The Oklahoman Real Estate

LISTING OF THE WEEK

HOUSE PLAN

3 large living areas

The Castor

The Listing of the Week is a large Mediterranean-style home with three large living areas, including one overlooking the pool.

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The shingle-clad exterior allows the home to fit discreetly into a wooded or beach-side setting, while its simple, compact, massed shape makes it inexpensive to build, and efficient to heat.

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REAL ESTATE

Ellen James Martin

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THE OKLAHOMAN | NEWSOK.COM

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2012

Mesta Park homes showcased HOUSING | INTRICATE MURALS FROM 102-YEAR-OLD HOUSE WILL BE FEATURED ON SIX-HOME TOUR DEC. 1-2

BY DYRINDA TYSON For The Oklahoman dyrinda@gmail.com

If the murals livening up Michael Khoury’s dining room could talk, the stories they might tell.

The murals, depicting outdoor life on the plains, have stood unchanged, despite time and renovations, since the home at 1005 NW 18 was built 102 years ago.

“They used European craftsmen on these,” Khoury explained, pointing out the murals as well as the woodwork outlining the ceiling in the neighboring living room.

So much has survived here: the paned windows, the wood floors, the Greek revival front elevation with a round window peeking out from on high. But the murals are truly extraordinary, said his mother Mary Khoury.

“Those have gotten painted over in so many homes,” she said.

Michael Khoury’s home is among six stops on Mesta Park’s 2012 Holiday Homes Tour, which kicks off with a candlelight tour from 4 to 8 p.m. Dec. 1 and continues from 1 to 5 p.m.

Dec. 2.

Advance tickets are $12 for those age 18 and older and $5 for those age 5 to 17.

Tickets are $15 at the door for those 18 and older and $7 for those age 5 to 17.

Children 5 and under are admitted free. Shuttle service and refreshments will be available.

Money raised in the tour is poured back into neighborhood projects such as parks and streetlights, said tour chairwoman Trina Morrison.

Michael Khoury and his sisters grew up in a home on NW 19 that his father, Paul Khoury, bought in the 1940s long before he married. As one of nine children, Paul Khoury was looking for more space so he could help his family back in Drumright.

“He’d been renting an apartment over here on

SMART MOVES

BIDDING HEATS UP Housing recovery has come far enough that in some popular neighborhoods, buyers must now compete with rival bidders.

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IN BRIEF

‘BUTLER’S GUIDE’

Michael Khoury’s home at 1005 NW 18 still has murals of plains scenes that were painted when the house was built in 1910. The home is one of several on the annual Mesta Park Holiday Homes Tour Dec. 1-2.

PHOTOS BY JIM BECKEL, THE OKLAHOMAN

Michael Khoury

Mary Khoury

12th Street,” said Mary Khoury, whom he married in 1957. “But he wanted to find a place where his sisters in Drumright could come live with him.”

Mesta Park grew up along Oklahoma Territory’s first streetcar lines spidering out from downtown, many of the homes built between 1906 and 1915.

By the time his father settled in the neighborhood in the 1940s, though, Mesta Park was a shadow of itself, hollowed out by postwar suburban flight and neglect. But Paul Khoury could see beyond that.

“My husband, he had an eye to the future,” Mary Khoury said.

Paul Khoury was already well into a real estate career when he came upon the house on NW 18 in 1954, but he was still reluctant to buy it without an expert opinion.

“He brought his dad from Drumright — he was a carpenter — to get his opinion about it,” Mary Khoury said. The elder Khoury gave the property his nod.

“He said, ’It’s a goodsize house for you if you want to invest in it,’ which SEE TOUR, PAGE 2F

CHALKBOARD PAINT

Michael Khoury’s home at 1005 NW 18 will be featured in the Mesta Park Holiday Homes Tour Dec. 1-2.

FHA is looking to tweak program rules WASHINGTON — You may have seen headlines last week about the Federal Housing Administration needing a taxpayer “bailout” by the Treasury and wondered: Uh oh. Is the FHA heading down the fiscal drain like Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, which have required billions in federal assistance just to stay in business?

The good-news answer for FHA’s traditional borrowers — primarily moderate-income, first-time purchasers, people with limited cash for down payments and less-than-perfect credit histories — is no. There is a strong possibility that FHA will not require any money transfer from the Treasury, which in any event would not occur until next September. Meanwhile FHA is making tweaks to its program rules that could affect some loan applicants in the months ahead, and which are designed to improve revenue flows to the agency and cut back on losses.

Among the most immediate changes, new borrowers early next year are likely to be charged slight-

Kenneth Harney THE NATION’S HOUSING

ly higher annual mortgage insurance premiums — 1.35 percent of the loan balance rather than 1.25 percent at present. On loans above $625,500 in high-cost areas such as California and metropolitan Washington, D.C., the annual premium will go from 1.5 percent to 1.6 percent.

This will not be a major problem for most people, but it could cause some buyers to check out FHA’s competitors — private mortgage insurers whose monthly premiums on loans for applicants with high credit scores may be more attractive than FHA’s.

To increase revenue streams long term, FHA is also abandoning its practice of allowing borrowers to cancel their annual mortgage

Few of us have the luxury of a household staff like the one on “Downton Abbey” to attend to our every need. But we can take some pointers from someone who ran a household and use them to run our own a little more efficiently. Longtime English butler Stanley Ager shares a wealth of tips in “The Butler’s Guide to Running the Home and Other Graces,” a classic handbook he wrote in 1980 with Fiona St. Aubyn. The book has just been rereleased by Clarkson Potter. Some of the advice is outdated now. Still, we can all benefit from Ager’s tips for setting a table, caring for shoes and packing clothes so they won’t wrinkle. “The Butler’s Guide” sells for $21.99 in hardcover.

insurance premium payments when their loan balance drops to 78 percent of the property value.

In effect, this will mean that borrowers obtaining 30-year FHA loans could be paying premiums for decades.

Is this a big deal? Clem Ziroli Jr., president of First Mortgage Corp. in Ontario, Calif., thinks it could encourage some higher credit quality borrowers to “refi out” of their FHA loans and seek better deals in the conventional marketplace.

But Paul E. Skeens, president of Colonial Mortgage Group in Waldorf, Md., sees it differently: With fixed 30-year mortgage rates in the mid- to upper-3 percent range and virtually certain to increase — maybe significantly if the economy improves in the coming years — “everybody is going to want to keep these loans forever,” he predicts. “They’re not going to want to refi.”

Other changes on the FHA horizon: I More financial counseling for applicants who have low FICO

credit scores, are purchasing their first homes, and are seeking to make minimum 3.5 percent down payments.

I A new short-sale program that reaches out to existing FHA homeowners who are seriously delinquent and heading toward foreclosure. FHA Acting Commissioner Carol J. Galante said the agency plans to streamline the short-sale option — where owners are permitted to sell their house for less than the balance on the mortgage — in order to avoid the huge costs of foreclosures.

The bottom line on FHA’s forthcoming program tweaks?

FHA isn’t making fundamental changes. Its basic mix of enticements — low down payments, low credit score requirements and generous underwriting rules compared with competitors — aren’t going away. So don’t expect a great an impact on most FHA buyers.

Ken Harney’s email address is kenharney@earthlink.net.

WASHINGTON POST WRITERS GROUP

Love chalkboard paint but not the colors it comes in? Benjamin Moore has introduced a chalkboard paint that can be tinted in any hue.

Consumers can choose from any of the 3,300 colors in the Benjamin Moore system, or they can use the company’s color-matching technology to create an unlimited array of choices. Benjamin Moore Chalkboard Paint is a latex top coat with an eggshell finish. It can be used on walls or other surfaces, such as furniture, closet or cupboard doors or ceramic containers.

The paint is sold in quarts for a suggested retail price of $21.99. Find a store in the store locator section of the website, www.benjamin moore.com.

FROM WIRE REPORTS

INDEX Barry Stone Permits

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SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2012

REAL ESTATE

THE OKLAHOMAN | NEWSOK.COM

Michael Khoury and his mother, Mary Khoury, show a living area of his home at 1005 NW 18, which will be on the Mesta Park Holiday Homes Tour Dec. 1-2.

PHOTOS BY JIM BECKEL, THE OKLAHOMAN

Tour: Michael Khoury restores home FROM PAGE 1F

he did,” she said.

Paul Khoury died in 2001 after a long career in real estate and investment, often putting his money where his mouth was and investing in the neighborhood he called home. He and Mary Khoury raised Michael and four daughters on NW 19 while an eclectic series of tenants lived in the NW 18 house.

Renters included a professional organist, an attorney, a variety of entrepreneurs and a landscape artist, Mary Khoury recalled.

Commercial development nipped at Mesta Park through the years.

Alarmed at the prospect of losing historic homes to make room for an office building, a group of residents banded together in 1973. Dubbed the Comeback Neighborhood Association, the group successfully fought off that project and laid the groundwork for the modern neighborhood association.

Michael Khoury returned to Mesta Park and bought the house for himself in 2000 after living in Florida and California for years. An architectural designer by training, he rehabilitated the house bit by bit, even restoring the painted woodwork in the living room by hand with a tiny paintbrush.

“I managed to do about a panel a night,” he said.

His more modern taste merges seamlessly with his home’s classic bones. Four smaller rooms in the back were opened up to create one large kitchen with stainless-steel counter tops where a refurbished gas stove looks perfectly at home.

“It’s a little less than granite,” he said of the counter tops. “But it’s indestructible.”

Mesta Park has come back from the edge, but Mary Khoury noted it hasn’t been without casualties. “All these parking lots around here used to be beautiful homes,” she said.

Still, she credits her husband and others who were able to look beyond Mesta Park’s downtrodden face decades ago.

“He kind of blazed the

A column adds a touch of the classical to Michael Khoury’s home at 1005 NW 18 in the Mesta Park neighborhood.

way,” she said.

Other homes on the tour are: I Larry and Beverly Walker: 900 NW 18.

I Tim and Bridgid Cook: 521 NW 17.

I Floyd and Corrine Si- Christmas decorations meet a Southwest motif at mon: 900 NW 16.

Michael Khoury’s home at 1005 NW 18 in Mesta Park.

I Darden White: 513 ½ PHOTOS BY JIM BECKEL, THE OKLAHOMAN NW 18.

I Jim Pickens: 801 NW I Verdigris, 1001 NW 10.

17, where refreshments will be served on the porch.

Tickets can be purchased online at www.mestapark.org or at these businesses: I 23rd Street Antique Mall, 3023 NW 23.

I Bethany Antique Mall, 3909 N College Ave. in Bethany I Courtyard Antique Market, 3314 S Broadway in Edmond I Forward Foods, 5123 N Western Ave. I French Cowgirl, 4515 N Western Ave. I Full Circle Bookstore in 50 Penn Place, 1900 Northwest Expressway.

I Homeland, 1108 NW 18.

I Langhorn Antiques Place, 9114 N Western Ave. I Mister Robert, 109 E Main St. in Norman I Nonna’s Painted Door, 124 N Sheridan Ave. I Elemental Coffee Roasters, 815 N Hudson Ave. I Phoenix Collectibles & Antiques Mall, 3122 N May Ave. Michael Khoury has updated some part of his home I Prairie Thunder Bak- at 1005 NW 18, including the kitchen, but this light ery, 1114 Classen Drive. fixture exudes a turn-of-the-20th-century ambience.

Mary Khoury and her son, Michael, stand in the remodeled and modern kitchen of his 102-year-old home at 1005 NW 18.

REAL ESTATE

THE OKLAHOMAN | NEWSOK.COM

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2012

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Don’t overpay for a house; bid smartly Few would have believed it just a few short years ago, but the housing recovery has come far enough that in an increasing number of popular neighborhoods, buyers must now compete with rival bidders.

Are you a buyer seeking a home in a high-demand market? If so, real estate specialists say that you could be at risk of overpaying.

“Overpaying can be a real danger — especially if you’re one of these idiots who gets revved up when facing competition and wants to win no matter what,” said Sid Davis, a real estate broker and author of “A Survival Guide for Buying a Home.”

Of course, the risk of overpaying is that you won’t recoup your investment when you move.

That’s especially likely if you have a career that requires you to move often.

“I’m not so concerned about people overpaying if

Ellen James Martin SMART MOVES

they really expect to stay in the house for 10 or 15 years.

But if you’re not sure how long you’ll stay, you’ve got to be cautious,” said Leo Berard, charter president of the National Association of Exclusive Buyer Agents (www.naeba.org).

Do you plan to bid on a particular property that’s for sale in a highly desirable neighborhood? Yet do you fear overpaying? If so, then even some basic research on local property values could help put your mind at ease.

Berard said astute buyers narrow their search for information to the exact area where they intend to buy. Data gathered on state or national real estate

trends will have little relevance for you as you seek to learn more about values in your target area.

In fact, homes could be worth more in one section of a neighborhood than another, due simply to differences in housing styles.

A strong knowledge of local property values helps you craft an offer at the right price point, thereby reducing your chances of overpaying.

Here are a few tips for buyers intent on getting a fair deal: I Seek Internet information as a starting point.

Many websites now offer fast and free estimates on property values and can prove a valuable resource, Berard said. One example he cites is Zillow.com, which lets you search data at either the property or neighborhood level.

“To get started with your research on home values, these sites are a good starting point,” he

Foreclosures are moving at slower pace than last year

BY THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

LOS ANGELES — U.S. homes are entering the foreclosure process at a slower pace than a year ago, and fewer properties are being repossessed by lenders, according to new data.

Between January and October, 971,533 homes were placed on the path to foreclosure, down 8 percent from the same period last year, foreclosure listing firm RealtyTrac Inc. said.

At the other end of the foreclosure process, banks repossessed 559,063 homes through the end of last month, a decline of nearly 19 percent from a year earlier.

That puts lenders on pace to complete 650,000 foreclosures this year, down from 800,000 in 2011, the firm said.

While many states continued to see heightened foreclosure activity last month, the decline at a national level reflects several factors working to stem, or in some cases, merely delay foreclosures.

Home sales are running ahead of last year, lifting home prices in many parts of the country, which can make it easier for homeowners to lower their monthly payments by refinancing.

“Those improving housing conditions are lifting all boats and lifting some people

RealtyTrac Inc. reports lenders are on pace to complete 650,000 foreclosures this year, down from 800,000 in 2011.

AP FILE PHOTO

out of foreclosure,” said Daren Blomquist, a vice president at RealtyTrac.

Stronger job growth, even as the national unemployment rate remains just below 8 percent, likely has helped some homeowners avoid foreclosure.

The percentage of mortgage-holding homeowners who were at least two months behind on their payments sank in the third quarter to the lowest level in more than three years, according to credit reporting firm TransUnion.

Efforts by federal and state lawmakers to slow down the foreclosure process or make loan modification a more likely option for homeowners also are having an impact.

Homes could be worth more in one section of a neighborhood than another, due simply to differences in housing styles. said.

However, statistics from websites are no substitute for guidance from a capable real estate agent with extensive knowledge of the area where you’re looking.

The right agent may even be able to recite recent sales figures from memory. But Internet information can be a good complement.

“Spend an hour or two one morning on the right websites and you can move up the learning curve while still in your pajamas,” Berard said.

I Ask your real estate agent for help evaluating any home you’re considering.

The classic technique used by real estate professionals to estimate a

home’s value is called a “Comparative Market Analysis.” This method is grounded in data on recent sales of similar homes to the one being judged.

“If you’re looking in a community with lots of houses that have uniform floor plans, the process is pretty straightforward.

But that’s not the case where lots of houses are custom-built,” Berard said.

In any case, your agent should find at least three completed sales that are roughly comparable. Then she or he should add and subtract value based on differences between the home you like and the others.

Real estate agents are the first to admit that their

judgments on property values are based on more than data.

“Unfortunately, coming up with an opinion of value is never totally scientific.

Your agent also has to draw on experience,” Berard said.

I Take neighborhood economic trends into account.

During a period when real estate markets are relatively volatile, as they are now, Berard said you need to look beyond closed deals to see where values are heading.

“Housing prices don’t rise or fall as quickly as stocks on Wall Street. But over time, economic factors can have a big impact,” he said.

In a suburb that’s heavily reliant on one employer, such as a defense contractor, a wave of layoffs by the company could reduce property values nearby.

To contact Ellen James Martin, email her at ellenjamesmartin@gmail.com.

UNIVERSAL UCLICK

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REAL ESTATE

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2012

THE OKLAHOMAN | NEWSOK.COM

Choose right light bulb for right job In the world of home improvement products, it used to be that one of the things you could count on for consistency year after year was the light bulb.

Little-changed since its invention, it was a product you didn’t really have to give much thought to.

No longer. Today, there’s a lot of confusion surrounding this simple staple of the American household. Are 100-watt bulbs banned? Are those twisty bulbs dangerous? Can you use these new bulbs with a dimmer?

Aren’t the new bulbs really expensive? There are lots of questions and lots of confusing answers, so let’s try to clear up what we can.

Incandescent bulbs Incandescent bulbs are the traditional household lightbulbs.

They consume electricity, which is measured in watts, and give off light, which is measured in lumens. However, most of the electricity they consume is actually given off as heat, so these bulbs have never been particularly energy efficient.

Incandescent bulbs haven’t

technically been “banned.”

What’s happened is that new energy efficiency standards have been put into place, which simply means that the bulbs now need to consume less electricity for same amount of lumens produced.

So the traditional 100-watt light bulb is, in essence, a thing of the past. It’s being replaced by a bulb that produces the same amount of light, but uses about 72 watts. Since that translates to money in your pocket in the form of energy savings, it’s not a bad thing. Similar wattage-tolumen reductions are set to phase in for other bulbs over time, but given the ongoing mess in Washington, those dates are a congressional moving target.

a standard incandescent bulb, and they can last up to three times as long.

Another advantage to halogen bulbs is their color rendition, which is the ability of a light source to render the colors of an object similar to the way sunlight does. This makes them a great choice for many desk and task light applications. Halogen bulbs also can be used with dimmers.

Halogen bulbs

Compact fluorescent bulbs

Halogen bulbs, also called energy-saving bulbs, are incandescent lightbulbs that have a capsule inside that holds halogen gas around the filament, which increases the efficiency of the bulb. Halogen bulbs are a little more expensive to buy initially, but their energy efficiency increases by about 25 percent over

Compact fluorescent bulbs, or CFLs, are the increasingly familiar “curly tube” light bulb. Once again, they’re more expensive to purchase initially than a standard incandescent bulb, but their increasing popularity and availability is bringing prices down.

CFL bulbs use about a quarter

Paul Bianchina HANDY @ HOME

of the energy that a standard bulb uses to produce the same number of lumens, so that’s a pretty good savings. They’re estimated to last about 10 times as long, so that offsets the somewhat higher initial cost; in fact, the Department of Energy estimates that a typical CFL will pay for itself in less than nine months.

As CFLs have become more popular, they’ve become available in a range of colors that weren’t available when they were first introduced. You can now get CFLs with warm, yellow tones, as well as bulbs that are encased in an outer cover that helps diffuse the light better — and which, coincidentally, also makes them look much more like a traditional light bulb. Some CFLs also can be used with a dimmer switch, but be sure that you verify that on the package when you buy it.

CFLs do contain a small amount of mercury, as do all fluorescent bulbs. When they burn out, they shouldn’t be disposed of with the regular trash. Instead, they need to be properly recycled, which is something

that a growing number of retailers are doing at no charge.

LED bulbs The final type of bulb is the light-emitting diode, or LED. These bulbs are semiconductors that convert electricity into light. They’re actually in the early stages of development, so they’re still pretty expensive.

However, many people think that these bulbs have a tremendous amount of potential and represent the wave of the future in residential and commercial lighting. As such, their prices should begin coming down.

LED bulbs use only about 25 percent of the energy that a conventional bulb does, but their real advantage is in their life span.

An LED bulb is estimated to last about 25 times longer than a conventional bulb, so even with the high initial cost, their use may still make good economic sense for applications where bulbs are difficult to access for replacement.

Remodeling and repair questions? Email Paul at paulbianchina@inman.com. All product reviews are based on the author’s actual testing of free review samples provided by the manufacturers.

Actor Robert Taylor’s ranch listed at $19M

BY MARTHA GROVES

Fla. The existing structures, white with green trim, were built in 1950 for Waite Phillips, an American petroleum executive. The architect was Robert Byrd, who designed tract and custom houses and “was definitely known for ranch style,” said Alan Hess, author of “Rancho Deluxe: Rustic Dreams and Real Western Living.”

In the 1970s, Ken Roberts, founder of Los Angeles radio station KROQ, bought and later remod-

Los Angeles Times

LOS ANGELES — As a celluloid heartthrob, Robert Taylor donned western boots and jeans to portray a gunslinger in “Billy the Kid” and a lawman in “The Hangman.” He dressed the same off-screen to ride horses on his 112-acre ranch in Mandeville Canyon.

Taylor died in 1969, but the Brentwood ranch, with its 12-bedroom house, guest quarters, rolling lawns and wooded hillsides, still bears his name.

The estate, extensively remodeled in the 1980s by a rock-radio mogul who turned the stables into offices and apartments while leaving the horseshoestudded stall doors intact, is set to be sold at auction Nov. 30.

A number of parties have toured the Robert Taylor Ranch, recently listed by Hilton & Hyland at nearly $19 million.

Among those expressing interest have been “royals from the Middle East,” said Aaron Kirman, a Hilton & Hyland agent working with Concierge Auctions of New York.

Each potential bidder who has seen the property has had a different vision, it seems.

“A few love it the way it is,” said Marcie Hartley, also with Hilton & Hyland.

“Others want to tear it down and start over.” A few, she said, view the eight parcels as ripe for subdivision and development.

That prospect rattles neighbors in the hillside zone, which is prone to floods and mudslides.

During big storms, mud, debris and torrents of water gush off the hillsides.

Residents argue that developing the ranch further could heighten risks to those downstream.

In 1969, heavy rain turned Mandeville Canyon Road into an impassable river; a massive mudslide trapped film director Robert Altman in his home and killed Michael Riordan, brother of former Mayor Richard J. Riordan. In January 2005, runoff during a severe storm “was like a rushing river pushing through the ranch’s brick and fence frontage onto Mandeville Canyon Road,” said Wendy-Sue Rosen, former president of the Upper Mandeville Canyon Association.

Fires are also a threat. In November 1961, Taylor and his family fled when the devastating Bel-Air/ Brentwood wildfire threatened the property.

Two cowboys evacuated the family’s 11 horses. “I grabbed my passport and shaving kit,” Taylor said at the time. “We drove to Ronnie Reagan’s house.”

The stone fireplace is a centerpiece of the living room in the main house of the Robert Taylor Ranch in Los Angeles. Though the actor died in 1969, the ranch still bears his name and is set for auction Nov. 30.

MCT PHOTOS

Renovations have been done on the buildings of the Robert Taylor Ranch in Los Angeles.

The kitchen in the main house of the Robert Taylor Ranch has brick and tile work.

The ranch survived unscathed.

Listed over the years for as much as $65 million, the

property will sell Nov. 30 to the highest bidder — “without reserve,” in auction parlance. The auction

will take place on the grounds; pounding the gavel will be auctioneer Frank Trunzo of Tampa,

eled the property into what he termed the “ultimate estate.” The property became known for parties and the occasional fundraiser for Bill Clinton.

Roberts put it on the market in 1990 for $45 million, then $35 million, but no serious buyers emerged.

“We really need to get it to the next owner who will live there and enjoy it and bring the property back,” said Laura Brady, president of Concierge Auctions.

MCT INFORMATION SERVICES

REAL ESTATE

THE OKLAHOMAN | NEWSOK.COM

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2012

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Additions to home were never finalized DEAR BARRY: We are purchasing a home and have agreed to buy it as is.

This includes a patio enclosure that was built without a permit. The seller has agreed to pay the fines levied by the building department, but we have to correct the defects in construction.

We searched the public records and found that a bedroom addition was permitted in 1962, but the permit was never signed off. The county inspector said that a new permit would have to be issued, and the construction would have to comply with current building codes, rather than 1962 codes.

Shouldn’t a 1962 addition be subject to codes in effect when the construction occurred?

Cheryl

Barry Stone INSPECTOR’S IN THE HOUSE

DEAR CHERYL: Building inspections are based on codes in effect at the time of the permit, not when construction occurred. The opportunity to apply 1962 codes ended when the original permit expired. The person who purchased that permit was obligated to call for an inspection when the construction was completed.

Unfortunately, failure to comply with that requirement has become a problem for you, who may not even have been born at the time.

The building official has the prerogative to waive some of the code changes that have occurred over the years, but health and safety requirements are not likely to be given that kind of leniency. Consider the following examples: A significant code improvement since 1962 is the requirement for threeprong electrical outlets, instead of the old ungrounded two-prong type.

Under a new permit, it would be unacceptable for a building inspector to dismiss this type of safety upgrade. Furthermore, if the addition has two-prong outlets, the wiring in the walls might need to be replaced to provide ground wires for three-prong outlets.

Another example involves the dimensions of

The building official has the prerogative to waive some of the code changes that have occurred over the years. bedroom windows. The size and height requirements for bedroom windows have been changed to enable easier escape in case of a fire or other emergency.

Some building departments are more strict than others in addressing this type of situation. You should discuss this with the building inspector to determine the extent of strictness that will apply.

For example, ask the inspector if wall coverings such as drywall or paneling will have to be removed

to enable inspection of the framing, wiring, piping, and other conditions within the walls. You should also discuss this with a licensed general contractor to determine the costs you are likely to incur. This will enable you to make an informed decision about proceeding with the purchase of the home.

DEAR BARRY: The rented room where I live is a converted attic. The floor area is large, but the ceiling is only 63 inches high, and there is no fire exit. Is this

room illegal, and if so, should I take action against the landlord?

Martin DEAR MARTIN: The room definitely does not comply as legal living space. A more pertinent question, however, is whether you were aware of these substandard conditions before you rented the space. If so, perhaps you should find another place to live, rather than taking legal action against the landlord.

However, to protect future renters from being trapped during a fire, the local building authorities should be notified of this illegal dwelling.

To write to Barry Stone, visit him on the web at www.housedetective.com.

ACTION COAST PUBLISHING

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SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2012

REAL ESTATE

THE OKLAHOMAN | NEWSOK.COM

HOUSE PLAN

Bernanke warns Castor inspired by Cape Cod houses tight standards hurting economy

Traditional Cape Cod houses inspired the creation of the Castor. Its shingle-clad exterior allows the home to fit discreetly into a wooded or beach-side setting, while its simple, compact, massed shape makes it inexpensive to build and efficient to heat.

The plan is equally appropriate for construction as a year-round dwelling or a vacation retreat.

Entering, you step directly into a large open space that stretches from the front all the way to the rear. A wide coat closet fits neatly into the back of the vestibule on the left, which is next to the stairs.

Natural light beams into the living room through multipane windows on two sides, and this area is entirely open to the dining room, which in turn flows on to the kitchen.

In the kitchen, a large work island adds to the already generous counter and cupboard space, and a roomy pantry adds even more storage capacity.

Laundry appliances are nearby in a pass-through utility room that leads out onto a side stoop. A broom closet with shelves and a convenient powder room are also tucked into this hallway.

The home office, off the kitchen at the rear, is in an ideal location for handling household accounts, or even running a small, office-based business.

It could also be a study, housing books, files and a family shared computer.

Three bedrooms, a full bathroom and a loft are upstairs in the Castor. The loft could be outfitted as a

BY THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

study area or library. The owners’ suite has a surprisingly large walk-in closet and charming railed balcony that faces the front.

The bathroom has a double vanity, combination tub and shower, and ample towel storage.

Secondary bedrooms also have large closets.

A review plan of the Castor 30-450, including floor plans, elevations, section and artist’s conception, can be purchased for $25 by phone, mail or online. Add $5 for shipping and handling.

Associated Designs, 1100 Jacobs Drive, Eugene, OR, 97402. www.associated designs.com. (800) 634-0123.

WASHINGTON — Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke said banks’ overly tight lending standards may be holding back the U.S. economy by preventing creditworthy borrowers from buying homes.

Some tightening of credit standards was needed after the 2008 financial crisis, but “the pendulum has swung too far the other way,” Bernanke said. Qualified borrowers are being prevented from getting home loans, he said during a speech to the Operation HOPE Global Financial Dignity Summit in Atlanta.

Operation HOPE is a nonprofit organization that provides free economic education and financial counseling to lowerand middleincome Americans.

Bernanke’s comments came Nov. 15, a day when mortgage buyer Freddie Mac said the average rate on the 30-year fixed mortgage fell to a record low of 3.34 percent. Rates have been low all year but have fallen further since the Federal Reserve started buying mortgage bonds in September to encourage more borrowing and spending.

The rates have helped boost home sales and have led more people to refinance existing loans. Yet many have been unable to take advantage of the low rates because banks now

Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke

require higher credit scores, stricter income documentation and larger down payments before approving loans.

The Fed has tried to make homebuying more affordable through its bond purchases. Minutes from the central bank’s October meeting indicated the Fed may pursue more bond purchases in the month ahead. A new program could be announced when the Fed next meets on Dec. 11-12.

In his speech, Bernanke gave no hint of what future moves the Fed might take.

But he said officials at the central bank understood the problems still facing the U.S. economy.

Bernanke said housing has shown signs of recovery this year. But he said construction activity, sales and prices remain much lower than they were before the crisis. About 20 percent of mortgage borrowers remain under water, meaning that they owe more on their mortgage than their home is worth, he noted.

REAL ESTATE

THE OKLAHOMAN | NEWSOK.COM

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2012

7F

Under the hood: style, power and a purr

BY KAREN SULLIVAN The Charlotte Observer

Above every stove or cooktop hangs an opportunity to express yourself.

No more are we stuck with a boring, bulgy box that howls from a space beneath the spice cabinet.

Now that the kitchen is one of the most popular places to gather, range hoods are evolving and competing to be a focal point.

They are floating elegantly above a voluptuous kitchen island and commanding attention from a wall.

Make the right choices, and you can have a sleek new kitchen ventilation system that has power and a purr — for an investment starting at about $400, plus installation.

It would be easy to spend a lot more. Prices for custom and high-end decorative hoods can quickly climb to thousands of dollars.

Homeowners are turning on to the trend. From the artsy to designs with attitude, decorative range hoods are turning up in settings from contempo-

The price for Futuro Futuro’s Concorde range hood, shown in this rendering, starts at $1,495 for a 36-inch wall-mounted model.

MCT PHOTOS

rary to traditional.

“If you’re doing a traditional home, there’s no reason you couldn’t use a more decorative hood,” said Lora Donoghue, past president of the National Kitchen and Bath Association’s Carolinas Chapter.

Form over function?

Not necessarily. Range hoods are more powerful than ever, with blowers moving air at rates from about 400 to 1,300 cubic feet per minute or more.

Check online consumer reviews to avoid noise-

$130K-Large 4/2.5/2cp-2266sf

Fully Remodeled-Everything!

Fin. avail. All credit OK. 551-8191

Futuro Futuro’s Autumn range hood. Prices start at $2,095 for the 27-inch wall-mounted model.

makers.

The might and muscle is important these days.

Ranges in many homes are big, sometimes six to eight burners.

That’s a lot of territory for a range hood to cover to remove the grease and steam bubbling up from the pots and pans.

“If it isn’t leaving the

house, (the greasy steam) is on — guess what: beautiful new cabinets, carpeting, upholstery, walls, pictures and you,” said Jan Byers, manager of the Sub-Zero/Wolf showroom in Charlotte, N.C. Many homeowners still prefer traditional decor.

About 70 percent of customers want a traditional

VERY, VERY QUIET Near mall, schls, hosp Try Plaza East 341-4813

905 NW 21 Mesta Park 2 bed 1ba 1 car, 1200sf. Just beautiful wood floors! modern fixtures, all appls, no pets $1100mo $900dep 405-409-7989 no sec 8

8715 Roxbury Blvd. Townhouse, FSBO Remodeled 4/2.5/2 $94K Payment $422 WAC. 414-8854

FSBO $120K $2000 Dwn $750mo 15yrs ONR FIN NO CRED CHECK! Corner: Grand & Santa Fe 2100sf 3b 2b lrg gar on 1/2Acre 885-2572

2322 NW 20th 2 bed 1 ba 864sf new paint and fixtures $725 mo, $300 dep 405-409-7989 no sec 8 SATURDAY, DECEMBER 1st 2401 NW 45th, OKC 3 BED, 2 BATH, 2 CAR GARAGE For more info see kencarpenterauction.com 405-620-1524

AUCTION

NICE BRICK HOME * OKC

FRI NOV 30TH 10 AM 4921 NW 26th Street OKC, OK.

OPEN HOUSE NOV 18, 3-5PM

Vickie 405-205-9085 or Troy 580-747-6747

www.LippardAuctions.com 3337 Murray Dr. $80K 3bd 1ba 2 living, Western Heights HS Michele, Express South 323.5251 PIEDMONT OPEN SUN 2-5 Model home. New hms on 1/2 ac lots. From NW Expwy & Sara Rd go 4.5 mi N Cleaton & Assoc 373-2494 7 Acres & updated 5bd 4ba 7000sf 2 liv, 2 dining, 3 fp, built 2005.

3800sf attached garage, huge workshop. Minutes from Norman $495,000 Realty Experts 414-8753 CASHION 6-12 ac w/trees & creek owner fin may be avail Lisa 919-5717 Cleaton & Assoc 373-2494 1N to 10A E of OKC, pay out dn.

100's choices, many M/H ready TERMS Milburn o/a 275-1695 www.paulmilburnacreages.com 4bd house w/lg shop 1N -3O A SE Harah - unfinished house 5A TERMS Milburn o/a 275-1695 www.paulmilburnacreages.com Call for Maps! See why we sell more acreages than anyone in Okla. E of OKC. o/a 275-1695 5 Acres, Norman Schools, Pecan trees, well, bldgs, partially fenced ¡‘¡ 405-360-5862 ¡‘¡ 5 WOODED AC near Noble new well/sept. 405-426-5566

420ac 35% grass, small Cabin E of Holdenville$373,900 405.386.6629

3000 W Simpson » 10 Acres m/l Beautiful 5bedroom 2bath house, 2 car garage attached, cathedral ceilings in living area, balcony attached to master bedroom.

It will be sold as is. Priced at $195,000 Call 405-273-5777 PUBLIC NOTICE! Foreclosures: MUST GO! FixerUppers HUD REO& BnkOwnd Homebuyers/Investors welcome Call for FREE list of 2-4bd homes PATRICK W/Allied 405-740-6616 1000sq ft to be moved. $2,000 3/1 405-340-9957 Newer Roof

Owner carry 533 Sweetbough Renovated 1842 ft 3/2 2 living 417-2176 www.homesofokcinc.com

I BUY HOUSES

410-5700

Any condition. No cost to U

HORSE lovers dream 3bd 3.5ba on 10 ac MOL 40 x 50 wkshp, loafing shed $429,900. Lisa 919-5717 Cleaton & Assoc 373-2494 IMMACULATE 3bd 2ba w/study 8 x 12 outbld $164,900 Lisa 919-5717 Cleaton & Assoc 373-2494 BEAUTIFUL 3bd 2ba on .35 ac MOL seller is owner/broker of Cleaton & Assoc 373-2494 Lisa 919-5717 NEW HOME 3bd 2.5ba w/study on .50 ac MOL $227,800 Lisa 919-5717 seller is owner/broker of Cleaton & Assoc 373-2494

Darling 3bd 1ba in The Village, 10809 Sunnymeade Pl 751-4860

1810 Edinburg Dr/Westbury So. crnr lot 3/2/2 + pool & ofc. Now $144,500 w/$3K carpet allow.

Bill, Bateman Co. 324-2022

PIEDMONT OPEN SUN 2-5 Model home. New hms on 1/2 ac lots. From NW Expwy & Sara Rd go 4.5 mi N Cleaton & Assoc 373-2494

I BUY & SELL HOUSES 27 YRS EXP 650-7667 HOMESOFOKCINC.COM

Free Rent 'til January. 1 & 2 bed.

Spring Tree Apts. 405-737-8172.

1721 NW 1st 1bed 1bath 681-7272

$200 off

1st Mo Rent Selected Units Large Townhomes & Apartments • Washer, Dryers, pools • PC Schools, fireplaces

WILLIAMSBURG

7301 NW 23rd 787-1620

PARKLANE

$99 Special

Valencia Apts

Welding and manufacturing business with 57,000 sq. ft building and fenced lot, sell together or separately.

Kremlin, OK 580-554-5890

1 Month Free

11239 N. Penn Avenue Oklahoma City 1 and 2 bedrooms available $490-$610 great move-in specials Call 405-751-1221

GREAT Office Space. Various NW locations, 300-6000sf 946-2516

Briargate Apts 1718 N Indiana 1bd 1ba 800sf, wood floors, $600 mo, $300/dep 409-7989 No sec 8 800 N Meridian - 1bd All bills paid Brand New 2bd 2ba 946-9506 Lg 1 & 2Bd close to SNU. Covered parking. $345-$445mo 470-3535 •ABC• Affordable, Bug free, Clean » 787-7212» MAYFAIR Great loc! 1&2 bd W/D hdwd flr quiet secure ¡ 947-5665 Lg 1 & 2Bd close to SNU. Covered parking. $345-$445mo 470-3535

40ac Prestigious hunting land in Hughes County $17,000 886-1643 Newly Remodeled 1&2bd No deposit for VA, seniors & Disability. 4708 SE 44th 677-2200

PUBLIC NOTICE! Foreclosures: MUST GO! FixerUppers HUD REO& BnkOwnd Homebuyers/Investors welcome Call for FREE list of 2-4bd homes PATRICK W/Allied 405-740-6616

Putnam Heights, 3bed, 1bath, updated & new $775. 405-417-5833

$495 $525 $525

» 3112 SE 19 3/1/2 stor bldg, wd flr ch/a DC schlS $580 476-5011 3 bed, 1K bath, 2 car, Del City schools, new a/c and heat, $700 mo + deposit, 670-3471, Walter.

3 bed, 1 ba, carport ch&a, $650 mo, $550 dep, no sec 8, 740-8419.

612 Reynolds Rd 3/1.5/1 681-7272

$725

2828 Canton Ln, 4 bed, 2.5 bath, 3 car $1700/month. 405-397-9075

» K Off 2nd Month Rent! » 1404 S Youngs Newly built 2/1 $550 ¡ Free List ¡ 681-7272 2736 SW 53 1030sf 3bed 1ba 1car $700 mo $500 dep 405-409-7989 no sec 8 3/2/2, 1750 sf, Kings Park, with common area, pool, tennis court, $1150 + deposit, 682-5885.

944 SW 35th 3bd $495 2214 SW 30th dplx 2bd 1ba $495 Free List ¡ 681-7272 10125 Southridge Dr 3bd 2ba 2car, Moore schls, 1700sf, $1000 mo, $900 dep 409-7989 no sec 8

1305 Pinewood Ct 3/1/1 681-7272

$575

3bed, 1K bath, 2car, fenced, near schools. $800 PMO. 1 year lease. Broker/Owner 823-6856 Mon-Sat 3/2/3 1820sf fp storm shltr $1300 3/2.5 mbl hm 2.5ac fp $950+dep 3/1/1, 850sf. Cute! $675+dep WAC Home&Ranch Rlty 794-7777 Spacious 2bd 2ba condo Moore Schls $895 Harris RE 410-4300

2646 NW 34 2/1/1 $650 6717 NW 131 3/2/2 $1250 14311 N Penn 1/1 $600 12520 Tealwood 3/2/2 $1095 2903 Quail Creek 2/2/2 $1250 1622 Sheffield 3/1 $675 1744 Carlisle 2/1 $750 12305 Cedar Springs 2/2.5/2 $850 Express Realty 844-6101 www.expressrealtyok.com

3 SW OKC Locations $345 to 420 mo 632-9849

No Land? Just want a home!

Have down pymt money. Don't prejudge your credit. We have program for you WAC 631-7600

Furnished/Unfurnished. Bills Paid » Wkly/Mnthly. Wes Chase Apts Elk Horn Apts, Hillcrest, 370-1077

Abandoned D/W set up on 6 acres. Ready to move in. Many to choose from. Statewide 631-7600

SAN TEE APTS 1 BED $350 MO EFFICIENCY $275MO + ELEC & $135 DEP 408-9769

3bd 2ba vinyl siding, Ready now! $22K financing avail. 324-8000

8300 NW 10th, 3 bed, 1K bath, 2 car, washer/dryer hookup, $725, 405-326-0695.

1997 Spirit 16x80 3br/2bth $22,000 all. 405-240-7998 AWESOME! 32x80 Palm Harbor repo Starting @ $648mo 324-8000

2224 NW 16 - 2 bed 1 bath, 1281sf, new paint, wood floors.

Beautiful! $950 mo $800 dep 405-409-7989 no Sec 8 1020 Clover Ln-3 bed 2 bath, 1120sf $700/mo $500/dep 405-409-7989 no sec 8 7705 NW 116th, 3 bed, 2 bath, 2 car, ch&a, $1045 rent/$1045 deposit, no section 8, 405-370-1077.

NICE & CLEAN 1900sf 4/2/2 new wood flrs & pnt 7328 Walnut Creek $1150mo+ dep » 476-5222 LEASE PURCHASE Totally redone 4bd/2ba/2car $1150mo ¡ 308-9291 For Lease - Piedmont Schools Extra nice home 3bed, 2ba, 2,072 sq. ft. $1,250 mo. 405-408-1288

Rent to Own: Nice 2 & 3bed MWC $350 & up 390-9777 NEW 3bd/2bth $1500 down, $381 mo. wac 405-324-8010

3/4bd, 2.5ba, 2car, Deer Crk Schl $1100 550-9179 6812 NW 130th

3001 SW 61st 2 story 4bd 1.75 ba new carpet $795mo 408-9769 3bd 2K ba 3car 2300sf NO PETS SW 83rd. $1200mo 229-7295 2332 SW 49th 3/4bd 2 living, ch/a only $625 Harris RE 410-4300 Nice 2 bd fenced yard garage $525 mo $300dep. 631-8039

MUST SEE - SHAWNEE 2Bd 1Ba w/appls $475/mo + $450 dep. avail 12/1/2012 ‘ 405-432-8195

Edge of Nichols Hills 3/1.5/1 ch&a $795/mo. Refs required. 919-8043

11908 Ashford 3/2/2 $1050 1730 Riviera Ln 2/2/2 $925 Express Realty 844-6101 www.expressrealtyok.com

Large 1 & 2 beds. Stove, refrig,

3bd 2ba Singlewide $9000 + Delivery 405-631-7600 Bank Owned 3/1, new cabinets, carpet, hvac, roof & more! Brick .21ac $74,900 Rlty Exp 414-8753

3013 NW 30TH 2BD 2BATH $525MO 408-9769

3bd 1ba, 1152 SE 18th St $750+ $650dep Avail 12/1 405-812-0096

KAT Properties-Apt & Homes for rent. Scan this w/your phone app

Special Govt Program! Own Land/ Family Land ZERO down. Don't prejudge credit! E-Z qualify by phone! $2,000 furniture package w/purchase.

Homes starting $26,500 & up. WAC 405-602-4526

2 bd, 1.5 ba, 1216sf, W/D hkups $600mo 1138 N Bradley 618-8723

608 SE 49th 3bd 1bath 1502 SE 64th 2bd 1ba 1car 6404 S Durland 3bd 1ba 681-7272

» 705 Juniper Ave 3bd 1bd 2c cha wd flr nice fncd. $585 476-5011

Furnished/Unfurnished. Bills Paid » Wkly/Mnthly. Wes Chase Apts Elk Horn Apts, Hillcrest, 370-1077

Exceptional 3bd 2ba home in Fox Run, 1900sf, $1085 603-4775

Bills Paid

Large 2bd $595 Casady 751-8088

Free Rent Till January. 1/2/3 bed, Putnam Green, 405-721-2210.

New Home 2000sf, 3bd, 2ba Rockwell & 122 ¡$1800¡285-6312

Furnished/Unfurnished Weekly/Monthly 370-1077

721-5455

1 & 2 BD & Townhouses •City bus route/Shopping •Washer/Dryer hookups

MCT INFORMATION SERVICES

3/4 bd, 2 full ba $825mo, $700dep 1205 NW 80th ¡ 229-7437

8100 N. MacArthur Blvd

RiverChase Apartments

Office or Retail Space in Yukon Arvest Plaza - 915 Cornwell Dr. Call Jim at 405-942-9905

1503 NW 17th, 2 bed, all appls, W/D, $600 mo + dep. 314-9511.

$200 Off

Commercial Bldg. Good Investment or owner occupied.

Mechanic shop, car lot and ect S. Western St. frontage, SW 27th & Western, currently rented for $1400/mo. Asking $105,000.

Call 405-641-0841.

405-838-2558 email: arifmajeed_555@yahoo.com

$365

1st Mo Rent Selected units 2 & 3 bed Townhouses Washer/Dryers, Fireplaces, P.C. Schools

2221 N. Meridian 946-6548

7602 N Western Ave. Shopping Center space for rent. 370-1077

912 N Gardner 3 bed 1O bath fireplace washer/dryer hook ups wat/garb pd $550mo 408-9769

look when they come to Ferguson Bath, Kitchen & Lighting Gallery, on South Boulevard in Charlotte. A custom hood built by a cabinet maker is often their choice.

A hood can be built to match the cabinets — and the size of the range.

“Basically if you can draw it on a CAD (computer-aided design) program, they can make it,” said Liz Gant, Ferguson’s appliance manager.

A custom hood will need a liner and an insert, which includes all of the innards that do the dirty work.

A decorative range hood is a second option. The single unit combines a hood and insert. These often have a more contemporary look.

Lighting is usually built into a ventilation system.

Halogen, florescent and LED fixtures are common.

While design is important, customers want a model that works well above all. That means power without the howl.

“The No. 1 concern is consumers want something quiet,” Gant said.

Lg 1 & 2Bd close to SNU. Covered parking. $345-$445mo 470-3535

Oldetowne, 9124 Stonegate, 2bd, 1car, 1 mi. to Tinker, 769-7177.

723 NW 25th 5bd/2ba CH&A $1,100 mo $600dep 831-0825

Rent to Own: Nice 2 & 3bed MWC $350 & up 390-9777 2 & 3 BED MHs & HOUSES » » » 733-8688 » » »

8F

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2012

Permits Oklahoma City SGS LLC, 8601 S Pennsylvania Ave., church, remodel, $2,000,000.

Booz Allen Hamilton, 211 N Robinson Ave., office, remodel, $1,123,000.

Dave Goodman Homes, 17212 Whimbrel Lane, residence, erect, $750,000.

Tricore Custom Homes LLC, doing business as Gallardia Construction Co., 5740 Oliver Court, residence, erect, $750,000.

The Roberts Group, 16325 Scotland Way, residence, erect, $590,000.

Mayse & Associates, 6420 SW 3, restaurant, erect, $550,000.

Willco Homes LLC, 3209 NW 177, residence, erect, $530,000.

Central Precast, 3941 W Reno Ave., warehouse, erect, $530,000.

Energy Architecture, 801 N Morgan Road, manufacturing, add-on, $520,000.

Craig Young Properties LLC, 14908 Kurdson Way, residence, erect, $500,000.

Avalon Homes & Properties LLC, 7701 Jesse Trail, residence, erect, $499,525.

The Roberts Group, 16369 Scotland Way, residence, erect, $475,000.

Clyde Riggs Construction, 525 Central Park Drive, office, remodel, $450,000.

Bekm Holdings, 16224 Muirfield Place, shell building, erect, $410,749.

Tapestry Custom Homes LLC, 1408 NW 188, residence, erect, $396,700.

McDermott Construction Co. LLC, 9904 Russell Drive, residence, erect, $390,000.

The Roberts Group, 16341 Scotland Way, residence, erect, $385,000.

J.R. Bowers Jr. Construction Co. Inc., 10909 Meadowlake Farms Drive, residence, erect, $325,000.

Suburban Homes/Cloverleaf LLC, 9024 NW 147 Place, residence, erect, $325,000.

Brown Development LLC, 8701 SW 107, residence, erect, $307,000.

Willa Construction Co. Inc., 2508 SW 135 Circle, residence, erect, $290,000.

Willa Construction Co. Inc., 3209 SW 137, residence, erect, $280,000.

J.R. Bowers Jr. Construction Co. Inc., 10921 Meadowlake Farms Drive, residence, erect, $275,000.

Sun Properties LLC, 5417 Lazy Fawn Trail, residence, erect, $275,000.

Heritage Construction Co., 6900 NW 122, business, remodel, $262,800.

Landmark Fine Homes LP, 18428 Salvador Road, residence, erect, $260,000.

Allenton Homes & Development LLC, 7028 NW 159 Place, residence, erect, $260,000.

Shawn Forth Custom Homes, 18213 Haslemere Lane, residence, erect, $259,000.

KB Mac LLC, 6800 Broadway Extension, office, remodel, $250,000.

Allenstyle Homes LLC, 7017 NW 161, residence, erect, $248,000.

Olde World Classics LLC, 19809 Oakshire Drive, residence, erect, $245,000.

Sierra Homes LLC, 3209 Hampshire Lane, residence, erect, $240,000.

TLP Custom Homes LLC, 1529 SW 131, residence, erect, $240,000.

Earl Austin Construction Co., doing business as Austin Homes, 8413 NW 122 Circle, residence, erect, $230,000.

J.W. Mashburn Development Inc., 5601 NW 121 Circle, residence, erect, $230,000.

New Home Construc-

tion LLC, 12015 SE 105 Court, residence, erect, $225,000.

Rice Custom Homes LLC, 19001 Pinehurst Trail Drive, residence, erect, $225,000.

Braxton Homes LLC, 3913 Chesterfield Place, residence, erect, $225,000.

E-Z Living Homes Inc., 12400 Heathfield Lane, residence, erect, $225,000.

E-Z Living Homes Inc., 12605 Lexington Drive, residence, erect, $225,000.

E-Z Living Homes Inc., 11801 Milano Road, residence, erect, $225,000.

Johnston Builders LLC, 5632 NW 126, residence, erect, $220,000.

Heartland Homes LLC, 2401 NW 174, residence, erect, $214,900.

Allenstyle Homes LLC, 7021 NW 161, residence, erect, $200,000.

J.W. Mashburn Development Inc., 3121 SW 136 Terrace, residence, erect, $200,000.

Sun Properties LLC, 1404 NW 176, residence, erect, $200,000.

R&R Homes LLC, 10717 SW 34 Terrace, residence, erect, $200,000.

Massey (Rex) Construction Inc., 636 NE 14, accessory, erect, $200,000.

Taber Built Homes LLC, 13917 Drakes Way, residence, erect, $200,000.

Taber Built Homes LLC, 13913 Drakes Way, residence, erect, $200,000.

Taber Built Homes LLC, 13921 Drakes Way, residence, erect, $200,000.

Taber Built Homes LLC, 13925 Drakes Way, residence, erect, $200,000.

Walter Owens Homes Inc., 8708 SW 59 Terrace, residence, erect, $200,000.

Woodcrafter Homes Inc., 524 Kearny Lane, residence, erect, $200,000.

Woodcrafter Homes Inc., 524 Kearny Lane, residence, erect, $200,000.

Allenton Homes & Development LLC, 7024 NW 159 Place, residence, erect, $200,000.

M&J Homes LLC, 9901 SW 28, residence, erect, $195,000.

League Custom Homes LLC, 8809 NW 109, residence, erect, $190,000.

Watermark Homes LLC, 2816 Morgan Trace, residence, erect, $190,000.

Redwing Construction LLC, 9809 SW 27, residence, erect, $190,000.

Quality Designed Homes LLC, 2301 Makaila Way, residence, erect, $187,000.

Quality Designed Homes LLC, 2320 Wayne Cutt Ave., residence, erect, $187,000.

League Custom Homes LLC, 605 Celtic Circle, residence, erect, $186,000.

Cliff Marical Homes Inc., 11312 SW 37, residence, erect, $185,000.

J. Hill Homes Inc., 9009 SW 38 Terrace, residence, erect, $185,000.

Bradbury Homes Inc., 11736 SW 21, residence, erect, $184,000.

Timber Craft Homes LLC, 8404 NW 143 Terrace, residence, erect, $169,500.

Johnston Builders LLC, 5601 NW 126, residence, erect, $160,000.

American Building Contractors & Developers LLC, 11208 SW 37 Court, residence, erect, $150,000.

Hollingsworth Enterprises LLC, 9801 SW 27, residence, erect, $150,000.

Leonhardt Enterprises Inc., 15912 Cantera Creek Drive, residence, erect, $150,000.

Leonhardt Enterprises Inc., 15812 Cantera Creek Drive, residence, erect, $150,000.

Leonhardt Enterprises Inc., 15908 Cantera Creek Drive, residence, erect, $150,000.

Manco Enterprises LLC, 15917 Panther Way, residence, erect, $150,000.

Manco Enterprises LLC, 15904 Cantera Creek

REAL ESTATE Drive, residence, erect, $150,000.

Titan Homes, 11100 Tammy Terrace, residence, move-on, $140,400.

Olde World Classics LLC, 12116 Cliff Rose Drive, residence, erect, $140,000.

Ideal Homes of Norman LP, 18409 Las Meninas Drive, residence, erect, $132,000.

Ideal Homes of Norman LP, 18525 Las Meninas Drive, residence, erect, $131,000.

Westpoint Homes, 6001 NW 151 Terrace, residence, erect, $130,000.

Cliff Marical Homes Inc., 10620 SW 34 Terrace, residence, erect, $129,900.

Cliff Marical Homes Inc., 10617 SW 36, residence, erect, $129,900.

American Building Contractors & Developers LLC, 3005 Canton Trail, residence, erect, $125,000.

Allen & Co., 2627 W Wilshire Blvd., residence, add-on, $120,000.

Home Creations, 9812 SW 36, residence, erect, $117,200.

Dale Ryan Design Plus Inc., 2100 W Memorial Road, restaurant, add-on, $110,000.

Harbor Homes, 17109 Avila Lane, residence, erect, $110,000.

Chickasaw Holding Co., 601 SW 7, business, remodel, $110,000.

Rausch Coleman Homes LLC, 11416 SW 25 Terrace, residence, erect, $109,000.

Home Creations, 2433 NW 197 Terrace, residence, erect, $103,600.

Cresap Capital LLC, 2424 NW 194 Terrace, residence, erect, $100,000.

Cresap Capital LLC, 2409 NW 194 Terrace, residence, erect, $100,000.

Rausch Coleman Homes LLC, 9637 Lauren Drive, residence, erect, $100,000.

Rausch Coleman Homes LLC, 4709 Hunter Blvd., residence, erect, $100,000.

Ideal Homes of Norman LP, 432 Scully Road, residence, erect, $96,000.

Home Creations, 2437 NW 197 Terrace, residence, erect, $85,400.

Dan Reynolds Construction & Restoration, 800 Gleneagles Drive, residence, remodel, $83,500.

Home Creations, 19801 Vista Ave., residence, erect, $78,800.

Cornerstone Group LLC, 10740 SW 36, residence, erect, $65,000.

Cornerstone Group LLC, 11720 SW 20, residence, erect, $65,000.

Cornerstone Group LLC, 2325 Makaila Way, residence, erect, $65,000.

Cornerstone Group LLC, 2316 Makaila Way, residence, erect, $65,000.

Home First Inc., 15100 Turtle Lake Place, accessory, erect, $60,000.

Mike Sullivan Construction, 6016 SE 149, residence, add-on, $46,000.

CW Homes, 7510 Bobwhite Trail, residence, add-on, $45,000.

Rice (Mike) Construction, 6903 N May Ave., retail sales, remodel, $42,000.

JNC Transport, 3308 SE 89, manufactured home, move-on-mobile home park, $30,000.

JNC Transport, 1325 Windsurf Way, manufactured home, move-onmobile home park, $30,000.

Quality Interior Design, 7309 S Western Ave., retail sales, remodel, $30,000.

Step By Stepps, 2515 SW 57, residence, add-on, $30,000.

Bronco Steel Inc., 6025 NW 2, canopy-carport, erect, $25,000.

Chris Papasarantou, 325 W Memorial Road, canopy-carport, erect, $20,000.

Jim Lemmons, 2212 NW 36, accessory, erect, $20,000.

Lawrence Baranski, 9809 S Sunnylane Road,

Butts joins Covington Co.

Jeanie Butts

Jeanie Butts has joined The Covington Co., 6520 N Western Ave., Suite 200, as a broker associate.

She has been a resident of Oklahoma City for more than 30 years. She graduated from Oklahoma State

University and has a law degree from Oklahoma City University.

She is a former assistant attorney general and assistant city attorney for the city of Norman.

automotive repair-wash, erect, $20,000.

Stephen Taylor, 9900 Stefano Circle, accessory, erect, $20,000.

RBA Architects, 3111 Quail Springs Parkway, office, remodel, $15,000.

Rich A&A Investments LLC, 1137 N Indiana Ave., residence, remodel, $12,000.

Okstormshelters LLC, 8745 Pikes Peak Road, storm shelter, installstorm shelter, $10,200.

Vicky Pando, 320 SW 30, residence, remodel, $10,000.

Grace Contracting LLC, 7000 NW 122, retail sales, remodel, $5,000.

Brad Cage, 2309 SW 94, storm shelter, installstorm shelter, $4,600.

Don Hodges, 2400 S MacArthur Blvd., manufactured home, move-onmobile home park, $4,000.

Tom Michael, 15216 N Frisco Road, accessory, erect, $4,000.

Paulo Paes, 17709 Gold Drive, storm shelter, install-storm shelter, $3,395.

Jose Garibaldi, 3200 SW 23, storm shelter, installstorm shelter, $3,295.

F5 Storm Shelter, 19528 Talavera Lane, storm shelter, install-storm shelter, $3,200.

F5 Storm Shelter, 17016 Wales Green Ave., storm shelter, install-storm shelter, $3,100.

Lindsey M. Ray, 6025 NW 154, storm shelter, install-storm shelter, $3,000.

Bryan Nikkel, 13100 Linden, storm shelter, installstorm shelter, $3,000.

Bowlware (W.S.) Construction, 15200 NW 34, temporary building, move-on, $3,000.

Kari Bishop, 8405 NW 63 Terrace, storm shelter, install-storm shelter, $2,995.

Kevin Fitzgerald, 3121 SW 137 Court, storm shelter, install-storm shelter, $2,995.

Darwin Stewart, 12600 N Rockwell Ave., storm shelter, install storm shelter, $2,950.

Asako and Brandon Ashpaugh, 17617 Nickel Lane, storm shelter, install-storm shelter, $2,900.

Leonard and Lois Murphy, 17121 Platinum Lane, storm shelter, installstorm shelter, $2,900.

Tom Townley, 525 SW 159 Terrace, storm shelter, install-storm shelter, $2,895.

Babu Mathew, 11812 SW 1, storm shelter, installstorm shelter, $2,800.

Eppachen Daniel, 9205 SW 23, storm shelter, install-storm shelter, $2,800.

Terry and Dana Jones, 1000 SW 102, storm shelter, install-storm shelter, $2,800.

Alloy Building Co., 2120 SW 61 Terrace, canopycarport, add-on, $2,600.

Jerry Anderson, 12504 Doons Drive, storm shelter, install-storm shelter, $2,600.

Chris and Tanna Zach, 7301 NW 106, storm shelter, install-storm shelter, $2,595.

Carson & Shdeed, 228 NW 59, office-warehouse, remodel, $2,500.

Carson & Shdeed, 228 NW 59, office-warehouse, remodel, $2,500.

Sherri Stotts, 2900 Donnelly Ave., residence, add-on, $2,500.

Clydell Dewberry, 645 NW 109, canopy-carport, add-on, $1,377.

Rosalinda Burrola, 1629 SW 52, canopy-carport, add-on, $1,200.

Demolitions Kendall Concrete, 2318 NW 18, residence.

THE OKLAHOMAN | NEWSOK.COM

LISTING OF THE WEEK

The Listing of the Week is at 1224 Davinbrook Drive.

PHOTO PROVIDED

Large home has 4 bedrooms, pool The Listing of the Week is a large Mediterraneanstyle home with three large living areas, including one overlooking the pool.

The 3,754-square-foot home has four bedrooms, three dining areas and a detached three-car garage.

The main living room has a fireplace. The den has a built-in entertainment center. The kitchen has a large pantry, built-in desk and granite counters. The front bathroom is a safe room. The home has a mother-in-law plan, with two bedrooms on each end of the house. The study is next to the master bedroom, which has a his-

and-hers bath with walkin closet. The home has a cabana area with gas grill, a security system and underground sprinkler system.

The home at 1224 Davinbrook Drive, southwest of NW Grand and NW 63, built in 1967, is listed for $529,000 with Sandy Giasson of ChurchillBrown & Associates Realtors. For more information, call 641-3836 or 8438188.

Nominations for Listing of the Week are welcome. Send a copy of the MLS information sheet on a single-family home to The Oklahoman, Richard Mize, P.O. Box 25125, Oklahoma City, OK 73125. Nominations may be faxed to 475-3996.

Realtors get social in Orlando, Fla. FROM WIRE REPORTS

ORLANDO, Fla. — As more homebuyers, sellers and investors rely on social media and online resources for real estate information, Realtors are responding.

Realtors at the recent session “Raise your Social Media Marketing to the Next Level,” at the 2012 Realtors Conference and Expo learned strategies to enhance their social business and digital engagement and ways to incorporate new outlets into their marketing mix.

“Technology has transformed the way Realtors do business, and it’s important to keep up with this ongoing evolution,” said Nobu Hata, director of digital engagement for the National Association of Realtors, who spoke during the session. “Given the Internet’s convenience and round-the-clock accessibility, it’s not surprising that many homebuyers first look online for properties and information when beginning their search. And most of those buyers then turn to real estate professionals to help

them realize their real estate goals.”

According to the 2012 National Association of Realtors Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers, released at the conference, nine out of 10 recent homebuyers used the Internet to search for homes, up from seven out of 10 in 2003. And the percentage of buyers who report using the Internet “frequently” nearly doubled, from 42 percent in 2003 to 79 percent in 2012.

“Stay in touch and engaged with your clients online by making your website the most ‘social’ thing you use,” Hata said.

“Give consumers what they can’t Google.”

Nearly half of all Realtors — 49 percent — report actively using social networking websites, and a small but growing segment use forms of communication such as blogs (17 percent), according to the most recent NAR Member Profile.

Session participants discussed ways to leverage the business applications of popular social media platforms, including Pinterest, Tumblr and Yelp.

Mo. real estate broker indicted in fraud case MCCLATCHY-TRIBUNE INFORMATION SERVICES

ST. LOUIS — A north St. Louis County real estate broker was arrested on indictments of bank fraud and other federal charges after allegedly bilking lenders with a real estate scheme, the U.S. attorney’s office said.

Jerrick Hawkins, 28, recruited buyers for real estate that he either owned or for which he was acting as broker from at least 2007 to September 2011, prosecutors said.

Most of the buyers couldn’t pay for the properties or legitimately qualify for loans, so Hawkins told them to supply false employment and income amounts on loan applications and submitted false documents to back them up, including pay stubs, W-2s, gift letters and verification of employment forms, prosecutors said.

Most of the loans went into default, prosecutors said.

Hawkins now faces one bank fraud charge and two counts of making false statements.