Our Customer Care Team takes each family through their home at the 60 day mark after closing. Maintenance and healthy home ownership guidelines are provided as a team member walks the family through each room.

In this video Ron Olson from our Customer Care Team shares tips with new home owners in our Carrington Place community.

This is just one more reason Ideal Homes is respected by other industry professionals as well as home owners.

Visit the last video post of Ron Olson for more new home owner tips.

If you have home owner tips you would like to share, please email to kboone@ideal-homes.com.

Visit Ideal Homes website for more information on our company and products.

Exercise Caution During Oklahoma Tornado Season

Tornadoes have given our state a reputation nationwide as having fierce and frightening weather with which to reckon.  The Greater OKC Chamber has conducted multiple site surveys through their Economic Development efforts. The executives and employees with out of state companies consistently mark weather in Oklahoma as a major concern. It is wise to heed caution when dealing with and severe storms.

For those living in Oklahoma already as well as those looking to move here through relocation with their employers there are resources available to help you prepare for emergency situations associated with bad weather.

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides
which includes purchasing a NOAA Radio. This radio allows you to receive constant updates throughout severe weather; CDC recommends you purchase one with battery backup in the event there’s a power outage.

News9.com includes a reference to Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) guidelines on safe rooms (under the “safe rooms” tab) in their.

KOCO.com shares where to take cover when sirens sound in their blog providing shelter advice. These guidelines are important to follow. The recent 2a.m. sirens waking many from sleep during the tornadic front that blew through Oklahoma allowed for an opportunity to exercise best practices for finding shelter. According to KOCO’s post, it is best to “shelter-in-place” when sirens sound.

Here is a map of Oklahoma posted by News9.com to help you know where counties are located. This will help you understand where the storm fronts being mentioned in news coverage are located.

We at Ideal Homes want all of our home owners to keep friends and family safe during severe storm seasons. Contact our Customer Care Team, if you would like additional safety tips. You are also welcome to email and offer tips you have learned and want to share with others: kboone@ideal-homes.com.

Our Customer Care Team does a wonderful job of guiding our new home owners in the Oklahoma City Metro area and Stillwater toward best practices. The tips shared in this video relate to exterior health of the yard, trees and driveway.

If you have tips you would like to see highlighted, please send suggestions to kboone@ideal-homes.com.

Visit us at www.ideal-homes.com to view our communities and learn more about our company.

Not all homes come with instructions. Luckily, for Ideal Homes home buyers, their new homes do. From home owner manuals and information given out during the walk-thru to the two follow-up visits that happen during the first year of home ownership, Ideal Homes believes that well-informed home owners make happy home owners.

Ideal Homes takes a proactive approach to customer service.

Ron Olson, Ideal Homes Customer Care Representative, explains what takes place at the “Orientation Appointment” with the home owners prior to closing. (Closing is when buyers sign documents and loan papers and take legal possession of their new home.) He describes the orientation as an “educational tour regarding the care and use of the home.”

“We tell them how everything operates so the new home owners will be familiar with the home. We also cover warranty information and make them aware of maintenance tips and cleaning information regarding what products to use and not to use,” Ron says.

Once living in their new home, home owners receive a 60-day follow-up visit. During this appointment, minor repairs are made, and friendly reminders are given about items like changing air filters monthly and landscaping requirements for new sod and trees. In addition, the Customer Care Department reminds home owners of seasonal tips and refers them once again to Ideal Homes’ two maintenance and warranty publications,

Ron Olson, customer care representative

“Guide to Home Ownership” and “Quick Start Guide.”

Right before the home owners’ one-year anniversary, they receive an 11-month follow-up visit. This appointment is similar to the 60-day follow-up, and repair items are corrected by an Ideal Homes field technician or a contractor.

“Our home owners are pleasantly surprised at how well we service their homes and do the follow-up,” Ron says. “We work with great trades by the way. They treat our home owners really well, and we treat them really well. In turn, the home owner has a really good experience because of that.”

To be pro-active in home owner maintenance, Ron recommends changing air filters once a month, changing batteries in smoke detectors twice a year, paying close attention to landscaping requirements, flushing the hot water tank (a very simple task, he says) and steam-cleaning carpets at

least once a year.

Ron, an Ideal employee for almost 10 years, says, “Many of us who work here own Ideal homes. We live in these homes and know how they behave. It’s a great quality home, very energy efficient. We have one of the top customer satisfaction ratings in the country. We have one of the highest referral rates of builders in the country. We do our best every day to try to make everyone have a great Ideal experience.”

We’ve given you a few how to tips to go along with your new home such as maintaining those must have hardwood floors, and preparing your home for the spring season.  Another must have on your list was the jetted tub in the master bathroom. But how do you keep it clean and functioning?

Because a jetted bathtub is different than a hot tub spa, and it doesn’t take constant chemicals to keep it bacteria free, there are a few steps you can take to keep the jets clean and clear from mold and debris.

It’s always important to take a look at the manufacturers’ instructions and make sure that certain cleaners will not be harsh or abrasive to your particular tub, so familiarize yourself with your specific brand of jetted tub.

When you undertake a cleaning of the jets, fill the tub with hot water approximately 3 inches above the jets and turn off the air induction valve. Then add ¼ cup of low foaming disinfectant such as powdered dish washing soap and ½ cup bleach to the water.  If your instructions tell you to stay away from bleach, vinegar can also be a great cleaning and disinfecting agent. Run the jets on high for about 15 minutes then drain the tub and refill and rinse with cold water.

Staying on top of this routine once a month will prevent slime and bacteria build up in pipes and jets.  If you are not comfortable using household products, you can find special cleaners for tubs directly from the manufacturer or other professional plumbing and cleaning suppliers.  Some companies advocate using bio cleaners specifically designated for jetted tubs. While this may be needed if a tub sits for a long time, it is still feasible to use the household cleaners once a month and reserve the use of more costly bio cleaners once a season for deeper cleaning.

The key is to make sure you are not seeing any brown or black discharge from your jets. This is the sign that a more rigorous attention to cleaning needs to be implemented so that you can enjoy your tub for years to come.

Image source: ©PhotoXpress.com

Don’t succumb to all the hype. At times it can be portrayed as a war between home builders and real estate agents, but the truth is, more agents today then ever before are bringing their clients in to new home sales sites and for good reason. The quality of construction, the onset of new energy efficient materials, and the numerous warranties as well as lots of options that abound for buyers. After all, a real estate agent is there to find the best possibilities for their buyer.

In the current economy builders and developers realize and respect the fact that real estate agents are a large source of sales for their communities and are making strides to bridging the gap that used to exist previously between builders and buyer’s agents.

Here is a little myth buster session to take into account when looking at new homes. Strong, reputable builders tend to hold to these precepts.

Myth One: If a buyer communicates directly with the builder the agent will be cut out of the deal

The Source: In the past Agents felt that builders might “cut” them out of the deal if their buyers began communicating directly with the site.

The Truth: For the most part new home sales agents are trained to ask if you are working with an agent. As an agent, informing your buyer that they need to disclose that relationship up front even if they go in to “Just look” will help a builder know that an agent is working with a client. Think about per-registering your clients with a builder you think your client may be interested in.

As a buyer, If you are working with an agent, those relationships should be noted upon first visits to a new home sales site to avoid confusion later.

A new home sales agent on site is the best source of information on the home builder, the building process, the community and other pertinent information to help a buyer make a decision on purchasing a home in that community.

A buyers agent is a great source of information on comparisons of the local area, market data, knowledge about the buying process, and many other professional resources for their buyers.

The ability to communicate shouldn’t be blocked by miss conceptions. Everyone should work together to help a buyer understand the process and their options throughout the building and buying process.

The Reality: A builder who tries to cut agents out of the loop will have that reputation and it will spread like wildfire among the real estate broker community. With the high volumes of sales made by real estate agents on new home sites that’s not a lead source most builders would or should risk.

Myth Two: If I don’t use an agent I will get a better deal

The Source: At times real estate agents are concerned that a builder will offer a better deal to their buyer, if the agent relationship is terminated and the builder doesn’t have to pay a commission. And in reality this myth is perpetuated more by uninformed buyers than anyone else, because they perceive they have more ability to negotiate without an agent commission.

The Truth: The fact that there is no commission paid on a particular home does not mean there is more room for negotiation in a home. And any reputable builder will not even offer such a deal because of the ramifications it will have with in the broker community. This means a buyer can not negotiate down the percentage that would have been paid to an agent.

The Reality: Most builders set their margins based on a certain percentage they will pay for commissions throughout the community not based house by house. If a builder were found saying to a buyer, “well if you don’t use your agent I can give you a better deal…” that would be the death of their real estate agent traffic. No builder is willing to risk that no matter how hard an individual negotiates without an agent.  By informing buyers that this is not a stance the builder will take it will help squash the idea that going it alone will help them get a better deal.

These two major myths are the fodder that feeds the perception that builders and agents don’t get along.  But the truth of the matter is that strong builders will make the effort to dispel these myths and work together with real estate agents for the good of the clients and the good of the real estate community.

Image source: ©PhotoXpress.com

The official launch of spring is right around the corner. Home Owners’ Associations will soon begin selecting “Lawn of the Month” award recipients. Ever wonder how those few zealous green thumbs grow and maintain Astroturf-like grass coverage? Here is what Tolle has to say about spring time lawn establishment:

“WEEDS: They will happen. New home lawns not only in Oklahoma City, but also in cities nationwide are affected by these grass nemesis.

The first year will naturally have more weed intrusion than subsequent years.  We do not recommend using herbicides of any kind, including weed and feed or pre-emergents, on newly laid lawns or lawns started fall through the spring of the last season. A light fertilizer application is acceptable.

An alternate weed control method requires a lot of muscle. Get some exercise and enjoy the outdoors all the while hand-pulling weeds to your heart’s content. Here’s a great place to reiterate – don’t use herbicides on your new lawn.

Aside from weed control, nourishment is a factor which impacts the health of your lawn. For instance watering:  water is essential for life, too little and we shrivel to much and we drown, both end very badly. Never let your yard get so dry it has cracks in the soil. That would be lawn abuse.

Water your lawn in the winter, when it is a comfortable enough temperature  to be outside; remember to unhook the hose or faucet applications when finished that day.  Take the following into consideration when watering: The upper 1 to 2 inches of soil need to be moistened until the turf is rooted and spreading.  As the turf becomes more established, begin deeper, less frequent irrigations to promote deeper rooting and heartier turf.

Extra tip: Water as early in the morning as possible to take advantage of the daily normal grass growing cycle.

Visit Oklahoma State Extension as an online reference for your lawn care needs.”

If you have tidbits of advice you would like to share, email kboone@ideal-homes.com.

Visit Ideal Homes to learn more about our company, products and communities.

That pesky little gopher knew how to frustrate the zealous golfers in Caddyshack.

Alternate way to lure gophers.

According to the Ideal Homes’ Customer Care Team this year is one in which gophers and moles are making a dominant appearance. Read what Tolle shared for this Tolle’s Tidbits blog post:

“Currently I am seeing an issue that is what I would consider an infestation of the mole and gopher population.  Throughout Oklahoma City on the sides of roads and in yards there are a lot of fresh mounds of fine soil along with burrowing lines pushing the grass up. These little critters are ugly, annoying, and can be destructive and costly. They affect not only your lawn but also your home.

Moles push up the grass causing raised tunnels and mounds. They love to consume grub worms.  By reducing grub worms there’s a stronger chance moles may go elsewhere to burrow and live. Worm bait may be used to lure these pests into captivity, but there’s a chance they may not eat it. Setting traps in strategic locations might be your best solution. Traps can be bought at your local hardware or home improvement stores.

Another flustering little ground destroyer is the mighty gopher. Gophers eat the roots of grass and plants. They make the pretty brown mounds, with not so much the tunneling effect.  If fireworks and dynamite don’t do the trick* (as seen on T.V.), look to strategic placement of traps. Again you are able to find both traps and bait at hardware and home improvement stores. (*Disclaimer: do not try the firework or dynamite method on pest eradication as it is both illegal and dangerous.)

Remember both moles and gophers are destructive creatures and can do a lot of damage to property.  Keep an eye out the above mentioned signs on or near property and control them as soon as possible.  If eradication methods do not work, consult a pest control professional.”

You are also welcome to call our Customer Care Team for additional advice.

If you have tidbits of advice you would like to share, email kboone@ideal-homes.com.

Visit Ideal Homes to learn more about our company, products and communities.

No matter the economic climate every home owner can appreciate savings associated with their home. Tolle suggests one simple action to help reduce energy waste thus enhancing utility bill savings monthly – change your HVAC filters every month. An easy way to ensure this happens is to set a recurring reminder on a calendar and stick to the scheduled changes.

Per energy experts loss of up to half of energy in the home is attributed to heating and cooling. A clean filter provides less air flow blockage, which allows the system to work more efficiently. Less wear on the HVAC system by keeping filters clean and preventing dust build up paves the way for more longevity of the unit function and less expensive maintenance.

Our New Home Consultants have a five minute presentation they provide everyone who comes to our new home models in any of our communities. It is a great way to gain a deeper understanding of what lies within the walls of homes and how to care for mechanical systems after the home purchase is made.

Purchasing a new home helps reduce many of the expenses one encounters with heating and cooling. It is still important to maintain HVAC units and other mechanical units within your home. Treat this maintenance the same way oil changes and dental visits are treated: do it to avoid future issues.

Check out our last blog post about deicing alternatives during inclement weather.  If you have tidbits of advice you would like to share, email kboone@ideal-homes.com.

Visit Ideal Homes to learn more about our company, products and communities.

In Ideal Homes’ communities as well as other new home communities in the Oklahoma City Metro area there has not been any need to address hazardous icy driveways, sidewalks or porches this winter season. When the next big snow or ice storm hits, be sure to follow Chad Tolle’s, our Director of Customer Care, advice regarding the removal of packed snow and ice covering:

Avoid salt and chemicals when deicing porches, sidewalks and driveways. This includes Calcium chloride, Magnesium chloride, Deicing fluid and all other associated chemicals. These chemicals can penetrate, corrode and disintegrate concrete.

Rock salt (Sodium choloride) releases the highest amount of Chloride ions when it dissolves. These ions can pollute water supplies such as rivers, streams and lakes. They can also corrode metals on your vehicles and prove to be skin irritants. Imagine the damage caused to new landscaping and sod.

Tolle recommends evade all use of chemicals and take an alternative method of using sand. Sand acts as a traction assist and not as an actual deicer. Look for sand that has less dust content to ensure respiratory irritants are not later released into the air through the dust. Use minimal amounts so as not to cause clogging issues with drainage and sewer systems.

For more alternatives check out these Eco Friendly Deicing Options. You may want to contact our Customer Care team prior to using one of the listed options.

Check out our last blog post about avoiding frozen pipes.  If you have tidbits of advice you would like to share, email kboone@ideal-homes.com.

Visit Ideal Homes to learn more about our company, products and communities.