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My Blog
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Check out this fabulous East Edmond Golf Course home, and definitely watch this video to hear about the special Incentive from the Seller:
http://bit.ly/aPMwkC
Want to see more of this house, here's the virtual tour: www.6716ne113th.com
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One Step Towards Green
Bombarded on every side by the media about the disaster our universe is in, I admit that I have lagged behind in efforts to live green. "What can I do about global warming, " I scoffed. But slowly, the message has become clearer and louder bouth at home and at work through clients wanting homes that are energy efficient and staff memebers who insist plastic water bottles are a "no-no", not to mention my own children taking out our recycling, probably more than I do...reality dawned. I don't have to change the world in which I live, I just have to do my little part. As a Realtor, I can help clients learn about compact florescent light bulbs, geothermal heating/cooling and tank-less hot water heaters and when we're working with builders we can request to use energy efficient, eco-friendly building methods and materials. We can insist on windows and appliances that save energy and in turn, put money back into our client's pockets. In my own home and office, I can save energy and money if I would simply commit to turning off lights, computers, printers, and appliances when not in use, getting that slow dripping faucet fixed, watering the lawn at night and using an inexpensive thermostat to regulate the temperature throughout the day. Instead of grabbing water bottles, I can take an extra second and get some filtered tap out of my facet. We can all make a difference together by taking time to teach others and our children to learn to live green. The old saying "If it isn't broken, don't fix it" may not be the best advice when it comes to protecting our environment. There are lots of choices we can make today to fix areas where we are wasting energy. Most will even pay for themselves in savings over just a few years. As a friend recently reminded me, real change happens...one step at a time.
Chris Allen
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10 Steps to Prepare for Home Ownership
1. Decide how much home you can afford. Generally, you can afford a home equal in value to between 2 and 3 times your gross income.
2. Develop a wish list of what you'd like your home to have. Then prioritize the features on your list.
3. Select three or four neighborhoods you'd like to live in. Consider items such as schools, recreational facilities, are expansion plans, and safety.
4. Determine if you have enough saved to cover your downpayment down payment closing costs. Closing costs, including taxes, attorney's fee, and transfer fees average between 2 and 7 percent of human price.
5. Get you credit in order. Obtain a copy of your credit report.
6. Determine how large a mortgage you can qualify for. Also, explore different loan options and decide what's best for you.
7. Organize all documentation a lender will need to preapprove you for a loan.
8. Do research to determine if you qualify for any special mortgage downpayment assistance programs.
9. Calculate the costs of homeownership, including property taxes, insurance, maintenance, and association fees, if applicable.
10. Find an experienced REALTOR who can help you through the process.....Call me :)
843-8448
Natalie
********Reprinted from REALTOR Magazine
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The Comp Over Wood Problem
A number of Oklahoma home owners in the past chose to defer the expense of replacing a roof by intsalling composition roof over an existing wood roof (or existing composition roof). While this used to be acceptable with insurance companies, their policies have changed and its no longer an acceptable practice. The problem comes from increased damage exposure from wind and hail and increase replacement expenses.
Old, deteriorated roofs do not usually hold the nails of the new roof very well. Wind causes the nails to loosen and back out resulting in shingles blowing off. The roof underneat is also an uneven surface allowing hail to hit hollow pockets creating areas that are easily damaged by moderate hail.
To solve this problem, you'll want to deal with it right up front in negotiations as a home buyer. If listing a property, you might go ahead and get estimates for a new roof and price the property accordingly or with a "roof allowance". Most insurance companies will work with a buyer who commits to replacing a roof immediately after closing. Occasionally, an insurance company will require the roof to be replaced prior to closing.
Roof issues are a big deal in Oklahoma and cause quite a few transactions to fall apart. If you can spend a little more time and effort up front in negotiations or pre-listing investigations you can save yourself a lot of headache and hassle later on during home inspections.
All for now...Cheers!
Chris
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Building a Home: Something to Think About
Are you thinking about moving, or buying a home? Well, another great option is to build a brand new home. If you think you might move in 6 months or so, but you are not quite ready right now, this would be a perfect opportunity to connect with a builder and custom build your own home! Sounds expensive, doesn't it? Not necessarily! More and more builders are allowing home buyers to customize their homes with flexible floor plans, more standard options and lots more. Right now is the perfect time to start building your home because many builders are running promotions and discounts such as paying for closing costs, throwing in a new fence, or even including blinds throughtout the home. I have seen homes that can be customized starting around $110,000, very affordable! Make sure that you find a local Realtor to work with so they can help you negotiate the most home for your money, and so that all of your transactions go smoothly.
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Ready to Hibernate for the Winter
I've owned my own home for over 5 years, and every fall I make big plans to get my house ready for winter. So far I've been all talk and no action. Now I have big plans to use these last few weekends of nice fall weather to accomplish some of my goals. I know using some of these tips not only protects my house, but saves my money in utitlies. Don't forget Global Warming. Al Gore says this also saves the planet. Here is a list of some of the things I know to do to make a house "winter ready". Let's face it; not all of these tasks will be accomplished. I will be making a personal improvement if I do about 5 of these things. I hope they will inspire you to do the same!
1. Throw some new insulation in your attic. If your house is old like mine, it probably needs it.
2. Clean out gutters. Anyone have a ladder I can borrow?
3. Trim any trees aaway from your roof. this goes year round. High winds plus tree branches equals damaged shingles.
4. Storm windows instead of screens.
5. Cut back shrubs on the south side of the house. Apparently this helps warm your house.
6. Look for any leaks and repair.
7. Unclog roof vents.
8. Grade dirt away from the house to make sure water can't sit against the foundation.
9. A little weatherstripping around doors and windows never hurts.
10. Replace batteries in smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors.
11. Replace filters.
12. Cut back brush around the house and clean the garage. Only Cinderella welcomes the company of rodents and insects!
13. Store outdoor furniture.
14. Store water hoses.
15. Insulate the hot water heater.
Wow, I've got my work cut out for me....anyone free this weekend?
Natalie
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Why a Condo?
There are several great perks in choosing a condominium over a single family dwelling. Most condo owners enjoy the benefits of rental life in a space they actually own. For example, most complexes have security, lawn maintenance, and a pool. Every condo owner I've ever known can tell me the names of their neighbors and how long they've lived there. In other words, there is a greater sense of community when you live close together. Condos are also great for people who leave for long periods of time. The condo owner can "lock and leave" withouth worrying about security or mowing the lawn! Owning a condo brings the buyer the same benefits of owning a single family home: pride of ownership, tax deductions, and resale profit potential. In most cases, condos are less expensive than single family homes. Living in a condo can provide you years of saving money, while not draining your funds into a landlord's pocket.
My only warning when preparing to buy a condo is to make sure you have all the information on the Homeowner's Association. Most associations cover all exterior maintenance, but some also cover some of the utilities. When determing what your future house payment will be, be sure add the HOA dues!
In Oklahoma the majority of condos are in NW OKC and Norman. With the development of downtown OKC and Brictown, many new condominium complexes are being built. They are expensive, but really cool! Imagine walking (instead of paying for gas) to work, and then Saturday night walking to your favoite restaurant. Now realize you are living in OKC! If you want to know more about the new developments, please give me a call. Ask for The Condo Queen. I'd be happy to talk to you about them.
Natalie
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Office Phone (405) 843-8448
Equal Housing Opportunity