Affordable Homes and Custom Paint

Author: Teddy Burch
Issue: 2008 March

Dagiva Enterprises

David and Givonna Carter began Dagiva Enterprises with two goals in mind. The first was to create more time for their family to spend together; the second was to create friendships and help all kinds of people to get into a home they could afford.

In the five years since redoing and reselling their first property, both goals have been met.

“We are never in it for the resale as much as we are getting people into their new home,” said Givonna. “We help many people who never thought they could get into a home.”

Dagiva buys foreclosure homes and rental properties. They even purchase homes that have been inherited and the new owners don’t know what to do with. “We can help them,” David said.

The conditions of the homes which Dagiva purchases range from needing to be totally gutted and redone from the floors up, to just needing some light paint and carpets cleaned.

However one of the best features to buying a home from Dagiva is that most people have immediate equity in their home. “We are able to buy and redo houses cheaper and therefore resell them cheaper and the buyer walks away from the closing table with home equity.” David said.

One thing to remember is that while many parts of the country are experiencing housing sale slumps and record foreclosures, Oklahoma has avoided most of the problems because lenders have avoided high risk loans and the housing prices have stayed relatively close to the market value. David still believes that real estate is the best investment.

“It’s the best way to build wealth,” he said. “The value of your home may slow down on how quickly it increases, but the value will always go up. You cannot lose in buying your own house.”

So what about the goal of spending more time with family? The Carters are currently enjoying that also. David once worked long hours every day and most weekends. Today, they can enjoy quality time spent together along with the addition of Zath, just two month ago. The Carter’s are well aware of the impossible task of replacing time.

“You can never get time back, so we are fortunate to be able to spend it together,” Givonna said. “We also get to help people get into homes that [they] may have thought they would never get into. Everybody wins.”

If you’re ready to get into your own home, call Dagiva Enterprises at 831-1952 and let David and Givonna go to work for you.

Lonnie’s Paint & Body

Since 1960, Lonnie’s Paint and Body Shop has been providing Shawnee residents with great service and exceptional work. Owner, Pat Fitzgerald recognizes the long-time Shawnee icon has a great reputation and he hopes to continue to improve on a good thing.

“People have always known about Lonnie’s. My father bought the business in 1981 and I bought it from him in 1995. I feel that in that time period, we have added to the great thing that Lonnie Upton started 48 years ago,” Fitzgerald said. “We never changed the name because we have always been known for doing a good service.”

Fitzgerald believes that it is important to remember that with the cost of today’s vehicles, where you take your automobile after an unfortunate accident can make a world of difference. “With the price of some of these cars and trucks, it is important to remember that not all body work is the same,” he said. “Unfortunately, when you get your automobile back, and you notice that the work is not that good, it’s a little to late.”

Fitzgerald also knows the importance of having a good work crew. His current crew has over thirty years combined experience working at Lonnie’s. While there are many individuals that make up the crew, Fitzgerald has one employee that truly understands a hard day’s work.

“Mike Nichols has been here a bunch of years. He is one of those guys that truly knows the meaning of putting in a days work,” said Fitzgerald. “He is just old-school. They broke the mold when they made Mike. He truly is one of a kind.”

Fitzgerald wants you to remember that the less distractions that you have while operating your automobile, the better your chances of avoiding an accident. “The less attention you have to spend on cell phones and other devices, means the more attention spent on driving.”

One other point that Fitzgerald wants to stress is that where you get your vehicle repaired is always your decision. “If your insurance company, or anyone else tells you different, they are wrong.”

Located at 124 North Beard, Lonnie’s Paint and Body Shop is ready to serve you for collision repair. Call 273-0172 for more information.

In Vogue Consignment

In Vogue Consignment, where girls just want to have fun, has moved. Now located at 1445 North Kickapoo, at the intersection of Kickapoo and Independence on the Southeast corner, In Vogue still offers the same great service as they always have.

“Well, I believe that it is going to work out really well for us,” said owner, Helen Jordan. “The set-up is better, the access is good, and being located at one of the busiest intersections in town is a definite plus.”

Jordan explained that In Vogue is still stocked full of the same great clothes and deals they were known for at their other location, as well as they are now accepting spring consignments.

She further explained a sure way to tell that the new location is a hit. “New faces. I am seeing them everyday. That’s what we were hoping to gain in our new spot.”

Go by In Vogue Consignment and talk with Helen or call 275-4326.

Image Quest Day Spa & Salon

Are you tired of stress? Do you ever wish you had a place to go to escape the madness of everyday? Well now you do.
Located at 722 East Independence in Suite G, Image Quest is the day spa and salon you have been looking for. With massage therapy, facials, body wraps and manicures available, who wouldn't want to spend a day at Image Quest?

“We have just opened five new treatment rooms, which brings our total number of rooms to eleven,” said Barbara Cathey, owner of Image Quest. “And our body massages, microdermabrasions and facials are our three most popular services.”

Open since 1993, Image Quest Day Spa & Salon comprises a 6,000 square foot facility that can accommodate bridal parties, birthday parties or family bonding days, as well as individual services of your choice. They offer special holiday packages during the year along with a large assortment of treatments for both their male and female client base.

“Each of our massage therapists have degrees and the rest of our staff are fully licensed and well trained,” said Cathey. “We will take good care of you.”

Call 275-2110 or go by Image Quest today.

Correction

In the February issue we stated that Benedict Street Market offered wine as part of their after 6:00 p.m. services. This is incorrect, however they do offer a five-course meal and live entertainment.

Shawnee Outlook