Your Next Home - September 2020

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September 2020 Residential

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Commercial

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Rentals

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Vacant Land

M I C H I G A N ■

Waterfront

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Farms

SEE OUR DIRECTORY ON PAGE 2 FOR A FULL LIST OF REALTORS AND BUSINESSES. A MONTHLY PUBLICATION OF THE MANISTEE NEWS ADVOCATE & BENZIE COUNTY RECORD PATRIOT

Benzie, Manistee & Mason Counties

Let the Lighthouse Team work for you in 2020!

202 Maple St, Manistee

Historic Noud House Brick Victorian with 8 Bedrooms, 3.5 Baths Beautiful Wood Details Throughout 5 Fireplaces, 3 Stories and Ballroom

Offered at $393,000

Shirley Barker • 903-681-6102 11272 Chippewa Hwy, Bear Lake

Beautiful Farmhouse & Working Farm 3 Bedroom, 1 Bath home with Wrap Around Porch, 16 Acres with Horse Barn, Hay Barn, Indoor Riding Arena & 2 Car Garage with Lean-to

Offered at $329,000

Casey Tennant • 231-233-7613

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180 Harrison, Manistee

Magnificent Home on the North Side 6 Bedrooms, 2.5 Baths, Wrap Around Porch and Full Basement, Off Street Parking with 3 Story Carriage House

Offered at $175,000

Kerri Mackey • 231-510-8380

109 Jefferson, Manistee

Zoned Residential & Commercial!

3 Bedrooms, 2 Baths Full, Walkout Basement Oversized Lot on a Quiet Street

Offered at $125,000

Leah Gannon • 517-607-5347

Your Next Home • September 2020

your

DIRECTORY

Next Home W E S T

M I C H I G A N

Benzie, Manistee & Mason Counties

REAL ESTATE AGENCIES & REALTORS...........PAGE

Lighthouse Realty................................................................1 (Cover) Lighthouse Realty..............................................................................3 REALTOR Contact & Website Information.....................................4 Lighthouse Realty..............................................................................7 Lighthouse Realty..............................................................................8 Essential Real Estate...................................................................... 11 MOM Board of Realtors................................................................ 13 Lighthouse Realty........................................................................... 16 Lighthouse Realty........................................................................... 18 Lighthouse Realty........................................................................... 20 RJ II Associates, LLC....................................................................... 23

LUMBER COMPANIES

Carter Lumber....................................................................................9 Somsel Lumber............................................................................... 21

INSURANCE AGENCIES

State Farm Insurance Agency....................................................... 19

FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS

Shelby State Bank.............................................................................5 Treadstone Residential Mortgage............................................... 24

HOME IMPROVEMENT/ DECOR COMPANIES

Northwoods Outdoor Stoves....................................................... 15 REDEEMED..................................................................................... 17

ADVICE FOR THE HOME

Did You Know? - Flashlights............................................................5 Color a new home décor with a fresh coat of paint................. 6-7 More than just a beautiful front door......................................... 8-9 Home buying during the COVID-19 outbreak........................... 10 Safe and effective ways to clean up leaves................................ 12 Unique ways to celebrate Labor Day.......................................... 14 Ways to save..............................................................................16-17 Tips for planting fall vegetables..............................................18-19 Desk organization.....................................................................20-21 Exterior renovations that improve curb appeal......................... 22

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Your Next Home • September 2020

11 ACRES WITH PRIVATE 250 FEET OF LAKE MICHIGAN FRONTAGE!!

5065 Fox Farm Road, Manistee

Enjoy the rustic feel of a cabin in the forest with the modern twist of the many updates that make this property virtually maintenance free. This cabin has a unique feature of 2 large garage doors that lift up and screens pull down to bring the awesome fell of the outdoors inside! Cabin sleeps 6-8 people with full bath, kitchen and living on main floor. Great place to spend those Up North Getaways.

Schedule your tour today.

MLS 20030101

Heather Barker (231) 510-5505

heather@golighthouserealty.com

OFFERED AT $475,000

RENOVATED! SUPER CUTE!!

UPDATED & RENOVATED!

Casey Tennant (231) 233-7613

casey@golighthouserealty.com

12311 Lynn St., Bear Lake

Renovated! Super Cute!!

2 Bedrooms, 1.5 Bath Home New paint, flooring, septic, roof, furnace and baths

OFFERED AT $120,000

September 2020 • Your Next Home

815 Dinsen St., Manistee

Brand New Kitchen & Baths • 3 Bedrooms, 4 Baths on .43 Acres Full Basement & Attached Garage Close to Lake Michigan and Downtown

OFFERED AT $249,000

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INFORMATION

Carter Lumber....................................... 231-757-9000 www.carterlumber.com Essential Real Estate............................. 231-942-9334

Lighthouse Realty Manistee.................. 231-398-3800 www.goLighthouseRealty.com Heather Barker................................. 231-510-5505 Lynda Beaton.................................... 231-383-0404 Therran Ferguson............................. 231-510-1790 Leah Gannon.................................... 517-607-5347 Brenda Gauthier............................... 231-233-6378 Kerri Mackey..................................... 231-510-8380 Judianne Sibley............................... 231-239-1333 Casey Tennant.................................. 231-233-7613 Mason Oceana Manistee Board of Realtors................... www.momboard.com

Northwoods Outdoor Stoves................. 231-946-5664 www.CentralBoiler.com REEDEEMED.......................................... 231-887-4222 The Bluffs on Manistee Lake.................. 231-887-4512 www.thebluffsonmanisteelake.com

Shelby State Bank......................................................... www.shelbybank.com Somsel Lumber..................................... 231-362-3103 State Farm Insurance - Mary Sturdevant.231-723-9905

Treadstone Residential Mortgage......... 616-326-2201 www.treadstonemortgage.com 4

Your Next Home • September 2020

Did You Know?

Flashlights A flashlight is an invaluable part of any disaster preparedness kit, and it’s a handy tool to have on hand in a car, at home or when traveling. You never know when you might need a flashlight, and it’s helpful to have many on hand. When stocking up on flashlights for emergency kits, choose ones with light-emitting diode, or LED, technology.

According to Popular Mechanics, LED flashlights are 70 percent more efficient than incandescent models. That means the batteries powering the light have the potential to last 10 times longer.

Furthermore, LEDs do not have any fragile parts like incandescent bulbs. That makes them more likely to withstand shock or even endure being dropped.

September 2020 • Your Next Home

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HOME (MS) — Today’s paint products offer homeowners the flexibility to easily change the look and “feel” of a room — or a houseful of rooms, including walls, cabinets, furniture, accessories and trim items — by changing the color of a painted surface or adding paint to achieve a decorative effect.

Woodcraft has all the paints and related accessories and supplies to “recolor” your home. Woodcraft introduced Black Dog Salvage Furniture Paint to its line of fine finishes in spring of 2016, giving customers a product developed specifically for use with furniture that is custom-built in the Black Dog Salvage shop, as well as accessories that might once have been part of an historic structure. Using Black Dog, a pure black, and Clean Canvas, a pure white, homeowners can create an unlimited number of shades that can be mixed using 13 additional colors with whimsical names like Caution: Dogs at Work (orange). The water-based ultra matte chalky finish interior paint is easy to use, self-leveling and low-VOC, and it covers in one coat. It can be used on finished and unfinished surfaces like furniture, woodwork, metal, glass and more and does not require priming. The companion Black Dog Salvage Guard Dog Topcoat Paint Protector is tough enough for floors and can be used for all types of indoor projects, such as cabinets, countertops, furniture, and decorative items.

Additional paint options General Finishes Milk Paint is a high-tech, waterbased acrylic paint for interior and exterior use that is available in more than two dozen colors, ranging from Dark Chocolate to Tuscan Red. It is easy to apply, durable and simple to repair and can be mixed to create new colors or combined with General Finishes waterbased glazes and stains to create custom paints and decorative effects such as distressing, antiquing and color washing.

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Color a new home décor with a fresh coat of paint Rust-Oleum® Chalked Paint is a water-based, ultramatte finish for interior applications that can be used alone as a simple covering paint or to achieve decorative effects such as distressing or dry brushing to give any project a one-of-a-kind look with a vintage feel.

It applies easily with brush or roller; spraying is not recommended.

If using an interior paint for exterior projects such as doors, shutters, or porches, an exterior topcoat will need to be added for protection from the elements.

General Finishes Exterior 450 is fortified with UV absorbers to minimize fading and built-in mildewcides to help retard the growth of mold and fungus. Plus, Exterior 450 is fast, as it’s ready to sand in just one hour in ideal conditions.

CrystaLac Exterior Finish is a water-based, flexible, UV-stabilized, waterproof, clear topcoat for exterior furniture, doors and crafts. For best results, apply when temperature is between 60°F and 80°F. This paint dries to the touch in about 15 minutes, but wait two to four hours to recoat.

Handy helpers for painting • Wagner Home Décor Paint Sprayer. This is a great first-step product for those new to HVLP spraying. It is easy to use and sprays milk paint, stains, sealers and lacquers. Check your paint manufacturer’s directions for use in sprayers.

• The versatile Vika TwofoldTM is configured for use as a 21.7”-high scaffold or a workbench that is 47.6” long X 18.7” deep X 31.8” high with a tool tray, drilling hole, protractor and ruler inscribed into the MDF work surface.

• QuikBENCH™ Portable Workbench is a lightweight, easy-to-set-up portable workbench with a 30” x 24” work surface that is 32” high and capable of holding up Your Next Home • September 2020

to 300 lbs. Convert two QuikBENCHES™ to sawhorses, and together they can hold up to 2,000 lbs.

• Painter’s Pyramids, New and Improved 10-pack allows homeowners to paint, flip and paint without having to wait for the first side to dry. Pyramids now include tabs and slots on the bases so they can be screwed down to make permanent finishing platforms or joined together to create more stable temporary applications.

• Redtree Finishing Brushes feature beaver tail-style hardwood handles and hand-trimmed chisel edge bristles.

• Unlike Microfiber Tack Clothes, regular tack clothes do not work for finishing with water-based products.

But a 12-pack of washable and reusable Microfiber Tack Cloths will work.

To learn more about these and other products, visit your local Woodcraft store, call (800) 535-4482 or visit www. woodcraft.com.

$259,000 • MLS#20030721 1840 Blossom Trail • Manistee Welcome Home!

Situated is one of Manistee’s most desired neighborhoods, this 3 bedroom 2 bath home is the perfect home for the growing family.

Some features include a large open concept kitchen, large living room, a full basement with workshop, 2 car heated garage and an underground irrigation system that keeps the large yard beautiful as well as a deck off the back is the perfect place for entertaining.

Located only a mile from the public school and only 2 miles from Lake Michigan.

Extraordinary Service In Every Price Range

September 2020 • Your Next Home

Kerri Mackey

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

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HOME Have you been meaning to replace your old front door but keep finding ways to put it off? Now may be the time to do it. The front door is an important part of any home for many reasons. Consider the following basic factors when purchasing a front door, regardless if you prefer a fiberglass, steel or wood front door.

More than just a beautiful front door • Is rust or mold evident, building up on some parts of the door?

• Has the lock become unreliable and difficult to latch at times, or doesn’t line up right?

HOME SECURITY Most people seem to enter their home through the garage these days or a back door. But, that doesn’t minimize the importance of having a well-functioning front door. Remember, the most common way that intruders might break in to your house is through the front door. A new, secure front door might be the first step towards securing your home, especially with the variety of locking systems available these days.

• Are you noticing water leaking in the bottom, does the floor get wet when it rains or is there moisture during colder, winter months?

ENERGY EFFICIENCY Not only will your home be safer with a new front door, it will be more energy efficient. An older door is more

SIGNS THAT IT MIGHT BE TIME • Is it difficult to close all the way, maybe it sticks or shakes a bit?

HISTORIC LUMBER BARON MANSION The Noud House is a historic Lumber baron mansion. The past will come to life as you walk through this timeless home. This beautiful old victorian, brick home has 8-10 Bedrooms, 3 and 1/2 Bathrooms, 5 fireplaces, and original woodwork and hardwood floors throughout. The different parlors have different wood - maple, oak, cherry and the big pockets doors match the wood in that room. The Foyer displays the wide winding staircase and there is a rear staircase also. The formal dining room is great for entertaining. The second floor has the master bedroom with a fireplace, sitting room and master bath. There are 4 more bedrooms on this floor, most with walk in closets. The third floor has 4 bedrooms and the ballroom.

Enjoy your summers on the large porches close to downtown and the beaches.

202 MAPLE ST, MANISTEE

$393,000

360 Parkdale Ave. • Manistee, MI 8

Shirley Barker 903-681-6102 shirley@golighthouserealty.com

Your Next Home • September 2020

likely to have holes or leaks in it, allowing outside air to get inside and inside air to escape as well. No matter the weather, you will be leaking cold or hot air. It’s important to assess the quality of your front door and to consider adding weather stripping or purchasing a new, energy efficient door.

CURB APPEAL The first impression of a house can be dramatically improved by the front door. Enhance the exterior of your home and improve curb appeal and resale value, especially beneficial if you are planning a move in the future. Since the front door is a focal point for most homes, a quality front door will set the tone and improve a home’s appearance.

Assess your situation and consider replacing your old door with a new door that the neighbors will notice, plus provides some long-term energy savings and allows you to sleep more comfortably at night knowing your home is secure.

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

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

Welcome to the neighborhood!

September 2020 • Your Next Home

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

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

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HOME

Home buying during the COVID-19 outbreak

Homeowners know that the process of buying a home can be both exciting and nervewracking. The anxiety associated with buying a home has hit new heights during the outbreak of the novel coronavirus COVID-19.

Historically low interest rates and limited inventory has made 2020 an especially unique time to buy a home. It’s also a competitive and potentially expensive time to buy a home. While the economic consequences of COVID-19 have been severe, the Federal National Mortgage Association, also known as Fannie Mae, forecasted a significant increase in median home prices in March 2020. City dwellers have scrambled to buy homes outside of cities, where social distancing is more difficult and the risk of getting COVID-19 appears greater than it is in suburban or rural settings.

That’s led to a lot of competition among prospective buyers.

Prospective home buyers willing to enter the hectic fray and shop for a home during the COVID-19 outbreak may benefit from knowing what to expect as they search for their next home.

• Get ready for virtual tours.

Buyers might once have scoffed at the notion of buying a home they’d only seen in videos, but virtual tours have become the new normal in the wake of the pandemic. An April survey from the National Association of Realtors® found that home tours had declined sharply. While 98 percent of realtors reported taking clients on home tours as recently as February, that number had declined to 63 percent by April. As many regions pause their reopening plans, prospective home buyers should ready themselves for virtual tours as opposed to in-person home tours.

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• Expect limited inventory.

While home prices are up, many people are holding onto their homes. The NAR reports that total housing inventory at the end of May 2020 was down nearly 19 percent from the end of May 2019. Buyers will have less inventory to choose from, so those intent on buying may need to prioritize what they need in a home and focus on finding properties that can fulfill those needs.

• Expect to move quickly.

Realtors have seen homes sell within days of being listed, and that has put pressure on buyers to move quickly. It also highlights the importance of finding a home inspector before your search begins as well as a lender who can handle quick closings. Ask around for recommendations, but make sure you have these two important professionals lined up before beginning your search. Doing so will give you a better chance of buying in an unusual time.

• Make the best down payment you can afford.

A high down payment makes buyers look better no matter the state of the economy. An offer with a high down payment looks like a stronger offer, and that can make the difference between winning and losing a potential bidding war.

Buying a home during the COVID-19 outbreak presents some unique challenges to prospective buyers.

Your Next Home • September 2020

6245 E Ridge Avenue, Fountain, MI 49410

$99,850 MLS#20024444

Up North Retreat! Affordable 3 bedroom cottage with public access to Ford Lake (All Sports Lake) just down the way. Located on a quiet drive just off the main road that wraps around Ford Lake. Sleeps at least 8. Living room with fireplace. Kitchen with appliances. Large deck with lake view. Two garages with one being a two story, so plenty of storage for all your toys. This lake is 208 acres in size. It is approximately 84 feet deep at its deepest point. Anglers can expect to catch a variety of fish including bluegill, large mouth bass, northern pike, rock bass, walleye and yellow perch. Schedule your showing today!

Jenna Mahoney 231-942-9334

jennabomahoney@gmail.com 428 1st St, Manistee MI 49660

Buying, Selling, Leasing & Management Covering all your Essential Real Estate Needs.

September 2020 • Your Next Home

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HOME Removing leaves from the yard is a task that homeowners must perform each fall. Thousands upon thousands of leaves can drop from a single tree.

Multiply that by the number of trees on a property, and it’s no surprise the task of leaf cleanup can seem so daunting. Furthermore, not all leaves are shed at the same time, so several cleanup sessions may be necessary before the last leaf is banished from the yard.

Just like removing snow, leaf cleanup can be a taxing job if done by hand. For people unaccustomed to exercise, cleaning up leaves can turn into quite a workout. According to the Discovery Health Calorie Counter, raking leaves for one hour can burn nearly 292 calories. Shoulders and arms will feel the burn.

Raking leaves is considered moderate physical activity, similar to brisk walking. Those who find themselves straining or out of breath should take a break, and these tips also make the job safer and easier.

• Wear layers when cleaning up leaves.

It may be cool at first, but it’s easy to work up a sweat after raking for awhile. Layers can be peeled off so as not to get overheated or risk hypothermia from sweating in chilly temps.

• Pay attention to your posture while raking.

James Weinstein, chairman of the Department of Orthopedics at Dartmouth Medical School, recommends forming a wide base with the feet 12

Safe and effective ways to clean up leaves

and holding the rake slightly toward the end of the handle with one hand three-quarters of the way down the handle from the other. Do not twist the spine; move your entire body. Avoid overuse of muscles on one side of the body by switching sides periodically.

• Do not try to rake or blow leaves on windy days.

Wind will only make the task that much more difficult, which could lead to overworking oneself.

• Avoid overfilling bags.

For those who plan to mulch and bag leaves, remember that compressed leaves can get heavy pretty quickly. Do not over-fill bags, as they can be hard to move or bring to a recycling center.

Using a leaf blower to push leaves into piles will reduce the strenuousness of the task, but leaf blowers can be heavy and noisy and gas-powered blowers can produce a considerable amount of exhaust.

Raking leaves can be quite a chore. It is important that homeowners take steps to prevent injury while cleaning up leaves in their yards.

Your Next Home • September 2020

September 2020 • Your Next Home

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HOME

Unique ways to celebrate Labor Day

Labor Day (or Labour Day in Canada) was created by the labor movement to shine light on the achievements and contributions of workers.

Without hardworking men and women, the economy would not thrive and the prosperity of a nation would be unlikely.

Like many other holidays, Labor Day’s message may play second fiddle to the more widespread celebrations that take place. It’s easy to think that Labor Day commemorates the unofficial end of summer rather than the North American worker, but those who want to celebrate more mindfully can consider these ideas.

• Research local industry and schedule a tour of a factory, farm or another place of business that ties into this industry.

• While many people are off on Labor Day, essential workers may not be. Bring lunch to a police station or firehouse, or simply thank workers you come across, such as grocery store employees, for doing their jobs.

• Active military who are deployed may be missing home, especially during national holidays. Send a care package to them that they can enjoy overseas.

• Purchase items made domestically to support national industry.

• Bosses can reach out to employees with 14

words of praise and encouragement. Too often employees are told what they need to improve rather than what they are doing right. A few words of gratitude can buoy spirits.

• Employers can start the three-day weekend early by enabling workers to leave a few hours early on the Friday preceding the holiday weekend.

• Organize a company-based competition, like a chili cook-off, pie-eating contest or video game competition. This can boost morale and strengthen connections among staff.

Labor Day is often dominated by backyard barbecues and trips to the beach. Those who want to be more in touch with the meaning behind the holiday can look for additional ways to celebrate it.

Your Next Home • September 2020

The Ultimate Wood Heat.

Set the thermostat where you want for a more comfortable home.

The Classic Edge HDX is U.S. EPA Certified

• More Comfort - Thermostatically controlled wood heat.

• Peace of Mind - Keep the fire outside and eliminate the dangers associated with indoor wood heating.

• Save Money - Wood is a renewable, inexpensive and often free energy source.

• Durability - Long-lasting, stainless steel firebox.

NORTHWOODS Dealership Name OUTDOOR STOVES

Outdoor Wood Furnace

State 335 W. Address, SOUTHCity, AIRPORT RD. Phone / Website TRAVERSE CITY, MI (231) 946-5664 OR (231) 676-0659

CentralBoiler.com > Explore > How it Works

CentralBoiler.com

*Save off the MSRP of select in-stock Central Boiler outdoor furnace models, at participating dealers only. Savings shown on E-Classic 3250. See dealer for details.

September 2020 • Your Next Home

VIDEO: How It Works

20-0101

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©2020 Central Boiler – Ad Number 20-0101

This ad size is 5” x 5.2”

HOME One of the easiest ways to save money is to save energy at home. You can start by simply paying attention. People who are aware of roughly how much energy they use typically use less energy than those who aren’t mindful. > BE AWARE OF ELECTRONICS Electronic devices draw power whenever plugged in, even if they’re turned off. TVs, video players, game consoles, laptops, phone chargers and other electronics are the biggest culprits. Plug them into a power strip that’s on a timer. > CHANGE FURNACE FILTERS A furnace is the biggest energy consumer in a home.

Ways to save

When dust builds up on the filter, the system has to work harder and longer to draw in return air. Check the filter often and replace it with a new one when you see gunk build-up. > PAY ATTENTION TO YOUR THERMOSTAT The optimal winter thermostat settings are 68 degrees (day) and 55 degrees (night). If those numbers seem chilly, throw on a sweater, put a heavy blanket on your bed and let this fact warm you up: Turning down the heat 10 to 15 degrees for eight hours every night can save 5 to 15 percent on your monthly heating bill.

Control the temperature with your smartphone or a programmable thermostat.

Custom Built, Move In Ready!

4 bedrooms, 3.5 bath home on 4 acres!

Open Floor plan, Perfect for entertaining!

Attached Garage + Pole Barn Central A/C, High Speed Internet, Nat. Gas 4605 Steffens Rd., Arcadia Offered at $349,900

Lynda Beaton 231-383-0404

Lynda@golighthouserealty.com

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Your Next Home • September 2020

> WARM UP YOUR WATER HEATER To reduce hot water use, wrap your water heater with an insulation jacket and cover the first 6 feet of water pipes connected to the heater with pipe insulation.

Then, turn down the temperature. > BE SMART ABOUT LIGHTING You’ve heard it before, but LED bulbs will save you big bucks. Replace your home’s incandescent light bulbs with LEDs and you’ll save! > WRAP YOUR WINDOWS Use a window insulator kit with thin, plastic sheeting, similar to adding an extra pane of glass in terms of insulation. > STOP AIR LEAKS Electrical outlets are common areas where heat escapes and cold air enters. To beef up insulation, remove the outlet’s cover plate, spray in a foam sealant and install a foam gasket over the outlet. Front

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> USE YOUR MICROWAVE MORE It’s more energy efficient than your stove. When you do use the oven, don’t let it heat longer than necessary and be sure the door’s seal is sound so heat won’t escape. Also, keep your stovetop clean to radiate heat more efficiently. > LET YOUR WASHER HELP DRY YOUR CLOTHES Dryers can use the most energy of all household appliances, so add an extra spin cycle when washing to help wring out excess moisture from clothes. And remember to remove the lint from your dryer’s filter, which helps clothes dry more efficiently.

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doors can be another problem spot. Install weather stripping and replace it every few years. The majority of a home’s heat escapes through the attic and basement. Reduce air leakage by sealing cracks with a foam gun and sealant: Put your hand in every corner and crevice to feel for cold air, then spray away.

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

Over 50 Booths!

Stop In Today!

231-887-4222

172 Memorial Dr. • Manistee (Next to Family Dollar) September 2020 • Your Next Home

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HOME Tending to backyard vegetable gardens can fill many hours of enjoyable downtime in the great outdoors.

What’s more, the bounty produced by such gardens provides healthy, fresh foods to gardeners and their loved ones.

Although spring and summer are widely seen as the peak of gardening season, the mild temperatures of autumn can be a prime time for planting vegetables as well. Certain late-season treats like carrots, kale, spinach, and turnips can thrive in fall gardens. Many different foods are quick crops that can go from seed to table in about six weeks. When sown in early fall, these vegetables will be ready to put on the table for mid-October feasts. Beets, green onions, broccoli, and

Tips for planting fall vegetables cabbages can be planted in late summer for fall harvest.

Gardeners who live in hardiness zones eight through 10 (the southern portion of the United States) can plant fall vegetables as late as December. Many of these plants can tolerate light frost, which may even help sweeten the vegetables.

A handful of unique factors need to be taken into consideration when planning fall vegetable gardens.

• The summertime location of the garden may still be adequate, but be sure to choose a location that gets eight full hours of sunlight per day.

• If using an existing garden site, clear out any detritus from summer plants and any weeds that have sprouted.

LAKE MICHIGAN — FRONTAGE —

Sandy Beach in an Erosion Protected Area, Spectacular View, Excellent Location, In Victorian Port City of Manistee, Unique, Wooded, Buildable, Beautiful 208’ Lake Front.

MLS #20017059

Price Reduction

$395,000

2 ACRES HARBOR DR 18

Judianne Sibley Dedicated - Trusted Experienced 231-239-1333

Judianne@golighthouserealty.com

Your Next Home • September 2020

If you are planting a new garden, remove any turf before tilling the soil.

• Amend the soil with sand, compost, manure fertilizer, and any other nutrients needed depending on the types of vegetables you intend to grow.

• While fall vegetables can be grown successfully from seeds, it may be more time-friendly to work from larger transplants, advises the Texas A&M Agrilife Extension.

• Some plants may need a little protection as they grow if temperatures begin to dip. Cover with a blanket, cardboard box or plastic tunnel to insulate.

Remember to water according to the vegetables planted and to keep an eye on readiness for vegetables. Turnips, beets, rutabagas, and carrots can be dug out when the roots are plump and crisp.

Vegetable gardens need not cease when the last days of summer vanish. Fall produce is delicious and can be easily planted and harvested even after the first frost.

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 September 2020 • Your Next Home

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HOME Having a desk at home where you work can be a blessing or a curse. If the desk is tidy, smartly set up and comfortable, productivity can skyrocket.

On the other and, a disasterarea doubling as a desk can leave you distracted and lead to procrastination.

MIND YOUR DRAWERS People often pack desk drawers with paperwork, files and important documents, but how often do you really need 5-year-old tax returns, old electric bills, your passport and the like? To free up space, organize and archive these items in plastic storage

Desk organization

boxes or file bins and keep them elsewhere such as in a closet or basement. Technology is allowing everyone to move toward a paperless existence, so aim to keep minimal files in your desk. For small office supplies like paper and binder clips, thumbtacks, stamps and sticky notes, as well as craft supplies, use compartment boxes or bins typically used for tools or jewelry.

HIT THE WALL If the top of your desk is littered with scraps of paper, sticky-note reminders, business cards and other stuff, take it vertical. Paint a portion

$330,000 • MLS#20030740 4300 Milarch Road • Manistee Beautiful 6 bedroom 3 full bath country home on 10 acres!

Property features a pond, 20 x 30 garage, 30 x 40 pole barn, commercial heating & cooling system, natural gas as well as an outdoor wood furnace. Home features 24x30 gourmet kitchen with center island & dining area. After dinner you and your guests can relax in the 24x30 family room in front of the fire place, the den or outside. Sale includes 2 Parcels totaling 10 acres M/L which allow an extra 5 acres of cleared farm field perfect for your hobby farm, garden or orchard. The bedrooms are very spacious and located on both levels, lower level allows for handicap accessibility. This home would make a great air bnb or vbro.

Extraordinary Service In Every Price Range

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Kerri Mackey

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

Your Next Home • September 2020

of the wall above your desk with chalkboard paint or hang corkboard to create message and reminder boards. Whatever the style or type, these approaches help tame clutter and make reminders easier to see.

THINK OUTSIDE THE BOX It may be easier to focus when you have some sort of system to capture incoming documents.

But old-school plastic or wire “in” and “out” boxes take up valuable desk space and are, well, old-fashioned. Instead, try hanging baskets, galvanized buckets or magazine holders on the wall. Or label a few empty large coffee cans or oversized jars or canisters and line them up on the side of your desk or lay them sideways and attach with double-sided tape to create cubbyholes.

Another idea: Cover a few basic clipboards in fabric or paper, and then hang them near your

desk and clip up to-do lists and papers as they come in.

DISPLAY TO DECORATE Simple office supplies such as a tangle of rubber bands, a rainbow of markers, pens, paper clips and more take on an almost art-like aesthetic when organized in nontraditional containers such as Mason jars, glass vases and planters. Color coordinate cups, baskets, bins, glass bottle and more with decorative paper or spray paint.

TAME WILD TECHNOLOGY A tangle of cords, wires and cables can be just as distracting as piles of papers. To centralize cords, drill a hole in the back of your desk and thread wires through it. Or, hang a wire basket typically used for storing kitchen items from the bottom of the desk using hooks.

POLE BUILDINGS LET US QUOTE YOURS Custom • Deluxe • Ag

Somsel Lumber Company Kaleva September 2020 • Your Next Home

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HOME

Exterior renovations that improve curb appeal

Neglecting a home’s exterior can be a disservice to homeowners, particularly those looking to increase the value of their homes. Curb appeal is important, as a home’s appearance can greatly affect prospective buyers’ perceptions.

Knowing which projects can offer the most bang for their remodeling buck can help homeowners make the right choices when improving the exterior of their homes. The following are some areas where homeowners can direct their focus if their end goal is a great-looking home with added value, as determined by the 2019 “Cost vs. Value Report” from Remodeling magazine. This report compares the average cost of 22 remodeling projects with the value those projects retain at resale across 136 markets.

• Garage door replacement: Homeowners can recoup 97.5 percent of their investment on a new garage door. This remodel tops the list for good looks and value. The average cost of $3,611 is for replacing an existing two-car garage.

• Manufactured stone veneer: Replacing a portion of vinyl siding with stone veneer can greatly improve curb appeal, adding style that can set a home apart. Homeowners can expect to recoup a 94.9 percent return on their investment.

• Wood deck addition: A wooden deck on the rear or side of a home enhances homeowners’ ability to enjoy the outdoors year-round. A 22

wood deck addition recoups 75.6 of the cost of homeowners’ initial investment.

• Siding replacement: Not only does old or weathered siding look unsightly, it can impact the energy efficiency of a home. Even though a siding replacement project is costly — at roughly $16,000 — it offers a 75 percent return and peace of mind that the home is being well-protected from the elements.

• New entry door: Replacing an existing door with a 20-gauge steel door complete with clear dual-pane half-glass panel, jambs and an aluminum threshold with composite stop gets homeowners 75 percent of their initial investment back at resale. Improving the door isn’t all about good looks, either. A door that isn’t well-insulated or secure can be problematic.

In addition to these improvements, homeowners would be wise to focus on some upgraded landscaping, an upgraded roof, new windows, and improved exterior lighting as surefire ways to add curb appeal and potential value to their homes.

Your Next Home • September 2020

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www.thebluffsonmanisteelake.com September 2020 • Your Next Home

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I’m Stu and this is my dog Swarley. I was born and raised here in Manistee, and I am a Loan Officer with Treadstone Funding. Helping families live their best lives and secure financing for their dream home is my passion.

Stuart Wilson Loan Officer | NMLS 1778344

616.326.2201

Homeownership is the single biggest way to build per-

StuartW@ treadstonemortgage.com

sonal wealth, and it is one of the most important ways

www.treadstonemortgage.com

we can strengthen our community. With that being said, there is no better time to buy a home or refinance your current home than this year! Interest rates are at their lowest point in history and home values are climbing, meaning your buying power is at an all-time high.

I want to help my friends and family in Manistee take advantage of this power-house market, and I would be humbled by the opportunity to help you.

We are the top rated residential mortgage company in Michigan because nobody works faster, smarter or harder than we do.

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214 Fulton Street E, Grand Rapids, MI 49503 Treadstone Funding propelled by Neighborhood Loans NMLS 222982

Your Next Home • September 2020