How to Prevent and Eliminate Mold
January 26, 2010
Mold is a health hazard, period. Learning how to eliminate mold that is now growing in your home and how to prevent it from returning are imperative. Mold can cause all kinds of health problems with respiratory issues at the top of the list, preventing mold before it ever starts is always the best, however, eliminating once it has started growing will work just as well.
The very first thing you must in order to prevent mold from growing in your home is to keep things dry. The indoor humidity level should stay between 30 and 50% and use dehumidifiers when necessary. Not sure what your humidity levels are, a simple and affordable hygrometer will give you the answer. New homes normally require dehumidification more often than older homes and on a regular basis for at least up to one year.
Stale air is a major contributor to mold. Moisture is a breeding ground for mold and stale air is the counterpart this occurrence. Ventilating all areas of your home that can be humid such as bathrooms, attics, and even such necessary appliances as the clothes dryer can be a cause of moisture and stale air in the home. Circulating the air in your home will help prevent mold. Use ceiling fans, air conditioning, and open the doors and windows as much as possible. Mold spore counts are usually higher indoors than outdoors so let that fresh air in.
Condensation can and does cause mold to grow. This is one main reason you need to ensure that your windows are properly sealed as well as all your cold water pipes and air conditioning vents are properly insulated.
Every month you should investigate your home for the beginning growth of mold. The most likely places to look include kitchens, bathrooms, basements, and attics. Even a slight discoloration could be the beginning of mold.
If you find mold, and you will, you need to treat the area immediately. Mold left to grow will in fact grow quickly and take over an area. Then the troubles begin. You can use bleach or an alternative cleaning agent, just be sure that the cleaning product you use will remove the mold. If you have a larger area then you should contact a professional.
For more information regarding Tulsa news, articles, and commentary on homes sales, farms, and commercial property in the Tulsa Real Estate market please re-visit or subscribe to our RSS Feed on our Tulsa Real Estate Mall Blog.
Home Winterizing Tips
January 25, 2010
When the north wind begins to blow, we start putting up all of our spring and summer toys, attire, and other items we will be using for months. One important thing that many of us forget to do is winterize our home for the upcoming season. As soon as the leaves starting turning we should start getting our home ready for the winter. The following tips will ensure that your home will stay in great shape during the winter months even if you put on a few pounds over the holidays.
Of course, not everyone lives where they can expect ten feet of snow and cold north wind blowing most of the time; however, there are still things you will need to do to prepare your home for the upcoming season.
The winterizing tips include:
Inspect your furnace – In most cases, you should contact an HVAC professional to check your furnace to ensure that all is working properly. Your heat/air professional should visit your home before winter and once again before summer each year. Purchase new filters and change them. Ensure that you have not stored any flammable objects nearby the furnace.
If you have a fireplace, now is the time to have it cleaned by a chimney sweep. In the spring, if you have not already, you should have a screen on the top of the fireplace to make sure that mother robin does not choose your fireplace for her new home. Store the wood for the fireplace in a dry area and not up against the home, which can cause mold to grow and even invite snakes and rodents to move in.
Check all the doors and windows for cracks, broken or cracked weather stripping, and cracks in the caulking around the windows. While checking all areas it is a good time to remove the screens and replace with your storm windows and doors.
Check the roof and gutters. Look for any damage to the roof, which should be repaired. A large heavy snow on an already damaged roof can be a catastrophe. Clean out the gutters as well.
Check the foundation and crawl spaces. Move all debris and plants from the foundation. If you see, any cracks no matter how small seal the cracks. Mice can find a way into your home through the smallest cracks. If you have crawl spaces under your home, seal them so as not to invite animals to move in under house to stay warm.
Time to change batteries in your smoke detectors. If you do not have smoke detectors, it is time to buy a few and install them in your home. Carbon monoxide detectors are also great preventive measures to have in your home. You should install this device close to your furnace or hot water heater.
Know where your water main is, you may have to turn off the water in case of a pipe bursting. Drain all water hoses and place in storage. Insulate any water pipes that are exposed to the weather this includes air conditioner pipes.
Check for low limbs that may be too close to your home or to electrical wires, trim if necessary. Now is the time to seal such things as decks, driveways, and patios. Bring in all potted plants that cannot handle the cooler temperatures.
Clean, tune-up, and repair any tools and equipment you will not be using in the winter months such as lawnmowers and gardening equipment. Prepare winter tools such as snow shovels, snow blowers, and purchase salt and sand.
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Tax Credit Nearing the End
January 4, 2010
The looming end of the tax credit that has helped so many Tulsa area buyers is a bit scary especially if you look at mortgage applications and the Tulsa housing market. The Mortgage Bankers Association released a report that stated mortgage applications are at a six-month low and rising rates are also cutting into the good news in the refinance market. Rates on the 30-year fixed mortgage hit 5.18% for the week ended January 1, 2010, which is the highest level seen since August 2009.
This along with the expiration of the homebuyer tax credit in just a few months is sure to weaken profits for Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and other lenders across the board.
As the tax credit is due to expire in the spring home buyers may jump back in the market to get a piece of this credit, however, home sales were falling at the end of the year.
NAR chief economist Lawrence Yun stated, “The fact that pending home sales are comfortably above year-ago levels shows the market has gained sufficient momentum on its own,” and went on to say “We expect another surge in the spring as more home buyers take advantage of affordable housing conditions before the tax credit expires.”
Paul Dales, an economist with Capital Economics stated, “Sales are likely to steadily increase again as the contract-signing deadline for the new extended and expanded tax credit as the end of April approaches,” … “That said, the prospect of a flood of bank-held properties hitting the market at some point will remain a lingering concern for some time.”
Some individuals have bought homes and are excited about the tax credit while others that jumped in during the first tax credit in 2008 are not as pleased as they must repay their credit. The tax credit at the end of 2008 was deemed a loan from the government to aid the economy. Shortly after this “loan”, another save the economy “tax credit” occurred in the same amount of $8,000.
We hope this information about the Tulsa home buyers Federal Tax Credit was helpful. For this and addition news or updates on the Tulsa housing market please subscribe to our Tulsa Real Estate Mall Blog RSS Feed.
Tulsa Real Estate Market Conditions
January 3, 2010
If you compare the third quarter of 2009 with the fourth quarter of 2009, you will notice that average Tulsa home sales price remained stable at around $156,400, which was five percent more than, if you compare it to fourth quarter Tulsa home sales price in 2008. Sales volume was down a full three percent when compared to the third quarter of 2009 with 1170 sales. This on the other hand was an increase of seventeen percent when compared to the fourth quarter of 2008. The days homes stayed on the market increased by four percent when compared to third quarter but dropped a huge nine percent when compared to the same time period in 2008.
In Tulsa and the surrounding area, interest rates are at the low level of 5.5 percent. Due to this, many realtors and speculators expect to see more buyers taking advantage of these rates as well as the government tax credit that will be expiring in April.
Tulsa has received national recognition and has a reputation for being one of “America’s Most Livable Communities” in 2004 by Partners for Livable Communities, Washington D.C. and in 2006 was ranked #6 on Forbes.com list if “Best Cities for Jobs.”
Tulsa and the surrounding area are home to many wonderful attractions, family activities, and quality schools that are the main reason that families are seeking homes in the area. Just by glancing around Tulsa you will find an array of things to do including the Tulsa Speedway, golf courses, the Tulsa Zoo, Performing Arts Center, Tulsa Ballet, and the Tulsa Opera to name a few. Then as you look at the education opportunities you will find quality schools offering the tools needed for students to achieve success in all grades from pre-kindergarten through twelfth grades and beyond to universities such as the Oklahoma State University and Oral Roberts University, as examples.
Homes, ranches, farms, condominiums, golf homes, and town homes can be found in Tulsa, Broken Arrow, Bixby, Jenks, Claremore, Catoosa, and Inola. To learn more contact a Tulsa Homes Expert by calling RE/MAX for more information at 877-738-8572.
Housing Recovery
December 15, 2009
The recovery in the real estate market is still moving forward with a huge 7.4% in home sales in November via information from the National Association of REALTORS.
At this time, sales are up 44% over where they were a year ago and this does include detached single-family homes, townhouses, condominiums, and cooperatives.
The sales are up not only here and the Tulsa real estate market but they are up all over the US and in every region. The Northeast say a 6.6% increase, the Midwest an 8.4% increase, the West an 11% increase, and in the South a 5% increase.
Sales were higher in all price ranges for the second month in a row. Over the last year, we did not see luxury homes or higher priced homes selling, but now they are once again getting new owners.
Homes that have sat on the market have decreased and unsold inventories are 16% below last years.
Chief economist of the National Association of Realtors Lawrence Yun, explained that the rush in home sales is due to the cut off of November 30 for the $8,000 first time buyer credit. The deadline was extended until June 30th for first time buyers until with an added credit repeat purchasers.
The president of the National Association of Realtors, Vicki Cox Golder, stated the combination of tax credits, low mortgage rates, and low prices has been an attractive environment for home buyers across the nation.
She stated, “It really doesn’t get any better for buyers,” if they have “secure jobs and long-term ownership plans.”
The forecast by Fannie Mae for 2010 suggests that sales of existing homes in 2010 will increase another 10% and new homes can expect an increase of 26%. Like many others forecasting in the housing market, Fannie Mae sees mortgage rates rising but not so high that buyers will not purchase.
The Mortgage Bankers Association forecasts 30-year fixed rates to exceed 5.2% in the coming months, which is up from about 5% a couple of weeks back.
Federal Reserve chairman Ben Bernanke believes higher mortgage rates are inevitable and Bernanke refinanced out of an adjustable-rate loan on his Washington D.C. home and into a more secure 30 year fixed rate around 5 percent.
For more news, articles and commentary on Tulsa homes sales, farms and commercial property in the Tulsa Real Estate market please re-visit soon or subscribe to our RSS Feed for our Tulsa Real Estate Mall Blog.
Making Great Real Estate Agents
September 20, 2008
As a Tulsa real estate agent, you more than likely find clients through word of mouth of satisfied customers. Due to this fact, you should be aware of what makes a great real estate agent and a very awful real estate.
Too many times, homebuyers or home sellers do not do their homework and wind up with a real estate agent they could almost strangle. The reason is they are more involved in the quest of new home. They want to hurry up and find home with all the amenities they desire and get packing or they want to sell their home quickly so they can move into their new home as well.
What should you look for in a real estate agent as a homebuyer or home seller?
Here is a list of the most popular things clients want to see in their real estate. By using this guideline, you should have a wonderful experience shopping for a real estate.
1. One that listens – Have you ever met a person that when you talk with them it seems to go in one ear and out the other? If you have a realtor like this, you have a terrible one. You need a real estate agent that will listen to your desires. If you give them an area, you wish to live, or a price range for your new home and the list you are given to see is in TimBuckTwo or $50,000 over your maximum range, you have a realtor that is definitely not listening.
2. One that works with you along the way – A great real estate agent will have leads ready for you to see in a very short time, explain to you about the house including any information they can find out about the sellers and even go so far as to have a list of lending companies that might help you. Will they not only give you this information, but also will go with you during the appraisal or help you fill out paperwork or whatever might be needed to make your home purchase go smoothly.
3. One that will help you objectively – You will more than likely fall in love with one of the first houses you visit, however, a great real estate agent will help you see everything there is to see a house before you sign the dotted line. You should have given your realtor a list of things you desire in a home such as location, size, and other amenities. When you see a home that has all the amenities you may want to sign the dotted line. Your real estate agent, if they are great, should remind you of all your stipulations and help you see all sides of the property. Is it smaller than what you envisioned, does it have a nice backyard for your dog, will it fit your lifestyle, etc…. If you are not happy with the purchase, later on you will not be as happy with the real estate agent.
4. One that understand the local market condition – If you are searching for a home in a different state than where you reside now using a local agent there may not be in your best interest. Think about it. Will your local agent know the good and bad parts of town, what the school district is like, what the neighborhoods are like, and so on and so forth? In order to learn about everything you need to know, you need a realtor that lives in the area and is an expert in their field.
Home Staging Basics
September 20, 2008
The new trend in Tulsa home sales is Home Staging, which is an awesome way in which to entice homebuyers and help real estates make a sale quickly. The answer to what home staging is and how it works are listed below. Just by using these easy tips, you will be able to sell your home faster and have satisfied homebuyers.
The number one reason home staging is so appealing is that you will be using techniques that will in fact make your property more attractive to home buyers. Begin with the first thing potential buyers will see when they drive up – the outside of the home and the property. Make it look attractive.
A list of what you should look at and improve on the exterior of your home and property include:
- Trim foliage
- Lay new sod if needed
- Paint the gutter
- Clean the gutters
- Remove clutter from the patios
- Paint the exterior of the home if needed
- Clean the exterior of the windows
- Clean window frames
- Weed the garden area
- Be sure all weed are gone from walkways
- Do not leave dead or dying hanging plants in plain view
- Wash the bricks if needed (in some cases, you might find moss or even mold growing on the exterior of your home)
- Clean the driveway – remove oil stains
- Change burned out light bulbs
Walk out in the street. Is the outside of your home more appealing? Does it look nice day and night? If not, notice what things stand out that make your home unappealing.
Now, on to the interior of your home. As you walk through the front door, look around as if this is the first time you have seen the home. You have to put yourself in the shoes of the homebuyer.
Things you should look at and improve or repair on the interior of your home include:
- Move furniture to be inviting – open feeling
- Paint areas that need painting – preferably neutral colors
- Remove all clutter from tables, bookshelves, and even in your cabinets – Women love to look in cabinets to see how much room is in there
- Check baseboards for chipped paint
- Check doorframes and trim for scuffs – Old English is a big help here
- Change light bulbs if necessary
If you are not sure how to make your home appealing there is a wonderful way to learn these tricks and tips. Many homebuilders use home staging for their model homes. Visit a few to get ideas of how you want your home to look. You will see that the exterior is clean and debris free and the interior will be open without clutter.
These little tips will allow homebuyers to envision their furniture in your home instead of seeing the lived in look.