LISTING OF THE WEEK
HOUSE PLAN
Traditional comfort
Room with a view
The Listing of the Week is a traditional home with a gazebo, sprinkler system and other extras in Newcastle.
Rich expanses of glass in the split-level Winchester make this home well-suited to watching ocean sunsets, forest and lakeside wildlife, or appreciating countless other scenic views.
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Mi-Ling Stone Poole
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THE OKLAHOMAN | NEWSOK.COM
SATURDAY, JUNE 12, 2010
HOMEBUILDER IS GOING THE DISTANCE
ASK MI-LING
FREEDOM OF CHOICE Decorating is a personal choice and when people are decorating their home they should incorporate items that make them feel comfortable and at ease. PAGE 4F
IN BRIEF
BOOK AIDS KITCHEN PLAN
J.W. Mashburn is in his model home at 2832 SW 140. Mashburn, a gold medalist in track in the 1956 Olympics (inset, at Oklahoma A&M in 1955), is in his 50th year of home building, almost all of it on Oklahoma City’s south side. PHOTOS BY JOHN CLANTON, THE OKLAHOMAN
AWARD | OLYMPIC GOLD MEDALIST EARNS DISTINCTION, TALKS ABOUT FIVE DECADES OF BEING IN THE BUSINESS BY TIM FALL Special Correspondent trfall@gmail.com
It was the late 1950s, and the man who could be called Oklahoma’s most accomplished athlete since Jim Thorpe was training to earn a slot on his third Olympics team when suddenly he strained his ankle and twisted his future. Jesse William “J.W.” Mashburn, 1957 Oklahoma A&M grad and ’56 Melbourne Olympics gold medalist — before that, a member of Capitol Hill High School’s state championship football teams in ’49, ’51 and ’52 — tore his Achilles tendon that day. And with it, he tore up his hopes of participating in the 1960 Summer Olympic Games. But during his long, slow recovery process, Mashburn said, he “started selling a little real estate.” The rest, as they say, is history. By 1960, when the 4x400-me-
Homebuilder J.W. Mashburn says design styles and mortgage financing have changed considerably since he started building homes 50 years ago. This Mashburn model home is at 2832 SW 140.
ter relay team he had hoped to lead flew to Rome for that year’s summer games, Mashburn had built and sold his first house, on SW 59 in Oklahoma City. The four-time All-American at Oklahoma A&M (1952-56) made the 1952 Olympic team but was not allowed to compete because the U.S. coach said he was too
young at 19 years old. A few days after the Olympics, though, he was part of a U.S. 1,600-meter relay team that set a world record. In the 1956 games at Melbourne, he ran a leg in the U.S. gold medalwinning 1,600-meter relay team. Today, Mashburn still is building homes and developing neighborhoods that have earned his
company the Oklahoma State Home Builders Association’s “Home Builder of the Year” Award, among other distinctions. And he still looks like he could leave you choking on dust in a 400-meter race. Tall and robust with a head of grandfatherly gray hair, Mashburn oversees development in his newest additions, Cascata Lakes, The Villas at Cascata Lakes and The Legacy, which straddle S May Avenue between SW 136 and SW 140. At 160 acres each, the Cascata additions and The Legacy are dramatically different from Mashburn’s first development — 5 acres on S Walker Avenue divided into “eight or 10” lots, Mashburn recalled. “Our designs are so much more open” than floor plans in the ’60s and ’70s, Mashburn said. The homes Mashburn builds today differ from those he built a SEE MASHBURN, PAGE 2F
Assess family’s priorities when buying a home When it comes to home buying, many families with young children find it increasingly difficult to afford all the features they’d like, so most must accept trade-offs, said Eric Tyson, a personal finance expert and co-author of “Home Buying for Dummies.” “What families want and what they can afford in a home are often two very different things,” Tyson said. Granted, home prices in many areas have moderated relative to prices before the recession. And mortgage rates remain low for buyers with good credit. Still, lenders are demanding larger down payments, and many buyers lack the cash. “Chances are you won’t be able to buy a place with
just 5 or 10 percent down. You’ll probably need 20 percent,” Tyson said. Another factor constraining homebuyers is that more people, especially those holding private-sector jobs, are experiencing income declines. The best way to maximize your finances is to set priorities carefully and to put your most desired features high on your wish list. Here are several suggestions for homebuyers with young children: Don’t make assumptions about neighborhood schools on test scores alone. There are many other factors to consider, as well, said William Bainbridge, president of the SchoolMatch Institute, a research organization focused on comparative
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Ellen James Martin SMART MOVES school quality. When matching up neighborhoods, Bainbridge urges parents to take the time to visit schools and pose questions to teachers and administrators. By doing so, they’ll get a feel for the culture of each school and whether its employees support and encourage the students who attend. Consider how much yard space you need. Many parents, recalling their own carefree child-
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hood in the suburbs where big yards were the norm, assume their children will fare well living in a similar setting. But what worked for you growing up isn’t necessarily best for your kids, Tyson said. Rather than focusing heavily on yard size, he suggests you think about the outdoor features of a neighborhood, including parks and open space. Select a floor plan that functions well for your family. Tyson said it’s more important for those with young children to have a floor plan that encourages togetherness than to have a large home. “You probably won’t use a formal dining room except on Thanksgiving. You’ll find more use for an
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inviting, good-sized family room,” he said. Try to buy as many bedrooms as you can afford. New houses with lots of square footage typically feature spacious master bedroom suites. Secondary bedrooms, designed for children or guests, also are large, often with their own walk-in closets or even private bathrooms. But Tyson insists it’s more important to have an adequate number of bedrooms because “families with enough bedrooms can give siblings with different school schedules their own rooms,” ensuring that “the kids get enough sleep.”
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E-mail Ellen James Martin at ellenjames martin@gmail.com. UNIVERSAL UCLICK
Designer Terence Conran’s “Essential Kitchens” helps homeowners think through all of the issues involved with building or remodeling a kitchen. The book addresses everything from the layout to the wall color. The book is British, so references to things such as larders and splashbacks might give American readers pause. Nevertheless, the book provides an overview to kitchen planning that might prove useful to someone who’s still in the dreaming phase. The photos are a bonus, particularly for people who are drawn to European style. It’s published by Octopus Publishing Group for $20 in hardcover.
GARAGE DOOR AS A CANVAS If you’re going to hide the stuff in your garage, why not hide it behind an illusion? Photo murals cover your garage door and let you trick the neighbors into thinking you have an airplane or an antique car parked in your garage — or maybe that your garage opens to a view of Manhattan. The murals, from Style-Your-Garage .com, adhere to the door with hook-andloop tape. They’re designed for up-andover garage doors but can be adapted to some other door styles. Designs include vehicles, landscapes, rooms and animals. You can even have a mural custom-made from your own photo. MCCLATCHY-TRIBUNE INFORMATION SERVICES.
INDEX Handy@Home Barry Stone Permits Kenneth Harney
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SATURDAY, JUNE 12, 2010
THE OKLAHOMAN | NEWSOK.COM
Emery joins real estate office Prudential Alliance Realty has added Carol Emery to its south Oklahoma City office, 1500 SW 104, as a residential real estate sales associate. She has lived in the Oklahoma City area since 1993 and previously worked as a mortgage loan processor.
Carol Emery
BUSINESS BUSINESS NEWS P.O. BOX 25125, Oklahoma City, OK 73125 Fax: (405) 475-3996 NewsOK.com HomesOK.com This view shows the living room of a J.W. Mashburn model home at 2832 SW 140.
PHOTOS BY JOHN CLANTON, THE OKLAHOMAN
Mashburn: In it for the long run FROM PAGE 1F
half century ago in other ways, as well: There’s “not a lot of space wasted on hallways” and “we build 10- and 12-foot ceilings,” he said, whereas “in the ’60s they were all 8 feet.” Mashburn recalled that homebuyers were greeted with more stable mortgage finance rates when he began building, when veterans’ loans “were fixed at 4 to 4.5 percent.” And in case you thought things had never been as tough as they are now for the housing industry, Mashburn offered a little bit of wisdom on that, too. “The ’80s were much harder than now,” he said. “The banks were failing. We couldn’t sell lots because the banks didn’t have money to loan.” Even if things feel tight these days, Mashburn’s 50 years of hindsight tell him that “values are great here” and “the real estate market has seen much tougher times.” The biggest improvement in homebuilding in the past five decades? “The materials we use are so much more energy efficient,” he said, with windows, insulation and heating and air-conditioning products all of a
quality he never imagined as a young builder. Mark Dale, president of the Central Oklahoma Home Builders Association, called Mashburn a “one-man university for novice homebuilders,” known for helping people new to the business to grow their companies as builders and developers. “He really has given back so much to this industry,” Dale said. Fellow southsider and longtime colleague and friend Harlan Core called Mashburn “a cool guy” who is “easy going,” and “forward thinking” with “a great business mind.” Core, who attended Capitol Hill High School with Mashburn, also served with him on the board of the National Association of Home Builders. Mashburn can peruse a lifetime of achievement simply by driving around the neighborhoods he’s built in south Oklahoma City — or he can travel a bit farther. In 2006, he returned to Melbourne, Australia, for a reunion commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Olympic 1956 games. The city of Melbourne did “an amazing job,” Mashburn recalled. “They re-enacted the opening
CLYTIE BUNYAN Business Editor (405) 475-3284, cbunyan@opubco.com
RICHARD MIZE Real Estate Editor (405) 475-3518, richardmize@ opubco.com
VENETTE PERRY Assistant Classified Advertising Manager (405) 475-4155, vperry@opubco.com
Oklahoma City’s J.W. Mashburn, left, and James Gilbert Lea Jr. of San Jose, Calif., members of the U.S. Olympic team, warm up at Olympic Village in Melbourne, Australia, a week before the 1956 winter games.
OKLAHOMAN ARCHIVE PHOTO
ceremony. The same guy who lit the torch was there to light it again. The same guy who gave the opening speech was there to give the anniversary speech. We even marched in, by nations, the same as we
did in ’56.” But as with the homebuilding business, there were differences 50 years on. “In ’56 they made us stand the whole time. This time, we had chairs.”
A large, L-shaped island provides work space and seating in the kitchen of a J.W. Mashburn model home at 2832 SW 140.
Mitra Cutter
Brenda Khourie
Linda Palmer
Paula Jones
Realtor joins Paradigm office
Palmer joins Paradigm group
Paradigm gains City resident is with Paradigm new associate
Longtime Realtor Brenda Khourie has moved to Paradigm AdvantEdge Real Estate, 16301 N May Ave. She has been selling real estate for 30 years. She was in Elk City for 20 years, where she owned Khourie & Co. She also was president of the Elk City Board of Realtors.
Linda Palmer has joined Paradigm AdvantEdge Real Estate, 16301 N May Ave., as a residential real estate sales associate. She has been selling real estate for the past two years and has the Accredited Buyers Representative and Seller’s Representative Specialist real estate designations.
Paula Jones has joined Paradigm AdvantEdge Real Estate, 16301 N May Ave., as a residential real estate sales associate. The lifetime resident of the Oklahoma City area has been selling real estate for the past four years. Previously, she worked in health care marketing and earned a leadership award from her company.
Mitra Cutter has joined Paradigm AdvantEdge Real Estate, 16301 N May Ave., as a residential real estate sales associate. She has lived in the metro area for 36 years and has a degree in electronics from Oklahoma State University. Previously, she worked for the Federal Aviation Administration.
FOR EDITORIAL INQUIRIES: Contact Richard Mize
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REAL ESTATE
SATURDAY, JUNE 12, 2010
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D.R. Horton forges ahead in housing market BY MITCHELL SCHNURMAN McClatchy-Tribune News Service
FORT WORTH, Texas — Texas was the starting point for D.R. Horton more than 30 years ago. Now, it’s the start of the revival. Horton pleasantly surprised Wall Street by reporting a 55 percent increase in sales and another profit for the three months that ended in March. While Wall Street had forecast red ink, the company, which builds in a dozen Oklahoma City-area neighborhoods, earned $11 million from homebuilding, compared with a loss of almost $91 million in that category a year ago. Horton’s south-central region was the primary source of the profit, accounting for $16 million in income in the quarter. The same region also generated the most revenue, the highest inventories and the fewest write-offs. That may sound natural for a builder with corporate headquarters in downtown Fort Worth, but
Horton is a national company. Its footprint stretches from Maui to Philly, from Mobile to Minneapolis — 71 markets in 26 states. In the Oklahoma City area, Horton builds in Edmond, Mustang, Yukon and Oklahoma City. In the same quarter four years ago, near the peak of the housing bubble, Horton earned nearly four times more money in California than in the Texas region. It earned three times as much in two other regions: Arizona-Colorado and Florida-Georgia. Things ended badly back then, and Horton took lumps in Texas, too. But its home base is where the turnaround has taken hold, for two reasons: The state weathered the downturn better than most, and Horton became more aggressive while competitors were pulling back or going out of business. Two years ago, Horton accounted for 7 percent of housing starts in DallasFort Worth. Now its local market share is 19.5 percent, said Ted Wilson of Residential Strategies. During the downturn,
Horton scooped up lots at bargain prices and kept putting up homes on a smaller scale. While more than 30 builders were closing or leaving the market, Horton executives went on the offensive. “They put enough spec homes out there when others wouldn’t,” Wilson said. “They had the right inventory when the market wanted it, and that’s impressive.” For the 12 months ended in March, Horton started just under 3,000 homes in North Texas, according to Residential Strategies. That’s roughly 1,000 more than a year ago. In 2006, it topped 5,700 local starts. In the past six months, Horton earned almost $42 million in the south-central region, four times more than any other region. This sector includes Oklahoma City, two cities in Louisiana, and the population centers of Texas — Austin, Dallas-Fort Worth, Houston and San Antonio. Horton sounds almost bullish, after its strategy was validated. Despite three years of heavy losses in home building, the
Luxury homebuilder sees surge BY THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
LOS ANGELES — Luxury homebuilder Toll Brothers Inc. posted a narrower loss in its latest quarter and saw a surge in orders for new homes, trends the company said held steady despite the end of two homebuyer tax credits. New home contracts jumped 41 percent in the February-April period, and the value of the builder’s backlog increased on an annual basis for the first time in four years, reflecting increased confidence among buyers, the company said. “It appears our business has finally emerged from the tunnel and into a bit of daylight,” said Robert Toll, chairman and chief executive officer. He said sales held up in May for the Horsham, Pa.-based builder, even though two tax credits expired in May.
Toll said he believes customers are becoming more confident in their job security, their ability to sell previous homes and the outlook for home prices. But Toll also sounded a cautious note, saying he expects a gradual recovery as the market faces headwinds from high unemployment and volatility in the financial markets. Builders have seen sales and home orders improve this year thanks to low mortgage rates and homebuyer tax credits. Buyers needed to sign contracts for a home by April 30 and close on the deals by June 30 to qualify for incentives. In April, new home sales nationwide jumped 14.8 percent; in March, new home sales posted the biggest monthly increase in 47 years. Now that the government incentives have expired, many experts project
home sales will weaken, at least in the near term. Toll did not benefit as much from the tax credits as some competitors because it sells larger and more expensive houses. That also means Toll should suffer less now that the credits have expired.
company had beefed up its stock of spec homes, anticipating a rush from buyers before the tax credit expired at the end of April. It had steadily cut expenses and home prices, pressuring contractors and developers to lower rates. Horton also was quick to target first-time buyers, in part because they didn’t have to sell a home to buy a new one.
A lot at the Old Tampa Estates addition in Parrish, Fla., indicates D.R. Horton’s strategy. MCCLATCHY-TRIBUNE INFORMATION SERVICES PHOTO
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THE OKLAHOMAN | NEWSOK.COM
Addition to join green landscape program FROM STAFF REPORTS
The Sustainable SITES Initiative, affiliated with the U.S. Green Building Council, has selected Central Oklahoma Habitat for Humanity’s Hope Crossing addition as one of the first landscapes to participate in a new program testing the nation’s first rating system for green landscape design, construction and maintenance. Hope Crossing will join more than 150 other projects in 34 states, Canada, Iceland and Spain in the evaluation of the new SITES rating system for sustainable landscapes with and without buildings. Hope Crossing, at NE 83 and Kelley Avenue, will have 217 homes upon completion, all of them built to Silver and Gold LEED standards. LEED stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design. The effort to include Hope Crossing as a SITES project was led by Oklahoma land use planner and designer Randy Marks, who owns Land+Form. Joining Marks on the project is Allen Brown, principal with Frankfurt Short Bruza Architects & Engineers, G’Anne Derrick, a Hope Crossing resident, Pam Felactu, development director for Central Oklahoma Habitat for Humanity and Connie Scothorn of CLS & Associates Landscape Architects, which designed Hope Crossing’s existing park areas. “When I first visited Hope Crossing, I realized that it would be a good candidate for the SITES pilot program,” Marks said. “I recruited a talented project team and now we are moving ahead with plans for creating a beautiful, environmentally sound landscape. A major component in our project is community education. We are pursuing funding and sponsorships to
Central Oklahoma Habitat for Humanity has always made an effort to build homes that are environmentally responsible. In fact, all of our new homes are built to Silver or Gold LEED standards, which not only help the environment, but also cut the homeowner’s utility bills by one-third.” ANN FELTON,
CHAIRMAN AND CEO
enable complete implementation, and are thrilled to be partnering with Habitat.” The organizers hope to raise the money necessary to convert each of the homes at Hope Crossing to a sustainable landscape, if homeowners choose to do so. Additionally, as with most Habitat for Humanity projects, the Hope Crossing SITES program will provide an opportunity for homeowners and community volunteers to learn about sustainable landscaping while implementing the project. “Central Oklahoma Habitat for Humanity has always made an effort to build homes that are environmentally responsible. In fact, all of our new homes are built to Silver or Gold LEED standards, which not only help the environment, but also cut the homeowner’s utility bills by one-third,” said Ann Felton, chairman and CEO. “Now, with this project, we will
Women paint a house under construction in Hope Crossing recently during National Women Build Week. PHOTOS BY DOUG HOKE, THE OKLAHOMAN
be able to extend our efforts to the outside of the home, while creating beautiful, low-maintenance landscapes.” SITES will use feedback from this and other projects during the pilot phase, which runs through June 2012, to revise the final rating system and reference guide by early 2013. Sponsorships are available for the Hope Crossing SITES project. To learn more about sponsorships or to donate, call Pam Felactu at 232-4828 or e-mail pam.felactu@centraloklahoma habitat.org.
Memories often inspire ideas for decorating Decorating is a personal choice, and my belief has always been that when people are decorating their home they should incorporate items that make them feel comfortable and at ease. I encourage homeowners to use family heirlooms, photographs and other accessories that make the space a place that they can call home. Over the years, I have become more sensitive and intuitive about why people decorate their homes in a particular style. It’s not uncommon for my friends and colleagues to ask my opinion on a newly decorated space. Sometimes they just want validation that they have designed their space properly. I also get questions
Mi-Ling Stone Poole ASK MI-LING
about furniture layout or the selection of colors for walls and drapes. Recently, I was invited to the home of Dr. Harvey Jenkins, an orthopedist and the co-owner of BodyTrends Spa. He wanted me to see the updates he made to his newly purchased home and, of course, he asked my opinion on his choices. After a tour of his home, I was impressed with his design style. Throughout
his home he incorporated a brocade and Italian-inspired decor. But when it came to his living room, I couldn’t help but feel that it reminded me of a funeral parlor. I’m sure it was the beautiful Austrian sheers in his windows that gave me the feeling, because when I was a child, several of our local funeral homes used that style of curtain. However, Austrian curtains, also known as stage curtains, have been used in old theaters for years. I was reluctant to reveal my thoughts, because, after all, this is his comfort zone. After I told him my honest opinion, he paused, and then it was as if a light went on in his head. He told me that his grandmother owned a funeral
home when he was a child and that he was very close to her. And when he and his mother visited the funeral home, those were some of his fondest memories. It’s interesting to me that when we’re involved in decorating our homes, we usually pull in something from our past that gives us comfort. And quite often we don’t even recognize where this style came from until we dig deeper into our past. Now go out and create your own comfort zone! Mi-Ling Stone Poole is the author of “Ask Mi-Ling! When You Want the Truth About Decorating.” You can listen to her radio show, “Mi-Ling’s Comfort Zone,” from noon to 1 p.m. Sundays on KTOK-AM 1000. If you have a decorating dilemma, contact her through her website, www.Mi-Ling.com.
Louise Man paints trim pieces.
REAL ESTATE
THE OKLAHOMAN | NEWSOK.COM
SATURDAY, JUNE 12, 2010
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For many, working from home is more efficient BY LAURA CASEY
Tools, tips improve home-office success
Contra Costa Times
WALNUT CREEK, Calif. — With a rich Bolognese sauce simmering in a pot in her kitchen — that’s for tonight’s dinner — Cheryl Haga starts her work day. But instead of hopping in her car and driving 40 minutes to her San Francisco office, Haga takes about 10 steps to her dining room table and fires up her laptop. Haga, San Francisco Bay area director for Lango, a children’s afterschool foreign language program, works from her Walnut Creek home most of the time. Working at home is a delicate balance between being productive on the job and avoiding distractions like that pile of laundry. It’s all about organization, Haga said. “I’ve created an action plan for myself, and I prioritize what I am doing each day. I estimate the time each general task is going to take. For example, it’s going to take me five hours to get to all my e-mail on Monday,” she said, revealing her multicolored Microsoft Office Excel spreadsheet that tracks what she’s doing now and what she has to do next. She organizes her time in terms of priority and checks off each task once completed. According to statistics from a recently released report by the U.S. Census Bureau and private studies on the subject, a growing number of people are telecommuting, working from home one or several days a week. The Census Bureau reports that the number of people who work from home increased from 9.5 million to 11.3 million between 1999 and 2005. “There are radiologists working at home in their pajamas reading Xrays. There are nurses taking calls at home from anxious mothers-to-be. There are a lot of industries going this way even in a wholesale way, not just ad hoc, a couple of days a week,” said Kate Lister, author of “Undress for Success: The Naked Truth About Making Money From Home.” She said about 2 percent of the American workforce currently telecommutes some days a week. Lister is a champion of working at
BY LAURA CASEY Contra Costa Times
Cheryl Haga, of Walnut Creek, Calif., works in her home office. MCCLATCHY-TRIBUNE PHOTO
AT A GLANCE
Traits of a successful e-worker a supportive family. › Has not care for young children during work hours. › Does a quiet, secluded area in the home in which to work. › Has moderate need for social contact. › Has to connect with people nonvisually. › IsHasablestrong communication skills. › Is a self-starter and self-sufficient. › Has a strong work › Is an effective timeethic. › Is goal-oriented. manager. › Is comfortable with technology. › Has a strong desire to work at home. › From chapter three of Kate Lister and Tom Harnish’s “Undress for Success: The Naked Truth About Making Money From Home” (Wiley, $24.95).
home. She said if more companies would allow their employees to work at home just a couple days a week, the overall savings nationwide in energy costs and costs associated with absenteeism and turnover would amount to billions of dollars. She also said that individuals would save $2,000 to $7,000 per year, including a total of $15 billion at the gas pumps. Lister argues that workers appear to lead more balanced lives when they work at home. And, despite the call of a tempting “Oprah” segment on television, workers are more productive. “It does take an amount of discipline. There is a settling-in period,”
Lister said. “But generally, when you get a routine down, you work more when you work at home.” Michael Fee, managing director for Lango and Haga’s supervisor, said that aside from Haga’s proven dedication to the company and her strong organizational skills, today’s technology — e-mail, instant messaging and cell phones — allows him to be comfortable with her working from home. He likes to work from home, too. “So what if we’re not in the same place?” he said. “It’s not that hard to check in with someone just to communicate and coordinate.” MCCLATCHY-TRIBUNE INFORMATION SERVICES
WALNUT CREEK, Calif. — An iPhone and a 3G wireless card are major tools in the work-at-home arsenal of Angela Smith, marketing manager at Avastar in San Mateo, Calif. Smith works from her Hollister, Calif., home most Fridays. While various household issues come up — the dog needs to relieve himself or the stove needs to be cleaned — none of these distractions keep her from being productive in her home office, she said. “Working at home is not for everybody. Some people just need to have people around them to keep them motivated and moving forward,” Smith said. “I tend to be the opposite. I like to have people around me, but I can work alone. I work from home, I work from the road, I work from the train.” Trust that she is working is important between an employee and his or her boss, Smith said. Her boss lives in New York and she assures him she’s keeping busy at home by communicating with him often and meeting specific deadlines. She uses instant messaging software “quite a bit” and keeps all her work correspondence in files in case she or her boss needs to reference them. “I am actually more focused at home than at work because people aren’t walking into my cubicle or my office,” she said. “In general, I actually tend to forget about all things around me at home because I can get so focused. Before I know it, it is 2 p.m., and I haven’t eaten.” Martinez, Calif., resident Rachelle Goldenberg, a contract social worker, says setting up a home office dedicated to work was a necessity when she started working from her residence. She also created a routine to keep her motivated to work rather than goof off throughout the day. “I set a specific time when I start working on projects in the morning. When 8 a.m. rolls around, I start to work,” she said. Goldenberg said working at home has been a necessity rather than a choice because she was laid off last year. But she said she has been rewarded with more time for her kids and a flexible schedule that allows her to, for example, take a break to watch her son’s swim meet, then work later in the evening. Meeting with her contractors is no problem, especially with today’s technology. “I’ve used all sorts of different programs. I do meetings over teleconference and video conference. It’s getting to be very normal, even with people who are working in offices,” she said. Goldenberg also is highly organized. She creates lists of tasks that need to be done and checks them off when complete.
Mini-apartments catching on with some renters BY ROGER VINCENT Los Angeles Times
LOS ANGELES — Timm Freeman’s Santa Monica apartment has 17-foot ceilings, granite countertops, collector guitars hanging on the wall, a built-in microwave, dishwasher and central air conditioning. All in 350 square feet. Freeman’s coffee table is also his dining table. His desk is three steps from his sitting room, and three paces from his stove. “Everything is within three steps of the next thing,” said Freeman, 40, a graphic designer. Southern California, meet the Manhattan-sized mini-apartment. In a region known for its sprawl, diminutive dwellings are finding a toehold among renters who couldn’t otherwise afford to live in choice neighborhoods. Freeman’s apartment may be smaller than many suburban master bedrooms, but rents in his Olympic Studios complex are comparatively small too: $1,110 a month at the low end, and the beach is just a mile away. Prospective tenants need to sign up for a waiting list: The 165-unit Olympic Studios has been filled since it opened in late 2008. The developers are now building a similar complex nearby, and a pint-sized apartment project is also planned for the Palms neighborhood of West Los Angeles.
The units are about the same size as a large recreational vehicle and have the same design imperative: Fit as many features as possible into a small space, but don’t make it claustrophobic. “It’s like a Rubik’s Cube,” said Jim Andersen of NMS Properties, which built Olympic Studios. “It’s a geometry problem.” Freeman’s living areas — kitchen, desk area and TV nook — flow from one space to the next, unimpeded by doors or hallways. The only interior door is to the bathroom. He climbs 14 carpeted steps to a landing big enough for his double bed and a closet. A wide ledge over his stove and refrigerator holds some of his paintings. “It feels like more than it is,” Freeman said. “It’s just right for me.” When Freeman’s 7-year-old son, Gear, visits, he sleeps on the fold-out couch. “He’s got his own little space with dedicated shelves for personal stuff,” Freeman said. Still, there are challenges. When Freeman held a rehearsal for his ukulele band, the Ooks of Hazzard, the nine members took up the length of his apartment, from front door to window. The backup singers had to perch on the stairs. “It was very full,” Freeman said. The close quarters made it “kind of fun,” he said, although he hasn’t had another practice since.
Size of dwellings in U.S. shrinks BY ROGER VINCENT Los Angeles Times
LOS ANGELES — Nontraditional families were on the minds of the Olympic Studio’s designers. “Families are not two and a half kids and a dog anymore,” said Wade Killefer of Killefer Flammang Architects. Creating the smallest possible units was a competitive game in the Santa Monica firm, Killefer said, with his fellow architects challenging each other to shave off a foot here or there on the design. They started by allotting space for the necessities. Their presumption was that most tenants would be single, or a parent with one child, with a smattering of couples. Mini-dwellings are at the frontier of a downsizing movement that’s embraced by environmentalists, and that challenges decades of bigger-is-bet-
ter in American homes. While Olympic Studios is an extreme case, American dwellings are getting smaller. The median size of a U.S. home, which jumped from 900 square feet in the 1950s to 2,277 in 2007, has edged down to 2,161, Census Bureau figures show. The smaller units make most sense in places like
Santa Monica, where the cost of land is high and there is an abundance of jobs and commerce. That means people want to live there, but may not be able to afford the rents for traditional apartments. For developers, small is beautiful because they can build more units per square foot of land. MCCLATCHY-TRIBUNE INFORMATION SERVICES
Freeman, who is recently divorced, also had to pare down his clothes and other possessions before moving in. Residents can rent a storage cabinet in the underground garage for $60 to $100 a month, but he didn’t feel the need. “Getting rid of stuff I didn’t need helped me untether myself,” he said. “It was a gift, rather than a punishment.”
There wasn’t room to keep Freeman’s collection of 12 guitars in a closet, much less on stands on the floor like he used to do, so he hung them on the walls. “It turns out I like guitars hanging up like artwork instead of hidden away in a closet,” he said. “I dig it.” MCCLATCHY-TRIBUNE INFORMATION SERVICES
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Updated tools have features to make Dad happy Father’s Day is almost here, and you may wonder what do-it-yourself gift Dad would love this year. Here are a few cool new tools and accessories, listed in order of price, that are worth considering. Final Cut 7¼-inch Saw Blade ($19.95, www. finalcutblade.com): One way to help get the joint between two boards to fit together perfectly is with the Final Cut line of saw blades, which uses a patented design that combines a top-quality, carbidetipped blade with a disk of sandpaper on each side. As the blade makes the cut, the sandpaper finishes off the edges. Previously available in 10-inch and 12-inch sizes for table saws and miter saws, the Final Cut blade is now available in a 7¼-inch version that will fit most popular models of circular
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Paul Bianchina HANDY @ HOME saws, including saws with diamond knockout arbors. The pressure-sensitive sandpaper is precut and easily replaceable. Craftsman Cordless Pruner (Model 74431, $49.99, www.craftsman. com): For a father who loves to garden or is facing a lot of yard cleanup work, this lithium-ion cordless pruner is compact and lightweight, and it cuts through branches up to a half-inch thick with the push of a button. There are no handles to open and close, so the pruner fits into tight
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spots and is suited for people with limited hand strength. The pruner features a safety switch and offers up to 500 cuts per charge. Charger is included. Ryobi Tek4 Audio Plus Noise Suppression (Model Headphones RP4530, $69.99, www. ryobitools.com): Ryobi’s Noise Suppression Headphones are part of their line of Tek4 lithium-ion battery technology. The padded headphones can be used alone to reduce the loud noises associated with power tools and outdoor equipment. Or switch on the electronic suppression circuits to reduce harmful background noise while enhancing the sound of nearby speech. There’s also an auxiliary input for iPod and MP3 players. The headphones are impact-, dust- and water-resistant.
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They run up to 24 hours on a charge. The package includes headphones, battery and charger. Dremel 8200 Cordless Rotary Tool (Model 8200, $99, www.dremel. com): It seems like it’s always had to be a choice between corded power or cordless convenience, but Dremel has brought the two together with this model. It uses a 12-volt lithium-ion battery, and a convenient gauge lets you keep track of the battery life. The 8200 has a speed range of 5,000 to 30,000 RPM, easily adjustable from a slide switch atop the tool. It fits all Dremel accessories and attachments. It includes the rotary tool, battery, charger, case and an assortment of accessories. Black & Decker 24 Volt Cordless String
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Trimmer/Edger (Model NST1024, $139.99, www. blackanddecker.com): One innovation over Black & Decker’s past models is the PowerCommand, which lets you choose between “normal” cutting to extend battery life and “boost” mode, offering twice the cutting power of most 18-volt string trimmers when you need to tackle tall weeds and other tough conditions. It does it without gasoline, oil, fumes or emissions. The trimmer has an adjustable aluminum shaft, along with a nonslip auxiliary handle. The 9,000rpm cutter head rotates at the touch of a button to become an edger. It includes the trimmer, a 24-volt battery and a battery charger. Bosch Pocket Driver (Model PS21-2A, $149.99, www.boschtools.com): Pockets drivers are small,
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light and compact, so they can fit into tight spaces for a variety of fastening applications. But they often lack the power to tackle tough jobs. Bosch takes care of that with its new generation PS21. This driver uses a 12-volt lithium ion battery to achieve 265 inch-pounds of torque, which is more than double that of the PS20 pocket driver that came before it. It has a two-speed gear train for driving and drilling, a 21-position clutch and a bright LED light for those dark spots. It weighs 1.8 pounds, and is about 5½ inches in length. It takes standard quarter-inch drive hex bits. It includes the pocket driver, two batteries, a 30-minute charger and a carrying case. Remodeling and repair questions? E-mail Paul Bianchina at paulbianchina@inman.com. INMAN NEWS
Sellers often asked to leave For author, time for new chapter during inspection of home BY LAUREN BEALE Los Angeles Times
DEAR BARRY: We just accepted an offer to buy our home. An inspection has been scheduled, and the buyers plan to attend. But our agent has requested that we not be home during the inspection. This seems unfair to us. We feel uncomfortable having people walk through our home when we are not there. If the buyers have the right to attend the inspection, why should we have to leave? Jack DEAR JACK: Many sellers share your discomfort over the invasive aspects of a home inspection. The thought of people you don’t know walking through your bedroom, looking into your closets and under the sinks, without your supervision and oversight, can be unsettling. But this is part of the routine of selling a home. It is standard practice in today’s real estate market for buyers to be present during a home inspection. To avoid possible conflicts and misunderstandings between the parties in a transaction, Realtors often ask sellers to take a walk or go out to lunch during the home inspection. This allows buyers to freely discuss the condition of the home with their inspector. But you are not obligated to leave. No one can order you to leave your home. But keep in mind the buyers are paying hundreds of dollars to hear what the inspector has to say. Privacy in that relationship means a lot. If you decide to stay home during the inspection, let the buyers have their private time with the
Barry Stone INSPECTOR’S IN THE HOUSE
inspector. DEAR BARRY: We bought a bank-owned home and are beginning to fix it up. But we have a serious concern. When we removed the old carpets from the bedrooms, we found gaps between the concrete slab and the perimeter foundation. This was never disclosed to us, and we want to know what we can do about it. What is your advice? Laura
DEAR LAURA: Banks typically have no knowledge of the physical conditions of homes they sell, especially conditions concealed by carpets and other building components. When banks foreclose on a home, the property becomes a statistical entity on their books. This is why banks, as sellers, are exempt from disclosure laws. Concrete slabs typically shrink as they harden, and that can leave gaps around the perimeter. If you need further assurance, have the slab and foundation checked by a qualified home inspector or licensed structural engineer. To write to Barry Stone, go to www. housedetective.com. ACCESS MEDIA GROUP
If Anne Rice can sell 100 million copies of her books, she should have no trouble with her Rancho Mirage, Calif., residence, recently listed for $3.3 million. Built in 1995, the home has a formal dining room and living room designed for entertaining, six bedrooms, seven bathrooms and maid’s quarters. It is on more than an acre in a gated development. A detached two-bedroom guesthouse has a full kitchen and living
room. Darkness.” She is “The house selling because has been a marshe wants a velous place to smaller writer’s write, to enterretreat. tain, to do interThe Riverside views, and many County, Calif., reporters and community camera crews might seem an have been in and unlikely place for out for various the New Orleans programs,” Rice Anne Rice native and ausaid. thor of “Interview With the Rice, 68, worked there on Vampire” and other superher last three books — the natural novels to live. But, novel “Christ the Lord: The she said, “it’s been a lovely Road to Cana,” the thriller place to write.” “Angel Time” and a spiriMCCLATCHY-TRIBUNE INFORMATION SERVICES tual memoir, “Called Out of
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Permits OKLAHOMA CITY J.L. Walker Construction Co., 316 S Blackwelder Ave., officewarehouse, remodel, $1,500,000. J.L. Walker Construction Inc., 316 S Blackwelder Ave., office, remodel, $995,000. Richardson Homes, 2705 Drakestone Ave., residence, erect, $563,422. Rick Russell Homes Inc., 3216 Brush Creek Road, residence, erect, $500,000. D.R. Horton, 8708 Ally Way, residence, erect, $412,100. Julia Butler, 4423 S Lake Hefner Drive, equipment, install, $400,000. Bob Braudrick, 12333 Carriage Way, residence, erect, $400,000. Landmark Fine Homes LP, 18505 Feliz Drive, residence, erect, $286,000. Chad Hemphill Construction LLC, 9020 NW 148 Place, residence, erect, $265,000. Eric Cheatham, 3409 SW 123, residence, erect, $265,000. Jeremy Hill, 11412 SW 101, residence, erect, $259,140. J.L. Walker Construction Inc., 316 S Blackwelder Ave., office, remodel, $258,000. Tye L. Moore, 4000 Noma Road, residence, erect, $250,000. Free Properties Construction LLC, 1000 SW 38, recreation center, add-on, $239,000. ILM Custom Homes Inc., 13116 NW 7, residence, erect, $235,500. Frank Smith Construction, 1613 N Rockwell Ave., restaurant, erect, $230,000. Gary Owens Carpet & Construction Inc., 16001 SW 74, residence, erect, $200,000. Gary Owens Carpet & Construction Inc., 16041 SW 74, residence, erect, $200,000. Van Hoose Construction Co., 11600 Broadway Extension, office, remodel, $200,000. Jeff Click Homes LLC, 2100 NW 172, residence, erect, $181,000. Justice Homes Inc., 4704 NW 153, residence, erect, $175,000. BNJ Builders LLC, 8400 N MacArthur Blvd., school, remodel, $170,000. Gary Owens Carpet & Con-
struction Inc., 12113 SW 18, residence, erect, $165,000. Gary Owens Carpet & Construction Inc., 12121 SW 18, residence, erect, $160,000. Gary Owens Carpet & Construction Inc., 12101 SW 18, residence, erect, $160,000. Gary Owens Carpet & Construction Inc., 12109 SW 18, residence, erect, $160,000. Jeff Click Homes LLC, 2200 NW 172, residence, erect, $160,000. Watermark Homes LLC, 9825 SW 28, residence, erect, $160,000. Larry Toombs, 14013 Canterbury Drive, residence, erect, $150,000. Dub Stone Construction Co., 21244 SE 103, residence, erect, $148,000. John T. Yoder, 4430 N Kelley Ave., residence, erect, $147,000. Mike Sanford-St. Croix LLC, 1216 SW 85 Terrace, residence, erect, $145,000. St. Croix LLC, 8513 St. Elmo Court, residence, erect, $145,000. Woodland Homes LLC, 3012 Brookstone Lakes Drive, residence, erect, $140,000. Jeff Click Homes LLC, 17309 White Hawk Drive, residence, erect, $136,000. Jeff Click Homes LLC, 2220 NW 172, residence, erect, $131,000. Witt Construction Inc., 12012 NW 139, residence, erect, $130,000. Witt Construction Inc., 12005 NW 138, residence, erect, $130,000. BNJ Builders LLC, 11800 N Rockwell Ave., storage, erect, $123,000. CLS Group, 12421 N Mustang Road, tower-antenna, install, $118,000. Brown (Ron) Homes Inc., 8700 SW 119, residence, erect, $117,000. Sooner Traditions LLC, 2613 Green Canyon Drive, residence, erect, $115,000. Harbor Homes, 17212 Prado Drive, residence, erect, $110,000. Harbor Homes, 17301 Prado Drive, residence, erect, $110,000. Roger Vaughn, 15401 Kyles Circle, residence, erect, $110,000. Dodson Custom Homes LLC, 3225 NW 192 Terrace, resi-
dence, erect, $109,800. Lingo Construction Services Inc., 1007 N Broadway Ave., retail sales, remodel, $100,000. Sooner Traditions LLC, 2432 NW 194 Terrace, residence, erect, $100,000. Jason Longenbaugh, 5712 Sunset Ridge Road, residence, add-on, $100,000. Design Development Service, doing business as Elite Quality Homes, 12401 Carnelian Way, residence, erect, $98,500. SWM & Sons Inc., 11100 SE 97, residence, erect, $97,195. Bell Development LLC, 14017 N Eastern Ave., medical clinicoffice, remodel, $83,000. Ideal Homes of Norman LP, 9512 SW 26, residence, erect, $81,000. Project Realty LLC, 3909 S Meridian Ave., equipment, move-on, $80,000. Shau-Luen Barker Project Manager Project Realty LLC, 3909 S Meridian Ave., equipment, move-on, $80,000. Southern Cross Custom Homes LLC, 722 SW 5, residence, erect, $80,000. Greg Hayes Custom Homes LLC, 13100 Rohan Court, cabana-gazebo, erect, $53,000. Milestone Fine Homes LLC, 7709 Jesse Trail, residence, remodel, $50,000. Alliance Property Development, 1530 SW 119, office, remodel, $48,000. Alliance Property Development, 1530 SW 119, office, remodel, $48,000. Morton Buildings Inc., 10001 Nancy Road, accessory, erect, $45,000. Municipal Employees Credit Union, 101 N Walker Ave., business, remodel, $40,000. Earl Davis, 4701 N Lincoln Blvd., business, add-on, $40,000. Richardson Homes, 2705 Drakestone Ave., cabanagazebo, erect, $39,300. Morton Buildings Inc., 15901 Persimmon Creek Road, barn, erect, $35,000. Marrian Nelson, 11705 Smith, residence, remodel, $35,000. Matt and Jennifer Petering, 14400 Thornhill Drive, storage, erect, $30,000. Daniel A. Searle, 12725 SW 53, accessory, erect, $30,000. Alliance Property Development, 1530 SW 119, office, remodel, $28,440.
HOUSE PLAN
Callahan Steel Buildings (Curt), 16020 SW 25, storage, erect, $28,000. Champion Window Co., 15300 Himalaya Ridge, residence, add-on, $25,000. D&R Development Co., 13924 N Santa Fe Ave., warehouse, add-on, $25,000. William T. Raney, 11120 Goldleaf Lane, residence, add-on, $24,500. Steve Ashworth, 5001 NW 10, apartment, fire restoration, $23,500. Dolese Bros. Co., 13500 S Mustang Road, equipment, install, $15,000. Kevin L. Slate, 4901 Trail Ridge Lane, storage, erect, $15,000. Steve Breed Construction Co. Inc., 16100 Vallejo Place, residence, remodel, $15,000. Tuff Shed, 7400 Plains Ave., storage, erect, $14,000. Downey Construction LLC, 301 W Reno Ave., temporary building, move-on, $12,500. Home First Inc., 14815 SE 78, accessory, add-on, $12,000. Gary A. Stephens, 12505 SW 28, residence, add-on, $10,000. Tuff Shed, 16201 Roland Drive, accessory, erect, $7,500. Durley & Associate, 2924 Chapel Hill Road, residence, remodel, $7,000. Mary Thompson, 2409 SW 94, storage, erect, $6,000. Design & Build Group LLC, 6315 N May Ave., retail sales, remodel, $5,000. Glenda Fisk, 1317 NW 2, residence, fire restoration, $5,000. Debbie Ragan, 10801 SE 68, storm shelter, install-storm shelter, $4,595. Ground Zero, 2620 SW 139, storm shelter, install-storm shelter, $4,000. Leoncio Vasquez, 6412 S Blackwelder Ave., accessory, erect, $4,000. Lam Nguyen, 1317 SE 44, business, remodel, $4,000. Brandy Sellers, 300 Snyder, manufactured home, move-onmobile home park, $4,000. Genevieue Brasfield, 12108 Maple Ridge Road, storm shelter, install-storm shelter, $4,000. Johnny Wilson, 5012 Georgia Place, storm shelter, installstorm shelter, $3,995. FlatSafe Tornado Shelters, 1309 SW 126, storm shelter, install-storm shelter, $3,950. Carol Ann Brown, 8412 NW 74, storm shelter, install-storm
shelter, $3,895. Jon R. Denton, 11550 Bartons Butte, storm shelter, installstorm shelter, $3,750. Keith A. Bennett, 11633 SW 4, storm shelter, install-storm shelter, $3,250. Michael Smith, 14141 S Hiwassee Road, storage, erect, $3,200. Home Depot, 2516 Dittmer Road, storage, erect, $3,032. FlatSafe Tornado Shelters, 14517 S Harvey Ave., storm shelter, install-storm shelter, $3,000. Ground Zero, 9013 Shady Grove Road, storm shelter, install-storm shelter, $2,800. Howard and Cynthia Banks, 13713 Hillahay Drive, storm shelter, install-storm shelter, $2,800. Smartsafe Enterprises, 15252 Worthington Lane, storm shelter, install-storm shelter, $2,800. David Clary, 4900 Kennington Lane, residence, installstorm shelter, $2,800. Ernest Arlington, 1533 SW 121, storage, install-storm shelter, $2,800. Shelia Awbrey, 40 SW 91, storm shelter, install-storm shelter, $2,800. Ashley Nicole Morgan, 11749 SW 18, storm shelter, installstorm shelter, $2,800. Randy Tipton, 15501 Fairview Farm Blvd., storm shelter, install-storm shelter, $2,800. Pat McManus, 9609 Trafalgar Drive, storm shelter, installstorm shelter, $2,800. John Manning, 8900 NW 113, storm shelter, install-storm shelter, $2,800. Cathy Schrock, 2300 Overholser Court, storm shelter, install-storm shelter, $2,800. Karen E. Hill, 3109 Prairie Rose Road, storm shelter, install-storm shelter, $2,800. Amy Wewers, 3217 N Roff Ave., storm shelter, installstorm shelter, $2,800. Darren Pitcher, 4225 NW 149, storm shelter, install-storm shelter, $2,800. Augustine Hernandez, 8009 Eagle Circle, storm shelter, install-storm shelter, $2,800. Terry Ward, 1432 SW 93, storm shelter, install-storm shelter, $2,800. Robert Knight, 1309 NW 194, storm shelter, install-storm shelter, $2,800. Smartsafe Enterprises, 10412 Amy Way, storm shelter, install-storm shelter, $2,750.
Smartsafe Enterprises, 5705 NW 101, storm shelter, installstorm shelter, $2,750. Smartsafe Enterprises, 2421 Morning Glory Drive, storm shelter, install-storm shelter, $2,750. Can Huymh, 3144 SW 100 Place, storm shelter, installstorm shelter, $2,750. Lloyd N. Riffer II, 8408 NW 74, storm shelter, install-storm shelter, $2,700. Frederick Alan Clayton, 3160 W Britton Road, business, remodel, $2,600. Joseph Blakemore, 13104 NW 7, storm shelter, install-storm shelter, $2,600. Johnny J. Simmons Sr., 3320 SW 41, residence, add-on, $2,500. Stephen Dearing, 10629 SE 175, storm shelter, install-storm shelter, $2,400. Biggs Backhoe & Trucking, 17009 SE 91, storm shelter, install-storm shelter, $2,300. Cojac Portable Buildings, 2912 SW 48, storage, erect, $2,121. City of Oklahoma City, 3738 SW 15, public building, remodel, $2,000. Valentine Portillo, 816 SW 25, residence, add-on, $1,500. Jose A. Flores, 1228 SW 27, accessory, erect, $1,400. Chris Johnson, 8529 N Rockwell Ave., office, remodel, $1,000. Miguel Marquez, 3916 SW 24, canopy-carport, erect, $1,000. Taun Ho, 13312 Vandiver Drive, storage, erect, $1,000.
DEMOLITIONS Leroy Swain, 7300 N Westminster Road, residence. Alpha Omega Ventures Enterprises, 7701 Deer Meadow Drive, house. K&M Dirt Services, 1329 NE 48, vacant. K&M Dirt Services, 3818 S Robinson Ave., vacant. Midwest Wrecking, 15400 SE 71, house. Midwest Wrecking, 7612 Jesse Trail, house. Ramona Robbins and Stan Reyes, 722 SW 5, duplex. Ray’s Trucking, 612 SW 25, residence. David Tucker, 14835 SE 75, residence. Bryan Gann, 8500 S Hiwassee Road, residence. Dionne King, 7108 NW 7, residence.
If You Have Something To Sell Classified Can Do It — Call 475-3000
Vacation home offers cozy observatory view Rich expanses of glass in the split-level Winchester make this home well-suited to watching ocean sunsets, forest and lakeside wildlife, or appreciating countless other scenic views. Windows wrap around three angles of a cozy observatory, perched alone at the highest level of the home. Outfitted with bookshelves, this lofty hideaway could serve as a library. Add a convertible couch and it becomes a compact and unusual sleeping space. A vaulted bedroom with private bath is a half level above the main living area. Group living areas, including a great room, sunroom and partially covered front porch, are half a flight down, and an extra-long
THE OKLAHOMAN | NEWSOK.COM
By day, the sky-lighted sunroom is ideal for soaking up the rays. one-car garage is at ground level. Columns that flank the garage door, support the deck above. Glass double doors open onto a wide deck from the bedroom, which features his-and-hers closets and a private bath with two vanities, oversized shower and compartmentalized toilet. Another bathroom, with an adjacent sauna and utility room, is conveniently close to the spacious great room, where most family activities will take place. By day, the sky-lighted sunroom is ideal for soaking up the rays. By night, it
converts to a sleeping space, if needed. This home is also well suited to being a vacation rental. And outdoorsy empty nesters might even find the Winchester an attractive plan as a full-time residence. For a review plan, including scaled floor plans, elevations, section and artist’s conception, send $25 to Associated Designs, 1100 Jacobs Drive, Eugene, OR, 97402. Please specify the Winchester 30-003 and include a return address when ordering. For more information call (800) 634-0123.
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LISTING OF THE WEEK
Gift can help sister to buy condo
The Listing of the Week is at 549 NE 23 in Newcastle.
Gazebo, sprinklers among home’s extras The Listing of the Week is a traditional house with a gazebo, sprinkler system and other extras in Newcastle. The 1,973-square-foot house has four bedrooms, two baths, one living room, one dining area and an attached two-car garage. The family room has a fireplace and ceiling fan. The kitchen has a breakfast bar and pantry. The master bedroom has a walk-in closet and his-and-hers bath with whirlpool tub. One secondary bedroom has a ceiling fan. The gazebo is 12
THE OKLAHOMAN | NEWSOK.COM
by 20 feet and is lighted. A 20-by-22-foot wood outbuilding has a loft and electricity. The house also has a covered patio and security system. Built in 2002, it is listed for $161,900 with Linda Tracy-Ryburn of Coldwell Banker Twin Rivers Real Estate. Open house is from 2 to 4 p.m. today. For more information, call 350-3031 or 476-5319. 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.
Q. My sister wants to own a $50,000 condo in Florida that is under foreclosure from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. But she does not have the money. I would like to help by buying this condo outright. I am being asked by the Realtor to provide a “gift letter” along with adequate bank statements. I suspect this is so that the deal will go smoothly this way. I assume that HUD will receive this letter. I do not want to own this property myself, and I know that my wife and I can gift $13,000 each yearly. What is the best way to go about this? Can I gift it to my sister? Will there be gift taxes that she or I would incur? What about a lifetime gift? My sister indicates that she would like to repay me
Charles Carter REAL ESTATE Q&A
this money through a loan, a mortgage at below market rate. Can this be done subsequent to the completion of the purchase? What is the process? This way she can also benefit from interest deductions in yearly taxes. A. In any situation involving legal advice, I must first warn you that I’m not licensed to practice law in Florida. That said, I don’t see why this cannot be fairly simple. The Realtor seems to be doing things properly. Make the $26,000 gift,
the maximum exclusion, to your sister using the “gift letter” as the down payment. Then give her a 30-year mortgage at 5 percent interest, which approximates market rate for mortgages. Rates are already very low. The monthly payment, including interest, on the $24,000 is affordable. Of course there are closing costs, making the amount a little more, and there are costs associated with owning a home, like hazard insurance and property taxes. There won’t be any gift taxes. Most of what she pays you is deductible interest to her and income to you. Later on, you could cancel the mortgage, gifting the rest as another annual exclusion. MCCLATCHY-TRIBUNE INFORMATION SERVICES
REAL ESTATE
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SATURDAY, JUNE 12, 2010
Financial industry reform gets close WASHINGTON — Though the Wall Street and banking features of the giant financial industry reform bill taking shape on Capitol Hill have drawn most of the attention, homebuyers and mortgage applicants should be major winners when the legislation is finally signed into law, probably early next month. Not only will the zerodown, funny-money loans and slipshod underwriting that triggered the housing bubble and bust be virtually eliminated from the marketplace, but so will the “steering” practices used by loan officers to earn extra fees by putting unsuspecting borrowers into poisonous mortgages. Conferees from the House and Senate are negotiating the differences between their bills, but on the key consumer fundamentals, it’s not too early to project the probable results. Here’s a quick overview of what’s likely to go the president’s desk affecting housing and mortgage finance: Some new consumerprotection agency — armed with broad powers to rein in bad mortgage products and predatory
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Kenneth Harney THE NATION’S HOUSING
lending practices anywhere in the country — is a certainty. The House bill creates a stand-alone independent federal entity, while the Senate bill creates a consumer financial product safety “bureau” housed inside the Federal Reserve. Rep. Barney Frank, DMass., chairman of the House Financial Services Committee, said he expects the conference to approve his stand-alone concept. But either way, House or Senate version, consumers will for the first time have regulators and investigators watching out for the latest scams and gimmicks in the home loan industry. Uniform minimum standards for mortgages and underwriting practices. Though such bubbleera favorites as “stated income,” “pick-a-pay” and negative amortization loans are not prohibited by the legislation, lenders will
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Farms, Ranches For Sale, Okla. 308 Private Escape 100 acre river front ranch w/mother earth style home, shop, barn, saferoom, fence, $335,000, Dustin. Private Country Estate 331 Acres, creeks, ponds, nearly 5,000 sf, 5 bedroom, 5 bath custom home & guest quarters w/shop, barns, office, all newer construction, wildlife abundant, Cromwell, will divide, $899,000
ACREAGE HOME SITES AVAILABLE » The Ranches at Olde Tuscany 1+Ac Moore Schls » Olde Tuscany III 5-10 ac Moore Schools » The Timbers 5 ac Moore Schools » Montecito 1+ ac Norman Schools » Belleau Wood 1+ ac Edmond Schools » Stillbrook Glen 2.5-10 ac Bridgecreek Schools Call Mike 317.0582 landmarkfinehomes.com Visit one of our fully furnished model homes today! *We build on your lot or ours* PIEDMONT OPEN SAT 2-4 & SUN 2-5. Model home. New hms on K ac lots. Info also available for new hms in other additions. From NW Expwy & Sara Rd go 4.5 mi N Cleaton & Assoc 373-2494 1N to 10A, E. of OKC, pay out dn. before 1st pmt. starts, many are M/H ready over 400 choices, lg trees, some with ponds, TERMS Milburn o/a 275-1695 paulmilburnacreages.com TENKILLER LAKE 1N ac. Wooded lot, close to marina and floating restaurant. I will finance with small down and $144 per month. Owner 918-640-8556 1-28 acres » All Areas Owner Financing Woodlake Properties 405-273-5777 www.property4sale.com BUILDING SITES PIEDMONT 3/4 and 1 Acre Lots. Close In-Good Streets. Leon 373-4820 Overland Ex Realty » 4bd home, large shop, 1N to 2K acre TERMS Milburn o/a 275-1695 Paulmilburnacreages.com 20 ac. wooded, w/ creek paved road, unrestricted. $140,000 Mustang 14000 SW 104th 620-1524 160 acres, 5000 sq ft home, irrigation system, 25 minutes to downtown OKC, 850-0532. 80 Acres, 3000 sf home, shop, corrals & pond, $600K, Mustang, Ken 620-1524 5 Acres N. of Harrah, $25,000 owner carry 615-3430 » For Sale By Owner » 320 acres, Lincoln County, OK. 405-258-3634 O.C. Lg 4/3/2, 3.5A Washington Sch 417-2176 www.homesofokcinc.com Tuttle area- 2K acres, pond, $30,000. 918-3299466, 918-329-9016 Harrah 5 acres & MH Nice 3 BR 2 B MH, 5 Ac. 61,500 *405-413-2577 Beautiful 5Ac just min fr. Tinker. well/septic & Lots of extras 417-9313 Guthrie, family compound, (2) 3 bed, 2 bath, 5 acres, 850-0532.
120 Acres fenced, ponds, great building site, livestock ready, Kiowa, $210,000 1385 Acre Scenic Cattle ranch, cozy home, barns, pins, one of a kind! Talihina $2,216,000 Contact Remax Metro Group, Aaron Church 405-203-2685, Jeana Pain 405-420-7933 This place has it all. 40ac 45 min S of OKC. Trees, pastures, wildlife, big stock pond, creek, 30X40 shop, 3/2 mobile home, $150K, 405-863-7863 145 ac of grass, black top frontage, gd fences, Grady Co. 405-785-2668
Homes For Sale
309.9
Price Reduced by $10,000 848 Silverchase - Beautiful 3bd 2K ba 3car on over 1/2 acre. $199,900. 692-1661 Fidelity RE Emily 815-405-9073 or 405-410-4200
2 bed, 1 bath w/garage, Wholesale Bargain! $25,500 cash. 301-6495 O.C. 3833 SE 24 3bd 1bt Like new, 417-2176 www.homesofokcinc.com
FOR SALE BY OWNER 2016 Cedar Meadow Lane 1945 sf 3BD 2BA Com pool & pond $169000. 664-3147
OPEN SUNDAY 2-4. 9933 Fox Fair Hollow. Hunters Glen to MWC. 3BR, 2BA, 2 DR, 1 LR, koi pond, patios. $139,999. Contact Jerry Payne, Keller Williams 620-3795 O.C. 9304 NE 14 3/1.5/1 Renov• 417-2176 www.homesofokcinc.com
Open House, Sat. 2-4 4112 Green Apple Beautiful 3 bed, 2 bath, corner lot, $144,000. C-21 833-9000 4 large bedrooms, 2 bath, 3 car garage, like new, $192,000. W. Enterprises 732-2285 BANK OWNED 3/2/2 Blt 94 1760sf $129,900 crn lot Arlene 414-8753
Open House Sun 2-4 2400 Kingsley Lane, 3269 sf, $219K, 627-6269
BANK OWNED 2/1 2liv 1392sf $46,900 Arlene 414-8753
AUCTION
Grand Pointe Condo North of Baptist Hospital, 2 bed, 2 car garage, gated community, w/d, appliances, newly decorated, 1250 sf, $105,000, 842-5150 BETHANY CONDO 2 bed, pool, Carport, $57,900 615-3517
$5,000 Opening Bid Mon June 28th, 6:30 pm 2208 Glen Ellyn St, OKC Open Houses June 19th & 27th 2 bedroom, 1 bath East of Capital on NE 23rd St. to Glen Ellyn, & S to property www.20bid30.com 918/639-7653 Grand American Keller Williams Realty
3 bd, 1 ba, Oh my Gosh it's a wholesale steal! $16,500 cash 301-6495
Spacious 4bd home, ch/a, large fenced yard, great area, new carpet, fresh paint. Seller will pay all of buyer's closing & prepaids, $99,750 692-1661 Fidelity RE Emily 815-405-9073 or 405-410-4200
4336 NW 49th St 3 bed, 2 bath, sunroom, 1420 sf, large yard & workshop, PC Schools, Call for appt. 204-8478 12933 Burlingame Greens Golf Addition Refurbished & move in ready, approx 2400 sf, nice, 580-334-2299 Hickmon Realty Open Sun 1-4. 2721 Cambridge Ct (approx NW 70th/May) rmdld, 2 lvng areas, 2 bd, 1 ba, sprnklr sys. $123,000. 249-3377. Financing» Lease Purchase » Rent to Own 2, 3 & 4bd houses in all areas. buyahouseinoklahoma.com 562-0000 or 973-4322
be powerfully motivated to offer fully documented, verified income mortgages with down payments sufficient to ensure that borrowers have a stake in the deal. There also will be mandatory determinations by lenders that applicants can afford to repay the mortgage debt, insurance and taxes on time. Prohibition of prepayment penalties on nontraditional loans that are not fully documented, fixedrate and carry standard amortization schedules. This would prevent, for example, the sort of “gotcha” adjustable-rate mortgages of the boom years, where consumers found themselves trapped into fast-rising payments and heavy penalties if they tried to refinance early. Prepayment penalties would still be permitted on income-verified standard loans, but lenders would be required to offer alternative financing without penalties for early payoffs. Mandatory provision of credit scores when mortgage applicants are turned down. Though this appears only in the Senate version, it has a strong chance of ending up in the final bill in some form, given the pro-consumer
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3771 Washington Ave E Custom Built 3 Bd, 3 Ba Office + 1 Liv + 2 Din 2583Sqft (MOL) $297.5K Leon 373-4820 Overland Ex Realty, Inc
OPEN HOUSE Sunday 24pm. 608 NW 34th, in Newcastle. New 2416 Sq Ft, 4 bed, shop on 1 Acre, 405-306-5137
New Home, 3 bed, 2bath, 3 car. 1760 sf, only $169,900, 12804 NW 6th 834-5463 OPEN HOUSE, SUN 2-4 12421 SW 12 $124,900 3b/2b/2 car gar www.MLScomps.com
Homes in need of an "Extreme Makeover" located in Shawnee, Luther & Paden Cash Purchase Only call for more information Woodlake Properties 405-273-5777 www.property4sale.com
Open House Sun. 2-4 6018 Plum Thicket Rd. MLS#426202, Inground Pool, 5/3.5 834-8873 The Vinyard Cottages, gated community. 2 bd, 2 ba, 2 car. Excellent cond. $150,000 924-4266
6 Mos. Free Lot Rent 9 communities in metro area Conditions apply 326-5728 for details, til 7pm
composition of the majority of the House negotiating team in the conference. Since lenders often place great weight on credit scores in their decisions, the idea here is to provide unsuccessful applicants with the actual credit score that contributed to the loan turndown. Along with the score itself, lenders also would be required to provide the name and contact information of the score provider — typically a credit reporting agency — plus brief descriptions of the negative information in their credit bureau files that led to the low score. Consumers already have the right under federal law to free credit reports when they are rejected for a loan, but they don’t get free credit scores. Restrictions on mandatory arbitration clauses embedded in many contracts for mortgage and other credit. Both the House and Senate bills contain provisions on this. The House bill empowers the Consumer Financial Protection Agency to restrict lenders’ use of mandatory arbitration requirements if it finds them to be harmful to borrowers. The Senate version requires the
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FORECLOSED HOME AUCTION 35+ Homes | Auction: 6/6 Open House 5/29, 6/5 & 6/6 REDC | View Full Listings www.Auction.com RE Brkr 157083
DO NOT Call Unless… Foreclosure/Behind Paymt Overleveraged/Repairs Call/Web 800-Sell-Now.com WE BUY MOBILE HOMES 1-800-SELL-FAST www.1800sellfast.com I BUY HOUSES Any condition. No cost to U 495-5100
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Send e-mail for Ken Harney to kenharney@earthlink.net. WASHINGTON POST WRITERS GROUP
FREE RENT Gated, 1bed, all new appliances & tile. 525-1177 MOMENTUM PROP MGMT
U.S. Post Office For Sale: Fittstown (Main Office) 101 U.S. Highway 377 (74842) Price: $89K ROI: 8.25% Annual Rent: $7,866 Lease Terms: (05/01/09 - 04/30/14) Options: five-year @ $8,652 Property taxes: Paid by USPS Call: 1-800-640-3990
AUCTION SAT, JUNE 12 10AM (Located from ElReno Exit 125, I-40 or 81 & I-40 4mi S on 81 Hwy.) 9 Room home & 6 farms for auction. MUST SEE THESE!. For info call Henricksen & Henricksen Mark Henricksen Trustee Attorney 405-609-1970 www.henricksenlaw.com or CALL R&R AUCTION n 405-352-5200 r-rauction.com
consumer agency to conduct a study of mandatory arbitration clauses before taking any action to restrict them. Either way, there could be important changes in current industry practices. Real estate appraisal improvements. The House bill gives the new consumer protection agency oversight on home mortgage appraisals, and the power to create rules and standards to guarantee “appraiser independence” from pressures by lenders, realty agents and others. It also requires that once the new rules are adopted, the controversial “Home Valuation Code of Conduct” mandated last year by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac be terminated. The code has been criticized by consumers, realty agents, builders and appraisers for encouraging lowball appraisals and the use of inexperienced appraisers willing to work for low fees. The Senate bill does not have appraisal provisions, but a bipartisan push is under way to convince conferees to adopt the House version.
IT'S SUMMER VACATION At Drexel on The Park-$139 1ST MO- 1BED 946-0588 »» ALL BILLS PAID »» Furnished/Unfurnished Bills Paid » Wkly/Monthly Wes Chase Apts, Elk Horn Apts, Hillcrest 943-1818 NICE Quiet Xtra-Lg 1-2bd Walk-in closet, bus line PC Schls $400 787-5885 MAYFAIR GARDENS Historic Area! Secure, wash /dry hardwd flrs 947-5665 » MOVE IN SPECIAL » LARGE 1, 2 & 3 BEDS Rockwell Arms, 787-1423
Studio Apt, $450. 1 bed Apt, $650. Both totally remodeled. Main crossroads Bryant & Memorial. 478-1440, 409-0264
Putnam Heights Plaza 1 & 2bd, ch/a, Dishwasher 1830 NW 39th 524-5907
TOP LOCATION! Pd. wtr/garb. Near malls. Try Plaza East•341-4813
1bd 1ba apt $340/mo stove, fridge, clean, quiet 1441 NW 92nd 227-8202 $199 MOVE IN SPECIAL 2BED Townhomes $599 Windsor Village 943-9665
ALL UTILITIES PAID ! ONE LOW MONTHLY PAYMENT! ONE BEDROOMS FOR $530 A MONTH! 732-6668 MIDWEST MANOR 1 & 2 BEDROOMS, QUIET! Covered Parking Great Schools! 732-1122
112K SE 1st Nice 1bd garage apt, clean $375. No pets Fidelity RE 692-1661
Bills pd clean quiet furn eff/1bd $100/wk&up 10& Penn 751-7238/640-9413 800 N. Meridian: 1bd, all bills paid & weekly rates available. 946-9506 $99 Move-In Special 1bd 1ba $295-350, stove, fridge, very clean 625-5200
Beautiful 3 bedroom, 2 bath on 1+ acres, 2150 sf, 2 storage buildings/shop, RV hookups, koi pond & lots more, move in ready! 15032 SE 136th St, Moore Schools, Priced to sell! $166,950, 615-6466 338 NE 60th Wildewood Hills Addition Carbin Realty, 312-1585 O.C. 3324 SE 57 4bd 2bt Renov 417-2176 www.homesofokcinc.com
Open Sat 9-5, Sun 1-5, 11621 Cedar Valley Dr, 3/2/2, 2003 square feet, FSBO, near Westmoore schools, 405-326-2153. Financing» Lease Purchase » Rent to Own 2, 3 & 4bd houses in all areas. buyahouseinoklahoma.com 562-0000 or 973-4322 2937 SW 61st St. 3 bd 1.5 ba, 2c, may help pay closing. $83,900 Bill at Bateman Co, 324-2022. Workshop 24X24 XL 3/1.5/1 w/ updates near .25ac $63K Arlene 414-8753 3 bed, 1 bath, $19,900 cash. Great Wholesale Deal. HURRY! 301-6495
JUST LISTED 3/2/2 on quiet cul-de-sac approx 1432' Master has whirlpool & sep shower, walk in closet, granite counters in kitchen open flr plan. $139,500 Carmen 833-0106 Cleaton & Assoc 373-2494 OPEN SUNDAY 2-4 PRICE REDUCED! 736 Cypress N.W., Windmill Park, 4BD, 3BA, 1Liv, 2Din, Fm 178th & Piedmont Rd 1/4 mi N. $269.9K Leon 373-4820 Overland Express Rlty JUST REDUCED! Rock home on 5 ac MOL. Approx 2485' 4bd 3ba florida rm not incld in ftg. 40 x 30 wkshp & stables. Lots of trees. Quiet cul-de-sac street $269,900. Carmen 833-0106 Cleaton & Assoc 373-2494
ATTN LANDOWNERS!! Own land or have family land, a deed is all you need for new home! Turn key program, We do all improvements. 1000 furniture package w/purchase 888-878-2971 405-204-4163 56x31 double wide, 4 bed, 2 full bath, 1792 sf, built in 2003 on 1.29 acres, fenced, 24x14 storage building. 9016 Oakwood Dr. Guthrie, OK $70,000. (405)401-2699, 293-9188 Own/Lease 9 Communities in Metro 1216 sq ft, as low as $535 Financing available 326-5728 for details til 7pm 6 year old, 16X80, clean, 3 bed, 3 bath, ch&a, lots of room/storage, SW 15th /Portland, $19,900, 686-0385 Home buyers purchase hotline! 4/2 bath move to your land or ours!! Turn key package! We do it all. 888-878-2971 405-635-4338 Huge Sale/Save $1000’s All display home must go! FREE delivery & set in OK. Some w/FREE furniture FREE 10% rebate 787-5004 DBL Wide Dealer Repo!! 3bd & 2ba $488mo w/ lot Ready to live in 405-787-5004 wac. Rent to Own $650 month kit appl 3bd/2ba 1200 square ft Edmond 3 4 1 - 9 2 0 9 Land/Home Repo SAVE $$$$! Many locations around OK. Easy financing w/ dn payment 470-1330 '03 Dbl wd Silver Creek, 28x50, 3 bd, 2 ba, nice lot W OKC/Yukon, $34,000 fin avail, 405-210-7022 4 Bed/2 Bath Move in ready. Owner may carry. 405-631-3200 3/2 bath set up in quiet park. Ready to move 888-878-2971 405-602-4526 3 bd 2 ba Double Wide on acreage, Harrah Schools 405-412-6236 DW 28x70 4bd, needs work. Del$25K301-2454/517-5000 3bd 1ba, 14x70s, $16,900 301-2454/517-5000
Heard of a SHORT SALE? SELL YOUR HOUSE TODAY! Foreclosure/behind Pymts 340-9879/HouseKings.com I BUY & SELL HOUSES 27 YRS EXP 650-7667 HOMESOFOKCINC.COM
Walford Apts 518 NW 12 MIDTOWN District Amazing! All electric, wood floors, giant 1bd 1ba, cha, dishwasher, washer/dryer conn 1200sf $750mo $650dp Studio $550mo $450dp Efficiency $425mo $325dp 409-7989 no sec 8
¡ONE MONTH FREE¡ Discover Casady 751-8088 1 & 2 beds 946-0830 arborglenapts.com
» Hot Summer Deal » Summerscape Apts 1, 2 & 3bds available Call 619-0541 for June Move In Specials 343 SE 44th, 1 bed furn quiet, $325/150 dep +elec. Refs req 321-4773
Commercial RE Established Business For Sale MUST SELL! Home center in Southern Oklahoma Exc 20yr est. home center, $3M annual sales, Call 405-720-1616, Aspen Comm'l. Realty 44 UNIT STORAGE FACILTY AUCTION See class 503 Reding Auction Laundromat. Must sell ASAP. Make an offer. Bethany, 405-205-3635
Investment Property For Sale Wholesale Property 104 Units $995K » 20 Units $499K » 16 Units $400K » Development Projects 10%-15% R.O.I. from $100K Seabrooke Realty 405-409-7779 INCOME PROPS 4 SALE Local, 12 cap+, Comm. & Resi., from $40K, Fin. Avail. WAC, 410-3969
Business Property For Rent Auto Service Center/ Quick Lube-equipped, exc location. For Sale or Lease. MONEY MAKER! Exc Oppty! 405-830-0012 or 580-504-6588
MOVE IN SPECIAL!!!
$250 Gift Card
1 Month Free Rent! LARGE 1, 2, 3 Beds w/ 2 Bath. From $375 a month. Courtesy Patrol, Pool, Childrens Playground. Limited Number Of Units Available. HURRY!!! MacArthur Apartments 5001 NW 10th St.
405-942-5500
Spring Special
LARGE TOWNHOMES & APARTMENTS • Washer, Dryers, pools • PC Schools, fireplaces
Williamsburg 7301 NW 23rd
787-1620
BILLS PAID sm. 1 bed, appls, air, $399, 1608 1/2 NW 47th. 943-4303 Great deal 2bd appls w/d hk-up CH&A 2343 NW 15 $450 557-1288 No sec 8 2 & 3 Beds available now to mid July-$450-$850. extras. 787-7029 11705 N. Francis 2/1.5/2. No pets $625 TMS Prop 348-0720 10512 Harvest Moon 3b 2.5b 2c 2 liv $850 748-8520 www.redbudrealestate.com HEFNER ROAD & MAY 2/2/2, 2531 W Hefner Rd appt only $850, 843-5853
6523L Avondale 1350sf 3bd 1.5ba 1car + carport $950 mo $900 deposit 409-7989 no sec 8
$99 SPECIAL Lg 1bdr, stove, refrig., clean, walk to shops. $325 mo. 632-9849 Furnished/Unfurnished Bills Paid » Wkly/Monthly Wes Chase Apts, Elk Horn Apts, Hillcrest 943-1818 $300-345/month Furnished 1bd & Efficiency 2820 S Robinson 232-1549 523K SW 26-dn Garage Apt 1bd 1ba $325/mo $175/dep 409-7989 $99 Move In Special!!! Lg 1 and 2 Bdr, $325 to $395 mo. 632-9849 2123 SW 46th, 1 bed, 1 ba, washer/dryer hkup, $379 + $150, 550-8066 $305-345/month Furnished 1bd & Efficiency 2820 S Robinson 232-1549
OKC SW 1 bed, stove & fridge, no pets, bills paid, $450mo+dep. 232-9704
Furnished/Unfurnished Bills Paid » Wkly/Monthly Wes Chase Apts, Elk Horn Apts, Hillcrest 943-1818
Houses for rent
»» Del City Houses »» 605-5477 Free List 3120 Longridge 4/2 $795 3117 Overland 3/1.5/2 $695 3033 Overland 3/1/1$595 4032 Thomas 3/1/2 $595 4002 SE 10th 2bd $450 » Midwest City Houses» 203ERickenbckr3/1/1 $495 3404 Willowcrk 2/1/1 $450 housesforrentofokc.com 3 bed, garage, ch&a, $750 month, W. Enterprises, 732-2285
2064 NW 48 2/2 $2100 10604 Sunrise 3/2/2 $1195 10114 Hef Vil 3/2/2 $895 Express Realty 844-6101 www.expressrealtyok.com
WATERFORD 2 bd (up), 2K ba, 2 car, bar, w/d, frig, fp, pools, gated, sec. $1200 avail 7/1 842-9699
900 N. Fretz #84, 3bd 1K ba mobile home $475 681-7272
»» » HAVE A » »» »» SUMMER ON US» » $299 1st Mo. 721-8801 Call For Details VANGUARD PROPERTIES 1411K NW 17-Amazingwood flr 1000sf. Lrg 1bd/1ba $600 mo $300 dep, ch/a, fireplace 409-7989 no sec 8
GREAT Space OFFICE
Oakwood Apts» 1bd 1ba K off special 5824 NW 34 800sf, all elect $350 mo $175 dep 409-7989 3400 N Robinson 700sf 1bd 1ba $400 mo $300 dep 409-7989 no sec 8 Briargate 1718 N Indiana 800sf 1bd 1ba, cha, all elec, wood floor, $475mo, $200 dep. No sec 8 409-7989
2620 N Ann Arbor 3/2 sec 8 ok $725mo www.redbudrealestate.com Quiet NW Townhome, 1 bed + study, 1K bath $500mo ‘ 748-3868
2 bed, ch&a, stove & refrig, no pets/no smoke, $500 month, 386-3362.
2bd 1.5ba duplex $650mo $500 dep, move in ready. John Patterson 255-0650
1301 Parkwoods Ter, 3bd 1ba 1-car, ch/a $625 681-7272 V-Nice, 1 mi E of Tinker, 3/1/2 ch&a, util rm, $575 +$300, no pets, 732-4351
2bd 2ba 1car duplex $600 2bd 2ba duplex $650 3bd 2ba 2-car 1500sf, fireplace $950 Executive 3/2K /2 2100sf fireplace, pool $1200 Home&RanchRlty 794-7777
HOMES FOR LEASE www.executivehome rentalsokc.com 3-4BRs $1000-$3000 Welcome Home 877-884-7434 616 E Hillcrest 1800sf 4bd 2ba 2car $1300mo $1200 dep 409-7989 no sec 8
15 min to TAFB, 2 acres barn, 3 bed, 2 bath, ch&a stove, fridge, W/D, $900/M, $500/D, 1 year lease, 386-3362.
1120 NE 19th, 3bd 2ba, detached gar. Sec 8 ok $650 681-7272
Condominiums, Townhouses For Rent 441
946-6548
UNIVERSITY CITY, Mo. —
When the giant old oak tree on their property died, Charlie and Becky Helbling didn’t just cut it down and haul it off. The tree is now part of their bookcase, doors, staircase posts, a mantel and shelving and other pieces in their new house. The couple found a man to mill the tree with a portable mill on their property. The miller sawed the tree into planks, which were used by a carpenter throughout the house. The couple also have leftover wood to make furniture. The Helblings said their adventure began when they bought a vacant lot next to their old house. “We thought this would be a neat opportunity to build a house in accordance to our philosophies of living,” including ecologyconsciousness, Charlie Helbling, 48, said. “Here was this perfectly cool tree that could produce some beautiful wood you can’t really buy today.” He figures they saved $3,500 to $5,000 in cutting and hauling costs.
Brand new duplexes, 3 bd 2 ba, 2 car, gated comm, call Rick, 405-830-3789.
2221 N. Meridian
Valencia Apts
BY MCCLATCHY-TRIBUNE NEWS SERVICES
$500 RENT RELIEF Large 2-3 bed, 2 bath, 2 car garage, TH, all appls, gated, pool. from $800/mo. 789-3705
$305-345/month Furnished 1bd & Efficiency 2820 S Robinson 232-1549
$99 Special
Couple use old oak tree in new house
»» NE Houses »» 605-5477 Free List 1718 Madison 2/1 $450 »» NW Houses »» 4014 Westridge 4/2 $750 7202 Galahad3/2.5/2 $695 1212 NW 48th 3/1 $595 229 NW 91st 4/2 $595 1719 NW 31st 3/1 $495 617 NW 92nd 3/1/1 $495 3728 NW 29th 2bd $450 housesforrentofokc.com
1 & 2 BD & Townhouses •City bus route/Shopping •Washer/Dryer hookups
Office Space For Rent
2000' Office/Warehouse 6707 NW 50th Robert Duke 787-0400
» Large 2 bd » 2K ba » 1500 sf, fp, wet bar, 2 car, PC Schools $795/mo, 7001 Crestmont Dr. 831-8218
HOMES FOR LEASE www.executivehome rentalsokc.com 3-4BRs $1000-$3000 Welcome Home 877-884-7434
The Plaza 1740 NW 17th 1bd, 1ba 750sf, wood floors, all elec, $450 mo, $200dp. No sec8 409-7989
Convenient NW Locations: I-40 & Meridian NW Expressway & May Britton/Lake Hefner Parkway 200-6000sf 946-2516
2 bed, 2 bath, 2 car, 8014 NW 80th, non smoking, no pets, $700 dep, $700 month, 580-254-3783, 580-571-7514
•ABC• Affordable, Bug free, Clean » 787-7212»
Sell ur house 2-day 417-2176
New 3bd/2ba Mobile Homes already on land located in Shawnee, Prague, Cromwell & Harrah (price reduced) Owner Financing Woodlake Properties 405-273-5777 www.property4sale.com
3615 NW 51st St 1300sf 2bd 2ba 2 car. Near Baptist/ Deaconess $900 mo, $900 dep 409-7989 no sec 8
2bd 1.5ba duplex $650mo $500 dep, move in ready. John Patterson 255-0650 1109 Northgate Terrace 3bd, 2ba, 2car $850mo + dep. No smoke 206-5859
»» MWC Houses »» 605-5477 Free List 203ERickenbckr3/1/1 $495 3404 Willowcrk 2/1/1 $450 » Del City Houses» 3120 Longridge 4/2 $795 3117 Overland 3/1.5/2 $695 3033 Overland 3/1/1$595 4032 Thomas 3/1/2 $595 4002 SE 10th 2bd $450 housesforrentofokc.com 1217 MacGregor 3bd 1-car ch/a $525 Fidelity RE 692-1661
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»» NW Houses »» 605-5477 Free List 4014 Westridge 4/2 $750 7202 Galahad3/2.5/2 $695 1212 NW 48th 3/1 $595 229 NW 91st 4/2 $595 1719 NW 31st 3/1 $495 617 NW 92nd 3/1/1 $495 3728 NW 29th 2bd $450 »» NE Houses »» 1718 Madison 2/1 $450 housesforrentofokc.com 5016 N Warren 2 separate homes, same lot 3/2/2, & 2/1/carport. perfect for double family $1395mo www.redbudrealestate.com 9409 Eagle Hill Dr 3 bed, 2K bath, double garage, fenced yard, no pets, no sec 8, $500 dep, $825 month, 947-5858 516 NW 49th, 3bd brick, 1-car garage, ch/a, new carpet, fresh paint $650 Fidelity RE 692-1661 12108 Camelot Pl Executive home 2640sf 4bed 3ba 2car $1330 mo $1300dp 409-7989 no sec8 Several 2 & 3 bed homes on NW side $500-$600 month; $200 deposit Sec. 8 ok. 843-6693 Executive Quail Creek, 4 bed, 3 bath, 2 car, lg yd 3200sf, very nice! Avail Now $1750mo 301-2031
»» SE Houses »» 605-5477 Free List 5016 S. Georgia 4/1.5 $650 1521 SE 45 4bd cha $595 6504 S Kelley 2/1/1 $450 »» SW Houses »» 1528 SW 80th 3/2/2$795 1640 SW 79th 3/2/2$795 1409 SW 77th 3/2/2$795 1409 SW 60 4bd cha $695 1001 SW 81st 3/2/1 $650 3209 Madole 3/1/1 $595 2228 SW 34 3bd 1ba$495 housesforrentofokc.com HOMES FOR LEASE www.executivehome rentalsokc.com 3-4BRs $1000-$3000 Welcome Home 877-884-7434 5312 Bodine, 3/1/2, newly redone, Sec 8 ok $725 2605 SE 50th 3bd 1.5ba 2car, 2 living $675 681-7272 5216 Briarwood, nice 2bd brick home, 1-car garage ch/a clean nice area $595 Fidelity RE 692-1661
»» SW Houses »» 605-5477 Free List 1528 SW 80th 3/2/2$795 1640 SW 79th 3/2/2$795 1409 SW 77th 3/2/2$795 1409 SW 60 4bd cha $695 1001 SW 81st 3/2/1 $650 3209 Madole 3/1/1 $595 2228 SW 34 3bd 1ba$495 »» SE Houses »» 5016 S. Georgia 4/1.5 $650 1521 SE 45 4bd cha $595 6504 S Kelley 2/1/1 $450 housesforrentofokc.com 629 SW 49th 2 or 3bd (gar. converted) 1ba$550 633 SW 33rd 2/1 $350 2401 SW 43rd #7 1bd apt, total elect, water paid $325 681-7272 HOMES FOR LEASE www.executivehome rentalsokc.com 3-4BRs $1000-$3000 Welcome Home 877-884-7434 New Rivendell Exec Home 408-4168 Luxury indoor pool & spa Fully equip'd media & wrkout rooms $5500/mo Openhouseok.com 629 SW 50th Nice 2bd brick home, 1-car garage, well kept area, $650 Fidelity RE 692-1661 Sm 3 bd 1 ba $400 mo + $400 dep; 2 bd 1 ba $350 + $300 dep. 631-8220
Bridgecreek, 2bd/2ba, 1 acre. Mobile Home $500mo +dep. 392-4717
2 bed 1 bath 1 car, Village very very clean 844-2592
1900 sf, 3 bed, 2 bath w/study, 3 car garage, gated community, $1350/month 314-3301
2535 W. Hefner 2/2/2 Fenced $795 TMS Prop 348-0720 1407 N Virginia 3 bd, 1K ba clean CH/A $550 732-3411 2319 NW 10 2 bd, 1 ba clean $450 732-3411 1701 NW 34th 3/1 1141 NW 98th 2/1 681-7272
$525 $450
Sec. 8 special, remodeled 1 bedroom, 1 bath 1018 NW 24, 417-0701 432 NW 115th, 3bd 2ba 2car 1300sf $875mo $800dp 409-7989 no sec8 Section 8 OK 3 bed 336 NW 85th 942-3552 3 bd, 2 ba, 2 car, ch&a, next to Windsor Hills Elem. $800mo 426-5497 1407 N Virginia 3bd 1K ba, Clean 732-3411
WHY RENT WHEN YOU CAN OWN? Easy financing with no credit needed. Yukon schls Diane 789-4499/388-3491 WHY RENT WHEN YOU CAN OWN? Easy financing with no credit needed. Yukon schls Diane 789-4499/388-3491 $ FREE RENT 1ST MO $ 2BR $350+, 3BR $495+, MWC NO PETS 427-0627
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SATURDAY, JUNE 12, 2010
THE OKLAHOMAN
NEWSOK.COM