Your Next Home - September 2019

your

CHARLEVOIX

1

ANTRIM Sept. 2019

Traverse City

Next Home W E S T

M I C H I G A N

Benzie, Manistee & Mason Counties

Mesick

Bear Lake

Manton

Irons Scottville Ludington Pentwater Hart

OCEANA

LAKE

OSCEOLA Evart Reed City

Baldwin

Big Rapids

NEWAYGO

White Cloud

Hesperia

Holton Whitehall Twin Lake

Fremont Newaygo

MUSKEGON

MONTCALM

Sparta Cedar Springs GreenvilleCarson City Rockford Belding

5871 Old US 31, Manistee

Brand New Roof

Country Living, Close To Town!

3 Bedroom, 2 Bath Home Full Basement 4 Car Detached Garage Over 1/2 An Acre In Filer Township

4 Bedrooms, 2 Baths Full, Finished Basement 2 Car Attached Garage with Barn & Shed On 5 Acres!

Offered at $189,900

Offered at $145,000

Casey Tennant • 231-233-7613

Shirley Barker • 903-681-6102

■

Vacant Land

■

Waterfront

■

Farms

SEE OUR DIRECTORY ON PAGE 2 FOR A FULL LIST OF REALTORS AND BUSINESSES.

MIDL

Shepherd

Therran Ferguson • 231-510-1790

1187 Maple St., Manistee

Rentals

Morley

Howard City Lakeview

Offered At $1,200,000

Kerri Mackey • 231-510-8380

■

Mt. Pleasant

4 Bedroom, 3 Bath Main Home 1,512 sq.ft. Cabin 2 Car Garage & 30x40 Pole Barn On 21.08 Acres

Offered At $269,500

Commercial

ISABELLA

Mecosta

MECOSTA

Clare

500ft of Lake Michigan Frontage!

4 Bedroom, 2 Baths 3 Car Attached Garage Full Basement .76 Acres

GLAD

CLARE Farwell

Grand Rapids

Less Than 5 Years Old!

■

Harrison

5050/5065 W. Fox Farm KENT Rd., Manistee

2163 Windsor Lane, Manistee

Residential

McBain Marion

Let the Lighthouse Team work for you in 2019!

Montague

ROSCOMMON

Lake City

Cadillac

Manistee

MASON

MISSAUKEE

WEXFORD

MANISTEE

CRAWFORD

KALKASKA

GRAND TRAVERSE

BENZIE

OTSEGO

FREE

LEELANAU

RECORD PATRIOT 1 A MONTHLY PUBLICATION OF THE MANISTEE NEWS ADVOCATE & BENZIE YourCOUNTY Next Home • September 2019

St. Lou Alma Ithaca

GRATIOT

your

DIRECTORY

Next Home W E S T

M I C H I G A N

Benzie, Manistee & Mason Counties

Real Estate Agencies & Realtors..... Page Lighthouse Realty.............................................................1 (Cover) Lighthouse Realty..........................................................................3 REALTOR Contact & Website Information...................................4 MOM Board of Realtors................................................................5 Lighthouse Realty..........................................................................7 Lighthouse Realty........................................................................11 REO-Jon Zickert..........................................................................15 Lighthouse Realty........................................................................19 Lighthouse Realty........................................................................23 REO-Jon Zickert..........................................................................24

Lumber Companies

Somsel Lumber...........................................................................17 Carter Lumber.............................................................................21

Insurance Agencies

Webber Insurance.........................................................................9

Advice For The Home

Changing Your Room....................................................................6 To-Do-List: Organizing The Garage..............................................8 A Storage Shed Is Just The Ticket!.............................................10 Make Your House Look Nice With A Fresh Coat Of Paint..........12 Painting Tips...............................................................................13 Let’s Get Canning!......................................................................14 Pollen In The Air? Allergy Proof Your Home...............................16 Did You Know? — Hidden Dangers............................................17 How Mulched Leaves Help Your Lawn........................................18 Did You Know? — Tea.................................................................19 How To Protect Your Yard From Deer.........................................20 Did You Know? — Wasted Fuel..................................................21 How To Store Firewood The Right Way......................................22

2

Your Next Home • September 2019

5065 W Fox Farm Rd. Manistee

$495,000 • MLS # 19037102

17675 Caberfae Hwy. Wellston

$149,000 • MLS # 17051761

12328 Russell St. Bear Lake

$165,000 • MLS # 19037788

501 Hancock St. Manistee

$58,500 • MLS # 19033021

Private 250 feet of Lake Michigan frontage!! On 11 beautifully wooded acres! Located just past the Lakeland association club in an exclusive neighborhood along a private road in desirable Grant Township. This cabin has a unique feature of 2 large garage doors that lift up and screens pull down to bring the awesome feel of the outdoors inside! Enjoy the rustic feel of a cabin in the forest with the modern twist of the many updates that make this property virtually maintenance free. Great place to spend those Up North Getaways.

‘’Fisherman’s Headquarters’’!! Longtime local fishing bait & tackle shop, being sold with Real Estate and the Business! In the heart of everything Fishing. Just down the road from The Tippy Dam, The Big Manistee River, and close to The Little Manistee River. Well known bait and tackle shop and the longest operated in the area. Large lounge area for all of your regulars to gather and tell those master angling stories. Live Bait tanks.

Bonus storage and garage space. Inventory to be sold separate upon purchase. Here’s an opportunity to own your very own outdoors headquarters in the center of Northern Michigan’s best Hunting, Fishing, and Snowmobiling in the Manistee National Forest.

Very Well Maintained! Located just up the Street from Bear Lake! 3 Bedroom 2 Bath Approximately 1,700 sq. ft. Ranch on a large corner parcel. Essentially maintenance free.

Large attached garage. Natural gas fireplace in the second living-room/den. Appliances included. Fresh white paint throughout, pick your colors and call it home.

In the heart of Manistee! Affordable. Well Maintained 900 ft² 2 bedroom located between 5th and 6th street on Hancock Hill.

Wrap around yard and deck for entertaining.

Off street parking. Partial basement. Large Living room. Schedule your tour today.

7809 Lake St. Bear Lake, MI

5050 W Fox Farm Rd. Manistee, MI $635,000 • MLS# 19030998

116 Acres 11 Mile Road, Onekama $490,000 • MLS # 19025516

1581 Ridge View Ct. Traverse City $230,000 • MLS # 19033019

$107,500 • MLS# 19031000

Bear Lake Views! If you have an appreciation for vintage you will love this well preserved painted lady. This 5 bedroom Victorian Is located directly across the street from Bear Lake close to water access. In the center of the village this home has Bear Lake history written all over it. Admire the Original custom wood working throughout.

Exterior appears to be in great shape. Home could be used for commercial purposes as well. The main floor has a living room with fireplace, dining room, den, and master bedroom with original woodwork and cabinetry throughout, and four bedrooms upstairs. Gorgeous wrap around front porch with views of Bear Lake

Panoramic Views of Lake Michigan!! This extremely well maintained cape cod sets atop a bluff overlooking 250 private feet of sandy Lake Michigan frontage!! 2,600 sq. ft. of living space with a completely finished lower level walkout basement, 4 bedroom, 3 full bath, with main floor master suite, and granite counters in the open kitchen with center island. 2 car detached garage. private road. 10.10 Acres.

Covered porch on the driveway side and deck for entertaining on the Lake side. Opportunities like this don’t come around every day!

4300 Milarch Rd., Manistee

$330,000 • MLS# 17018646

10 acre Farm with Giant 4,380 sq. ft. 6 Bedroom 3 full bath Country home!

Property features a pond, 20 x 30 garage, 30 x 40 pole barn, commercial heating & cooling system (2014), natural gas as well as an outdoor wood furnace. Make meals for everyone you know in the 24 x 30 banquet kitchen with center island & dining area. And relax with as many guests as you can fit in the 24 x 30 family room! Home was built onto and completely remodeled in 2003. Sale includes 2 Parcels totaling 10 acres M/L which allow an extra 5 acres of cleared farm field perfect for you to harvest crops or have horses.

456 Kettle Hole Rd., Manistee

$295,000 • MLS# 19015407

Piece & Tranquility! Talk about seclusion! This 40 acre family farm was settle by a Dutch Pioneer and has been utilized as a family farm and private piece of paradise ever since. Large 4+ bedroom Tudor with Wood-stove, Fireplace, 1 stall attached garage, workshop, family room with a cathedral ceiling and so much more you wil have to see to believe. Yes the home itself could use some cosmetic modifications to make this house your home, but the property is truly a Utopian experience that you wil not find elsewhere. Thousands of feet of Claybank Creek running through the property and under the steel supported bridge, along with 2 ponds, stables, and pastures on this 40 acre property that is completely fenced in. You can truly feel the European Tudor Farm experience here at home.

RARE~116 ACRES m/l of Undeveloped Forest. Seasonal LAKE MICHIGAN VIEWS. Off M-22 Scenic Highway, nestled between highly-coveted Onekama and Arcadia! ONE OF A KIND LOCATION~ Rolling hills and gentle valleys gives you many opportunities for use. On the higher hills, you can seasonally see LAKE MICHIGAN. Fantastic Location for a Vineyard; Investment, or Build your own Private Estate with Executive 9-hole Golf Course! Centrally located between Manistee and Traverse City, near Arcadia Bluffs Golf Course, Little River Casino Resort, and Crystal Mountain Ski and Golf Resort!

2853 Chippewa Hwy., Manistee

$109,000 • MLS# 19027487

Clean as a whistle!! This very well maintained 3 bedroom 1,356 sq. ft. ranch home is located in Manistee township on just over 1 acre of land. Property also includes an over-sized detached 2 car garage as well as an additional storage building that used to be a guest house. New Roof and fresh paint inside and out!! Large open living & dining room with wood burning fireplace. All this being offered at an amazing price!

What a Deal! 1650 ft² 4 bedroom 3 bath Built-in 2013 close to downtown Traverse City located on a dead end street in the heart of Garfield township. Full basement with egress window. Slider to back deck with privacy fenced yard.

2+ car detached garage on paved driveway. Think of all the benefits that come with 2013 building code. interconnect smoke alarm system. New High efficiency furnace. Priced under market value. Minor cosmetic touch-ups needed.

17124 Eighth St. Wellston, MI

$135,000 • MLS# 19030999

Like a brand New House! Completely Remodeled! Talk about craftsmanship, this home has been completely remodeled from top to bottom In just the last few years. So many updates since 2017 including all new; siding, roof, windows, plumbing, mechanical work, flooring, electrical, furnace, water heater, and a new kitchen just to name a few. Large covered porch on the back of the home makes for a quiet and shady spot to relax. Over 7 acres of land! Detached 2 car garage as well as huge storage shed. This home should be virtually maintenance free! Schedule you tour today!

Therran Ferguson

Associate Broker

(231) 510-1790 Therran@golighthouserealty.com

September 2019 • Your Next Home

3

INFORMATION

Carter Lumber...........................231-757-9000 www.carterlumber.com

Lighthouse Realty Manistee......231-398-3800 www.goLighthouseRealty.com Heather Barker......................231-510-5505 Lynda Beaton........................231-383-0404 Therran Ferguson..................231-510-1790 Leah Gannon.........................517-607-5347 Kerri Mackey.........................231-510-8380 Judianne Sibley....................231-239-1333 Casey Tennant.......................231-233-7613 Mason Oceana Manistee Board of Realtors...... www.momboard.com

Real Estate One/The Jon Zickert Group.............

231-631-1337 www.jonzickert.com Somsel Lumber.........................231-362-3103 Webber Insurance.....................231-882-9655 www.webberinsurance.us

4

Your Next Home • September 2019

September 2019 • Your Next Home

5

HOME

Changing Your Room

A room’s design can literally affect your mood.

When you start getting sick of looking at your home décor, or just want to feel different about your home for an upcoming get together, you can instantly transform a room without overspending.

We’re not talking about a full makeover mindset, but instead investing in a few statement pieces that will make a large impact.

DIM THE ROOM

A room dimmer for all lamps and lighting sources allows for flexibility depending on the time of day, event or mood, plus they provide energy savings.

Turning the light level up or down or investing in various lampshades can instantly change the feel of a room.

TRANSFORM WITH RUGS

Adding an area rug with a pattern or color is a budget-friendly instant statement that can be put over carpet or wood floors to create a new look or warmth.

ADD CANDLES

Candles are a very inexpensive way to instantly change the space by adding a table centerpiece or strategically placing them around the room for a soothing, mellow effect.

can start with one larger item placed in either the center or to one side, then add things to suit your taste.

A gallery wall is a great way to change your decorating strategy. The great thing about them is that every single one of them is different. Family photos or artwork can be hung in several different ways to create a completely different look.

The accessories, knickknacks and table displays you use in a room are all super effective ways to change the vibe of a space. Adding some trim or a band of fabric is great when spicing up curtains.

Couch cushions, pillows, or throws can instantly tie together a color scheme.

REARRANGE THE WALL

USE YOUR MANTELS

There are several places throughout your home that can easily be changed. When the mood strikes for a holiday or season, one of the easiest things to change is a mantel. It doesn’t have to be complicated or filled with many things. Usually you 6

SWITCH UP ACCESSORIES

DO SOME REARRANGING

Remember that the arrangement of the room’s contents are nearly as important as the contents themselves. Unexpected items placed throughout the home can keep a room fresh.

Your Next Home • September 2019

3 Bedrooms, 1 1/2 Bathrooms On 10 Wooded Acres with a Full Basement MLS# 19034022 3897 Pine Creek, Manistee 49660

Lynda Beaton

$125,000

(231) 383-0404

Lynda@golighthouserealty.com

Adorable 2 Bedroom, 2 Bathroom House with Garage Comes with 15ft of Frontage on Portage Lake across the street MLS# 19031235 4580 Main St., Onekama 49675

SALE PENDING

$144,900

Judianne Sibley Dedicated - Trusted Experienced

Price Reduction

LAKE MICHIGAN FRONTAGE —

2 ACRES HARBOR DR

(231) 239-1333

Sandy Beach, Spectacular View, Excellent Location, In Victorian Port City of Manistee, Unique, Wooded, Beautiful 208’ Lake Front.

MLS #190169362

Judianne@golighthouserealty.com

Perfect for new home, close to State Land for hunting

OLD S $25,000

1529 Pine Creek Rd., Manistee V/L, 1/3 wooded, 5 A,

$489,900

MLS# 19028404

Beautiful 10 Acres

Wooded Close to Hamlin Lk and Lk MI North Rath Rd., Ludington MLS #18047405

$68,000

September 2019 • Your Next Home

Now Your Cha’s nce ~ Price Reduced!

Lovely Wooded 8.5 A A-Frame 3 Bdr., 2 Story Home 2 Story Car Garage/Barn Beautiful Wooded Acreage In neighborhood close to Lk Mi and Shopping

$195,000

Now’s Your Chance ~ Price Reduced!

1608 Snowtrails Dr., Manistee MLS# 19024763

7

HOME

To-Do-List: Organizing The Garage

The garage is where we toss everything that doesn’t have a place in the house. If you find yourself using your garage as a receptacle, it’s likely that you haven’t resolved all your organizing challenges within the home-and that your garage needs a serious overhaul. Reclaim your garage and restore order with this organizational to-do list.

• SET ASIDE ENOUGH TIME TO WORK ON THE PROJECT.

Back-to-back days are recommended (likely an entire weekend) so the items being sorted won’t be sitting in piles for an extended period of time.

• DON’T TACKLE IT BY YOURSELF.

Round up a team of helpers, otherwise, it may turn into an overwhelming task that will be abandoned halfway through.

• CATEGORIZE AND GROUP THE ITEMS IN YOUR GARAGE.

Typical categories include recycling, sports and recreational equipment, camping gear, automotive, seasonal décor, garden gear, tools, trash or donate.

After you have your categories, begin grouping them in the driveway or the center of the garage using a few cardboard boxes. Be sure to label the boxes.

• DETERMINE THE BEST GARAGE LAYOUT.

Decide where you want each type of item to live, considering its frequency of use and the available space. For instance, recycling should live near the entrance to the home, and tools should live near the workbench.

8

• INSTALL BUILT-IN CABINETS OR MODULAR STORAGE IF NEEDED.

Now that you know what you’re keeping and how much space you have, determine what containers to use. Make the most of vertical space with wallmounted pegboards and wire grids that hold everything from sports equipment to garden tools. Also take advantage of overhead space with sturdy shelves that mount to the ceiling or portable shelves that are easy to stack up.

Now that your garage is organized, try to keep it that way. Easier said than done, right? Set up an organizing schedule quarterly or biannually and put on your calendar. If it’s not in the calendar, it’s less likely to happen. Putting things away where they belong after each use will help also with this type of project.

Your Next Home • September 2019

882-9655 • 929-9761 • US-31, Benzonia

September 2019 • Your Next Home

9

HOME

A Storage Shed Is Just The Ticket!

While you can do projects around the house to increase indoor storage, many homeowners are choosing to gain extra space by adding a storage shed.

• OPEN UP THE LIVING SPACE INSIDE YOUR HOME

You can keep all the things you don’t use regularly outside and out of sight. This way you can reduce clutter and only keep daily necessities close by. You can even make a list of things that you only use on special occasions, keeping those things out-of-the way so they accessible only when you need them.

• CLEAR ROOM IN YOUR GARAGE

Garages can be a good place to store things, especially yard equipment, but eventually it is easy to get carried away and let your stuff take over the entire space. This leaves little or no space for a car.

Being able to park your car in the garage allows you to use the garage for its intended purpose and protect your vehicle from the elements, or even break-ins.

• HIDE UNATTRACTIVE EQUIPMENT

Things like weed whackers, lawn mowers and other yard tools get in the way and are hard to store neatly or in an organized manner. Keeping these in a shed will ensure they are easy to get to while not attracting unwanted attention.

• ORGANIZE YOUR STUFF

Instead of tearing through your house to search for something, you will know that certain equipment or items are stored in the shed for safekeeping in a neat, secure and efficient manner.

10

• KEEP YOUR HOME CLEAN

Often, items that go into your shed are things you use in the yard, or bulky objects that may collect dirt, grass and other debris over time like shovels, watering cans or lawn mowers. Even if the items are damp or wet, you can store them without having to be concerned about wiping down the floors or cleaning.

Sheds come in a variety of sizes, styles and models, most any being capable of satisfying your individual needs. Consider how nice it would be to have the extra space, plus how well it would help to keep things neatly organized and easy to access.

Your Next Home • September 2019

464.5 FEET OF PRIVATE LAKE MICHIGAN FRONTAGE!!

OFFERED AT $749,000 2624 Lakeshore Rd., Manistee

Heather Barker (231) 510-5505

heather@golighthouserealty.com

3 Bedroom, 2 Bath Main Home Vintage A-Frame Cottage Detached Garage + Pole Barn on 5 Beautiful Acres

3 BEDROOMS, 1.5 BATHS ON 1/2 AN ACRE Casey Tennant (231) 233-7613

casey@golighthouserealty.com

September 2019 • Your Next Home

OFFERED AT $145,000 1187 Maple St., Manistee

3 Bedroom, 1.5 Bath Home Full Basement Large 1/2 Acre Lot 4 Car Detached Garage Updated Electric, Brand New Roof Filer Township 11

HOME

Make Your House Look Nice With A Fresh Coat Of Paint

Few home-maintenance projects are as important as exterior painting because paint and caulking form the first line of defense against rain, snow and ice. A nice paint job will also enhance the curb appeal and resale value of your home.

• WHEN TO PAINT

You should repair and repaint as soon as you notice paint starting to crack, blister and peel. Ignoring these problems will lead to a much more extensive and expensive job.

• PAINT PRICES

Most paint manufacturers offer a wide variety of paints ranging from good to better to best. As a general rule, budget how much you want to spend on the project and then buy the best paint you can reasonably afford because cost is an excellent indication of quality. Expensive paints contain more pigments than bargain paints so they produce a thicker, longer-lasting, more protective coating.

• READ THE LABEL

There’s a wealth of information printed right on the can that can help you produce a beautiful paint job.

Pay particular attention to the instructions about prepping the surface and outdoor air temperature.

• PREPARE THE SURFACE

For the new paint to adhere to the surface, clean the house’s exterior of all dirt, grime, mildew and chalky residue. A power sprayer provides the easiest method, but hand scrubbing with a stiffbristle brush is just as effective.

• START IN THE SHADE

Whether using a paint sprayer, roller or brush, begin 12

painting on the shady side of the house. Then, wait for the sun to move and do the other side, or just wait for an overcast day. Sun will often cause paint to dry too quickly.

• WORK YOUR WAY DOWN

Start painting near the top of the house and work your way down. Avoid Lap marks by always brushing from one wet surface to another. Since you’ll be working high up, remember ladder safety and don’t overreach too fair to the side or you might topple over.

When adding a fresh coat of paint, your house will look amazingly new and stand the test of time.

Your Next Home • September 2019

HOME

Painting Tips

Few changes to a room or home can refresh quite like a new coat of paint. You don’t really need to use a big decorating budget or hire a professional to get professional results

PREP THE WALLS

Lightly sand before you start to smooth uneven spots of clumps created the last time the walls were painted. Sanding also helps new paint stick better.

DON’T SKIMP ON TAPE

It’s worth buying new, quality painters tape to obtain the clean lines professionals are known for.

For a couple more dollars, it’s worth it to buy higher quality tape.

SHAKE THINGS UP

If your paint isn’t completely mixed, you won’t get a uniform color on walls. A mixing stick alone may not do the job, instead put the lid on the paint can and hold it tightly in place with your thumbs.

Then, shake the paint can up and down for a couple minutes.

CONSIDER SKIPPING PRIMER

Many paints have the primer built in these days. If you’re making a dramatic color change from a dark purple to a light blue, or painting new drywall that hasn’t been painted before, you will need to use primer, otherwise you can save yourself some work by skipping the primer.

FOLLOW A PAINT PLAN

The ceiling should be the first thing you paint as it can easily spill or splatter on walls or trim.

Next you should paint the trim boards because you won’t have to worry about taping off the wall, painting the wall becoming the last step.

DON’T DILLY DALLY

When painting walls, use a brush to paint a border at the corners but don’t wait too long to paint the walls with a roller as this might cause a bit of a contrast in the colors.

September 2019 • Your Next Home

CONSIDER TWO COATS

Regardless if you choose one-coat paint or not, you may not evenly cover every square inch of the surface. Therefore, to obtain a more even, rich finish you might want to add a second coat.

REMOVE TAPE ASAP Once you’re finished painting, gently pull off the painters tape at a 90-degree angle as soon as possible. As a general rule, if you leave the tape on a wall too long, there’s a greater chance that the paint will come off with the tape.

13

HOME

Let’s Get Canning!

Canning is a treasured tradition that many people remember their mom or grandmother doing, but is a feat that many people don’t feel they have the time or talent for. Here are some helpful tips to help you feel confident enough to start canning and stop wasting the veggies and fruits of your labor.

NECESSARY SUPPLIES:

• Canning Jars-You must use jars specifically for canning. You cannot use any basic jar as they cannot endure the high temperatures or pressure of canning.

• A big heavy kettle to process the food before it is put in the jar.

• A large pot with a jar rack to process the jars once they are full.

• A lid lifter is needed to pull the lid out of hot water and put it on the jar without damaging the seal of the lid or burning your fingers.

• A set of tongs to lift the jar out of the boiling water.

• A pan to simmer the lids in to soften the sealant making them seal better.

THINGS TO KNOW:

• Make sure your recipe is current and tested.

• Thoroughly clean your work area, utensils and hands.

• Jars should not be cracked or chipped. They should be sterilized in hot water for up to 10 minutes.

• Lids should be new, but you can reuse your rings • Set aside enough time to complete your canning project as it can take several hours.

• Cut/chop all foods to similar size so that they all heat at the same rate.

• Water must be boiling before you can start your timer 14

• There are so many different foods you can try canning with.

CANNING METHODS:

• Water bath Canning is typically used for high acid foods like jams, jellies, salsa, sauces or tomatoes.

• Pressure Canning for low acid foods such as beef, poultry, pork, vegetables or venison.

Always make sure that you read each recipe and process carefully. Keep the canning tradition Alive!

Pass this tradition with your tips and recipes on to your family, friends and neighbors.

Your Next Home • September 2019

September 2019 • Your Next Home

15

HOME

Pollen In The Air? Allergy Proof Your Home

More than 50 million Americans suffer from allergies. Indoor air is 5 times more polluted than air outdoors. Here are some ways for you to take actions to control the air inside your home.

CLEAN THE AIR

• Proper ventilation and non-leaking ductwork will prevent allergens from getting into your living space.

• Use a HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) filter in the air conditioning system.

• Keep the humidity levels in your home at about 50 percent as mold like moisture, dust and pollen are easily stirred up in dry air.

• Keep your windows closed when pollen counts are highest: early morning, midday and in windy conditions.

REMOVE CLUTTER

• The less clutter you have in your home the fewer places there are for allergens to hang out, and the easier it will be to thoroughly clean each week.

• Focus on bedrooms as you and allergens tend to spend more time there.

• Get rid of old rags, newspapers and limit knickknacks to prevent dust from collecting and to allow for easy dusting.

CLEAN THE BATHROOM

• Mold is a common allergen that you can prevent by frequently cleaning walls, pipes and fixtures with a nontoxic cleaner.

• Inspect pipes for leaks and fix promptly.

• Check that your ventilation fans are routed to the outside and run for 30 minutes after a shower or bath.

REDUCE DUST GENERATORS

• If allergies are extreme consider removing curtains, high-pile carpet and all upholstered furniture: all cozy accommodations for allergens.

16

• Damp mop regularly, clean walls and other surfaces regularly.

LANDSCAPE SMART

• Choose trees, shrubs and plants that produce a low amount of airborne pollen.

• Consider planting more hostas, astilbe, impatiens, columbine or violas in your flower gardens.

Your Next Home • September 2019

Did You Know?

Home improvement projects can inadvertently expose homeowners to hidden dangers. For example, lead paint may be lurking underneath layers of existing paint in older homes. Exposure to lead dust or fumes may cause brain damage or other adverse health effects, especially in children or pregnant women. It is essential that homeowners control

their exposure to lead or other hazardous substances through the use of protective equipment, such as a properly fitted respirator. If lead is discovered, it may require professional containment and cleanup. Contact your local health authority if you discover or suspect you have discovered lead paint or other hazardous materials in your home.

POLE BUILDINGS LET US QUOTE YOURS Custom • Deluxe • Ag

Somsel Lumber Company Kaleva September 2019 • Your Next Home

231-362-3103

17

HOME Various chores are synonymous with certain times of year. For example, cleaning a pool is a summertime task.

In addition, rare is the instance that Mother Nature forces anyone to break out the snow shovels outside of winter.

Raking leaves has long been a task for fall afternoons, but homeowners may be surprised to learn that they might be better off putting their rakes in permanent mothballs.

In the 1990s, turfgrass specialists at Michigan State University began exploring the potential benefits of leaving mulched leaves on a lawn instead of raking them and leaving them for curbside pickup. While the researchers noticed an obvious leaf residue on the lawn after mulching, they noted that it only sticks around for a few days. Eventually, the tiny pieces sifted down into the lawn, ultimately serving to control future weed growth while also providing the lawn with essential nutrients. Over time, researchers noted that homeowners who mulched rather than raked their leaves needed less fertilizer to give their lawns a green look in spring, saving homeowners the effort and cost associated with fertilizing.

Researchers also noted that decomposing pieces of leaves cover up 18

How Mulched Leaves Help Your Lawn

bare spots between turf plants, which have traditionally proven to be excellent spots for weed seeds to germinate. In fact, MSU notes that homeowners can expect a nearly 100 percent decrease in dandelions and crabgrass after mulching leaves for just three years.

Depending on the type of mower being used, up to six inches of leaves can be mulched at a time. Push mowers can handle smaller amounts, though can still be as effective as ride-on mowers.

Fall may be synonymous with raking leaves. However, homeowners who want to give their lawns a healthy boost should consider putting their rakes away and mulching their leaves this fall.

Your Next Home • September 2019

Did You Know?

When feeling stressed, people may want to reach for a cup of tea. Research conducted by psychologists at the City University London found that a cup of tea reduces stress, not just by drinking it, but also because of the calming effect of putting the tea kettle on.

Furthermore, decaffeinated green tea also can calm a person and encourage sleep. In a 2017 study published in the journal Nutrients, participants were able to fall asleep much more easily when drinking decaffeinated green tea. Also, they reported feeling much less stressed out over the course of the one-

week experiment. Even black tea has been found to relieve stress by lowering cortisol levels when a person is faced with stressful situations. According to the herbal remedy site Herbwisdom. com, chamomile tea is an ageold medicinal herb that has been used as a remedy for numerous conditions, including asthma, nervousness, sleep, and stomach ailments and as a treatment for colds. It, too, many help reduce stress. Tea has many benefits for the body, and helping to tame stress may be one of them.

Have you ever dreamed of owning your own little specialty shop in a quaint little town?

$249,900 • MLS#19041268

4990 Main Street • Onekama

Well dream no more! This turnkey building and residence is for you! Formerly Linebacks Wine Tasting room, the storefront can be used for a boutique, an art gallery, another wine tasting shop or anything you put your mind to. The living quarters are attached to the commerical space and allow easy access to the store or can be blocked off if you choose to rent. The Tuscany style home has 3 bedrooms 2.5 baths. It also features hard wood floors throughout, jetted/Jacuzzi tub, cozy gas-log fireplace in the living room and a private courtyard you could transform into a beautiful flower garden. All of this and more are located in the beautiful Two Lake Town of Onekama.

(231) 510-8380 Mobile kerri@golighthouserealty.com

Kerri Mackey Realtor

September 2019 • Your Next Home

19

HOME With more than 60 different species of deer worldwide, there’s a good chance individuals will have some sort of interaction with these majestic animals at one point during their lifetimes.

Deer, which live on all continents except Antarctica, can survive in everything from mountainous areas to wet rainforests to suburban neighborhoods. These herbivores are voracious eaters that will search far and wide for their meals. Home landscapes tend to be easy pickings for foraging deer.

Many people are excited to see deer in their neighborhoods and yards because they can be such graceful creatures to behold. However, once deer start to munch on ornamental trees, annuals and flowering shrubs, the novelty of these animals may wear off. Furthermore, deer also can be covered in ticks that spread illnesses like Lyme disease. Here are some tips to keep deer at bay.

• Avoid tasty morsels. Deer like English ivy, lettuces, impatiens, pansies, and hostas. Fruit trees also are targets. Choose other plants to grow, and wait until after early spring, when deer aren’t as concerned with regaining weight lost during the winter, to get them in the ground.

• Use fishing line to deter deer. Put a few stakes in the ground and then run fishing line at a height of about three feet. Deer can sense movement but do not have keen vision. As the deer approach your garden, they’ll brush against the “invisible” fishing line and then get spooked off.

20

How To Protect Your Yard From Deer

• Plant plants that produce strong aromas.

The experts at Good Housekeeping suggest planting lavender and marigolds, which emit strong aromas. Deer will be reluctant to walk through because the smell can interfere with their ability to find food and assess their environment via their sense of smell.

• Stock up on soap. The tallow in soap helps keep deer away, according to the University of Vermont Extension Department of Plant and Soil Science. Scented soaps like Irish Spring may be especially good at warding off deer.

• Plant in levels. Raised beds and sunken gardens can discourage deer from coming into the yard because they aren’t avid climbers, offers the home and garden resource This Old House.

• Employ harmless scare tactics. Deer are skittish, and any unfamiliar movement or sound may scare them away. Cans hung from strings, sundials and lights can keep them at bay.

Deer will seek out an easy meal, but homeowners can take steps to safeguard their trees, flowers and shrubs.

Your Next Home • September 2019

Did You Know?

In 2012, the U.S. Department of the Treasury studied the effect that getting stuck in traffic has on fuel consumption.

Researchers discovered that Americans were wasting 1.9 billion gallons of gas each year due to congested roads and inadequate transportation infrastructure. Although that study was conducted in 2012, it’s reasonable to conclude that wasted fuel remains a big and potentially dangerous issue.

One way to cut down on the environmental and financial toll of traffic is to find different routes that help drivers avoid traffic jams. Even if such routes are more circuitous, they may end up helping commuters save time and money in the long run. Popular GPS-based traffic apps can guide drivers to less congested roadways by allowing users to set filters to avoid traffic.

At Carter Lumber in Ludington, we make the transition into a new home as painless as possible. We have years of experience helping new residents turn their new homes into the permanent home of their dreams.

For more information on how we can help you, visit us in-store or online.

Welcome to the neighborhood!

September 2019 • Your Next Home

From kitchen and bath designs to decking, we make the remodeling and building process easy.

We’ve been rooted in the community for decades and are proud to welcome you to our beautiful lakeside community.

21

HOME A fireplace is a cozy and warm spot around which a family can gather. The home and real estate resource HomeGuides.com indicates that 60 percent of new homes have a fireplace, which is up from 36 percent in the 1970s.

Naturally, fueling a fireplace for the season may require homeowners with wood-burning units to keep an ample supply of wood at the ready.

How that wood is stored is important, as properly stored firewood can prevent waste and other issues around the house.

Wood that is freshly cut has a water content of 60 percent or more. Yet, for best burning ability, wood should be near 20 percent in water content. Green wood is hard to ignite and will not burn nearly as well or efficiently as seasoned wood. Another concern associated with green wood is that it can contribute more to creosote accumulation in the flue of a fireplace. Creosote is a combustible material that may lead to fires if left unchecked.

According to BioAdvancedÂŽ, a science-based lawn, garden and home improvement innovator, seasoning wood typically takes six months to a year.

Homeowners may opt to purchase seasoned wood that already has sat and dried.

Homeowners who have an abundance of firewood have to store it somewhere. Log Splitters Direct suggests choosing a dry, breezy area of the property that is about 20 feet from the nearest door to the house. This helps avoid hitchhiker pests from coming inside with the wood, such as termites, ants, spiders, and mice. Do not stack the wood flush against a structure. It should be at least a few inches away to allow airflow behind the stack.

Stick to organized rows of wood no more than four feet high. Log racks and pallets and posts will keep the wood up and off of the ground where moisture and rotting can develop. Placing the logs in an unorganized pile will impede air flow and cause the wood to rot rather than continue to dry and season even more.

Homeowners also should use a cover to protect seasoned firewood from the elements. Position a 22

How To Store Firewood The Right Way

tarp or plastic sheeting so it blankets the top of the stack and extends a few inches down the sides.

Keep the sides mostly exposed to air. Others prefer to stack it in a barn or shed or under an overhang.

Green wood is less expensive than seasoned wood.

Those who prefer this method should do so in the early spring and let it season over the next several months.

Bankrate says that the cost of a cord of wood varies across the country, but in general one can expect to pay between $120 and $180 for a cord of hardwood that is split and seasoned. This price may be higher in mid-winter when demand increases.

Your Next Home • September 2019

Let Me Guide You Home. $149,900 5709 Ottawattamie Street, Pentwater, MI 49449 • #19014288 Have your own little getaway, close to the water and the woods. This 3 bedroom, 1 bath home is ready for its new owners. The home is currently used as a second home but has potential to be a year around home. Looking to offset the cost? This home has potential to be a vacation rental as well. This home sits on 4 wooded lots and has deeded access to Pentwater Lake, is close to the public boat launch and Pentwater River.

$225,000 8531 Norconk Road, Bear Lake MI 49614 • #19016992 *UDPATE* Seller just installed a Daikin heating/coolling system with 2 inside units. This 3 bedroom 2 bath, home with a 3rd finished bathroom in the pole barn on 10 acres has been very well maintained. The age of the original structure is unknown but additions and updates started in 1987. The 2 woodsheds, a 10’x20’ drive through shed, a heated 32’x40’ pole barn and an over-sized 2 car garage provide plenty of storage and work space. The pole barn also has an efficiency apartment in it and has cable ran to it. The garage and pole barn also have an intercom system that go to the main house. The car port, fruit trees and in-ground sprinkler system round out the exterior bonuses. The house has updated windows, a wood stove and vaulted ceilings. Come see everything this home has to offer.

Leah Gannon Realtor

(517) 607-5347 Mobile (231) 398-3700 Fax Leah@golighthouserealty.com September 2019 • Your Next Home

23

24

Your Next Home • September 2019