Living Local 2020

g n i v i L L

2020 ublication

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ving LiLOCAL 2 Factors that impact auto insurance premiums 4

How to be an eco-friendly motorist

5 Creative ways for small town residents to give back 6 How mattresses affect sleep quality 8 Explore a career in agriculture 10 Design a more functional pantry 12

Surviving a home renovation

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Tips for buying a home in a seller’s market

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Best methods to repair damaged driveways

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Mary Sturdevant Ins Agcy Inc Mary Sturdevant, Agent 306 Parkdale Ave. Manistee, MI 49660 Bus 231-723-9905 www.marysturdevant.com

Making you our #1 priority is what’s made State Farm® #1* in auto insurance. I’m here to listen to your needs and to help life go right.

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Factors that impact auto insurance premiums Auto insurance rates vary from person to person, even though it may seem like the offerings are the same.

But no two drivers are the same, and certain factors may be affecting drivers’ auto insurance premiums without the motorists even realizing it.

Automotive insurance provider State Farm says most insurance companies consider several factors when calculating the cost of car insurance.

Recognizing which situations can increase or lower costs can help drivers get the best rates and coverage needed. Although it can be tempting to reduce the price of insurance by choosing lower amounts of coverage, there are other ways to make insurance more affordable.

• Move. Insurers typically look at where a person lives when calculating rates. Those people who live in highly populated, urban areas likely will have higher premiums than others who live in more rural towns. That’s because greater population density often translates into more people on the road — and a greater chance for insurance claims due to fender benders or theft. By moving, a person may be able to cut rates.

• Gender and age are factors. One can’t step into a time machine, but it’s helpful to know that growing a little older can lower insurance premiums.

The financial advice source Money Crashers say that young men usually incur higher rates than young women because statistically men get into more accidents. However, as a person moves into his or her senior years, the roles reverse. Older women may see higher rates than men the same age.

• Keep make and model in mind.

The type of vehicle driven can affect insurance premiums. Certain insurance carriers will increase premiums on vehicles that are more susceptible to damage. Flashy sports cars or those that do not score as highly on vehicle safety ratings calculated by industry experts may result in high premiums.

Vehicles that are desirable to car thieves also may cost more to insure.

Researching vehicles prior to purchase and checking the rates for those cars or trucks with insurance companies can help keep costs low.

• Commuters may pay more.

Individuals who use a car for business or frequent commuting may pay more than people who drive less because statistically there is a greater risk for an accident, says State Farm. Reducing commute times can lower premiums.

• Tie the knot. Insure.com says married couples have been found to be less of a risk to insurance providers statistically than those who are single.

A study by the National Institutes of Health found that single drivers were twice as likely to be in an auto accident as married drivers. Combining policies also can help married people save.

• Follow the rules of the road. Drivers who have moving violations, drink and drive or engage in otherwise risky behavior behind the wheel may see their rates soar.

Insurance companies weigh factors such as driving record, age, locality, and more when assessing premium costs. Drivers have some room to get lower rates by knowing the factors that determine their premiums.

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How to be an eco-friendly motorist

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Driving is not often categorized as an eco-friendly activity. But driving is often the most reliable transportation option for people who live outside of cities or in areas without accessible public transportation. Eco-friendly motorists who need to drive can employ various strategies to reduce their carbon footprints while behind the wheel.

• Plan trips in advance. In lieu of making several separate trips in a vehicle, plan ahead and use car trips to accomplish more than one goal. For example, resolve to do some grocery shopping on your way home from the gym, or order takeout when leaving your office so you won’t have to go back out to pick up dinner after arriving home. Combining tasks into a single car trip is a more efficient use of time and fuel.

• Adhere to vehicle maintenance recommendations.

Auto manufacturers recommend vehicles be taken in for routine maintenance at certain intervals. Some manufacturers may recommend drivers have their vehicles’ oil changed every 3,000 miles, while others may advise tires be rotated every 5,000 miles.

Drivers should learn these guidelines and adhere to them, as sticking to maintenance

schedules can help vehicles operate more smoothly and efficiently, conserving fuel as a result.

• Become an eco-conscious car buyer. When buying their cars, many motorists choose the most vehicle they can afford or a car or truck they have long wanted to drive. But the biggest or prettiest vehicle may not be the most practical, especially for drivers who want to reduce their carbon footprints. Drivers who want their driving to be as eco-friendly as possible should choose vehicle models that suit their needs and driving habits.

If the bulk of your driving is commuting alone to work, then a small, fuel-efficient vehicle may be more eco-friendly and practical than a large SUV. Investigate electric cars and hybrid models to determine if either option is suited to your driving habits.

• Carpool to work. Working professionals who work in large office complexes can no doubt find neighbors with whom they can carpool. Begin by posing a carpool to coworkers, expanding your search to nearby businesses if coworkers are lukewarm to the idea.

Carpools not only save fuel, but also can be a great for drivers to extend the life expectancies of their vehicles.

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Giving back to one’s community is a great way for men and women to make use of their talents and foster strong towns and cities. Volunteering opportunities abound in big cities, but small town residents may not have as many options as they look for ways to give back.

Small town residents looking to give back may need to create their own opportunities if the options available to them do not suit their fancies.

• Contact local schools. Teachers, afterschool caregivers and coaches can always use some helping hands.

Contact local schools to determine if there is any way to help out.

Prospective volunteers might be able to read to young children, serve as assistant coaches for youngsters’ sports teams or even help tend to playing fields. Small town school budgets tend to be stretched thin, so chances are local educators will welcome citizens looking to pitch in with open arms.

• Start a program through your place of employment. Another way for small town residents to give back to their communities is to begin a mentoring or internship program through their places of employment. Once their employers give the go-ahead, men and women can begin working with local high schools and/or colleges to develop programs that encourage youngsters to gain professional experience that can benefit them as they apply to college or graduate school or prepare to begin their own careers.

• Start a volunteering group. Small town residents without much access to volunteering programs can organize groups through their offices or neighborhoods. Organize groups willing to pitch in with charities such as Habitat for Humanity®. Group leaders can arrange transportation to work sites for members of the group while working as liaisons between

Small town residents looking to give back can organize volunteer groups through their offices.

their community groups and the organizations they choose to work with.

• Work with area hospitals. Similar to school districts, many hospitals would struggle to meet their missions of providing compassionate care if not for the contributions of volunteers.

Contact area hospitals to learn

about volunteering. Some may need volunteers to read to sick children, while others may need help keeping elderly patients company.

Small town residents may not have a wealth of volunteering opportunities at their disposal. But with a little creativity, such men and women can still give back to their communities.

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Creative ways for small town residents to give back

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How mattresses affect sleep quality People make many renovations around their homes to improve their quality of life. When attention turns to the bedroom, some changes can greatly affect quality of sleep.

The temperature of the bedroom, its configuration and lighting can impact a person’s ability to get a good night’s sleep. However, the item that may bear the most influence is the mattress.

The Better Sleep Council says whether one wakes up feeling rested and healthy depends largely on the age of a mattress and its condition. A good mattress should alleviate pressure on joints while providing bodily support. It should not be a contributor to aches and pains. Mattresses that are seven years or older may need to be replaced.

A century or two ago, mattresses were constructed of whatever

people had on hand — from feathers to pine needles to straw.

That’s all changed today. But even though there are many options, it’s key for people to discover which material is right for them.

Innerspring Innerspring (also called coil) mattresses have been around for some time. These metal springs provide internal support. The number of coils, types of coils and distribution pattern throughout the mattress impacts how well the bed will conform to the body. These mattresses may be best for back or stomach sleepers due to their level of support. Keep in mind that innerspring mattresses may have limited durability and may start to sag after just a few years.

Memory foam Memory foam mattresses are

CULINARY

relatively recent additions to the market. According to the mattress shopping resource The Sleep Judge, memory foam mattresses may eventually replace innerspring mattresses. Famous for its ability to contour to the shape of the user’s body, memory foam envelops a person and absorbs energy. This means there’s less motion transfer.

That’s a big plus when sleeping with a partner who moves around in bed. Memory foam provides a high level of pressure point relief and promotes proper spine alignment.

Gel foam Gel foam mattresses bounce back to their original form when pressure is released. Hollow columns in the mattress allow for increased air flow that improves this pressure release and enables people to sleep coolly and comfortably. Sometimes gel is paired with memory foam for a

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hybrid mattress.

Latex Latex mattresses are coveted due to their durability and comfort.

Latex also conforms to the body, but more generally than memory foam, so it bounces back quickly.

One of the biggest draws to latex mattresses is how natural they are.

Latex is made from natural rubber.

Cost can be prohibitive, however, as latex mattresses tend to be expensive.

Purchasing a new mattress can lead to better sleep. This is a bedroom renovation worth pursuing.

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Explore a career in agriculture The agricultural industry provides a variety of opportunities to professionals interested in this often misunderstood field.

According to the employment resource AGCareers.com, more than 250 career profiles are available to people interested in a career in agriculture. And while jobs in agriculture may not be as prevalent as they were a few centuries ago, when 72 percent of the workforce was employed in farm occupations in the United States, agriculture remains a booming industry that greatly affects the nation’s economy.

Today, one in 12 American jobs is depends on agriculture, according to the career resource Payscale.

The following are some potential professions for those considering careers in agriculture.

• Agricultural business manager: This person oversees the business operations of a farm by providing organization and leadership during the production process. He or she contacts creditors, selects seeds, buys new equipment, and ensures the distribution of product.

• Agricultural lawyer: Attorneys who specialize in agriculture deal with water and environmental issues, represent agricultural labor in disputes, ensure proper marketing techniques are followed, handle real estate and land use issues, and much more.

• Animal control officer: These officers enforce local and regional laws that pertain to the treatment and care of animals. They patrol for distressed animals and ensure cruelty-free practices are adhered to.

• Grain buyer: Grain buyers build relationships with producers so they can purchase grain for their particular companies. They negotiate purchase agreements, source grain supplies and issue purchase orders.

• Poultry hatchery manager: Hatchery managers oversee all of the aspects involved in poultry hatching.

These can include management of personnel, handling and sorting of eggs, maintenance of equipment, coordination of pick-ups and

deliveries, and overseeing quality control.

• Soil scientist: Among the many tasks they might perform, scientists in the field of agriculture test soil samples for minerals and contaminants. By studying the soil, scientists can recommend which crops the land can support, how much livestock can feed in an area and the implications of agriculture on the area as it pertains to managing natural resources.

A career in agriculture presents many exciting opportunities in a number of different applications.

It’s a vast industry that utilizes professionals with an array of skillsets.

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Design a more functional pantry Many homeowners wish they had more storage space, and kitchens are one area where people seemingly can always use more storage.

Despite a desire for more kitchen space, until recently, kitchen pantries fell out of favor. Builders and architects may have thought that close proximity to supermarkets as well as multi-use cabinets in kitchens would offset the need for pantries. But according to a recent survey from the National Association of Home Builders, a kitchen pantry is the most desirable kitchen feature for buyers in the market for a new home.

According to a 2016 survey from ReportLinker, 98 percent of Americans say cooking at home is their preferred way to prepare a meal. And despite the wide array of restaurants, prepared meals and fast food options nearby, more than

one-third of people cook at home daily, with nearly 50 percent cooking between three and six days a week.

In order to accommodate for spending more time in the kitchen, homeowners are directing additional attention to kitchen preparation and storage features.

In fact, one recent trend in kitchen renovations is creating customdesigned pantries.

Locate the appropriate space Ideally, pantries should be in or adjacent to the kitchen. But not every home layout allows for this setup. Some homeowners need to move storage pantries into the garage, the basement or a mud/ laundry room.

Various factors should be considered before placing a pantry outside a kitchen. What is the climate? Will food spoil? Is there a possibility that vermin or insects can infiltrate the room and access food?

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These factors will dictate whether to have closed cabinets, air-tight bins or open shelves or if other modifications must be made to the room prior to building.

Choose the type of pantry Accessibility is essential in a pantry. Everything should be easily reached and grabbed as needed without having to move too many things. Ideally, foods should be arranged in a single layer so that all items can be viewed at a glance.

Shelves of various depths and heights can accommodate items of different sizes. Adjustable shelves are ideal because they can be modified as foods change. Sliding drawers can improve reach in cabinets.

In smaller spaces, French door-style reach-in cabinets are convenient and flexible. In complete kitchen remodels or new

constructions, walk-in pantries offer the most space and flexibility.

Must-have features Pantries serve different functions in different homes. For the bulk shopper, a pantry with plenty of room for large items will be needed.

Lighting can be beneficial in all pantries. Lights can improve visibility when trying to locate items.

Others prefer an outlet for charging hand-held vacuums or other small

appliances. Counter space in the pantry enables homeowners to unload groceries directly onto pantry shelves.

For pantries located outside of the kitchen, built-in freezers can maximize storage possibilities, especially for those who freeze-andeat after bulk shopping ventures.

Pantries are popular features that homeowners can customize depending on their storage needs and the amount of time they spend in their kitchens.

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Surviving a home renovation Homeowners invest large sums into improving their homes to make them more comfortable living spaces or to increase their odds of selling quickly. The Remodeling Futures Program at the Joint Center for Housing Studies of Harvard University predicted U.S. spending on home renovations and repairs to peak at $327 billion in 2017.

Whether one is doing a large renovation or a small remodel, life may be turned upside down during the project. Furniture may be moved out of the room, walls may be demolished, water or electricity may be turned off, and appliances may be missing or not hooked up.

Home improvements often drum up dust and disarray. Such projects can try the patience of any homeowner, and things may get worse before they get better.

Even though remodeling can

be taxing, the end result is often worth it. Here’s how to look forward to the silver lining and come out unscathed.

Discuss the project before it starts.

All family members should be in agreement before the first hammer is swung. Decide on as many details as you can ahead of time and have a firm plan in place. Establish back-up choices for tiles or color schemes in case the items you want are out of stock. Trying to make decisions under duress may result in bad choices.

Do one project at a time.

It’s tempting to want to improve as much as possible at once to maximize motivation and renovation materials. However, having no place in which to escape the mess can elevate stress levels.

Do not think about renovating kitchens and bathrooms all at once,

or you will not have any working fixtures for tasks like washing up.

Have everything in place …

Before demolition even begins, have building materials bought and stored, contractors and subcontractors lined up, and see what you can do to minimize the time workers need to spend in your home. … but expect delays.

In a world where things move at lightning speeds, renovations have not gotten the memo. Home projects take lots of time and will likely take longer if you are doing the work yourself in your free time.

Build lots of extra time into the project so you are not disappointed when delays happen — even when you’ve done your best to avoid them.

Plan an escape zone Construction environments can

be messy, loud, smelly, and a host of other unsavory adjectives. The chaos that ensues when life is turned upside down can be overwhelming, particularly for the person who spends the most time in the home

while work is being done. Build escape moments into the plan and make sure everyone else at home is on board. During the real grind of the project, a night or two at a hotel may be a welcome respite.

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The real estate market can be difficult to navigate for both buyers and sellers. First-time buyers can easily become overwhelmed as they search for homes, while sellers hoping to get the best price for their homes might be frustrated if offers are slow to come in or fall short of their asking prices.

If met with an underwhelming market, many sellers can pull their homes off the market and wait until it becomes more advantageous to sell. But buyers, particularly those shopping in a seller’s market, may not have that flexibility.

Buying in a seller’s market can be competitive and frustrating, but buyers can employ various strategies to survive such markets and land the homes of their dreams.

• Get mortgage preapproval. Sellers’ markets typically feature low inventory, which can make the buying process very competitive. Prospective buyers who do not have a mortgage preapproval letter in hand when making offers may find themselves losing out on their dream homes to fellow buyers who have gotten preapproval from a lending institution. Sellers may be impatient with buyers who have not yet been preapproved for a mortgage, even accepting a lesser offer from buyers who are ready to begin transactions

immediately. The preapproval process is relatively quick and simple, so buyers should not hesitate to apply.

• Stick to your budget. Lenders will indicate to prospective buyers how much they’re willing to lend them, and that figure is typically considerably more than buyers are willing to borrow. In a seller’s market, bidding wars can quickly drive up prices, but buyers should stick to their budgets so they are not house poor after buying. Sticking to a budget can be difficult in a seller’s market, but such patience will likely pay off in the long run.

• Be ready to compromise. Unless they have unlimited budgets, buyers often must compromise when purchasing a home. That’s especially true in a seller’s market with limited inventory. Buyers who need to buy a home must identify their needs versus their wants and recognize the likelihood that they will have to compromise.

• Work with real estate agents. Some buyers may be tempted to go it alone, searching for and ultimately buying homes without the help of real estate agents. That can be a foolish move in a seller’s market where competition is high and inventory quickly disappears from the market. Veteran

real estate agents have worked in buyers’ and sellers’ markets, and buyers can use that experience to their advantage. In addition, real estate agents likely have access to inventory before homes appear on popular real estate websites, giving buyers working with them a leg up in competitive markets.

Buying a home in a seller’s market can be fast-moving and very competitive. But various strategies can ensure buyers still find great homes at great prices in such markets.

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Best methods to repair damaged driveways Asphalt and concrete driveways are common throughout suburban neighborhoods. They are as much a part of a home as lawns, decks and other exterior elements. Regardless of how they’re utilized, driveways need to be cared for and maintained to retain their appearance and function.

Even the most durable driveways can suffer from cracks and pits over time. As cracks form, they pave the way for more deterioration if they are not addressed. Water infiltration can break down the integrity of the driveway during freeze and thaw periods, and any little hole or crack can promote weed growth. Driveway repair can be a do-it-yourself project, but pay attention to the details to ensure the job is done right.

Asphalt The home improvement resource The Family Handyman says it is key to first repair cracks and pits in an asphalt driveway before planning to topcoat it, which is generally done every year or so to maintain its appearance and durability. A variety of topcoat products are available at various price points.

Experts recommend investing in a quality product that will not shrink and crack. A melt-in material that is similar to products used by highway crews can be purchased for around $100. This product also will require use of a propane torch. Caulk-style crack repair products may not require as many tools, and are much easier to apply. They may not last as long, however. Homeowners must weigh the pros and cons to each

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before beginning.

The experts at Popular Mechanics say that there also are other asphalt patch mixes available at home supply retailers. Serious holes, rather than cracks, can be addressed with a coarse-aggregate filler commonly referred to as cold patch.

After cracks and holes are filled, use a sealer to lock everything in place and create a smooth topcoat appearance. Speak with a store employee if you are unsure which product is needed for your application.

Concrete The process is similar with concrete driveways, yet the products differ. Small driveway cracks can be repaired by scrubbing out the crack to remove debris and then filling using a mortar repair compound, suggests the repair advice site Home Guides. Larger cracks and potholes should be cleaned. Once that’s done, apply a painted-in bonder to the crack or hole, followed by a dry concrete patching product mixed with water. The material can be worked into the damaged area with a trowel, and then leveled using a wood board. Afterward, a liquid concrete sealer can be applied to help prevent future cracks and holes.

Homeowners who are hesitant to fix their driveways can contact masons or asphalt specialists to perform the job. Keeping up on driveway repair can prolong the life of the surface and help delay a complete driveway replacement for several years.

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