LISTING OF THE WEEK
HOUSE PLAN
Traditional in OKC
Efficient space
The Listing of the Week is a traditional 11⁄2-level home in the Stillmeadows addition in northwest Oklahoma City.
A family room at the back gives a spacious, open feeling to the compact Phoenix, a ranch-style home that fits on a standard lot.
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Mi-Ling Stone Poole
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THE OKLAHOMAN | NEWSOK.COM
SATURDAY, AUGUST 28, 2010
HEAT-PARCHED LAWNS WITHERING CURB APPEAL OF HOMES FOR SALE
ASK MI-LING
BILTMORE MUST-SEE The Biltmore Estate in Asheville, N.C., with 250 rooms, 43 bathrooms, 34 bedrooms and 65 fireplaces, is spectacular and is one for the bucket list. PAGE 4F
IN BRIEF
PAINT MIMICS STAINLESS
Dry times and a heat wave turned this lawn brown and have taken a toll on the curb appeal of this house for sale in Edmond. PHOTO BY CHRIS LANDSBERGER, THE OKLAHOMAN
BY TIM FALL Special Correspondent trfall@gmail.com
What a summer. In June, Oklahoma City homeowners likely saw small ponds, if not rushing rivers, where their lawns used to be. Now, in August, even with some rain this week, lots of lawns are long lost — just fried, sunbleached grass, if there’s any left at all. What of the summer homeselling season? How diligent should want-to-be sellers be in keeping up appearances? Whither curb appeal? Fret not — well, not too much. If your home is for sale, it’s not imperative that the yard look like an Oak Tree fairway. A seriously parched lawn “hinders curb appeal,” but the biggest concern goes more than turf deep, said Dave Moeller, president of the Oklahoma City Metro Association SEE HEAT, PAGE 2F
HOME PRICES STAY LOW
The summer heat wave and dry spell have parched the lawn of this home for sale in Edmond. PHOTO BY CHRIS LANDSBERGER, THE OKLAHOMAN
Home sellers: End shopping trips and declutter Are you in the habit of going to the shopping mall or one of those big-box discount stores more than once a week? Yet is the home you plan to sell already so crammed with accumulations that you must do extensive “dejunking” just to prep the place for market? If so, organizational experts urge you to review your shopping habits, stop the inflow and start using your free time to sort through the belongings, clothes and furnishings you own. “For lots of Americans, shopping is another form of addiction, like sugar or smoking,” said Barbara Hemphill, a past president of the National Association of Professional Organizers. Of course, every household must shop for perishable food and other everyday essentials. But many people also use shopping
Krylon has a new spray-on finish that produces the highend look of stainless steel without the high price. Krylon Stainless Steel Finish can be used on surfaces including wood, metal and glass, both indoors and outdoors. The paint is infused with flakes of stainless steel for an authentic-looking appearance. It can even be used on most appliances, but not high-heat appliances such as stoves. The product is available at hardware stores and home centers.
Ellen James Martin SMART MOVES
as a form of entertainment or as a mood lifter when they’re feeling down or lonely, Hemphill said. Ironically, many people embark on an anti-clutter campaign with a shopping spree involving the purchase of many storage containers. But “almost inevitably, those containers just get in your way,” said Hemphill, who’s worked in the organizational field for more than 30 years. Judith Rough, a professional organizer who runs a small company called Carefree Transitions, urges people planning to sell their homes to halt all but
the most necessary shopping. Here are a few pointers for home sellers who need to declutter their place in advance of a sale: Recruit outside help. To fully declutter an average-size house typically takes at least four weeks of concentrated effort. And to avoid getting bogged down with the feelings the process arouses, many people need help, Rough said. To gain momentum, people often turn to relatives. But Rough said you’re better off with an objective third party, ideally a professional organizer. One source for referrals is the real estate agent who will list your property. Another is the National Association of Professional Organizers: www.napo.net. Take photos of prized items that are too large or awkward to keep. When working with cli-
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ents, Hemphill often photographs entire rooms in a house she’s helping declutter, thereby creating compact memories of these spaces. She also takes photos of items too large to take to the next property, such as a grand piano. “Converting your prized belongings to art is a spectacularly good way to plow through too many accumulations and make your house more salable,” she said. Safeguard keepsakes and valuable documents. Those who embark on a clutter-control campaign are often relieved to encounter items so valuable that they cannot and should not let go of them. These include birth certificates, passports and high school diplomas. Rough suggests you encase such valuables in clear plastic sheet protectors
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and place them in a threering binder. Alternatively, you may wish to buy a storage item designed for vital records. This is known as a “PortaVault” (www.securitaonline .com). Give away extra items that are useful. As you sift through memorabilia, you’re bound to encounter many items you no longer want or need. Do you really wish to haul all those books, toys and pieces of sports gear to the new house? What about that clarinet your son tried at age 7 and quit playing at 16? Whenever possible, Hemphill encourages you to donate serviceable items to a reputable charity. Through the years, for example, she’s taken many of her castaways to a shelter for battered women.
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E-mail Ellen James Martin at ellenjamesmartin@gmail.com. UNIVERSAL UCLICK
Bolstered by favorable interest rates and low house prices, housing affordability remained near its highest level nationwide for the sixth consecutive month since the series was first compiled nearly two decades ago, according to the National Association of Home Builders/Wells Fargo Housing Opportunity Index. The index indicated that 72.3 percent of all homes sold in the second quarter were affordable to families earning the national median income of $64,400. The index for the second quarter was slightly more affordable than the previous quarter and almost equaled the recordhigh 72.5 percent set during the first quarter of 2009. Until 2009, the index rarely topped 67 percent and had never reached 70 percent. FROM WIRE SERVICES
INDEX Harney Permits Stone
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THE OKLAHOMAN | NEWSOK.COM
Annual Festival of Homes starting today BY TIM FALL Special Correspondent trfall@gmail.com
NORMAN — The Builders Association of South Central Oklahoma’s Festival of Homes is today through Sept. 5, with 17 new homes open free to the public from 1 to 7 p.m. each day in Norman, Moore, Newcastle and Noble. The event is “a showcase of new products” and recent trends in construction, architecture, landscaping, technology, interior design and energy efficiency, said Steve Frakes, president of the association and owner of Champion Homes in Norman. The 2010 Show Home, at 2109 Hallbrooke Drive in Norman’s Hallbrooke addition, was built by C.A. McCarty Construction. Curtis McCarty, owner, said that the four-bedroom, 3½-bath French cottage-style house features an open living room, entertainment center upstairs and a patio kitchen among other amenities. The 3,500-square-foot home, which McCarty said was built with “lots of support from association members and local vendors,” is Energy Star rated. McCarty, who has built three previous Festival of Homes Show Houses, said that profits from the sale of the home would fund operations and special projects of the Builders Association of South Central Oklahoma. For a map to homes in the festival, go to http:// normanhomes.com/ showmap.php. Festival homes (in Norman unless noted otherwise) and their builders are:
Curtis McCarty
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2109 Hallbrooke Drive, C.A. McCarty Construction 2101 Hallbrooke Drive, Custom Builders of Oklahoma 3213 St. Clair Drive, Homes of Distinction Inc. 18388 Black Bear Trail (Newcastle), Harlen Core Construction Inc. 1513 Fawn Run Crossing, Home Creations 4313 Snowy Owl Drive, Home Creations 2309 Bruckner St., Home Creations 3217 Skye Ridge Drive, Stonewall Homes 4428 Cannon Drive, Landmark Fine Homes 2008 Marymount Road, Da Vinci Homes 3764 Guinn Ave. (Newcastle), DaVinci Homes 3671 Guinn Ave. (Newcastle), Remington Custom Homes 1916 Hallbrooke Drive, Muirfield Homes 3001 Monica Lane (Moore), Landmark Fine Homes 309 Treyton (Noble), Thomas Paige Homes LLC 2813 Marbel Drive, Westpoint Homes 516 Cooper Court, Westpoint Homes “We’re hoping for good weather and a great turnout,” Frakes said.
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The living room and fireplace of the show house at 2109 Hallbrooke Drive, Norman. PHOTO BY STEVE SISNEY, THE OKLAHOMAN
C.A. McCarty Construction built the show house for the Festival of Homes at 2109 Hallbrooke Drive in Norman. PHOTO BY STEVE SISNEY, THE OKLAHOMAN
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French doors, built-in cabinets and shelves and a hardwood floor are features of the study in the show house. PHOTO BY STEVE SISNEY, THE OKLAHOMAN
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The kitchen of the C.A. McCarty Construction-built show house. PHOTO BY STEVE SISNEY, THE OKLAHOMAN
Heat: Buyers may question upkeep Left: Dried-out sod around a new home for sale in The Grove addition in northwest Oklahoma City contrasts with the green lawn of an adjacent house. PHOTO BY RICHARD MIZE, THE OKLAHOMAN
Left: This house for sale in Edmond has lost some of its curb appeal with its dried-out lawn. PHOTO BY DAVID MCDANIEL, THE OKLAHOMAN
FROM PAGE 1F
of Realtors and owner of Redbud Realty & Associates in Edmond. The main downside for a seller is when a lawn is so dry it “suggests the home has not been well-maintained overall.” Just about the only way to avoid that appearance during a bone-dry heat wave is with an automated sprinkler system. “To stay green, you need to water at a rate of an inch a week. It’s pretty hard to keep that up with just a hose,” said Marcus Jerry, owner of Absolute Lawn Management in Edmond. With so much rain at the beginning of summer, wasn’t the ground saturated to last until fall? “That’s not the way it works,” Jerry said. His company’s lawn management system prescribes “lots of water and a slow-release fertilizer” to keep the yard from turning to hardscrabble when faced with a stretch of 100-degree days and no rain. Of course, there’s another way to go: Simply don’t fight Mother Nature. “In hot dry years like this, just let the lawn go dormant,” Frank Rossi, a Cornell University horticulture professor, recommended recently. If the grass turns brown, Rossi said, it’ll bounce back. “Lawn grasses will survive four to six weeks without significant rainfall. In most cases, they’ll green up again in late summer or early fall, when the rain returns and the temperatures moderate,” Rossi said. Absolute Lawn’s Jerry agreed. “Yards don’t die, they just get knocked back.” For sellers who can show healthy flower beds, shrubs and an otherwise shipshape house, a thirsty lawn shouldn’t be a deal breaker, Moeller said. “I think (prospective buyers) understand that, living in Oklahoma, lawns just get brown in August,” he said.
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REAL ESTATE
SATURDAY, AUGUST 28, 2010
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Green Building Summit coming to Metro Tech FROM STAFF REPORTS
Building higher-performing homes with lower operating and maintenance costs, increased comfort, improved indoor environmental quality and enhanced durability will be the focus of the second annual Green Building Summit. Residential and commercial contractors, Realtors, engineers, architects and consumers can learn about green building at the summit, from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sept. 29 and 8:30 a.m. to noon Sept. 30. The summit will be at the Metro Technology Center Auditorium, 1900 Springlake Drive. The second Todd Booze day of the summit will cover commercial buildings. The event will meets continuing education units for engineers and builders, among others. Building science expert Joseph Lstiburek will be featured speaker. Lstiburek is with Boston-based Building Science Corp. and is a fellow of the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers. Through the Department of Energy’s Building America program, Lstiburek has forged partnerships with designers, builders, developers, materials suppliers and equipment manufacturers to build higher-performance
Realty broker listed as a top seller in nation FROM STAFF REPORTS
Century 21All Pro Realty owner and managing broker Mary Berry was named to The Wall Street Journal and REAL Trends list of Residential Real Estate Top 400 Sales Professionals. The fifth annual edition of the report ranked Berry as fifth in the nation in transaction sides. A transaction is defined as one home sold. When counting transaction sides, both the listing and the selling side of a transaction are considered. So, a broker involved in both listing and selling a home has participated in two sides, earns income from both sides, and counts both sides. “With the real estate market growing more and more competitive by the year, to be listed as a top agent in the nation is truly an honor,” Berry said. “I’ve been working in real estate for over 27 years and it is amazing to watch how the market keeps evolving. Whether we are meeting with interested homebuyer and sellers in our offices or now online through tools like Twitter, we always look forward to helping people connect
Mary Berry
with the home of their dreams.” Rick Davidson, president and CEO of Century 21 Real Estate LLC, said, “Mary Berry in a strong example of the gold standard of excellence the Century 21 system strives to set in the real estate market. We congratulate her on this outstanding accomplishment and look forward to supporting her continued success.” The Wall Street Journal/ REAL Trends Top 400 national ranking is based on year-end 2009 sales figures. The ranking methodology allowed for ties, which yielded a total of 468 spots in the Top 400 ranking.
homes across the United States. The summit will be presented by the Oklahoma State Home Builders Association and the Association of Energy Engineers. “This is a great opportunity for those in the industry to hear what is to be a building code requirement in the next few years,” said Todd Booze, chairman of the state homebuilders association’s green building council. Other speakers include Oklahoma Secretary of Energy Robert A. “Bobby” Wegener, whose office just completed the Oklahoma Energy Summary, an overview of energy consumption, energy efficiency goals, and a summary of the status of renewal and energy efficiency policies in the state. Also speaking will be Kelly Parker, president of
Guaranteed Watt Saver. Early registration is $35 for each day or $50 for both days. On-site registration each day is $50, beginning at 7:30 a.m. the first day and 8 a.m. the second. Speakers will begin at 8:30 a.m. each day. For more information, to register online or for a listing of Oklahoma’s Certified Green Professionals, go to www.okgreenbuildingsummit.com. The listing also is available from the Oklahoma State Home Builders Association at www.oshba.org or by calling 843-5579. Major sponsors are Climate Master, Dow Building Solutions, Guaranteed Watt Saver, Morrison Supply Co., Oklahoma Gas and Electric Co., Oklahoma Natural Gas and ProBuild.
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Taking tour of Biltmore inspires awe Recently, I celebrated my 50th birthday with a trip to the Biltmore Estate in Asheville, N.C. For years, I’d wanted to tour the home of the Vanderbilts known as the largest home in America, with 150,000 square feet. The estate features 250 rooms, 43 bathrooms, 34 bedrooms and 65 fireplaces. The Biltmore was the home of George and Edith Vanderbilt and their daughter, Cornelia. George Vanderbilt opened the mansion in 1895 after taking at least six years to build it. The beautiful French Chateau-inspired home was designed by New York architect Richard Morris Hunt and originally was nestled among 125,000 acres surrounded by the Blue Ridge Mountains. The landscape designer for the estate was Frederick Law Olmsted, the creator of New York’s Central Park. Walking the gardens of the estate proved to be an enchanting experience and one that I will not soon forget. The Vanderbilts’ home was perfect for entertaining, and guests were treated to a bowling alley, gym and swimming pool. Although the home is massive, I was impressed with its manageable-sized rooms and the comfy feeling it projected. One of my favorite spaces was the entryway
Sheryl Leonard
Agency has relocation coordinator FROM STAFF REPORTS
Sheryl Leonard has joined Crossland Real Estate, 8901 S Santa Fe, Suite C, as relocation coordinator, owner Aimee Crossland said. As a member of Leading Real Estate Companies of the World and Worldwide ERC, Leonard will help people relocating, with services including comprehensive destination orientation programs, real estate assistance, spouse employment aid, mortgage assistance, household goods move management and more.
Clyde Hughey
Crossland welcomes associate FROM STAFF REPORTS
Clyde Hughey has joined Crossland Real Estate, 8901 S Santa Fe, Suite C, as a residential real estate broker associate, owner Aimee Crossland said. He is a member of Leading Real Estate Companies of the World and Worldwide ERC, and has been in the business for 32 years.
and winter garden, a room within the entry that features a glass roof where light pours into the garden and highlights the fountain sculpture “Boy Stealing Geese” by Karl Bitter. The garden room is perfect for a brunch or small dinner party. Other rooms on that level included a music room, billiard room, banquet hall complete with 40-foot table to seat 38 guests comfortably, and a tapestry gallery and library that housed half of George Vanderbilt’s 23,000-book library. The Biltmore is spectacular and is one for the bucket list. It takes about two hours to tour the inside of the home, and I would recommend using the audio tour for a more complete experience. If possible, take a tour of the gardens and the grounds if you’re a flower lover like me. You’ll be impressed with the variety and beauty of the gardens.
Mi-Ling Stone Poole ASK MI-LING My mother and I stayed on the property at the Biltmore Inn. The views from our room of the Blue Ridge and the sheer beauty of the inn made us feel as if we were Vanderbilts. The rooms were beautifully designed with granite, countertops in the bathrooms and stately bedding with the Vanderbilt “V” monogrammed on the pillows. My favorite room at the inn was the library, where one could have afternoon tea or lunch. Floor-to-ceiling wood paneling set the tone in that space, and views of the Blue Ridge Mountains made for a relaxing dining experience. The overall theme of the Biltmore was one of comfort and style, something we can create in our own homes. For more information about the Biltmore, go online to www.biltmore. com. To see my webisode on the Biltmore, go to www.youtube.com/ comfortzoneradiotv. Now go out and create your own unique comfort zone!
THE OKLAHOMAN | NEWSOK.COM
Deflation is a threat with housing surplus Q. What’s all the talk about inflation these days? Pundits, especially conservatives, are saying we should worry about inflation because all the stimulus spending will cause a situation where there is too much money chasing too few goods. That’s the definition of inflation: too much money and too few goods and services to buy. How does that fit into the present housing market situation with low demand and an oversupply? A. Economists such as Paul Krugman, Larry Summers and Joseph Stiglitz believe inflation will not be a problem, at least for a while. Recent experience has taught that the usual, simple explanations are inadequate. During the 1980s, thenFederal Reserve Chairman Paul Volcker created a controlled recession using
Charles Carter REAL ESTATE Q&A
monetary policy in order to bring America’s inflation under control. At that time we suffered what has been referred to as a pricewage spiral. Wages are flat now, if not dropping, and unemployment is high. The problem now is deflation. If prices start a deflationary episode, we’ll be in worse condition than we would be with, say, 10 percent to 12 percent inflation. We suffered deflation during the 1930s and returned to an acceptable low inflation, in the range of 3 percent to 6 percent, after World War II. The war represented a time
with full employment and tremendous production. So the emphasis now is on stimulating the economy. If you group the nation’s wealth — or the world’s, for that matter — using a pie chart, the largest slice would be residential real estate. Other categories would be stocks, governmental and corporate bonds and commercial real estate. The housing crash of recent years was an unprecedented event and led to the recession. The bubble’s bursting resulted in low demand and oversupply in that very large wealth category, and repercussions in the other categories, and in income. Charles Carter, Ph.D., specializes in real estate analysis after years of experience as a professor, real estate lawyer and appraiser. He is a consultant at Haint Blue Realty in Mount Pleasant, S.C. Readers may send questions to cccarter2010@yahoo.com. Please include full name and hometown. MCCLATCHY-TRIBUNE INFORMATION SERVICES
THE OKLAHOMAN | NEWSOK.COM
REAL ESTATE
SATURDAY, AUGUST 28, 2010
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Affordable art can be click or drive away Kevin Snipes’ “Dag Nabit,” porcelain sculpture. AP PHOTO
Rosalie Wynkoop’s “Oval Platter,” is a tin-glazed terra cotta platter. BY JENNIFER FORKER For The Associated Press
Naked walls and bare tabletops can be intimidating to amateur decorators — that is, to most of us. But there’s bona fide artwork out there — online, maybe in your hometown — for every budget. Sleuthing out what suits your space and taste is part of the fun. “Art is a great investment and it doesn’t have to be expensive if you buy it smart,” said Rachael Liska, senior editor at “Fresh Home” magazine. Steven Young Lee, resident artist director of the Archie Bray Foundation for the Ceramic Arts, in Helena, Mont., said that art can be inspirational, and affect viewers on an emotional level. “You want to live with pieces that continue to influence you in some way,” Lee said. “You may notice something different every time you look at it. Your perspective changes and the work changes with you.” That also means you may want to freshen rooms from time to time with different art. The nonprofit Archie Bray, which supports ceramic artists at its residency studios, sells the work of current and past resident artists through its online gallery, at an annual July auction and during regular exhibition shows. Lee said places like The Bray are good for novice art buyers. “We’re supporting a lot of up-and-coming artists, so prices are lower,” he said.
Art school finds Art aficionados on the prowl for lower prices can also check with art schools and universities. The Rhode Island School of Design, in Providence, sells fine art at its online store, Risdworks.com. Local art shows provide a chance to view a wide range of talent and styles. David Bromstad, host of HGTV’s “Color Splash: Miami,” tries to catch the Art Basel Miami Beach show each year, with its eclectic draw of 2,000 international artists. It runs Dec. 2-5 this year. “You can find original art for the same price as some prints, and it’s made with lots of passion and love,” he said. Back online, there are several Web-based galleries where you can browse, purchase — even test buy — original artwork. They include Ugallery, where buyers may try out a piece of art for a week. If it doesn’t work out, the return shipping is free. “There’s not a lot of other galleries that allow you to do stuff like that,” Liska said. “It really has a diverse collection of styles.” Etsy and ArtFire sell fine art among scads of crafts, some of it kitschy. Other online sites are limited more to the fine arts, including College Art Online (student, alumni and professor artwork); Gallery Today (signed oil paintings); Original Art Online; and 20x200, which posts a new photograph and work on paper weekly.
AP PHOTO
Bobby Silverman’s “Red,” porcelain sculpture. AP PHOTO
Shanna Fliegel’s “Soaring,” earthenware sculpture. AP PHOTO
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Distress buying takes patience
Closing cost estimates on the rise BY MCCLATCHY-TRIBUNE INFORMATION SERVICES
LOS ANGELES — Facing new penalties if they lowball estimates of upfront mortgage costs, lenders and brokers appear to be coming clean about how much borrowers will pay. As a result, the so-called good-faith estimates that mortgage providers must give to prospective cus-
BY DAVID BRACKEN McCLATCHY NEWSPAPERS
RALEIGH, N.C. — When Josh and Amanda Brandt began looking for their first house this year, they wanted what every buyer wants. “What we really wanted was a good deal,” Josh Brandt said. The first house they found was in Fuquay-Varina, N.C. It was a short sale, meaning the owner was trying to sell it for less than the amount owed to the bank. After the Brandts submitted a lowball offer of $120,000, the owner of the house asked them to increase their offer to $129,000. They did. Then they kept house hunting because their real estate agent, Millicent Williams of Century 21 Vicki Berry Realty, warned them that they needed a backup plan in case the bank rejected their offer or simply took too long to get back to them. Three weeks later, just as the Brandts were about to close on a brand-new house in Angier, N.C., the bank accepted their offer. “We got pretty lucky,” said Josh Brandt, 24. Among the byproducts of the housing bust has been a dramatic rise in the number of distressed homes on the market. Many buyers assume these properties are can’t-miss deals, but the reality is that purchasing a distressed property is often fraught with uncertainty and risk. The numbers of foreclosures and short sales have increased as the act of losing one’s home has lost the stigma it once carried. “Foreclosures are actually getting artificially inflated to a point because people are willing to walk away,” said Mike Golden, broker in charge with Century 21 Vicki Berry Realty. “Especially by people who don’t have any equity because they bought in and got 100 percent financing.”
No negotiations Buying a house out of foreclosure or in a short sale is not for everyone. Most of the homes will require some work, but unlike with a normal sale, negotiating repairs is often not an option, said Jeanna Reeves, a RE/MAX United agent in Raleigh who has offered foreclosure tours for buyers in the past. “They are sold as is,” Reeves said. Earlier this year, Reeves took one of her clients, Meg Lavoie, to look at a foreclosed town house. The North Raleigh town house had ratty carpeting, and it was clear the previous owner had owned a dog. Lavoie wasn’t impressed. “I don’t want a big hole that I’m throwing money in,” she said. Lavoie is in no hurry to buy, which makes a foreclosure or a short sale a good fit. Any buyer putting an offer on a house being sold as a short sale should be willing to wait at least two months without knowing whether the bank will accept the offer, said Dave Jezierski, a real estate agent with Homes in the Triangle.
The numbers of foreclosures and short sales have increased as the act of losing one’s home has lost the stigma it once carried.
THE OKLAHOMAN | NEWSOK.COM
Real estate broker Jeanna Reeves, right, shows Meg Lavoie a town house for sale in Raleigh, N.C., that is on the market because of foreclosure. MCCLATCHY-TRIBUNE INFORMATION SERVICES PHOTO
tomers show closing costs soaring 36 percent this year, interest-rate tracker Bankrate.com said in a recent report. The main reason for the increase, according to Bankrate: Lenders are giving more accurate estimates because they now must pay to cover the difference if they underestimate the costs. Before Jan. 1, there was
no penalty for giving bad estimates, so lenders battling for mortgage business had more of an incentive to give lowball quotes. Lenders told Bankrate that actual closing costs rose modestly this year, in part because regulators and loan buyers Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are requiring more factchecking than during the boom years.
REAL ESTATE
THE OKLAHOMAN | NEWSOK.COM
SATURDAY, AUGUST 28, 2010
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Transfer fee ban’s pitfalls reviewed WASHINGTON — A federal agency is moving to prohibit “private transfer fees” on all mortgages funded by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. But its proposed ban may extend to transfer fees routinely collected by community associations across the country — potentially forcing some of them to raise assessments on thousands of unsuspecting homeowners. The Federal Housing Finance Agency, which oversees the two mortgage giants in conservatorship, issued proposed “guidance” that would prohibit Fannie and Freddie plus the federal home loan banks from investing in mortgages carrying private transfer fee covenants. Private transfer fees are
Kenneth Harney THE NATION’S HOUSING
starkly different from those imposed by local government authorities to raise revenue for public services when properties change hands. In a private transfer fee arrangement, a developer or property owner records a long-term covenant requiring payments to trustees or other private parties every time a resale occurs. The best-known and most controversial version of this plan is being promoted by Freehold Capital
Partners of New York. The Freehold program, which the company says has attracted the participation of “thousands” of development projects worth “hundreds of billions of dollars” across the country, imposes a 1 percent fee that must be paid by the home seller out of the settlement proceeds every time the house is resold during the next 99 years. The money flows from the closing to a trustee, who distributes shares of it to private investors and others, including the developer in some cases. Freehold’s activities have raised widespread opposition — 18 state legislatures have either restricted or banned the use of private transfer fees in varying forms.
The proposal from the Federal Housing Finance Agency seeks to cut off federally related funding or guarantees for the underlying conventional mortgages that support private transfer fee programs such as Freehold. Though under conservatorship, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac still account for a large share of new conventional mortgages. Along with the Federal Housing Administration, which had earlier indicated opposition to private transfer fee plans, the three entities are responsible for upward of 95 percent of mortgage market volume, according to industry estimates. Edward J. DeMarco, acting director of the Federal Housing Finance
Agency, said the proposed ban — pending a 60-day public comment period — is necessary because the fees “may impede the marketability and the valuation of properties,” may raise homeownership costs and “contribute to reduced transparency for consumers because the fees are not disclosed by sellers and are difficult to discover through customary title searches.” The wording of the ban, however, appears to reach well beyond Freehold-type fees to include mortgages where covenants require payments to homeowners associations, affordable housing groups or other community or nonprofit organizations, upon each resale of the property. Many new housing de-
velopment projects come with not-for-profit homeowners associations that collect assessments from owners to fund community improvements and property management. Some also receive covenanted transfer fee payments to fund part of their work. Still others impose long-term transfer fees designed to benefit specific charities. Bryan J. Cohen, Freehold’s executive vice president and general counsel, said, “This is precisely the wrong time to eliminate a program that halts foreclosures, helps restart failed projects, creates jobs and reduces upfront costs to American homebuyers.” E-mail Ken Harney at kenharney@ earthlink.net. WASHINGTON POST WRITERS GROUP
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REAL ESTATE
THE OKLAHOMAN | NEWSOK.COM
LISTING OF THE WEEK
Stillmeadows addition home has elbow room The Listing of the Week is a traditional 1½-level house in the Stillmeadows addition in northwest Oklahoma City. The 3,044-square-foot house has three bedrooms, 2½ baths, two living areas, two dining areas and an attached three-car garage. The house has a doubledoor entry, wrought-iron staircase, chef’s kitchen with instant hot water. The dining room has columns and a built-in hutch. The study has built-in shelving.
The living area has hand-scraped wood floors. The house has a walk-in attic and a large utility room with sink as well as a security system and underground sprinkler system. Built in 2006, it is listed for $349,900 with Cheryl Cupps of Century 21Clinkenbeard Group. For more information, call 799-2100 or 365-4314. NOMINATIONS FOR LISTING OF THE WEEK ARE WELCOME. SEND INFORMATION ON SINGLE-FAMILY HOMES TO THE OKLAHOMAN, RICHARD MIZE, P.O. BOX 25125, OKLAHOMA CITY, OK 73125. NOMINATIONS MAY BE FAXED TO 475-3996.
The Listing of the Week is at 5804 NW 160.
PHOTO PROVIDED
REAL ESTATE
THE OKLAHOMAN | NEWSOK.COM
Permits OKLAHOMA CITY MA+ Architecture, 500 SW Grand Blvd., school, remodel, $7,279,415. MA+ Architecture, 500 SW Grand Blvd., school, remodel, $1,276,517. MA+ Architecture, 500 SW Grand Blvd., school, remodel, $1,145,622. Grace Contracting LLC, 19000 N May Ave., day care center, erect, $980,000. Kimray Inc., 35 NW 42, office, remodel, $750,000. Prestige Custom Homes, 15704 Cambria Court, residence, erect, $530,000. Oak Leaf Custom Homes, 10308 Ashewood Drive, residence, erect, $520,000. Distinctive Builders LLC, 17401 Barrington Hills Lane, residence, erect, $425,000. Jim Campbell Homes Inc., 7612 Jesse Trail, residence, erect, $384,900. Odom & Associates, 10440 S Western Ave., restaurant, remodel, $350,000. Johnston Builders LLC, 12500 Deep Wood Creek Drive, residence, erect, $335,000. Jim Abernathy Construction, 421 NW 18, residence, remodel, $316,000. RJ Designs Inc., 12625 SW 54, residence, erect, $313,000. Avalon Homes & Properties LLC, 14124 SE 75, residence, erect, $305,000. Taber Built Homes LLC, 16204 Josiah Place, residence, erect, $300,000. Ted Whitnah Contracting LLC, 10725 Granada Drive, residence, erect, $265,000. Johnston Builders LLC, 12524 Arthur Ave., resi-
dence, erect, $255,000. Eric Cheatham Construction Co., 3405 SW 123, residence, erect, $250,000. Ernest Stas, 3401 Walden Estates Drive, residence, erect, $238,000. J.W. Mashburn Development Inc., 2541 SW 141, residence, erect, $220,000. J.W. Mashburn Development Inc., 2604 SW 140, residence, erect, $220,000. Mike Abernathy Construction, 17111 SE 59, residence, erect, $220,000. Terry Covey Custom Homes, 9104 NW 83, residence, erect, $210,000. Home First Inc., 8121 Double Springs Drive, residence, erect, $200,000. Home First Inc., 8120 Double Springs Drive, residence, erect, $200,000. Mandalay Homes LLC, 9401 SW 29, residence, erect, $200,000. Ideal Homes of Norman LP, 18513 Mesa Road, residence, erect, $188,000. SWM & Sons Inc., 14201 SE 76 Place, residence, erect, $181,090. Johnston Builders LLC, 12600 N Rockwell Ave., residence, erect, $180,000. Stone Creek Homes Ltd., 4908 SW 123, residence, erect, $170,000. MA+ Architecture, 500 SW Grand Blvd., school, remodel, $164,738. Johnston Builders LLC, 12600 N Rockwell Ave., residence, erect, $161,000. Johnston Builders LLC, 12600 N Rockwell Ave., residence, erect, $160,000. Ideal Homes of Norman LP, 516 Hutton Road, residence, erect, $130,000. Jester Homes Inc., 11753 SW 16, residence, erect, $130,000. Westpoint Homes, 15208
OKC Southwest
RE for sale Chandler/ Wellston
311.8
Open Sat 8-5, Sun 11-4, 4 bed, 2K bath, 2 story, on 8 acres, $149,900, for directions: 918-285-1542.
Del City
Acreage For Sale
313
Custom Built-1 owner! Lg. lot w/2400+sf, 3bd, 2liv, 2din, 3car. Ingrd pool-sprnklr sys & more. $214,900. Call Malones Prop. 670-1411/640-8550
302
ACREAGE HOME SITES AVAILABLE » The Ranches at Olde Tuscany 1+Ac Moore Schls » Olde Tuscany III 5-10 ac Moore Schools » The Timbers 5 ac Moore Schools » Montecito 1+ ac Norman Schools » Belleau Wood 1+ ac Edmond Schools » Stillbrook Glen 2.5-10 ac Bridgecreek Schools Call Mike 317.0582 landmarkfinehomes.com Visit one of our fully furnished model homes today! *We build on your lot or ours* FSBO: 4008 acres in western Oklahoma in both Beckham & Greer Counties. Approx. 10 mi SW of Sayre, OK. Hay stack Creek and other creeks run through the property. Big trees, good hunting, good cow operation, corrals, ponds. $695 per acre. 806-248-7224 or 806-676-6503 or night 806-354-0253 PIEDMONT OPEN SAT 2-4 & SUN 2-5. Model home. New hms on 1/2 ac lots. Info also available for new hms in other additions. From NW Expwy & Sara Rd go 4.5 mi N Cleaton & Associates, Inc. Realtors 373-2494 CASHION ACREAGE with trees & creek. 6 to 11 ac MOL tracts starting @ $25,000. Owner finance possible. Lisa Cleaton & Assoc 373-2494 1N to 10A, E. of OKC, pay out dn. before 1st pmt. starts, many are M/H ready over 400 choices, lg trees, some with ponds, TERMS Milburn o/a 275-1695 paulmilburnacreages.com HOME W/ 20 AC MOL 3 bd 2.5 ba approx 2495' w/office & gamerm Cashion schls. $284,900 Lisa or Cindy Cleaton & Assoc 373-2494 Move In ready 14x80 MH 3bd 2ba DW on 7.29 Acre plenty of deer/turkey Stonewall Schools 14mi E of Ada. »» $70,000 (580) 279-3925 279-3749 6A Land Mustang. 18079 199 Renov Big home. 11850 Lakewood Big home. 417-2176 www.homesofokcinc.com 1-28 acres » All Areas Owner Financing Woodlake Properties 405-273-5777 www.property4sale.com BUILDING SITES PIEDMONT 3/4 and 1 Acre Lots, Close In-Good Streets Leon 373-4820 Overland Ex Realty 3/2/2 on 2K ac, 26x32 shop, 424 Sherwood Ln, Edm $165,500 436-3055
Condominiums, Townhouses For Sale 304 Extra sharp 2bd 1.5ba 2-car, ch/a, new roof & siding, only $59,900 Fidelity 692-1661
4005 Corbett • 473-3247 www.homesofokcinc.com
Edmond
314
OPEN SUN 2-4 1508 Knightingale Ln. Built in '04. 4070sf. 4bd 4ba $365K Brightwell Brokerage, 639-1919 4/2/3 $185,000, 2048 sf Storm shelter, sprinklers (405)476.8207 Photos at owners.com/DAD0343.
Moore
318
EXECUTIVE HOME Gated community Owner Financing 405-641-0124
Mustang
319
PRICE REDUCED! 1233 W Churchill Way FSBO.com ID# 142158 3 bd 2 ba, blt in '05, Open House Sun 1-4 $134,900 414-7938 FSBO: Blt '03, 1813 sf, 3/2/3, lrg liv & mstr, new crpt, reduced $149K 810 E Elder Ln 306-6504
Norman
322
2 bd, 2 ba, 2 car Garden Home in restricted Sr. Gated community. $134,500 405-788-4209
OKC Northeast
323
Open SUN. 2-4. 704 NE 20 St. Hist. Lincoln Terr. hrdwd foors & updated. 9620 NE 46 • 417-2176 www.homesofokcinc.com
OKC Northwest
324
Sharp Spacious 4bed 2-story home, great area, large dry basement (can double for storm cellar), new carpet, fresh paint ch/a Seller will pay all of buyer's closing costs $99,750. Fidelity RE 692-1661, 417-1963 2201 NW 26, hist. Beautiful prof. dec., 4br/3b, 2306 sf, updated/xtras, Sat & Sun 2-5pm/appt. 524-0763, realtors comm OWNER CARRY, 3 bd, 1 ba, 1 car, ch&a, remodeled, $4K down, 1157 NW 81st, 348-2108. 2506 NW 20 & 4621 NW 33 Terr. 503-5057 www.homesofokcinc.com 1449 NW 99 • 417-2176 www.homesofokcinc.com
OKC Southeast
325
K Priced Home $29,500 CASH 1600sf 3/2/2+ den needs little work. Part trade '89-'00 trk 889-4689 New & Remodeled Home 1340 SE 41st. 3bed, 1ba, 59,500 Michael 245-4008 4bed 2bath 2car large lot. Moore Schl $1300mo W Enterprises 732-2285
OKC Southwest
326
Moore Schools, 3 bd, 2 ba, 2 car, 30X30 workshop, nice updates, oak laminate, tile, $128,000, 2317 SW 82nd, 473-9966
326
2317 SW 48, $39,900, Nu +grade carpet/paint Cent H&A/Huge Util Rm SuzyQ, 301-4618/642-4116 Extra sharp 3bd brick home ch/a, nice area, good condition, only $54,900 Fidelity 692-1661 BANK OWNED 3/2/3, blt 96 1533sf, Moore schls, 2 liv, $109.9KArlene CB 414-8753
Piedmont
327
STUNNING in Windmill Park Addt. 4/3/3 approx 2365', close to neighborhood tennis & park, all the bells & whistles, $259,900. Cindy, Cleaton & Associates, Inc. Realtors 373-2494 COUNTRY ESTATE 6735 Mustang Rd NE 3 Bd, 4 Ba, Office + Game Rm, 3 Car 30x50 Shop on 7+ Ac, Trees and Small Pond $675K Leon 373-4820 Overland Exp Rlty Seller has found his new home-bring your offer today! 1500+ sf, 3bd brk 2ba, 2car, a/c, outbldg + upgrades $127,500! Call Malones Prop 670-1411/640-8550 NORTHWOOD LAKE 4 bd 2.5 ba approx 2600' on 1 ac MOL walk to lake & new elem schl. $264,900 Lisa or Cindy Cleaton & Assoc 373-2494 EXECUTIVE HOME 4/4/3 approx 3232' on 1 ac MOL. 16 x 32 ingrnd pool w/pergola & fire pit, 20 x 20 outbldg. $384,500 Lisa Cleaton & Assoc 373-2494 6708 EVERY AVE NW 5 AC 4Bd, 2K Ba, 2 Liv, 1 Din, 2 Car, Horse Barn, 4 Stall + Wash Rack Leon 373-4820 Overland Ex Realty Inc
Tuttle/ Newcastle
329
Brick 1900 sf on 5 acres, barn w/ 5 horse runs. Beautiful! $199,500 Call New Horizons, 326-6273 OPEN TODAY 2-5 TUTTLE 6904 Lewis Ln » 3/2/3 on 3/4 Acre (N of Hwy 37 on Morgan Rd. )
Yukon
330
Open Sun 2-4 New carpet, paint, blinds, 5bed, 3ba, 2295sqft 2006 $195000 call Cole Thompson w/ Metro 1st Rlty 464-7125
Suburban, NW
(El Reno, Guthrie, Cashion, Deer Creek,
Etc.)
332
1939 FARM HOMESTEAD some original & some updated w/current trends. Approx 1900' on 6.5 ac MOL. 3bd, 2ba, basement, detached 2 car/shop combo. 146,900 Cindy, Cleaton & Associates, Inc. Realtors 373-2494
Suburban, SW
(Minco, Union City, 334 Etc.) 2020 sf 2-story 3 bd, 2.5 ba. Needs TLC. $72,900 New Horizons, 326-6273
Open Houses 334.2 PIEDMONT OPEN SAT 2-4 & SUN 2-5. Model home. New hms on 1/2 ac lots. Info also available for new hms in other additions. From NW Expwy & Sara Rd go 4.5 mi N Cleaton & Associates, Inc. Realtors 373-2494
Amber Run, residence, erect, $130,000. SWM & Sons Inc., 7625 Valley Creek Drive, residence, erect, $124,635. Trinity Industries, 10400 S Western Ave., recreation center, remodel, $120,000. Davin Methvin, 3212 Tenkiller Court, residence, erect, $113,000. Harbor Homes, 17300 Serrano Drive, residence, erect, $110,000. Harbor Homes, 17113 Prado Drive, residence, erect, $110,000. Harbor Homes, 17104 Serrano Drive, residence, erect, $110,000. SWM & Sons Inc., 7615 Valley Creek Drive, residence, erect, $107,065. Ideal Homes of Norman LP, 312 Durkee Road, residence, erect, $107,000. Liberty Homes Inc., 2500 SE 92 Terrace, residence, erect, $100,000. Don Morris, 304 N Meridian Ave., office-warehouse, remodel, $100,000. Leslie Rice, 8500 N Rockwell Ave., restaurant, remodel, $100,000. Ideal Homes of Norman LP, 1108 SW 160 Court, residence, erect, $97,000. McBride Construction & Roofing LLC, 537 SE 32, residence, erect, $90,000. McBride Construction & Roofing LLC, 715 SE 28, residence, erect, $90,000. Ideal Homes of Norman LP, 2624 NW 184, residence, erect, $88,000. Home Creations, 2225 NW 197, residence, erect, $84,200. Christ’s Legacy Church, 11101 N Morgan Road, church, erect, $80,000. The Upchurch Co., 2606 Warwick Drive, residence, add-on, $80,000.
Mobile Home Parks Community /Acreages 338
$$$$$$$$$$$$$ Up to $5000 towards your new mobile home w/ a 4 yr. lease! Or...We will move your home to one of our Beautiful Properties! Visit us at www.aboutarc.com or call 405-733-4072. BACK TO SCHOOL SPECIAL! Free month's rent in. No application fee. wac Yukon schools 3bd/2 bath. All electric. Going fast. Call 787-0136 or 495.1463 We'll PAY to have YOUR Home moved to any one Our parks. Conditions apply Call 326-5728 for Details Want FREE lot rent? Call for more info. Conditions apply 405-326-5728 Owner financing. New manufactured housing. Call 405-326-5728 details
Mobile Homes, Manufactured Houses 339 Huge Inventory home sale! Own Land or have Family Land use land to purchase new home! Need Land? Land/Home I-20 acres available. 3, 4, 5 bedrm Manufactured & Modular homes. Turn Key, we do it all! 1000 furniture package with purchase 888-878-2971 405-204-4163 Price Reduced! New 3bd/2ba Mobile Homes already on land located in Shawnee, Prague, Cromwell & Harrah Owner Financing Woodlake Properties 405-273-5777 www.property4sale.com First Time Homebuyer. New & repo homes available. Move to your land or to community. Trade in homes are welcomed. 888-878-2971 405-602-4526
Real Estate Wanted
Business Property For Sale 351 632-Unit Mini Storage in Duncan, Ok. 28ac +/- of land $1,995,000 580-248-4337
Investment Property For Sale 355 Bank owned 18 Units $350K, 16 Units Near OCU $550K, 22 Units Paseo area $775K, Project Partners wanted $100K – Earn 8% - 20%. Seabrooke Realty 405-409-7779
Business Property For Rent 360
Land/Home Repo’s Many locations around OK. E-Z Qualifying405-787-5004 3bd 2ba DW on acreage w/pond. Less than $500 mo, WAC 631-3609 3/2 bath set up quiet park Call for details405-631-7600 Repo 10 acres 2200 sf, E of City. 301-2454/517-5000 2200 sf 4x2, Newcastle 301-2454/517-5000 4/2 bath set up with 2.5 acres 405-631-7600
New bldg, I-35 frontage, shop, ofc, kitchen, bath, heat/air, $1000, 412-7665
Industrial Property For Rent 361 Warehouse/Office I-40 & Meridian, 2200-4819sf, 946-2516
Office Space For Rent
363
GREAT Space OFFICE Convenient NW Locations: I-40 & Meridian NW Expressway & May Britton/Lake Hefner Parkway 200-6000sf 946-2516
Repos 3x2 starting $19,900 Del. 301-2454/517-5000
1, 2 & 3-Room Suites $150 & up ¡ 50th & N. Santa Fe area 235-8080
Real Estate Notices
Warehouse Space For Rent 363.5
345
DO NOT Call Unless… Foreclosure/Behind Paymt Overleveraged/Repairs Call/Web 800-Sell-Now.com I BUY HOUSES Any condition. No cost to U 495-5100
417-2176
Quiet Casady!
Low rents $440 751-8088 •ABC• Affordable, Bug free, Clean » 787-7212»
Land Bargain!
Commercial RE
4000 sf. Easy access, great location, 12x14 O/H drs. Nicolma Park. 1 yr lease + dep. $1800/mo negotiable. 630-0394 1800 sf, whse & office, heat & air, 12x12 O/H doors, paved parking. Nicoma Park, 1 yr lease + dep. $725/mo 630-0394
431
NW 50th and Portland, Remodel, from $525/mo. »» 405-692-5584 »»
Vacation Property For Sale 347 Possum Kingdom Lake Depression - like pricing has spurred brisk sales! Mountain top lake acreage that has been owned by one family for over 100 yrs is now available. Huge oaks, mtn streams, gorgeous meadows, abundant deer, turkey & other wildlife. Enjoy gorgeous sunsets overlooking Possum Kingdom Lake as well as private lake access for fishing, boating, skiing, sailing & more. Or, just relax at our private clubhouse & infinity edge pool. Excellent financing w/ easy terms. This is a must see for the entire family. Call now for no-pressure guided tour-FREE pics & map, too 1-877-888-1636
Co., 5915 Philip J. Rhoads Ave., accessory, move-on, $25,000. Callahan Steel Buildings (Curt), 220 SW 83, storage, erect, $20,000. Callahan Steel Buildings (Curt), 11824 Marbella Drive, storage, erect, $20,000. Kenny Ford, 3024 NW 14, accessory, erect, $20,000. Outdoor Escapes LLC, 3728 SE 104, cabana-gazebo, erect, $20,000. James R. Jenkins, 12625 SW 54, storage, erect, $20,000. King Crafted Construction, 7901 SW 98, storage, erect, $17,200. Outdoor Escapes LLC, 3728 SE 104, residence, add-on, $15,000. Bricktown Real Estate & Development, 150 S E.K. Gaylord Blvd., restaurant, remodel, $10,000. Truett Rogers, 720 SE 41, residence, fire restoration, $8,000. Scott Lape, 2842 Guilford Lane, residence, erect, $8,000. Clint Cox, 13401 SE 59, storage, erect, $7,500. J&J Builders General Contractors LLC, 5920 S Shields Blvd., parking, install, $7,500. Cellxion Wireless Services, 7431 NW 85, towerantenna, install, $5,000. Outdoor Escapes LLC, 3728 SE 104, cabana-gazebo, erect, $5,000. Smartsafe Enterprises, 15213 Grayson Drive, storm shelter, install-storm shelter, $4,300. Marue Branch III, 13004 S Robinson Ave., residence, remodel, $4,000. Don West, 1420 Westchester Drive, storage, erect, $3,500. Home Creations, 1536
Oakwood Apts 1bd 1bth 750sf $325/mo $175/dep 409-7989 no sec 8
I BUY & SELL HOUSES 27 YRS EXP 650-7667 HOMESOFOKCINC.COM
DW on Acreage, 4 Bed/ 2Bath, 2350 sq ft, 2 car garage ¡ 405-412-6236
3bd 2ba MH in SE OKC quiet park. Must see $16K 619-7270, 979-0016
OKC Northwest
Heard of a SHORT SALE? SELL YOUR HOUSE TODAY! Foreclosure/behind Pymts 340-9879/HouseKings.com
117 acres +/- in Duncan, OK with many improvements $375,000 580-248-4337
1997 2 bd, 2 ba, 16X80, car port, gas & elec, W. OKC, $24,950, 470-2886.
Ideal Homes of Norman LP, 9540 SW 26, residence, erect, $75,000. J.B. Seely Construction, 715 Cedardale Drive, residence, add-on, $75,000. Charles Staley, 300 NE 102, storage, supplement, $70,000. Hoyer Enterprises Inc., doing business as Hoyer Construction, 9405 S Hiwassee Road, residence, remodel, $67,000. James Hanlon, 9200 S Anderson Road, residence, add-on, $65,000. Whitfield Custom Homes LLC, 5908 N Barnes Ave., residence, add-on, $55,000. TDC Construction Co., 6900 N May Ave., business, remodel, $51,000. Centerline Construction, 5915 Philip J. Rhoads Ave., accessory, move-on, $50,000. Centerline Construction Co., 5915 Philip J. Rhoads Ave., accessory, move-on, $50,000. Welcome Home Community, 9521 NW 11, manufactured home, move-onmobile home park, $50,000. Cellxion Wireless Services, 7431 NW 85, towerantenna, install, $45,000. Quality Renovations LLC, 12200 Hobbiton Court, residence, fire restoration, $45,000. Ruby Harris, 8500 Oak Hill Road, manufactured home, move-on, $40,000. T. Kennard Hill, 2405 NW 151, residence, fire restoration, $39,500. Cinemark USA Inc., 6001 N Martin Luther King Ave., theater, remodel, $39,000. Willow Brook Investments, 8100 SW 3, officewarehouse, remodel, $30,000. Centerline Construction
346
3 bed dbl. w/fireplace, huge glamour bath, walkin closet island kit. $389mo wac 470-1330
Single Wide, 3bd/2ba set up in park. $17,500 Call for info: 512-567-8345
SATURDAY, AUGUST 28, 2010
Apartments Edmond
422
LARGE EFFICIENCY APT W/KITCHENETTE - ALL BILLS PAID - WALK TO UCO»» 921-6897. VERY, VERY QUIET! Near mall, schls, hosp, Try Plaza East•341-4813 SENIOR LIVING 55+ 1 BED APTS. 348-4065
MWC
424
1 & 2 BEDROOMS, QUIET! Covered Parking Great Schools! 732-1122 $200 OFF RENT 1 & 2 bedrooms. Spring Tree Apartments. 405-737-8172.
OKC Downtown 429.5 Walford Apts 518 NW 12 MIDTOWN District Amazing! All electric, 1bd 1ba, ch/a. Corner Studio $550mo $450dp Efficiency $475mo $375dp 409-7989 no sec 8
OKC Northwest
431
Spring Special
LARGE TOWNHOMES & APARTMENTS • Washer, Dryers, pools • PC Schools, fireplaces
Williamsburg 7301 NW 23rd
787-1620 2810 Dorchester Dr Apt 5 spacious 2bd 1.5ba, large living area, ch/a, completely remodeled, $650 mo Fidelity RE 692-1661 The Plaza 1740 NW 17th K Off Special 1bd, 1ba 750sf, wood floors, all elec, $450 mo, $200dp. No sec8 409-7989 WOW! $149 1st Month 1 Bed-2bed available »» ALL BILLS PAID»» POOL. 405-946-0588 DREXEL ON THE PARK Briargate 1718 N Indiana K Off Move in Special! 800sf 1bd 1ba, cha, all elec, wood floor, $450mo, $200 dep. No sec 8 409-7989
Foxcroft Apartments 1, 2 & 3 beds »»» 787-6655 »»» Efficiency Apt. All bills paid included cable extended, $460 month nice, Mayfair area. 942-3139 2528 NW 12th 1bd 1ba 900sf $400mo $200dp Garage apt 600sf $325mo $175dp 409-7989 no sec8 Furnished/Unfurnished Bills Paid » Wkly/Monthly Wes Chase Apts, Elk Horn Apts, Hillcrest 943-1818 800 N. Meridian: 1bd, all bills paid & weekly rates available. 946-9506 $99 Move-In Special 1bd 1ba $295-350, stove, fridge, very clean 625-5200
Lots For Sale 337
» MOVE IN SPECIAL » LARGE 1, 2 & 3 BEDS Rockwell Arms, 787-1423
11 lots SE 36th & Phillips 634-0181
MAYFAIR GARDENS Historic Area! Secure, wash /dry hardwd flrs 947-5665
OKC Southwest
433
$201 Total Move-In Cost Energy Eff., $301 move in/1 bd, $401 move in/2 bd. $1 First Week Rent Weekly Avail: Effic $115 1bd $125, 2bd $165 Disability & Social Security recipients welcome 616 SW 59th, between Western&Walker634-4798 Drug free environment Not all bills paid $99 SPECIAL Lg 1bdr, stove, refrig., clean, walk to shops. $325 mo. 632-9849 Furnished/Unfurnished Bills Paid » Wkly/Monthly Wes Chase Apts, Elk Horn Apts, Hillcrest 943-1818 San Tee Apts. small eff $275/mo $85/deposit Plus elec 685-2909 9a-5p $99 Move In Special!!! Lg 1 and 2 Bdr, $325 to $395 mo. 632-9849 $305 & Up per month Furnished 1bd & Efficiency 2820 S Robinson 232-1549 Furn 1BD most bills Paid + EMSA, no sec 8 and no pets, 524-2730
Yukon
438
Yukon Rent Specials 1 bd From $359 2 bd From $459 3 bd From $559 For info & specials 354-5855
Condominiums, Townhouses For Rent 441 1 bed, 1 bath, W/D, fireplace, fridge, ceiling fans, 1 covered parking, security gates, pool, free water & cable. Quail Springs Condo. $525/mo Call Bryan, 722-3882 2720 SW 74th unit 18, extra sharp 2bd townhouse, ch/a, built in appliances, washer/dryer hookups, patio area, only $575 Fidelity RE 692-1661 Hemingway -Gated, 2 bd, 2 ba, (1st Floor), W/D, FP, Appls, pool, covered parking $725 mo, 210-5803 8012 NW 7th Pl Unit 324 extra sharp 1bd, 1.5ba, 1-car garage ch/a, $525 Fidelity RE 692-1661 3245 NW 50th #244 2 bed 2 bath $550 mo TMS Prop 348-0720 Exec condo, 2/1K /2, gated, pool, tennis, lease, $950, 831-4371.
OKC Southwest
455
1016 SW 58, $550, 2 bd, Wash/Dry-Ref/Range S-8 OK/No pets, smoking 405-301-4618/642-4116
Yukon
460
Large 2-3 bed, 2 bath, 2 car garage, TH, all appls, gated, pool, Yukon Schools, from $800/mo. 789-3705 Brand new duplexes, 3 bd 2 ba, 2 car, gated comm, call Rick, 405-830-3789.
453
3615 NW 51st Amazing Duplex close to Baptist/ Deaconess, 1300sf 2bd 2bth 2car gar fireplace $900mo $900dp. Must see! 409-7989 no sec 8 New Luxury Duplex 13516 Brandon Place 3/2/2, fp, Deer Creek Schls, near Mercy. Model open 10-4 842-7300
475
Rent Specials All Areas 4 Beds from $595 to $1295 3 Beds from $495 to $995 2 Beds from $395 to $495 Free List 605-5477 Surrey Hills-#1 fairway 3/2/2, fireplace w/garden room, $1500 month 821-8468 Lrg remod 3bd 2ba liv din h/w flrs w/d hk up appls 2249 NW 18 no pets $650 301-5979 557-1288
RE for rent
3 bed, 2.5 bath, 2 car, PC Sch. $950mo + dep. Call 229-5712
465.5
3717 SE 26th. 3 bd, 1 ba, $650 rent, $500 deposit. ch/a, no pets, 973-5890
Edmond
466
HOMES FOR LEASE www.executivehome rentalsokc.com 3-4BRs $1000-$3000 Welcome Home 877-884-7434 Thomas Trails Beauty 4/2/2, $176,900. Brkr/ Owners would consider lse purchase for $1500/ mo. New carpet, lrg fnc back yd. Bud 245-1271 Executive Edmond Home 737 Martina Ln, 4bd 2.5ba 3car, $1500 mo $1500dep 2000sf 409-7989 www.okcrentalhomes.com 15604 Sugar Loaf 2,520 sf, 3/2.5/3 + ofc. $1500/mo 405-209-9303 3bd 2K ba, 1400sf stv, frig, d/w, 1317 Mary Lee $825+$400 dep 606-9132 3 bd, 2 ba, 2 car, 1700 sf, ch&a, $1150 mo + $1150 dep. 824-8954/348-9405
MWC
468
3 bd, 1.5 ba, 1 car, W/D hkup, fncd yd, ch&a $650mo + dep. No Sec. 8 616 Briarwood 412-7013 9100 Jennifer Pl 3bd 1ba 1car $525 mo, $350 dep 681-7272 V-Nice, 1 mi E of Tinker, 3/1, ch&a, util rm, $525 + $300, no pets, 732-4351
Moore
469
Rent Specials All Areas 4 Beds from $595 to $1295 3 Beds from $495 to $995 2 Beds from $395 to $495 Free List 605-5477 2 bed, 2 bath, 2 car, ch&a, $750 month, $600 deposit, no pets, ready 9/1, call Sam, 220-9049. 1302 SW 21st 2 bd, 2 ba, 2 car, ch&a, $750 mo, $600 dep. No pets, ready 9/1. Call Sam, 220-9049
Duplexes
OKC Northwest
OKC Northwest
Section 8 OK, 3 bed, 712 NW 88th; 5 bed, 504 NW 91st; 3 bed, 3716 W Park. 942-3552.
1629 SE 9th, $795 + dep, 3 bed, 2 ba, study, CH/A, att. garage, 685-6817, co
135 Barrett Place 2/1/1 kit appls, $625 mo no pets/section 8 517-1222
Mike Abernathy Construction, 17111 SE 59, vacant. L&S Demolition, 2405 NW 1, residence. Cudtro Properties LLC, Bill Carry, 3317 Parkview Ave., garage. K&M Dirt Services, 14000 Benson Road, apartment. K&M Dirt Services LLC, 700 SE 26, garage. L&S Demolition, 305 SE 67, residence. M&M Wrecking, 612 NE 29, house. M&M Wrecking, 616 NE 29, house. M&M Wrecking, 620 NE 29, house. M&M Wrecking, 2608 Elmhurst Ave., house. Midwest Wrecking, 500 Land Rush, racetrack. Ray’s Trucking, 3501 NE 23, residence. Charlene Mascote, 13101 S Anderson Road, house. Vickey Mason, 904 NE 19, garage. Bill Walker, 505 SE 70, carport.
Furnished/Unfurnished Bills Paid » Wkly/Monthly Wes Chase Apts, Elk Horn Apts, Hillcrest 943-1818
Beautiful 3bd 1.5ba 2car gar, W.Moore. no indoor pets/smoke $795mo avail 9/6. 405-833-6291
444
DEMOLITIONS
Hotels/Motels 462
Edmond Condo, Crossing Way East, pool, tennis, 3/2/2 $750mo 348-4823
Edmond
NW 125, temporary building, move-on, $2,000. Jack Shatto, 8913 Beck Drive, manufactured home, move-on-mobile home park, $2,000. Santa Fe Station Mobile Home Park, 501 SE 44, manufactured home, moveon-mobile home park, $2,000. Santa Fe Station Mobile Homes Park, 501 SE 44, manufactured home, moveon-mobile home park, $2,000. Santiago Sanchez, 3012 W Park Place, canopycarport, erect, $1,800. Johnny and Virginia Simmons, 3320 SW 41, accessory, erect, $1,500.
204 NW 91, Recently updated 3bd, Just in time for Schl $750+ $500dep Sec 8 Ok 359-0591
Del City
Nice 3 bd, 1 ba, 1 car, lrg fncd yard w/ shed $675 + $675dep. 308-0352 2817 Nottingham, 3bd 2ba, ch/a $625 681-7272 EXECUTIVE HOME Gated community. Lease Option 405-641-0124 1808 SunriseDr 3/1.5/2$800 Home&RanchRlty 794-7777
Mustang
470
HOMES FOR LEASE www.executivehome rentalsokc.com 3-4BRs $1000-$3000 Welcome Home 877-884-7434
9F
3209 Pioneer, 1 bed, 1 bath, 1 car, 1 year lease, $450 +$300 dep 694-9730 8408 Surrey Pl. 2391 sf, 3 bd, 2 ba, 2 car, large yd $1200/mo. 627-2097 M-F Great area! 3/2/2 ch&a, w/d hkup, lawn care. $925 + dep. No Sec 8 or Pets 410-1984 2 bed, 1 bath, den w/fp, $700 mo, $400 dep. $300 pet dep. 405-519-5221 415 NW 119th, 2 bd, 2 ba Duplex, Sec. 8 Only. $500/month 706-8669 2 bed, 1 bath, $550 month + $300 deposit 3833 NW 25. 361-5131 2bed 1bath w/office 1250sf $800mo $500dep 405-535-0180 OCU-SHEP-HIST 3 bd w/ cottage, 2 ba, hdwd flrs fncd $750+dep 524-0222 PC Schools- 3 bd, 1K ba, 2 car gar, $925/mo. 4083074, 4409 NW 52nd St. 1418 NW 49th, 2 bed, 1 bath, 1 car, appls, w/d hookup, ch&a 570-5865 Classy Windsor Hills 3/2/2 $945 370-5642
OKC Southeast
476
HOMES FOR LEASE www.executivehome rentalsokc.com 3-4BRs $1000-$3000 Welcome Home 877-884-7434 Rent Specials All Areas 4 Beds from $595 to $1295 3 Beds from $495 to $995 2 Beds from $395 to $495 Free List 605-5477 522 SE 48th 3 bed, 2 bath, CH&A washer/dryer hookup w/ appliances 405-570-5865 4013 SE 45th Ter 3/1.5/1 Sec 8 ok, $700 rent, $600 dep, ch&a, 408-6361. 704 SE 31, 1 bd, 1bath Very cute, w/d hook up $425/mo • 408-5836 29 SE 33rd, 1bd, stove & fridge, water & gas paid $350 681-7272
OKC Southwest
477
2509 Texoma Dr 3/1/1 ch/a $650 912 SW 35th 2bd +, 1 3/4ba $450 633 SW 33rd 2/1 $350 2401 SW 43rd #7 1bd apt, total elect, water paid $325 681-7272 New Rivendell Exec Home 408-4168 Luxury indoor pool & spa Fully equip'd media & wrkout rooms $5500/mo Openhouseok.com Rent Specials All Areas 4 Beds from $595 to $1295 3 Beds from $495 to $995 2 Beds from $395 to $495 Free List 605-5477 3bd 1.5ba 2-car, remod kitchen, 2216 SW 77th St. close to I35 & I240, $850 mo 221-3193
OKC Southwest
477
Rent To Own/Lease: 2/2 Townhome, W/D hkup, A/C $485/mo 919-6827 7212 S. Land. 3 br, 1.5 ba. Central heat/air. Rent & dep. 924-9691 3 bd, 1 ba, CH&A, $500. SE 2 bd, 1 ba, $400 + $400 dep. 631-8220 Sec 8 - New R. Home 4bdr/1bth $800/m sep util, large lot 759-6828 3636 SW 36, section 8 2 bed, $500. 685-8240, 694-1570 1B $350mo $200 deposit, 4B $550mo.,$250 deposit 405-631-8039 1024 SW 56th St., 3/1/1 no pets, $650 mo $400 dep. 405-210-0961
Tuttle/ Newcastle
481
Bridgecreek, 2bd/2ba, 1 acre. Mobile Home $500mo +dep. 392-4717
Norman
473
223 W. Mosier, ex nice 2bd home w/1 car gar, CH&A, comp furn w/fridge, stove, washer/dryer, nice furn & dishes, covered patio, $650 mo. Great for college student Fidelity RE 692-1661 HOMES FOR LEASE www.executivehome rentalsokc.com 3-4BRs $1000-$3000 Welcome Home 877-884-7434
Yukon
482
HOMES FOR LEASE www.executivehome rentalsokc.com 3-4BRs $1000-$3000 Welcome Home 877-884-7434 Open Sun 2-4 New carpet, paint, MIL plan 5bed, 3ba, 2295sqft 2006 $1450/month Call Cole Thompson w/ Metro 1st Rlty 464-7125 Recently blt house w/ 4 bd, 2.5 ba + offc, upgrades, Mustang Schls $1595 mo 405-818-1702
Mobile Home Rentals 483 WHY RENT WHEN YOU CAN OWN? Easy financing with no credit needed. Yukon schls
405-815-7245
$ FREE RENT 1ST MO $ 2BR $395+, 3BR $495+, MWC NO PETS 427-0627 Westoaks MHP 1 blk W of NW 10 & Rockwell 3bd 1ba $475 2bd 1ba$375 787-1030
Rental Services
487
MANAGEMENT LEASING SALES SINCE 1982 Spectrum Management 848-9400 usespectrum.com » RENTAL HELPER» Current Home Rental Listing $39 at the Gold Dome (405) 605-5551
Rooms For Rent
489
Furnished bedroom, house privileges, Mustang area, $325 month, call Jim, 724-494-0064. CHRISTIAN FEMALE will share S. OKC Country home $400mo » 306-8764
Senior Living 489.5 $999 MOVE IN SPECIAL Meals Laundry Maid Svc Transp. & Activities! Edm & Mustang. Call Earline for details ’ 921-6897
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SATURDAY, AUGUST 28, 2010
REAL ESTATE
HOUSE PLAN
Ranch home is perfect size for new families, empty nest BY THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
A family room at the back gives a spacious, open feeling to the compact Phoenix, a ranchstyle home that fits on a standard lot. This singlelevel plan is suited to the needs of empty nesters, young families or singles. The U-shaped kitchen is completely open to the family room, so the cooks and cleanup crew need never feel left out of family activities. Counters and cupboards stretch along one wall, and a pantry provides additional storage capacity. A cook top and oven are built into a central work island that adds more counter space. Bring in a few stools and the islands doubles as an eating bar. Stacked windows brighten the living room, a quiet space at the front of the home. The corner fireplace serves as a focal point in winter, and its mantel offers a display area for family mementos. The owners’ suite and utilities are to the right of these gathering spaces. The walk-in closet is much larger than one expects to find in a home this size, and the private bathroom has a luxurious oversized shower. Utilities are in a passthough space convenient to the kitchen, owners’ suite and garage. Secondary bedrooms are on the left side of the Phoenix with a bathroom with a combined tub and shower. If a basement is desired, stairs will be on the front wall of the family room,
adjacent to the living room, thus decreasing the size of the family room. For a review plan, including scaled floor plans,
elevations, section and artist’s conception, send $25 to Associated Designs, 1100 Jacobs Drive, Eugene, OR, 97402. Please specify
the Phoenix 10-061 and include a return address when ordering. For more information, call (800) 634-0123.
THE OKLAHOMAN | NEWSOK.COM
Inspector didn’t check air system in winter DEAR BARRY: We bought our home in the wintertime, so our home inspector did not test the air conditioner. He said the outside temperature was too cold to run the system. But that left us with an undisclosed problem. The summer arrived with 100degree temperatures, and we found that our air conditioner did not work. The contractor we called said the system had not been fully connected when it was installed, but this was not reported to us during the home inspection. Is our home inspector liable for failing to report this problem? Kathy DEAR KATHY: Your home inspector could be liable, depending on what he did or did not say in his report. At the same time, there remains the issue of whether to test an airconditioning system in cold weather. So let’s take a look. Many home inspectors refuse to test air conditioners when temperatures are below 60 degrees. This is because air-conditioning systems can be damaged if they are operated during cold weather. However, damage is unlikely to occur if the system is briefly operated for purposes of testing and inspecting. Prolonged use is what causes damage. Therefore, failure to test an air-conditioning system during cold weather is not fully justified. However, if a home inspector chooses to skip the test, the report should recommend testing by a licensed heating-ventilation-air-conditioning contractor before close of escrow, rather than allow-
Barry Stone INSPECTOR’S IN THE HOUSE
ing the homebuyers to purchase the property without knowing the condition of the system. If your home inspector declined to test the unit but made no recommendation for further evaluation, then he was professionally negligent. DEAR BARRY: We bought ceramic floor tiles for our bathroom and hired a tile setter to install them. But the workmanship was terrible. So now we’re going to tear it out and start over. But we want to make sure we get a good tile contractor this time. How can we find someone who is competent to do this work? Laurel DEAR LAUREL: Finding a qualified contractor can sometimes be a shot in the dark, but there is a good way to find competent flooring installers. Stores that sell flooring materials seldom employ their own workers. Instead, they contract with various carpet layers, vinyl installers and tile setters. And these store owners usually know which contractors are better than the others. The next time you buy floor tiles, ask the vendor which tile installer is the best of the bunch. To write to Barry Stone, visit him at www.housedetective.com. ACCESS MEDIA GROUP