Your Next Home - November 2019

your

CHARLEVOIX

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ANTRIM November 2019 Traverse City

Next Home W E S T

M I C H I G A N

Benzie, Manistee & Mason Counties

Mesick

Bear Lake

Manton

Irons Scottville Ludington Pentwater Hart

OCEANA

LAKE

OSCEOLA Evart Reed City

Baldwin

Big Rapids

NEWAYGO

White Cloud

Hesperia

Holton Whitehall Twin Lake

Fremont Newaygo

MUSKEGON

Lot 1 N. Lakeview Rd, Bear Lake

McBain Marion

Let the Lighthouse Team work for you in 2019!

Montague

ROSCOMMON

Lake City

Cadillac

Manistee

MASON

MISSAUKEE

WEXFORD

MANISTEE

Harrison Clare

ISABELLA

Mecosta

MECOSTA

Mt. Pleasant

Morley

Sparta Cedar Springs GreenvilleCarson City Rockford Belding

KENT1608 Snow Trails Drive, Manistee

8.5 Acre Wooded Setting

3 Bedrooms, 1.5 Baths Attached Garage + Detached Garage

Offered at $189,000

Offered at $199,000

Judianne Sibley • 231-239-1333

Lynda Beaton • 231-383-0404

606 E Filer St, Ludington

Near Downtown and Schools!

361 First St, Manistee

Newly Renovated!

7 Bedrooms, 3.5 Baths

6 Bedrooms, 2.5 Baths Full Basement 2 Car Garage

Full Basement

Offered at $198,900

Offered at $135,000

Kayla King • 231-887-0092

Residential

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Commercial

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Rentals

Michael Kruse • 231-690-8882

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Vacant Land

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Waterfront

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Farms

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

MIDLAND

Shepherd

Howard City Lakeview

MONTCALM

1 Acre Building Site Private Frontage

GLADWIN

CLARE Farwell

Grand Rapids

133ft of Lake Michigan Waterfront

CRAWFORD

KALKASKA

GRAND TRAVERSE

BENZIE

OTSEGO

FREE

LEELANAU

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

St. Louis Alma Ithaca

GRATIOT

your

DIRECTORY

Next Home W E S T

M I C H I G A N

Benzie, Manistee & Mason Counties

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

Lighthouse Realty................................................................1 (Cover) Lighthouse Realty..............................................................................3 REALTOR Contact & Website Information.....................................4 Lighthouse Realty..............................................................................9 REO-Jon Zickert.............................................................................. 11 Lighthouse Realty........................................................................... 15 Lighthouse Realty........................................................................... 17 MOM Board of Realtors................................................................ 21 Lighthouse Realty........................................................................... 23 REO-Jon Zickert.............................................................................. 24

LUMBER COMPANIES

Somsel Lumber..................................................................................7 Carter Lumber................................................................................. 19

INSURANCE AGENCIES

Webber Insurance.............................................................................5

ADVICE FOR THE HOME

3 Factors to Consider When Choosing a Mortgage Lender.......6 Did You Know? - Big Game Hunting..............................................7 Outdoor Decorating.........................................................................8 Prevent Growth of Mold/ Mildew in Colder Months................. 10 What To Do With Thanksgiving Leftovers................................... 12 Shop Small Businesses to Improve the Holiday Experience.... 13 Changing Furnace Filters.............................................................. 14 Did You Know? - Turkey Prep........................................................ 15 Things to Consider Before Warming Up Next to Your First Fire this Winter................................................ 16 Home Security................................................................................ 18 Did You Know? — Real Estate Attorney....................................... 19 Home Repairs that Can Sink Budgets Fast................................. 20 Transition Smoothly After Relocating.......................................... 22

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Your Next Home • November 2019

Feel the Lake Michigan Breeze!

601 Browning Ave., Manistee $215,000 • MLS# 19050461

Very well maintained 3 bedroom 3 bath Ranch in the Lake View Heights subdivision near the Manistee Golf & Country Club and close to Lake Michigan. You can feel the breeze off Lake Michigan. Beautifully landscaped fenced backyard, with 2 storage sheds, patio, deck, waterfall, and underground sprinkler system.

Central Air. Separate water meter for lawn & garden use. Slider off the dining room. Over 2,500 sq. ft. of living space. Master bedroom with its’ own bathroom. Large attached garage.

Full finished basement with huge rec-room.

This home is ready for you to move in. Please don’t hesitate to schedule your tour!

Therran Ferguson

Associate Broker

(231) 510-1790 Therran@golighthouserealty.com

November 2019 • Your Next Home

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INFORMATION

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

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

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

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

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Your Next Home • November 2019

882-9655 • 929-9761 • US-31, Benzonia

November 2019 • Your Next Home

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HOME A home is the most significant purchase many people will ever make. Perhaps because of that, many buyers, particularly those purchasing a home for the first time, are understandably nervous about the home-buying process. The decision regarding which home to buy warrants ample consideration, but so, too, does the buyers’ choice of lender.

Mortgage lenders can be found all over the internet, and the sheer volume of lender options can make it hard for home buyers to find the right fit for them. Couple that with lendingrelated terminology that many first-time buyers may be unfamiliar with, and it’s easy to see why prospective homeowners can feel overwhelmed about the process of borrowing money to buy their homes.

When looking for a mortgage lender, prospective homeowners should never forget that the choice of lender is, in most cases, entirely theirs to make. When making that decision, a host of variables should be considered. The following are three such factors that, upon ample consideration, may help buyers rest easy knowing they did their due diligence when looking for lenders.

1. REPUTATION/RECOMMENDATION

Just like other businesses, lenders have reputations, and oftentimes those reputations can be determined via some simple online research. Peruse online reviews to determine what past buyers felt about a given lender. If possible, ask friends, family or colleagues who they worked with to secure a mortgage.

2. FEES

Fees vary from lender to lender. Fees should 6

3 Factors to Consider When Choosing a Mortgage Lender

not be mistaken for interest rates, which change daily and are typically dictated by the financial industry and prospective buyers’ credit history and financial standing. When speaking with potential lenders, ask for a rundown of their fees, and the services those fees include, and closing cost estimates in writing, then compare and contrast fees and costs of various lenders before making a final decision. Some lenders may charge considerably more in fees than others, so buyers should put in the effort necessary to comparison shop.

3. PERSONAL INTERACTION

Buyers, especially those who have never before purchased a home, will likely have lots of questions. This is where personal interaction with a prospective lender should be noted.

Securing financing for a home purchase can sometimes seem like an impersonal process, but it doesn’t have to be, and many lenders are happy to answer buyers’ questions. Lenders who answer questions quickly and clearly can make buyers more comfortable about the home buying process. Buyers may want to avoid lenders who seem evasive or unwilling to answer questions in writing.

Your Next Home • November 2019

Did You Know?

Big game hunting is the most popular form of hunting, according to the 2016 National Survey of Fishing, Hunting, and Wildlife-Associated Recreation.

Sponsored by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, the survey found there were 9.2 million hunters who pursued big game such as deer and elk in 2016. That makes big game hunting big business as well, as the survey found that big game-related

expenditures for trips and equipment totaled $14.9 billion in 2016. As big as big game hunting is, 3.5 million hunters took time to hunt small game, which includes squirrels and rabbits. The third most popular type of hunting in the United States in 2016 was migratory bird hunting, which attracted 2.4 million hunters and generated $2.3 billion in bird-related trip and equipment revenue.

SOCIAL MEDIA TEXT:

Big game hunting is the most popular form of hunting, according to the 2016 National Survey of Fishing, Hunting, and Wildlife-Associated Recreation.

POLE BUILDINGS LET US QUOTE YOURS Custom • Deluxe • Ag

Somsel Lumber Company Kaleva November 2019 • Your Next Home

231-362-3103

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HOME

Outdoor Decorating

Late autumn and the beginning of winter can be a dreary time for homes and lawns, but it doesn’t have to be; you can prevent your home from looking dull and bland with certain outdoor winter decorations. Take advantage of the winter weather and prepare yourself for holiday cheer with some of these outdoor winter decorating ideas.

DRESS UP YOUR DOOR Since the front door of your house is the first thing that people notice when they pass by, why not adorn it with a winter decoration or two? Adding wreaths, swags and small displays to your front door are easy ways to add some winter charm to your house.

• Admiring Fall - If you’re not ready to accept the

winter weather yet, trim your house with warm colored decorations instead. Wreaths embody the spirit of fall, which is expressed through the vibrant autumn colors and natural looking twig bases.

• Welcoming Winter - If you do want to start

celebrating winter, as well as Christmas, a traditional Christmas wreath is one of the easiest ways to bring holiday spirit to your home.

Integrate colored artificial plants and various ornaments to your wreath, like tinsel bows or ribbon. Choose colors and styles that will offset your front door.

• Well-placed Accessories - Garlands tied with

small red or blue ribbons draped over the frame of your front door gives your entryway a sophisticated look with a festive air. If you want to have a more nostalgic winter display for your front door, prop an old pair of ice skates or a once used sled near the door. Finish it off by garnishing the items with a big red or plaid bow and some pine cones.

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WONDERFUL WINTER WINDOWS Decorating your front windows for winter is a great way to get into the holiday spirit and make your home look idyllic in the cold weather. By adding some greenery, lights and even garland to your windows, your house will look great during the day and shine throughout the night.

• What to do With Window Boxes - your home

from fall to winter by layering some wood chips with a variety of poinsettias and berry sprigs in your window boxes. However, if you prefer decorating with live plants, layer freshly cut evergreen branches, pinecones and abandoned bird nests in the boxes.

• Add a Little Sparkle - A window with a little

sparkle and light will not go unnoticed during winter. Deck your windows with easy to install snowflake decorations, trim your window frames with garland and sets of white or multi lights or wrap your porch rails with a combination of greenery, garland or lights.

REMEMBER When decorating the outside of your house for winter or Christmas, don’t overdo it with the decorations. Less is more, and too many decorations can make your house look incredibly cluttered and messy.

Your Next Home • November 2019

100FT OF LAKE MICHIGAN FRONTAGE! 4410 Fox Farm, Manistee

2 Bedroom, 2.5 Bath Home on .55 Acres 90ft back from the Bluff

OFFERED AT $525,000

Heather Barker (231) 510-5505

150FT OF LAKE MICHIGAN FRONTAGE! 400FT OF DEEDED PORTAGE LAKE ACCESS!

heather@golighthouserealty.com

4616 Fox Farm, Manistee

7472 Leonard Ave, Manistee

4 Bedroom, 2.5 Bath Home on.86 Acres Walk Out Lower Level

3 Bedroom, 2.5 Bath Home on.69 Acres 3 Car Detached Garage

OFFERED AT $399,900

OFFERED AT $359,000

CLOSE TO DOWNTOWN! 283 5th Ave., Manistee

Casey Tennant (231) 233-7613

3 Bedrooms, 2.5 Baths Full Basement + Attached Garage

casey@golighthouserealty.com

OFFERED AT $109,500

FILER TOWNSHIP, NEAR THE HIGH SCHOOL! 80 WOODED ACRE HUNTING PROPERTY!

November 2019 • Your Next Home

1187 Maple St., Manistee

Lumley Rd., Bear Lake

3 Bedroom, 2 Bath Home on.56 Acres Full Basement + 4 Car Detached Garage

Mature Trees, Wild Life, Rolling Hills Close To Glovers Lake Public Access

OFFERED AT $140,000

OFFERED AT $139,500 9

HOME Mold and mildew are not only unsightly, but unhealthy. These fungi grow readily in damp areas and are found in the air breathed both indoors and outside. If left unaddressed, mold and mildew can threaten the health of a home’s inhabitants.

Mildew is a type of mold that remains relatively flush with the surface it grows on. Other molds can grow puffy in appearance. Molds serve the purpose of destroying organic materials, but in high amounts, these microorganisms can cause respiratory problems, sinus congestion, throat irritation, headaches, and other issues, particularly when mold grows unchecked indoors, says Better Homes and Gardens. As a result, it is essential to address mold before it becomes problematic.

According to Polygon, a drying technology and temporary climate solutions company, the wet season in winter is when molds often grow and expand. Mold can break down the integrity and strength of the surfaces where it grows.

Homeowners can employ the following strategies to prevent mold growth.

• Keep all surfaces clean, using proper cleaning products. Diluted bleach solutions are highly effective at killing microscopic fungi, viruses and bacteria.

• Reduce moisture and humidity by ensuring sufficient air circulation in rooms, particularly bathrooms and kitchens. An exhaust fan will help remove moisture quickly.

• Fabrics covered in mildew that can be laundered should be carefully removed and washed in chlorine bleach and hot water. An 10

Prevent Growth of Mold/ Mildew in Colder Months

oxygen bleach product also can be effective.

• Invest in a dehumidifier that can reduce moisture in the home in problem areas, such as damp basements or garages.

• Fix plumbing leaks as soon as possible.

• Remove damp leaves and snow from areas around the foundation of the home. Ensure that gutters and downspouts are clear of debris and can shuttle water away from the house effectively.

• Replace cracked or defective mortar in basements.

• Make sure all seals on windows and doors are not compromised and are in good working condition.

• Be sure an HVAC in-line humidifier is adjusted to the right setting and isn’t pumping too much moisture into the heated air; otherwise, the added humidity can contribute to mold.

• If there is a flood or water infiltrates a home in other ways, hire a professional service to help clean and dry the home effectively.

Mold and mildew are problematic, but with diligence they can be kept at bay.

Your Next Home • November 2019

November 2019 • Your Next Home

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HOME Holiday hosts toil for hours to create lavish meals everyone will enjoy. It’s not uncommon for Thanksgiving tables to be covered with more food than guests can conceivably (and comfortably) consume. Leftovers are the norm, but without a plan for what to do with leftovers, food can spoil or end up in the trash.

Here are some delicious and waste-conscious ways to put Thanksgiving or other holiday meal leftovers to use.

WRAP IT UP PROMPTLY

Even though you may want to sit around and chat with guests when the meal is finished, leaving food out at room temperature for too long can create a breeding ground for microbes that may lead to food spoilage and sickness. With a few helping hands, all foods can be packaged away in no time, ensuring that drumsticks or stuffing can safely be served another day.

COLLECT CONTAINERS

Be sure to have reusable food storage containers, zip-top bags, foil, and plastic wrap at the ready. Before all of the food is put away, encourage guests to make their own doggie bags.

PLAN WITH OTHER MEALS IN MIND

Shop for and prepare holiday fare with a nod toward what can be used in subsequent meals.

Turkey is a versatile ingredient that can be made into everything from breakfast burritos to casseroles. Turn potatoes and sausage stuffing into latke patties that can be whipped up for 12

What To Do With Thanksgiving Leftovers

breakfast or lunch. Sweet potatoes, squash and pumpkin can be mashed and reworked into batters for quick breads, pancakes and even doughnuts. Spoon leftover cranberry sauce over hot oatmeal in the morning or use it as a substitute for grape jelly in PB&J sandwiches. Try grinding up stale biscuits to make a breading for turkey slices and turn them into fried cutlets.

TAKE CARE OF THE NEEDY

Find out which organizations accept food donations. Even if you cannot donate previously prepared foods, if you have surplus packaged, boxed or canned items, you can bring them to food pantries and soup kitchens to help others.

ORGANIZE A POST-HOLIDAY POT LUCK

Turn leftovers into an opportunity to fraternize with friends or relatives who couldn’t make it to Thanksgiving dinner. Pool your leftover resources and enjoy the fruits of everyone’s labor. A pot luck can be a great place to gather after shopping Plaid Friday sales in the community.

Thanksgiving leftovers can provide a few extra delicious meals when hosts plan ahead.

Your Next Home • November 2019

HOME

Shop Small Businesses to Improve the Holiday Experience

It’s the time of year when newspapers thicken with sales circulars and holiday advertisements. Consumers looking to beat the hustle and bustle and steer clear of the crowds this year may want to pay attention to local businesses in lieu of trekking to nearby shopping malls.

Every time consumers visit local coffee shops to grab a latte, pick up a dress at a nearby boutique or patronize a farmer’s market down the street, they are supporting a small business. The Friday and Saturday after Thanksgiving are some of the busiest shopping days of the season, and they also can be some of the friendliest to small businesses.

Plaid Friday was conceptualized in Oakland. It may have been born in the Golden State, but the movement soon spread across the country. Plaid Friday is an alternative to big box stores’ Black Friday bonanzas. It is designed to promote both local and independently-owned businesses during the holiday season. The name Plaid Friday was used to help people visualize the various threads of small businesses coming together to create a strong community fabric that was diverse and creativity.

Shoppers can continue their small business patronage with Small Business Saturday. This, too, is a counterpart to Black Friday and Cyber Monday. The first event was created by American Express in conjunction with the nonprofit National Trust for Historic Preservation. Since its inception, many small business groups, merchants and politicians have touted the event and the Shop Small® mantra. The idea is that when small businesses thrive, communities and individuals thrive along with them.

The Small Business Administration says that, since 1995, small businesses have generated 66 percent of all new jobs in the United States. There are a number of big reasons to shop small. One can start around the holidays and then continue all year long.

• Shopping small businesses helps give back to the community directly. According to Civic Economics, a strategic planning business, on average 48 percent of each purchase made at independent businesses November 2019 • Your Next Home

is recirculated locally through tax money and other support.

• Small business owners often strive to provide personalized, hands-on customer service. Repeat business is key to their survival, so they want to ensure shoppers are happy.

• Small businesses, since they are not beholden to corporate oversight in terms of what they sell, have greater flexibility. That allows them to offer a diverse product selection.

• Small business owners often live nearby, and they’re the people you see in town, schools and elsewhere in the local community. Many consumers are comforted to know they’re supporting their neighbors, especially during the holiday season.

Supporting local businesses is easy. And shoppers who like what they see can share the good news with others on social media.

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HOME During the upcoming months, changing your furnace filters regularly will be extremely important in keeping the air in your home healthy, fresh and safe. During colder periods of time when you are inside more often, it’s especially important to inspect & change your furnace filter every few weeks.

• As your filter collects various bits of dust, pet dander, pollen, etc., it starts to get clogged. Over time, the clog can build up and make it much more difficult for air to pass through. This causes the blower to work harder to force warm air in to your home, increasing your energy bill and eventually causing the blower motor to overheat and burn out.

• Also, the reduction in airflow means it will take longer to heat your home. If the filters get too stopped up and your airflow gets too bad, there’s a chance many rooms further away from the HVAC system won’t get any warm air at all! Essentially, this means higher heating costs to you.

• In addition, if you don’t replace your filter often enough, anyone living in your home with asthma, allergies or other respiratory problems may find their symptoms aggravated when the air is not effectively cleansed.

• Changing your furnace filters regularly is the best thing you can do to ensure proper furnace operation all winter long. Filters 14

Changing Furnace Filters

work to clean debris and dust from the air, resulting in better indoor air quality.

There are several different types of filters that are used today depending on what type of system you have. Selecting a filter that fits your home’s lifestyle has never been easier. Write the date on the filter when you install it so you can easily do an inspection in the weeks ahead. Simple to change and benefits galore!

Your Next Home • November 2019

Did You Know?

According to the Food Network, thawing a frozen turkey takes several days. The popular food-based television channel says it can take roughly four to five days for a frozen 20-pound turkey to fully defrost. Thanksgiving hosts who plan to cook turkeys that weight more than 20 lbs. should afford their turkeys even more time to fully defrost. The Food Network also recommends that cooks who want their turkeys to have crisp skin leave the bird uncovered in the refrigerator overnight. The time

it takes to cook a turkey depends on whether or not the bird was purchased fresh. The Food Network advises cooking fresh turkeys for 10 to 15 minutes per pound in a 350 F oven, while frozen turkeys need roughly 20 minutes per pound at 350 F. And while stuffing is a Thanksgiving Day staple, the Food Network recommends going easy with the stuffing. Turkeys that are not densely stuffed will cook more evenly than turkeys whose cavities are overflowing with stuffing.

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

$249,900 • MLS#19041268

4990 Main Street • Onekama

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

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

Kerri Mackey Realtor

November 2019 • Your Next Home

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HOME A warm fire can make even the coldest winter day more enjoyable. Fireplaces may not get much use in spring or summer, but come late fall and throughout the winter, the fireplace can be a great place for families to gather.

Before fireplace season hits full swing, homeowners might want to brush up on a few fireplace facts so they can safely enjoy nights spent sitting by the crackling flames.

The Chimney Safety Institute of America advises homeowners with fireplaces to hire a CSIAcertified chimney sweep to clean their fireplaces.

After a lengthly period of non-use, various issues could be affecting the chimney, many of which might not be noticeable to an untrained eye.

Professional, certified chimney sweeps have extensive knowledge of fireplaces, making them valuable resources who can let homeowners know if any safety issues developed since fireplaces were last used. The National Protection Agency recommends that chimneys be swept at least once per year.

A full inspection of the chimney might be in order as well. Chimney service technicians will conduct thorough examinations of readily accessible portions of the chimney exterior and interior and accessible portions of the appliance and the chimney connection. The CSIA recommends that homeowners who plan to use their chimneys as they have in the past request a Level 1 inspection, which will examine the soundness of the chimney structure and flue as well as the basic appliance installation and connections. Technicians also will verify if the chimney is free of obstruction and combustible deposits.

Homeowners also should inspect their chimney dampers before lighting their first fires of the season. Dampers should open and close smoothly.

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Things to Consider Before Warming Up Next to Your First Fire this Winter

If not, a service technician can help fix or replace the damper.

Firewood is another thing homeowners must consider before lighting their first fires of the season. The CSIA says that well-seasoned firewood works best, noting that wood that is not wellseasoned will produce more smoke than heat. In addition, the home improvement resource This Old House recommends using dense wood that’s been split and stored in a high and dry place for at least six months. Oak is an example of dense wood that, when stored properly, can make for an enjoyable fireplace experience. Avoid softwoods like pine. Pine can produce a lot of creosote, which is a byproduct of wood combustion. Creosote is highly flammable, and as it builds up in a chimney, the risk for a chimney fire increases. Choosing the right wood, making sure it’s well-seasoned and having a chimney professionally cleaned can reduce the risk of a creosote-related chimney fire.

A Level 1 inspection should determine if there are potentially dangerous levels of creosote deposits in the chimney.

Before nestling up to a fireplace this winter, homeowners should consider a host of factors and safety measures to ensure their fireplaces are safe and ready for the season ahead.

Your Next Home • November 2019

Lynda Beaton

(231) 383-0404

Lynda@golighthouserealty.com

pen to O s I r e n Ow on!

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

$125,000

Judianne Sibley

Dedicated - Trusted - Experienced

(231) 239-1333

Judianne@golighthouserealty.com

3 Bdrm, 1 & 1/2 Bath.

Large Victorian Home With 3 Season Front Porch 2 Car Garage 2 Story Oak Floors & Woodwork

$84,900

PRICE REDUCED

146 Jackson St.

Beautiful Wooded Level Lot Build Your Dream Home In A Great Neighborhood, Close To Town, Beach, Recreation Centers

Price Reduced $35,000

Lovely Wooded 8.5 A A-Frame

Price Reduction

LAKE MICHIGAN FRONTAGE — 2 ACRES HARBOR DR

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

MLS #190169362

$489,900

November 2019 • Your Next Home

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

$185,000

NEW LISTING

Woodland Subdivision Meadow Wood Lot #40

Now’s Your Chance ~ Price Reduced!

1608 Snowtrails Dr., Manistee MLS# 19024763

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HOME

Home Security

• GET TO KNOW YOUR NEIGHBORS.

One of the best security measures you can take is to get to know your neighbors and ask them to keep an eye out for strangers around your house.

• INSTALL A HOME SECURITY SYSTEM.

The research shows that homes without a security system are three times more likely to be broken into than homes with one. Home security systems obviously deter would-be thieves by bringing audible attention to their break-in attempts. They also automatically dispatch the police to your home.

Besides monitoring for breaches, many security companies also offer fire and carbon monoxide detection, as well as features that allow you to control your home’s lighting and appliances while you’re away.

• KEEP THE OUTSIDE OF YOUR HOUSE IN TIP-TOP SHAPE.

Regular home maintenance and upkeep serves two purposes. First, it keeps your home looking like it’s occupied. An unmowed yard could be a signal that no one is home. Second, you want to keep shrubs and trees trimmed and pruned to eliminate any possible hiding places for potential bad guys.

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• WATCH WHAT YOU’VE THROWN OUT IN THE TRASH.

One way bad guys will “window shop” your house is to check for any big cardboard boxes for appliances sitting on your curb. If you make any significant purchase, make sure to cut up the cardboard box it came in so it can fit in a trash bag or a recyclables container.

Also, before you throw away any bills or bank statements, shred them to stave off identity theft.

• ALWAYS LOCK YOUR DOORS AND WINDOWS.

Sure, they can be easily picked or bypassed, but remember, 30% of all burglars enter a home through an unlocked door or window. While locks aren’t foolproof, they do make breaking into your home a little more time consuming, and thus less desirable for a bad guy.

Your Next Home • November 2019

Did You Know?

A real estate attorney is an important professional to have in one’s corner when buying or selling a home. The legal resource Find Law says that buying and selling a home can be one of the most significant purchases made in a person’s lifes. Real estate law can be complicated, and all parties involved need to ensure they are protected as they complete transactions and negotiations. That is why it is essential to have a real estate attorney in one’s corner. A lawyer trained in real estate law will review contracts and other

documents like title transfers and deeds.

The attorney also handles the closing.

Throughout the process, attorneys will provide legal guidance and explain terminology related to the transaction.

In case of a dispute, the attorney will also provide legal representation in the courtroom, if needed, or negotiate a resolution on a client’s behalf. Even though a real estate attorney is another expense in the process of purchasing real estate, it is a worthwhile investment for the protection and peace of mind attorneys provide.

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!

November 2019 • Your Next Home

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

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

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HOME

Home Repairs that Can Sink Budgets Fast

A home is the most substantial investment many people will ever make. Once down payments have been made and closing costs have been paid, homeowners may still be staring down sizable expenses as they begin to tackle any repairs that need to be made.

Home maintenance and renovations involve a certain measure of trepidation. Even after vetting contractors and establishing budgets, homeowners may worry that repairs will unearth problems that snowball into expensive fixes.

Planning ahead for such projects and learning to recognize issues that tend to be costly can help homeowners weather any storms that may arise.

• FOUNDATION ISSUES:

A strong foundation is key to any home. If there is a problem with the foundation, it can be unsafe to live in the house. The foundation repair company Foundation Experts advises that foundation fixes can range from $4,000 to upward of $100,000 depending on the scale of the job. Clogged gutters and water pooling around the foundation can contribute to damage, so water issues must be remedied first.

• ROOF DAMAGE:

A roof is a key barrier between the indoors and outdoors. Roofs must remain in tip-top shape. The home improvement resource HomeAdvisor says that a roof repair or replacement can cost between $3,000 and $12,000. But homeowners also must budget for the cost of removing the old roofing materials and fixing any damage to the interior of the home. Inspecting the roof and making repairs as you go is key to avoiding a big headache.

• SIDING REPLACEMENT:

Another costly project can be replacing the siding.

Siding may need to be replaced if there is water/ wind damage or penetration from insects. Spot 20

repairs may be relatively inexpensive. However, the home improvement resource Modernize says the average siding installation project can cost between $5,500 and $15,000 depending on the materials homeowners choose.

• HVAC UPDATE:

Keeping a home at a comfortable temperature is also a matter of safety. If a system gives out, homeowners may be scrambling for a solution.

Yearly inspections and upkeep, which includes changing system filters regularly, can help identify potential problems. Neglect is one of the main contributors to the failure of heating and cooling equipment. Based on national averages, a wholehouse HVAC system can cost between $4,000 and $12,000.

These are some of the more costly repairs homeowners can expect. Keeping on top of the home will help mitigate damage and could extend the life of major home components.

Your Next Home • November 2019

November 2019 • Your Next Home

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HOME People move for various reasons. Some have outgrown their existing homes and need something bigger, while others move to downsize.

Regardless of why people move, moving occurs more often than you might think. The U.S. Census Bureau says one in nine people relocated in 2015 to a new neighborhood, a new state or even across the country.

Relocating, whether it’s around the corner or miles away, affects people’s lives in many ways. A smooth transition to a new place involves understanding the process and getting the support necessary to make the move a success.

RESEARCH POTENTIAL DESTINATIONS

Give ample thought to where you might live before uprooting yourself and your family if you have one. The career resource Change Recruitment suggests using the internet as much as possible to learn about the location.

Sites like Niche can paint a picture of an area, providing information regarding its demographics, points of interest, schools, and much more. However, an in-person visit will be needed to get a true feel for the neighborhood.

UNDERSTAND THE COSTS

Apart from the fees associated with buying a home, relocating involves hiring movers, unpacking belongings, temporary storage rentals, charges to turn on/off utilities, repairs 22

Transition Smoothly After Relocating

for the new home, and several other expenses.

If you’re moving because of a career opportunity, the company may contribute to some of the moving costs. Check with a human resources professional to determine if the company provides relocation compensation.

GET OUT AND MEET PEOPLE

Use every opportunity to meet neighbors and people with shared interests. Attend community events and/or school functions.

Some employers may have meet-and-greet events. Online services like Meetup list groups of like-minded people who may periodically meet up in your community. The sooner you make friends and acquaintances in your new town or city, the more likely you are to feel at home.

With some planning and a little assistance, relocating can go smoothly.

Your Next Home • November 2019

Thinking of Selling?

Let Me List Your Home!

Call me for a FREE market analysis to learn what your home is worth.

Cell: (517) 607-5347 Leah Gannon Realtor

Leah@golighthouserealty.com • (231) 398-3700 Fax

November 2019 • Your Next Home

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Your Next Home • November 2019