Your Next Home - November 2021

FIND THE HOME OF YOUR DREAMS...

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SEE OUR DIRECTORY ON PAGE 6 FOR A FULL LIST OF REALTORS AND BUSINESSES. A MONTHLY PUBLICATION OF THE MANISTEE NEWS ADVOCATE & BENZIE COUNTY RECORD PATRIOT

Benzie, Manistee & Mason Counties

Lighthouse Realty 360 E. Parkdale Ave. Manistee

231-398-3800 www.goLighthouseRealty.com

Caliber Home Loans, Inc., NMLS 15622.

Copyright 2021.

2021. Equal Housing Lender.

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

Copyright Equal Housing Lender.

www.dwellingrealty.com Sales & Property Management

231-299-1180

www.miessentialrealestate.com

hello@dwellingrealty.com

! !

D L SO Heather Barker (231) 510-5505

heather@golighthouserealty.com

10227 Coates Hwy, Brethren

COnt

! t n e ing

1321 Perry St, Manistee

Casey Tennant (231) 233-7613

casey@golighthouserealty.com

! !

D L SO

10635 Northwood Hwy, Onekama

! !

D L SO 102 N. Lakeshore Drive, Manistee

307 Sibben Street, Manistee Still Open fOr BuSineSS!

Currently known as Envision Hair Studio, this 900 sq.ft. commercial space was completely gutted and renovated in 2005. Updates since then include: subfloor and flooring, drywall, plumbing (2016), electric (2016), accessible bath, ramped entrance (2020), roof and parking lot. This location is easy to get to with high visibility, off street parking and lots of foot traffic. The space could easily be repurposed into an office space or retail shop, it was even a busy restaurant many years ago.

Offered at $135,000!

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Your Next Home • November 2021

November 2021 • Your Next Home

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In This Issue REAL ESTATE AGENCIES & REALTORS..................................PAGE Dwelling Realty............................................................... 1 (Cover) Essential Real Estate........................................................ 1 (Cover) Lighthouse Realty........................................................... 1 (Cover) Lighthouse Realty: Heather Barker & Casey Tennant...................2 MOM Board of Realtors...............................................................3 Real Estate One: Kathy Neveu......................................................5 Century 21: Kari King..................................................................7 Lighthouse Realty: Kerri Mackey................................................15 Coldwell Banker: Jamie Gray.....................................................19 Essential Real Estate...................................................................23 Lighthouse Realty......................................................................24 FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS Caliber Home Loans: Mindy Sedelmaier........................ 1 (Cover) Treadstone Residential Mortgage..............................................12 Shelby State Bank......................................................................19 HOME IMPROVEMENT/ DECOR COMPANIES Somsel Lumber Co.......................................................................7 Holden’s Home Emporium, Inc....................................................9 Carter Lumber............................................................................11

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HOME IMPROVEMENT/ DECOR COMPANIES......................PAGE REDEEMED.................................................................................21 HOME INSPECTIONS Hemlock Homes........................................................................13 INSURANCE COMPANIES State Farm Insurance Agency: Mary Sturdevant........................21 MISCELLANEOUS Business Directory.......................................................................6 Real Estate Transactions.............................................................17 ADVICE FOR THE HOME Did you know? Child Injuries & Deaths........................................5 Fall yard cleanup..........................................................................8 How to help houseplants survive a long winter.........................10 Tips to simplify Thanksgiving entertaining................................14 2 unique ways to cook a Thanksgiving turkey............................16 Chocolate cookies are a sweet finale to Thanksgiving dinners..........18 Improving ventilation in your home..........................................20 How to maintain hardwood floors.............................................22 Your Next Home • November 2021

Did you know?

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ccording to KidsHealth.org, more than one-third of child injuries and deaths happen at home. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention notes that most incidents at home occur where there is water, such as in the bathroom or kitchen; heat or flame, like in the kitchen or around the grill; toxic substances, like those found in medicine cabinets or beneath kitchen sinks; and in places where kids can fall, such as on staircases.

November 2021 • Your Next Home

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Business Directory ■

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Caliber Home Loans: Mindy Sedelmaier 231-233-0963

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Carter Lumber 231-757-9000 www.carterlumber.com Century 21: Kari King 231-651-0923 www.C21Northland.com Coldwell Banker: Jamie Gray 231-499-1430 Dwelling Realty www.dwellingrealty.com Essential Real Estate 231-942-9334 Therran Ferguson, Broker/Owner 231-510-1790 Michael Kruse 231-690-8882 Jenna Mahoney 231-942-9334 Hemlock Homes 231-343-9872 www.hemlockhomes.net Holden’s Home Emporium, Inc 231-757-8733 www.holdenshomeemporium.com

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Lighthouse Realty Manistee 231-398-3800 www.goLighthouseRealty.com Heather Barker 231-510-5505 Shirley Barker 903-681-6102 Leah Gannon 517-607-5347 John Hanson 231-510-5543 Kayla King 231-887-0092 Kerri Mackey 231-510-8380 Emily Pomeroy 231-510-1303 Judianne Sibley 231-239-1333 Dale Smith 231-794-9122 Cheryl Staszczak 248-805-3802 Casey Tennant 231-233-7613 Mason Oceana Manistee Board of Realtors www.momboard.com Real Estate One: Kathy Neveu 231-342-0921 Redeemed 231-887-4222 Shelby State Bank www.shelbybank.com Somsel Lumber Co. 231-362-3103 State Farm Insurance Agency Mary Studevant 231-723-9905 Treadstone Residential Mortgage 616-326-2201 www.treadstonemortgage.com

Your Next Home • November 2021

PRIME COMMERCIAL VACANT LAND IN DOWNTOWN FRANKFORT

108 FT. OF DIRECT AND PRIVATE FRONTAGE ON BEAR LAKE

000 Main Street, Frankfort.

Rare opportunity in the City of Frankfort to find six, vacant, 50'x 150' lots on Main Street.

Many possibilities for future buyer to start or grow a business.

6400 Three Pines Road in Bear Lake. 2 bedroom, 2 bath ranch style home offers panoramic views of Bear Lake's Big Bay. Large three season room and deck great for entertaining and enjoying the views.

MLS #1889534

MLS #1894247

VACANT LAND 530 BEACH RD, FRANKFORT

VACANT LAND 4060 SPRING VALLEY ROAD

Lake Michigan waterfront Exceptional opportunity to build lot in Crystal Downs. your dream lake home with 100’ of construction ready seasonal views of Crystal Lake. frontage. Shoreline protection A premier location within Crystal professionally installed in Highlands Association and 2020. Crystal Downs is a access to the Spring Valley private club and membership Swim Beach, including 2 docks, not guaranteed with purchase. a deck, and much more.

MLS #1882011

KARI KING 231.651.0923

KariKing@C21Northland.com 408 Main St. • Frankfort, MI 49635 KariKingHomes.C21.com

MLS #1886905

HIGHEST PRODUCING INDIVIDUAL AGENT FOR 2020 IN BENZIE COUNTY.

Each office is independently owned and operated

POLE BUILDINGS Let Us QUote YoUrs Custom • Deluxe • Ag

Somsel Lumber Company Kaleva November 2021 • Your Next Home

231-362-3103

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Fall Yard Cleanup

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roper lawn clean up during the fall season can leave your yard thanking you when spring rolls around. Save time and energy while getting the most out of your yard next year by following these tips and tricks to learn everything you need to know about winter yard prep.

Remove 3 Debris can temporarily house pests, insects, and other invasive creatures allowing them to thrive during the winter months.

3 Foliage such as leaves, dead branches, shrubs, and other plants can foster disease which can cause severe damage to plant life the following year.

3 Weeds like to show up when the work is done. Removing them from your lawn or garden before winter hits is key to being ready to plant in the spring.

Clean 3 Winterize hoses, fountains, and irrigation systems by flushing out old water and properly clean the system to save time and energy in the spring.

Plugging leaks, holes, and other water access points will prevent moisture from entering and causing damage during the winter.

3 Gutters provide proper drainage especially during the spring months with increased rain fall, therefore it is important to clear pathways from leaves, twigs and other debris.

Prep 3 Finish strong by mowing the lawn and trimming shrubs and trees to help withstand the harsh temperatures ahead.

Keeping plants watered, trimmed,

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and fertilized will keep them healthy and alive. Also, will speed up the drying process in the spring.

3 Dry out your yard as much as possible by aerating the lawn to allow soil and plant life to absorb as much sun, water, and other nutrients they can before the harsh winter. Keeping everything from the lawn to maintenance systems as dry as possible will help you get the most out of your yard next year.

3 Drainage is key to a healthy lawn and environment when the water from snow melt and rain is able to properly distribute. Water buildup can leave an area vulnerable to moss growth, mosquito and other insect breeding grounds, and prevent your lawn from growing.

3 Storage is key to keeping tools and equipment such as lawn mowers, rakes, hand tools, and more protected from the elements and keep from deteriorating during the winter.

Your Next Home • November 2021

Come visit us!

Over 55,000 square feet of showrooms specializing in New and Used Furniture, Bedding, Estate Jewelry and Collectibles.

Due to supply chain interruptions, new furniture is taking longer to get to your home. If you don’t want to wait, shop our 2 showrooms to get quality used furniture NOW at a fraction of the cost. Our inventory changes daily!

119 S. Main St., Scottville, MI | 231-757-8733 Tues-Fri 9am-5:30pm • Sat 9am-4:30pm www.holdenshomeemporium.com November 2021 • Your Next Home

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How to help houseplants survive a long winter

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s fall gradually gives way to winter, gardeners expend ample energy preparing their flowers and plants for the months ahead. Plants may be pruned to increase the likelihood that they will return in full bloom come the spring, while lawns may be aerated so cool-season grasses can get the nutrients, water and oxygen they need when the temperatures dip. But what about houseplants? Do indoor houseplants need the same type of pre-winter TLC that outdoor plants need before winter arrives?

As the seasons change, so, too, do the conditions outside. And those conditions affect indoor houseplants much like they do lawns, gardens and trees. So it’s vital that people with houseplants do not overlook the need to keep houseplants going strong as fall gives way to winter.

Location Hours of daylight shorten in winter, which means some houseplants won’t get as much sun as they were accustomed to over the last several months. That means plants may need to be relocated closer to windows where they can make the most of each day’s sunlight.

However, it’s important that there’s ample distance between the plant and the window, especially when winter temperatures get especially cold. If the plants are too close to a window on cold days, they could freeze. Keep them close enough to the windows to get ample sunlight but far enough away so they don’t get too cold. In addition, keep plants

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houseplants.

away from drafty windows as well as heating vents, as extreme temperatures are not conducive to healthy

Watering Watering needs also may change when the temperatures drop. The indoor plant experts at Pistils Nursery in Oregon note that all houseplants need less water in winter. In fact, overwatering in winter can be especially harmful to indoor plants. Plant owners can try decreasing the frequency of their watering by half each winter and see how the plants respond.

Cleaning Cleaning plants is another way to help them

survive a long winter. Dust settles in many homes in winter, when windows tend to remain closed for months on end and fresh air isn’t circulating around the house as much as it is in spring and summer. Pistil’s Nursery notes that dust inhibits a plant’s ability to photosynthesize, thus compromising its ability to make it through a winter unscathed.

Better Homes & Gardens recommends using a soft-bristle paintbrush, a toothbrush or pipe cleaner to remove dust from African violets and other fuzzy-leafed plants. Gently washing plants with a paper towel or cloth that’s been moistened with water can remove the dust.

Oils and polishes should not be used to make leaves shine, as these substances can block pores on the plant.

Houseplants may need some extra attention in winter as hours of daylight dwindle and indoor conditions make it hard for plants to survive.

Your Next Home • November 2021

have you found that a good used home in the right location and having the highest bid has become as hard as picking a winning lottery ticket?

And that the cost of building new would take that winning ticket to be able to afford to build it?

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STORE HOURS: M-F 7a - 5p, Sat. 7a - 12p, Sun. Closed November 2021 • Your Next Home

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Your Next Home • November 2021

Seasonal HVAC tip from Shawn

It’s important to have your HVAC system checked yearly by a qualified heating professional. A home inspection is a general evaluation, but should not be used as a substitute for an annual heating inspection.

Have the furnace checked- preferably before cold weather hits- to prevent carbon monoxide leaks and other potential problems and to give yourself enough time to make any repairs if necessary.

Next month, attic insulation

Shawn Waruszewski, Certified Home Inspector Inspected once, inspected right.

231-343-9872

Shawnwemail@gmail.com

www.hemlockhomes.net November 2021 • Your Next Home

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Tips to simplify Thanksgiving entertaining

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reparing Thanksgiving dinner for a houseful of close friends and relatives can be a tad overwhelming. Thanksgiving is a food- and tradition-centric holiday, and all eyes will are typically on the dinner table. Pulling off a feast of this magnitude — multiple courses, side dishes and desserts — takes considerable effort. These tips, tricks and timesavers can be a Thanksgiving host’s saving grace.

Pick the menu early Don’t leave menu planning and shopping to the last minute.

Decide what you’ll be cooking in addition to turkey several weeks before the big day. Select two or three side dishes, preferably items that can be prepared in advance and then reheated on Thanksgiving.

These can include a baked macaroni-and-cheese casserole, mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, and a cornbread stuffing.

Brine your bird Turkey is the centerpiece of the feast, so give it every opportunity to shine. No one wants a dry turkey, but unfortunately this lean poultry can dry out easily. Meats typically lose about 30 percent of their weight during cooking.

However, by soaking the turkey in a brine prior to cooking it, you can reduce this moisture loss to as little as 15 percent, according to Dr. Estes Reynolds, a brining expert at the University of Georgia. Brining the fowl for a day

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or more can infuse flavor and moisture.

Food Network personality Alton Brown has a fan-favorite roast turkey recipe with an aromatic brine that has garnered five stars and was featured on his show “Good Eats” (www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/alton-brown/ good-eats-roast-turkey-recipe-1950271). A simple salted water soak also can work.

Start prep work a few days before Thanksgiving Take some stress out of Thanksgiving by cutting all vegetables and/or preparing some dishes a few days early. Label and organize prepared ingredients by recipe and store in the refrigerator. Make extra room in the fridge by removing nonessential items and placing them in a cooler with ice and cleaning out

any old food or condiments. Plan your table settings and label which bowls and other serving dishes will be used for which items.

This will make it much easier to set the table on Thanksgiving.

Serve batched cocktails It can be challenging and expensive to have a full bar for guests. Mulled wine, hot cider and punches are ideal ways to service a crowd looking for delicious spirited drinks.

Create simple centerpieces Use seasonal sights for your centerpieces or place settings. These can include small squashes, gourds, citrus fruits, nuts, or acorns.

A hollowed-out pumpkin filled with fresh flowers also can be eye-catching.

Thanksgiving is a time to celebrate bounty.

Treat guests to a great experience by learning some hosting tips to make the holiday easier to manage.

Your Next Home • November 2021

SolD Eat Drink & Be Thankful And if you need a bigger table next year, I’m the perfect agent for you.

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

November 2021 • Your Next Home

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2

unique ways to cook a Thanksgiving turkey

Thanksgiving is a beloved holiday. Families may have their own unique Thanksgiving traditions, but one staple of this kickoff to the holiday season is bound to make its way to Thanksgiving dinner tables no matter how unusual families’ holiday celebrations may be: turkey.

Much effort goes into picking and preparing a Thanksgiving turkey. Depending on the size of the bird, turkeys can take many hours to cook.

Thanksgiving celebrants are no doubt familiar with oven-roasted turkey, which is the most traditional way to cook turkey. But this year hosts who want to expand their horizons and think beyond the oven can consider two popular alternative methods to cooking a Thanksgiving turkey.

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Deep Frying Deep frying is a popular way to prepare foods at outdoor events. For example, stroll through the parking lot on game day and you’re liable to find football fans deep frying their favorite foods at their tailgate parties. Turkey can be deep fried and this method makes for an ideal option for hosts who want to enjoy the great outdoors while welcoming friends and loved ones to their homes.

Deep frying imparts a juicy flavor that can be hard to replicate when roasting a turkey. Deep frying is a much faster way to cook a turkey than cooking it in the oven.

However, deep frying also can be more dangerous, so it’s imperative that cooks remain attentive when setting up the fryer and while the turkey is frying.

Where to deep fry the turkey also bears consideration.

The turkey experts at Butterball® recommend deep frying the turkey outside on a flat surface that’s far away from structures, including your home, garage, deck, etc.

The time required to deep fry a turkey will depend on the size of the bird, but experts note that it typically takes about 3 to 3.5 minutes per pound. Electric fryers may take significantly less time and they typically require less oil, so this is another option to consider. Many experts note that it’s best to deep fry turkeys that are 15 lbs. or less, as the turkey will need to be completely submerged in oil when frying. In addition, turkeys larger than 15 lbs. may cook unevenly, which can affect flavor.

Smoking Smoking has grown in popularity in recent years as grills that make this method possible have become more affordable. Smoking is a “low and slow” method of cooking, so this option is ideal for people who intend to be home all day on Thanksgiving and want to infuse their birds with a smoky flavor. However, even busy hosts can still consider smoking, as electric smokers now allow cooks to remotely control the temperatures in their grills.

That’s important, as smoking requires cooks to periodi-

cally check the temperature on their grills to ensure it has not dropped too low or risen too high.

Smoking a turkey typically requires maintaining a temperature between 225 and 250 F. Cooking times for smoked turkeys are typically around 30 minutes per pound, though it can take longer if the temperature is lower. Because of the extended cooking time, hosts may want to pick a turkey that weighs around 15 lbs., especially if they don’t have much experience smoking.

This Thanksgiving, hosts can try something new by deep frying or smoking their turkeys.

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Your Next Home • November 2021

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Manistee News Advocate Recorded Sales for the Month of: September 2021 17245 CHEYNE DE, WELLSTON 13031 GRAF RD, BRETHREN 2307 WATER ST, MANISTEE 22402 TWELVE MILE RD, IRONS 913 ENGLEMAN ST, MANISTEE V/L DINSEN ST, ,MANISTEE 7734 LAKE ST, BEAR LAKE 1123 TWENTY-FIRST ST, MANISTEE 3417 LAKESHORE RD, MANISTEE 5098 & V/L MAIN ST, ONEKAMA 407 SYCAMORE ST, MANISTEE 9566 SUNRISE COURT, MESICK 1659 PARKDALE AVE, MANISTEE 602 BIRCHWOOD DR, MANISTEE 360 NINTH ST, MANISTEE V/L SPRINGDALE, THOMPSONVILLE V/L PINE MEADOWS, THOMPSONVILLE 6726 LAKESHORE RD #2, MANISTEE 14690 PINE LAKE, MANISTEE 80 WASHINGTON ST UNIT 17, MANISTEE V/L SEYMOUR, ONEKAMA V/L WARFIELD RD, WELLSTON 244 10TH ST, MANISTEE 168 LINCOLN ST, MANISTEE V/L MARILLA RD, COPEMISH 3570 SEAMAN RD, WELLSTON V/L LEECREST BLVD, ONEKAMA V/L BIG BAY, BEAR LAKE V/L WARFIELD RD, WELLSTON V/L MERKEY RD, MANISTEE 287 SECOND AVE, MANISTEE 20354 & V/L HOXEYVILLE, WELLSTON 834 TIPPY DAM RD, WELLSTON 2600 & V/L FILER CITY RD, MANISTEE V/L SMITH RD, ONEKAMA 16184 CABERFAE HWY, WELLSTON V/L MAKINEN RD, KALEVA V/L ERWIN, COPEMISH 481 E. PINEY RD, MANISTEE 4497 JAMES ST, WELLSTON 250 9TH ST, MANISTEE November 2021 • Your Next Home

$55,500 $133,000 $105,000 $77,000 $20,000 $17,000 $40,000 $97,000 $362,000 $550,000 $113,000 $60,000 $128,321 $422,500 $114,900 $9,000 $16,000 $729,000 $36,000 $295,000 $11,520 $45,000 $75,000 $159,000 $22,500 $170,000 $15,295 $12,000 $42,000 $360,000 $85,000 $360,000 $108,000 $375,000 $20,000 $228,000 $150,000 $37,000 $70,000 $63,000 $144,900

12647 SPRINGDALE RD, THOMPSONVILLE 605 FAIRVIEW , MANISTEE 11381 JOUPPI RD, BEAR LAKE 401 MAPLE ST, MANISTEE 2841 GRANT HWY, MANISTEE 27 BROOKHARBOR NORTH, MANISTEE 374 EIGHTH ST, MANISTEE 14280 WOODS TRAIL, THOMPSONVILLE V/L MARY ST, WELLSTON 9398 MARILLA RD, COPEMISH V/L S. SHORE DR, BEAR LAKE V/L CEYLON, ONEKAMA 7538 POTTER RD, BEAR LAKE 22440 CABERFAE HWY, WELLSTON 6165 ELEVEN MILE RD, BEAR LAKE 4921 SEAMAN RD, IRONS 8 CLAY ST, MANISTEE 1651 RED APPLE RD, MANISTEE V/L READ RD, COPEMISH V/L READ RD, COPEMISH V/L HERKELRATH RD, ONEKAMA 20170 & V/L HOXEYVILLE, WELLSTON V/L SPRUCE, MANISTEE 307 5TH ST, MANISTEE 7921 FIRST ST, ONEKAMA V/L SKOCELAS RD, MANISTEE 2406 NELSON ST, MANISTEE V/L FOX FARM, MANISTEE 8260 LEECREST BLVS, ONEKAMA 84 ANCHOR RODE DR, MANISTEE 1025 CONCORD ST, MANISTEE 261 N TIPPY DAM RD, WELLSTON V/L SPRINGDALE, THOMPSONVILLE 4507 MAIDENS RD, ONEKAMA 6839 HIGHBRIDGE RD, BRETHREN V/L DONTZ RD, MANISTEE V/L SPRINGDALE RD, THOMPSONVILLE 5700 ORCHARD HWY, MANISTEE 16900 NORTHWOOD, ARCADIA 312 CONDON RD, MANISTEE 10510 PAHKANEN RD, KALEVA

$214,900 $204,900 $60,000 $210,000 $168,300 $134,900 $294,200 $75,000 $10,500 $70,000 $23,500 $115,000 $70,000 $120,000 $280,000 $17,000 $70,000 $155,000 $8,500 $35,000 $169,000 $74,900 $36,900 $75,000 $143,000 $78,500 $185,000 $49,000 $65,000 $350,000 $200,000 $92,000 $84,000 $100,000 $189,000 $37,000 $12,982 $100,000 $75,000 $165,000 $89,900

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Chocolate cookies are a sweet finale to Thanksgiving dinners H oliday entertaining season begins on Thanksgiving. Anyone who has been tasked with hosting Thanksgiving understands the commitment required to prepare a delicious meal for guests, which often encompasses appetizers, several side dishes and, of course, turkey as the centerpiece. Guests attending a Thanksgiving dinner can give holiday hosts and hostesses a break by providing dessert.

Cookies are a popular treat. Thanks to their flavor, portability and relatively short preparation and cooking times, cookies are a smart choice when bringing dessert to a holiday gathering. This recipe for “Flourless Chocolate Cookies” from Danielle Rye’s “Live Well Bake Cookies: 75 Classic Cookie Recipes for Every Occasion” (Rock Point) offers the added benefit of being flourless. That means that even those with gluten allergies or intolerances can indulge.

Flourless Chocolate Cookies Makes 24 to 36 cookies

• 3 cups powdered sugar • 3⁄4 natural unsweetened cocoa powder • 1⁄2 teaspoon espresso powder (optional)

• 1⁄4 teaspoon salt • 2 large egg whites, at room temperature • 1 large egg, at room temperature • 11⁄2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

1. Preheat the oven to 350 F. Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats and set aside.

2. In a large mixing bowl, sift the powdered sugar and unsweetened cocoa powder together, then whisk in the instant espresso powder (if using) and salt until well combined. Set aside.

3. In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together the egg whites, egg, and vanilla extract until fully combined.

4. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, and stir until the mixture is fully combined and smooth.

5. Using a 1-tablespoon cookie scoop, scoop the cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheets, making sure to leave a little room between each one.

6. Bake for 11 to 14 minutes, or until the tops of the cookies are set.

Remove from the oven, and allow the cookies to cool completely on the baking sheets.

7. Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.

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Your Next Home • November 2021

CONTACT US TODAY!

231-499-1430

November 2021 • Your Next Home

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Improving Ventilation in your Home

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roper ventilation is one of the home’s basic necessities for becoming a comfortable living space. Ventilation maintains air quality in the home while removing excess moisture to ensure the air inside isn’t stale, damp, or downright funky.

Open Doors & Windows This might seem like a no-brainer to some, but a lot of people forget to regularly open doors or windows to let fresh air in and push stale air out. Simply opening doors and windows a few times during the day to “air out” your house quickly replaces stale indoor air with fresh outdoor air, getting rid of pollutants, allergens, and excess moisture.

Dry the Laundry Outside We’re all guilty of doing the laundry and drying the clothes inside, and there are a number of legitimate reasons for that. We can blame it on the unpredictable weather, or blame it on the very unpredictable weather

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(especially in winter). However, drying wet clothes inside our homes creates condensation and prevents your heating system from working overtime. It also accelerates condensation and mold growth in winter. To solve this problem, it’s always better to dry your clothes at a covered outdoor area, such as under a patio cover or canopy, so your clothes can dry while staying out of range of rain. If drying laundry inside is the only option you have, make sure your windows are open to allow the excess moisture to escape.

Ventilate Rooms Overnight Leaving windows slightly ajar overnight can improve the air quality inside your room, while also reducing excess moisture and the risk of mold growth. In summer this really helps with reducing the humidity levels so you can get a better sleep, but in winter you should be more careful about ventilating particularly because you don’t want too much heat to escape in the process.

Install Fans & Vents Extractor fans and attic vents are both specialized ventilation systems that service certain areas in the home. Extractor fans that vent out into the open air should be installed in kitchens, laundries and bathrooms – these are the key areas where moisture and stale air build up much faster. Attic vents drive out the excess heat and moisture that become trapped in the attic, aiding your home’s ventilation in the process.

Consider Home Ventilation System A well-designed and well-installed home ventilation system provides great ventilation regardless of what the weather is like outside, which is a great alternative to simply opening doors and windows. If you don’t have one already, a home ventilation system can replace stale air in your home with fresh, dry air to create a healthier, drier and warmer living environment for your family that is much easier to heat.

Your Next Home • November 2021

Time to Start Christmas Shopping

Over 50 Vendors!

Stop In Today!

231-887-4222

172 Memorial Dr. • Manistee (Next to Family Dollar)

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 November 2021 • Your Next Home

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How to maintain hardwood floors

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ardwood floors have long been sought after by home buyers. In its 2019 “Remodeling Impact Report,” the National Association of Realtors® revealed that new wood flooring was the fourth most popular project to attract buyers.

Of course, hardwood floors aren’t just for buyers. Homeowners who already have hardwood floors know just how impressive these floors can be, especially when they’re well maintained. Maintaining wood floors is not necessarily as straightforward as it may seem, and homeowners may benefit from a tutorial on how too keep the floors under their feet looking good.

To polish or not to polish?

Polishing floors is an inexpensive way to keep them looking good.

But the home improvement experts at BobVila.com note that not all floors can be polished, and determining which ones can depends on the finish. Floors with waterproof barriers such as urethane will benefit from routine polishing. However, floors with penetrating finishes like tung oil will need to be waxed rather than polished.

What finish is on the floor?

The Hardwood Distributor’s Association recommends a simple way for homeowners to determine which type of finish is on their hardwood floors. Homeowners are advised to rub a finger across the floor. If no smudge appears, then the floor is surface sealed. If a smudge is created, then the floor has been treated with a penetrating seal. The HDA also notes that recently installed wood floors are likely surface sealed.

How often should floors be polished or waxed?

Wood flooring professionals recommend polishing floors that can be polished once every few months. Waxing wood floors does not need to be done as frequently, and most can benefit from a fresh coat of wax every 12 to 18 months.

Hardwood floors are attractive for many reasons. And they look even more stunning, and last much longer, when homeowners make an effort to maintain them.

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What can I do on a daily basis?

Some simple tricks and daily maintenance can help wood floors maintain their impressive look.

• Utilize floor mats. The HDA notes that floor mats near entryways can reduce the time it takes to clean hardwood floors and reduce the wear and tear they endure. For example, tiny particles like dirt can scratch the floor and contribute to the kind of minor damage that adds up to significant scarring over time. Floor mats near entryways ensures that most of that dirt never makes it to the wood floors.

• Vacuum without a beater bar. Some vacuums contain beater bars, which are designed to pick up human hair, dog hair and other things that conventional vacuums may not be able to pick up.

The HDA advises vacuuming without the beater bar, as it can contribute to small scratches in the floor.

Sweeping with a high-quality broom or microfiber cloth is another way to pick up dirt without damaging floors.

• Use manufacturer-recommended cleaning products. Local home improvement stores sell a host of hardwood floor cleaning products, but the HDA notes that many flooring manufacturers now sell their own hardwood floor cleaners designed specifically for their floors. These products are likely homeowners’ best bets. Homeowners who can’t find them can seek recommendations from a local flooring retailer.

Your Next Home • November 2021

721 Merkey Road W • Manistee, MI 49660

$295,000 #21111152

4 Bedroom House & 30’ X 100’ Steel Building! Located in desirable Filer Township (Manistee) this 2,304 sq. ft. 4 bedroom 2 1/2 bath home sits on 1.38 acres with views of the rolling ravine and forest back-drop. Not far from Lake Michigan! Right next door is a massive 3,000 sq. ft. warehouse with upper loft above workshop, as well as several large doors including 1 that is large enough to park an RV. House was built in 1995 and could use some cosmetic improvements, but the overall layout was well designed and the overall house is in great condition. Large eatin kitchen off the main floor primary bedroom. Open kitchen, dining, & Livingroom. Full walkout basement (partially finished) that leads out to a large attached garage. Schedule your appointment to tour this unique opportunity.

Therran Ferguson 231-510-1790

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

231-299-1180

November 2021 • Your Next Home

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

23

Let the Lighthouse Team work for you in 2021!

v/l Hill Rd., Manistee

5850 8 Mile Rd., Onekama

Looking for land just outside of town? This close to one acre parcel is the perfect property for you! With less than a 5 minute drive to town as well as Lake Michigan’s public access on Lakeshore Rd, Orchard Beach State Park, and Beech - Hemlock Natural Trail you will love this area! Picture your new home in this peaceful location, surrounded by forest.

14.5 acres in beautiful Onekama, just off M-22 on 8 mile road. Approximately 1 mile from Portage Lake and downtown. A great place to build your up north getaway or forever home. Potential for views of Portage Lake. There are 2 deer stands on the property along with the remains of 2 older homes.

Offered at $40,500

Offered at $99,900

Emily Pomeroy • 231-510-1303

340 7th St., Manistee This 3 bedroom 2 bath home on a double lot is located close to schools, Lake Michigan and downtown. This home offers tons of storage and a finished basement with a bar area. The backyard has lots of room to entertain children and/or adults with a fenced in backyard and newly extended deck. There is also a hot tub and a drive thru 2 car garage.

Offered at $259,000

Leah Gannon • 517-607-5347

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Heather Barker • 231-510-5505

14980 9 Mile Rd., Kaleva This Farm home is just outside of the quaint small village of Kaleva Its property butts up to beautiful KALEVA CREEK. It is known to have a variety of fish for your catch of the day right out your OWN back door. This Little farm, possibly 3 bdrm, 1 bathroom house sits in a very peaceful wooded setting which is private to the world.

Offered at $149,400 Judianne Sibley • 231-239-1333

Your Next Home • November 2021