Oklahoma River Cruises Hosts Preview Party for 2014 Season Cruises

Oklahoma River Cruises will be officially launching its premier cruise with a preview party that is open for all!

The Oklahoma River Cruises will be hosting a preview party to officially launch the 2014 season of river cruises. The celebration will be held on May 3rd from 2pm to 6pm at the Regatta Park Landing located at 701 S. Lincoln Boulevard. Everyone is invited to attend the party for free.

The Oklahoma River Cruises is a leisure ferry ride that will traverse a seven-mile stretch of the Oklahoma River. Riders will be able to pass through the Historic Stockyards City, the Meridian Corridor and the Boathouse District.

The celebration party will offer a number of exciting activities that everyone can enjoy. There are local wines and food vendor available as well as painting activities and basketball games. There will also be prizes to be given away, such as ferry passes and t-shirts courtesy of the organizers of the event.

Live music from the Okie Dokie band, 100 Bones and musicians from the Academy of Contemporary Music at the University of Central Oklahoma will also play for the entirety of the afternoon. Themed cruises such as the Mother’s Day Dessert Cruise, Big Band, Western Waters Cruises and History Comes Alive will be the highlight of the party. Historical re-enactors from the Oklahoma History Center will be in full costumes for the special cruises.

Jennifer Fields
Oklahoma City & Edmond Real Estate Agent
405.330.0031

 

Five Reasons to Hire a Professional Window Installer

Unless your home is brand new, there are plenty of reasons why you should consider replacing your windows. A few examples include that fact that it makes your home more energy efficient, which reduces the cost of your utility bills, and ultimately increases the value of your home because people find those things appealing and also want to be sure that a house is in good shape before they buy it. Whatever your reasons may be for replacing your windows, it is a good idea to have a professional window installation service do the work for you, as it requires a lot of detailed work and a high skill level in order for it to be done properly.

Although it is initially cheaper to do it yourself, you could end up paying much more than you intended in the long run if you make a mistake that causes you to damage the structure of your home or prevent your home from being properly sealed.

Here are some other reasons you should always hire a professional for window installation:

1. Professional window installers have the experience and the right equipment and tools to make sure the installation process is done correctly. They are experienced and know how to properly secure your windows so that they are airtight and firmly in place.
2. It will save you time. Choosing to install the windows by yourself may save you money in labor costs, but your time is also very valuable, and you need to take that into consideration.  Unless you have previous experience installing windows, it will take you much longer to do it than you realize.
3. Hiring a professional and reputable window installer will give you a warranty on their work, which will protect you in the event of future problems caused by the installation. If, for any reason, they make a mistake or the window breaks soon after installation, most installers will fix or replace it free of charge.
4. Professional installers remove all construction debris and leave the work area clean when they are done. They can even dispose of your old windows for you, so you don’t have to deal with it.
5. While it may not seem like there would be too many safety concerns when installing windows, there are actually plenty of opportunities for injuries. Professionals know which safety precautions to take during the installation process and how to respond if something happens.

Jennifer Fields
Oklahoma City & Edmond Real Estate Agent
405.330.0031

Picking the Right Roof Contractor

Roofing can be a very difficult job if you don’t have the proper knowledge and tools. Most people choose to hire a professional when it comes to this job, since it requires a high level of precision and skill. Picking the right roof contractor should be done carefully because some contractors aren’t as experienced as others and others overcharge for their services. While many homeowners find the process of hiring a contractor a confusing and overwhelming, it doesn’t have to be difficult if you know what to look for.

Before hiring someone to do your roofing tasks, you should create a checklist of your expectations. Most people have a hard time choosing a contractor because they have no criteria to follow. Having a list of the different job characteristics you want will make the task much easier.

You also need to double check to be sure your potential candidates are licensed and can show you that they have the certifications necessary to perform the job. If a contractor fails to provide you with their licensing information, do not hire them, as their qualifications and knowledge are questionable. Licensed contractors should also have insurance so, in case of emergencies, you do not have to worry about being held liable for their personal damage.

When picking a roof contractor, also consider the number of customers they have had in the past and obtain referrals from them if possible. One way to find a reliable roof contractor is to ask friends and family for recommendations if they have worked with a good contractor in the past.  Ask past customers if they were happy with their finished products. Also research the company online to see if you can find customer reviews of their services.

Jennifer Fields
Oklahoma City & Edmond Real Estate Agent
405.330.0031

Unemployment Rate Hits a Five Year Low in Oklahoma

In order to keep up with family needs, it is important for us to have a sustainable job. Unfortunately, not all people have the opportunity to have a stable, long-term job to support themselves. This is especially true in an economic decline and job vacancies become scarce.

However, there is good news for the state of Oklahoma as unemployment has started to decline significantly according to reports last Friday. The unemployment rate of the state had fallen to a five-year low, a momentous reduction since 2008.

According to the Oklahoma Employment Security Commission, the unemployment rate had fallen to 4.9 percent in March, which was the first time it had been below five percent since 2008. This is down from the 5 percent from the previous month. About 89,400 Oklahomans were reported unemployed in March.

Based on the reports, most of the job gains had come from the health services and educational sectors. Nonfarm employment also reported an increase of 2,100 jobs from March. Only the government sector had reduced its employees by about 1,700 jobs.

OESC also reports that jobs are gaining momentum due to the boom of the oil and natural gas industry. The current unemployment rate in the state is also below the 6.7 percent of the national average.

Jennifer Fields
Oklahoma City & Edmond Real Estate Agent
405.330.0031

Choosing the Right Builder for Your Dream Home

 

Choosing a professional builder is important when it comes to building your dream home. Building a new home is a big financial investment, which can make the decision difficult. You want to be sure you hire someone skilled and reliable from the beginning to you can achieve exactly what you want without costly errors along the way.

There are several things you should consider when choosing a builder:

1. Research builder reputations. Find out what people are saying about the home builders that you are considering. Use search engines to search for reviews and home buyer’s opinions, as well as advice on home building companies. Also verify that they are licensed and have insurance and ask them to provide references from previous customers.
2. Experience is important. Make sure you builder has the experience and the resources necessary to transform your idea into a reality. You need a builder that will offer ideas and work with you to produce the best house possible.
3. Written estimates. This is very important, as it allows you to determine whether or not to proceed with the project depending on the projected cost. It also helps to avoid getting stuck in a situation where a builder overcharges you. Get written estimates from at least three different builders to find the best price possible.
4. Communication. When you begin a business relationship, communication is vital. You need to have a builder who will listen to you and can answer your questions.
5. Proper time management. This is an essential quality that every builder must possess. The longer time you spend building a home, the bigger the expense will be. A home builder should be able to finish work on time and work effectively under pressure in fast-paced environments.

Hiring a home builder to build a custom home is a large financial investment, so you want to be sure you get a good value for your money. Do your research and compare several options to be sure you find the right person for your project.

Jennifer Fields
Oklahoma City & Edmond Real Estate Agent
405.330.0031

Building a House on a Narrow Lot

Instead of purchasing an existing home, some people prefer to purchase an empty lot and build a custom home based on their own design. If you are on a tight budget and cannot afford to buy a large lot, however, you may consider looking into narrow lot house plans.  Narrow lots can get passed over by many buyers, which is why they can be more affordable, and with the right house plan, you can fully maximize the space without compromising the features you desire in a home.

If you try to fit a standard layout home into a narrow lot, you will inevitably run into difficulty.  You will end up having to reduce the size of your rooms or your outdoor yard space in order to make everything fit. That will leave you with less room for entertaining and can make you feel cramped. That is why the design plan is everything when it comes to building on a narrow lot. Rather than struggle to fit a square peg into a round hole, so to speak, embrace the space you have and allow yourself to explore creative options.

You can opt for a more open concept floor plan by eliminating the walls between your kitchen, dining area, and main living area. Having lots of windows allows more light to come inside the home and creates an impression of having a more expansive space. Position your rooms, so they do not obstruct any outdoor views, which will make the home feel much larger because you do not feel hidden away from the rest of the world. The smartest way to maximize your home space is by creating a house with multiple stories. Adding a sunroom or covered patio will also increase your livable space.

The plan for the garage can often be the most challenging, since you must allot a large space for your cars without consuming all the available space of your house. You may want to opt for a  ground-level garage and start your living space on the second floor. Ultimately, the most important thing you can do is find the right builders, who can advise you on how to maximize your space while maintaining aesthetic appeal.

Jennifer Fields
Oklahoma City & Edmond Real Estate Agent
405.330.0031

Motorcycle Riders Join Seventh Wind & Fire Memorial Motorcycle Run

April 19 marks the 19th year since the bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in 1995. Till this day, many Oklahomans cannot forget the horror of losing their loved onesin the bombing. On the site now stands the Oklahoma City National Memorial and museum to honor all the victims.

This coming April, the Seventh Annual Oklahoma City Wind & Fire Memorial Motorcycle Run will be held to raise money for the maintenance of the memorial.

More than 600 motorcycle riders are expected to rev their engines for the seventh annual Oklahoma City Wind & Fire Memorial motorcycle run stretching from Bethany to the Oklahoma City National Memorial. The Wind & Fire Club has been raising money to fund the maintenance expenses of the memorial as well as to give assistance to uninsured fire victims.

The club is expecting the event to be the biggest motorcycle run they had made. Deputies of the Oklahoma County Sheriff will be escorting the run.

Riders who wish to take part in the run may register on Saturday at Papa’s Leather Barn located at 6623 NW 23, Bethany. Registration starts at 10am. $20 is the entry fee for one rider and $30 for two riders on one motorcycle.

Jennifer Fields
Oklahoma City & Edmond Real Estate Agent
405.330.0031

Vinyl Siding Cleaning Tips

Vinyl siding is one of the most popular siding materials on the market today. It seals homes against water damage and has a great aesthetic look. Most homeowners choose vinyl siding because it requires very little maintenance and infrequent cleaning.

Nevertheless, it is important to clean your vinyl siding from time to time. Pollen, tree sap, and dirt often stick to the siding, making it look dull and dingy. Cleaning vinyl siding is a simple process that reaps great results, and all you need is a bit of preparation and the right tools to make it look new.

Here are some the things to remember when cleaning your vinyl siding:

1. One of the best ways to clean vinyl siding is with a pressure washer. It enables you to work quickly because it hits dirt and grime directly with a high-pressure stream of water that knocks it off easily.
2. Avoid using regular chlorine bleach, as it can harm the trees, grass, and plants around your home. Try using an oxygen bleach and water solution instead, which will be safer and more effective at killing any mold or mildew that may be present.
3. Trim back any trees or shrubs that are too close to the house, as the branches can scratch the siding, which could break the moisture-resistant barrier and lead to mold growth.
4. Remember to cover any electrical fixtures or outlets before you clean your vinyl siding. You can use tape to make the covering more secure. It is also important to move any outdoor furniture away from the vinyl siding when you clean because the cleaning solution you use may be harmful to certain furniture materials.
5. After you have washed the vinyl with a cleaning solution, rinse it off thoroughly with water and let it dry thoroughly.

Jennifer Fields
Oklahoma City & Edmond Real Estate Agent
405.330.0031

Home Construction Made Simple

You’ve made it. You’re finally at the place in life where you can build your own home.  Where do you start? You certainly aren’t a home builder, or a professional real estate agent! Don’t panic, because we have a few tips to make your home-building experience more simple. Once you have consulted home construction experts, you’ll have a much clearer picture of the home-building process.

There are standardized home building practices that every homeowner should follow. These things should be done to ensure safety inside the house as well as to make sure that the home will be structurally sound. Ensuring you follow these practices will not only help you create a durable and safe home, but it will also reduce your lifetime costs in maintenance by having a quality home.

One step in making your home construction easy and cost-effective is by properly preparing the site for your home construction. You may ask the assistance of contractors who will check the area. Their job will include clearing the site of any trees, leveling it and digging holes to begin a solid foundation.

In choosing a home design, complicated schemes may have more intrigue to them, but the simple ones are more affordable. This does not mean that you have to make your home look plain though! You may stick to a traditional home style and add sophisticated touches, but make sure you are on budget.

After you have settled with the foundation and exterior of your home, make sure you observe proper scheduling for the interior work. The insulation of the walls and heating or cooling systems should be carefully supervised. Walls and ceiling must also be painted, kitchen and bathroom fixtures need to be installed, and flooring must be laid. In this stage of home building, make sure your contractor is being consistent in giving updates on the progress of the construction.

Jennifer Fields
Oklahoma City & Edmond Real Estate Agent
405.330.0031

INTEGRIS and OKC Red Cross Host 26th Annual Hispanic Health Fair

Taking good care of our body helps us live life longer. Practicing a better and healthier lifestyle is one way to ensure that our body will always be in good shape. We need to equip ourselves with the right knowledge of how to properly care for our body alongside guidance from health experts.

The INTEGRIS Health Hispanic Initiative, in partnership with the Oklahoma City Red Cross, is hosting its annual health fair to provide residents with better health resources. The 26^th Annual Hispanic Health Fair will be held on Saturday, April 12th at the Moore Norman Technology Center located at 13301 S. Penn.

The Annual Hispanic Health Fair is a wellness event where various medical booths are available for participants to avail themselves on health care services. There are free health screenings for blood pressure, osteoporosis, glucose and cholesterol. Cancer screenings for prostate, skin and oral are also available for all participants with prior reservations. Breast exams can also be provided to all women. The INTEGRIS Cancer Institute will be sponsoring the free cancer screenings.

If you want to know more information on how to properly care for your body and receive other wellness resources, the health fair will be giving free educational materials to all participants.  Be present at the event center between 9am to 1pm to participate.

Jennifer Fields
Oklahoma City & Edmond Real Estate Agent
405.330.0031