MNA - Your Next Home - March 2022

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SEE OUR DIRECTORY ON PAGE 4 FOR A FULL LIST OF REALTORS AND BUSINESSES. A MONTHLY PUBLICATION OF THE MANISTEE NEWS ADVOCATE & BENZIE COUNTY RECORD PATRIOT

Benzie, Manistee & Mason Counties

Lighthouse Realty 360 E. Parkdale Ave. Manistee Sales & Property Management

231-299-1180

www.miessentialrealestate.com

231-398-3800 www.goLighthouseRealty.com

www.dwellingrealty.com hello@dwellingrealty.com Caliber Home Loans, Inc., NMLS 15622.

Copyright 2021.

2021. Equal Housing Lender.

(43041 Caliber Home Loans, Inc., NMLS 15622.

Copyright Equal Housing Lender.

In This Issue

REAL ESTATE AGENCIES & REALTORS..................................PAGE Dwelling Realty............................................................... 1 (Cover) Essential Real Estate........................................................ 1 (Cover) Lighthouse Realty........................................................... 1 (Cover) Real Estate One: Kathy Neveu......................................................5 Lighthouse Realty: Kerri Mackey..................................................9 MOM Board of Realtors.............................................................11 Essential Real Estate...................................................................13 Lighthouse Realty: Heather Barker & Casey Tennant.................17 Century 21: Kari King................................................................18 Century 21: Gini Pelton.............................................................19 Coldwell Banker: Jamie Gray.....................................................21 Lighthouse Realty......................................................................24 FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS Caliber Home Loans: Mindy Sedelmaier........................ 1 (Cover) Shelby State Bank........................................................................7 HOME IMPROVEMENT/ DECOR COMPANIES West Michigan Forest Products....................................................2 Holden’s Home Emporium, Inc....................................................3 REDEEMED...................................................................................7 Carter Lumber............................................................................12 Somsel Lumber Co.....................................................................21 HOME INSPECTIONS Hemlock Homes........................................................................23 INSURANCE COMPANIES State Farm Insurance Agency: Mary Sturdevant..........................5

3 LOCATIONS wmkitchenstudio.com

MISCELLANEOUS Business Directory.......................................................................4 Real Estate Transactions.............................................................15

LUDINGTON

ADVICE FOR THE HOME Dish up a classic comfort food this St. Patrick’s Day.....................6 How to be a smart credit consumer.............................................8 Fun ways to celebrate the arrival of spring................................10 Signs a roof needs repair or replacement..................................14 Budget-friendly ways to upgrade a landscape...........................16 Tips for negotiating with contractors.................................... 18-19 3 factors to consider before converting an attic.........................20 Upgrade bathroom safety features............................................22

5752 W. US 10, Ludington, MI 49431

231-480-1200 BYRON CENTER 7440 Clyde Park Ave. SW Byron Center, MI 49315 616-281-6684

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FOREST HILLS 850 Forest Hills Ave., Suite C Grand Rapids, MI 49546 616-727-0909

Your Next Home • March 2022

Thinking of buying bunk beds for your home or cabin? NOW is the time to buy!

We have multiple styles in stock starting at $259.

Prices have increased for 2022, get yours now at the 2021 price!

119 S. Main St., Scottville, MI | 231-757-8733 Tues-Fri 9am-5:30pm • Sat 9am-4:30pm www.holdenshomeemporium.com March 2022 • Your Next Home

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Caliber Home Loans: Mindy Sedelmaier 231-233-0963

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Carter Lumber 231-757-9000 www.carterlumber.com Century 21: Kari King 231-651-0923 www.C21Northland.com Century 21: Gini Pelton 231-690-0852 gini@c21boardwalk.com Coldwell Banker: Jamie Gray 231-499-1430

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Dwelling Realty www.dwellingrealty.com

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Essential Real Estate 231-942-9334 Therran Ferguson, Broker/Owner 231-510-1790 Michael Kruse 231-690-8882 Jenna Mahoney 231-942-9334 Hemlock Homes 231-343-9872 www.hemlockhomes.net Holden’s Home Emporium, Inc 231-757-8733 www.holdenshomeemporium.com

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Lighthouse Realty Manistee 231-398-3800 www.goLighthouseRealty.com Heather Barker 231-510-5505 Shirley Barker 903-681-6102 Leah Gannon 517-607-5347 John Hanson 231-510-5543 Kayla King 231-887-0092 Kerri Mackey 231-510-8380 Emily Pomeroy 231-510-1303 Judianne Sibley 231-239-1333 Dale Smith 231-794-9122 Cheryl Staszczak 248-805-3802 Casey Tennant 231-233-7613 Mason Oceana Manistee Board of Realtors www.momboard.com Real Estate One: Kathy Neveu 231-342-0921 Redeemed 231-887-4222 Shelby State Bank www.shelbybank.com Somsel Lumber Co. 231-362-3103 State Farm Insurance Agency Mary Studevant 231-723-9905 West Michigan Forest Products www.wmkitchenstudio.com Ludington 231-480-1200 Byron Center 616-281-6684 Forest Hills 616-727-0909

Your Next Home • March 2022

Give your home the protection it deserves.

Your home is where you make some of your best memories, and that’s worth protecting.

Mary Sturdevant Ins Agcy Inc Mary Sturdevant, Agent

I’m here to help.

LETS TALK TODAY.

306 Parkdale Ave Manistee, MI 49660 Bus: 231-723-9905

March 2022 • Your Next Home

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Shepherd’s Pie Yield: 8 servings 11⁄2 2 1 2

pounds russet potatoes tablespoons canola oil cup chopped onion carrots, peeled and finely diced 2 cloves garlic, minced 11⁄2 pounds ground lamb 13⁄4 teaspoons kosher salt 3⁄4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper 2 teaspoons tomato paste 2 teaspoons chopped fresh rosemary

1 1 1⁄4 4 1 1⁄2 1⁄2

teaspoon chopped fresh thyme teaspoon Worcestershire sauce cup half-and-half tablespoons unsalted butter large egg yolk cup corn kernels, fresh or frozen cup English peas, fresh or frozen

1. Heat oven to 400 F. 2. Peel the potatoes and cut them into 1⁄2-inch dice. Put them in a medium saucepan and cover with cold water. Set said pan over high heat, cover and bring to a boil. Uncover, drop the heat to maintain a simmer, and cook until tender, 10 to 15 minutes.

Dish up a classic comfort food this St. Patrick’s Day

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veryone has “corned beef and cabbage” on the brain come St. Patrick’s Day. But another flavorful dish might appeal to a greater number of people with Irish roots.

Shepherd’s Pie is a savory dish made of minced lamb that originated in England but also made the jump to Ireland, where it became a popular comfort food. While Shepherd’s Pie can be made with freshly cooked ground meat, it also is a fine way to use leftovers from a previous meal.

Shepherd’s Pie is commonly mistaken for Cottage Pie, which is very similar, yet tends to use beef as the meat of choice.

Many families have their own ancestral recipes for Shepherd’s Pie, but for those looking to cook the dish for the first time, try “Shepherd’s Pie,” courtesy of Alton Brown, which appeared in Season 12 of his hit show “Good Eats.”

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3. Heat the oil in an 11-inch saute pan over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the onion and carrots and saute just until they begin to take on color, 3 to 4 minutes. Add the garlic and stir to combine. Add the meat, salt and pepper, and cook until browned and cooked through, approximately 3 minutes.

4. Sprinkle the meat with the flour, toss to coat, and continue to cook for another minute. Add the tomato paste, broth, Worcestershire sauce, rosemary, and thyme and stir to combine. Bring to a boil, then decrease the heat to low, cover, and simmer slowly until the sauce is thickened slightly, 10 to 12 minutes.

5. Meanwhile, combine the half-and-half and butter in a microwave-safe container and nuke until warmed through, about 35 seconds.

6. Drain the potatoes and return them to the saucepan. Mash the potatoes (a masher is an excellent tool for this, though a hand mixer will do), then add the hot half-and-half mixture, as well as the salt and pepper. Mash to smoothness, then stir in the egg yolk.

7. Add the corn and peas to the meat mixture and spread evenly in a 7-by-11-inch glass baking dish. Top with the mashed potatoes, starting around the edges to create a seal to prevent the mixture from bubbling over, and smooth the top with a rubber spatula. Place on a half sheet pan lined with parchment paper on the middle rack of the oven and bake for 25 minutes, or just until the potatoes begin to brown. Remove to a cooking rack and let rest for at least 15 minutes before serving.

Your Next Home • March 2022

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R E D E E M E D Furniture, Decor and More!

SPRING SAVINGS into

Every Saturday in March

231-887-4222 172 Memorial Dr., Manistee, MI (Next to Family Dollar)

Redeemed Manistee

March 2022 • Your Next Home

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How to be a smart credit consumer

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inancial planning encompasses a host of strategies designed to help people enjoy the fruits of their labors. Financial planning is often associated with saving for retirement. However, smart credit management is an integral component of financial planning that can begin paying dividends long before adults are ready to retire.

Capital One notes that the benefits of a good credit score include lower credit card and mortgage interest rates, which can save individuals tens of thousands of dollars over the life of their home loans. In addition, the Federal Trade Commission reports that the better an individual’s credit history, the easier it is for that person to establish utility services, including electricity and internet service.

With so much to gain, individuals should do everything they can to be smart credit consumers. These strategies can help consumers use credit to their advantage as they look to gain from this vital component of financial planning.

• Recognize the factors that affect your score.

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A credit score is generated using a formula that takes various factors into consideration.

These factors include payment history, credit utilization rate, length of credit history, and credit inquiries, among others. Each variable is important, but paying balances in full and on time each month is a great way to build a strong financial reputation in the eyes of creditors. In addition, avoid overutilization of credit, especially if you can’t pay balances in full each month.

• Check credit before looking for a job. One easily overlooked benefit of being a smart credit consumer is its impact on individuals’ ability to find a good job. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau urges individuals to check their credit reports before they begin looking for a job so they can correct any mistakes that may be on their reports. That’s because some employers look at applicants’ credit reports as part of their background checks. Smart credit consumers recognize that monitoring their credit is just as important as utilizing it wisely. Consumers can access

reports from each of the three main credit reporting agencies (Equifax, Experian and TransUnion) for free once every 12 months.

• Don’t wing it. Much like successful retirement planning is often the culmination of decades of hard work, strategizing and saving, becoming a smart credit consumer involves commitment to a well-developed plan to utilize credit. Impulsive use of credit can quickly compromise individuals’ credit histories and financial reputations, so develop a plan to use credit wisely and stick to that plan. A successful credit utilization strategy should be rooted in paying bills on time, and ideally in full, each month to avoid potentially costly interest charges. Identify any bad credit utilization habits and do your best to eliminate them. If necessary, work with a financial planner to develop your credit utilization strategy.

Various strategies can help individuals become smart credit consumers and reap the rewards that a strong financial reputation has to offer.

Your Next Home • March 2022

Buying & Selling Real Estate Requires More Than Just Luck.

IRISH You Would Call Me to Help.

Kerri Mackey Realtor (231) 510-8380 Mobile

kerri@golighthouserealty.com

March 2022 • Your Next Home

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Fun ways to celebrate the arrival of spring

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pring is a season of rebirth in more ways than one. Spring is when certain animals emerge from hibernation, while many species lay eggs or give birth this time of year. Flowers and trees also bloom in spring, providing spectacular foliage and awe-inspiring color.

People also may feel like they have a new lease on life as they shake away the doldrums of winter and embrace longer hours of sunlight and warmer temperatures. The arrival of spring is worthy of celebration, and these activities and ideas can be enjoyable ways to spend the first day of spring.

• Spend time outdoors. One is never too old for a picnic in a park or a bike ride along the trails. Spending time outdoors is beneficial because it exposes people to sunlight, which is a precursor to the development of vitamin D.

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Vitamin D affects muscles, joints and tissues. It also can affect mood.

a pasta primavera, which essentially is a spring pasta dish laden with fresh vegetables.

• Plant a tree. Honor the first day of spring, and Earth Day shortly thereafter, by planting trees. Trees provide habitats for wildlife, create shade, reduce air pollution by filtering the air, and produce oxygen. A sapling is a mangeable tree to plant and something children can do as well.

• Decorate with flowers. Bring fresh flowers indoors and put them on display in vases or table centerpieces. Cut stems on a 45-degree angle underwater to help flowers last longer. In addition, choose floral themed curtains and throw pillows to add some spring decor.

• Enjoy spring crafts. Grab an inexpensive canvas and paint a landscape that is in full bloom. Use quick-set plaster to create stepping stones embedded with mosaic glass pieces for color that can be added to the backyard.

• Host a spring potluck. Put fresh spring vegetables and fruits on display. Options include artichokes, apricots, asparagus, carrots, dandelion greens, and radishes. Put together

• Create a water feature. The sound and sights of cascading water can be both relaxing and picturesque. A water feature can be something as simple as a small fountain or more elaborate like a koi pond.

Spring is a time of year when people can enjoy seasonal activities that make the most of the warmer weather and blooming landscape.

Your Next Home • March 2022

March 2022 • Your Next Home

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At Carter Lumber in Ludington, on we make the transition into a new home as For more information painless as possible. We have years of experience helping new residents how help you, turn theirwe new can homes into the permanent home of their dreams.

visit us in-store or online.

Welcome to the neighborhood!

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.

For more r more information on information on ow we can helphow you,we can help you, us in-store or online. it us in-store orvisit online.

to the Welcome to Welcome the neighborhood! neighborhood!

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Your Next Home • March 2022

5450 Carlson Road, Manistee, MI 49660

$950,000 #21116571

Opportunities like this, simply don’t happen every day! Sprawling 80 acre resort on Anderson

Bayou of the Big Manistee River. Extremely well maintained 7 bedroom, 3 full bath home, with combined guest house separated by an attached garage, as well as a 24’ x 24’ bunkhouse style cabin right on the bayou! Over 5,000 sq. ft. of finished living space. Full finished basement 2021. Much of the main house has been remodeled. Outdoor wood-boiler adequate in size for even the large 32’ x 40’ Insulated Pole Barn. Attached boiler mate provides endless hot water. The home features hardwood flooring, many remodeling updates, main floor laundry, large eat-in kitchen, and beautiful scenic views. House and attached guest house each have woodstoves. Abundant wildlife, mature trees, amazing property!!

Therran Ferguson 231-510-1790

www.MIEssentialRealEstate.com 428 1st St, Manistee MI 49660

231-299-1180

March 2022 • Your Next Home

Sales & Property Management Covering all your Essential Real Estate Needs.

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Signs a roof needs repair or replacement

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any homeowners believe a roof is a once-ina-lifetime investment. But roof damage can force homeowners to replace a roof regardless of how much time has lapsed since the roof was installed.

The average life span of a roof depends on when the roof was installed and the materials it is made from. According to Central Homes Roofing, three-tab shingles may last between 10 and 15 years, architectural shingles can endure for 15 to 20 years, and tile may last between 35 and 50 years. RPS Metal Roofing indicates a metal roof may last as long as 70 years.

However, climate and color of the roof also will affect its longevity.

Homeowners would be wise to consider these factors when determining if a roof is in need of repairs or replacement.

• Roof age: The age of the roof is a major factor in determining if it will need to be replaced or if repairs can be made to isolated damage. Individuals who live in neighborhoods where neighbors are now replacing roofs will likely find it is time to consult a roofing company. Homeowners also can check to see if they have any receipts that indicate the roof’s installation date so they have an idea about its age.

• Grain in gutters: Roofing shingles are designed to overlap, and sealant keeps them steady. Friction, weather and atmospheric changes can impact sealant

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and cause degradation. Gutters with grainy material in them could indicate worn out sealant and shingles.

• Ridge damage: Ridges are spots where two separate areas meet and often are important to the structural integrity of the roof. If the roof ridge is showing signs of wear, it could be time to repair or replace it.

• Curled shingle edges: If shingle tabs are curled or cupped, the shingles may need to be replaced. But if curling is extensive, a whole new roof may need to be installed.

• Bald spots or lost portions of the roof: Missing granules and missing shingles are reasons to consult a pro for a roof evaluation.

• Leaks indoors: Homeowners who find dark streaks or moisture in the attic may discover that water is penetrating the roof underlay. Water often comes in around chimney flashing. Other water signs are blistering and bubbling in walls.

• Incoming light: Look up through the attic and see if any light is coming through the roof, which may indicate there are cracks or holes in the roof.

• Aesthetics: If a homeowner doesn’t like the look of the roof from a design standpoint, a replacement also may be warranted.

Roofs can last many years, but the presence of certain signs indicates replacement or repairs will be necessary.

Your Next Home • March 2022

Manistee News Advocate Recorded Sales for the Month of: January 2022 318 EIGHTH ST, MANISTEE V/L EIGTH ST, BEAR LAKE 13822 COATES HWY, BRETHREN 105 LIGHTHOUSE WAY NORTH, MANISTEE V/L MONROE ST, MANISTEE 370 THIRD ST, MANISTEE 23343 COTTAGE RD, HARRIETTA 131 MCKEE ST, MANISTEE V/L FARNSWORTH, BRETHREN 507 FIRST ST, MANISTEE 269 FIFTH ST, MANISTEE 16 DUFFY ST, MANISTEE 16230 BIG FOUR RD, BEAR LAKE V/L MILARCH RD, BEAR LAKE 4690 LAKESHORE RD, MANISTEE 11884 NINE MILE RD, KALEVA 432 AVENUE B, EASTLAKE V/L KOON RD, MANISTEE 10510 JOHNSON RD, BRETHREN 13850 COATES HWY, BRETHREN 1698 RED APPLE RD, MANISTEE 1315 PARK ST, MANISTEE 171 EIGHTH ST, MANISTEE 6061 KERRY RD, MANISTEE 2355 ORCHARD LANDING, BRETHREN 530 E PREUSS RD, MANISTEE 9660 TAYLOR RD, BEAR LAKE 13779 WILDERNESS TRL, KALEVA 55 ANCHOR RODE DR, MANISTEE 7559 MCCLELLAN RD, KALEVA 129 MCKEE ST, MANISTEE 4339 W FOX FARM RD, MANISTEE 1205 TWENTY-SIXTH ST, MANISTEE 4330 SIVERLY RD, BRETHREN V/L NINE MILE RD, BEAR LAKE V/L NINE MILE RD, BEAR LAKE 5014 S COUNTY LINE RD, FREE SOIL V/L GILBERT RD, ARCADIA 3215 US 31 SOUTH, MANISTEE V/L ORAVAINEN RD, KALEVA 2707 NELSON ST, MANISTEE 161 JACKSON ST, MANISTEE March 2022 • Your Next Home

$106,000 $4,900 $21,800 $310,000 $90,000 $172,500 $179,900 $80,000 $69,000 $170,000 $25,000 $139,000 $148,775 $30,000 $440,000 $179,000 $85,000 $46,000 $123,850 $48,000 $179,000 $240,000 $115,000 $339,000 $85,000 $250,000 $275,000 $399,900 $325,000 $665,000 $162,500 $432,500 $189,000 $149,900 $12,500 $5,500 $143,000 $330,000 $165,000 $66,000 $120,000 $177,900

V/L US 31 SOUTH & V/L RAKONIEWSKI RD, MANISTEE $90,000 NO 1 RD, HARIETTA $119,900 315 FIFTH AVE #5, MANISTEE $210,000 3178 GREBE ST & DOCK, ARCADIA $381,280 4735 JAMES ST, WELLSTON $110,000 1772 PINE RIDGE DR, MANISTEE $305,000 22015 BENTON RD, MESICK $110,000 V/L LETTEAU RD, KALEVA $210,000 384 & 386 FIRST ST, MANISTEE $260,000 V/L STEINBERG RD, WELLSTON $48,000 1519 LAKESHORE RD, MANISTEE $230,500 10856 PINE CREEK RD, MANISTEE $123,000 340 SEVENTH ST, MANISTEE $238,000 268 FIRST AVE, MANISTEE $154,000 148 JACKSON ST, MANISTEE $137,500 10646 BIG FOUR RD, MANISTEE $105,000 817 DAVIS ST, MANISTEE $170,000 8288 FIFTH ST, ONEKAMA $170,000 15781 WARE RD, ARCADIA $1,180,000 311 CYPRESS ST, MANISTEE $102,000 V/L TAMARACK ST, MANISTEE $40,000 473 MERKEY RD, MANISTEE $60,000 4183 MARY ST, WELLSTON $89,900 19977 BENTON RD, 12910 YATES RD, 18740 & V/L THIRTEEN MILE RD, COPEMISH $600,000 V/L MAXEY RD, ARCADIA $81,422 V/L RAVINE DR, MANISTEE $80,000 221 FIFTH ST, MANISTEE $65,000 V/L WOODS TRL, THOMPSONVILLE $10,000 210 WALNUT ST, MANISTEE $65,000 V/L SOUTHVIEW DR, ONEKAMA $38,575 V/L KERRY RD, MANISTEE $129,000 V/L SCHOEDEL RD & V/L SCOTT RD, MANISTEE $115,000 V/L KENNY RD, BRETHREN $18,000 2506 NELSON RD, MANISTEE $107,000 15984 BESTIE RIVER DR, THOMPSONVILLE $275,000 17314 VIADUCT RD, COPEMISH $80,000 13670 RIVER RIDGE RD, THOMPSONVILLE $99,900 V/L SECOND ST, ONEKAMA $940,000 7504 SIX MILE BRIDGE RD & V/L, MANISTEE $250,000 3924 CHIPPEWA HWY & V/L, MANISTEE $370,000 12926 JOHNSON RD & V/L, KALEVA $949,900

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Budget-friendly ways to upgrade a landscape

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n inviting, well-tended landscape can add significant curb appeal to a home.

Such a landscape also can serve as a point of pride and welcome homeowners each evening as they arrive home from work.

Landscaping projects run the gamut from simple changes that can be accomplished on a weekend afternoon to more significant and costly undertakings that require the work of a professional. Budget-conscious homeowners may be looking for simpler projects, and the following are some less costly ways to upgrade a landscape.

• Add a pop of color with planters. Awe-inspiring colors can make a landscape stand out from surrounding properties. Flowers, bushes and plants may be the first thing homeowners consider when trying to add color to their lawns, but planters can provide a more immediate way to give exterior grounds some color. Bold planters won’t lose their color in a matter of weeks like many flowers do, and homeowners can switch planters so the colors

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align with the season. For example, some pastel planters can evoke the spirit of spring, while orange planters can be filled with mums to give a landscape an autumnal feel.

• Plant perennials around the property.

Well-maintained perennials grow back each year, making them ideal for homeowners who don’t have the time or desire to map out new gardening arrangements each spring.

Planting perennials also is a great way to add color around the property without breaking the bank.

• Upgrade walkways. Though it’s more expensive than adding planters and planting perennials, upgrading old and cracked walkways is a great way to give a property a whole new look. According to the renovation experts at HomeAdvisor, homeowners typically pay between $6 and $12 per square foot for new concrete walkway installation. Homeowners working on a budget can target spots where walkways have already cracked and fix those areas first before continuing the project

piecemeal until all the old walkways have been replaced.

• Plant to create privacy. Homeowners spent more time at home than ever before during the pandemic, and some might have grown tired of seeing what their neighbors are up to. Fencing might be the first solution homeowners consider when looking to make their landscapes more private. But new fencing installation can be expensive, costing homeowners between $1,667 and $4,075 on average, according to BobVila.com. A more costly and natural solution is to plant trees around the perimeter. Speak with a local landscaping professional, who can survey the property to see which trees might thrive and provide the privacy homeowners want.

Creating an inviting landscape doesn’t have to break the bank. Various small and relatively inexpensive projects can change the look and feel of a home’s exterior.

Your Next Home • March 2022

511 Fourth Street, ManiStee

Heather Barker (231) 510-5505

heather@golighthouserealty.com Beautiful 6 Bedroom, 3.5 Bath English Tudor Home in a very desirable location!

Offered at $398,000!

307 Sibben Street, ManiStee Casey Tennant (231) 233-7613

casey@golighthouserealty.com

Well maintained 900sqft Commercial Building with Private Parking Lot!

Offered at $125,000!

March 2022 • Your Next Home

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Tips for negotiating with contractors

4060 Spring Valley Rd. • Beulah Premier location in Crystal Highlands Association and access to Spring Valley Swim Beach and Highland Drive Boat Beach. All lot corners marked and community well available.

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000 Highland Dr. • Beulah This gently sloping .69-acre building site in Crystal Highlands Association is ready for your up north home offering underground electric, natural gas and cable internet/TV.

Your Next Home • March 2022

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pring is the season for fixing up a home.

Homeowners who aren’t interested in doing the work themselves turn to contractors to ensure the job is done not only to code, but on time and efficiently.

up front. Avoid simply choosing the lowest bid. Look at quality of work, reputation and reviews. If you like a costly contractor more than another, see if that contractor is willing to match a lower bid to win the job.

After receiving an initial estimate from a contractor, homeowners may wonder if there is any additional wiggle room in contractors’ costs.

budget and figure out if there is any way for you to do some of the work to lower costs. The contractor can give you jobs that are within your abilities, which can shave dollars off the final price.

Pick the right season As with other industries, home renovation work heats up during certain seasons or times of year. General contractors may be more willing to negotiate for a lower price depending on when their busy season may be. Jobs may slow down in winter, for example.

Know your rights and laws Understand the laws governing contract language in your state or province. Contracts should also spell out the change order process so that expectations of changes and costs will be known in advance.

Certain contractors are willing to negotiate while others are firm in their prices. However, learning the basics of negotiation can put homeowners in position to save money on dream renovations.

Do your homework Getting the best price typically require shopping around and not settling on the first bid.

Experts recommend getting at least three estimates on the same job — and be sure to let each contractor know that you are soliciting multiple bids. This alone may entice a specific contractor to give you his or her best offer

Talk about supplies Even after getting a good bid, you may be able to speak with your contractor about lowering costs even more by choosing less costly supplies. Find out if contractors can source materials from a low-cost supplier. In addition, discuss if you can purchase your own supplies.

These are just some of the tactics homeowners can use when negotiating the price of home remodels or improvements.

Ask to do a portion Be honest with the contractor about your

Gini Pelton

gini@c21boardwalk.com 231.690.0852 For all your Real Estate needs #JustcallGini #ManisteethePlacetoBe March 2022 • Your Next Home

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factors to consider before converting an attic

t the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, many homeowners suddenly found themselves in need of more usable square footage in their homes. Required to work from home due to social distancing recommendations, millions of working professionals suddenly found themselves setting up shop at kitchen tables or islands, in alcoves, garages, or even walk-in closets. Those makeshift offices were never supposed to be permanent, but

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Dimensions: Both the renovation experts at This Old House and the real estate experts at UpNest indicate that at least half of a finished attic must be a minimum of seven feet high and seven feet wide and 70 square feet. Requirements may differ depending on where homeowners live, but that 7-7-70 guideline is generally the minimum requirement. An attic that fails to meet such requirements won’t necessarily be a lost cause, but it might be costly to make adjustments that ultimately align with local codes.

as companies loosen workplace policies and embrace full remote or hybrid working arrangements, professionals are seeking more permanent home office solutions.

Home additions are a possibility for homeowners who need more usable square footage, but add-ons may not be the right option for everyone. If adding on won’t work, homeowners may want to look up ... at their attics.

Attics with ample space can make for ideal

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Access: Access is another aspect that must adhere to local safety guidelines. Many attics are accessible only through pulldown ladders, but that will have to change if homeowners repurpose their attic spaces. A staircase that complies with local laws will need to be installed, and contractors can work with homeowners to build that and estimate the cost. Homeowners who simply want to put desks in their attics without going with full-fledged conversions are urged to adhere to local access requirements anyway, as they’re intended to ensure residents can safely escape attics in the case of a fire or another emergency.

home offices, as they’re away from the hustle and bustle of a home’s main floor. That can make it easier to concentrate when everyone is in the house and reduce the likelihood that video calls with colleagues and clients will be interrupted by kids and pets.

Attic conversions are not always possible, and the following are three important factors homeowners may need to consider before they can go forward with such projects.

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Attic conversions can be great ways to make existing spaces more livable. Homeowners considering such projects should pay attention to three important variables as they try to determine if attic conversions will work for them.

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Climate control: Attics are converted to provide residents with more livable space. Converted space is only livable if the climate within the attic can be controlled so it’s cool in the summer and warm in the winter. An existing HVAC unit needs to efficiently heat and cool an extra room. If it can’t, bills might spike because the rest of the home likely won’t be as comfortable, forcing homeowners to adjust thermostats to offset that discomfort. That also could affect the unit’s life expectancy. Before going forward with an attic renovation, homeowners should contact HVAC professionals to determine if attic spaces can be serviced with the existing units and ductwork, or if an alternative arrangement must be worked out to make the spaces livable.

Your Next Home • March 2022

ContaCt us today!

231-499-1430

POLE BUILDINGS Let Us QUote YoUrs Custom • Deluxe • Ag

Somsel Lumber Company Kaleva March 2022 • Your Next Home

231-362-3103

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Upgrade bathroom safety features

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athrooms can benefit from updates that improve their form and function. While styles and color patterns may inspire bathroom renovations, improvements to safety also should be considered.

Bathrooms can be one of the most dangerous rooms in a house. Bath and shower areas account for about two-thirds of accidental injuries in these spaces. Many other injuries involve the toilet. In 2008, a thorough investigation of bathroom dangers conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that mishaps near the bathtub, shower, toilet, and sink caused an estimated 234,094 nonfatal injuries in the United States among people aged 15 years and older.

Seniors are particularly vulnerable in the bathroom due to reduced mobility and flexibility, visual impairment and other factors. However, some key modifications can make bathrooms much safer for aging populations.

• Raised toilet seat: Install an ADA-compliant raised toilet seat. Standard toilet seats are roughly 15 inches high, but elevated seats can

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raise the bowl an additional two to four inches.

Another option is to invest in risers that can be attached to an existing toilet.

• Grab bars: Seniors may use towel holders as grab bars, which don’t have stability and can dislodge from the wall. Install secured side grip bars by the toilet and inside the shower to make maneuvering easier.

• Water temperature: Seniors may be vulnerable to hot water temperatures. Lower the water temperature setting on the hot water heater.

StaySafe.org recommends 120 F. • Faucets: Change faucet handles to paddle-style handles rather than knobs. Knobs can be challenging to grip for those with arthritis in their hands. Also, handles that are easier for seniors to use can reduce the risk of the elderly losing their balance as they attempt to gain leverage to turn the water on and off.

• Nonslip mats: Nonslip mats or tape strips can be used in showers and tub bottoms, as well as outside of the shower to reduce the risk of slips and falls. Rugs should have rubberized, slip-resistant backing.

• Rounded corners: Choose counters and fixtures with rounded corners. Should a senior fall against something, the rounded corner may prevent serious injury.

• Shower benches and transfer seats: Benches and transfer seats make it easier getting in and out of the shower. Also, sitting while showering reduces the risk of becoming light-headed or losing balance.

• Walk-in tubs/showers: Minimizing the threshold to the shower or bathtub is an important safety feature. Some manufacturers make walk-in tubs with doors that secure and make watertight seals. Showers that don’t have a lip or tub to scale also are better for seniors.

• Lighting: Eyesight weakens over time, so improve lighting with combinations of overhead lighting and softer side lighting. Night lights or soft-glowing toilet lights can make it easier to get around the bathroom in the middle of the night.

These are just some improvements that can create safer bathroom environments for seniors.

Your Next Home • March 2022

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Your Next Home • March 2022