Home Finder Guide - March 2021

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FREE!

FINDER GUIDE

MARCH 2021

SPRING iS cOMiNG! As Springs arrives...

Get Results You Deserve & Sell With Success!!

Are you or someone you know thinking of selling your home or property this SPrInG? The real estate market is BLooMInG now, so Don’t wait!

Values have increased since last spring. would you like an updated market value on your home?

I can help you prepare your home for sale so it gets noticed. I can help you create the best marketing images and will deliver a selling campaign designed to help you achieve the highest possible price.

Let’s begin with a market value update. Call or text me at 231-629-0352 and we can set a time to meet.

If you or someone you know is planning to Move in the near future, call your Results Real Estate expert, Tricia Wirth at (231) 629-0352 or visit me on my website at: www.triciawirthrealtor.com OSCEOLA PEOPLES CHOICE, 3 YEARS RUNNING!

Tricia WirTh

Broker/owner Cell:

We look forward to serving you again in 2021!

RESIDENTIAL

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CO M M E R C I A L

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R E N TA L S

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VACA N T L A N D

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reSULTS reAL eSTATe, LLC

Office: 231.465.4167

231.629.0352

129 W. Upton Ave., Reed City, MI 49677

WAT E R F R O N T

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FA R M S

A MONTHLY PUBLICATION OF THE PIONEER GROUP ALSO ONLINE AT HOMEFINDERGUIDE.COM

231-972-8300

Kathleen Adams 231-250-3197

Bob Manzagol 231-349-8096

School section lake

Sue Kempton 231-638-3498

Joe Mako Rockie Peacock 989-303-8544 231-349-5533

Jim Bradley 231-598-4640

Peter Taylor 989-857-9017

Todd Lincoln 989-560-4884

Marshall Henry 231-598-0838

Michael Roberts 989-506-4275

Rich Marino 586-630-8773

Rick Kempton 231-349-8300

St ives golf course Martiny chain of lakes Commercial building

Must see condo

Horsehead lk access

Country setting

Business opportunity

Garage w/cottage

Commercial building

57+ acres

Martiny lakes access

The Bluffs ůĚŐ ^ŝƚĞƐ ĨƌŽŵ Ψϭϵ͕ϵϬϬ

ZŝǀĞƌĨƌŽŶƚƐ ĨƌŽŵ ΨϯϮ͕ϱϬϬ ✓WƌĞŵŝĞƌ ƵŝůĚŝŶŐ ^ŝƚĞƐ ✓ZŝǀĞƌĨƌŽŶƚ ^ŝƚĞƐ ✓EŽ ,K &ĞĞƐ ✓EŽ ŝƚLJ dĂdžĞƐ ✓WĂǀĞĚ ZŽĂĚƐ ✓EĂƚƵƌĂů 'ĂƐ

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Kolina Mako 989-423-0452

Low rates. High demand.

Perfect time to sell.

Mortgage rates are at historic lows, and demand for homes is incredibly high. Put those together and the question becomes:

what are you waiting for?

Call 231-972-8300 today!

Find it in the Home Finder n MARCH 2021

Dan Bollman, Associate Broker

231-629-2680

Over 30 Years Experience dan@century21whitehouse.com

www.Century21WhiteHouse.com

Thinking of selling your home or cottage?

Wondering what that home or cottage might be worth?

Please call me for a free market evaluation...you might be surprised at your value...in today’s high demand market!

Featured ProPerties NEW LISTING

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Canadian Lakes Lots St. Ives Golf Front

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$19,900

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Waterfront Lot Main Canadian Lakes

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$29,900 View it online at www.homefinderguide.com

River Front Canadian Lakes

$17,900

$34,900 3

BUSINESS CARD & PROFESSIONALS

Directory 24 Years Experience, Consistently a top selling agent.

Call me for all your real estate needs.

Real Estate

1810 State St. • Big Rapids, MI Lori Brock Office: 231-796-4805 Broker/Owner www.rivertownrealestate.org 231-250-8882

Jerry Garner

c21jgarner@aol.com • Cell: 231.250.5736

Big Rapids Office: 119 Linden • Big Rapids, MI 49307

231.796.4808

www.century21forwardrealty.com

Your Lakefront expert!

8520 100th Ave. Canadian Lakes, MI 49346

231.972.8300

www.canadianlakeshomes.com

KATHY ADAMS

231• 250• 3197 kadamscblakes@gmail.com

Dan Bollman, Associate Broker

231-629-2680

Over 30 Years Experience dan@century21whitehouse.com

8520 100th Ave. , Canadian Lakes, MI 49346

231.972.8300

www.canadianlakeshomes.com Not advertising in the HOME FINDER GUIDE?

Find it in the Home Finder at www.homefinderguide.com

I would be happy to help

Contact Ken Kasprzak Today! ken.kasprzak@pioneergroup.com

231-592-8368

...Get featured today!

www.Century21WhiteHouse.com 4

Find it in the Home Finder n MARCH 2021

The Bluffs

Premier Building Sites!

Near Downtown Big Rapids

Featuring:

Easy access to US 131 for a quick commute to Grand Rapids or Cadillac.

Scan QR Code for a Video of

The Bluffs

premier home sites.

LOT# 2 4 9 14 40 41

• • • • • • •

PRICE $24,500 $19,900 $19,900 $24,900 $34,500 $32,500

DIMENSIONS 109x349x116x277 129x254x140x292 158x261x133x248 155x259x150x225 117x441x158x416 138x468x105x441

MSL# 19051986 19051987 19051988 19051989 19051990 19051991

Now Offering Buyer Incentives!

Premier Building Sites.

River Front Building Sites.

Favorable Taxes.

No City Taxes.

No HOA Fees.

Some Acreage Parcels.

Wooded Parcels

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• • • • •

Close to Downtown Big Rapids.

Near Ferris State University.

Near Shopping and Dining.

Paved Roads.

Natural Gas. New Home Construction.

8520 100th Ave. Canadian Lakes, MI 49346

KATHY ADAMS

231.972.8300

www.canadianlakeshomes.com View it online at www.homefinderguide.com

231• 250 • 3197

kadamscblakes@gmail.com 5

Helpful Homeowner Tips 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.

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 6

Find it in the Home Finder n MARCH 2021

Helpful Homeowner Tips BASEMENT LEAKING? Does water leak into your basement during a bad rain storm? Are your block walls insufficiently sealed? Do you need gutters? Is the slope of your yard allowing the rain to run right down your basement? There are many things that can factor into water getting into your basement. Here are a couple things that you can do to prevent this from happening.

• Waterproofing paint to cover the block basement walls and help repel water from seeping in.

• Watertite caulk to fill any gaps in the wall.

Make sure your walls are dry and clean before sealing with paint and caulk.

• Add soil to the ground next to the house to create a slope that would push water away from the foundation of the house.

• Install gutters Add rain gutter extensions to drain water further away from your foundation.

The type of gutter used (aluminum, vinyl, etc) will depend on your local climate.

Use a leaf catch cover over the gutter to avoid your gutters clogging which could damage your gutters or cause water to overfill and fall onto your foundation.

• Install a sump pump to automatically drain water from your basement if it returns.

• If you have window wells, consider putting a cover over them to keep water from pooling near your window.

• If not already present, consider adding floor drains to help drain any water flowage from your basement.

Plastic Flooring risers can be added to allow room for water to move freely and drain underneath wood, vinyl, or other traditional flooring.

• If you currently have water in your basement: Use a combination of mops, squeegees, and buckets to collect and dispose of standing water in your basement Use a dehumidifier to remove remaining water residue.

Ensure the dehumidifier is rated to the size of your basement.

View it online at www.homefinderguide.com

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NEED HELP BUILDING A WEBSITE?

Let us help with your marketing strategies!

Including Google AdWords, SEO and social media campaigns!

Call Patrick at 231-592-8383 today!

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Find it in the Home Finder n MARCH 2021

Jerry Garner

231-250-5736

Jenel Wolfgang

616-638-2276

Kevin McBride

231-408-2057

Amy Briggs

231-856-0415

Shellie Danneels

231-832-4988

Bill Myers

231-287-8828

Lyle Lodholtz

231-357-1750

BonnieVannett

231-250-2369

Brad Doornbos

231-832-1764

119 Linden Big Rapids, MI 49307

231.796.4808

Judy Hoffman

231-598-0987

Josh Kamptner

231-872-9617

201 W. Upton Ave. Reed City, MI 49677

www.century21forwardrealty.com

231.832.1764 Vacant land

$25,000 • 20042274

$79,400 • 21000007

This home offers a spacious kitchen and all the bedrooms are on upper level. Fenced in backyard and single-stall attached garage is also on property which is located right downtown Reed City. Currently tenant occupied and has possession for 60 days after close unless new owner renegotiates new rental agreement.

$79,400 #21000007

$89,900 • 21000008

2 bedroom, 1 bath ranch home in Reed City just a short distance from downtown. Rails-to-Trails is directly across the street for recreational use. Make use of the large fenced in backyard and storage shed. Currently tenant occupied and has possession 60 days after close unless new owner renegotiates new rental agreement.

$89,900 #21000008

$79,400 • 21000009

3 BR, 1 BA house with detached garage and large backyard. Great location to schools and downtown Reed City. Carpet recently pulled and original hardwood retouched. 2 bedrooms are on main level and home has a full basement for additional space. Currently tenant occupied and has possession 60 days after close unless new owner renegotiates new rental agreement. Call today for more info and to schedule a private showing!

$79,400 #21000009

$84,900 • 21000010

3 BR, 1 BA directly across the street from the new Ebel’s location in downtown Reed City. Home offers a great location, 2 stall detached garage, and large open basement. Currently tenant occupied with 60 day possession after close unless new owner renegotiates new rental agreement. Call today for more info and to schedule a private showing!

$84,900 #21000010

Quiet lakefront living with all of the amenities that Canadian Lakes has to offer. The perfect location to build your home or northern escape!

$59,900 • 20018811

In Golfview, this large 4.52 acre, beautifully wooded lot that is the perfect site for building your dream home. Close to Big Rapids but with a country feel.

$8,000 • 21001070

Nice building lot located in the Lake Isabella association. Located just a few blocks from the lake too!

$25,000 • 20035626

.67 acre vacant commercial lot on the edge of BIg Rapids. Lots of traffic and visibility here!

$8,000 • 20021198

$329,000 • 20019783

4 Bedrooms 2- 1/2 Baths, full finished basement with 2 daylight windows. Extra large Master suite with walk-in closet. Main floor laundry room and mud room just off the 3 stall Garage. Extra large rolling lot with under ground sprinkler, and Stand -by Generator.

$329,000 #20019783

$114,900 • 21005317

This 2 bedroom home overlooks 65 feet of private frontage on Townline Lake.

The lake is a fishing/swimming no wake lake. The home has new carpeting and paint and is move in ready. The 28x28 detached garage is ideal for the cars and toys too! $114,900

#21005317

$229,000 • 20016264

Great location with off street parking in the rear and city parking across the street paved drive with 2 car attached garage all in very good condition showings by appointment only and listing agent must be present at all showings.

$229,000 #20016264

$490,000 • 20028986

Be the first one to live in this beautiful home. New construction with a large master suite upstairs that includes a soaking whirlpool tub/gorgeous standing shower, and spacious master closet.

3 more bedrooms upstairs, one with its private bathroom and the other two connecting to a joint bathroom. Closet space is not an issue when it comes to this home! Main floor offers an open concept/natural light. Finished basement with additional BR and BA. Home also equipped with a 3 stall garage, back deck and poured patio. $490,000 #20028986

View it online at www.homefinderguide.com

$50,000 • 20046679

Cabin in the woods with views of lake across the road. Great fishing and access to two different lakes.

Two bedroom home with covered front porch. Price to sell. $50,000 #20046679

$98,000 • 20020446

Many possibilities for this high traffic commercial location . Currently laid out with a reception area , Conference room and 3 offices & 2 restrooms. Full basement Dry for storage. Property also includes a 2 bedroom apartment that is generating $800.00 per month.

This can cover a large portion of your payment and expenses Large off street parking area. $98,000 #20020446

$89,900 • 20019296

Four bedroom, 2 bath home on corner lot.

Home has been used as a rental but could be your primary residence. $89,900 #20019296

$799,000 • 19036222

Location, Location Location! Property is in a area that is Zoned for a marijuana dispensary. High volume liquor and convenience store located 1 block from Ferris state collage. Building (6,645 Sq Ft.) many updates, New Roof, New interior, lighting, heating & air conditioning. Electrical updated. Price includes Real estate, (valued Aprox $270,000) Includes equipment and transfer of all licenses. Inventory sold separate.

Monthly rental income from business next door.

Full Basement. $799,000 #19036222

Nice large corner lot located in a desirable subdivision just south of Big Rapids on a paved road.

Wooded lot, natural gas and cable available here too!

$3,500 • 20015834

Located on vacated road near Johnson creek. Oil and Gas rights reserved.

$30,000 • 19021715

This 2.073 acre wooded piece of land is located on the edge of town in Big Rapids on a paved road. Fantastic building site!

Looking for Vacant Land.

Give us a Call!

Lots to large, acreage available!

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Helpful Homeowner Tips FIXING THAT LEAKY FAUCET Fixing a leaky faucet may not be as difficult as you might think. For most faucets it’s usually a simple fix and can take less than an hour. Faucets are an important part of your home but can be annoying when they start dripping.

TOOLS YOU MAY NEED • Screwdriver • Slip-joint pliers • Penetrating oil • Allen Wrench, depending on the faucet Depending on the faucet and the type of issue it has, you may need other items. You might also consider purchasing a new faucet as they come in different price points, styles, models or it may just be time to get a new one.

HOW TO STOP THAT DRIP STEP ONE – You will first want to shut off your water supply. If your house does not have shutoffs for individual fixtures, you will need to shut off the main supply.

STEP TWO – Assess your faucet. Where is the leak coming from and what type of faucet is it? Is the leak coming from the base or the spout? Disassemble the faucet where the leak comes from. There are many different types of faucets and different parts based on the faucet type. There are one-handle, two-handle, pull-out, pull-down, just to name a few.

STEP THREE – Disassemble the faucet. Use your Allen wrench, screwdriver and/or your slip-joint pliers to get to where the problem is with the faucet.

STEP FOUR – Once you have found the problem, replace what may be worn or broken. This could be as simple as a washer or an O-ring, or be a little larger like a cartridge.

STEP FIVE – Make sure that the faucet is clean before reassembling. Inspect the pieces or holes in the faucet and clean them out if they are clogged or dirty, and then you can reassemble the faucet.

SAVES YOU MONEY! In the end, by investing some time to fix this problem, you wind up saving money. A small leak could waste anywhere from a few gallons of water to hundreds of gallons over the course of a year.

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Find it in the Home Finder n MARCH 2021

HELPFUL PACKING TIPS & CHECK LIST r Gather boxes in all sizes from friends, neighbors, and stores. r Collect cushioning material such as bubble wrap, foam pellets, furniture pads, old blankets, plastic bags, tissue paper, newspapers, and small towels to use as padding inside boxes. r Create a portable packing kit with marking pens, a tape measure, packing tape, twine, and scissors.

Carry it with you as you pack up items around your home. r Reinforce the bottom of boxes with extra tape for added strength. r Label each box with the name of the room in your new home where it should be placed. r List the contents of the box on the side of it. r Number the boxes and keep a list of which boxes go in which room in your new home.

r Label boxes containing fragile items with large red lettering. r Place china in plastic bags and stack plates upright on their sides, not flat. r Pack your TV, stereo, and computer in their original boxes whenever possible. r Keep boxes to 50 pounds or less. r Pack heavy items into their own smaller boxes and place lighter items together into larger boxes.

KITCHEN r Cupboards r Closets r Drawers r ___________________________ r ___________________________ r Box numbers for kitchen: ____________ DINING ROOM r China cabinet or hutch r Light fixture and lamps r Furniture: tables and chairs r ___________________________ r ___________________________ r Box numbers for dining room: _________ LIVING ROOM r Bookcases and contents r Entertainment center and contents: stereo, TV, CDs, videotapes, and so on r Knick knacks and artwork r Lamps r Furniture: couch, chairs, and tables r ___________________________ r ___________________________ r Box numbers for living room: _________ FAMILY ROOM r Entertainment center and contents: stereo, TV, CDs, videotapes, and so on. r Knick knacks and artwork r Furniture: couch, chairs, and tables r Lamps r ___________________________ r ___________________________

r Box numbers for family room: _________ MASTER BEDROOM r Closet r Dressers and contents r Furniture: bed, dressers, night stands, and desk r ___________________________ r ___________________________ r Box numbers for master bedroom: BEDROOM #1 r Closet r Dressers and contents r Furniture: bed, dressers, night stands, and desk r ___________________________ r ___________________________ r Box numbers of bedroom #1: _________ BEDROOM #2 r Closet r Dressers and contents r Furniture: bed, dressers, night stands, and desk r ___________________________ r ___________________________ r Box numbers for bedroom #2: _________ BEDROOM #3 r Closet r Dressers and contents r Furniture: bed, dressers, night stands, and desk r ___________________________ r ___________________________

(Don’t pack all your books into one box!)

r Don’t move flammable, combustible, corrosive, or explosive items such as paint, gasoline, and ammunition. r Pack a bag of personal items you’ll need during the move (change of clothes, toiletries, medicine, maps, food, and drinks). Keep it in an easy-to-find place when you pack.

View it online at www.homefinderguide.com

GENERAL MOVING TIPS r Disconnect and bundle cords on television and stereo components. Label each cord with masking tape and a description of where to connect it. r Plan and measure where your furniture will be placed in your new home. It’s helpful to draw a layout of your new home and sketch in the major furniture pieces. r To save time on moving day, move your boxes from the basement, upstairs, or attic to the main floor prior to the move date. Consider carrying items from the back yard to the front yard or garage ahead of time. r Keep your phone connected through moving day to stay in touch with friends, family, and the moving company.

r Box numbers for bedroom #3: _________ STUDY/OFFICE r Computer equipment: CPU, monitor, and printer r Desk and contents r Bookshelves and contents r File cabinets and contents r ___________________________ r ___________________________ r Box numbers for study/office: _________ BATHROOM r Cupboards and contents r Linens and towels r Knick knacks and wall hangings r ___________________________ r ___________________________ r Box numbers for bathroom: __________ ATTIC r Trunks r Boxes r ___________________________ r Box numbers for attic: ______________ GARAGE r Yard equipment and garden tools r Home maintenance equipment and tools r ___________________________ r Box numbers for garage: BASEMENT r Cupboards and shelves r ___________________________ r ___________________________ r Box numbers for basement: __________

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Helpful Homeowner Tips ENERGY EFFICIENCY There are many ways to reduce a household’s energy use from simple adjustments in behavior to comprehensive home improvements. The main reasons to conserve energy are to save on utility bills and protect the environment. Some of the more common ways to conserve energy are: Replace your light bulbs • Traditional incandescent light bulbs consume an excessive amount of electricity and need replacing more often than energy efficient bulbs.

• Halogen incandescent bulbs, CFLs and LEDs use 25-80% less electricity and last 3-25 times longer than traditional bulbs.

Install a programmable or smart thermostat • Automatically turn off or reduce heating and cooling during times when you’re away or sleeping.

• Depending on the model, programmable thermostats can save you $180 per year.

Install energy efficient windows • To prevent heat loss through your windows, replace single-pane windows with double-pane ones.

• In warmer climates, heat gain through your windows may be a problem.

• Window shades, shutters, screens and awnings can also provide an extra layer of insulation between your home and external temperatures.

Weatherize your home • Sealing air leaks around your home is a great way to reduce your heating and cooling expenses.

• Apply caulk or weather stripping to seal air leaks or cracks Purchase energy efficient appliances • On average, appliances are take up about 13% of your total household energy use.

• Energy efficient appliances may have higher purchase prices but cost less to operate Consider a new water heater • Purchasing an energy efficient water heater will reduce your water heating expenses.

Use smart power strips • Advanced power strips can shut off the power to electronics when not in use.

• Can be turned off at an assigned time, during inactivity or through remote switches.

Adjust your day-to-day behavior • Energy conservation is as simple as turning off lights or appliances when not in use.

• On occasion, to save energy hang dry clothes, wash dishes by hand, turn down the heat and use your air conditioner less in the summer as heating and cooling expenses constitute nearly have of an average home’s utility bill.

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Find it in the Home Finder n MARCH 2021

WaterCare

REVERSE OSMOSIS DRINKING WATER SYSTEM Insurance for your family.

Have peace of mind, with your drinking water safety.

SUBSTANTIALLY REMOVES THESE CONTAMINANTS: • SODIUM (Salt) • NITRATES • CHLORINE

231-924-2310 800-382-4450

535 e. main Fremont, mi 49412

• ORGANICS • CHEMICAL CONTENT

Ensing’s

WatErCarE ensingswatercare.com

Locally Owned & Operated Since 1948

MICHAEL

OIL & PROPANE

®

989-365-3232

313 Vesta six Lakes, mi 48886

Premium Diesel Fuel Highway & Off Road • Heating Fuel Gasoline • Kerosene • Propane We have REC Gas & K-1 Kerosene -- Pick Up or Delivery

18655 Northland Dr., Old U.S. 131, Big Rapids | 231-796-8681 www.michaeloilandpropane.com | Online Payment Options Available!

24 HOUR EMERGENCY SERVICE AVAILABLE!

View it online at www.homefinderguide.com

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Helpful Homeowner Tips 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.

REARRANGE THE WALL 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.

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

SWITCH UP ACCESSORIES 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.

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 14

Find it in the Home Finder n MARCH 2021

MOVING CHECK-LIST

Simple ideas to keep yourself organized and stay on task.

TWO MONTHS BEFORE MOVING r Sort through your belongings to reduce the number of things you move. r Have a garage sale or donate items you no longer need to charity. r Decide whether to move yourself or hire professionals. Make reservations with a moving company or truck rental company.

Tip: Call three companies for estimates to compare.

r Gather packing supplies: boxes, packing material, tape, felt markers, and scissors. r If you’re moving a long distance, make travel arrangements with the airline, hotel, and rental car agency. If you’re driving to your new home, get maps and plan your travel route. r Save all moving receipts, because some moving expenses may be tax deductible.

Check the current tax code for requirements. r Place your legal, medical, financial, and insurance records in a safe and a accessible place. r Purchase insurance coverage for valuables to be moved. r __________________________________________________ r __________________________________________________ r __________________________________________________ r __________________________________________________ r __________________________________________________

ONE MONTH BEFORE MOVING

r Start packing items that aren’t regularly used such as off-season clothes and decorations and items in storage areas (garage, attic, and closets). r Make travel arrangements for your pets. r If you’re driving, get your car tuned up. r Get medical records from your doctors, dentist, optometrist, and veterinarian. r Send items (rugs, drapes, clothing, quilts, bedding) to the cleaners. r Back up important computer files to floppy disk. r __________________________________________________ r __________________________________________________

TWO WEEKS BEFORE MOVING

r Contact your utility companies (gas, electric, water, cable, trash collector, and local phone service providers) and notify them of your move. r Sign up for services at your new address. r Contact your long distance phone company and notify them of your move. r Call friends and family and recruit help for the moving day if necessary. r Confirm your travel reservations. r Arrange to close or transfer your bank account, if appropriate.

Pick up items from safety deposit box. r __________________________________________________ r __________________________________________________

ONE WEEK BEFORE MOVING

r Pick up items from the cleaners, repair shops, or friends. r Pack a survival kit of clothes, medicines, special foods, and so on to carry you through the day after arrival in your new home. r Finish packing all boxes minus what you will need in the final week. r Inform the post office of your upcoming move.

Send change-of-address cards with your new address and phone number to: r Friends and family r Banks, insurance companies, credit card companies, and other financial institutions r Magazines and newspapers r Doctors, lawyer, accountant, Realtor, and other service providers View it online at www.homefinderguide.com

r State and federal tax authorities and any other government agencies as needed r Workplace, schools, and alma maters r Voter registration office and motor vehicle bureau r __________________________________________________ r __________________________________________________

THE DAY BEFORE

r Set aside moving materials, such as tape measure, pocket knife, and rope. r Pad corners and stairways of house. r Lay down old sheets in the entry and hallways to protect floor coverings. r Remove hanging fixtures. r If moving yourself, pick up the rental truck and a hand truck or dolly to move heavy boxes. r If you’re driving, check oil and gas in your car. r If you’re traveling, make sure you have tickets, charge cards, and other essentials. r __________________________________________________ r __________________________________________________

MOVING DAY

Carry with you: r The keys to your new home. r Map of new town and directions to your house. r The telephone number of the moving company. r Cash or traveler’s checks. r Documentation related to the sale of your home. r Your insurance policies and agent’s phone number. r Your current address book or personal planner. r Prescription and non-prescription medicines. r Enough clothing to get by if the movers are late. r Any important personal records and documents. r Any items of great personal value to you that are virtually irreplaceable (for example, a photo album). r Back-up copies of important computer files. r Sheets and towels for the first night in your new home. r Personal hygiene items (for example, toothpaste, soap, razor) r __________________________________________________ r __________________________________________________

ARRIVAL DAY

r Show movers where to place furniture and boxes. r Check inventory to ensure that everything was delivered before signing delivery papers. Note any damages on the inventory sheet.

Tip: It’s helpful to have the movers read off the inventory numbers on boxes and furniture while you check the inventory list.

r Unpack any valuable items, such as silver, art, and jewelry, upon arrival. r __________________________________________________ r __________________________________________________

AFTER THE MOVE

r Walk and drive around your neighborhood and community to orient yourself and your family. r Get new drivers licenses, library cards, voter registration cards, and bus passes. r Enroll children in school. r __________________________________________________ r __________________________________________________

15

The Strength of Teamwork.

Lori Brock Broker/Owner

231-250-8882

1810 State St. • Big Rapids, MI New ListiNg

Yvonne Meyer Realtor

231-468-8068

Bridget Lamoreaux Realtor

Allitta Hren Realtor

616-214-1007

231-796-4805 •

231-250-8192

$129,900 • Reed City #21005126

moVe in ReadY

$32,900 • Rodney #21001706

endleSS PoSSiBiliTieS

$94,900 • Reed City #20008548

lg. CommeRiCal PRoPeRTY

$299,000 • lake City #20046274

oWn YouR oWn BuSineSS

16

YouR PRoPeRTY HeRe!

$89,900 • Big Rapids #17053260

$289,900 • Big Rapids #20048125

Large, commercial property full of opportunity. It is conveniently located just outside the Big Rapids city limits and provides an abundance of visible road frontage. This building is also suitably divided to allow multiple income opportunities. The possibilities are endless with all the open space and flexibility this property offers.

Very successful up and running restaurant/bar/event center.

Restaurant features family friendly casual dining with 130 seats.

(168 Max. Capacity). Business includes, liquor license, all furniture, kitchen equipment and a 3 bedroom, 2 bath 1985 manufactured house with a large 2 stall detached garage. Home may be used as a rental (currently rented, month to month), or for your personal use.

Located on busy highway M-55, the East West corridor between Lake Michigan and Lake Huron and between Grand Rapids and the UP.Missaukee county is not zoned. This is a must see, because the possibilities are endless! Daycare, convenient store, use half rent the other half.

WanT To liST YouR Home/BuSineSS

$289,900 • Cadillac # 21002491

185’ of frontage on State Street!!

So many possibilities!

Duplex, storage units, office buildings, etc. Prime location!!

Muskegon Riverfront. Possible land contract terms!

Studio Apartment. Adorable Riverside Commercial Building for Sale, Lease or Rent. Endless opportunities with this building such as Beauty Shop, Coffee Shop, Office Space. Added convenience with studio apartment above work space & full basement for storage. The all in one building for that first start small business. Conveniently Located on the Hersey River with Rails to Trails access right out the backdoor.

PRime loCaTion

231-527-5769

This home checks all the boxes. Newly updated home sits on 1.4 acres. Open floor plan for family fun and entertaining. Full finished walk out basement is set up for more family fun and entertaining. Basement has a bar with dishwasher, mini fridge and so much more. Home has plenty of storage space also.

Washer/dryer hookups on main floor and also in basement.

Two car attached garage plus a detached pole barn 2427 with loft. This is your forever home, you have to check it out.

Incredible campsite or home site near Lower Evans Lake. Annual permit allows for camping year round on this site. 3 lots a little over 1 acre. Chippewa creek meanders through property. Well, septic and electric are installed on this site. Lower Evans lake boat launch just 2 minutes away, part of the Martiny Chain of Lakes. Boat from one lake to the next. Excellent fishing, swimming, skiing and tubing! Nature at its finest!

CommeRCial Building

231-287-0410

Hailey Brock Realtor

www.RivertownRealEstate.org

Dreaming of your own Hobby Farm? Adorable farmhouse features 2 bedrooms, possible third with large loft that could be made into an additional bedroom, outbuildings for all your needs. Pole barn offers set up for cattle, cement floor, electricity and water, fenced in paddocks and hay storage. 2 beautiful acres to view from your large deck . Just bring the animals and family get ready to enjoy the peace and serenity of Country life. 2 car detached garage, only minutes from Hawkins.

BuiLdaBLe!

Jennifer Verdi-Stieg Realtor

$299,000 • leroy #20048153

NOW! is the time to pursue your dream of owning a one of a kind restaurant. The establishment is custom designed to make you feel like you’ve stepped back into time. Period decor throughout creates an extraordinary experience for customers with furnishes that are of the utmost in quality. It is an incredibly beautiful eatery. The restaurant includes a large banquet room to host all varieties of events. The kitchen houses brand, new state of the art commercial stainless steel equipment. This property also includes upstairs apartments that with some finishing touches could add even more earning potential. More remodeling is being done- So much potential with this property.

WanT To liST YouR Home/BuSineSS

ReSeRVed FoR YouR PRoPeRTY!

Find it in the Home Finder n MARCH 2021