What Not to Pack!

Packing and moving can be a lengthy and stressful process. Knowing what to pack is simple though, right? Unfortunately, it isn't always so simple! There are some items that you should not send with your moving company. Hazardous items are actually illegal for movers to to transport. The following items should not be sent in the moving van:

• Paint and paint thinners
• Ammunition and firearms
• Gas, Propane, and Oil
• Flammable or Explosive Materials
• Aerosols
• Acetone Products (such as nail polish remover)
• Stereo Equipment
• Matches
• Valuable Items
• Pets

For a complete list of items that moving companies can't move or for a quote to move your property, contact Mike with Relocation LLC at 918-455-6683 or www.relocationllc.net.

For more information about moving your business to the Tulsa, OK area, contact Darryl Baskin of McGraw Realtors at 918-258-2600 or www.darrylbaskin.com/commercial

What is Land Use Planning?

Land use planning is a process where experts assess the land and its resources with the goal of making the land most beneficial to the users while also conserving the environment. While this process does take time, it can be very beneficial to property owners and the environment. As land is used up over time, it is very important to conserve the limited resources available to us. Land use planning helps all involved to make the best use of the land and help anticipate future needs and possible changes.

There are many steps and factors that are present when developing a land use plan, from discussions with owners to legal, economic, and social factors. The basic steps in land use planning are as follows:

• Determine Goals and Get Organized
• List Problems adn Changes that are Possible
• Evaluate the Land
• Analyze the Legal, Economic, Social, and Environmental Factors
• Select the Best Option
• Prepare and Implement the Plan
• Monitor the Plan and Revise as Needed

To discuss land use planning, contact Dennis Blind of Glory Development at 918-812-2339 or glorydevelopment@olp.net.

For legal issues involving your commercial property or land use plan, contact Chuck Richardson of Richardson, Richardson, Boudreaux at 918-663-5070 or clrichardson@richardsonlawfirmpc.com.

For all your Tulsa, OK area commercial real estate needs, contact Darryl Baskin, McGraw Realtors at 918-258-2600 or www.darrylbaskin.com.

Evaluating a Good Commercial Real Estate Site....

To find a good commercial real estate site there are several areas to think about before purchasing land. The first step is to find the best locations available in the market and compare the different locations. Second, figure out why that location might not have worked for the existing business (if there was one on that site) and discuss how you can reduce your risk in that location. Third, gather all your information together, including; demographics, customer information, business plans, site information and features- accessibility, visibility, etc. Finally, take all your information and evaluate it to determine if the location you are considering is the right one. Some questions to consider might be:

1. Who are my customers?
2. Where do my current and future customers live and work?
3. Why are they buying my product or service?
4. What is the business and retail activity in this area?
5. Is this location easy to access?
6. How much traffic is there in this area?
7. What competition will I face here?
8. Will my business be visible in this location?
9. Are there any barriers I must overcome in this location, business, or with this type of customer, etc?

For more information on site planning, selection, or acquisition, contact Dennis Blind of DREI group at 918-812-2339 or www.dreigroup.com.

For all your commercial real estate needs in the Tulsa, Oklahoma area, contact Darryl Baskin, McGraw Realtors at 918-258-2600 or www.darrylbaskin.com.

Indoor Air Pollution

Indoor air pollution can pose many health risks, including: allergies, asthma, and even cancer. The average person spends about 30% of their day at work and 75% of their day indoors . These simple solutions can improve the air quality in your business and your home:

• Avoiding smoking and the use of chemicals indoors
• Using building materials that don't emit toxins
• Dehumidifying in moist areas
• Ensuring adequate ventilation
• Using filters that help reduce air pollutants

For information on air filters to improve indoor air quality at your business, contact Rick Butefish at Filters4Me.com or 918-292-8600.

A-Best Roofing Expands into OKC!

A-Best Roofing of Tulsa has expanded to serve the Oklahoma City area. They have provided residential and commercial roofing services in the Tulsa area for 21 years and now serve OKC. Their new office is located at 13722 N. Lincoln Blvd. in Edmond. You can also visit their Tulsa location at 1411 E. 3rd St. For more information on roofing products or for an estimate for roofing services, contact Judy Smith of A-Best Roofing at 918-587-1426 or judysmith@abestroofing.com.

For a list of home maintenance professionals visit www.tulsahomemaintenance.com.

Improve or Move?

Right now, during these difficult economic times, many property owners are choosing to improve their commercial property rather than move. By doing so, when the economy changes they will have increased the value of their property and will be able to sell it at that point. There are many ways to improve your property and add value, including: repairing and replacing your roof, repainting the interior and exterior of your property, installing energy efficient products, providing curb appeal through landscaping, upgrading fixtures, and doing basic maintenance and pest control.

• Repairing or Replacing Your Roof- Make sure that you keep your roof in good repair and when needed, replace it. Check with your roofing professional to see if you need a new roof, have venting problems, have loose shingles, or have any other roofing issues that are in need of repair.
  
• Repainting- repainting your property not only helps maintain the property but it is also appealing to buyers when you decide to sell. Keep neutral colors in mind, however, so that it will be appealing to a large number of buyers.
  
• Installing Energy Efficient Products- replace old windows, appliances, hot water heaters, and heating and a/c units with newer energy star rated ones. This will help decrease your energy bills and will be attractive to buyers.
  
• Providing Curb Appeal through Landscaping- make sure that your landscaping is attractive to buyers. An attractive exterior can help ensure that buyers will at least take a peak inside. Also remember to provide landscaping that will look good in every season.
  
• Upgrading Fixtures- this is an easy and often inexpensive way to improve your property. Replace doorknobs, cabinet pulls, light fixtures, and plumbing fixtures for newer ones.
• Doing Basic Maintenance and Pest Control- this is one of the best ways to improve your property and prevent buyers from walking out the door. Many buyers simply don't want a "fixer upper" or problems with pests. They want it move in ready. Simple maintenance and pest control will keep buyers interested and will help prevent more expensive repairs later.

Remember, if you don't have the time or skill, hire a professional to do needed improvements and repairs. A poor repair job won't attract buyers when you decide to sell. Check our the professionals listed below or visit www.tulsahomemaintenance.com for a complete list of professionals.

• For information on how to improve your commercial property by repairing or replacing your roof, contact Judy Smith of Abest Roofing at 918-587-1426 or www.abestroofing.com.

• For information on pest control in the Tulsa, Oklahoma area contact Duane Montgomery, Montgomery Exterminating at 918-438-4885 or www.montgomeryexterminating.com.

• To have a estimate on property repairs contact Jonathon Knapp of Residential Repairs at 918-621-1020 or www.residentialrepairinc.com.

• For heating and air conditioning repair and replacement contact Stephen Taylor at Air Assurance at 918-258-HEAT or www.airassurance.com.

• For information on how to improve your commercial property or on buying or selling commercial real estate contact Darryl Baskin, McGraw Realtors, 918-258-2600 or www.darrylbaskin.com.

Tulsa County Assessor Responds on Broken Arrow School Bond Election

Ken Yazel, Tulsa County Assessor, responds to The Future of Real Estate interview with Joe Cook who speaking for the passage of the Broken Arrow School Bond issue. Mr. Yazel that Tulsa County residents are, by far, the highest taxed real estate owners in the state.  Some proponents for the bond issue are saying that Yazel's weighted average is not representative of the actual tax rate property owners are paying.  Yazel responds "The fact is that Tulsa property owners are the highest taxed in the state and they deserve to know the truth.  I am not here to kill any bond issue or to oppose the vote.  I am here to make the facts available and make sure taxpayers are not mislead by marketing campaigns trying to get their votes."

Darryl Baskin, Tulsa, OK area real estate broker and host of The Future of Real Estate radio program on AM740 and fm102.3 KRMG, adds "This is a healthy debate which will let Broken Arrow, OK residents make an important decision about what they want their community to be in coming years.  This is what determines the livability of a city and what will eventually determine future Broken Arrow real estate values.  It is not just about how much stuff you have but about how much you have to pay for that stuff if you live there."