132 405-721-2191 www.MyIsolaBella.com leasing@MyIsolaBella.com
NW OKC, PC Schools, 2 bed, 2K bath, all appliances, most bills No pets, No section 8. 720-1419
Walford Apts Midtown 518 NW 12 - LARGE 2bed 1ba 1300sf Electric only $1000/mo $1000/dep wash & dryer connections 405-409-7989
Florence Apts
429 NW 11th St Midtown-Studio 600sf $700/mo $400/dep 405-409-7989 No sec 8
VALENCIA APTS APTS/TOWNHOUSES 2221 N Meridian $99 Special 946-6548
2011 Solitaire REPO 18x80 3bd 2 bth as low as $410mo 787-5004 www.thcmobilehomes.com Abandoned D/W set up on 6 acres. Ready to move in. Many to choose from. Statewide 631-7600 2001 Solitaire MH, 3 bed, 2 bath, move in ready, $28,900, 924-2688.
Luxury Duplexes, 1900 sq ft, 2 bedroom, 2 bath, 2 car gar, $1100/mo, $500dep.405-227-5467
MAYFAIR Great loc! 1&2 bd W/D hdwd flr quiet secure ¡ 947-5665
» $99 Special »
TOP LOCATION!
Pd. wtr/garb. Near malls. Try Plaza East 341-4813
5216 Briarwood 2bd 1ba 1car ch/a $600 mo Harris RE 410-4300
309 Potomac 3/2/2 $895 1021 Mobile Cr. 3/1/1 $750 1014 Biloxi 3/1/1 $725 Express Realty 844-6101 www.expressrealtyok.com 1715 Craig 4/2/2 $1250 18413 Laurel Oak 3/2.5/2 $1295 1319 Pennington 2/2/1 $750 410 Sunnyside 2/1/1 $795 Express Realty 844-6101 www.expressrealtyok.com 3600 NE 143, 3 bd, 2K ba, 2 car, all beds & 2 baths upstairs, ch&a, $1045/mo, $1045/dep, 370-1077. For lease, Trails So. $950 + dep 3/2/2, 359-9489 or 919-2165
3bd brick, 2ba, 2 car gar w/opener ch&a, fenced, new crpt, paint, blinds, lease $800/mo 364-0356
3 bed 2 bath 2 car gar, Mustang schls. 10123 Birkenhead Court. $850mo 405-201-2085
2 Bed, 1 Bath 2316 NE 24th Rent $450-$500. 909-229-9256
•ABC• Affordable, Bug free, Clean » 787-7212»
3bd house $500mo + $150dep; Also 1bd Apt, furnished $395mo, $150dep. Refs. required. 321-4773
Bills Paid
WILLIAMSBURG APTS 7301 NW 23RD $200 OFF 1ST mo 787-1670
800 N Meridian
$650 $625 $400
Furnished/Unfurnished Weekly/Monthly 370-1077
Extra Nice! 2 bed, 1 bath, alarm, NEW kitchen, bath, appls, W/D & carpet. $675/mo. 405-831-2903
1bed All Bills Paid 946-9506 Angel Fire. Large House. 1.1 Acre. Updated, redwood decks. 3 garages. Unfurnished. Appraised sale price $399,000 405-285-1366
$550
$99 Special 5944 NW 40th-Large 1 & 2bed, $445mo, stove, fridge, covered prkng. No Sec 8 470-3535
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
529 SE 72nd 3bd 1.5ba 2528 SE 47th 3bd 1ba 1car 4104 Cunningham 2bd 1ba 681-7272
640 SE 20th 2 bed, 1 bath, 1 car $530/mo $530 dep -- (405) 525-3069
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
PARKLANE 2&3 BD TOWNHOMES 8100 N MACARTHUR BLVD $200 OFF 1ST MO. 721-5455
3 bd 2 bth, fireplace OWN IT for $700 mo. owner finance 405-324-8000
Free Real Estate Seminar “How To Buy Foreclosures” March 21st, 5-9pm Tom Steed Auditorium Rose State College, MWC www.visionrealty.us 405-844-6800
Newly Remodeled Townhome 2720 SW 74th 2bed 1.5 ba $525 & dep No pets or S8. (405)702-5004 ads.newsok.com/bppm
Sunday, March 17, 2013 1-5 PM
Free Rent 'til May. 1 & 2 bed. Villas @ Putnam Green. 720-3102.
Own your home for less than rent payments as low as $650 for a 3 bed 405-787-5004 New addition called Grand Safari Nice Acreages from 1 acre to 6.75 acres m/l Easy Approval » Call for maps www.property4sale.com 405-273-5777
1221 NW 104th, 3bd 2ba new carpet $875 No pets 405-410-2166
2116 NW 11th 2bed 1bath 681-7272
LAND AUCTION!!
3 miles from Laverne, $1,500/ac. 620-453-0623 or 620-453-1136
161 acres, SW of Alex. Call 405-785-2791
Lake Texoma House for Sale
Darling 2B 1B 1C Hdwd flrs ch/a 3028 NW 68th $825mo 830-3399
Free Rent 'til May. 1 & 2 bed. Spring Tree Apts. 405-737-8172.
3 bed, 1 bath, ch&a, Section 8 OK, REMODELED »»» 405-417-5833
4201 Windgate West Super sharp 3bd 2ba 2car home, only 4 yrs old, like new condition, fireplace, Western Heights Schools. Only $1250. Fidelity 410-4200 Doll House Near Integris South Nice 2/1/1 CH/A,W/D Hk Up fncd yd 625/500 dep App Fee, no sec 8, pets ok with addnl dep. 620-5204
2624 SW 46 Terr
3bed 1ba 1 car 1100sf $675/mo $400/dep 1100sf 405-409-7989 no sec 8 2 bed, dining, 1012 SW 27th, $450 month + dep, Drive by, then call to see. 631-3960. 1406 Youngs newly built 2/1 $465 2212 SW 30th 2bd 1ba dplx $525 Free List ¡ 681-7272 Section 8 - 4 bed, 2317 S. Brock $900 + $500 dep. 685-8240 3212 Dumas Ln Sharp 2bd 1ba 1car $525mo Harris RE 410-4300
2622 Featherstone 3/2/2 $1095 7332 NW 126 3/2/2 $975 6207 Warren 3/2/2 $1095 3318 NW 13 2/1/1 $695 Express Realty 844-6101 www.expressrealtyok.com 13305 Green Valley Executive Home 4bed 2ba 2 car 2459sf, 2 liv 2din, granite,fireplace,Edmond Schools, $1600/mo, $1600/dep 405-409-7989 no sec 8
Large 1 & 2 beds. Stove, refrig, 3 SW OKC Locations $345-420mo No Sec 8 632-9849
House for Lease. 4bd, 2.5ba, 2 liv, formal dining, 2car, $1,100/mo. 8304 NW 112th St. 740-4108
Furnished/Unfurnished. Bills Paid » Wkly/Mnthly. Wes Chase Apts Elk Horn Apts, Hillcrest, 370-1077
Sec 8 OK - Nichols Hills 4bdr/2bth $1010/m low util, Nichols Hills Schools 759-6828
Cute 1 bdrm with cellar! $450/ mo. 405-354-3189
We can handle all your residential property management needs » Since 1962 » Home & Ranch Realty 794-7777
10F
SATURDAY, MARCH 23, 2013
THE OKLAHOMAN
NEWSOK.COM