Get Artsy with Your Commercial Landscaping!

Many of us have not heard of glass mulch. Glass mulch is becoming more popular for many reasons. First, it is very earth friendly. It is made from recycled glass, tumbled to ensure there are no sharp edges, and lasts forever in landscaping as mulch. Second, it can be laid out in a design using various colors for a more artistic flair in landscaping.

There are many uses for glass mulch when it comes to landscaping in commercial applications. You can use it as:

• landscaping mulch
• accent for driveway or pathways
• mixed into concrete for a terazzo tile effect
• used in non-skid or reflective paint
• used to create a beautiful design or business logo around your property
  

When you need a beautiful and sparkling effect for your commercial landscaping, remember to consider glass mulch.

For glass mulch for Tulsa, OK commercial uses. contact Leigh Murray, Garden Glass of Oklahoma, 918-232-0210 or www.gardenglassofoklahoma.com.

New Flood Insurance Rate Maps

Many property owners in the Tulsa, OK. area are finding out that they will soon be required to purchase flood insurance on their property due to changes in the flood insurance rate maps. There are areas that are being changed: some will now be required to purchase flood insurance on their property and others who may be able to drop the flood insurance on their property. These FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) changes take place in 2012.

If you have questions or wish to see what changes may have been made to your property, visit the resources below:

• www.riskmap6.com Once at this address, select Oklahoma and enter your county. Areas added to the flood plan will appear in red and areas removed from the floodplain appear in green.
• Contact Bill Robison at 918-596-9475 to view the hard copies of the maps or for questions.

Those who have received a letter with changes, may protest during the 90 day appeal process, which will end sometime in July 2011. To protest, contact Bill Robison at 918-596-9475 or brobison@cityoftulsa.org. Don't forget to include the following information: your name, contact information, property address or legal description, and why you feel there is an error.

When the maps become effective, those with a federally backed mortgage, will be required to purchase flood insurance in accordance with federal regulations. You may receive a cheaper rate if you purchase flood insurance before the new rates are effective. For more information on flood insurance visit: www.floodsmart.gov or www.cityoftulsa.org/city-services/floodcontrol/2012-floodmaps.aspx.

For all your Tulsa, OK. area insurance needs, contact Mike Tedford, Tedford Insurance at 918-299-2345 or www.tedfordinsurance.com.

To qualify for a Tulsa, OK. commercial mortgage or for questions regarding your Tulsa, OK. mortgage and the new flood rate maps, contact Karen Heston, BOK Mortgage, 918-230-9432 or http://kheston-boklo.mortgagewebcenter.com/Default.asp?bhcp=1

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

Why Do I Need a Survey?

When you decide to build an addition or a new building, you will need a survey. A survey shows where the property lines are as well as any buildings, easements, driveways, or encroachments on the property such as a neighboring business' driveway. You might say, “I don’t need a survey, I have a plat map”. A plat map only shows the property boundaries, it doesn’t show easements or encroachments which can cause a problem with a legal title. A survey will ensure that anything you are building is not on someone else’s property or easement. It will also help if you have acreage and decide to sell some of it later.

For more information on Tulsa, OK. commercial land surveys, titles, and the closing process, contact JJ Pierce at Closings of Tulsa at 918-493-2241 or www.closingsoftulsa.com.

For commercial real estate in Tulsa, OK. contact Darryl Baskin, McGraw Realtors, 918-258-2600 or www.darrylbaskin.com.

Easy Energy-Saving Ideas for Spring

Spring is finally upon us, which means things will be heating up in no time...including your electric bill.

In today's economy, it's important to reduce expenses wherever possible, especially those costs related to your home. As a Member of the Top 5 in Real Estate Network®, I, along with my team, have seen how seemingly small steps in home maintenance can yield big results in terms of savings. Whenever working with clients, therefore, we make sure to point out the various ways they can save energy. Not only is it good for the environment, it's good for your household budget as well.

Here are some great energy-saving ideas to look at this spring:

Start at the top. Now is the perfect time to make sure your roof has adequate ventilation. As the weather gets increasingly warmer, heat builds up in your attic and good ventilation is critical to cutting cooling costs and protecting your shingles, as well.

Check your cooling system. An annual inspection is key to keeping your air conditioning system at peak performance. Early spring is the best time to call a local contractor to schedule a check-up. Make sure air conditioning units are free of obstructions inside and out. When embarking on spring clean up, be sure to trim bushes, and clear leaves and other debris away from your outdoor condenser.

Consider a furnace replacement. You may be using your furnace less as the weather warms up, but if it's an older model, now may be the time to take advantage of end-of-season sales to replace it with one that's more energy efficient.

Landscaping plays a part. Plant trees on the south and west side of your house to provide cooling shade.

These are just some of the ways to help reduce energy costs and also protect one of your greatest investments...your home. Please e-mail our team for more home ideas and be sure to pass this information on to your fellow homeowners as well.

Sincerely,

Darryl Baskin

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

For Tulsa, OK. commercial heating and a/c service, contact Stephen Taylor of Air Assurance at 918-258-HEAT or www.airassurance.com.

For all your Tulsa, OK. commercial roofing needs, contact Judy Smith of A-Best Roofing at 918-587-1426 or www.abestroofing.com.

For other ways to cut your Tulsa, OK. commercial electric bill and for all your Tulsa, OK. commercial electric installation and repair, contact Larry Murray of Murray Electric at 918-557-3020 or www.murrayelectric.com.

Flintco Honored for Work on The Summit Club

Flintco, a large commercial contractor headquartered here in Tulsa, OK, was recently honored for their work on The Summit Club of Tulsa. The Associated Builders and Contractors awarded Flintco the Eagle Aware for "Renovation- Less than $4 Million" (Tulsa World, 3-20-11, Flintco Honored for Summit Club Work). Congratulations Flintco!

"The Excellence in Construction awards program honors innovative and high-quality construction projects and safety programs. Winning projects were selected from entries submitted from across the nation and were judged on complexity, attractiveness, unique challenges overcome, completion time, workmanship, innovation, safety and cost."

Read more from this Tulsa World article at http://www.tulsaworld.com/business/article.aspx?subjectid=46&articleid=20110320_46_E3_CUTLIN996909&archive=yes

The Summit Club is one of Tulsa's oldest premier member's only dining and social clubs. The Flintco project on The Summit Club is expected to be complete this month, April 2011.

Interested in commercial real estate in Tulsa? Contact Darryl Baskin, McGraw Realtors, 918-258-2600 or www.darrylbaskin.com.

Handling a Business Fire...

A fire in your Tulsa, OK. area business is not only destructive it can also leave you wondering "what do I do next"? Keep these 3 easy steps in mind should you suffer damage from a fire. First, contact your insurance company and inform them of the fire and gets things going from their side. Second, get all your important documents together , especially those that have survived the fire. If they didn't survive the fire, attempt to get another copy. Third, take inventory of what was and wasn't damaged. Damaged property can be difficult and stressful to handle, so call the professionals.

The experts at PCC Cleaning and Restoration can help with fire and water restoration and even mold damage. For more information on Tulsa, OK. fire and water restoration, mold damage, or helpful tips after this type of damage to your property call Roger Fisher at 918-641-1111 or visit their website at www.pcccr.com.

For Tulsa, OK commercial insurance coverage, contact Mike Tedford, Tedford Insurance, 918-299-2345 or www.tedfordinsurance.com.

For Tulsa, OK. commercial building and remodeling, contact Rick Oberlender, US Building Systems, 918-734-1293 or usbs@att.net.

For all your Tulsa, OK. commercial wholesale floorcovering needs, contact Jim Ecrette at ProSource Wholesale Floorcoverings, at 918-252-7711 or www.prosourcefloors.com/tulsa. Don't forget to ask for Darryl Baskin's wholesale pricing.

For all your Tulsa, OK area commercial real estate needs, contact The Baskin Real Estate Specialists at 918-258-2600 or www.darrylbaskin.com.

Pre-nuptial Agreements...

Quite often, pre-nuptial agreements are thought of as negative. In some cases, however, a pre-nup can be very helpful and even create peace of mind. A pre-nuptial/pre-marital agreement defines to whom property belongs and can prevent legal arguments later, should a divorce or death occur. The agreement covers three areas: during marriage, upon divorce, upon death of a spouse. Some people that can benefit from a pre-nup might include those who own a business or Tulsa, OK. commercial property, have children or someone needing special care, or have many assets or higher valued assets.

One thing that all parties should ensure, when planning a pre-nup is independent counsel. Another is honesty and full disclosure of each parties assets. Without full disclosure, the agreement may not be valid later on.

To discuss a Tulsa, OK. pre-nuptial agreement or other legal issues, contact Richardson Law Firm, at 918-492-7674 or www.rrblawok.com

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