LISTING OF THE WEEK
HOUSE PLAN
Stone home
Bakersfield
The Listing of the Week is a large two-story stone home in Nichols Hills. PAGE 3E
Brick veneer, corner quoins, Craftsman-style windows and a trio of gables blend harmoniously to create an inviting front facade. PAGE 8E
REAL ESTATE
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THE OKLAHOMAN | NEWSOK.COM
SATURDAY, MAY 25, 2013
Lack of storm shelters floors newcomers to Tornado Alley BY RICHARD MIZE Real Estate Editor richardmize@opubco.com
Kenneth Harney THE NATION’S HOUSING
A BOOST FOR SENIORS Thanks to a rule change by the largest players in the home loan business, seniors may be able to use imputed income from a 401(k), IRA and other retirement assets to qualify for the loan they want. PAGE 4E
Newcomers, a lot of them, really do think it’s crazy that not every house in Oklahoma has a storm shelter. For them, disasters like the tornado that tore through Moore and south Oklahoma City on Monday — and the ones that destroyed or damaged homes in Edmond, Norman, Shawnee, Bethel Acres and Carney the day before — confirm it. Death is especially convincing.
IN BRIEF
The Lenows Patrick Lenow and his wife, Kim, moved here from Southern California and bought a house earlier this year without a shelter, but wasted no time in having one installed. The house, on NE 111 northeast of Hefner Road and Air Depot Boulevard, was built in 2008. He said he was surprised that most of the houses they considered had no shelters. “You know, I was, in the case of our house, especially. The previous owner was a family with two small children,” said Lenow, vice president of public relations for Sonic Corp. The Lenows both are from Orange County, Calif., and previously lived in the Portland, Ore., area before moving to Oklahoma. Earthquakes, they know — and that helps them sort of understand what to some newcomers seems to be a lackadaisical outlook toward severe weather. “It’s all what you’re accustomed to. I grew up in earthquake country. You get a cavalier attitude,” he said. But early on while shopping for a house, he said they were “told of the wisdom of getting a safe room
UPHOLSTERY GUIDE
A worker breaks free concrete inside Patrick and Kim Lenow’s home in preparation to install a storm shelter. PHOTO BY BRYAN TERRY, THE OKLAHOMAN
or storm shelter.” Smart Shelters Inc. said the timing, in the dead of winter, was right — it could be installed in about 30 days. After the first severe spring storm, the waiting list could grow to four months or more. On April 9, the shelter was installed: a belowground safe place, with room for six, positioned in the garage where a car can provide protection from a collapsed house or other debris — unless, of course, the vehicle itself gets blown away. And Sunday, Kim Lenow headed underground — twice — as Patrick was flying in from California with another newcomer: Sandra Lenow, his mother. Her reaction to flying in with the wind? “She put it in one word: ‘Exciting,’ ” SEE SHELTERS, PAGE 2E
BUILDER CONFIDENCE RISES Patrick and Kim Lenow stand in front of their home on NE 111, northeast of Hefner Road and Air Depot Boulevard. The home, built in 2008, had no storm shelter or safe room. The Southern California natives hurried to have an underground shelter installed in the garage.
Buyer regrets not having inspection DEAR BARRY: We bought our house about two years ago, but we did not have a home inspection. Since then, we’ve found problems that were not disclosed by the sellers or their agent. The worst of these is an addition that was built without a permit. The roof on the addition has major leaks, and the shingles were installed without felt underlayment. Do we have recourse against the sellers or their agent for nondisclosure? Elizabeth DEAR ELIZABETH: Most homebuyers are aware of the importance of hiring a home inspector before they buy a home. And most real estate agents advise their clients accordingly. If you bought your home without having it inspected, then one of two errors took place: Either your agent failed to advise you to hire a home inspector, or you failed to heed your agent’s advice. At this late date, you may or may not have recourse against the
Whether you just want to re-cover a drop-in seat or reupholster an entire chair, Hannah Stanton’s “Style, Stitch, Staple” can help you through the process. The basic upholstery guide covers the skills needed for a variety of upholstery projects. Stanton, a designer and upholsterer, introduces readers to the tools and supplies used in the craft and teaches them how to refresh their furniture, from fixing a frame to giving their upholstery professional-looking details such as piping and tufting. “Style, Stitch, Staple: Basic Upholstering Skills to Tackle Any Project” is published by Running Press and sells for $23 in softcover.
Barry Stone INSPECTOR’S IN THE HOUSE
sellers or their agent for nondisclosure. However, it is possible that the sellers had no knowledge of the permit status of the addition, depending on whether they owned the property when the addition was built. The agent, as well, may have been entirely unaware of the unpermitted addition. On the other hand, the sellers may have been aware of the roof leakage, depending on when the leaking began. Regardless of who should have disclosed what, it is strongly recommended that you now hire a qualified home inspector. The time for full disclosure of the condition of your home is long past
due. Whether or not you pursue issues of nondisclosure, you need to know what the defects are and what should be done about them. After the home inspection, you will have a clearer idea about what the seller should or could have disclosed. If known defects were withheld from disclosure, the question of recourse can be discussed with an attorney. DEAR BARRY: We have lived in our home for 23 years and lately have seen bits of paint or popcorn ceiling material on our furniture, directly under our heating vents. The amount of this material seems to be increasing. Should we have the air ducts cleaned, and if so, who does this kind of work? Nancy DEAR NANCY: Cleaning the interior surfaces of old air ducts can be beneficial because it can eliminate health hazards such as dust mites and mold. This can be done by a licensed heating contractor, a chimney sweep, or a janitorial service. However, if the par-
ticles on your furniture appear to be acoustic ceiling texture, then you have a problem of a different kind. Back in the days when acoustic texture was sprayed onto ceilings, the person applying the material would usually allow the spray to coat the interior surfaces of the air duct openings. The over-spray that is in your heat registers has probably lost its adhesion and is now falling onto the furniture and floor. The problem with these loose particles is that they may contain asbestos fibers. A sample of the material should be tested by an environmental laboratory to determine whether it is an asbestos containing material. If asbestos fibers are found, the over-spray inside the ducts should be removed by a licensed asbestos abatement contractor. To write to Barry Stone, visit him on the web at www.housedetective.com. ACTION COAST PUBLISHING
Builder confidence in the market for newly built, single-family homes improved three points to a 44 reading on the National Association of Home Builders/ Wells Fargo Housing Market Index for May. The gain, from a downwardly revised 41 in April, reflected improvement in all three index components: current sales, sales expectations and traffic of prospective buyers. “Builders are noting an increased sense of urgency among potential buyers as a result of thinning inventories of homes for sale, continuing affordable mortgage rates and strengthening local economies,” said Rick Judson, chairman of the National Association of Home Builders. STAFF AND WIRE REPORTS
INDEX Smart Moves Permits Gardening
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THE OKLAHOMAN | NEWSOK.COM
Shelters: Smiths build steel box under their garage FROM PAGE 1E
Patrick Lenow said. The $3,000 was money well spent, he said, covering cutting out existing garage slab, excavating dirt, installing the shelter, reinforcing it with concrete and adding finish. “It may seem like a stretch, but it really is a good investment,” he said.
The Smiths Jeff and Cindy Smith moved to Edmond from Roswell, N.M., last year. They, too, were floored not to find safe rooms or shelters in the houses they considered buying. They bought a house in Edmond’s Iron Horse Ranch Estates addition, north of Coffee Creek Road and west of Coltrane Road. “It was surprising to me. We just figured every house had a safe room in Oklahoma,” said Jeff Smith, president and CEO of PrimeSource Mortgage in Oklahoma City. “The builder downplayed it. He said he’d never seen one (a tornado).” Realtor Anne Wilson, who was assisting the Smiths, took them aside and gave them a talk she tells more and more these days. “Two years ago, I had three friends who lost their houses,” said Wilson, an agent with Paradigm Advantage Real Estate. “What I do is I tell the stories.” Newcomers, “They’re scared when they hear,” she said. “Of course, the more F4s and F5s we get under our belt, the more we know about them.” Wilson is an Edmond native. She has childhood memories of severe weather coming and going, and when a tornado warning sounded, her father opening all the windows of the house, which was advised then, as she kept playing or watching TV. “It’s different now,” she said, meaning the weather itself. Tornadoes lately have been more severe and have left worst damage
Jeff and Cindy Smith posted this snapshot of themselves with Jazzy, their Yorkshire terrier, in their storm shelter on Facebook last Sunday to let family and friends know they were safe from the severe weather. PROVIDED BY JEFF SMITH
than she remembers from years before, she said. Some people want a safe room — a reinforced room built inside a house above ground, she said, but “I tell them, ‘You’ve got to get underground.’ ” For the Smiths, it was a two-step process to buy a new home — built in 2012 — and get a shelter. “We fell in love with our house first. It did not have a storm shelter. It was going to be a long wait, a two- or three-monthlong wait,” Jeff Smith said. Ground Zero Storm Shelters, with offices in Perry and a showroom in Oklahoma City, got it installed sooner, he said, because someone ahead of them had to cancel. “Now we’ve got a steel box under our garage,” Smith said. It was there for him, Cindy and Jazzy, their Yorkshire terrier, to ride out last weekend’s weather. “We actually used it the day the tornado hit Shawnee,” he said, and let friends and family elsewhere know they were safe by posting a picture of them all in the shelter on Facebook.
The Luxes Brian and Alexis Lux aren’t exactly newcomers. They moved to Oklahoma City from Ohio in 2008, renting a house until last summer. Brian said he worries less about severe weather here than he did in
Robert Ozment, with Smart Shelters Inc., operates a track hoe as he installs a storm shelter at Patrick and Kim Lenow’s Oklahoma City home. PHOTO BY BRYAN TERRY, THE OKLAHOMAN
Ohio because of the exhaustive, expert media coverage. But not at first. “That was my first question to the place we rented from,” said Brian Lux, a buyer for MD Building Products in Oklahoma City. They were told, “Watch your neighbors. If your neighbors leave, you leave.” He said he thought: “Oh my gosh! This is Tornado Alley. If the neighBrian Lux bors leave we leave? That’s it?” He has since come to appreciate the weather service being in Norman and local weather coverage that is either a marvel or a source of envy to people in other parts of the world. So they do not have a storm shelter at their home on NW 43 just west of Pennsylvania Avenue. Lux compares weather
Robert Ozment, with Smart Shelters Inc., unloads parts to a storm shelter at Patrick and Kim Lenow’s home. PHOTO BY BRYAN TERRY, THE OKLAHOMAN
coverage here to where he grew up in northeast Ohio. “In Ohio, there’s no warning system. It’s scary,” he said, adding: “Maybe because I didn’t grow up here, I have a false sense of security.” Come to think of it, he said, after the tornado Monday in Moore, maybe he and his wife will consider getting a shelter.
Existing slab is removed so excavation can make room for a storm shelter to be installed in Patrick and Kim Lenow’s home in northeast Oklahoma City. PHOTO BY BRYAN TERRY, THE OKLAHOMAN
State agency is offering grants to tornado victims FROM STAFF REPORTS
The Oklahoma Housing Finance Agency is offering grants for families affected by tornadoes in 2013. The grants, capped at $2,000 per household, may be used for housingrelated expenses including utility deposits, security deposits, hotel rooms and first month’s rent. There is no income limit attached to the grants. Applications for these grants will be taken at Oklahoma Emergency Management’s resource center once it opens. Families applying for assistance must have a valid number from the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
“Oklahoma Housing Finance Agency and its Board of Trustees stand ready and willing to help families affected by the recent tornadoes,” said Dennis Shockley, OHFA executive director. “Our hope is that these grants may provide some peace of mind to those affected by these devastating storms.” Board Chairman Richard Lillard said the agency also will work with families to see if more permanent housing solutions are available to fit their particular needs. “We recognize that recovery from a disaster of this nature takes time,” Lillard said. For more information, call 419-8196.
BUSINESS BUSINESS NEWS P.O. BOX 25125, Oklahoma City, OK 73125 Fax: (405) 475-3996 NewsOK.com HomesOK.com
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The Listing of the Week is at 1605 Pennington Way in Nichols Hills. PHOTO PROVIDED
The Listing of the Week is a large two-story stone home in Nichols Hills. The 6,121-square-foot home at 1605 Pennington Way has four bedrooms, 4 ½ bathrooms, four living rooms, two dining rooms and an attached three-car garage. The main living room has a built-in entertainment center and fireplace. The family room upstairs has a built-in bookcase. The study has a built-in bookcase. The kitchen has Viking and Sub-Zero appliances, a breakfast bar, eating space and island. The master bedroom has a cathedral ceiling, bath with tub and spa shower, heated floor and walk-in closet. Secondary bedrooms have full baths; two have walk-in closets. The home has a central vacuum system, sports court, outdoor fireplace, grill, generator, underground sprinkler system and security system. The home, built by Matt Wilson in 2005, is listed for $1.85 million with Simon Shingleton of Keller Williams Realty. For more information, call 633-3611 or 948-7500. 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.
West, Texas, residents prepare to rebuild homes Fort Worth Star-Telegram
WEST, Texas — W.R. “Bo”
Bohannan’s home is barely standing. His home, built in 1961, is so structurally unsound that it is no longer safe for him to go inside. One wall of bricks has been turned into a pile of rubble. Many of the ceilings have collapsed and his carport is temporarily supported by makeshift wooden beams. What’s left of his house sits two blocks from the site of the West Fertilizer Co. explosion, which destroyed just about every home around him. Across the street is the West Rest Home, which will also have to be demolished. Most of his neighborhood is now empty. But Bohannan, 85, isn’t ready to pack up and move away. “I’m going to rebuild,” Bohannan said. “I’ve already got three bids to demolish the place. I’m not too old to build another house.” But Bohannan and other residents know that they are just at the beginning of a long, arduous process. With an estimated 350 homes damaged — 170 severely — in the deadly April 17 explosion, West must first knock homes down before it can put them back up. Recently, one of the first homes was being demolished several hundred yards from the blast site. Chunks of concrete and tin from the plant sat in the yard and there was still a strong odor of fertilizer amid the debris. “It’s going to be a marathon, not a sprint,” said West Mayor Tommy Mus-
SATURDAY, MAY 25, 2013
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Tips on how to sell smart
LISTING OF THE WEEK
BY BILL HANNA
REAL ESTATE
ka. “Everyone we’ve talked to has told us that. As much as you would like to say you can rush this, you can’t.” Damage estimates from the West explosion should reach at least $100 million, the Insurance Council of Texas has reported. West officials are looking at recovery efforts in other cities that had major disasters, such as Galveston, where Hurricane Ike struck in 2008, and Bastrop, where wildfires in 2011 destroyed 1,696 homes. Bastrop County Emergency Management Coordinator Mike Fisher, who spent nine days in West following the explosion, said there is an ebb and flow to rebuilding. “Right now, what’s going on is you’ve got hundreds of people doing things, cutting lumber in their yards and putting tarps on their roofs,” Fisher said. “What we saw was the sales taxes for the first quarter after the wildfires went up 25 percent, which is a good thing for the community.” Bohannan knows that rebuilding won’t happen overnight. But he’s willing to be patient because he considers himself lucky to be alive. Fifteen people were killed and more than 200 injured in the explosion. As the fire raged at the fertilizer plant, Bohannan’s wife went back back inside to get her purse. Then the explosion occurred, knocking Bohannan to ground as shards of glass flew all around him. Except for a small scratch on his arm he was unharmed. His wife made it out of the house safely. MCT INFORMATION SERVICES
When the custodial company manager and his schoolteacher wife put their ranch-style house on the market, the place was completely prepped: clean carpets, new kitchen cabinets and fresh paint throughout. Still, the sellers fretted. “Just one day into the listing, I got a call from the sellers saying they were losing lots of sleep. Right out of the gate, they were frantic their house wouldn’t sell and they couldn’t contain their anxiety,” recalled Sid Davis, the real estate broker who listed the property. Davis said the couple’s worries were baseless. Year after year, houses sell well in their coveted, middle-income neighborhood. Given the strong schools in the area and the excellent condition of their property, Davis knew the couple would also do well on the sale of their place — a solid 1970s-era threebedroom house with a big family room and a sizable backyard. As it turned out, the couple didn’t have long to worry. Their house sold in just two weeks and for nearly their full asking price, allowing them to move forward with their dream move. Davis, author of “A Survival Guide to Selling a Home,” said it’s common for home sellers to worry and that anxiety is prevalent in strong real estate markets as well as weak. Real estate prices are rebounding in many communities, and inventories are shrinking. Logically, such positives should help calm sellers’ nerves. But many anxious sellers still call their listing agent several times a day in search of reassurance. Davis said sellers caught in a web of worry only make it tougher to deal with the selling process. “Fear can make it much harder for you — not to mention your agent — to get your home sold,” he said. Here are several pointers for sellers: I Resist the urge to pressure your listing agent.
Ellen James Martin SMART MOVES
In the early days after his family’s ranch-style house went up for sale, the manager fretted that he should have made more improvements to the property. “He kept asking me if he should have replaced his carport with a two-car garage, because many neighbors’ houses had garages. But I told him he would have recovered only 60 percent of his investment in the garage. Unfortunately, this was just one of his many queries,” Davis said. Putting pressure on your listing agent might seem helpful at the time. But it can backfire if the agent feels harassed and starts to resent your nonstop calls and emails, Davis said. I Don’t view open houses as a panacea. The longer a home stays on the market, the more likely it is that the owners will ask the listing agent to conduct repeated open houses. But many real estate pros, such as Dorcas Helfant, a former president of the National Association of Realtors (www.realtor. org), say that open houses provide little benefit. Instead of pressing your listing agent to conduct more open houses, Helfant
says you might consider asking for an “office caravan” to gain tips on making your place more saleable. During such an event, a number of agents from the same office will come through to critique the property and offer lowcost ideas for a better presentation. Davis said the reason it’s rare for homes to sell during a public open house is that few who visit are serious buyers. “Lots of these folks are just ‘looky-loos.’ They’re curious neighbors or, believe it or not, they’re people who make a hobby out of going to open houses every weekend,” he said. I Face the reality that asking too much is a selfdefeating strategy. Prices are rising currently in many neighborhoods. But Davis said some owners — who’ve been sitting on the sidelines waiting to sell for several years — are now tempted to overprice. This is especially likely if their home has been “underwater,” meaning they owe more on the mortgage than the home is worth. “They get excited and go overboard on price. They think it’s a good idea to test the market. But they go too far, and it backfires,” Davis said. Pricing correctly has always been difficult, particularly in neighborhoods where values are changing rapidly. In such areas, a careful review of very recent sales of similar properties — known as “comparables” — is all the more
important. “Remembering the economic downturn, buyers are still worried they’ll overpay. They’re very educated on home values, so you can’t trick them into overpaying. If you ask too much, they’ll just ignore you and never make an offer,” Davis said. I Let go of stress with a cleaning blitz. Davis has sold property since 1984, and during that time he’s observed a gradual decline in the cleanliness of homes shown for sale. His explanation? There are more singleparent and dual-income families who are too busy to keep up with housework. Yet more than ever, current buyers want a property that’s exceptionally clean and free of clutter. Homeowners who are anxious their property won’t sell would do well to channel some of their nervous energy into an old-fashioned cleaning blitz that covers every inch of their property, Davis said. That’s because showing a home in sparkling condition can give you a competitive edge over less-tidy properties in the same area. “You get a huge return on your time when you do the work to ensure your home is spotless. Believe me, you’ll stand out if your house is super clean,” Davis said. To contact Ellen James Martin, email her at ellenjamesmartin@gmail.com. UNIVERSAL UCLICK
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For seniors, a break on mortgages WASHINGTON — Here’s a heads-up for the growing ranks of seniors whose post-retirement monthly incomes aren’t sufficient to qualify for a mortgage under today’s tough underwriting standards: Thanks to a rule change by the largest players in the home loan business, you may be able to use imputed income from your 401(k), IRA and other retirement assets to qualify for the loan you want. That, in turn, could open the door to a money-saving refinancing to a lower-rate loan or a downsizing purchase of a new house or condo. Top credit officials at Freddie Mac — the giant federally controlled mortgage investment company — said last week that a “little known” policy revision now allows seniors and others to use certain retirement account balances to supplement their incomes for underwriting purposes without actually tapping those balances or drawing down cash. Freddie’s revised rule is
Kenneth Harney THE NATION’S HOUSING
aimed at the tidal waves of baby boomers heading into retirement status — 8,000 a day for the next 18 years, according to one industry estimate. Many of these seniors have seen their monthly incomes, heavily dependent on Social Security and limited pension plan payouts, plummet following retirement. Yet on paper, they look comfortable financially. They’ve got growing IRA and 401(k) retirement account balances, swelled by recent stock market gains. They often have solid equity in their homes, good credit scores and at least modest savings. But if these same people apply for a refinancing or a new mortgage to buy a home, suddenly they’re told they don’t look so
great. They often can’t qualify under the “debtto-income” standards required for today’s post-recession underwriting. Those rules sometimes set the bar for total household debt-to-income too low for retirees who are still making payments on auto loans, credit cards, home equity lines of credit and other debts. Freddie Mac’s plan — and Fannie Mae, the other big mortgage investor has a similar option for seniors — offers them a little extra boost on qualifying income if their financial assets permit. Take this hypothetical example provided by Freddie Mac credit officials: Say you’d like a new, low-interestrate mortgage but your debt-to-income ratio doesn’t make the grade. You do have $800,000 sitting in a retirement account that you haven’t touched yet and that could be accessed by you with no IRS penalty. The good news: Under the federal mortgage investors’ policy change on
If a debt-ratio problem is preventing you from getting a new, low-interest-rate mortgage, and you’ve got substantial untapped retirement funds that might help qualify you on income, don’t settle for a rejection. qualifying income standards, your monthly income could actually be higher for underwriting purposes than it appears to be at first glance. Under Freddie’s guidelines, the loan officer could use your $800,000 in untapped retirement assets as follows: First the lender essentially discounts the $800,000 to take into account possible market swings that could reduce what you actually have available. Freddie Mac requires them to multiply your retirement fund assets by 70 percent to arrive at a conservative number. This brings your retirement funds — for underwriting purposes, of course — down to $560,000 ($800,000
Member survey shows Realtors’ business, income continue to grow FROM STAFF REPORTS
WASHINGTON — The business activity and income of Realtors are up for the second year in a row following nine years of decline, according to the 2013 National Association of Realtors Member Profile. The study’s results are representative of the nation’s Realtors, which account for about half of the about 2 million active real estate licensees in the United States. Realtors go beyond state licensing requirements by subscribing to the National Association of Realtors Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice and committing to continuing education. Growth in the housing market has improved the earnings of real estate professionals, said Paul Bishop, vice president of research for the association. “The median gross income of a Realtor rose to $43,500 in 2012 from $34,900 in 2011, which is only the second gain in the past 10 years,” Bishop said. “To put that in perspective, the median Realtor income had fallen by 35 percent during the housing downturn, but with the help of sustained in-
creases in both home sales and prices, it’s recovered to the highest level since 2006.” Members licensed as brokers typically earned $54,900 in 2012, while the median for sales agents was $34,000. Median gross income tends to increase with experience; Realtors in the business for 16 years or more earned $57,300. Realtors working 60 hours a week or more earned $85,700, and 21 percent of all members earned a sixfigure income. There are two sides to every real estate transaction — one each for the seller and the buyer. Among Realtors, the median number of transaction sides or commercial deals handled in 2012 was
12, up from 10 transaction sides in 2011. The real estate business is cyclical, said Gary Thomas, broker-owner of Evergreen Realty in Villa Park, Calif., and president of the association. “Realtors have some way to go to surpass the peak income recorded back in 2002. Interestingly, the peak wasn’t during the bubble years because there were way too many people in the business,” he said. “To help smooth out the peaks and valleys associated with residential sales, many Realtors are diversified into related services. As a result, changes in Realtor income don’t exactly parallel changes in home sales and prices.” Eight out of 10 Realtors focus on residential sales and 73 percent have secondary real estate specialties. Eighteen percent of residential specialists also offer commercial property management, 17 percent relocation services, 15 percent commercial brokerage, 8 percent counseling and 7 percent land development. Smaller percentages were also in residential appraisal, residential property management,
2013 NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS PROFILE WASHINGTON — Here’s more from the 2013 National Association of Realtors Member Profile. I Members said the biggest impediment to buying a house was difficulty in obtaining a mortgage, cited by 29 percent of respondents, followed by difficulty in finding the right property, 25 percent. I The typical Realtor has 13 years of experience and works 40 hours per week; 57 percent are women, who account for 52 percent of brokers and 63 percent of sales agents. Ninety-four percent are certain they will remain in the business for at least two more years. I Thirty-nine percent of Realtors hold at least one out of six certifications in specialized training. The most popular area of training, driven by an elevated level of distressed homes in recent years, is the Short Sales and Foreclosures Resource Certification, held by 23 percent. I The survey shows the typical Realtor is 57 years old; only 2 percent are under 30 and 4 percent are 30 to 34 years old; 25 percent are 65 or over. I Most members — 56 percent — are licensed as sales agents; 27 percent are brokers; 18 percent are broker associates; and 4 percent are appraisers (some hold more than one license). Fourteen percent of members have one personal assistant, while 4 percent have two or more personal assistants. I Sixty-four percent of Realtors have a personal website, operational for a median of eight years, and 94 percent report their firm has a Web presence. Fifty-six percent of respondents use social or professional networking sites and 12 percent have a blog. I Realtors use a variety of communications methods, with 92 percent preferring email for current clients or customers, followed by telephone at 90 percent and text messaging, 74 percent. I Sixty-eight percent of respondents are compensated through a split-commission arrangement, 18 percent receive all of the commission and another 4 percent receive a commission plus a share of profits; 10 percent received some other form of compensation. I Eighty-three percent of members work as independent contractors for their firms. The vast majority of Realtors receive no fringe benefits, although 22 percent are covered by errors-and-omissions insurance; only 4 percent receive health insurance through their firm. I Most members begin their careers in other fields and bring a wide range of expertise and experience to the profession; only 6 percent report real estate is their first career. Previous full-time careers include management, business or financial, 19 percent; sales or retail, 15 percent; office or administrative support, 9 percent; and education, 7 percent. I Respondents worked for a firm with a median of 23 brokers and agents, typically with one office, and had been with that firm for seven years on average. Fifty-six percent were affiliated with an independent firm, and 40 percent were with a franchised company. I Ten percent of Realtors report their firm was bought by or merged with another during the past two years, down from 11 percent in the 2012 study.
auctions, international or commercial appraisal. For Realtors who have other primary specialties, 37 percent listed residential brokerage as a secondary business. Repeat business and referrals are important to the success of Realtors. Repeat business accounted for a median 21percent of activity in 2012 and is higher for those with more experience; for members in the business 16 years or more, repeat business was 40 percent of their activity. Referrals accounted for an additional 21 percent of all business.
times 70 percent). Next, the underwriter divides the discounted fund balance by 360 to arrive at what is in effect 30 years’ worth of monthly drawdowns from the fund — in this case, $1,556 ($560,000/360 equals $1,556). The lender then can add the $1,556 to your current Social Security, pension and other verified qualifying income for the purpose of computing your debt ratio. You may never have to draw down even a dollar from your retirement funds to pay the mortgage, but the fact that you have easily accessible financial assets available to do so allows the change to the underwriting equation. The computations can
get a little complex, and there are some technical rules and definitions that lenders must follow. For example, if you are already pulling down dollars from a retirement account, procedures are a little different. Another example: Retirement-related financial assets can include lumpsum distributions you’ve received or even the proceeds of the sale of a business. Loan officers and underwriters unfamiliar with the program can consult Freddie’s (or Fannie’s) online technical guidance for more detail. But the bottom line is this: If a debt-ratio problem is preventing you from getting a new, low-interest-rate mortgage, and you’ve got substantial untapped retirement funds that might help qualify you on income, don’t settle for a rejection. You may have more income — at least for underwriting purposes — than you thought. Ken Harney’s email address is kenharney@earthlink.net. WASHINGTON POST WRITERS GROUP
REAL ESTATE
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Consider ‘invisible’ fence to restrict pets Ah, the family pet. A source of great joy, deep camaraderie and yes, at least occasional frustration. Perhaps you have a dog that spends a little too much time checking out what’s inside the cat’s litter box; a cat that for some reason likes to sharpen its claws on the chair in your study; or maybe a rambunctious puppy that thinks the toys in the kids’ playroom are meant for him. Or maybe you have an area of your yard — like a garden — that you want to protect from digging by your pet. A hidden or “invisible” fence could be just what you need to protect certain areas of your home by restricting the places where your pet can traverse. Animal fencing systems work by delivering a radio frequency static correction from a transmitter board located inside the home to a collar worn by the pet, if the pet enters a restricted area. Most invisible fence systems use wires buried underground for outside containment and transmitter systems that deliver the same correction in a predefined area indoors. One common misperception is that animals receive an electric shock when they enter the restricted area. In fact, the correction is a static shock, similar to walking on a carpet in socks and then touching a doorknob. The correction, if designed and installed correctly, serves as a reminder, rather than a punishment for the pet. But proper design and installation is key. Pet owners who are interested in adding an invisible fence
Angie Hicks
LIVING SMART
should look for a company with a good reputation for training pets in a positive way. “We use a gentle-steps training program, so the dog isn’t afraid to use the yard,” said Shane Wisdom, owner of Dog Wisdom in Saint Peters, Mo. “The idea of a dog fence is not to shock the dog. It only corrects the dog while they’re within the signal field. We teach the dog their boundaries before we ever use the correction, so the dog understands where their boundaries are. The dogs typically only need one or two corrections to keep them in. From that day on, the dog never touches the fence because the dog knows where the fence is. I liken it to touching a hot stove. You only have to tell me once.” There are a variety of pet fence systems on the market, so it’s important that pet owners do their research. For example, a good-quality system will work for multiple pets and allow different settings on the pet’s collar that determine how much of a static correction the pet receives based on its size and its temperament. Some systems only offer a one-correction-fits-all approach. “We mount a control box in the garage and all the settings are done through that control box, so you can program each individual (collar),” Wis-
dom said. “So, if you have a 4-pound dog, a 30-pound dog or a 130-pound dog, I can program each individual collar to match that dog, so the collar for the 130-pound dog won’t (issue a correction level) for the 4-pound or 30-pound dog at the same rate.” Many systems also offer an audible warning that alerts the pet that the correction zone is near. “Our receptor collars always put out a sound first; kind of an alert that if (the dog) keeps going, it’s going to set it off,” said Kim Karr, with Invisible Fence of the Upstate in Greenville, S.C. “The audible (correction) is used in the training as well, so you don’t have to give as many (static) corrections. We train sight, sound and then feel.” Most professional pet fence companies advise that they can train a pet to stay within the predefined boundaries within a week or two. “Your dog could be off the leash and in your yard within about nine days of training,” Wisdom said. Depending on the size of the area, a pet fencing system can cost several hundred dollars to more than $1,000. That’s a reasonable investment for a homeowner who doesn’t want — or can’t have — a fence in the yard. “They’re good for areas that don’t allow for wood privacy fencing or chain link fencing, or for people who don’t want to create a barrier and block their views from their own yard,” Karr said. Angie Hicks is the founder of Angie’s List, a resource for local consumer reviews on everything from home repair to health care. MCT INFORMATION SERVICES
When did you last check your foundation vents? It’s time for spring chores again. Here’s clean or replace any filters. Check the roof my annual spring checklist of important or wall caps where the fan ducts terminate issues to tend to around the house. to make sure they are undamaged and well Roofing repairs: If you suspect storms sealed. Check dampers for smooth opermay have damaged your roof, it needs to ation. be inspected. (If you’re not comfortable Check and adjust sprinklers: Run each with the height or steepness of your roof, set of in-ground sprinklers through a cyhire a licensed roofing contractor for the cle, and watch how and where the water is inspection.) Look for missing or loose hitting. Adjust or replace any sprinklers shingles, including ridge cap shingles. that are hitting your siding, washing out Examine the condition of the flashings loose soil areas, spraying over foundation around chimneys, flue pipes, vent caps, vents, or in any other way wetting areas and anyplace where the roof and walls in- on and around your house that shouldn’t tersect. Look for overhanging trees that be getting wet. could damage the roof in a Check vent blocks and wind storm, as well as faucet covers: Remove buildups of leaves and foundation vent blocks or other debris. open vent covers to allow air Paul If you have roof damage Bianchina circulation in the crawl in a number of areas, or if space. While removing the older shingles make vent covers, check the grade patching impractical, level around the foundation consider having the entire HANDY @ HOME vents. Winter weather can roof redone. Of course, move soil and create builstorm damage is probably dups or grade problems that covered by your homeowners insurance. will allow groundwater to drain through Check gutters and downspouts: Look the vents into the crawl space, so regrade for areas where the fasteners may have as necessary. pulled loose, and for any sags in the gutter Remove outdoor faucet covers. Turn on run. Also, check for water stains that may the water supply to outdoor faucets if it’s indicate joints that have worked loose and been shut off. are leaking. Clean leaves and debris to be Prepare yard tools: Replace broken or ready for spring and summer rains. damaged handles, and clean and condiFences and gates: Fence posts are es- tion metal parts. Tighten fittings and faspecially susceptible to groundwater sat- teners, sharpen cutting tools and mower uration, and will loosen up and tilt if the blades, and service engines and belts in soil around them gets soaked too deeply. lawn mowers and other power equipCheck fence posts by wiggling them to see ment. how solidly embedded they are. If any are Change furnace filters: Now is the loose, wait until the surrounding soil has time to replace furnace filters that have dried out, then excavate around the bot- become choked with dust from the winter tom of the posts and pour additional con- heating season. This is especially imporcrete to stabilize them. Replace any posts tant if you have central air conditioning, that have rotted. or if you utilize your heating system’s fan Clear yard debris: Inspect landscaping to circulate air during the summer. for damage, especially trees. If you see any Check smoke detectors: Daylight cracked, leaning or otherwise dangerous Savings Time snuck up early again, and conditions with any of your trees, have a that’s usually the semi-annual reminder licensed, insured tree company inspect to check your smoke alarms. So if you and trim or remove them as needed. Clean haven’t already done it, now’s the time. up leaves, needles, small limbs and other Replace the batteries, clean the covers, material that has accumulated. Do any and test the detector’s operation before spring pruning that’s necessary. Remove it’s too late. and dispose of all dead plant material so it If you have gas-fired appliances in the won’t become a fire hazard as it dries. house, add a carbon monoxide detector as Fans and air conditioners: Clean and well (or check the operation of your existcheck the operation of cooling fans, air ing one). CO2 detectors are inexpensive conditioners and whole-house fans. Shut and easy to install, and are available at off the power to the fan, remove the cover most home centers and other retailers of and wash with mild soapy water, then electrical parts and supplies. clean out dust from inside the fan with a Remodeling and repair questions? E-mail Paul at shop vacuum. Do not operate the fan with paulbianchina@inman.com. All product reviews are based on the author’s actual testing of free review samples provided by the cover removed. the manufacturers. Check outdoor central air conditioning INMAN NEWS units for damage or debris buildup, and
Kim Schwab looks over her south Oklahoma City home destroyed by a tornado on Monday. PHOTO BY PAUL HELLSTERN, THE OKLAHOMAN
Natural disasters attract scammers BY RICHARD MIZE Real Estate Editor richardmize@opubco.com
Donors beware. Disasters like this week’s tornadoes in Moore, south Oklahoma City, Edmond and elsewhere attract scammers. “For those folks around the country who want to donate funds to help families in Oklahoma, please be alert and only donate to reputable relief charities such as the Salvation Army or the Red Cross. The first scam we typically see after devastation like this is charity fraud,” state Attorney General Scott Pruitt said. “We have more than 30 investigators in the field to help Oklahomans avoid scams, fraud and price gouging as communities work to recover and rebuild.” Anyone who suspects charity fraud or finds price gouging at gas stations, grocery stores, rental car companies or hotels should call the AG’s hotline immediately at (405) 521-2029. Over the next few weeks, “criminals will shift focus to scams involving clean up, removal, home repair and tree trimming,” Pruitt said. “Home and business owners will want to quickly repair their property, but we urge them
to be cautious and patient and to use reputable contractors. “We ask that residents pay particular attention to criminals known as ‘travelers’ who go from one community to the next to take advantage of vulnerable Oklahomans.” Pruitt cautioned people to be wary of repair services and contractors who: I Solicit for work doorto-door. I Offer discounts for finding other customers. I “Just happen to have” materials left over from a previous job. I Accept only cash payments. I Pressure you for an immediate decision. I Ask you to pay for the entire job up-front. The Attorney General’s Office suggests the following tips for choosing a proper contractor or repair service: I Ask for referrals from
people you trust. I Try to do business with local companies. I Request to see proof of certification and insurance. I Check out the repair service with the AG’s Public Protection Unit and the Better Business Bureau. I Ask for customer references. I Get written estimates from several companies. I Don’t do business without a written contract. I Get all guarantees, warranties and promises in writing. I Agree on start and completion dates, and have them in the contract. For more tips and resources, go online to www.oag.ok.gov/ oagweb.nsf/Consumer, visit the Attorney General’s Facebook Page or call the Public Protection Unit at (405) 521-2029.
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REAL ESTATE
SATURDAY, MAY 25, 2013
Permits Oklahoma City Pascal Aughton & Associates PC, 7401 S Choctaw Road, retail sales, erect, $3,000,000. Pascal Aughton & Associates PC, 7401 S Choctaw Road, retail sales, erect, $3,000,000. City of Oklahoma City, 100 W Reno Ave., public building, remodel, $1,750,000. Construction Supervisors Inc., 1515 Kingsridge Drive, nursing home, remodel, $1,600,000. Flintco Inc., 3300 Northwest Expressway, hospital, remodel, $1,500,000. Quigley (Jim) Custom Homes LLC, 15809 Lacebark Lane, residence, erect, $950,000. Evans Building Concepts, 7308 NW 164, shell building, erect, $850,000. Construction Supervisors Inc., 1515 Kingsridge Drive, nursing home, remodel, $800,000. Putnam City Schools, 8201 NW 122, school, remodel, $500,000. Rice Custom Homes LLC, 905 NW 196 Place, residence, erect, $365,000. Katleron Construction Inc., 3431 NW 189, residence, erect, $300,000. Component Concepts LLC, 16832 Little Leaf Lane, residence, erect, $290,000. Foster Signature Homes LLC, 15509 Daybright Drive, residence, erect, $280,000. Landstar Homes OKC LLC, 16001 Angie Kaye Lane, residence, erect, $280,000. J.W. Mashburn Development Inc., 5621 NW 120 Circle, residence, erect, $275,000. Malarkey Roofing, 3400 S Council Road, manufacturing, erect, $275,000. Remington Builders Inc., 13520 Keswick Lane, residence, erect, $270,000. Jeff Click Homes LLC, 2329 NW 172, residence, erect, $267,896. Remington Builders Inc., 13524 Keswick Lane, residence, erect, $266,000. Jeff Click Homes LLC, 2433 NW 173, residence, erect, $264,660. Component Concepts LLC, 16828 Little Leaf Lane, residence, erect, $260,000. Ironwood Homes LLC, 19617 Stratmore Way, residence, erect, $260,000. Dub Stone Construction Co., 6900 Desiree Drive, residence, erect, $260,000. Copper Creek Homes LLC, 19509 Talavera Lane, residence, erect, $253,000. Greystone Homes LLC, 19628 Stratmore Way, residence, erect, $251,000. Taber Built Homes LLC, 8609 NW 124, residence, erect, $250,000. Smith & Pickel Construction, 2700 N Blackwelder Ave., school, remodel, $250,000. Mark Samples Homes LLC, 6800 Postside Lane, residence, erect, $245,000. J.P. Morgan Chase Co., 100 N Broadway Ave., office, remodel, $240,000. Taber Built Homes LLC, 13500 Stonedale Drive, residence, erect, $230,000. R&R Homes LLC, 320 Centennial Farm Lane, residence, erect, $224,000. ANW Custom Designs LLC, 8512 SW 57, residence, erect, $220,000. Jeff Click Homes LLC, 17301 Shadow Hawk Lane, residence, erect, $217,000. Jeff Click Homes LLC, 17312 Shadow Hawk Lane, residence, erect, $209,712. R&R Homes LLC, 13209 NW 2, residence, erect, $208,000. Johnston Builders LLC, 12901 Maiden Lane, residence, erect, $200,000. Mark Samples Homes LLC, 7201 Stinchcomb Drive, residence, erect, $200,000. Ray Owens Homes LLC, 1520 NW 175 Court, residence, erect, $200,000. Foster Signature Homes LLC, 16005 Angie Kaye Lane, residence, erect, $195,000. Authentic Custom Homes LLC, 11228 NW 105, residence, erect, $194,990. Taber Built Homes LLC, 12516 Stonecrest Lane, residence, erect, $190,000. Oklahoma Hi-Tech Inc., 805 NW 102, residence, fire
restoration, $183,336. Griffin Homes LLC, 9120 NW 82, residence, erect, $180,000. J.W. Mashburn Development Inc., 12104 Dornick Drive, residence, erect, $180,000. Foster Signature Homes LLC, 12017 Jadesdale Circle, duplex, erect, $170,000. Foster Signature Homes LLC, 12019 Jadesdale Circle, duplex, erect, $170,000. Pascal Aughton & Associates PC, 7401 S Choctaw Road, canopy-carport, erect, $170,000. Authentic Custom Homes LLC, 10509 Cheshire Ave., residence, erect, $167,500. Two Structures LLC, 10701 Middlesbrough Lane, residence, erect, $160,000. Two Structures LLC, 11204 NW 104, residence, erect, $160,000. Teehee Design/Build LLC, 1701 S Morgan Road, office, remodel, $155,000. Tom Abel Custom Homes LLC, 5305 Bent Creek Drive, residence, erect, $140,000. Ideal Homes of Norman LP, 18420 Las Meninas Drive, residence, erect, $139,000. Ideal Homes of Norman LP, 14121 Wagon Boss Road, residence, erect, $134,000. Westpoint Developers LLC, doing business as Westpoint Homes, 6220 NW 156, residence, erect, $130,000. TC Management LLC, doing business as Titus Construction, 12000 Quail Creek Road, residence, remodel, $125,000. Jason Powers Homes Inc., 8916 NW 109, residence, erect, $120,000. Jason Powers Homes Inc., 10928 SW 19, residence, erect, $120,000. Harbor Homes, 424 SW 168, residence, erect, $110,000. Harbor Homes, 404 SW 168, residence, erect, $110,000. Cornerstone Group LLC, 11200 NW 8, residence, erect, $109,850. Home Creations, 12516 Nittany Circle, residence, erect, $106,500. Home Creations, 3049 NW 181, residence, erect, $106,100. Lawn Master Outdoor Living LLC, 13117 SW 10, residence, add-on, $100,000. Evans Building Concepts Inc., 2000 Reveille Road, residence, add-on, $100,000. Rausch Coleman Homes LLC, 6141 Courtyards Court, residence, erect, $100,000. Rausch Coleman Homes LLC, 6116 Courtyards Court, residence, erect, $100,000. Rausch Coleman Homes LLC, 6108 Courtyards Court, residence, erect, $100,000. Rausch Coleman Homes LLC, 8512 SW 48, residence, erect, $100,000. Rausch Coleman Homes LLC, 8520 SW 47 Circle, residence, erect, $100,000. Rausch Coleman Homes LLC, 8524 SW 48, residence, erect, $100,000. Rausch Coleman Homes LLC, 8424 SW 48, residence, erect, $100,000. Rausch Coleman Homes LLC, 8521 SW 47 Circle, residence, erect, $100,000. Pascal Aughton & Associates PC, 7401 S Choctaw Road, canopy-carport, erect, $100,000. Ideal Homes of Norman LP, 2600 NW 185, residence, erect, $98,000. Ideal Homes of Norman LP, 9520 SW 27, residence, erect, $95,000. 2nd Wind Exercise Equipment, 2747 Northwest Expressway, retail sales, remodel, $90,000. GMLA Construction Services, 215 NE 28, clubhouse, remodel, $90,000. Home Creations, 2421 NW 196 Terrace, residence, erect, $86,900. Crandall & Associates, 2300 W Memorial Road, retail sales, remodel, $85,000. Kchao & Kchao Investments 3 LLC, 704 NW 113, residence, erect, $80,000. Ideal Homes of Norman LP, 2612 NW 184, residence, erect, $78,000. Matt Wilson Custom Homes, 2209 Avian Way, accessory, erect, $70,000. Cornerstone Group LLC, 10729 SW 34 Terrace, residence, erect, $65,000. Pascal Aughton & Associates PC, 7401 S Choctaw
Road, restaurant, remodel, $55,000. Ferguson Enterprises Inc., 3901 W Reno Ave., automotive sales, remodel, $55,000. Johnny Nguyen, 15220 N Western Ave., business, remodel, $52,000. Maurice Cheatham, 8217 John, residence, move-on, $51,000. Precise Construction Inc., 10911 N Sara Road, cabana-gazebo, erect, $50,000. Mike Sullivan Construction, 400 NE 16, residence, remodel, $42,000. The D-Group, 4613 N St. Clair Ave., residence, remodel, $40,000. Anderson & House, 6100 S Walker Ave., office, remodel, $40,000. Affordable Countertops, 3833 NW 33, residence, fire restoration, $30,000. Augustina Valazquez, 1222 N Pennsylvania Ave., restaurant, remodel, $30,000. Pasch Aughton & Associates PC, 7401 S Choctaw Road, accessory, erect, $30,000. Southwest Builders, 4909 Robin Hill Lane, residence, add-on, $28,000. Southwest Builders, 8213 NW 65 Place, residence, add-on, $27,000. B.K. Weaver Construction Inc., 818 NW 47, residence, add-on, $25,000. Vintage Dwellings LLC, 14825 Aurea Lane, residence, remodel, $25,000. Anderson & House Inc., 6100 S Walker Ave., office, remodel, $20,000. Shi Yumin, 108 S Rockwell Ave., business, remodel, $20,000. Anthony Grylls, 5417 Lazy Fawn Trail, accessory, erect, $19,600. Deanna MowreyBrandt, 4011NW 42, accessory, erect, $16,000. Myers & Associates, 4101 SE 85, office-warehouse, remodel, $15,450. We Buy Houses, 2600 SW 102, residence, fire restoration, $15,000. Sprint, 4803 N Stiles Ave., tower-antenna, install, $15,000. Sprint, 3117 NE Grand Blvd., tower-antenna, install, $15,000. Sprint, 20 S Martin Luther King Ave., towerantenna, install, $15,000. Kima Hopkins, 2101 Eric Circle, accessory, erect, $13,000. Standard Services LLC, 8401 SW 92 Circle, accessory, erect, $12,000. Nicolasa Guzman, 637 SE 35, residence, add-on, $8,000. Omar Khalil, 419 NW 20, accessory, erect, $7,500. Cecilia Garcia, 2333 SW 30, accessory, erect, $7,000. Alfred Speaks, 608 Collin Drive, manufactured home, move-on-mobile home park, $6,000. Alfred Speaks, 603 Collin Drive, manufactured home, move-on-mobile home park, $6,000. Expert Services, 2720 Guilford Lane, canopycarport, erect, $5,331. Wendi and Jason Akers, 10835 Sundance Drive, accessory, erect, $5,000. Evans Building Concepts, 7308 NW 164, office-warehouse, remodel, $5,000. No name provided, 1729 NW 3, canopy-carport, erect, $5,000. Hartwig Investments LLC, 7308 NW 164, officewarehouse, remodel, $5,000. Max Heckl, 13100 Colonypointe Blvd., retail sales, remodel, $5,000.
Demolitions Midwest Wrecking, 6005 Northwest Expressway. Midwest Wrecking, 2001 Reveille Road, residence. Total Demolition Services LLC, 620 NW 61, residence. Kendall Concrete, 2435 SW 21, residence. Kendall Concrete, 2426 SW 24, residence. K&M Wrecking LLC, 715 N Dewey Ave., single-family residence. Midwest Wrecking, 1134 NW 40, garage. Ray’s Trucking, 7111 St. Bernard, residence. Ray’s Trucking, 7111 St. Bernard, shed. Midwest Wrecking, 617 SE 32, garage. Kendall Concrete, 125 SW 24, shed. Marilyn Lowe, 1708 NE 14, single-family residence. Jannine Bloomer, 10317 NE 59, residential.
THE OKLAHOMAN | NEWSOK.COM
Landscaping adds appeal even in winter to the front of a house in the Lone Oak Ridge addition in northwest Oklahoma City. PAUL B. SOUTHERLAND, THE OKLAHOMAN ARCHIVES
Turn up your curb appeal to sell home BY SHEA CONNER St. Joseph News-Press
ST. JOSEPH, Mo. — Take it
from Mary Masters, a real estate agent with 25 years of experience: Curb appeal is everything. “People will decide in the first few minutes whether they want to buy a home, so how it looks from the outside is very important,” she said. Whenever she’s trying to sell a house, she recommends that homeowners make the home and lawn look as good as possible. She tells them to trim the trees and bushes and to put away any tacky furniture or lawn ornaments that might be on the grounds. “We want it to be manicured, clean and anything extra that they have needs to be stored away,” she said. Gale Steves, home industries consultant and author of the books “Right-Sizing Your Home” and “Home Magazine’s Best Little Houses,” agrees. In fact, she puts a special emphasis on the greens. “If your shrubs and trees have become overgrown over time, then prune or remove them. Do not let them hide your house or make it appear dark,” she said. “Rake up dead leaves, pull those weeds and spread mulch in the plant beds. How you maintain your front garden is one of the key aspects of curb appeal.” Revise your yard’s exterior night appearance by changing those out-ofdate light fixtures or adding lights if you do not have them. Light up your doorways and walkways. The idea, Steves said, is to have more lights at a lower wattage than a single very bright light. If your front yard seems gloomy, then consider some landscape lights as well. This can be done simply with solar-powered lights so you do not have to run wires in the yard. “It helps, especially when you have longer hours to show property,” Masters said. “It gives more accent to the walkways.”
Revise your yard’s exterior night appearance by changing those out-of-date light fixtures or adding lights if you do not have them. Light up your doorways and walkways. The idea, home industries consultant Gale Steves said, is to have more lights at a lower wattage than a single very bright light. On to the house itself. Ms. Steves said you can renew the color of your home by painting or power-washing the siding. If your home blends in with too many others in the neighborhood, change the color slightly to make it stand out more. If the colors are predetermined, then think about adding some decorative molding so you can introduce another complementary color. Sometimes repainting the trim of the windows or shutters with a contrasting color will add to the visual appeal. A fresh paint job isn’t just a feather in the cap for homeowners. It’s also a bonus for potential homebuyers. “If they want to be able to qualify for some loans, they can’t get a house with peeling paint,” Masters
said. “(The house) will qualify for more buyers if that’s taken care of.” Steves said a fresh coat of paint will come in handy in other places. Redecorate your house’s front with shutters on the windows or a new paint job on the front door. For example, bright red doors stand out against white Colonial and Neoclassical-style homes. Polish or replace the door’s hardware. Even think about adding attractive house numbers or a striking new mailbox. Do not forget to clean those windows as well as the garage windows so they are sparkling. “These are smaller changes but they can make your home look inviting and eye-catching,” Steves said. MCT INFORMATION SERVICES
THE OKLAHOMAN | NEWSOK.COM
REAL ESTATE
SATURDAY, MAY 25, 2013
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7E
Wash. residents built green to teach others BY REBECCA TEAGARDEN The Seattle Times
SEATTLE — Before she got into the construction business 41 years ago, Donna Shirey was a teacher. Turns out, she still is. “Our first project with SIPs was in 1987,” said Shirey, co-founder of Shirey Handyman & Remodeling, discussing the benefits of building with structural insulated panels, SIPS. “The first show we ever did was the Tacoma Home Show in 1987. People said to us, ‘You’re going to put foam in houses? I read about that in Popular Science.’ ” The Shireys, Donna and her husband, Riley, have long believed that sustainable building is smart building. And in 2005 they decided to go for it: build the greenest, most affordable, healthy, comfortable and quiet home possible on the shore of Lake Sammamish in Bellevue, Wash. The Shireys would be their own client, and they would open the house to anybody who wanted to come have a look, from construction to completion. Its sustainable credentials are many: photovoltaic panels, solar hot water, tankless water heater, hydronic radiant heating, heat-recovery ventilator, living roof, recycled-content tile, salvaged-wood flooring, metal roof, local materials, rainwater collection using a 3,000-gallon cistern, small footprint, wind turbine, 5-star Built Green rating. More. “We had 3,500 people come through, and that’s not including groups,” Shirey said brightly, sitting in the golden kitchen of
their 1,630-square-foot home, a little bit country, a little bit contemporary and designed by architect David Clinkston. “Riley thinks the looky-loos added three months to the process.” The more the merrier, is how they look at it. Why, Shirey (who’s fond of such construction bon mots as “build tight; ventilate right,” and “use built-ins, not furniture”) has lived all of her years in a sustainable frame of mind. “My parents went through the Depression; my dad was a butcher in Cleveland. We saved and recycled everything,” she said. “You never knew what you were going to need.” The Shireys completed the place they call “the Zero Energy Idea House” in 2009. Most recently it and the couple’s Florida home were featured in the book “Prefabulous + Almost Off the Grid” by Sheri Koones. (Fun fact: Robert Redford, who wrote the preface, worked as a roustabout in the oil fields south of Los Angeles as a teenager.) Koones tells us that houses use about onethird of all the energy in America. But for 80 percent of the year, the Shirey home requires no energy to operate. And each year Puget Sound Energy has sent the Shireys a check for about $650 for power returned to the grid. The home is contemporary but made comfortable with fat alder trim and bright, cheerful (no VOC) paint. Rooms (two bedrooms, two baths) are no larger than needed. The living room is a conversation-inducing 11 feet by 12 feet. The home steps down
The Shireys call their Bellevue, Wash., home, designed by architect David Clinkston, "the Zero Energy Idea House." The exterior is metal and HardiePanel. The home has a 5-star Built Green rating. MCT PHOTOS
the lake’s-edge hillside, from TV loft upstairs to the bedrooms below the main living space. Interior designer Autumn Donovan helped inside, working with the Shireys’ “recycled” furniture — pieces they already owned. “Those chairs over there?” Shirey said, pointing to the living room. “I’ve had those since 1982. We just got them recovered.” That kind of ethic is evident all around. “There’s always something people can do,” Shirey said, “whether they’re building a new house or have an existing one.” MCT INFORMATION SERVICES
The TV loft, a private "away room," sits a quick trip up a ship’s ladder. Donna Shirey became a contractor after she built her own home 41 years ago. MCT PHOTOS
This view of Lake Sammamish is the reward after challenges of building on a very steep site, anchoring the house to the hillside with auger cast piles and concretegrade beams.
8E
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SATURDAY, MAY 25, 2013
REAL ESTATE
THE OKLAHOMAN | NEWSOK.COM
HOUSE PLAN
RESPA violations Bakersfield offers inviting front prove costly for Texas bank, builder
Brick veneer, corner quoins, Craftsman-style windows and a trio of gables blend harmoniously to create the Bakersfield’s inviting front facade. Decorative corbels draw eyes to the long wooden post that highlights this ranchstyle home’s covered porch. Entering, you step into a vaulted entry with a wide coat closet to the left. Secondary bedrooms and a full bathroom with combination tub and shower are to the right. The rear bedroom has a walk-in closet. Next to it is a media closet, designed to house and hide the living room’s inevitable tangle of media cords and devices. Ahead, the passageway that angles off to the left accesses three rooms. Left to right they include a media room/study/home office, the kitchen and a free-flowing vaulted great room that comprises the living room and dining room. Standing at the kitchen sink, you face into the dining room and great room across a raised, and gently curved, eating bar. A roomy walk-in pantry is to the left, along with a laundry nook, small bathroom, and direct access to the three-car garage. Basement and attic stairs are also in this cluster. French doors at the rear of the dining area swing open to offer easy access to a large covered patio. Bookshelves flank the short hallway on the left that leads to the owners’ suite. Shelves and poles line the suite’s large walkin closet. The rear door that opens onto the Ba-
BY MORTGAGEDAILY.COM
kersfield’s patio will be especially appreciated if the owners decide to install a hot tub there. In the owners’ bathroom, a sliding door creates a totally private toilet
section. Light spills in through the small window there over the bench opposite the toilet. A dual lavatory and oversized shower fill the larger compartment.
A review plan of the Bakersfield 10-582, 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.
A Texas bank has been fined, and a Texas builder has agreed to a settlement over alleged violations of the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act tied to joint ventures. Stratford Mortgage Services was created in 1999 as a joint venture between Benchmark Bank in the Dallas suburb of Plano and Dallas homebuilder Paul Bennett Taylor. Taylor and Benchmark each owned 50 percent of the venture. Taylor was a vice president of Stratford, and Benchmark Bank’s president served as Stratford’s president and CEO. Taylor operates his own company, Paul Taylor Corp.. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau said Benchmark made payments to Taylor in return for Taylor’s referring loans to Stratford. A total of 32 loans were originated through Stratford, and all of the loans were referred by Taylor. Stratford didn’t advertise itself to the public, and it didn’t have its own office space. A single bank employee handled the origination of the loans, which were processed, underwritten and funded by Benchmark. Stratford was dissolved on Nov. 18, 2011. Such kickbacks, according to the regulator, violate the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act, known as RESPA. Taylor similarly operated a joint venture with Willow Bend Mortgage Co., known as PTH Mortgage Co., that yielded him kickback payments, the consumer bureau said. PTH was formed in 2003. “In reality both entities were shams designed to allow Taylor to receive the kickbacks,” the bureau said. “His homebuilding company, Paul Taylor Homes, then referred mortgage origination business to the sham entities. However, the work was actually performed by the Bank and Willow Bend. The kickbacks were passed through the sham entities back to Taylor through profit distributions and as a payment through a ‘service agreement.’ ” In all, the bureau said Taylor collected $118,194 in illegal kickbacks, including $106,194 from Benchmark and $12,000 from Willow Bend. Taylor, along with Paul Taylor Homes Ltd. and Paul Taylor Corp., agreed to a settlement with the bureau. A consent order requires Taylor to pay the Department of the Treasury the full amount he received in kickbacks. It also prohibits Taylor from engaging in future real estate settlement services, including mortgage origination. Taylor neither admitted nor denied the alleged RESPA violations. MCT INFORMATION SERVICES
GARDENING
THE OKLAHOMAN | NEWSOK.COM
SATURDAY, MAY 25, 2013
.
9E
Prime planting season finally arrives We have finally arrived at the heart of the “Plant, Water and Enjoy Season” for Oklahoma gardeners. The night temperatures have now risen consistently to above 50 degrees where you can plant all the warm weather crops like caladiums, periwinkle or vinca, okra, melons and sweet potatoes. This is prime planting season for everything from trees and shrubs to most all color annuals, perennials, warm season vegetables and even Bermuda grass seed. The last frost this year was several weeks past normal occurring in early May. That was a full two months after the last freeze last year, which was
almost six weeks earlier than normal. Vegetable gardening has been growing in popularity every year for the past five years as more gardeners experience the joy and satisfaction of eating their own homegrown and nutritious veggies. Tomatoes are by far the most popular and are easy to grow in traditional flower beds or vegetable gardens or in containers on porches or patios. Remember they are heavy drinkers as the size of the plant grows rapidly, so be prepared to water regularly or to invest in drip irrigation, soaker hoses or make other regular watering plans. Sweet and hot peppers,
Brick 3/1.5/1 1000 sf, ch&a, $82K, owner fin 1113 Berwyck 833-3540 112 Kimberling. Completely updated 3 bd 2ba 2 liv, FP. 650-7667 www.homesofokcinc.com
Brick 3b 2b 2c 1100sf, ch&a $92K onr fin 647 W Hillcrest 833-3540
eggplant, okra — all can do well in ground beds or larger container gardens. We are now in the season to plant summer squash, winter squash, cantaloupe, pumpkins and watermelon from seeds or starter plants. These latter crops need a little more space but are a lot of fun to watch grow and it is always a thrill to harvest and eat your own cantaloupe or
watermelon. The season was so late this year because of the late frosts that your local growers and garden centers are likely still loaded with lots of beautiful annuals and perennials ready for you to select and plant. They need your business, your yard needs the color and beauty and you need the personal satisfaction and happiness of watching nature at work and the beauty, meditation and charm you can help happen in your very own yard. The last few years have produced an explosion of new plant varieties and colors in traditional species and many new species that are now available in
Special Gov't Program! Own land/family land ZERO down. New and Repo homes. No Land? We have a home program for you. Don't prejudge, E-Z qualify by phone. $1000 furniture package with purchase. WAC 631-7600
GREAT OPPORTUNITY Well established restaurant in a booming city in western Oklahoma. Building is approximately 5500 sq ft. This is a great business in a great location. For more information call 1-580-347-3851
Abandoned D/W set up on 4.5 acres! Brick skirting & storm shelter. Ready to move in. Call for pre approval 405-631-7600
Childcare Business For Sale Tulsa Market Area. Early learning center, 85% enrolled, located in new building. Business and building for sale. Email "businessowner@cox.net" for info.
Rodd Moesel
GARDENING
2011 Solitaire REPO 18x80 3bd 2 bth as low as $410mo 787-5004 www.thcmobilehomes.com Own your home for less than rent payments as low as $650 for a 3 bed 405-787-5004
Great Area! Nice Brick 3B/2B/2C 3624 N.Linda OKC 73112, C/H/A, 1,472 sq ft. $127,900. As Is.By owner call 405-410-1984,or email eatmorart@msn.com . ac., OPEN SUN 2-4 3949 NW 26th St. 1216sf $94,000. Remodeled kitchen & bath, move in condition Jonell Buchanan Realty 503-6205
2B2b 960ft Like New Assumable New frig oven & more 17K 550mo Pmnt PITI & Lot mr.tag@live.com 3 bd 2 bth, fireplace OWN IT for $700 mo. owner finance 405-324-8000 Rent to Own: Nice 2 & 3bed MWC $375 & up 390-9777
the commercial market to help you create your very own look or decorating statement. You can enjoy color gardening in flower beds around your home, driveway, sidewalks or patio or can select hanging baskets or decorative containers to dress up and express yourself at your apartment, condo or on your home porch or patio. These days the choices are almost endless as there are literally thousands of plant choices to use as your palette while gardening. A good local nurseryman can help you pick the right plants for your space whether you have sun or shade and for whatever soil type you have in your yard.
Furnished/Unfurnished. Bills Paid » Wkly/Mnthly. Wes Chase Apts Elk Horn Apts, Hillcrest, 370-1077 San Tee Apartments small effic. $275mo 408-9769
Newly Remodeled Town Home 2720 SW 74th 2bed 1.5 ba $525 & dep No pets or S8. (405)702-5004 http://ads.newsok.com/bppm 11331 N May, 3/3/2, CH&A, FP, W/D, patio $900/mo. 236-1118 11500 N May (Summit Condos) all appls, no pets, $550. 721-1164
GREAT Office Space. Various NW locations, 300-6000sf 946-2516
155 acres mol Purcell, Ok. 1 mi W of I-35. New water well, elec., 30 acre alfalfa patch, sand/ topsoil prod, yr round live creek, hunt, fish, & recreation. $295,000 580-332-7130 or 580-235-5856 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 155 Acres Cogar area. Secluded 4 bed house, new ch&a, wooded, fenced, hunting. $2000 per Acre. 405-381-2617 or 405-409-3804. »» Park like setting 38Acres» » 2 water wells, pond, live creek, lrg trees, many beautiful building sites, Owner »» 405-426-5566
Beautiful 10 Acre Tracts
New homes only ¡ Moore Schools 405-570-7774 Nice 5 Acre Wooded Tracts on S. Harrah Rd. Owner/Finance. Owner/Broker 823-6856
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
6 zero lot lines - The Villages at Greenbriar, Moore Schools, Metro First - Ruth Thompson 694-8898
3140 SW 128th St, 3 bed, 2 bath, open house Sunday 2-4 PM, $139,500, 1576 sf, 249-2013.
Call for Maps! See why we sell more acreages than anyone in Okla. E of OKC. o/a 275-1695 2 Ac. 121090 NE 26th St, Nicoma Park. $17,600 405-816-7037
Stratford Place Condo sharp 2bd 2ba fp vaulted ceilings, excellent condition, all appls included. Only $71,000 Fidelity RE 410-4200
121 acres at Pauls Valley, 3500 sf brick home, barns, paved road, 4 ponds, $550,000, 405-207-8211 or cunninghamcountry.com
GARFIELD & NOBLE COUNTIES GARBER AND PERRY AREA BLACK BEAR CREEK EXCELLENT HUNTING
UNDER const still time to pick colors! Granite kit, cov patio $151,500 EXECUTIVE under const on 1.02 ac mol 4bd or 3bd+office 3.5ba approx 3283' bonus rm upstairs $355,000 Seller is Owner of Cleaton & Assoc 405-373-2494 Kristen 405-314-6496 IMMACULATE w/open flr plan on .5 ac MOL cov patio, sprinkler sys $209,900 NEW HOME under const 4bd or 3bd+study 2.5ba $234,900 Seller is Owner of Cleaton & Assoc 405-373-2494 Kristin 405-314-6496
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
Owner carry, 4612 SE 20, 650-7667 www.homesofokcinc.com
Owner Financing
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
Great neighborhood! 240 Cobblestone Circle, 1972 sf, 3bd 2ba 2car. (405) 826-5368 or 919-2196
Lease purchase, 3/2/2 brick, low dn, no cr chk, $850/mo, 630-0649.
Duplex for rent, 3/2/2, 5909 Bonnie Drive, $950 month, $750 deposit, 370-1077.
3 bedroom, 1 car garage, brick, CH&A, washer & dryer hookup, $700/month + $700 deposit. 5221 Brookdale. 405-628-8802
908 Gardner 3bd 1.75 ba fireplace. W/D hkup $550mo 408-9769
6404 S Phillips 3 bed 1.5 bath $595 a mo. 408-9769
8409 Wakefield 2/2/1 Moore Schl appls $725mo Harris RE 410-4300
3407 S Lee 2bd 1ba $395 2121 SW 27th 2bd 1ba detached garage $395 1406 Youngs newly built 2/1 $465 3709 SW 41st 3bd 1ba $475 2837 SW 82nd 3bd 1ba 1car $725 Free List ¡ 681-7272
Grassland, Hunting Property & Equipment Custer County – North of Butler, OK Selling in 2 Parcels: 320AC & 80AC Saturday, June 1 @ 10:06 a.m. John Deere 7720, John Deere 4250, John Deere 4400 Trailers, Hay Equipment, etc.
ABSOLUTE AUCTION Sat June 1st 10 A.M
TOP LOCATION!
Pd. wtr/garb. Near malls. Try Plaza East 341-4813
Free Rent 'til July. 1 & 2 bed. Spring Tree Apts. 405-737-8172.
LippardAuctions.com 866-874-7100 160± ACRES
KINGFISHER COUNTY, OK HENNESSEY AREA * MINERALS WATER RIGHTS
ABSOLUTE AUCTION
MON, JUNE 3rd 10AM LippardAuctions.com 866-874-7100
Excellent Hunting Property
AUCTION WED, MAY 29th 10AM LippardAuctions.com 866-874-7100
410-5700
Any condition. No cost to U
I BUY & SELL HOUSES 27 YRS EXP 650-7667 HOMESOFOKCINC.COM
4609 S Melrose 2bd, detach gar & carport $695 HarrisRE 410-4300 2332 SW 49 sharp 3/4bd, storage, fenced, $675 Harris RE 410-4300
Bills Paid
Furnished/Unfurnished Weekly/Monthly 370-1077
Lovely 3bd 1K ba 2car brick home 1600SF $965 603-4775
$200 off first month
WILLIAMSBURG 7301 NW 23
787-1620
’ $399 Move In Special!
Pool Laundry, Community room! Housing assistance accepted. 1, 2 & 3 BEDS ’ 7 5 5 - 0 3 0 0
1821 Yosemite Place $900 New paint & carpet 3bd 2ba 2car www.usespectrum.com 848-9400
PARKLANE 2&3 BD TOWNHOMES 8100 N MACARTHUR BLVD $200 OFF 1ST MO. 721-5455
625 Firelane 3/2/2 $1025 1403 Pennington 3/2/1 $735 1615 Tenbears 3/2/2 $1095 Express Realty 844-6101 www.expressrealtyok.com
VALENCIA APTS APTS/TOWNHOUSES 2221 N Meridian $99 Special 946-6548
New Home: 3bd, 1 study, 2car $1800 Deer Creek Schls, fitness center, pool. Call Alex 990-0499
Putnam Heights Plaza
1 & 2bed, newly remodeled, ch/a, 1830 NW 39th 524-5907 Furnished/Unfurnished. Bills Paid » Wkly/Mnthly. Wes Chase Apts Elk Horn Apts, Hillcrest, 370-1077 5944 NW 40th-Large 1 & 2bed, $345 to $445 mo, stove, fridge, covered prkng. No Sec 8 470-3535
•ABC• Affordable, Bug free, Clean » 787-7212»
Lake Eufaula: Oakwood Harbor, 40x70 lot, incl. 19K ' TT w/ 8x16 room built on, all under metal cover, nr I-40 & Lotawata, $8,000 405-321-7756
MAYFAIR Great loc! 1&2 bd W/D hdwd flr quiet secure ¡ 947-5665
» $99 Special »
Large 1 & 2 beds. Stove, refrig, 3 SW OKC Locations $345-420mo No Sec 8 632-9849
1132 sq ft 2 bed Guest House, ALL amenities, from towels to coffee pot, fully furnished, all bills paid $1100mo » 329-3029 1205 Briar Patch Way, 3/2/2, hrdwd flrs, near OU, $950 + dep. Pets Ok. 285-0305 or 823-6550
3/2/2, fireplace, no pets, 4836 Rocky Rd $950+$500dep 826-6720
Rent to Own: Nice 2 & 3bed MWC $375 & up 390-9777 Clean 3/2/1, kit appls, new paint, 2 Avail Now. $700/$850 + dep. 454-2314 or 664-3751
1300 PINEWOOD CT 3bd 1ba $525 mo 408-9769
1bed All Bills Paid 946-9506
CABIN 20 min from Durango, CO on Vallecita Lake, 2bd 2ba 2decks w/lake view, cell numbers 505-486-2008 or 505-486-5558
NICHOLS HILLS ELEMENTARY 1100 Wilshire 3bd 2ba 1car $1250 www.usespectrum.com 848-9400 3/2/2 formal din, living w/fp, fncd yard, wood floors,updated kitchen TMS Prop 348-0720 tms4rent.com
LARGE TOWNHOMES & APARTMENTS • Washer, Dryers, pools • PC Schools, fireplaces
800 N Meridian
or call Corky Heard 580-331-9156
$59,900 LAKE HOME 2bdr/1ba Sulphur/Arbuckle lake 580-6223287 joeldrake@yahoo.com
2bd 1ba 1car, ch&a, $530/mo $530dp 1513 S Beals Pl 520-6889
155± IRRIGATEABLE ACRES BRICK HOME RESIDENTIAL LOTS – HENNESSEY AREA
www.heardknight.com
LAKE CHICKASHA 160 ACRES sagefarm8@gmail.com
1 bed, newly remodeled, quiet neighborhood, $425/month, 2705 S. Klein. 618-7338
AUCTION
I BUY HOUSES PUBLIC AUCTION – 400 ACRES!!
5616 Shalimar Drive, 3 bd, 1K ba, 2 car, ch&a, nice, $680, 476-5011.
5108 S Buddy Ln 3/1/1, ch/a. Only $695mo Harris RE 410-4300
5± ACRES * NICE BRICK HOME 2 SHOP BUILDINGS 1935 CHEVY * VISIBLE GAS PUMPS * 2 POST LIFT
LippardAuctions.com 580-237-7174
Exceptional 3bd 2ba home in Fox Run 1900sf $1085 603-4775
Oldetowne, 1622 Ember, 2 bd, 1 car, 1 mi. to Tinker, 769-7177.
LippardAuctions.com 866-874-7100
SAT JUNE 8th 1 PM 15414 N Oak Dr. Choctaw, Ok
Sec 8 OK - Nichols Hills Schools 4bdr/2bth $950/m low util, Sec 8 63rd Only. 759-6828
1 bedroom duplex with private yard $350mo 405-210-7203
New duplexes, 3 bed, 2 bath, 2 car, some furnished, $1100 and up, call Rick 405-830-3789 or Joe at 405-830-3777.
ABSOLUTE AUCTION TUES, MAY 28th 10 AM
70± ACRES
318 E Fairchild. Nice 2 bd, 1 car $575 mo. •• 732-3411
HOUSE & LRG WAREHOUSE 3928 E Reno $1500mo 601-5905 »»» 235-5028
Furnished brick home Grand Lake 3/2.5, quartz counters, SS appls, roof 2011, sec alrm, boat launch close, $169,000 ¡¡¡ 970-380-5041
GRANT COUNTY, OK
Bank Owned 3/2/2 brk, blt 1980, 1851sf $99,900 Rlty Exp 414-8753
2 & 3bd, newly remod, ch&a, FP, Ross 405-370-6188
310± ACRES
Must Sell ¡ Open House S/S 1-5 3/2/2 in extra nice SW OKC area. Total remodel, looks like new. Spacious rooms. 2509 SW 93rd $137,600 405-604-5407 740-5556
12409 COVEY CREEK 3bd 1.75 bath double garage. $895 mo. 408-9769
2326 NW 19th 3bd brick, d/w, refrig, ch&a $625+dep 405-222-1510
» Lakefront, PCN 6444 W Hefner 3 bd, 2.5 ba, 2 car, appls. No Sec. 8 or pet. $925mo. » 721-1831 RIVENDELL UPSCALE REMODEL Westmoore Schools, 2650 sf, 3bd 2.5 bath, lg sunroom, 2 liv/2 din, 3 car, beautiful backyard $294K & 2524 SW 125th St 740-9073
Lrg 2bd » 2K ba » 2car, wetbar 1500sf, PC Sch, $850mo No Sec 8 ¡ 9004 Roxbury Terr. 831-8218 myriamokc@gmail.com
3B 2B 2l 2d 2c, 13416 Inverness (Greens) $1300/mo 830-3399
BANK REPOS Cash Buyers 405-634-4812 3/2 Bath Singlewide $6500 plus delivery 405-631-7600
6006 N. Penn 2/2 $850 3303 N. Portland 3/1.5/2 $900 6820 NW 30 3/2/2 $975 3209 Shannon 3/2/2 $995 Express Realty 844-6101 www.expressrealtyok.com
1721 NW 1st 1bd duplex 1ba $365 2116K NW 11th 1bd 1ba $395 1928 NW 30th 2 or 3bd 1ba $595 681-7272
HOMES & LAND All areas OKC 405-634-4812 332 SE 45th, 3bed, 1bath, ready to move in $27,500firm. 615-7233
Rodd Moesel serves on the Oklahoma Horticulture Industrial Council and the Oklahoma State University agriculture dean’s advisory committee. He is a former president of the Oklahoma Greenhouse Growers. Email garden and landscape questions to rmoesel@americanplant.com.
QUAIL CREEK 3000sf 3 bed, 3K bath 2 living 2 car fireplace. $1750mo ¡¡ 580-323-4040
OWN A BUSINESS THAT'S ALREADY SUCCESSFUL $400M Mfg. Will finance qualified entrepreneurs $50k, 834-2934
BUNDLE! 5 Duplexes, 1898sf ea, 2bd Moore Schls $449,500 Offers Considered Realty Exp 414-8753
As you do new plantings and as we warm up, your plants will be more dependent on you for mulching and watering, so plant, water and enjoy should be your focus. Don’t forget to make time to walk, sit and enjoy your garden daily or every few days to celebrate and enjoy the ever-evolving and changing show that your flowers and veggies will produce right before your eyes.
2317 Cedarbrook 3bd 1ba 681-7272
$900
PROFESSIONAL REAL ESTATE SERVICES • SINCE 1982 Mgmt • Leasing • Sales Spectrum Mgmt 848-9400
www.usespectrum.com
We can handle all your residential property management needs » Since 1962 » Home & Ranch Realty 794-7777
951 NW 2nd 3bd 1ba 1car exc cond $775mo Harris RE 410-4300
Beautiful 3bd, 1.5ba, $800+ dep. Sec. 8 Welcome $100 Move-In Special. 2708 Lyon Dr. 204-4308
Christian elderly will share house, furnished, private bed & bath, SW OKC, 735-3643 or 883-6126. »»» ROOM FOR RENT»»» utilities incld. $375. 405-326-9251
10E
SATURDAY, MAY 25, 2013
THE OKLAHOMAN
NEWSOK.COM