Welcome Home 2019

Welcome

HOME TOP TRICKS TO

PET-FRIENDLY

SPACE

Smart HOMES GET STARTED ON CONNECTING

Be INSPIRED TOUR ALLURING LOCAL KITCHENS

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION OF THE BANGOR DAILY NEWS

2019

Welcome

HOME Publisher RICHARD J. WARREN Senior Editor, Special Sections MATT CHABE Special Sections Sales Manager TODD McLEOD Advertising Sales JEFF ORCUTT jorcutt@bangordailynews.com Art Director AMY ALLEN Creative Services Manager CORALIE CROSS Creative Services MARCIE COOMBS, BEN CYR, CALLIE PICARD, CAROLINA RAVE Cover Image ©PRYSTAI/ADOBE STOCK To advertise in our next edition, please call 990-8134 or email advertising@bangordailynews.com.

Contents SAFE & Sound

02 WHY IT’S SMART TO HAVE A SMART HOME 04 REDUCE RADON IN YOUR HOME 06 TIME TO REPLACE OLD WIRING?

DESIGN Inspiration

10 KITCHEN INSPIRATION 22 CURB APPEAL

PET-FRIENDLY Homes

24 A PET-FRIENDLY HOME 27 PET POISONS THAT MAY BE LURKING

BUY & Sell

30 THE STATE OF MAINE REAL ESTATE 32 GET THE BEST MORTGAGE FINANCING DEAL

© 2019 Bangor Daily News. All rights reserved.

Reproduction in whole or in part is prohibited without express written consent. Requests for permission to copy, reprint, or duplicate any content should be directed to advertising@bangordailynews.com

bangordailynews.com

PHOTO: ©POLIGONCHIK/ADOBE STOCK

PO Box 1329 Bangor, ME 04402-1329

bangordailynews.com • 1

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WHY IT’S SMART TO HAVE

A SMART HOME DEVICES ARE EVERYWHERE. According to a recent visual networking index forecast from Cisco, by 2021 there will be four networked devices and connections per person across the globe. Those figures are even greater in North America, where Cisco estimates each person will have 13 networked devices and connections by 2021.

With all those devices, it’s no surprise that a greater number of people are embracing the smart home movement. Those who have yet to jump on the bandwagon can benefit from learning more about smart homes and why it’s intelligent to have a smart home.

According to SmartHomeUSA.com, the term “smart home” is commonly used to define residences in which appliances, lighting, heating and cooling units, televisions, computers, entertainment systems, and security systems are capable of communicating with one another.

Each of these components can be controlled remotely, typically via a smartphone.

WHY IS IT SMART TO HAVE A SMART HOME? The benefits of a smart home are numerous, and will likely only multiply as people utilize more devices.

• TIME: A recent joint survey from CNET and Coldwell Banker found that 57 percent of Americans say that smart home technology saves them an average of 30 minutes per day. That’s an especially beneficial advantage for busy parents and/or professionals who find it difficult to juggle all of their daily responsibilities.

• MONEY: Another benefit to smart homes is their cost savings.

Because devices can be controlled remotely, smart home owners can adjust the temperatures on their heating and cooling units while away from home. That means they can arrive home each night to a comfortable home without having to run systems all day while no one was home. In fact, the CNET/Coldwell Banker survey found 45 percent of Americans say that smart home products save them an average of $98.30 each month.

• INVESTMENT: Whether you’re a developer or a single-family homeowner, real estate is an investment. Making a home as appealing to prospective buyers as possible is a great way to get a better return on your real estate investment. The CNET/ Coldwell Banker survey found that 81 percent of buyers would be more likely to buy a home if smart home products were already installed. That can make the market for your home more competitive, ultimately earning you more money at resale.

Smart homes are both the present and the future. Homeowners who want to make their homes more livable today and more marketable tomorrow should consider investing in smart home products.

2 • BDN WELCOME HOME • 2019

PHOTOS: ©KASPARS GRINVALDS, ©STANISIC VLADIMIR/ADOBE STOCK

WHAT IS A SMART HOME?

ITEMS TO GET YOU STARTED ON CREATING YOUR SMART HOME Smart homes are a rapidly growing trend. In a typical smart home, devices such as the thermostat, television and even the refrigerator can be controlled remotely through the internet.

Converting an existing home into a smart home can seem intimidating, especially for people who don’t consider themselves tech savvy. But today’s userfriendly technology makes it relatively easy for anyone to turn his or her home into a smarter one.

Before you get started, recognize that there are certain must-have items to turn a home into a smart home.

THERMOSTAT You won’t necessarily need to upgrade your devices to get a smart home. In fact, if you control or can control any device in your home with a smartphone, you are already on your way to having a smart home. Upgrading to a programmable thermostat that’s compatible with your smartphone might be a great idea if your current thermostat is old and not internet-compatible. With a programmable thermostat, you can control the temperature in your home remotely. That ensures the home is a comfortable temperature when you arrive home and allows you to turn off costly heating and cooling units when no one is home.

HOME SECURITY

HUB

Wi-Fi enabled doorbells with video capabilities allow residents to see who is at the door without having to open it. Cameras can even be accessed remotely, simulating that someone is at home at all times. Never wonder if you’ve locked the door again with smart locks that can be engaged via a smartphone. Make sure that homes are secured or that pets are behaving while out with smart cameras.

The hub refers to software or hardware that connects all of your devices and gets them to work together. Think of the various devices you have and then think of their manufacturers. Chances are you have devices manufactured by various companies, and enabling those to work together might seem impossible. A hub does that work for you. And because they can be connected to your smartphone, hubs also make it possible to control devices while you’re away from home.

WIFI ROUTER Some people rent their routers from their internet/cable providers, while others buy their own routers. Regardless of which category you fall into, you’re going to need a good WiFi router to get your smart home up and running.

If possible, upgrade to the fastest WiFi your internet provider offers, as that will make your smart home that much more enjoyable and frustration-free.

APPLIANCES SMART BULBS Manufacturers offer various types of smart light bulbs. Some are colorchanging, others react to doorbells or alarms, and others can simulate typical lighting patterns when homeowners are away. Integrated apps enable remote access to scheduling so people can arrive home to a well-lit house.

A new breed of smart appliances can make it possible for users to turn on the washing machine while out of the house, close refrigerator doors from afar or even start their vacuum cleaners remotely.

bangordailynews.com • 3

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RADON IS AN ODORLESS,

invisible gas that may be lurking in homes even if homeowners are unaware of its presence. Although it is a naturally occurring substance, radon has the potential to cause serious illness. Therefore, its detection and reduction are paramount.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Surgeon General’s Office have estimated that as many as 20,000 lung cancer deaths are caused each year by radon, which is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States. The EPA further notes that many homes are in radon danger areas. Nearly one in three homes checked in seven states and on three lands designated for Native Americans had screening levels over 4 pCi/L, the EPA’s recommended action level for radon exposure. According to Air Chek, Inc., a radon testing resource, a radon level of 4 pCi/l is equal to approximately 35 times as much radiation as the Nuclear Regulatory Commission would allow if a person was standing next to the fence of a radioactive waste site.

Testing can determine if radon is present in a home. Homeowners can rely on professional companies or purchase self-testing kits at home improvement retailers. If a test comes back positive for high levels, conduct a follow-up test before taking any measures to fix the problem. Unusual weather can increase radon levels. If repeat testing yields the same results, efforts to reduce radon levels are necessary.

Homeowners must keep in mind that no two situations are the same and various techniques may be necessary to reduce radon levels in a home.

4 • BDN WELCOME HOME • 2019

Simply opening the windows in a home may not be enough, and many radon remedies require the skilled services of professional contractors who are experienced in radon reduction procedures.

Homes can be fixed, but some instances may be best left to the professionals.

One of the most popular methods of reducing radon concentrations involves a process called active soil depressurization, or ASD. This is a cost-effective and reliable technique to reduce radon that involves capturing the radon from beneath a building before it can enter the dwelling. A venting system draws the radon gas from the soil beneath the foundation and exhausts it outside of the building — far away from windows and other home openings. A continuously operating fan draws and discharges the radon outdoors.

Radon that has infiltrated water supplies may require other removal methods. Such methods may require spraying water into a contained air space, introducing air bubbles into the water or storing water in a tank until the radon has decayed. Another method employs granular activated carbon (GAC) to remove radon from the water. The GAC method has been more widely tested and is more commonly used in individual homes, according to the EPA. Because radon removal often requires a specific skill set, it is a job better left to professionals. Opening windows and allowing natural ventilation may help, but a more longterm approach to radon removal might be most appropriate.

PHOTOS: ©HELGIDINSON, ©ELENATHEWISE/ADOBE STOCK

IN YOUR HOME

HOW BUILDERS CAN

KEEP RADON FROM ENTERING A HOME Homeowners building new homes can ask their builders to take the following measures so their homes’ interiors are as resistant to radon as possible.

• Install a layer of clean gravel or aggregate beneath the slab or flooring system.

• Lay polyethylene sheeting on top of the gravel layer.

• Include a gas-tight venting pipe from the gravel level through the building to the roof.

• Seal and caulk the foundation thoroughly.

Learn more about radon, including how to determine radon levels in your home, at www.epa.gov.

SAFE &

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TIME TO REPLACE

OLD WIRING? many modern housing developments. But what older homes may have in design appeal, they may lack in updated features.

While cosmetic changes are not necessarily difficult, one area of concern in historic homes — and sometimes even in houses built 40 or 50 years ago — is archaic wiring. Wiring provides power to every room of the home. In today’s electronics-driven society, electricity that works is an essential component of daily life. Over time, wiring can be compromised through simple aging, pest infiltration, weather, or other conditions.

Deteriorated wiring can present a shock hazard and also a serious fire hazard, warn the home renovation experts at The Spruce. Furthermore, the home improvement site This Old House advises that the amperage of old wiring may not be able to meet the needs of the devices used in homes — overpowering the circuits. This can cause breaker blowouts and other problems, such as overheated wires that may spark and cause fires from within the wall.

Wiring often falls into the “out of sight, out of mind” category. Homeowners may make allowances for inadequate electrical systems, such as running extension cords or using multiplug connectors to increase their wiring capacity. However, they may not be diligently keeping on top of upgrades needed to stay safe. Confirming that a home’s electrical system is safe is a necessary part of home maintenance.

For those who haven’t already done so, schedule an inspection with a licensed electrician to go over the home’s wiring. He or she can determine if any areas pose a safety risk and/or do not conform to local code requirements and the National Electrical Code. Failure to meet code can lead to difficulty obtaining permits to make other home renovations, or difficulty selling a home later on.

The electrician can also go over improvements that can improve safety and function. Additional outlets, including GFCI outlets in kitchens and bathrooms, may be part of the plan, as well as rewiring a fuse box or circuit panel to allow for better flow of power around the house. Frayed wiring or under-insulated wiring also may need to be replaced.

Owners of old homes should recognize possible electrical system dangers that require attention.

Plus, considering electrical codes change quite frequently, it is always in a homeowner’s best interest to work with a qualified electrician to keep wiring inspected and up to date.

6 • BDN WELCOME HOME • 2019

PHOTOS: ©UNGVAR, ©ESTRADAANTON, ©LISA F. YOUNG, ©KARYNA CHEKARYOVA/ADOBE STOCK

OLD HOMES CAN BE CHARMING and contain architectural elements not often seen in

bangordailynews.com • 7

8 • BDN WELCOME HOME • 2019

SALIBA’S CONTINUES A TRADITION OF

QUALITY AND SERVICE

BY MOLLY MAYO

HANDWOVEN ORIENTAL

carpets, swirling rugs of deep red hues, luxurious vinyl tile, and little Arabian rugs with bells on the tassels all intrigue and dazzle the eyes at Saliba’s Rugs Sales and Service.

But set aside the beautiful variation and unequaled quality of products, and you’ll discover a family-owned business that has stood the test of time for over 69 years. The business was originally started by Sam Saliba.

Today, Saliba’s thrives under the management of Sam’s grandson, David (with the part-time help of David’s father, Steve). Handed down in the mid-1980s, it is run in accordance with the three things Steve’s father valued most: quality products, professional service, and extraordinary selection.

Each rug is hand-picked from brokers all over the country. Karastan, Saliba’s top-selling brand of carpet, comes from a manufacturer that they have been in business with for over 40 years. According to Steve, Saliba’s decided

to “stick with [Karastan] because they’re quality—everything about them is topnotch.” Saliba’s is so confident that people will love their product that they offer sales on all of Karastan’s area rugs and wall-to-wall carpeting in the months of May and October.

But rugs and carpeting are not the only products that Saliba’s features. The newest addition to the business has been LVT (luxury vinyl tile). It’s made to look like hardwood or ceramic tile, said Steve. It is also waterproof. This makes LVT attractive for both homeowners and commercial businesses who are looking for floors with longevity. LVT has a lifespan of 15+ years—and if you walk into Husson University, St. Joseph Hospital, or Acadia Healthcare, you’ll see the product firsthand.

Today, Saliba’s has not strayed from the values of their past. Whether you’re looking for an heirloom rug or a classy finish to your bedroom, Saliba’s is the one-stop shop for all your flooring needs.

PAID ADVERTISEMENT FOR SALIBA’S

DESIGN

Inspiration

KITCHEN Inspiration ALL PHOTOS BY JOEL HOLCOMB

FANS OF HOME DESIGN—or just great design in general—look forward to the annual EMMC Auxiliary Kitchen Tour with fevered anticipation. It’s not just because the featured homes are often in the same neighborhoods that attendees themselves live in. It’s also because these kitchen are so beautiful they spark lust, want, and homeowner fantasy: “Just imagine the meals I could host here!”

The Auxiliary’s 15th Annual Kitchen Tour is scheduled for later this year, but you don’t have to wait: the Auxiliary was gracious enough to share photos and descriptions of 2018’s showcased kitchens. So sit back with your favorite beverage and a snack or two and get a belly-full of these beautiful Bangor-area kitchens.

The 2019 Kitchen Tour will be held Saturday, October 5 from noon to 4 p.m.

Tickets are $30. Proceeds benefit the Auxiliary’s pledge to the neonatal intensive care unit at Northern Light EMMC. For more information and to buy tickets, visit emmcauxiliary.org.

10 • BDN WELCOME HOME • 2019

DESIGN

Inspiration

A CLASSIC REMODEL This 1890’s home experienced a kitchen remodel in 2017 by the homeowners who removed walls and a back staircase to add a pantry and open the kitchen to the dining room.

The style is a blend of Scandinavian modern with vintage feminine touches like the Moroccan tile backsplash and pale pink walls. Favorite details are the open kitchen with lots of counter space, radiant floor heat, marble hex tile flooring and upper cabinets with small glass fronted inserts lit from within.

The original island was changed to a peninsula with pendant lighting above. Grey custom-made lower kitchen cabinets with lots of drawers and white uppers all with polished nickel pulls from Restoration Hardware add charm, while white quartzite countertops with grey veining, a Miele range and Bosch double oven complete this wonderful space.

12 • BDN WELCOME HOME • 2019

The original kitchen island was remodeled to a peninsula, topped with white quartzite countertops and pendant lighting above.

MODERN FARMHOUSE This modern farmhouse-style-home was built in 2017. The kitchen features two exceptional islands made of beautiful Brazilian granite.

The huge second island seats eight and features lovely pendant lighting and a prep sink.

Two large under-mounted apron sinks grace this kitchen along with an electric double oven, extra-large propane range, and a custombuilt wood-clad hood vent which matches the cabinetry.

The dark gray cabinets on the smaller island contrast nicely with the pale grey on the uppers. The flooring is commercial-grade luxury LVT that has the look of wood but is more durable.

The living room features a stone-surround gas fireplace.

A second kitchen island seats eight and offers a prep sink.

bangordailynews.com • 13

DESIGN

Inspiration

14 • BDN WELCOME HOME • 2019

OPEN-CONCEPT CONDO This empty-nester’s condo, completed in 2017, makes the most of every inch with this renovation. Walls were removed at the home’s entrance and between the kitchen and dining room to create a fully openconcept first floor.

In the kitchen, the floor-to-ceiling pantry cupboard with sliding shelves, a built-in wine rack over the stove, ceiling-height upper cabinets and two islands, one a breakfast bar and one for prepping food, are the homeowner’s favorite features.

New black stainless appliances, an undermounted sink, dramatic Silestone quartz countertops, seeded glass pendant lighting and white Shakerstyle cabinets with very modern hardware add to the appeal of this beautiful kitchen.

DESIGN

Inspiration

A TOUCH OF NEW ORLEANS FLAIR “Rustic-modern with a touch of New Orleans flair” best describes the interior of this beautiful 1950’s home whose kitchen was renovated in 2017. Interior walls were removed to make four rooms into one large eat-in kitchen and living space, which includes a barn door leading to the butler’s pantry where all the kitchen appliances are cleverly disguised.

The large island seats seven and is surrounded by navy cabinets with white blue-veined quartz counters and accented by hanging pendant lighting. The fireplace mantle in the living room, from Maine Heritage Timber, was hewn from a log found floating in the Penobscot and the brick surround, original to the home, was sourced from an old schoolhouse in Bangor that was being torn down.

Designed with durable and kid-friendly materials for the five children living in this home, there are many features which have been built lower to accommodate them, including a drawer-style microwave, a shallow stool drawer built into the toe kick at the beverage sink for easy hand washing, and a low snack drawer in the butler’s pantry.

16 • BDN WELCOME HOME • 2019

Kid-friendly features include a stool drawer built into the toe kick below the island sink for easy hand washing.

DESIGN

Inspiration

Leathered granite adds interesting texture to the countertops.

18 • BDN WELCOME HOME • 2019

FANTASY FARMHOUSE Leathered granite in “fantasy brown” graces the countertops in the kitchen of this 1989 Cape renovated to a modern farmhouse style in 2017. The layout was changed by replacing a peninsula breakfast bar with a large L shaped island with bubble glass pendants above, and seating for four.

The lower cabinets are finished in a warm grey tone with white uppers, featuring one glass-fronted door as an accent.

A Vigo apron sink, stainless steel hood and white subway tile backsplash with dark grout add to the modern feel.

Some of the homeowner’s favorite features are a hidden trash/recycling drawer and a floor to ceiling pantry. Flooring is Armstrong LVT and paint color is pale grey in this lovely kitchen.

bangordailynews.com • 19

DESIGN

Inspiration

A MODERN COTTAGE Built in 1951, the kitchen in this mid-century ranch home was renovated into a lovely modern cottage style by the homeowners. Most of the work was completed by the husband in 2016, which included installation of the kitchen cabinets, tile and trim work, plumbing, electrical and much more.

A breakfast bar was added along with a new gas range, double oven, tap/touch faucet, large under-mounted apron sink, a floor-to-ceiling pantry cabinet, granite countertops and glass subway tile backsplash.

The homeowner is particularly excited about the new stainless steel hood. You will find cherry oak wood flooring throughout, a dining room set from the wife’s childhood home that her husband refurbished when they married, and custom builtins on either side of the fireplace.

This “smart house” has many high-tech features including integrated lighting and door locks controlled by Google Home, and Nest thermostats, to name a few.

20 • BDN WELCOME HOME • 2019

In addition to colorful glass subway tile, granite countertops and a stainless steel hood, this house features smart technology including integrated lighting and door locks controlled by Google Home and Nest thermostats.

bangordailynews.com • 21

DESIGN

Inspiration

CURB APPEAL QUICK AND SIMPLE WAYS TO MAKE A FRONT DOOR POP VISITORS’ IMPRESSIONS

of a home are often dictated by the home’s entryway. Much as one may judge a book by its cover, the same can be said about the impression that a front door and entryway can create, regardless of how accurate that impression is.

Making certain changes to an entryway can go a long way toward improving curb appeal. Entryways also can set the scene for a home’s interior. Whether one chooses to be classic or bold, modern or traditional, there are various ways to quickly transform a home’s entryway.

BOLD FRONT DOOR COLOR: Color can dramatically enhance an entryway.

Painting an existing door or replacing it with a more vivid option can do the trick.

The DIY Network says certain colors stand out as favorites. These include turquoise, yellow, red, indigo, orange, and black. The door color should complement the other shades of the home, such as those on siding and trim.

CUSTOM WALKWAY: Guide guests right to the front door with an attractive (and safe) walkway. Stamped concrete or decorative paver blocks may fit the bill. This walkway can extend to the street or to the driveway.

HIGHLIGHT THE ADDRESS: Make sure the home can be found easily with bold and decorative house numbers. Consider two different address signs: one illuminated and easily viewed from the curb, and another closer to the front door.

UTILIZE HIGH-END MATERIALS: The relatively small area of real estate by the front door enables homeowners to splurge on more opulent materials that can really add a feeling of luxury. These can include colorful tiles, ornate planters, decorative wooden doors, or elaborate knobs and lighting fixtures.

ADD ARCHITECTURAL DETAILS: Find out which architectural elements will meld with the style of the home and then incorporate them. Moldings, columns, shutters, and trim are areas to consider.

PHOTOS: ©JUNGHC1, ©IRIANA SHIYAN, ©SHMEL, @DROPTHEPRESS/ADOBE STOCK

CONTAIN PLANTS: Landscaping around the entryway should be neat and welltended. Overgrown plants or shrubbery may give off an air of neglect. Container plants and carefully curated shrubs can create a neat and inviting aura.

PET-FRIENDLY

Homes

24 • BDN WELCOME HOME • 2019

A PET-FRIENDLY

HOME CONSIDERING A NEW FURRY FRIEND? MAKE SURE YOUR HOUSE AND HOME ARE PET-READY, SAY LOCAL EXPERTS.

BY ALAN CROWELL

PHOTO: ©LIGHTFIELD STUDIOS/ADOBE STOCK

A NEW DOG needs time outside every day as well as space inside the home that they can call their own. That space is preferably a crate, believes dog trainer Don Hanson, the co-owner of the Green Acres Kennel Shop on Union Street in Bangor.

But the most important thing any prospective pet owner should do before bringing home a new dog, cat, puppy, or kitten is to make sure they are truly ready to care for their new pet, said Hanson.

Taking care of a new pet can be a lot of work and while many people enter into it with the best of intentions, often they haven’t made a careful assessment of whether they are able to invest the time and effort—not to mention the money—to care for an animal with a lifespan of 10 years or more.

“The first thing that someone needs to do before they decide to get a pet is to sit down and decide why they want a pet,” said Hanson, a certified dog behavior consultant and an associated certified cat behavior consultant, as well as a certified professional dog trainer with more than 20 years’ experience.

All too often, when new pet owners fail to ask themselves the right questions, they are unable to adequately care for their new pet.

To help encourage successful pet adoptions, Hanson offers individuals or families a free one-time meeting to discuss the responsibilities and challenges of bringing a new animal into the family.

For example, if the reason a family is adopting a pet is to teach their children responsibility, Hanson might ask the children what activities they are engaged in after school and on weekends, and which of those activities they are willing to give up in order to care for their new pet. Often at that point, Hanson says you can see light bulbs going off for parents. bangordailynews.com • 25

PET-FRIENDLY

Homes New dogs and puppies need outdoor time each day, so a fenced-in area where they can be outside safely is important, although often owners can fill this need by taking their dog for walks.

He also strongly recommends that dogs be crate trained. A crate gives a dog a place of their own, where they are safe and where they can retreat when they are overstimulated.

For the owner, a crate is also a place where the dog can go when the owner doesn’t have time to supervise them.

The biggest reason puppies develop behaviors that owners don’t want, said Hanson, is because their owners have either inadvertently trained them incorrectly, or haven’t adequately supervised them.

Puppies also go through a period of socialization between roughly 4 to 16 weeks of age during which they soak up information about their surroundings and essentially learn how to respond to their environment. Spending as much time as possible during this window to help a puppy become well socialized with dogs, humans, and the rest of their environment is critical to their later success.

26 • BDN WELCOME HOME • 2019

All of this training takes lots of time, and all too often people underestimate how much time and money their new pet will require. Medical costs for pets can cost more than services for the owner.

Hanson said he began offering his free counseling service to new pet owners to help them avoid the problems that can cause adoptions to be unsuccessful.

“I really don’t want people to get a dog or a cat from a shelter or a breeder and have to bring it back,” he said.

Hanson also strongly recommends that people avoid breeders or organizations that do not allow prospective pet owners to meet their new pets before bringing them home.

Stacey Coventry, the director of development and public relations at the Bangor Humane Society, said one of the first things anyone who is interested in bringing a new pet home should do is check with their landlord.

Even when a landlord has a “no-pets” policy, they may be willing to make an exception if a tenant is willing to pay a higher security deposit. She said some dog

breeds also may be acceptable while others are not for insurance reasons.

Finding an animal that is a good fit for you, including both your living arrangements and your lifestyle is vitally important, said Coventry.

For example, if you envision starting a family in three or four years, you should not consider an animal that is not good with children.

While breed characteristics can provide important information about a dog’s personality, most dogs in shelters are mixed breeds and going on appearance alone is a notoriously unreliable way to determine a dog’s breed.

Dogs may also behave differently outside the shelter than they do in the shelter.

One of the best ways to determine how a dog will fit into your home and with your lifestyle is to take it home for the day, which is why the Bangor shelter offers the “Dog Day Out” program in which people who are interested in adopting or who just want to spend time with a dog can take a dog out for a day.

The program allows dogs to get out of the shelter for a day of socialization and exercise and it allows prospective adopters the chance to get to know animals outside the often-stressful confines of the shelter.

Coventry said the shelter also offers the Barn Buddies program that matches cats that would not fit well in a normal home with people who are looking for an animal who can keep the rodent population down in a barn or warehouse.

When a new pet comes home for the first time, Coventry said pet owners should limit the amount of space the animal has access to at first, to avoid overwhelming it.

If you are bringing home a new cat, consider segregating a part of your house or apartment off to allow them to feel safe in that smaller space. A crate can be a great way for a dog to have their own space, she said.

Introduce them to other animals slowly and safely. Keep animals separate in different rooms until they have a chance to get used to the presence and smell of the other animal.

And keep human traffic to a minimum while the new pets are acclimating to their new space. If there are children in the home, make slow, positive introductions outside the home and never leave a child unsupervised with a dog.

For more information about dog training and behavior from Don Hanson, including his blog, “Words, Woofs and Meows,” and books he recommends for pet owners, visit greenacrekennels.com.

For more information about the pet adoption and the programs offered by the Bangor Humane Society, visit bangorhumane.org.

PET POISONS THAT MAY BE LURKING IN YOUR HOME One of the best things prospective pet owners can do before welcoming new pets into their families is to conduct a poison audit throughout their homes. Pets are often vulnerable to common household items that may not pose a threat to adults.

That’s especially true for curious pets anxious to explore their new surroundings.

The Pet Poison Helpline, a licensed animal poison control center dedicated to preventing poison-related injuries, illnesses and fatalities to pets, offers this room-by-room breakdown to help existing and potential pet owners find items around the house that could pose a threat to their furry friends.

BATHROOMS • Medications, including prescription drugs and over-the-counter drugs

• Bleach

• Caffeine pills • Drain and toilet cleaners

• Lime and rust removers

• Ammonia

• Cough drops

ATTICS &

BASEMENTS • Mothballs • Rodenticides • Insecticides • Paint

KITCHEN • Chocolate • Macadamia nuts

LIVING ROOM • Plants • Devices, including smartphones • Batteries and remote controls

• Inhalers

GARAGES & GARDEN SHEDS

• Automotive fluids, including antifreeze, windshield washer fluid, motor oil, and gasoline • Ice melt products • Lawn and garden products, including fertilizers, weed killer, grub and snail bait, rodenticides, insecticides and compost

• Grapes, raisins and currants • Onions, garlic and chives

PHOTO: ©NEW AFRICA/ADOBE STOCK

• Caffeinated products, such as coffee and tea • Chicken bones • Fatty scraps • Unbaked yeast bread dough • Alcohol • Table salt • Kitchen cleaning products

bangordailynews.com • 27

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7/17/19 12:53 PM

EXPLORE ACCESSIBLE LIVING OPTIONS RIGHT IN BANGOR! COURTESY FRANK WEBB HOME

DID YOU KNOW that accessible living is one of today’s top design trends? Remodeling

with accessible products benefits every member of your family, adds value to your home, and may allow you to stay there for the rest of your life. If the words “accessible living” conjure up images of institutional spaces, it’s time to visit Frank Webb Home in Bangor.

Here you’ll find beautiful options and knowledgeable consultants to help you design rooms that enhance safety and comfort without sacrificing style. Here are just a few:

HAND-HELD SHOWERS

A perfect example of today’s accessible living trend, a hand-held shower is ideal for those with physical challenges and also great for bathing children or pets. Hand-held showers are a top request when designing a new shower, and they are ideal for those aging in place who may need to use a shower seat.

There are many beautiful styles and finishes to coordinate with your bathroom design.

GRAB BARS

Gone are the days of industrial-looking chrome grab bars being your only option for bathroom safety. Today grab bars come in a wide array of designs and finishes to add to any room.

CURBLESS SHOWERS

Once seen only in hospitals and nursing homes, curbless showers are now “must haves” in designer projects due to their beautiful aesthetic. At Frank Webb Home, you can discuss options with glass walls, infinity drains, and modular systems or consider fixtures for custom tile spaces.

ACCESSIBLE KITCHENS

You might not even realize that fixtures like lever-handle faucets and touch fixtures in the kitchen are considered accessible design. These stylish kitchen faucets are top designer requests and also help those with mobility issues.

BEAUTIFUL VANITIES

Many bathroom storage solutions are so beautiful, you’ll be surprised to find they are considered accessible. Your Frank Webb Home experts can help you select a vanity that’s perfect for those who prefer to sit when applying makeup or need wheelchair accessibility.

Whether you are designing for yourself or parents who are aging in place, Frank Webb Home is a great local resource. To find your local showroom (there are more than 40 in the northeast), visit frankwebb.com.

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BUY &

Sell

THE STATE OF MAINE LOCAL EXPERTS WEIGH IN

BY JANELLE JUNDT

to take to ensure you get the most “bang for your buck.” One important factor, say experts, is understanding the current market in your area.

Kortnie Mullins, a real estate agent from Realty of Maine, co-founder of Community Real Estate Solutions, and an expert on local real estate trends shared some insight on the current market. She shared her personal experience and current data from Maine Listings, a subsidiary of the Maine Association of REALTORS. According to the data for May 2019, statewide sales have increased by 6.32% from last year. Mullins attributes that to a large number of buyers on the market. Many people want to buy with interest rates remaining low, and the inventory is low in comparison to the number of buyers. This is driving up home prices and reducing the amount of time that homes are on the market. The average amount of time homes are on the market has decreased by 8% from last year with the average being 47 days.

Houses are selling very quickly for more money than before. The average price that houses are selling for in Penobscot County has increased by 7.18% with the average cost being $149,950. Mullins shared that houses in the $150,000 to $250,000 range are selling quickly. She is seeing houses under contract 24 to 48 hours after listing, often with bidding wars or multiple offer situations. She shared that many houses are going over asking price.

While some of these current trends are making purchasing a home more difficult, don’t give up hope as a home-buying hopeful. With patience and perseverance, you can find the right home for you. With rental costs skyrocketing and interest rates still low, investing in a home is still a smart idea.

Andrea Morin, a new homeowner (and a client of Mullins), shared her experience in home buying. She said that the most important thing is to try to prepare for the unknown. There will always be added expenses you weren’t anticipating during the purchase process and after you own the home. She suggested having money to fall back on when things come up. She also said to make sure you have a good team of experienced people around you. She spoke of her friends and family who had already been through the process, and the professionals she worked with who guided her to her final decision.

If you want to buy and are unsure of the kind of home you want, one avenue Mullins urged people to consider is a multi-family unit. Due to high rental costs, multi-family units can bring in a lot of monthly passive income. Mullins shared that young buyers want security and will offset mortgage costs with the extra income by living in one of the units and renting the other(s). This is how she and her husband got their start in the real-estate business; today, they own multiple rental buildings—and when the market’s right, they will renovate and sell some of these buildings for profit.

Whichever route you choose to go with buying or selling, Mullins shared that you should always educate yourself before getting out in the market. Realtors are able to provide some of this education and use their own expertise to help you feel confident. Buying and selling homes can be stressful, but with the right team around you and the right plan and information, it can be a great investment for the future.

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PHOTO: ©GUTESAMILOS/ADOBE STOCK

BUYING OR SELLING a home can seem overwhelming. There are many factors to consider and steps

8%

AMOUNT OF TIME A HOUSE IS ON THE MARKET

7.18%

AVERAGE PRICE OF HOMES IN PENOBSCOT COUNTY

6.32%

INCREASE IN HOME SALES STATEWIDE bangordailynews.com • 31

BUY &

Sell

Get the Best

MORTGAGE

FINANCING DEAL FEW PEOPLE ARE ABLE to walk into a home, like what they see and then pay for a house in cash. In the vast majority of home purchases, mortgages make the dream of home ownership a reality.

Getting a mortgage requires research and some preparation on the part of borrowers if they hope to get the friendliest terms possible.

Homes are substantial, decades-long investments, so it’s smart to shop around to find the best rates and lenders available. These tips can make the process of applying and getting a mortgage go smoothly, and may even help borrowers save some money.

• LEARN YOUR CREDIT SCORE. Your credit score will be a factor in determining just how much bargaining power you have for lower interest rates on mortgage loans, according to the financial resource NerdWallet. The higher the credit score, the better. Well before shopping for a mortgage, manage your debt, paying it off if possible, and fix any black marks or mistakes on your credit report.

• INVESTIGATE VARIOUS LENDERS. The Federal Trade Commission says to get information from various sources, whether they are commercial banks, mortgage companies, credit unions, or thrift institutions. Each is likely to quote different rates and prices, and the amount they’re willing to lend you may vary as well. Investigating various lenders can help you rest easy knowing you got the best rate for you. Lenders may charge additional fees that can drive up the overall costs associated with getting a mortgage. Compare these fees as well so you can be sure you get the best deal.

• LEARN ABOUT RATES. Become informed of the rate trends in your area. Lower rates translate into significant savings amounts per month and over the life of the loan. Rates may be fixed, though some are adjustable-rate mortgages (also called a variable or floating rate). Each has its advantages and disadvantages, and a financial consultant can discuss what might be in your best interest.

• DISCUSS POINTS WITH YOUR FINANCIAL ADVISOR AND LENDER. Some lenders allow you to pay points in advance, which will lower the interest rate. Get points quoted in dollar amounts so they’ll be easier to compare. If you’re unfamiliar with points, discuss the concept with your financial advisor.

The vast majority of homeowners secured a mortgage to purchase their homes. Learning about the mortgage process can help new buyers navigate these sometimes tricky financial waters.

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PHOTOS: ©LDPROD, ©NATEE MEEPIAN, ©REDPIXEL, ©EKKAPON/ADOBE STOCK

• CONSIDER A MORTGAGE BROKER. Mortgage brokers will serve as the middle person in the transaction. A broker’s access to several different lenders can translate into a greater array of loan products and terms from which to choose.

SIMPLE TIPS TO SAVE FOR YOUR FIRST HOME Home ownership is a dream for people across the globe. Many people save for years before buying their first homes, squirreling away every dollar they can with the hopes they can one day become homeowners.

But thanks to factors beyond their control, even the most devoted savers can sometimes feel like their dream of home ownership may never come true.

According to the Pew Research Center, American workers’ paychecks are larger than they were 40 years ago, but their purchasing power is essentially the same.

Various challenges can make it difficult to buy a home. However, some simple strategies can help prospective home buyers build their savings as they move closer to the day when they can call themselves “homeowners.”

• DETERMINE WHERE YOUR MONEY IS GOING. If you’re finding it hard to grow your savings, audit your monthly expenses to determine where your money is going.

Using exclusively debit or credit cards can simplify this process, as all you need to do is log into your accounts and see how your money was spent over a given period. If you routinely use cash to pay for items, even just to buy coffee on the way to work, keep a notepad handy so you can jot down each expense. Do this for a month and then examine how you spent your money. Chances are you will see various ways to save, and you can then redirect that money into your savings account.

• BECOME A SAVVIER GROCERY SHOPPER. Another great way to save more money is to alter something you already do each month: grocery shopping. If you haven’t already, sign up for discount clubs at your local grocer. Shopping sales at competing grocery stores also can save money.

• DINE IN MORE OFTEN. The U.S. Department of Agriculture says that Americans spend, on average, 6 percent of their household budgets on food. However, the USDA also notes that Americans spend 5 percent of their disposable income on dining out. If these figures mirror your spending habits, you can nearly cut your food spending in half by dining out less frequently. That might be a sacrifice for foodies, but it can get you that much closer to buying your own home. bangordailynews.com • 3