Jim Bigelow

87 Sunset Sand Springs, Ok. Interior

2.864 Acres M/L in the Anderson Elementary School District of Sand Springs. Spacious Split level with formal living, dining and grand Kitchen with wood floors and center island, Master suite on the main level with family room and 2 bedroooms in the walk out basement. 1 bedroom is actually a storm shelter/safe room. 2 car garage that is the size of a 3 car garage plus a seperate work shop garage area. Minutes to both Skiatook and Keystone lakes.

87 Sunset Sand Spaings, OK. Interior

Jim Bigelow

87 Sunset Sand Springs, Oklahoma “Exterior”

2.864 Acres M/L in the Anderson Elementary School District of Sand Springs. Spacious Split level with formal living, dining and grand Kitchen with wood floors and center island, Master suite on the main level with family room and 2 bedroooms in the walk out basement. 1 bedroom is actually a storm shelter/safe room. 2 car garage that is the size of a 3 car garage plus a seperate work shop garage area. Minutes to both Skiatook and Keystone lakes.

Coldwell Banker Select

 

 

 

Jim Bigelow

10 Things Every Remodeling Contract SHOULD Include.

10 Things Every Remodeling Contract SHOULD Include.

1.       The contractor’s name, address, Phone number, and license number.

2.       Details on what the contractors will and will not do.

3.       A list of materials for the project in your contract. This includes information about the size, color, model, brand name and product.

4.       The approximate start date and completion date.

5.       All required plans. Study them carefully for accuracy. Insist that you approve them and that they are identified in your written contract before work begins.

6.       Written notice of your right to, without penalty, cancel a contract within three business days.

7.       Financial terms, spelled out in a way that you understand. This includes the total price, payment schedule, and any cancellation penalty.

8.       A Binding arbitration clause, which you’ll need in the event a disagreement occurs. Arbitration may enable you to resolve disputes without costly litigation.            

9.       Everything you’ve requested. Consider the scope of the project and make sure all items you’ve requested are included. If you do not see a specific item in the contract, consider it not included. NEVER sign an incomplete contract.

10.   A warranty covering materials and workmanship for a minimum of one year. The warranty must be identified as either “full” or “limited”. The name and address of the party who will honor the warranty (contractor, or manufacturer) must be identified. Make sure the time period for the warranty is specified.

Jim Bigelow    Bigelow Group  Realtors  918-640-4657

www.jimbigelow.com                jim@jimbigelow.com

Coldwell Banker Select

Jim Bigelow

What is a Rural Development Mortgage?

What is a Rural Development Mortgage?

Rural Development or also known as USDA Mortgage is a conventional mortgage that offers 100% financing. It can be used for the purchase of a new or existing single-family dwelling. Home must be owner occupied. Mortgage insurance is prohibited. No down payment required. 30 year loan term, fixed interest rate. USDA has a one time 2.0% guarantee fee, which is financed into the mortgage. USDA does not limit seller/builder contributions, however if in excess of 6% they will require an appraisal review.
Eligible Areas:
USDA loans can be made in rural areas, which in clued open country and communities up to 10,000 population, plus communities that are not a part of a Metropolitan Statistical Area with populations up to 20,000. To find out if a property is eligible you can visit http://eligibility.sc.egov.usda.gov/eligibility/welcomeAction.do
Applicant Qualifications:
Minimum 620 credit score. USDA mortgages have household income requirements and cannot exceed the moderate-income level. Contact a local lender to find out the counties median income.
For Example: Tulsa County
1 person = income cannot exceed $40,300
2 person = $46,100
3 person = $51,800
4 person = $57.600
5 person= $62,200

Property Characteristics:
Property must be contiguous to and have direct access to a hard surfaced or all-weather road; gravel is ok. The site value cannot exceed 30% of value. Generally 10 acres is the maximum acreage allowed. If property has an in-ground swimming pool a waiver is required from Rural Development and the swimming pool cannot be included in value of the property.

For more information about Rural Development contact Heather Jobe at First Mortgage 918-496-2241. You can also visit the Rural Development website at www.usda.gov

Heather Jobe / Mortgage Loan Officer
First Mortgage Company 918-496-2241
918-698-8939 hjobe@firstmortgageco.com

Jim Bigelow Bigelow Group Realtors 918-640-4657
www.jimbigelow.com jim@jimbigelow.com
Coldwell Banker Select

Jim Bigelow

What Is Covered – Part C “Medigap” (Supplemental Insurance)

What Is Covered – Part C “Medigap” (Supplemental Insurance)

A Medigap policy is private health insurance sold by private insurance companies specifically designed to supplement the Original Medicare Plan. It Offers:

· Added Coverage – Medigap policies cover certain things that Medicare doesn’t cover.

· Lowers Deductibles & Co-Pays – It helps pay some of the health care costs (”gaps”) that the Original Medicare Plan doesn’t cover.

· Standardized Plans – By law, insurance companies can offer only 12 standardized Medigap benefit packages, referred to as Plans A through L. That means that the only difference in any standardized plan, such as Plan J, from one insurance company to another is the price. The benefits are identical.

· Guaranteed Issue Rights – If you are in your Medigap open enrollment period, insurance companies are required by law to sell or offer you a Medigap policy. In these situations, an insurance company can’t deny you a Medigap policy, or place conditions on a Medigap policy, such as exclusions for or existing conditions, and can’t charge you more for a Medigap policy because of past or present health problems. You may also be able to buy a Medigap policy at other times, but the insurance company is allowed to deny you a Medigap policy based on your health. Also, in some cases it may be illegal for the insurance company to sell you a Medigap policy (such as if you already have Medicaid or a Medicare Advantage Plan).

· Guaranteed Renewable – Your insurance company must automatically renew or continue your Medigap policy, unless you make untrue statements to the insurance company, commit fraud, or don’t pay your premiums.

· Medigap policy only covers one person – If you and your spouse both want Medigap coverage, you each must buy separate Medigap policies.

· Every insurance company must make Medigap Plan A available if they offer any other Medigap policy.

· Not all types of Medigap policies may be available in your state. (e.g Massachussets, Minnesota, or Wisconsin).

· Medigap plans A – J must offer the following basic benefits:
Co-insurance for hospital days 61-90 – ($267/day in 2009) and
– Co-insurance for the 60 lifetime reserve days ($534/day in 2009).
– 100% of the cost of hospital care beyond 150 days covered by Medicare, up to a maximum of 365 lifetime days.
– 20% Co-insurance for Medicare approved charges after the $135 annual Part B Medicare deductible has been met.
– The first 3 pints of blood in each calendar year.
– Plan A has only the basic benefits.

The following Chart recaps Medigap coverage.

· If a check mark appears in the column, this means that the Medigap policy covers 100% of the described benefit.

· If the column lists a percentage, this means the Medigap policy covers that percentage of the described benefit.

· If no percentage appears or if the column is blank, this means the Medigap policy doesn’t cover that benefit.

· The Medigap policy covers coinsurance only after you have paid the deductible (unless the policy also covers the deductible).

Click Here for Medigap Plan A thru L Benefits info

*Medigap Plans F and J also offer a high-deductible option. You must pay the first $2,000 (high-deductible in 2009) in Medigap-covered costs before the Medigap policy pays anything.

** You must also pay a separate deductible for foreign travel emergency ($250 per year).

*** After you meet your out-of-pocket yearly limit and your yearly Part B deductible ($135 in 2008), the plan pays 100% of covered services for the rest of the calendar year.

Medicare Advantage Plans

These Plans provide all of your Part A (Hospital Insurance) and Part B (Medical Insurance) benefits and must cover at least all of the medically necessary services that the Original Medicare Plan provides. Medicare Advantage Plans, like HMOs and PPOs, are another way to get Medicare benefits. These plans are health plan options approved by Medicare and run by private companies.

Medicare Advantage Plans may offer extra benefits, such as vision, hearing, dental, and/or health and wellness programs, and most include Medicare prescription drug coverage (usually for an extra cost). Medicare Advantage Plans generally have provider networks. This means you probably have to see doctors who belong to the plan or go to certain hospitals to get covered services. You may need a referral to see specialists.

Medicare Advantage plans include:

· Medicare Preferred Provider Organization Plans (PPO)
A PPO is a specific group of doctors and/or hospitals that provides medical services. PPO members pay for services as they are rendered.

Are prescription drugs covered?
In most cases, yes. Ask the plan. If you want drug coverage, you must enroll in a PPO plan that offers prescription drug coverage.

Do I need to choose a primary care doctor?
No.

Can I get my health care from any doctor or hospital?
Yes. PPOs have network doctors and hospitals, but you can also use out-of-network providers for covered services, usually for a higher cost.

Do I have to see a primary care doctor to get a referral to see a specialist?
In most cases, no. What else do I need to know about this type of plan? You may be able to get extra benefits for an additional premium.

· Medicare Health Maintenance Organization Plans (HMO)

HMOs provide medical treatment on a prepaid basis regardless of how much medical care is needed. HMOs provide a wide variety of medical services, from office visits to hospitalization and surgery. With a few exceptions, HMO members must receive their medical treatment from physicians and facilities within the HMO network.

Are prescription drugs covered?
In most cases, yes. Ask the plan. If you want drug coverage, you must enroll in an HMO plan that offers prescription drug coverage.

Do I need to choose a primary care doctor?
Yes. You generally must see a primary care doctor to get a referral before you see any other health care provider.

Can I get my health care from any doctor or hospital?
No. You generally must get your care and services from doctors or hospitals in the plan’s network (except emergency or urgent care). If the plan has a point-of-service option, you can go out-of-network, but it will cost more.

Do I have to see a primary care doctor to get a referral to see a specialist?
In most cases, yes. Exceptions include yearly screening mammograms and in-network Pap tests and pelvic exams (at least every other year), which don’t require a referral.

What else do I need to know about this type of plan?
– If your doctor leaves, your plan will notify you, You can choose another doctor in the plan.
– If you get health care outside the plan’s network, you may have to pay the full cost.
– It’s important that you follow the plan’s rules, like getting prior authorization when needed.
– You may be able to get extra benefits for an extra premium.

· Medicare Private Fee-for-Service Plans (PFFS)

PFFS is a Medicare Advantage health plan offered by a state licensed risk bearing entity, which has a yearly contract with the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services to provide beneficiaries with all their Medicare benefits plus any additional benefits the company decides to provide. In most cases, people who join a PFFS are not required to use a network of providers. Beneficiaries can see any provider who is eligible to receive payment from Medicare and agrees to accept payment from the PFFS MAO.

Are prescription drugs covered?
Sometimes. If your PFFS Plan doesn’t offer drug coverage, you can join a Medicare Prescription Drug Plan to get coverage.

Do I need to choose a primary care doctor?
No.

Can I get my health care from any doctor or hospital?
In most cases, yes. You can go to any Medicare-approved doctor or hospital if they agree to the plan’s terms and conditions of payment before treating you. Not all providers will accept the plan’s payment terms or agree to treat you.

Do I have to see a primary care doctor to get a referral to see a specialist?
No.

What else do I need to know about this type of plan?
PFFS Plans aren’t the same as the Original Medicare Plan and they have different rules from other Medicare Advantage Plans.
– PFFS Plans are offered by private companies. The private company, not Medicare, decides how much the plan will pay and how much you pay for services.
– You may be able to get extra benefits for an extra premium.
– Before you join a PFFS Plan, make sure you find doctors, hospitals, and other types of providers willing to contact the plan for payment information and accept the plan’s payment terms.

· Medicare Special Needs Plans (SNP)

SNPs serve certain people with Medicare who are chronically ill with specific diseases or conditions (such as diabetes, congestive heart failure, mental illness, or HIV/AIDS), who live in institutions like nursing homes, or who have other special needs.

Are prescription drugs covered?
Yes. All SNPs must provide Medicare prescription drug coverage. Formularies may be designed to cover the drugs members need most.

Do I need to choose a primary care doctor?
In some cases, yes, or you may need to have a care coordinator help you develop personal care plans and coordinate your care.

Can I get my health care from any doctor or hospital?
You generally must get your care and services from doctors or hospitals in the plan’s network (except emergency or urgent care). Plans typically have specialists for the diseases or conditions that affect their members.

Do I have to see a primary care doctor to get a referral to see a specialist?
In most cases, yes. Yearly screening mammograms and an in-network Pap test and pelvic exam (at least every other year) don’t require a referral.

· Medicare Medical Savings Account Plans (MSA)

MSAs are two-part health insurance programs consisting of a high-deductible health insurance policy and a tax-free investment account set up to fund medical costs not covered by the policy.

Are prescription drugs covered?
No. You can join a Medicare Prescription Drug Plan to get drug coverage.

Do I need to choose a primary care doctor?
No.

Can I get my health care from any doctor or hospital?
Yes. Some plans may have network doctors and hospitals you could go to for a lower cost.

Do I have to see a primary care doctor to get a referral to see a specialist?
No.

What else do I need to know about this type of plan?
– if the year is added to your next deposit.
– Medicare MSA Plans have two parts: a high-deductible health plan and a bank account. Medicare gives the plan an amount each year for your health care, and the plan deposits a portion of this money into your account.
–You can use the money in your account to pay your health care costs. When you use account money for Medicare-covered Part A and Part B services, it counts toward your plan’s deductible. After you reach your deductible, your plan will cover your Medicare-covered services.

· If You Join a Medicare Advantage Plan:

You are still in the Medicare Program.You still have Medicare rights and protections, including the right to appeal.

You still get Part A and Part B coverage.

You generally still pay the monthly Part B premium. You also pay the Medicare Advantage Plan’s premium (if they charge one) that includes coverage for Part A and Part B benefits and prescription drug coverage (Part D, if offered), and any extra benefits (if offered).

You may have to use providers who belong to the plan. If you use providers who aren’t in the network, you may have to pay the entire cost of the covered service.

You must follow plan rules, like getting a referral to see a specialist or getting prior authorization for certain procedures. Check with the plan.

You usually will have to pay some other costs (such as copayments, deductibles, or coinsurance) for the services you get. Out-of-pocket costs in these plans cary by the services you get. Check with your plan before you get a service to find out what your costs may be.

You don’t need to (and can’t) buy a Medigap policy . It won’t cover your Medicare Advantage Plan deductibles, copayments, or coinsurance.

If you see a doctor who doesn’t belong to the plan, your services won’t be covered, or your costs could be higher.

The plan will send you an Evidence of Coverage each year. This document gives you details about what benefits the plan will cover, how much you pay, how to file an appeal, and more. Plan benefits may change each year. The plan will send you an Annual Notice of Change each fall. This notice has information about any changes in benefits, costs, or service area that will be effective in January. If the plan covers prescription drugs, the notice will include changes to the formulary. You should review this notice carefully to learn about changes for the upcoming year to decide if you want to look at other plans in your area.

Medicare offers prescription drug coverage for everyone with Medicare. This coverage is called “Part D”.

· To get Medicare drug coverage, you must either join a Medicare drug plan adding on to your Original Medicare Plan, or join a Medicare Advantage Plan that includes Part D.

· Medicare drug plans are run by insurance companies and other private companies approved by Medicare.

· Each plan can vary in cost and drugs covered.

· If you decide not to join a Medicare drug plan when you are first eligible, you may pay a late-enrollment penalty if you choose to join late.

· If you qualify for extra help and don’t choose a plan yourself, Medicare will enroll you in one.

All Medicare drug plans must generally cover at least two drugs in each category of drugs, but plans can choose which specific drugs are covered in each category. Plans are required to cover almost all drugs in six classes that include anti-psychotics, anti-depressants, anti-convulsants, immunosuppressants, cancer, and HIV/AIDS drugs.

There are certain drugs that Medicare drug plans aren’t required to cover, such as benzodiazepines, barbiturates, drugs for weight loss or gain, and drugs for erectile dysfunction. Some plans may choose to cover these drugs as an added benefit. In addition, drug plans generally aren’t allowed to cover over-the-counter drugs. Some states may cover these drugs if you have Medicaid.

Plans may also exclude certain drugs from coverage. Although your Medicare drug plan may not have a certain drug on its list of covered drugs (formulary), a different drug that is safe and effective for the same purpose will be covered. This may be a generic version of the drug, or it may be another brand-name drug that may provide the same benefit as the drug that isn’t on the plan’s formulary. All plans must have a process for you to ask them to pay for a drug you need that isn’t on their formulary. They may or may not agree to cover the drug.

What Is Not Covered

Items and services that Medicare doesn’t cover include, but are not limited to the following:

· Acupuncture,

· Chiropractic services (with some exceptions),

· Cosmetic surgery,

· Custodial care (such as help with bathing or using the bathroom), except when you also get skilled nursing care in a skilled nursing facility, at home, or in a hospice,

· Deductibles, co-insurance, or co-payments when you get certain health care services,

· Dental care and dentures (with only a few exceptions),

· Eye care (routine exam), eye refractions (exam that measures your ability to see at specific distances), and most eyeglasses (with some exceptions),

· Foot care (routine) like cutting corns or calluses (with few exceptions), Hearing aids and exams for the purpose of fitting a hearing aid, Hearing tests that haven’t been ordered by your doctor,

· Laboratory tests for screening purposes (with some exceptions), Long-term care, for example, if you only need custodial care in a nursing home,

· Orthopedic shoes (with few exceptions),

· Physical exams (routine or yearly). Medicare will cover a one-time physical exam within the first 6 months of enrolling in Part B (co-insurance and Part B deductible applies),

· Prescription drugs. Most precription drugs aren’t covered by Part A or Part B, Shots to prevent illness (with some exceptions),

· Syringes or insulin, unless the insulin is used with an insulin pump, but it may be covered by Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage (Part D), and

· Travel (health care while you’re traveling outside the United States… with some exceptions).

Medigap policies don’t cover long-term care (like care in a nursing home),

Jim Bigelow 918-640-4657

www.jimbigelow.com jim@jimbigelow.com

Coldwell Banker Select

Jim Bigelow

American Recovery/Reinvestment Act of 2008

American Recovery/Reinvestment Act of 2008

First time home buyers purchasing any kind of home, new or resale are eligible for the tax credit. To qualify a home purchase must occur on or after January 1, 2009 and December 2009. The purchase date is when closing occurs, and the title to the property transfers to the new home owner.

For married tax payers, this law test the home ownership of the buyer and his/her spouse. For example: if you have not owned a home in the last three years, but your spouse owned a principal residence, neither you or your spouse qualifies for the tax credit.

However, unmarried joint purchasers can allocate the credit amount to any buyer who qualifies as a first time home buyer.

Ownership of a vacation home or rental property does not qualify as a first time home buyer.

The tax credit is equal to 10 percent of the purchase price up to a maximum of $8,000 dollars.

The income limits for single tax payers is $75,000 and the limit for married tax payers is $150,000 filing a joint return.

This tax credit does not have to be repaid. You claim the tax credit on your Federal Income Tax return. Home buyers should complete IRS Form 5405 to determine their tax credit amount, and claim this amount on line 69 of their 1040 income tax return. No other forms or applications are required, and no approval is necessary.

Any home that will be used as a principal residence will qualify for the credit. The tax credit is refundable, which involves the government sending the tax payer a check for a portion or maybe all of the refundable tax credit.

For qualified veterans 100 percent financing is available through VA Guaranteed Loan Program. Veterans with 100 percent disabilities, certified by the Veterans Administration as service connected are eligible for property exempt status in the State of Oklahoma.

As a military retiree, dedicated to the military personnel and their families, I urge you to contact Coleman White@Jimbigelow.com for all your real estate needs.

Coleman White 918-760-1317

coleman@jimbigelow.com www.jimbigelow.com

Jim Bigelow Bigelow Group Realtors 918-640-4657

www.jimbigelow.com jim@jimbigelow.com

Coldwell Banker Select

Jim Bigelow

A New Garden

A New Garden Creating your own garden from the very beginning can be an exciting project. However, if you think that you will have the last say as to what happens nature may disagree with you. To maintain your sanity you will need to work in harmony with nature. Planning and preparation will make all the difference in the success of your garden. It’s easy to dig up some soil and throw some plants in the ground. It is another thing altogether to create a healthy, vibrant garden. What to Grow? First you need to consider the location of your garden and the kinds of plants that can grow under the existing conditions. There are three main factors that influence what can grow in a given location; sunlight, soil composition and soil moisture. While you can somewhat manipulate soil composition and moisture, you certainly can not influence the sunlight. You will need to have a good idea of the amount of sunlight that will reach the garden. Don’t forget to take into account those areas of the garden that are partially or fully shaded, such as spots on the north side of a building or under a large tree. You will need the appropriate plants in the appropriate areas. Soil You will need to determine the composition of the soil in your garden. An ideal garden soil is made up of 40% sand, 40% silt and 20% clay. There are several easy ways to determine the make up of your soil. One to try is to put a couple cups of your soil in a large jar that is half filled with water. Stir up the solution until all of the soil is in suspension. Let it settle over night and the next day you should see three layers of soil; sand, then silt then clay at the top. You can then tell the rough percentage of each type. Improving soil conditions Adding organic matter is the best way to improve the composition of your soil. If the soil is sandy or silty add a combination of topsoil and peat moss (always moisten peat moss before adding it to your soil.) If there is too much clay, add the peat moss with some sand. You can also try using compost in replacement of peat moss, and be sure to never add sand directly to your soil. Sand should only be added in combination with organic matter. Moisture Of course soil moisture is dependent on the climate of your area, but there can still be variations in your yard. If you are at the bottom of a hill, for example, your garden may stay wet for long periods. It’s best (and easiest) to use plants that like a lot of water. On the other hand, if the area is very dry, it may be tougher than you think to compensate by frequent watering. Choosing plants that are happy in dry climates will make your life much simpler. The bottom line is that although you can compensate somewhat for your existing garden conditions, it can be a lot more rewarding to work with the natural conditions. Planting the appropriate plants for the given environment will save you time, money and pain.   Sincerely,   Jim Bigelow

Jim Bigelow Group   Jim Bigelow   Email Jim   Phone:   (918)481-8357   Cell:   (918)640-4657   Fax:   (918)481-8360

Visit our website at http://www.jimbigelow.com/

Jim Bigelow

What is Medicare? Part 2

What is Medicare?

What Is Covered – Part A

This and succeeding sections outline the coverage for “Original Medicare” Part A (Hospital Insurance), Part B (Medical Insurance); Part C (”Medigap”/Supplemental Insurance); Part D (Prescription Drugs); and common Medicare Advantage Plans.

Since the topic includes many details and options we have presented the basics to help you understand the coverage. Please research all the details applicable to your location, in more depth, before selecting and enrolling in a specific Plan.

Part A (Hospital Insurance) Covered Services

·         Blood: Starting with the 4th pint of blood you get at a hospital or skilled nursing facility during a covered stay. The first three pints are not covered.
 

·         Home Health Services: Limited to reasonable and necessary part time or intermittent skilled care or continuing need for physical therapy, or speech-related pathology, ordered by the doctor and provided by a Medicare-certified home health agency. Home health services may also include medical social services, durable medical equipment (such as wheelchairs, hospital beds, oxygen, and walkers), and medical supplies for use at home.
 

·         Hospice Care: For people with a terminal illness who are expected to live 6 months or less if the disease runs its normal course. Coverage includes drugs, medicinal and support services from a Medicare approved hospice, and other services not otherwise covered by Medicare (such as grief counseling) for terminal and related conditions. Hospice care is usually given in your home (or other facility where you may live). Medicare covers some short-term inpatient stays (for pain and symptom management) and inpatient respite care (care given to a hospice patient so that the usual caregiver can rest).
 

·         Hospital Stays: Semi-private room, meals, general nursing, and other hospital services and supplies. This includes inpatient you get in acute care hospitals, critical access hospitals, inpatient care as part of a clinical research study, and mental health care. This doesn’t include private-duty nursing or a television or telephone in your room. It also doesn’t include a private room unless medically necessary. Inpatient mental health care in a psychiatric hospital is limited to 190 days in a lifetime.
 

·         Skilled Nursing Facility Care: Semi-private room, meals, skilled nursing and rehabilitative services, and other services and supplies (only after a 3-day minimum inpatient hospital stay for a related illness or injury) for up to 100 days in a benefit period. To get care in a skilled nursing facility, you must need skilled care like intravenous injections or physical therapy. Medicare doesn’t cover long-term care or custodial care in this setting. 

 

Jim Bigelow    918-640-4657

www.jimbigelow.com                jim@jimbigelow.com

Coldwell Banker Select

Jim Bigelow

HWA Home Warranties

Ollie the Orange walks your clients through HWA Home Warranty 101
Always Look for the Orange
Home Warranty Company!
www.hwahomewarranty.com
888-492-7359
888-325-5143 (CA only)

Get started using this video:

This 9-minute video can benefit you:

Watch HWA’s fresh, new animated video and learn about your home warranty
painlessly.

It’s not easy to wade through cumbersome brochures, so we commissioned mascot
Ollie the Orange to teach you in 9 easy minutes about the fundamentals of your
HWA home warranty.

• It frees up your time.

• It increases understanding about HWA programs.

The video will educate you on the basics on how to maximize your HWA home
warranty. You will learn about:
• HWA’s Coverage
• HWA’s Guarantee
• Service Providers and Calls
• HWA’s GreenPlus Option
• Kitchen Appliances/Mechanical Systems
• And Much More!
After completing the video, please review either myself Jim Bigelow or HWA for additional information.

Jim Bigelow 918-640-4657
www.jimbigelow.com jim@jimbigelow.com
Coldwell Banker Select

Penny Roth Account Executive
Home Warranty of America
918-845-2556

Jim Bigelow

Oklahoma Fires Claims

Jim Bigelow Bigelow Group Realtors 918-640-4657

www.jimbigelow.com jim@jimbigelow.com

Coldwell Banker Select

John Buchanan Jr.

Country Insurance & Financial Services

918-693-8820

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Jim Bigelow

What is Medicare? PArt 1

What is Medicare?

Medicare is a United States Government-sponsored health insurance program available to people in the following categories:

·         age 65 or older; OR

·         under age 65 with certain disabilities; OR

·         any age with End-Stage Renal Disease
     (permanent kidney failure requiring dialysis or a kidney transplant).

Most people get their coverage through the ORIGINAL MEDICARE PLAN. (Unless you choose otherwise, this is the plan you will be enrolled in.)

 

How It Works

Sign Up for Either Original Medicare  OR  A Medicare Advantage Plan

Original Medicare Plan has four (4) Parts:

Part A: Hospital Insurance helps cover the following:

·         Inpatient Care In Hospitals,

·         Includes Critical Access Hospitals and In-patient Rehabilitation Facilities,

·         Inpatient Stays In A Skilled Nursing Facility
     (not custodial or long-term care),

·         Hospice Care Services,

·         Home Health Care Services,

·         Inpatient Care In A Religious Non-Medical Health Care Institution
     (coverage is related to non-medical, non-religious parts of care).

Part B: Medical Insurance helps cover medically necessary services like:

·         Doctors’ Services,

·         Outpatient Care,

·         Other Medical Services That Part A Doesn’t Cover
      (such as Physical and Occupational Therapists),

·         Some Home Health Care,

·         Some Preventative Services

Part C: Medigap -or- Supplemental Insurance Plans, and

Part D: Prescription Drugs.

Medicare Advantage Plans are a package providing the same services as the Original with added services and options.

As an alternative to the Original Medicare Program, Medicare Advantage Plans are a package providing the same services as the Original with added services and options.

 

Jim Bigelow    918-640-4657

www.jimbigelow.com                jim@jimbigelow.com

Coldwell Banker Select

 

 

 

Jim Bigelow

Easy Spring Cleaning

Easy Spring CleaningIf you don’t have time for a huge ordeal, here are some tips from the Good Housekeeping Institute on how to tackle the important stuff. Behind the big stuff This is a great time to move the beds, sofas and other heavy furniture that you typically don’t bother with. Going one side at a time, pull the item away from the wall. Clean behind it and use the appropriate attachment on your vacuum to get the floor and baseboards. Push it back in, and pull out the other side to do the same.Get no-streak windows Definitely consider getting a microfiber cloth. They are relatively inexpensive and significantly cut down on elbow grease. Plus they are lint free and leave no streaks. Tackle the bathroom Invest in a cleaning tool with a pivoting head and extendable handle. Use disposable cloths to get behind toilets, shower walls, tubs and more. Don’t forget to get rid of old cosmetics etc. from the medicine cabinet. Get the nooks and crannies With the brush attachment on your vacuum, get the dust on window sills, door frames, heating vents and other often-forgotten-about places. Window Exteriors Get a squeegee for windows, it’s worth the investment. Top to Bottom Clean your areas starting at the top and working to the bottom.          Sincerely, Jim Bigelow

Jim Bigelow Group   Jim Bigelow Email Jim   Phone: (918)481-8357 Cell: (918)640-4657 Fax: (918)481-8360

Visit our website at http://www.jimbigelow.com/

 

Jim Bigelow

Oklahoma Tax Exemption

Oklahoma Tax Exemption

 

 

Due to current housing market trends it is necessary and informative for all qualified veterans and some surviving spouses to know that the State of Oklahoma is unique in that it is the only State that offers tax exemptions for certain classes of disabled veterans and some surviving spouses.  Please review the article dated January 22, 2009.  Section 9 of Oklahoma House Bill 154.7/1131

 

Would you believe Oklahoma is the only State that offers Tax Exempt Status to veterans with 100% disabilities?

 

This program benefits nearly 9,600 Oklahoma Veterans who have sacrificed their lives and health for this Country.  These veterans are exempt from all sales tax which includes:  City, County, and State that shall not exceed 25,000 per year, per individual.  Americans are united in their belief that Congress and the President have a responsibility to make sure that veterans receive their benefits after service.  This exemption is the latest attempt from Oklahoma to accommodate those who have sacrificed for our nation.  This tax exemption is the least that any State can offer to those men and women who have given their lives and time.

 

Oklahoma should be the catalyst for this nation who owes their very existence to men and women veterans that have served their country with honor and valor in times of war and peace.

 

House Bill 1131 allows surviving spouses of veterans with a 100% service connected disability to keep the Veterans Sales Tax Exemption.

 

As a retired Viet-Nam Veteran, I can truly say that spouses of disabled veterans endure severe hardships when their love one’s die in defense of our nation.  The freedom Americans enjoy should not die with the warriors; it must extend to the surviving spouses.

 

Again Oklahoma leads the nation with new household personal property tax exemption that is offered to 100% service connected veterans or their surviving spouses.

 

Our service members returning from the mid-east and their devoted families relocating or returning to Oklahoma are also entitled to 100% motor vehicle tax exemption, 100% disable veteran property tax exemption, Oklahoma tuition aid grant, Oklahoma National Guard Tuition Waiver, and many other benefits that are inclusive to Oklahoma.

 

In today’s world, we welcome your move to a State that honors our veterans.

 

As a military retiree, dedicated to the military personnel and their families, I urge you to contact Coleman White@Jimbigelow.com for all your real estate needs.

 

Coleman White 918-760-1317

coleman@jimbigelow.com  www.jimbigelow.com

 

Jim Bigelow    918-640-4657

www.jimbigelow.com                jim@jimbigelow.com

Coldwell Banker Select

 

 

Jim Bigelow

Oklahoma Asbestos Prevention and Healthy Options for Homeowners

n  http://www.jimbigelow.com/

 

 Oklahoma Asbestos Prevention and Healthy Options for Homeowners

 The path to owning a home is a rewarding accomplishment that will require many new responsibilities. Homes that are newly purchased may require additional remodeling or repairs. With the state of Oklahoma relying on oil production or many years, asbestos use was prevalent for decades.

Often appearing in roof shingles, popcorn ceilings, piping and insulation, asbestos became one of the most popular building applications of the 20^th century. Potential Oklahoma home buyers or those remodeling homes constructed before 1980 should be aware that the potential for asbestos-containing materials is still present.

This does not mean home owners or those involved in real estate should be frightened because asbestos exposure is easily prevented by taking simple precautions. There are now many green insulation alternatives that make the use of asbestos no longer necessary.

If asbestos is located or suspected in your home, most professionals will advise to leave it un-disturbed. When asbestos becomes damaged, its fibers may be released into the air. Long term exposure can lead to the development of rare, but severe ailments such as asbestosis and peritoneal mesothelioma. The negligence involved with asbestos incidents has become one of the more formidable cover-ups in the 20^th century. Manufacturers of asbestos became aware of the toxic qualities involving the substance long before they turned this knowledge over to the public. This has lead to mesothelioma attorney firms protecting and advocating the rights of victims. 

The Oklahoma Department of Labor assists citizens and homeowners in the inspection, protection and abatement of asbestos. It is their goal to provide consultation, guidance and regulation of asbestos materials to minimize the adverse affects it may have on homeowners.  Prior to moving in to your new home or apartment, you must make sure there are no asbestos related materials or fibers present. It is important to meet with health or environmental professionals to properly examine your new property. If removal is necessary, it must be performed by a licensed abatement contractor who is trained in handling hazardous substances.

Many states in the United States are adapting to green, sustainable construction practices that suit the health of human beings and push for environmental sustainability. There are now many regulations being installed that will make the use of older, corrosive methods of construction obsolete.  Eco-sustainable materials such as cotton fiber, lcynene foam and cellulose are viable alternatives to asbestos and feature the same flame resistance and durable qualities of asbestos.

The implementation of sustainable methods can also reduce annual energy costs. Statistics show that the lcynene foam, for example, can cut energy costs by about 25 percent annually, according to studies done by manufacturers. The United States Green Building Council also reported a savings of $50 to $65 for green constructed buildings. These asbestos alternatives allow for a healthy, safe home, free of health damaging materials.

Jim Bigelow    918-640-4657

www.jimbigelow.com                jim@jimbigelow.com

Coldwell Banker Select

 

Jim Bigelow

About Credit

About Credit

In the United States, a credit score is a number that is based on a statistical analysis of a person’s credit report, and is used to represent the creditworthiness of that person- the likelihood that the person will pay his or her debts. A credit score is primarily based on credit report information, typically from the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion). All credit scores are not the same because each bureau uses it’s own scoring mechanism.

Credit scores measure the risk of default by taking into account the various factors in a person’s financial history. Here is how these scores assess what is on your credit report.

1. Your payment history- about 35% of your score. Have you paid your credit accounts on time? Late payments, bankruptcies, and other negative items can hurt your credit score. But a solid record of on-time payments helps your score.

2. How much do you owe- about 30% of your score. The scores look at the amounts you owe on all your accounts, the number of accounts with balances, and how much of your available credit you are using. The more you owe compared to your credit limit, the lower your score will be.

3. Length of your credit history- about 15% of your score. A longer credit history will increase your score. However, you can get a high score with a short credit history if the rest of your credit report shows responsible credit management.

4. New credit- about 10% of your score. If you have recently applied for or opened new credit accounts, your credit score will weigh this fact against the rest of your credit history. The scores can distinguish between a search for a single loan and a search for many new credit lines, in part by the length of time over which inquiries occur. If you need a loan, do your rate shopping within a focused period of time, such as 30 days, to avoid lowering your score.

5. Other factors- about 10% of your score. Several minor factors also can influence your score. For example, having a mix of credit types on your credit report- credit cards, installment loans such as a mortgage or auto loan, personal lines of credit- is normal for people with longer credit histories and can add slightly to their scores.

Tips for building credit
1) Check your credit report. You’re entitled to a free annual look at your reports from annualcreditreport.com.
2) Establish a checking and savings account
3) Pay your bills on time.
4) Don’t max out your credit cards. Keep your balance no more than 30% of your credit limit.
5) Apply for credit when you are a college student.
6) Piggy back on someone else’s good credit.
7) Apply for a secured card.
Get a store card.
9) Get an installment loan.

When using your credit cards- Keep balances low (no more than 30% of your credit limit). Don’t charge more than you can pay off in a month. You don’t have to pay interest on credit card to get good credit scores. It’s much smarter to pay off your credit cards in full each month. Use your card regularly. Make sure that you pay all your bills on time.

Patience and caution are important in this process. It takes time to establish credit . Most importantly, remember that credit actually represents real money and has to be repaid with interest.

hjobe@fiirstmortgageco.com

First Mortgage Company
2504 E 71st Street
Suite A
Tulsa, OK 74136

(918) 496-2241 x230
(918) 698-8938 Cell

Jim Bigelow    918-640-4657

www.jimbigelow.com                jim@jimbigelow.com

Coldwell Banker Select

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