LISTING OF THE WEEK
HOUSE PLAN
Site has 5 acres
Small footprint
The Listing of the Week is a large, two-story home on 5 acres in Oklahoma City. PAGE 3F
The Aldridge is compact for a four-bedroom home. Its footprint, just 38 feet wide and 40 feet deep, allows it to fit on a small city lot. PAGE 3F
REAL ESTATE
Paul Bianchina
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THE OKLAHOMAN | NEWSOK.COM
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2011
MANTELS INSPIRE HOLIDAY TOUR OF MILLER NEIGHBORHOOD HOMES
HANDY @ HOME
Aging in place “Aging in place” — making changes to your home to make it more comfortable and more adapted to your needs as you age — has been gaining popularity in these tough economic times. PAGE 5F
IN BRIEF
VINTAGE CHRISTMAS TIPS OFFERED
This peacock is part of the Christmas decor in the home of Scott Ellis at 2517 NW 12, one of six homes decorated for the historic Miller neighborhood’s third annual Miller Mantels & Trees home tour. PHOTO BY PAUL HELLSTERN, THE OKLAHOMAN BY DYRINDA TYSON For The Oklahoman dyrinda@gmail.com
People involved in the Miller Mantels & Trees Tour might share more than an address in Oklahoma City’s historic Miller neighborhood. “Christmas is like my favorite, so I tend to go crazytown,” said Jordan Higgins, showing visitors through the 1926 bungalow at 1615 N Miller Blvd. that she has called home for six years. Strains of “White Christmas” waft through the house, a tree glows softly in a darkened bedroom nearby, and an eclectic collection of Christmas decorations appears very much at home even amid the living room’s thoroughly modern lines. One ceramic tree, a gift from her mother, holds some sentimental value, Higgins said. “A lot of this stuff, though, honestly, I found at the thrift store and changed it up,” she said. The Higgins home is one of six Miller neighborhood homes throwing open the doors Friday for the third annual Miller Mantels & Tree Tour. It will be from 6 to 9 p.m. Tickets can be purchased in advance at Garden Gate Antiques, 1307 N May Ave., and 23rd Street Antique Mall, 3023 NW 23. Money raised during the tour will go for
more lighting in the neighborhood’s medians. The tour “was just something I thought of because every home has a gorgeous mantel,” said Mickey Barnard, who serves as tour chairman and lent his design talents to spots along the tour. Mike Stuart and Bruce Hall will open their entire home at 1221 N Miller Blvd., which Barnard helped them transform into a glittering world for the season. “My mom grew up in a Catholic orphanage, so holidays when I was growing up turned into huge, huge events, and Christmas was her favorite,” Stuart said. Stuart and Hall moved into the two-story manor in 1997, but it dates back to 1915 when developer George Miller built it for his own family. Miller was a gentleman farmer, Stuart said. “That’s why there are medians,” he said. “The trolley tracks here carried them from the country — this was the country — downtown.” Miller is far from rural now, centered north of bustling NW 10 just a few miles from State Fair Park. But the neighborhood and its homes, many dating from the early 20th century, maintain a timeless tranquility as well as the perfect canvas for holiday decorating. SEE TOUR, PAGE 2F
Jordan Higgins stands beside a Christmas tree at her home at 1615 N Miller Blvd. The home is decked out for the Miller Mantels & Trees home tour. PHOTO BY PAUL HELLSTERN, THE OKLAHOMAN
Tips for sellers with attention-deficit disorder Many people seem to move smoothly through life. Focus and order come without difficulty. And projects, no matter how large, are pursued on a step-by-step basis. Then there are those who find even relatively simple tasks, such as culling through a cluttered closet, to be difficult. These include the estimated 4 to 5 percent of the U.S. adult population who suffer from attention-deficit disorder. For many with ADD, the process of preparing their homes for sale and making a housing transition can seem overwhelming, said Linda Anderson, immediate past president of the Attention Deficit Disorder Association, a professional group focused mainly on ADD in adults. ADD (also known as at-
Ellen James Martin SMART MOVES
tention deficit hyperactivity disorder when it includes overactivity), is a problem that typically involves habitual distraction, impulsivity or both. Many people with ADD are able to pursue successful careers. Yet complex projects that require sustained attention can seem daunting to them. When it comes to selling a property, the to-do list for all homeowners is long. Choosing the right listing agent is just the first step. Sellers also must decide how much to ask for the home and complete the
often-arduous process of de-cluttering the place and ensuring it’s in good repair. Then, too, there’s the move itself. “Moving is a huge problem for those with ADD. It’s terribly important for them to connect and reconnect with people throughout the process,” said Anderson, who works as a life coach assisting adults trying to cope with ADD in their daily lives. Here are a few tips for homeowners with ADD who need to prepare their property for sale and then move to another locale: I Consider hiring a professional organizer or a “move manager.” Judy Rough, an organizer who’s worked with many home sellers, said people with ADD should be careful choosing someone to ask for help.
Susan Waggoner loved the homemade Christmas decorations of decades past, but she didn’t want worn and faded relics. She wanted them the way they looked originally. So she figured out how to make them herself. She shares that information in “Have Yourself a Very Vintage Christmas: Crafts, Decorating Tips, and Recipes, 1920s-1960s” (Stewart, Tabori & Chang, $19.95 hardcover). She offers instructions for all sorts of vintage decorations such as postcards from the 1920s, cellophane candle wreaths from the ’40s and sequined tree ornaments from the ’60s, to name a few. She also included a few easy candy recipes to satisfy a holiday sweet tooth.
“It’s horrific to hire someone who is judgmental. We all remember how upsetting it was when we were kids and a teacher or counselor was critical. And it’s no different when you’re an adult,” said Rough, who’s affiliated with the National Association of Professional Organizers (www.napo.net). By visiting this association’s website, you can find an organizer in your area who’s skilled in assisting clients with ADD. You also can use classified ads to find someone who’s naturally organized — perhaps a college student or a retired individual with free time. I Stay focused on your tasks as much as possible. Anderson encourages clients to plan their schedules on the Google Calendar that’s available free
online (www.google.com/ calendar). Also, when they’re in the midst of a project, such as de-cluttering their kitchen cabinets, she encourages them to avoid time-consuming digressions by shutting down TV, phones and email until a chunk of work is done. I Allow ample time for all your tasks. In addition to the customary to-do list, one tool Anderson favors is a notto-do list. How do you use such a list? On a day when you must paint a bathroom, for instance, it could be wise to place grocery shopping on your not-todo list. This will free your mind from the temptation to pack too much into your day. To contact Ellen James Martin, email ellenjamesmartin@gmail.com. UNIVERSAL UCLICK
TVS HAVE CHILD APPEAL Who says a TV has to be a boring black box? Hannspree makes high-definition TVs in animal shapes for a child’s room — or a childlike adult’s. The TVs come in crab, zebra, polar bear, giraffe and camel designs with a 19-inch screen. They’re among a selection of novelty TVs the company makes in shapes including apples, footballs and golf balls. The animal TVs are available at Amazon.com. Regular price is $349.99. MCT INFORMATION SERVICES
INDEX Permits Stone
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SATURDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2011
REAL ESTATE
THE OKLAHOMAN | NEWSOK.COM
Left: A room at the home of Mike Stuart and Bruce Hall at 1221 N Miller Blvd. is its own winter wonderland. PHOTO BY PAUL HELLSTERN, THE OKLAHOMAN
Simple decorations give a niche an elegant air for Christmas in the Jordan and Jeff Higgins home at 1615 N Miller Blvd. PHOTO BY PAUL HELLSTERN, THE OKLAHOMAN
Tour: Homes reveal Christmas spirit FROM PAGE 1F
Adorned for holidays In the Stuart-Hall home, three reindeer, refugees from the old John A. Brown Department Store that dominated downtown Oklahoma City for decades, guard one corner of the dining room. A bedroom upstairs has been taken over by a legion of Santas and one life-size nutcracker. Silver trees and accents gleam in a sun room beyond. Scott Ellis, who lives a short distance away at 2517 NW 12 with Gabriel Rivera Rodriguez, isn’t shy about his affection for the season either. “I love Christmas,” he said with glee. “I’m a Christmas hoarder.” Their 1929 Tudor revival home will feature five Christmas trees set up to take advantage of tall windows in a front bedroom. In the dining room, dark wood accents offer a contrasting backdrop for bright garland draped overhead.
“I’m obsessed with peacocks this year,” Ellis said, indicating the feathers incorporated into the garland as well as the accents surrounding a stag figurine on the nearby dining table. A peacock forms the centerpiece of a coat of arms above the dining room entrance. Participating in the tour takes work — everyone had to start decking out their house even before the Thanksgiving turkeys were taken out of the freezer. But maybe any excuse will do. “I’ve been listening to Christmas music since July, so it’s kind of like a sickness,” Higgins said. Homes in the tour are: I 2517 NW 12, Scott Ellis. I 2536 NW 12, Jenni and Jason Duncan. I 2532 NW 13, Tonja and Basil Martin. I 2605 NW 13, Gregory Wyatt. I 1221 N Miller, Mike Stuart and Bruce Hall. I 1615 N Miller, Jordan and Jeff Higgins.
Yuletide greenery decorates the front door of Mike Stuart and Bruce Hall’s home at 1221 N Miller Blvd. The home, dubbed the Miller Mansion, was built in 1915 by neighborhood developer George Miller. PHOTO BY PAUL HELLSTERN, THE OKLAHOMAN
Left: Scott Ellis decorated his formal dining room with an emphasis on peacocks for the Miller Mantels & Trees home tour. PHOTO BY PAUL HELLSTERN, THE OKLAHOMAN
Right: A table decoration adds a warm touch to the Jeff and Jordan Higgins home at 1615 N Miller. PHOTO BY PAUL HELLSTERN, THE OKLAHOMAN
Left: Formal dining room of Mike Stuart and Bruce Hall’s home at 1221 N Miller Blvd. PHOTO BY PAUL HELLSTERN, THE OKLAHOMAN
REAL ESTATE
THE OKLAHOMAN | NEWSOK.COM
HOUSE PLAN
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2011
LISTING OF THE WEEK
Home features many spacious living areas
The Listing of the Week is at 7017 Aurelia Road in Oklahoma City.
The Listing of the Week is a large, twostory home on 5 acres in Oklahoma City. The 5,289-square-foot home at 7017 Aurelia Road has five bedrooms, three baths, two half-baths and an attached three-car garage. The main living room has a cathedral ceiling and fireplace. The family room has a fireplace. A third living area has a wet bar. The kitchen has a breakfast bar, work island and pantry. The master bedroom has a cathedral ceiling, walk-in closet and bath with whirlpool tub. Three secondary bedrooms have
House is designed to maximize space The Aldridge is surprisingly compact for a four-bedroom home. Its footprint, measuring a mere 38 feet wide and 40 feet deep, allows it to fit on a small city lot. Another plus factor, if built in proximity to other homes, is that the plan has no side windows. This feature maximizes privacy. At the same time, numerous windows on the front and rear provide an abundance of natural light throughout. Family living spaces and the owners suite fill the lower level. Three more bedrooms and another bathroom are upstairs. Entering, you have two choices: Climb the stairs, or go into the living room, which flows on into the dining room and kitchen. A coat closet nestles under the stairs. Designed for efficiency, the C-shaped kitchen makes cooking and clean up easy. The sink, stove
Presentation on home energy use offered FROM STAFF REPORTS
Homeowners and builders can get tips on how to lower energy usage in the home and create less pollution by attending a free presentation, “How to Hack your Home,” from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Tuesday on the second floor of the Engineering Technology Building at Oklahoma State University-Oklahoma City, 900 N Portland. Trey Parsons, founder of Oklahoma City consulting group Enersolve, will give the presentation. Parsons is a certified Home Energy Rater and building analyst who assists homeowners and builders in retrofitting homes to make them more energy efficient. The workshop is sponsored by Oklahoma City’s Office of Sustainability and OSU-Oklahoma City’s School of Engineering Technology. Funding was made available through an Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant.
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and refrigerator are set in a tight triangle so nothing is more than a few steps away. At the same time, cupboard and counter spaces are quite ample, wrapping around three sides of the room. Standing at the kitchen sink, you can gaze out the rear window to appreciate the passing seasons or keep an eye on children at play. The kitchen is also entirely open to the dining room, where sliding glass doors provide patio access. The Aldridge’s owners’ suite has a step-in closet
and direct access to a bathroom with combination tub and shower. Laundry appliances and a walk-in storage closet line the pass-through space that connects the house to its two-car garage. This arrangement comes in handy for entering safely at night or unloading groceries in stormy weather. A review plan of the Aldridge, 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. Contact Associated Designs, 1100 Jacobs Drive, Eugene, OR, 97402 or go to www. associateddesigns.com or call (800) 634-0123.
PHOTO PROVIDED
ceiling fans and walk-in closets. The home has a covered patio, open patio, decorative pond, security system and underground sprinkler system. The home, built in 2007, is listed for $1.475 million with Karen Blevins of Churchill-Brown & Associates Realtors. For more information, call 330-0031 or 203-4663. 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.
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SATURDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2011
Permits Oklahoma City Weaver Contracting Inc., 6134 Foster Ave., office-warehouse, erect, $3,773,522. Tim Hughes Custom Homes LLC, 5101 Wisteria Drive, residence, erect, $1,500,000. Allenton Homes & Development LLC, 3464 NW 172 Terrace, residence, erect, $1,500,000. Vocational Energy, 4625 S Rockwell Ave., equipment, install, $1,277,798. Cobb Engineering, 3701 W Reno Ave., canopycarport, erect, $1,000,000. Silvercliffe Construction Co., 12613 S Western Ave., school, add-on, $885,000. Christopher Lee & Co., 301 NW 150 Court, residence, erect, $450,000. G.H & Associates Inc., 14909 Laurin Lane, residence, add-on, $400,000. Bronco Steel, 9200 W Reno Ave., office, erect, $400,000. Dodson Custom Homes LLC, 10608 Berrywood Drive, residence, erect, $370,000. J. Hill Homes Inc., 3517 Lindee Lane, residence, erect, $285,000. Justin Rhodes Homes LLC, 13208 Knight Island Drive, residence, erect, $250,000. Dawn Novosad, 15411 Kyles Circle, residence, erect, $250,000. J.W. Mashburn Development Inc., 3121 SW 137 Court, residence, erect, $240,000. Terra Construction Inc., 6124 SW 68, business, remodel, $239,525. Sun Contracting LLC, 12600 Horsepen Road, residence, erect, $200,000. Authentic Custom Homes LLC, 17205 Hardwood Place, residence, erect, $199,870. Authentic Custom Homes LLC, 8433 NW 143 Terrace, residence, erect, $192,200. Doug Gray, 12109 SW 56, residence, erect, $192,000. Authentic Custom Homes LLC, 8429 NW 143 Terrace, residence, erect, $190,736. Authentic Custom Homes LLC, 2200 NW 195, residence, erect, $190,000. Authentic Custom Homes LLC, 14301 Brinley Way, residence, erect, $189,144. Affinity Homes LLC, 125 SW 174, residence, erect, $170,000. D.R. Horton, 19417 Candleberry Drive, residence, erect, $169,400. Authentic Custom Homes LLC, 8317 NW 143 Terrace, residence, erect, $167,000. Cedarland Homes LLC, 12213 Chesterfield Lane, residence, erect, $165,900. 2k Country Homes LLC, 8536 Bella Circle, residence, erect, $165,000. Ideal Homes, 773 Christian Lane, clubhouse, erect, $163,000. Sun Contracting LLC, 12504 Horsepen Road, residence, erect, $155,000. Vintage Custom Homes LLC, 309 SW 174, residence, erect, $155,000. Dodson Custom Homes LLC, 18236 Bridlington Drive, residence, erect, $146,250. Ideal Homes of Norman LP, 18313 Carillo Road, residence, erect, $141,000. Westpoint Homes, 5920 NW 151, residence, erect, $130,000. KFOR-TV, 444 E Britton Road, storage, erect, $125,000. Flintco, 9100 Renny Road, medical clinic-
office, remodel, $120,000. Tony’s Tree Plantation, 3801 S Post Road, green house, erect, $118,190. Ideal Homes of Norman LP, 14116 Wagon Boss Road, residence, erect, $104,000. Dalakri Parking, 529 W Main, shell building, addon, $100,000. Ideal Homes of Norman LP, 2501 NW 186, residence, erect, $100,000. Robby Harris, 9300 Summerset Lane, manufactured home, move-on, $100,000. Retail Permit Services Inc., 8549 N Rockwell Ave., retail sales, remodel, $100,000. Price Edwards & Co., 2219 W Interstate 240 Service Road, business, remodel, $100,000. D.R. Horton, 7509 Meadow Lake Drive, residence, erect, $95,000. Oklahoma City Housing Services Redevelopment Corp., 916 NW 25, residence, erect, $90,000. Scott’s Construction, 3812 SE 104, residence, remodel, $85,000. PSC Homes Inc., 12005 Chisholm Village Drive, residence, erect, $75,000. PSC Homes Inc., 12009 Chisholm Village Drive, residence, erect, $75,000. No name provided, 2915 Pine Ridge Road, parking, install, $75,000. Quail Creek Bank, 2915 Pine Ridge Road, parking, install, $75,000. Brand and Brand, 7301 Northwest Expressway, office, remodel, $60,000. Design Build LLC, 815 NW 15, residence, remodel, $50,000. Gardner Construction, 600 N Sara Road, officewarehouse, remodel, $50,000. Lingo Construction, 324 N Robinson Ave., office, remodel, $50,000. Laurie Hayward, 8704 Lakeaire Drive, residence, add-on, $45,000. Home Works Plus LLC, 2728 SW 25, parking, install, $40,000. Guaranteed Construction & Services, 1121 NW 39, residence, remodel, $38,000. Thomas Conduff Construction, 7611 SW 74, residence, erect, $35,000. Peter Gianos, 6309 Avalon Lane, residence, add-on, $28,000. After the Fact Remodeling and Reconstruction, 2924 SW 28, office-warehouse, remodel, $26,644. JAH Realty, 4120 N Portland Ave., medical clinic-office, remodel, $25,000. Evans Building Concepts, 14000 Quail Springs Parkway, office, remodel, $23,000. Four Seasons Sunrooms, 1144 NE 5 Terrace, residence, add-on, $22,697. Jim and Wanda Badics, 4404 Apollo Drive, manufactured home, moveon-mobile home park, $20,000. A Karen Black Co., 809 NW 41, residence, remodel, $20,000. Anderson & House, 4404 N Lincoln Blvd., group home, remodel, $20,000. Resenero Perez, 6401
REAL ESTATE NE 109, residence, addon, $17,800. Smith & Pickel, 800 Research Parkway, office, remodel, $17,000. Guaranteed Construction & Services, 7015 N Air Depot Blvd., residence, fire restoration, $16,000. Connelly Paving Co., 3300 Northwest Expressway, parking, install, $16,000. Locke Supply, 1300 SE 82, retail sales, remodel, $12,000. Morgan and Theda Smith, 5925 NE 63, residence, add-on, $10,000. Guillermo Morales, 1521 SW 65, storage, erect, $6,000. Bill Wright, 3813 NW 67, accessory, erect, $5,200. Ana Monjes, 656 Hunters Hill Road, residence, add-on, $5,000. J.L. Walker Construction Inc., 8400 Greystone Ave., temporary building, move-on, $5,000. Kenny and Trena Dewitt, 10033 Tucker Lane, manufactured home, move-on, $5,000. Henry Baer, 6525 NW 116, storm shelter, installstorm shelter, $4,895. George Gray, 7912 Harvest Hills Road, storm shelter, install-storm shelter, $4,595. Curtis Colby, 4304 NW 144 Place, storm shelter, install-storm shelter, $4,300. David and Melissa Watson, 12820 NW 6, storm shelter, installstorm shelter, $4,295. Suzanne Paul, 13448 Cross Vine Court, storm shelter, install-storm shelter, $4,295. No name provided, 14420 Pony Road, storm shelter, install-storm shelter, $4,200. Richard Vadrina, 1105 NW 195, storm shelter, install-storm shelter, $4,200. No name provided, 1316 NW 157, storm shelter, install-storm shelter, $4,200. Fred Daniel, 10617 NW 37, storm shelter, installstorm shelter, $4,000. Lauren Wurzer, 1216 Gibson Ave., storm shelter, install-storm shelter, $4,000. Owen Sevier, 15605 Himalaya Ridge, storm shelter, install-storm shelter, $3,975. David Walker, 8229 NW 100, storm shelter, install-storm shelter, $3,725. Neil Britten, 15713 Brenner Pass, storm shelter, install-storm shelter, $3,395. Richard Mulhern, 16605 Hardwood Place, storm shelter, installstorm shelter, $3,395. Jason and Amy McIntosh, 13804 Agate Drive, storm shelter, installstorm shelter, $3,300. Gloria Davidson, 2309 Tuttington Circle, storm shelter, install-storm shelter, $3,300. Arnold Ayers, 8305 NW 71, residence, installstorm shelter, $3,295. Autumn Brown, 2437 NW 45, storm shelter, install-storm shelter, $3,295. Brian Carter, 17316 Parkgrove Drive, storm shelter, install-storm shelter, $3,200. Jerri Hill, 1908 NW 160 Place, storm shelter, install-storm shelter,
$3,200. Ben and Bettie Fuller, 15916 Traditions Blvd., storm shelter, installstorm shelter, $3,195. Bill Chambless, 2433 SW 97, storm shelter, install-storm shelter, $3,195. Joseph Eckroat, 2412 NW 180, storm shelter, install-storm shelter, $3,020. Hand Up Ministries, 8041 S Shields Blvd., manufactured home, move-on-mobile home park, $3,000. Hand Up Ministries, 8041 S Shields Blvd., manufactured home, move-on-mobile home park, $3,000. Hand Up Ministries, 8041 S Shields Blvd., manufactured home, move-on-mobile home park, $3,000. Hand Up Ministries, 8041 S Shields Blvd., manufactured home, move-on-mobile home park, $3,000. Hand Up Ministries, 8041 S Shields Blvd., manufactured home, move-on-mobile home park, $3,000. Jose Ochoa, 1506 Rockwood Ave., residence, fire restoration, $3,000. Juan Morales, 2325 S St. Clair Ave., residence, remodel, $3,000. Leonard Taylor, 7800 Double Springs Drive, storm shelter, install-
THE OKLAHOMAN | NEWSOK.COM storm shelter, $3,000. Thad and Jennifer Fulton, 3604 Wild Honey Court, storm shelter, install-storm shelter, $3,000. Victoria Tishner, 3528 NW 176, storm shelter, install-storm shelter, $3,000. William and Braden Blasdel, 10524 Creek Meadow Drive, storm shelter, install-storm shelter, $3,000. Eloise C. Jones, 11712 Price Drive, storm shelter, install-storm shelter, $2,995. Eugene Jackson, 12600 N Rockwell Ave., storm shelter, install-storm shelter, $2,995. Hariprasad Gali, 2328 NW 153, storm shelter, install-storm shelter, $2,995. Jacquelin Allen, 13801 Canterbury Drive, storm shelter, install-storm shelter, $2,995. William Benson, 12125 Foxglove Court, storm shelter, install-storm shelter, $2,995. Kate Dodoo, 17200 Toledo Drive, storm shelter, install-storm shelter, $2,900. Andrea Large, 533 SW 62 Terrace, storage, install-storm shelter, $2,800. Ann Strickland, 8721 NW 114, storm shelter, install-storm shelter, $2,800.
Jerry Turner, 10104 Ranchwood Manor Drive, storm shelter, installstorm shelter, $2,800. Tam Nguyen, 12901 Burlingame Ave., storm shelter, install-storm shelter, $2,800. Huy Pham, 4504 SE 80, storm shelter, installstorm shelter, $2,740. TGV Investments LLC, 10644 NW 34 Terrace, storm shelter, installstorm shelter, $2,725. D.R. Horton, 9704 Allie Hope Lane, storm shelter, install-storm shelter, $2,700. Jack Duree, 11745 SW 19, storm shelter, installstorm shelter, $2,500. Toi Huynh, 1239 W Britton Road, retail sales, add-on, $2,200. Fernondo Nino, 2517 SW 44, canopy-carport, add-on, $2,000. Robby Harris, 9300 Summerset Lane, accessory, erect, $1,000. Rocio Botello, 5513 Monte Drive, residence, remodel, $1,000.
Demolitions Midwest Wrecking, 1001 N Pennsylvania Ave., retail. Crosby Construction Inc., 1614 NE 30, residence. Pious Forshee, 2241 Hardin Drive, garage. Kendall Concrete, 1700 NE 19, single-family residence.
REAL ESTATE
THE OKLAHOMAN | NEWSOK.COM
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2011
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Innovations meet ‘aging in place’ demand It’s something we’d all ing that’s also very attracjust as soon avoid, but tive. there’s no getting around To make doors easier to Paul it: We’re all getting older. open, replace doorknobs Bianchina with levers. And that’s something Replace exteworth keeping in mind as rior steps with simple you plan and remodel ramps, or combination your home. steps/ramps. With more HANDY @ HOME The concept of “aging extensive remodeling in place” — making changes to your projects, also consider making hallways home to make it more comfortable and wider — ideally 48 inches. more adapted to your needs as you age — has been gaining popularity, especial- Toilets Many companies offer “comfortly in these tough economic times. height” toilets, which are about 2 inches There are a number of things you can taller than standard toilets. These are do, large and small, that will help make easier to get on and off, especially for your home work for you instead of people with sore backs or weaker legs. against you as you age. Many manuWherever possible, plan on more free facturers are taking note of this trend, space in front of and to the sides of the offering a wide range of innovative and toilet to allow for easier movement, attractive products so your home also especially for a walker or wheelchair. can remain every bit as stylish as you’d like.
Grab bars
Doors Doors can be one of the biggest obstacles to easy movement in the home. Consider opening up smaller doorways to create 34- or 36-inch doorways wherever possible. Another alternative is to use a pair of 18- or even 24-inch pocket doors to make a nice wide open-
Grab bars are a useful addition in the bathroom, in the tub, shower and around the toilet. For safety and security, they need to be properly anchored to solid wood, so if you’re remodeling your bathroom, be sure to install some blocking in the walls; it’s a simple and inexpensive thing to do, even if you’re not
planning on installing grab bars right away. Don’t like the institutional look of chrome grab bars? A growing number of companies are offering them in colors, ranging from bright white to shiny black and everything in between, in acrylics as well as powder-coated metal. There also are some sleek new styles available.
Tub and showers There are some simple things you can do to make it easier to use your tub or shower. In addition to grab bars, a seat can be a real plus, whether portable or a fold-up version that attaches to the wall. There are many styles available, in everything from plastic to stylish teak. Lever-handle controls are easier to grip and turn than ones with smooth knobs. That applies to sinks as well as shower and tub controls. Think about where you’ll be standing — or sitting — in the tub or shower, and place the controls at a convenient location. Make sure you install anti-scald valves and handheld spray heads. Also, install a shelf at a convenient location for soap and shampoo, to prevent dangerous reaching or stooping over. Barrier-free shower stalls are well worth considering if you’re redoing your
bathroom. One company I spoke with at the recent Pacific Coast Builders Show was demonstrating an innovative, damfree shower pan that’s installed on the floor, then sealed in place with a membrane. The entire bathroom floor and pan are then tiled over, creating a seamless, barrier-free installation that’s sleek, attractive and anything but institutional. You can check it out at www.design withoutbarriers.com. Another innovative idea comes from the folks at Kohler, with the new Elevance bathtub. This tub has a vertically sliding wall in front. The wall drops down to create a chair-height seat for easy access. Sit down, swing your legs in, then raise the wall — it takes only 5 pounds of force to lift. Fill the tub, and the special double seals snap into place to seal the wall against leakage. When you’re done enjoying your bath, drain the water, then lower the wall for easy access to get out. You can see it here and also get a link to a video of it in action: www.us.kohler.com/online catalog/detail.jsp?item=15185102&prod_ num=1914-GR. Remodeling and repair questions? Email paulbianchina@ inman.com. All product reviews are based on the author’s actual testing of free review samples provided by the manufacturers. INMAN NEWS
INTERNET SCAMMERS PLACING ADS PROMISING FORECLOSURE HELP TARGETED IN CRACKDOWN
Government shutters scams tied to Google BY THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
SAN FRANCISCO — The federal government has shut down dozens of Internet scam artists who had been paying Google to run ads making bogus promises to help desperate homeowners scrambling to avoid foreclosures. The crackdown renews questions about the role that Google’s massive advertising network plays in enabling online misconduct. It may also increase the pressure on the company to be more vigilant about screening the marketing pitches that appear alongside its Internet search results and other Web content. The criminal investigation into alleged mortgage swindlers comes three months after Google agreed to pay $500 million to avoid prosecution in Rhode Island for profiting from online ads from Canadian pharmacies that ille-
The crackdown renews questions about the role that Google’s massive advertising network plays in enabling online misconduct. It may also increase the pressure on the company to be more vigilant about screening the marketing pitches that appear alongside its Internet search results and other Web content.
gally sold drugs in the U.S. A spokesman for the U.S. Treasury Department division overseeing the probe into online mortgage scams declined to comment on its scope other to say it’s still ongoing. Google Inc. also declined to comment. No company wants to be tainted by a criminal investigation, but the prospect is even more nettlesome for Google because it has embraced “don’t be evil” as its corporate mot-
Giving up on second mortgage could be disastrous Q. I heard that you could give up on your second mortgage if you are current with your first mortgage. My wife and I are current with both of our loans and have good credit scores, but this sounds attractive. Is it a good idea? A. No. A second mortgage, just like a first mortgage or a third mortgage, can be foreclosed by your lender, causing your house to be repossessed. The first mortgage holder will get paid from the sale proceeds before the second mortgage holder does, but the end result is the same — you lose your house. But in a Chapter 13 bankruptcy, it is possible to strip or remove your second or third mortgage, if those mortgages are wholly unsecured. This means that if the amount owed on your first mortgage is greater than how much your house is worth, the bankruptcy court can, in effect, make your other mortgages go away. Outside of bankruptcy, it may be possible to negotiate with your second mortgage lender to allow you to pay off the mortgage for a reduced amount, sometimes even as low as 10 cents on the dollar. All of these methods will hurt your credit. Q. I am a senior citizen and need to downsize now. My mortgage payments are up to date. Can I do a short sale without being in
Gary M. Singer REAL ESTATE LAW foreclosure? A. Absolutely. Despite almost everything you hear, it is possible to shortsell your property or obtain a mortgage modification while you are current on your payments. The key in either case is that you need to show that you have had a change in circumstances, making the short sale or loan modification necessary. I have repeatedly heard that borrowers are told by their lenders that they need to be behind on their payments in order to get relief, but this is rarely true. Usually the lender’s representative will say this just to get you off the phone. If that happens to you, hang up and call back and get a rep who is willing to take the time to give you correct answers. If you still have trouble, as is sometimes the case, then at least you tried your best. Gary M. Singer is a Florida attorney and board-certified as an expert in real estate law by the Florida Bar. Send him questions online at http://sunsent.nl/mR20t7 or follow him on Twitter@GarySingerLaw. MCT INFORMATION SERVICES
to. That commitment may make it difficult for Google to fend off a call by Consumer Watchdog to donate the revenue from fraudulent mortgage ads to legitimate organizations that help people ease their credit problems. Consumer Watchdog is an activist group that released a report in February asserting that Google was profiting from ads bought by mortgage swindlers. “Google should never
have published these ads, but its executives turned a blind eye to these fraudsters for far too long because of the substantial revenue such advertising generates,” said Consumer Watchdog’s John M. Simpson, a frequent critic of the company. To fight future abuse, Google has suspended its business ties with more than 500 advertisers and agencies connected to the alleged scams, according to the U.S. Treasury Department’s Office of the Special Inspector General for the Troubled Asset Relief Program. The evidence collected in the current investigation led to the government’s closure of 85 alleged mortgage scams. The identities of the businesses and people involved in the scams weren’t immediately disclosed. The con artists are accused of duping people into believing they could
help lower their home loan payments under government-backed mortgage modification programs. The alleged rip-offs typically relied on collecting upfront fees or getting victims to transfer their monthly mortgage payments to the scam artists, officials said. In some cases, the swindlers passed themselves off as being affiliated with the government. Google’s name popped up because the scam artists relied on the company’s vast advertising network to bait their victims.
About two out of every three Internet search requests are made through Google, making its ad network a prime outlet for finding people hoping to save their homes, according to Christy Romero, deputy special Inspector General for the Troubled Asset Relief Program. “The first place many homeowners turn for help in lowering their mortgage is the Internet through online search engines, and that’s precisely where they are being taken advantage of and targeted,” she said.
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THE OKLAHOMAN | NEWSOK.COM
Personal items shouldn’t stall inspection DEAR BARRY: The home I’m buying is occupied by the owners and will remain so until the day before the sale is completed. With all of the furnishings and personal effects covering walls and floors and filling the closets and garage, how can my home inspector possibly do a thorough job? Derek DEAR DEREK: Home inspections typically occur while a home is occupied by owners or renters. This is one of the obstacles around which home inspectors must work, and in some instances property defects can escape discovery. A hole in a wall may be concealed behind a sofa,
Interest building in show FROM WIRE REPORTS
Preregistration for the annual International Builders Show is up nearly a quarter over last year, and dozens of exhibitors have snapped up remaining booths in the past two weeks, organizers said. The trade show, organized by the National Association of Home Builders, will be Feb. 8-11 at Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Fla. Expert speakers, opportunities for networking and entertainment, nearly 175 education sessions, home tours and more than 700 exhibitors of products and services combine to make it the largest light commercial construction show in the world. Homebuilders, remodelers, designers, architects and developers will fill the classrooms and trade show floor to examine the latest energy-efficient appliances and insulation products, technical improvement and innovation in roofing, decking and other building supplies, new design trends for the kitchen, bath and outdoor living areas — and everything in between. “I do about 10 shows a year, but if you said to me I could only do one, it would be this one,” said Brian Stowell, president of Crown Point Cabinetry in Claremont, N.H. The company is exhibiting at the International Builders Show for the third year in a row. In a still struggling housing market, Stowell said, “unless you are there, you are not going to be in front of the people who are doing the jobs.” Attendees also can gain a better understanding of the country’s economic outlook at a special presentation by Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke open to all credentialed attendees on Feb. 10. Thirteen tracks of education — from “Remodeling” and “Green Building and Sustainability” to “Business Opportunities and New Markets” — will offer information to professionals in all segments of the industry. Sessions will detail tools for project financing in a tough lending market, social media tactics specific to new homebuyer and other marketing tactics, advanced framing techniques, consumer preference surveys for the 50plus buyer, among other topics. “Outstanding networking opportunities, special displays and product information for niche markets such as universal design and custom building, and the signature educational events that only the National Association of Home Builders can provide — each of those is reason enough to make plans to attend the International Builders Show,” said association chairman Bob Nielsen, a homebuilder from Reno, Nev.
Barry Stone INSPECTOR’S IN THE HOUSE
moisture damage might be covered by storage in a garage, someone’s “bootleg” plumbing work might be hidden behind a stack of suitcases, or an ungrounded outlet behind a piano might go untested. In the majority of cases, furnishings do not prevent discovery of major defects, but exceptions are unavoidable. This is why final walk-through inspections
are conducted by buyers and agents just before completing a sale, when personal possessions have been removed from the premises. It is also one of the reasons why sellers are required to disclose all known defects. Sellers often are aware of conditions that might not be apparent to a home inspector. With all parties working together in good faith — buyers, sellers, agents and inspectors — significant defects have a good chance of being revealed. But no one can guarantee perfection in these processes. DEAR BARRY: We were surprised when our home inspector didn’t mention
the refrigerator or the washer and dryer in his report. But our surprise turned to shock when we moved in and found that those appliances were gone. Are these items supposed to be included in the sale of a home, or are they considered as personal property, to be taken by the sellers when they move? Melanie DEAR MELANIE: When appliances are freestanding, rather than built in, they are not regarded as components of the property and are only included in the sale if there is a specific agreement between buyers and sellers. This is why such items as
refrigerators and laundry appliances are not included in a home inspection. On the other hand, built-in appliances such as cooktops, ovens and dishwashers are regarded as fixtures. These are generally included as part of the sale of a home and, accordingly, as subjects of a home inspection report. DEAR BARRY: The seller of the home I’m buying disclosed that the house was treated for termites about two years ago. I was already nervous about buying a home, but this has me really worried. Is past termite infestation a reason to back out of a purchase? Lisa
DEAR LISA: If past termite infestation were a basis for canceling a purchase, few homes would be worth buying. Sooner or later, nearly every home with wood components has termite infestation, except in those rare climates where termites do not exist. As long as the termite problem in this home was adequately addressed by a qualified professional, there should be no need for worry. Just be sure to get a clear termite report before completing this transaction. To write to Barry Stone, go to www.housedetective.com. ACTION COAST PUBLICATION
New-home sales reported at best pace since May FROM WIRE REPORTS
Sales of newly built, singlefamily homes inched up 1.3 percent to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 307,000 units in October, according to the U.S. Commerce Department. The gain is from a downwardly revised rate in September and marks the best pace of new-home sales activity since May. “Builders have been seeing some marginal improvement in sales activity over the past few months, particularly in select markets where consumer confidence is higher due to improved economic conditions,” said Bob Nielsen, chairman of the National
Builders have been seeing some marginal improvement in sales activity over the past few months, particularly in select markets where consumer confidence is higher due to improved economic conditions.” BOB NIELSEN
NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF HOME BUILDERS CHAIRMAN
Association of Home Builders and a homebuilder from Reno, Nev. “While this trend is encouraging, overall sales activity is still well below normal due to the effects of overly tight credit conditions for
builders and buyers, the continued flow of distressed properties on the market, and inaccurate appraisal values on new homes.” The report is “right in line with our forecast for modest and grad-
ual improvement in sales activity through the remainder of the year,” said David Crowe, the builders’ chief economist. “Particularly encouraging is the fact that builders continue to hold down their inventories to match the current sales rate, with the number of new homes for sale now down to a sustainable 6.3-month supply.” New-home sales held unchanged in the Northeast and gained 22.2 percent in the Midwest and 14.9 percent in the West in October. The South posted a decline of 9.5 percent. Meanwhile, the nationwide inventory of new homes for sale held at an record low of just 162,000 units in October.
Tech-rich buyers help Tahoe market rebound BY PETE CAREY San Jose Mercury News
SAN JOSE, Calif. — Lake Tahoe-area real estate agents, hungry for sales in the aftermath of the housing bubble, are counting on the Bay Area’s booming tech industry to help generate the next crop of million-dollar vacation homebuyers. The market for vacation homes costing more than $1 million, though down over the year, turned in a strong third-quarter performance, according to Coldwell Banker. That was partly due to buyers from Silicon Valley, vacation home developers and real estate agents said. “People are starting to feel a little bit better about things. Silicon Valley is kind of spearheading that revival. We’re seeing those folks make their way into
the Tahoe market,” said Jim Telling of East-West Partners, the developer of Home Run at Northstar, Calif. Some buyers from the tech industry have snapped up vacation homes recently that run from $1 million to $4 million or more. For example, more than 20 parcels at Martis Camp — a 2,100-acre custom lot development between Truckee and Northstar — have been scooped up by employees of tech companies such as Google, Facebook, VMware and Apple, the development’s spokesman said. One Apple employee bought at Home Run, a small mountainside skiin, ski-out village of townhomes, where luxury real estate sells for $1.75 million to $2.2 million. Another Apple employee sold some
stock and purchased a place at Incline Village recently, reportedly for $3 million. Last, but not least, Oracle CEO Larry Ellison is putting the finishing touches on a lakefront compound at Incline Village. Ellison reportedly spent $58 million to assemble an 8-acre spread. The site has several buildings, a pond, a waterfall, tennis courts and a sandy beach with two piers. “I think the world’s starting to right itself again,” Telling said. His development’s first eight homes are under construction on the mountain near the 170-room RitzCarlton Hotel, which
opened in 2009. The Bay Area has always supplied a big portion of Tahoe vacation homebuyers. “It’s good for a long weekend,” said Andy Bechtolsheim, who is one of Ellison’s neighbors at Incline Village. Bechtolsheim, an angel investor and co-founder and chairman of Arista Networks, said he’s been going to Tahoe for 20 years. But until recently, the economic downturn had discouraged many buyers, while falling prices kept many sellers off the market. Now, according to Ernst & Young, 25 Bay Area tech companies are preparing
initial public offerings, providing new hope to local real estate agents. MCT INFORMATION SERVICES
THE OKLAHOMAN | NEWSOK.COM
REAL ESTATE
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2011
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Antlers bring home a bit of great outdoors BY MARIA COTE MCT Information Services
KANSAS CITY, Mo. — If you’re looking for clues about someone’s decorating style, Becky Berg suggests starting with a bookshelf. Anthologies like “Cowboy Poetry” share shelf space with novels by Larry McMurtry and Louis L’Amour in one client’s cozy condo. The condo, perched on a hill on the Country Club Plaza, offers a view to a metropolis. Inside, however, Berg has created a space anyone who loves the West would be proud to call home. “For Western or mountain design, it starts with natural colors and textures,” said the owner of Becky Berg Design. “This client had a home in the mountains of Colorado, and he wanted that feeling here.” Beyond the foyer, an antler chandelier that draws the eye to a dining area achieves that goal. Though the room is small, the sizable light fixture seems in balance with the room. “One big piece like this really makes a statement in a small space,” said Berg, who has been a designer for more than 20 years. “The antler piece actually makes the space appear larger.” Antlers have been a popular design feature for the past few years. “They add a warm touch to many types of decor,” said Gordon Andahl, public relations director of Z Gallerie. Though they are traditionally used in Western decor, Andahl points to the white, pewter and chrome
A lamp features antlers in a condo in Kansas City, Mo. MCCLATCHY TRIBUNE PHOTO
A condo in Kansas City, Mo., features antlered light fixtures and lamps.
finishes on resin-based antler objects that fit right in with contemporary decor. “They’re a chic, decorative way to convey a look,” he said. “Contrasting white and silver finishes work well with the warm neutral tones that are popular now.” Study artwork or room decor that incorporates antlers and you may be seeing what was once the crowning glory of a deer, elk or moose; the animals shed those antlers annually, to the delight of collectors who use them in home decor. Most likely, howev-
er, when you spot antler light fixtures or other decor, you’re looking at carved wood or resin impressions. “We use real antlers as molds for our replicas,” said Deb Severinson, an associate manager of home furnishings for Cabela’s, which has a location at Village West in Kansas City, Kan. “Faux antlers are much more cost-effective.” Chandeliers that can range from those with six to more than two dozen antlers have sold well for many years, Severinson said.
When you walk into Wilson Lighting in Overland Park, where Berg shopped, an antler chandelier is one of the first things you’ll see. She also found two lamps with bases made of antlers. While such shops might be a fine place to start your search for antler merchandise, don’t stop with lighting fixtures, said Jill Tran with Tran + Thomas Design Studio. Think tabletop stands, door pulls, coat racks and candle holders. “Whatever they’re used for, what’s important is that they’re in good
MCCLATCHY TRIBUNE PHOTO
shape,” Tran said. She suggests also hunting down antler decor at antique shops and estate sales. “As with any home decor, study it to be sure it’s in good shape. If it’s faux and painted, be sure it’s done well, as there are some really awful ones out
there,” she said. It would be a shame, Tran said, not to acknowledge the season when using antlers. “Decorate for the holidays with them,” Tran said. “Hang glass bulbs on them, or decorate them with pinecones. Incorporate them with real holly and candles, or use them as stocking holders.” Whether designing the interior of a vacation home in the mountains or adding a bit of the Old West to your home in the city, Tran points out that antlers unquestionably serve one purpose in the home. “They add an element of the great outdoors,” she said. “So many people love that touch of nature.”
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REAL ESTATE
THE OKLAHOMAN | NEWSOK.COM
Where you live may affect your health BY ANDREA K. WALKER The Baltimore Sun
BALTIMORE — Sabrina Oliver looked forward to good schools and safer streets when she moved her family from her crimeridden and trash-strewn West Baltimore neighborhood to the suburbs, but was surprised to discover another benefit as well — a dramatic improvement in their health. The asthma that afflicted daughter Nyla, 9, and frequently kept her out of school just about disappeared when the family relocated to Parkville, Md., and most recently to Orchard Beach, Md., where there were no roaches and mice, and less dust because the houses were more modern. Although chronic depression had once mentally paralyzed Oliver — keeping her out of work and on disability — the 38-year-old no longer takes antidepressants and has a job sitting with severely ill patients at hospitals. “I feel transformed,” Oliver said. “I feel like I moved to a whole other world.” Sociologists and public health officials have long thought a ZIP code is at least as important as race, age and genetics in determining a person’s health. Now, a growing body of more advanced research is bringing the issue to the forefront once again and opening up the debate about how the nation looks at health care. In one recent study, researchers at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health found racial disparities normally associated with
When people are living in a similar type of environment and they behave similarly, they tend to have similar health outcomes.” THOMAS LAVEIST
DIRECTOR OF THE CENTER FOR HEALTH DISPARITIES SOLUTIONS AT JOHNS HOPKINS
Joseph Walker, 12, left, doodles as his mother Nicole Davis, right, helps Jamel Davis, 12, with homework at the family’s home in Laurel, Md. Davis says her family’s health has improved since moving from West Baltimore, Md. MCCLATCHY TRIBUNE PHOTO
hypertension, diabetes and obesity weren’t as strong when they took into account where people lived. The researchers looked at racially integrated, working-class neighborhoods, including in Southwest Baltimore, and found that blacks and whites had similar health outcomes. They also compared health outcomes in the neighborhoods to national health surveys. Across the country, blacks are more likely to suffer from hypertension, but when looking at the Baltimore neighbor-
hood, the disparity declined by 29 percent. Blacks and whites in the neighborhood also showed similar odds of being obese. The researchers attributed the difference to whites in the neighborhood having higher rates of disease than whites on average nationwide. “When whites are exposed to the health risks of a challenging urban environment, their health status is compromised similarly to that of blacks, who more commonly live in such communities,” the
researchers wrote. “When people are living in a similar type of environment and they behave similarly, they tend to have similar health outcomes,” said Thomas LaVeist, director of the Center for Health Disparities Solutions at Hopkins and lead author of the study, which was released last month. A different social experiment started by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development in the 1990s is now also showing evidence that women in five cities, including Baltimore and Los
Angeles, had a lower risk for diabetes and extreme obesity when they moved to better neighborhoods. Under the program, HUD looked at the health impact a ZIP code played in the lives of 4,500 families, some who were given vouchers that allowed them to move out of neighborhoods with poverty rates of 40 percent or more. The other families stayed. Researchers revisited the families who moved over two years beginning in 2008, testing their blood levels, checking body mass index levels
and having the families take a survey. They compared the results to a group of families who hadn’t moved. The study, published last month in the New England Journal of Medicine, found that the longer people lived in a lower-poverty neighborhood, the more their body mass index and diabetes symptoms improved. People who stayed in the old neighborhoods had a prevalence rate of 18 percent for extreme obesity, while women who left were one-fifth less likely to suffer from extreme obesity. They were also onefifth less likely to have diabetes than women who didn’t move. Jens Ludwig, a professor at the University of Chicago and lead author of the HUD study, said he hopes results like this will help the health industry see improving neighborhoods as a form of preventive care. MCT INFORMATION SERVICES
REAL ESTATE
THE OKLAHOMAN | NEWSOK.COM
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2011
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Family plans house as engineering marvel BY MATT MCKINNEY Star Tribune
MINNEAPOLIS — Paul Brazelton will soon move his family into a 1935 Tudor in south Minneapolis that has no furnace. He’s just finished a massive renovation of the family home and with winter bearing down, he removed the boiler and plans to use that basement space for his daughters’ home-school classroom. He also took out the fireplace. If this sounds like the most uninviting house (and classroom) in Minneapolis, there’s something else to know: Brazelton, a software engineer and passionate environmentalist, has nearly finished a retrofit of his house to the stringent engineering standards of the Passivhaus model, a German system of homebuilding that uses insulation and highly efficient doors and windows to save energy. The finished 2,000-squarefoot home could be warmed even in the dead of winter with a pair of small space heaters, Brazelton said, though the family plans to piggyback on their water heater and use an in-floor heating system in the basement. “We’re really nervous,” said Brazelton, half-joking, “because when it’s 20 degrees below and you can feel your house contracting and cracking like it’s just trying to resist the cold, it’s hard to believe that two space heaters from Target will do the trick for us.” The finished project is on track to be certified by the Passivhaus institute of Darmstadt, Germany, as the first “EnerPHit” home in North America, according to their architect Tim Eian of TE Studio in Minneapolis. The EnerPHit standard, designed for existing homes, has been used thousands of times in German-speaking and Scandinavian countries, said Eian, a German native. Such homes see their energy use fall from 75 to 90 percent. Brazelton and his wife, Desiree, have remodeled two other homes before, but never on the scale of the house he’s working on now, nestled in a neighbor-
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Paul and Desiree Brazelton, Madeline, 3, held by Paul, Amelie, 7, and Penelope, 5, are shown in front of their home in Minneapolis. MCCLATCHY-TRIBUNE PHOTO
Al Stegora fits insulation around windows of the Brazelton family home in Minneapolis. MCCLATCHY-TRIBUNE PHOTO
hood near Lake Nokomis. When they found it more than four years ago, the three bedroom house had outdated mechanical systems and an awkward layout. A year ago they had “one-time” money and decided on an addition, but their plans quickly grew. Brazelton, looking for ideas, toured a Passive House in Hudson, Minn., and came away impressed. Six months into the design, Eian, the architect, called to say he had run their latest plan through a computer program and it showed that the Brazelton home could meet the EnerPHit standard. “That kind of captured our
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imaginations and short circuited the logical part of our brain and went directly to the emotional excited part and we were like, ‘Let’s do it,’ ” Brazelton said. The core idea of a Passive House is that it’s so well insulated that it doesn’t require a lot of energy. Triple-pane windows, highly efficient doors and loads and loads of insulation make the house incredibly airtight. A mechanical ventilator blows fresh air in and stale air out. A heat exchanger takes the heat out of the outgoing air and adds it to the incoming air to minimize heat loss. A heavy duty retrofitting of this type can run $50 to $100 per
Norman
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» Free Rent Til 2012 » 1 & 2 bedrooms. Spring Tree Apartments. 405-737-8172. Free Month Rent! 1&2bd QUIET! Covered Parking Great Schools! 732-1122
Furnished efficiency $310 2820 S Robinson 232-1549
8012 NW 7th Pl Unit 324 Thousand Oaks Condos (1 blk W of Council on NW 10th) Extra sharp 1bd washer, dryer, fridge, stove, storage closet, wood deck. Tenant pays elect only, $500. Fidelity RE 410-4300, 692-1661 Quail Springs Condos 1 bd, 1 ba, 1 FP, upstairs gated $550mo, $400dep ‘¡ 831-0825 ¡‘ Clean 2 bedroom, 1K bath, all appls with W/D, $525+$300 dep, 326-3370
Duplexes MWC
446
Oldetowne » 2bd 2ba 9200 Stonegate attach gar. 1 mi. to Tinker 769-7177
OKC Northwest
453
» 12109 Windmill Rd PCN Extra Nice 3bd/2ba/2car FP $875 Nov 30. 721-1831
800 N. Meridian 1bd All bills paid 946-9506
MWC
San-Tee Apts, Sm. Eff, $275 a month 685-2909 !!!MOVE IN SPECIAL!!!
Furnished/Unfurnished Bills Paid » Wkly/Monthly Wes Chase Apts, Elk Horn Apts, Hillcrest 370-1077
Apartments
VERY, VERY QUIET Near mall, schls, hosp, Try Plaza East 341-4813
$99 Move In Special!!! Lg 1 and 2 Bdr, $345 to $420 mo. 632-9849
902 N. Gardner 3bd, 1.75 baths, fireplace $550/mo 408-5836 !!!MOVE IN SPECIAL!!!
2bd $575 Casady751-8088
422
Furnished/Unfurnished Bills Paid » Wkly/Monthly Wes Chase Apts, Elk Horn Apts, Hillcrest 370-1077
Oakwood Apts 5824 NW 34 1bed 1bath 800sf $325 mo $175/dep. You pay electric only 409-7989
4bd 4ba house on 5 acres fenced, outbuildings $1200 + deposit 681-1644
Edmond Commercial RE
400.5
433
495-2000
7301 NW 23rd
7608 N Western Ave Retail/Office space, up to 2200sf avail, 370-1077
OKC Southwest
CAVE CREEK Condominiums, ON ROCKWELL Townhouses 3037 North Rockwell For Rent 441
363 WILLIAMSBURG
OFFICE SPACE available. $7/sf. Great for medical, professional. 3801 NW 63rd. 640-8206
Amelie and Penelope Brazelton play in the walls of their home, which are more than 9 inches thick. MCCLATCHY-TRIBUNE PHOTO
433
523.5 SW 26 (&Walker) 1bed 1ba 800sf garage apt $325/mo $175 dep 409-7989 no sec 8 $99 SPECIAL Lg 1bdr, stove, refrig., clean, walk to shops. $345 mo. 632-9849 3315 1/2 SW 28th 2bd apt upstairs, all bills pd $575/mo 408-5836 !!!MOVE IN SPECIAL!!!
Large 1bed, new paint & carpet, $425 + gas/electric 2607 N Dewey 232-9101 2530 NW 16, 1bd $400mo $300dep. W/D hook-ups 750sf 208-8996/694-9730 HEFNER ROAD & MAY, 2/2/2, 2531 W Hefner Rd appt only $900¡843-5853
OKC Southwest
455
1342 Broderson Cir. 3bd 1.5 bath 1 car garage, $625 a month. 408-5836 !!!MOVE IN SPECIAL!!!
Yukon
460
Luxury Town Homes 2-3 bed, 2 bath, 2car garan full size w/d, gated from $800. 789-3705 Duplexes, 3 bed, 2 bath, 2 car, some new, some gated, call Rick, 405-830-3789.
square foot, Eian said. A new 1,750-square-foot house built to Passive House standards would take about 15 years to pay off the extra cost of insulation, windows and doors, Eian estimated. Desiree and the Brazelton’s three daughters moved in with relatives as the work started this summer. Stucco was removed from the exterior. The rotting chimney was torn down. Heavy machinery dug a trench around the basement foundation. What followed was a complicated process of adding insulation so that the home’s shell — everything from the attic to the exterior walls to the basement slab — would be wrapped in in-
Mustang
RE for rent Bethany/ Warr Acres 464.5 2 Bed 1 Bath PC Schools 6125 NW 55th Street 405-773-4777 Remodeled 3/1/1 C h/a 6802 NW59th st 750mth 500dep 760-2708 8a-9p
Del City
465.5
Houses All Areas- Free List 4 bed from $595-1295 3 bed from $495-995 2 bed from $395-795 605-5477 2545 SW 59th 1920 Karen Dr 2/1 2208 Doris 2/1 3921 Pearl Way 3/1/1 837 Scott St 3/2/1 681-7272
$425 $450 $650 $750
470
1/2 of Duplex. 2bd, 2ba, liv, kit & dining, 2 car, fenced backyard. 637-4406
Newalla
471
17456 Blackjack Rdg 3/2/2 1600sf $1000+dep WAC Home&RanchRlty 794-7777
OKC Northeast
474
1020 Clover Ln 1200sf 3bed 2ba $775 mo, $600 dep 409-7989 no sec 8 1215 NE 46 3/1.5/2 $795 681-7272
OKC Northwest
475
3629 Teal Dr. 2bd 1bath, $475 a month 408-5836 !!!MAIL IN SPECIAL!!!
Exec 5/3/2 lease/lease purch PC Schl $1500+dep 7637 NW 102. 209-6906
3717 SE 26th, 3 bd, 1 ba, $675 rent, $500 deposit. ch&a, no pets, 973-5890.
2930 NW 12th large 1bd duplex, water paid $375 3232 NW 28th 2/1 $475 1445 N Bradley 3/1.5/2$900 681-7272
Edmond
466
173rd & Penn Ave. 1450 sf, 3 bedroom, 2 bath, 2 car garage. $1100 per month. Call 312-3198 Large 4 bed off Santa Fe, gated, comm pool/rec center. $1700/mo, 440-2095. 3/2/2, 1400sf mol, ch/a, 308 Cherryvale Rd $995 mo, $995 dep 370-1077
MWC
468
Houses All Areas- Free List 4 bed from $595-1295 3 bed from $495-995 2 bed from $395-795 605-5477 2545 SW 59th 1200 Lauren Ln 3/1.5/1 CH/A $700 and 206 W Jacobs 3/1 $600. Both nice. 732-3411 House for rent 4bed, 1.25ba, 1-story Home, central A/C, $750. 405-703-1471 1016 Willowbrook 3bd 1.5 baths w/den $750/mo 408-5836 !!!MOVE IN SPECIAL!!! 3/2/2, 9715 NE 3rd Pl, big yrd, Carl Albert schls, $750 972-467-7178, leave msg. 1305PinewoodCt3/1/1 $495 321 Silverwood 3/1/2 $650 681-7272 Near Tinker, newly remodeled 3 bd 2 ba, fncd $800+dep. 405-595-7655 3 bd, 2 ba, 212 E. Ercoupe gas stove, lrg kitch, 1c gar $650 + deposit 412-7013
Moore
469
Hotels/Motels 462
1013 S Howard 2/2/1 $700 8713 Woodbend 4/2/2 1840sf fp$1250+dep WAC Home&RanchRlty 794-7777
Furnished/Unfurnished Bills Paid » Wkly/Monthly Wes Chase Apts, Elk Horn Apts, Hillcrest 370-1077
3bd, 1ba, 1 car garage, large backyard w/privacy fence. 105 Barbour $575/mo. 329-3076
3232 Brushcreek, in Quail Creek on the golf course, 3 bed, 2.5 bath, 2 car, 1 FP, $2275 mo, $2000 dep, 831-0825. 228 NW 87th 3bd $600 261 NW 83rd 3bd $550 9921 McKinley 3bd $600 FLESHMANS INC 235-5473 or 314-3551 1719 NW 12th, 5 bed, 2 bath, corner lot, stone house, $875 per month, no sec 8, Greg, 470-1700. 9417 N. McKinley 2bd 1 bath $550 a month. 408-5836 !!!MOVE IN SPECIAL!!! 2/1/1 brick hdwd flrs, appls, 4041 NW Liberty, fenced $640mo 721-3757 4bd 4ba house on 5 acres fenced, outbuildings $1200 + deposit 681-1644 637 NW 109th 3bd 2ba 2car 1300sf $825mo $800 dep, no Sec 8 409-7989 3200 NW 31, Nice 2bd & nbrhd, ch&a, stg bldg, util. rm, No 8. $575 833-2617 2/1/1, $495/mo, $100 Off First Month, CH&A, W/D hkup. 405-831-0207 3 bed $400mo + $200dep. Others 2 bds & 1 bds SE 1524 NW 10th 639-0556 »» SECTION 8 OK»» 3 bed, 1149 NW 81st, $795 per mo, 942-3552 Welcome Home! 1, 2 & 3 bdrm homes avail. now. Call for appts 831-4183 3/2/2 1800sf 8720 Tilman Dr., nice, clean, new pnt $875 mo & dep 476-5222 1018 N. Lackey 2bed, 1ba, $475 Call 903-523-9060--No Sec.8 115 NW 21 2bed 1bath 1400sf $875 mo $600 dep 409-7989 Exceptional 3bd 2ba home 1900sf $1075 255-4300 Picnic in backyard! 3bd duplex 1800sf $845 255-4300 Lovely 3BR home 1700sf in classy area $965 255-4300
sulation. The slab was broken up so that EPS foam could be laid under the house. The exterior walls were given vertical wooden ribs every few inches to hold the 9.5 inches of cellulose that would be required. The exterior walls will have an R44 rating. The attic will hit R80. A website (www.minnephithouse.com) lists the companies involved. Brazelton blogs there about the home’s progress, when he’s not building, being a father or tending to his day job. “I told my wife after this is done I’m going to check myself into a psych ward to decompress,” he said. MCT INFORMATION SERVICES
OKC Southeast
476
5220 Shalimar Dr. 73135 3bd 1.5 ba 1car FP, new heat/ac, $700mo/$500 dep. pets ok w/$300 non ref. Dep. sec 8 ok 431-9086 3324 SE 57, 3/2 CH/A $700. 5533 Huddleston, 3/2/2 CH/A $900. 4201 SE 45, 3/1 $550. All nice. 732-3411 343 SE 49th spacious 2bed home on corner lot, ch/a, well kept area, only $550 Fidelity Real Estate 410-4300, 692-1661 Houses All Areas- Free List 4 bed from $595-1295 3 bed from $495-995 2 bed from $395-795 605-5477 2545 SW 59th 3/1.5/2, ch&a $650+$650 dep. no pets, fresh remod. 306-5437 or 632-2328 29 SE 33rd 1/1 824 SE 22nd 1/1 681-7272
$350 $375
2 bed Trailer, 1bed house $400 mo ea, $150 dep, Refs req'd, 321-4773
OKC Southwest
477
1242 SW 47th sharp 4bd brick home, fresh paint, new carpet, nice area, ch/a, covered patio, only $795 Fidelity Real Estate 410-4300, 692-1661 Near Integris Southwest, 2 bed, 1 bath, ch&a, double driveway, very clean, new carpet & paint, no sec 8, $575 mo, 691-5479. 2909 SW 40th sharp 3bd home, fresh paint nice well kept area, only $550 mo. Fidelity Real Estate 410-4300, 692-1661 1301 SW 26th Large spacious 4bed 2 story home on corner lot, only $695 Fidelity Real Estate 410-4300, 692-1661 325 SW 92nd Extra sharp spacious 2bd patio home w/2ba 2car garage, ch/a, fp only $950 Fidelity RE 410-4300, 692-1661 Houses All Areas- Free List 4 bed from $595-1295 3 bed from $495-995 2 bed from $395-795 605-5477 2545 SW 59th 3121 S. Woodward 1bd 1 bath w/d hook up $425 a month 408-5836 !!!MOVE IN SPECIAL!!! 1412 SW 37 2bd 1 bath garage $485 a month 408-5836 !!!MOVE IN SPECIAL!!! 3 bed, 1 3/4 bath, large dining area, 2 car garage, large backyard, $850 mo + deposit, 605-9338 2504 SW 32, 3 bd, 1.5 bath, $575 /mo 408-5836 !!!MOVE IN SPECIAL!!! 1709 SW 16 2bd 1bath garage $425 a month 408-5836 !!!MOVE IN SPECIAL!!!
OKC Southwest
477
3116 SW 20 2bd 1bath storage $395 a month 408-5836 !!!MOVE IN SPECIAL!!! 3 bed security system, $550 month, $250 dep. 2bed, garage $525 mo, $250 dep. 631-8039 2 & 3 Bdr homes. Quiet, stove, refrig, new paint & carpet. $495 ea 596-8410 3 bed, 1K bath, 2 car garage, W/D hkup, $650 mo + dep. 691-1388 3 bed, 1 bath, $550 per month, $400 dep, 2 houses available, 631-8220. OWNER FINANCE lse/ purch Nice 3b 1b ch&a lg util rm 532-2185 for info 3205 Independence 2/1$550 3700 SW 42nd 3/1.75 $750 681-7272 2709 S Klein 2bed 1 ba new paint. appls $650mo + $300 dep. 618-7338 Rental List at 4524 S May 1-3 Beds from $325-750 SW Home Rentals 681-7272
Village/ Nichols Hills 481.5 1119 Park Manor 3 bed, 2 full & 3 half baths, 2car, office, wd flrs, $1650mo, $1500dp TMS Prop348-0720
Norman
473
1229 Sumac, 2000+ sf executive home, 3bd 2ba 2 living, 2 car, on nicely landscaped cul-de-sac lot, $1350 mo Fidelity RE 410-4300, 692-1661 1724 Marian 3bd + bonus 1bath $750+dep WAC Home&RanchRlty 794-7777
Mobile Home Rentals 483 3 bed, 2 bath MH, ch&a, on 1 acre, fenced, near Jones, $600 month, others available, 733-8688. Rent to Own: Nice 2&3bd MWC $350&up 390-9777
Rental Services
487
usespectrum.com Mgmt » Leasing » Sales PROFESSIONAL REAL ESTATE SERVICES SINCE 1982 Spectrum Management 848-9400
10F
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2011
REAL ESTATE
THE OKLAHOMAN | NEWSOK.COM
Oddball spaces still around, repurposed HOMES | OUTHOUSES, SMOKEHOUSES, BOMB SHELTERS FEATURED BY KATHLEEN LYNN The Record
HACKENSACK, N.J. — There are certain spaces that home buyers crave, like giant kitchens and expansive walk-in closets. And then there are the spaces that turn up unexpectedly, especially in some older homes — spots like bomb shelters, smokehouses and outhouses. These can open a window into history, giving a fresh sense of how people once lived. The bomb shelter recalls a time when Americans feared nuclear attacks from the Soviet Union, and imagined how to survive in a scorched landscape. The smokehouse tells of a time when Americans didn’t buy their meat at the supermarket, but butchered it and smoked it to preserve it. And the outhouse tells about life before indoor plumbing, when … well, you know. Quite often, homeowners find new uses for oddball spaces. Tom Johnson of Liberty 100 Realty in Waldwick, N.J., recalls selling a house where a secret staircase connected a closet on the first floor with a closet on the second. The owner lined up her shoes on the steps. A Ridgewood, N.J., Tudor listed by Beth Freed of Prominent Properties Sotheby’s International Realty includes an
elevator, which the owners use as a linen closet. Old bomb shelters are sometimes converted to wine cellars. Ruby and Bobby Kaplan of Teaneck, N.J., store old clothes, toys and household items in theirs. In Bobby Kaplan’s words, it’s “a nice, cool place for junk.” The shelter is a surprise in the Kaplans’ large stucco house, which has been so extensively renovated it looks nearly new. (The seven-bedroom home is on the market for just under $1.5 million because the Kaplans’ three children have grown. Ruby Kaplan, a real estate agent with Vera & Nechama Realty in Teaneck, is listing the home.) The Cold War hideout has thick concrete walls and a 2 ½-foot-diameter corrugated-metal tunnel, which leads beneath the lawn to the outside. Bobby Kaplan recalls that when the couple first moved into the house, he was in the yard with the dog when the dog suddenly vanished. He had fallen into the bomb shelter tunnel, which the family later closed up. Bomb shelters were built in the 1950s and 1960s as places to escape nuclear fallout. A photo from the National Archives shows a cozy model, with a table covered by a checked cloth, two neatly made bunk beds, and shelves stacked with canned food. Magazines are piled on the table, to
help pass the time underground. And in 1960, Popular Mechanics magazine offered readers advice on how to build a shelter, saying: “An underground shelter having at least three feet of earth or sand over it, plus adequate door and air filter, will give you almost complete protection.” Nickie Lisella’s Allendale, N.J., house came with a bomb shelter. “I thought it was cool when we first saw it,” says Lisella, a manager with Terrie O’Connor Realtors in Allendale. “I figured if anyone dropped a bomb, we could save our family.” Buyers often are drawn to extra spaces, especially if they’re big enough for a variety of uses. Ann Matri, a Coldwell Banker agent in Saddle River, N.J., recently listed an 1890 two-bedroom house in Midland Park that sold almost immediately, and over asking price, largely because it included a small backyard stone building with a potbellied stove. It was originally used as a summer kitchen, when it was too hot to cook indoors. The buyer plans to use the space, roughly 12 feet by 14 feet, as an art studio. “I advertised it for hobbyists, artists, musicians,” Matri said. “I can’t tell you how many people came. A lot of people like to have some sort of studio or a little privacy.” MCT INFORMATION SERVICES
Homeowner Ruby Kaplan stands in the bomb shelter with a tunnel leading outside her Teaneck, N.J., home. MCCLATCHY TRIBUNE PHOTO