ART IN THE SQUARE

ART IN THE SQUARE at Utica Square

Saturday, October 2, 2010, 10am-5pm



Beautiful Utica Square is the backdrop for over 90 local artists as they showcase their work. As you stroll down the tree-lined sidewalks, you can admire the different mediums of art ranging from watercolors, stained glass, pottery, sculpture, and woodturning. And if you see something that inspires you, stop and chat with the artist. Each artist is on hand to answer any questions you may have. This free event celebrates art and the art of shopping.  Click here for more information.

MORTGAGE RATES DROP TO RECORD LOW

According to a Tulsa World article this week, Mortgage rates are again at an all time low.  With the biggest savings on a 15 year fixed rate loans, that are running less than 4 percent! Rates haven't been this low in decades. For those who can qualify, it's the chance to pay off a home in half the time while saving tens of thousands of dollars — if not more.  For the full article click here. 

NEW LEAD PAINT REGULATIONS ON HOMES BUILT PRIOR TO 1978

Contractors Scramble To Get Training Mandated By New Lead Paint Rules

By ROBERT EVATT World Staff Writer   Published: 4/20/2010 6:39 PM

Owners of older homes planning renovations might have a hard time finding workers because many contractors are scrambling to comply with a new EPA rule on lead paint. The problem is that not enough trainers are available to certify all the contractors for the new Environmental Protection Agency regulations, said Ken Saltink, president of the Remodelers Council of the Home Builders Association of Greater Tulsa and head of All American Remodel. The new rules go into effect Thursday.

The new regulations stipulate that every home, child-care facility and school built before 1978 be tested for lead paint by a certified contractor before renovations are performed, including painting, plumbing, and window and electrical work. If a building tests positive for lead, contractors must seal off the area and clean it with vacuum equipment while wearing safety suits.

Scott Burnett, president of Burnett Windows and Siding, said all 10 of his installers have been trained and are ready to tackle any older home, but preparations have cost the company $4,000 in training and an additional $4,000 for equipment. “We’ve invested a lot of money in the training and the equipment,” he said. “But the benefit of that is customer confidence in us.” Burnett said he doesn’t charge for the testing, which involves scraping the paint with a knife and swabbing a chemical that reacts to lead. The process takes 30 minutes for an average house. But removing the lead could be costly to customers. Burnett said his company hasn’t set a price yet, though other window companies nationwide are charging $50 to $125 per window.

Saltink said the National Association of Home Builders has estimated that lead removal can add $800 to $1,500 to the cost of a renovation.

In addition to the fines and the work necessary for certification, Saltink said potential legal liability could further discourage contractors from working on older homes.  “If we do something in a person’s home and their children test positive for lead, we could be held liable for doctors and lawyers fees,” he said.

Studies indicate lead poisoning can cause a drop in IQ, learning problems and aggressiveness in children, as well as memory loss and mood shifts in adults.  Although the new regulations cover all pre-1978 homes, Burnett said lead paint might be found in only a few of them. “Not very many of these homes seem to have lead paint,” he said. “In Tulsa, it seems to be less than what you’d think. We’ve only found one so far.”

Read more from this Tulsa World article click here. 

PROUD TO BE WITH CHINOWTH & COHEN, REALTORS

In a time when other companies are scaling back, Chinowth & Cohen Realtors is pleased to announce the opening of two additional offices in Sand Springs and Bartlesville, Oklahoma. This expansion brings the total number of real estate offices to 6 in Northeastern Oklahoma and over 360 Associates full time and referral. CEO of Chinowth & Cohen Realtors Sheryl Chinowth says, “Our market share is growing, and we’re taking advantage of this opportunity to expand. So many of our competitors are cutting back and closing doors. We’ve had six straight years of growth since the company opened its doors. Now is the optimum time to increase our presence.” Chinowth & Cohen Realtors has experienced a 30% increase in market share year to date as opposed to last year. For the last 12 months, Chinowth & Cohen Realtors experienced a 21.47% increase which was against the overall market trends.

SUMMER'S 5TH NIGHT AT UTICA SQUARE

Looking for something fun to do this summer. Check out Summer's Fifth Night at Utica Square. Live music, every Thursday, all summer long. Utica Square's summer concert series serves up everything from jazz to rock to country. There's something different every Thursday and best of all, it's free! Pack a picnic or dine at one of their great restaurants as you unwind to your favorite local bands. Put on your dancing shoes, catch up with family and friends and win great prizes like Utica Square gift certificates and merchandise from Utica Square merchants. Celebrate summer every Thursday at Utica Square, 7 - 9 p.m.  Click here for more information and the 2010 Concert Series.

NATIONAL OPEN HOUSE WEEK-END

It’s the perfect weekend to shop. For many people, now really is a good time to buy a home. Inventory is high, prices are down and mortgage rates are near 50-year lows. And right now, first-time buyers can qualify for up to $8,000 and current homeowners for as much as $6,500, but contracts must be in place by April 30, 2010, so get out and start shopping!

READING UP ON REAL ESTATE

Some first time home buyers really do their home work. They read books, and the news and learn as much as they can about the home buying process. Some even watch television shows about buying a home. There are plenty of books about getting rich in real estate and of course all you have to do is "follow these simple steps", and plenty of books about how to buy a home.

I don't think much of most of the books that I have seen, but if I didn't know anything about the home buying process I would consider reading one to get started. That is what I did when I had my first child, I bought a how to book.

The problem with the books is that real estate is local. The laws and contracts are regulated on the state level. General business practices are not the same in each market either. The books are pretty generic and they try to cover situations that most Oklahomans will never encounter while at the same time missing important parts of the process in this state.

There is a great guide for Oklahoman home buyers that's free and on the internet, published by the Oklahoman Real Estate Commission. It may not be a literary master piece or have the drama of the television shows about buying a home, but it is packed full of useful information about buying a home in Oklahoma. Find it here. 

TULSA AREA HOME STARTS UP

The March 20, 2010 Tulsa World had an article intitled "Home Starts Accelerating." It stated that the year-to-date total for the Tulsa area is 9% more than at the same time in 2009. Home Construction picked up speed in February and has built a sizable lead over the first two months of 2009. The year-to-date now stands at 340 over the 312 for the first two months of 2009. Gary Soderstrom, president of the Home Builders Assoc. of Greater Tulsa, attributed much of the increase to the home buyer tax credit. To read the entire article (click here.)

CLOCKS FORWARD THIS SUNDAY

Well, it's only Wednesday, but let's remind one and all: Clocks "spring" forward early Sunday morning. And as fire officials would remind you, it's an excellant opportunity to change the batteries in your smoke detectors. While there will be more daylight in the evening, beware of the kids waiting for buses in the dark morning hours for the next few weeks.

WINTER WEATHER SAFETY

Winter Weather: Indoor Safety Highlights

• Use fireplace, wood stoves, or other combustion heaters only if they are properly vented to the outside and do not leak flue gas into the indoor air space.
• Never use a charcoal or gas grill indoors—the fumes are deadly.
• Never leave lit candles unattended.
• Keep as much heat as possible inside your home.
• Check the temperature in your home often during severely cold weather.
• Leave all water taps slightly open so they drip continuously.
• Eat well-balanced meals to help you stay warmer.
  

Winter Weather: Outdoor Safety Highlights

• Dress warmly and stay dry.
• Wear a hat, scarf, and mittens.
• Avoid frostbite.
• If you have to do heavy outdoor chores, dress warmly and work slowly.
• Avoid walking on ice or getting wet.
• Notify friends and family where you will be before you go hiking, camping, or skiing.
• Avoid traveling on ice-covered roads, overpasses, and bridges if at all possible.
• If you are stranded, it is safest to stay in your car.

Information from the CDC online resource for Emergency Preparedness & Response.

THANK YOU FOR 2009!

Mike and I would like to thank all of our clients for making 2009 a great year! With all the economic talk, we were a little nervous that it was going to be a tough year. BUT God blessed and the calls came in and we are so thankful. Also a big thank you to everyone that referred business to us. The majority of our transactions this year was due to friends and family sending their friends and family to us. THANK YOU from the bottom of our hearts! We're looking forward to another great year in 2010! Happy New Year from the Butlers!