Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac Bailout Costs Taxpayers More than Expected.

According to a recent article posted by Paul Davidson in USA Today, the bailout of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac will cost taxpayers more that was originally thought. So far, Fannie and Freddie have received $135 billion in funds from the Treasury Department. They are expected to receive another $19 billion by 2013.

Paul also mentions that the $154 billion bailout is not the compete figure...

"All these figures exclude dividends paid, or expected to be paid, to Treasury based on its preferred shares in Fannie and Freddie. If those amounts were included, the companies are expected to draw $221 billion to $363 billion by 2013."

The bailouts for the financial firms and auto industry cost taxpayers $50 billion.

Read the original article, "Fannie, Freddie bailout to cost taxpayers $154 billion", here.


To buy or sell Wagoner, OK real estate, contact Kelly Howard, McGraw Realtors at 918-230-6341 or www.kellyhowardhomes.com.

Prepare Your Landscape for Winter

With the chilly weather in the air here in the Wagoner, OK area and near freezing overnight temperatures, landscaping is one of the last things most of us think about. As winter approaches, however, there are things that need to be done in order to prepare our landscape for Winter and Spring. Christine Zibas, in the article "Preparing Your Garden for Winter" mentions several things to do to prepare your landscape for the cold weather.

1. Leaves- clean up all the leaves in your yard. If you compost, add the leaves to your compost pile. You can also mulch them and add them to your soil.
2. Plants- get rid of any diseased or pest ridden plants now. Don't wait until Spring arrives.
3. Soil- test your soil now and add fertilizer or nutrients. Fertilizer takes plenty of time to get into the soil.
4. Storage- store furniture and unused pots to avoid extra wear during the cold weather.
5. Bulbs- plants bulbs indoors and use for decor over the holidays. Some outdoor bulbs can be planted, just know that temperatures and possible snowy conditions can affect many bulbs. Make sure that you know the conditions needed for the bulbs you will be planting.
6. Cuttings- now is the perfect time to get any cuttings you want of your favorite outdoor plants.

Need help with preparing your Wagoner, OK landscaping? Contact Nathan Vaughn of Bluum Outdoor at 918-599-8500 or www.bluum.net

MOVING WITH PETS

Moving can be as stressful for us, as Tulsa, OK homeowners as it is on our pets. To make that move easier on our pets, read on for some helpful tips. First, keep your pet's routine as normal as possible during the packing and moving process. Second, if possible, have a friend or boarding service watch him. If that's not possible, avoid giving him food or water an hour or two before your trip. Third, if he will be traveling in a pet carrier, make sure there is room for him to stand up and turn around and plenty of ventilation for him to breathe. Remember to use newspaper or other absorbent material in the bottom of the carrier, in case he has an accident. Finally, remember his favorite toy!

For more moving tips or questions or to get a quote for moving services in Wagoner, OK quote, contact Mike Ellingson at 918-459-6683 or visit www.relocationllc.net

Need other reliable professionals for Wagoner, OK home maintenance needs? Visit www.tulsahomemaintenance.com.

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

Is it difficult to get a home mortgage?

In the real estate business, it seems as if we are always hearing people, even Realtors, say that it is difficult to get a home loan in the Wagoner, OK area right now. Is it really difficult to get a home mortgage? No, It is not difficult to get an Oklahoma home loan, the requirements have simply changed. Right now, you do have to qualify for a Wagoner, OK home loan. You must have a job and the lender will run a credit report. Years ago, that was not required. You need to fill out an application (in person, online or by phone). Then your information will be verified. For self-employed persons, your tax returns will be verified as well as your employment and income.

There are many options available for an Oklahoma home loan. When it comes to down-payments for example, an FHA loan requires a low down-payment of only 3.5%. A VA loan requires even less. When you hear someone say that it is difficult to get a home loan, now you know the truth.....It is not difficult to get a home loan, it has just changed.

Get a knowledgeable loan expert and find out your options for a Wagoner OK area mortgage today! Call Karen Heston with BOK Mortgage at 918-230-9432 or visit her website.

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

Kitchen Remodeling Trends to Consider in Your Wagoner, OK Home...

According to an article in EzineMark.com by Joaquin Erazo, Jr, today's kitchen remodeling trends can help retain or even increase the value of your Wagoner, OK home. The key is knowing what trends to focus on when remodeling. Some areas of current trends to consider include: technology, televisions, green products, sinks and workstations, gathering spaces, tradition, colors and appliances.

Technology: High-tech home improvement options are transforming the kitchen during a remodel. Refrigerators, dishwashers, and stoves offer a wider variety of features to save you time and energy. Sound systems, computers, and televisions are increasingly part of the kitchen. Wireless Internet allows home technology wherever you want it.


Televisions Everywhere: New fridges have televisions built in and come with remote controls and cable hookups. You can even find range hoods with built-in TVs and DVD players!


Green: Today's consumers look for cabinets, flooring, and tables made from sustainable materials such as bamboo. They also want water-conserving faucets and energy-efficient appliances.

Healthy: Another aspect of going "green" includes installing cabinets without Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) and adding copper sinks, which have innate anti-bacterial properties. Homeowners also want ways to make their food safer. You can find refrigerators specifically designed to keep food fresh for longer and faucets with built-in filtration.

Fancier Sinks: You can find with built-in strainers, colanders, or cutting boards. Faucets are more likely to be the flexible, pull-out variety and many sinks offer a deeper bowl for filling large pots.

Work Stations: Specialized stations are cropping up all over the kitchen. Areas for preparing bread, making coffee or pizza, and wine-tasting nooks are all growing in popularity.


Kitchen as Family Room: Increasingly, homeowners want lots of gathering space and comfortable touches for when the family gathers in the kitchen. As in the past, they also want kitchens that open onto the family room.

Traditional Styles: A more contemporary look has become less popular. Traditional styles dominate, with Shaker enjoying a great deal of popularity.

Neutral Colors: White seems to be the most popular kitchen color choice since it offers a great deal of flexibility in styles and décor. Other neutral colors such as beige and off-white are now trendy as well.


Colorful Appliances: While cabinets and walls are less colorful, appliances are growing more so. Some dishwashers and fridges come with a variety of panels that you can coordinate with your décor.

Read more: http://lifestyle.ezinemark.com/todays-kitchen-remodeling-trends-help-improve-your-home-7d2c25ca1227.html#ixzz13F9mW585


To buy or sell a Wagoner, OK area home, contact Kelly Howard, McGraw Realtors at 918-230-6341 or www.kellyhowardhomes.com.

Questions for the 2010 Oklahoma State Ballot #7

As Wagoner residents, the upcoming election in November will be very important. There are a record 11 questions on the Oklahoma State Ballot. As Wagoner voters, it is important to be aware of each question on the ballot so that we can make well informed decisions. After all, these decisions will affect Wagoner for years to come. So far we have given an overview of SQ 744, SQ 746, SQ 747, SQ 748, SQ 750, SQ 751, SQ 753, and SQ754- 8 of 11 questions on the Oklahoma State Ballot for November 2010. Today, we will discuss the seventh and eight of the eleven Oklahoma state questions- SQ 755, SQ756, and SQ 757.

SQ 755: This measure amends the Oklahoma Constitution. It changes a section that deals with the courts of this state. It would amend Article 7, Section 1. It makes courts rely on federal and state law when deciding cases. It forbids courts from considering or using international law. It forbids courts form considering or using Sharia Law.

International law is also known as the law of nations. It deals with the conduct of international organizations and independent nations, such as countries, states, and tribes. It deals with their relationship with each other. It also deals with some of their relationships with persons.

The law of nations is formed by the general assent of civilized nations. Sources of international law also include international agreements, as well as treaties.

Sharia Law is Islamic law. It is based on two principal sources, the Koran and the teaching of Mohammed.

SQ 756: This measure adds a new section of law to the State Constitution. It adds Section 37 to Article 2. It defines "health care system." It prohibits making a person participate in a health care system. It prohibits making an employer participate in a health care system. It prohibits making a health care provider provide treatment in a health care system. It allows persons and employees to pay for treatment directly. It allows a health care provider to accept payment for treatment directly. It allows the purchase of health care insurance in private health care systems. It allows the sale of health insurance in private health care systems.

The measure's effect is limited. It would n ot affect any law or rule in effect as of January 1, 2010.

Nor could the measure affect or negate all federal laws or rules. The United States Constitution has a Supremacy Clause. That clause makes federal law the supreme law of the land. Under that clause Congress has the power to pre-empt state law. When Congress intends to pre-empt state law, federal law controls. When Congress intends it, constitutionally enacted federal law would pre-empt some or all of the proposed measure.

SQ 757: This measure amends the State Constitution. It amends Section 23 of Article 10. It increases the amount of surplus revenue which goes into special fund. That fund is the Constitutional Reserve Fund. The amount would go from 10% to 15% of the funds certified as going to the General Revenue fund for the preceding fiscal year.

This information provided by "Do You Have the Answers?" by Sid Sperry published in Oklahoma Living Magazine.

For more information about SQ 755, SQ 756, or SQ 757 or any other question on the November 2, 2010 ballot, visit the www.okpolicy.org website or visit www.ballotpedia.org.

For your Wagoner, OK area real estate needs, contact Kelly Howard of McGraw Realtors at 918-230-6341 or www.kellyhowardhomes.com.

Questions for the 2010 Oklahoma State Ballot #6

As Wagoner residents, the upcoming election in November will be very important. There are a record 11 questions on the Oklahoma State Ballot. As Wagoner voters, it is important to be aware of each question on the ballot so that we can make well informed decisions. After all, these decisions will affect Wagoner for years to come. So far we have given an overview of SQ 744, SQ 746, SQ 747, SQ 748, SQ 750 and SQ 751- 6 of 11 questions on the Oklahoma State Ballot for November 2010. Today, we will discuss the seventh and eight of the eleven Oklahoma state questions- SQ 753 and SQ 754.

SQ 753: This measure amends a section of the Oklahoma Constitution. It amends Section 3 of Article 7-B. The measure deals with the Judicial Nominating Commission. This Commission selects nominees to be appointed judges or justices, when a vacancy occurs. The Commission selects three, sometimes four, qualified nominees. The Governor must appoint one of the nominees.

The amendment adds two at-large members to the Commission. At -large members can come from any Oklahoma congressional district. The Senate President Pro-Tempore appoints one of the new at-large members. The Speaker of the House of Representatives appoints the other. At-large member can not be lawyers. Nor can more than two at-large members be from the same political party.

Six non at-large members are appointed by the Governor. They cannot be Oklahoma lawyers. The measure adds a new qualification for non-lawyer members. They can not have a lawyer from any state in their immediate family. Each congressional district must have at least one non-lawyer member.

Six lawyer members are elected by members of the Oklahoma Bar Association. Each congressional district must have at least one-lawyer member.

SQ 754: This measure add a new section to the Oklahoma Constitution. It adds Section 55A to Article 5. The Legislature designates amounts of money to be used for certain functions. These designations are called appropriations. The measure deals with the appropriation process.

The measure limits how the Constitution could control that process. Under the measure the Constitution could not require the Legislature to fund state functions based on 1) Predetermined constitutional formulas; 2) How much other states spend on a function; 3) How much any entity spends on a function.

Under the measure these limits on the Constitution's power to control appropriations would apply even if: 1) A later constitutional amendment changed the Constitution, or 2) A Constitutional amendment to the contrary was passed at the same time as this measure.

Thus under the measure, once adopted, the measure could not be effectively amended. Nor could it be repealed.

This information provided by "Do You Have the Answers?" by Sid Sperry published in Oklahoma Living Magazine.

For more information about SQ 753 or SQ 754 or any other question on the November 2, 2010 ballot, visit the www.okpolicy.org website or visit www.ballotpedia.org.

For your Wagoner, OK area real estate needs, contact Kelly Howard of McGraw Realtors at 918-230-6341 or www.kellyhowardhomes.com.

Luxury Homes for Sale in the Tulsa, OK Area

Elegant Luxury Home For Sale in Bixby, OK.

$999,000

13420 South Lewis Avenue in Bixby, OK
The Estates of Hampton Hills Addition

5 Bedrooms
5 Full, 1 Half Bathrooms
3 Car Garage

__________________________________

Secluded Owasso, OK Luxury Home For Sale

15601 East 82nd Street North
in Owasso, OK.

$1,900,000

4 Bedrooms
4 Full, 2 Half Bathrooms
4 Car Garage

To buy or sell a home in the Bixby, OK or Owasso, OK area, or to buy or sell Wagoner, OK real estate. contact Kelly Howard of McGraw Realtors at 918-230-6341 or www.kellyhowardhomes.com

Luxury Home for Sale in Jenks, OK.

Exquisite Luxury Home for Sale in Jenks, OK.

10808 South New Haven Avenue
Belmont Addition in Jenks, Oklahoma

$1,895,000

4 Bedrooms
4 Full 2 Half Bathrooms
4 Living Areas
4 Car Garage

For more information on this Exquisite Luxury Home for Sale in Jenks, OK, or for all your Wagoner, OK area residential real estate needs, contact Kelly Howard, McGraw Realtors at 918-230-6341 or www.kellyhowardhomes.com

Magificent Luxury Estate For Sale!

Magnificent Gated Estate!

777 West 106th Street
The Estates at Stone Bluff in Jenks, Oklahoma
$2,999,000

5 Bedrooms
7 Full 1 Half Bathrooms
3 Car Garage

Magnificent Gated Estate with Grand Living Spaces, Groin Vaulted Ceilings, Arched Entries, Reclaimed Beams, Hardwoods, Granite, 2 Story Library, Master/Guest Suite Down + 3 Bedrooms Up with Private Baths. Game/Media Room with Wet Bar.
Pool with Beachfront. Incredible Views!


For more information on this Jenks, Oklahoma area luxury home or to buy or sell your home in the Wagoner, Oklahoma area, contact Kelly Howard of McGraw Realtors at 918-230-6341 or www.kellyhowardhomes.com

Magificent Luxury Estate For Sale!

Magificent Jenks Luxury Estate For Sale!

Magnificent Gated Estate!

777 West 106th Street
The Estates at Stone Bluff in Jenks, Oklahoma
$2,999,000

5 Bedrooms
7 Full 1 Half Bathrooms
3 Car Garage

Magnificent Gated Estate with Grand Living Spaces, Groin Vaulted Ceilings, Arched Entries, Reclaimed Beams, Hardwoods, Granite, 2 Story Library, Master/Guest Suite Down + 3 Bedrooms Up with Private Baths. Game/Media Room with Wet Bar.
Pool with Beachfront. Incredible Views!


For more information on this Jenks, Oklahoma area luxury home or to buy or sell your home in the Wagoner, Oklahoma area, contact Kelly Howard of McGraw Realtors at 918-230-6341 or www.kellyhowardhomes.com