Your Next Home - July 2020

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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

Casey Tennant Cheryl Staszczak 231-233-7613 248-805-3802

Dale Smith 231-794-9122

Heather Barker 231-510-5505

John Hanson 231-510-5543

Judianne Sibley 231-239-1333

Kayla King 231-887-0092

Kerri Mackey 231-510-8380

Lynda Beaton 231-383-0404

Michael Kruse 231-690-8882

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Your Next Home • July 2020

your

DIRECTORY

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Benzie, Manistee & Mason Counties

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

Lighthouse Realty................................................................1 (Cover) Lighthouse Realty..............................................................................3 REALTOR Contact & Website Information.....................................4 RJ II Associates, LLC....................................................................... 11 Lighthouse Realty........................................................................... 15 Lighthouse Realty........................................................................... 23 MOM Board of Realtors................................................................ 24

HOME DECOR STORES

REDEEMED..................................................................................... 17

LUMBER COMPANIES

Carter Lumber....................................................................................9 Somsel Lumber............................................................................... 19

INSURANCE AGENCIES

State Farm Insurance Agency..........................................................7

FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS

Shelby State Bank.......................................................................... 21

ADVICE FOR THE HOME

The importance of safety when swimming in backyard pools...5 Simple ways to save after being laid off or furloughed........... 6-7 Strategies to avoid debt after being laid off............................. 8-9 How to design a fitness room at home....................................... 10 Take your Fourth of July burgers up a notch.........................12-13 Board games are family-friendly boredom busters.................. 14 5 ways to prevent lost pets......................................................16-17 Conserving water during drought and dry periods.................. 18 Did You Know? - Irrigation Systems............................................. 19 3 ways to use your lawn to improve curb appeal.................20-21 Prevent deck problems before they start................................... 22 Did You Know? - Grubs................................................................. 23

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Your Next Home • July 2020

Thinking Of Selling?

Contact a Professional,

“Dedicated to Producing Results”

Therran Ferguson Associate Broker

231-510-1790

Lighthouse Real ty 360 E. Parkdale Ave. • Manistee (231) 398-3800 July 2020 • 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 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

REDEEMED................................231-887-4222 www.redeemedmanistee.com RJ II Associates, LLC...................231-398-9206 Somsel Lumber.........................231-362-3103

Shelby State Bank............................................ www.shelbybank.com State Farm Insurance................231-723-9905 www.statefarm.com 4

Your Next Home • July 2020

HOME

The importance of safety when swimming in backyard pools

Backyard pools provide families with ample opportunities for recreation. It’s easy to be distracted by all the fun when swimming in a backyard pool, but it is crucial that homeowners take steps to ensure everyone is safe when spending time in the pool.

Establish a barrier The Consumer Product Safety Commission warns that drowning is the leading cause of unintentional death in children between the ages of one and four in the United States. Pools attract curious children, so maintaining a barrier between the home and the pool is essential. Many municipalities require some sort of fencing around pools or ladders that self-latch or can be closed off to climbing.

Locks and alarms on windows and doors that face or provide access to the backyard also can serve as barriers.

Keep play under control Children and even adults may be swept up in the fun and engage in potentially dangerous behaviors.

Pool users should not be allowed to run around the perimeter of an inground pool, as the cement can get slippery when wet and lead to falls that can cause injuries Exercise caution when using diving boards or diving into pools. It’s easy for divers to hit their heads when diving off a board into a pool due to close proximity of the transition wall in the deep end of the pool or by diving into shallow water. The Red Cross recommends a water depth of 11.5 feet for safe diving and the July 2020 • Your Next Home

transition wall should be at least 16.5 feet from the tip of the diving board. However, the standard depth for many pools is 7.5 feet of water and a slope beginning seven feet from the board.

Exercise caution with inflatables The Good Housekeeping Research Institute found that inflatable pool toys are especially dangerous.

Such toys can flip easily, putting children at risk for injury (from striking the sides of the pool) or drowning (especially if the children were ejected into deep water). Inflatables also can prevent access to the surface of the water for submerged swimmers.

Choose a backyard lifeguard At least one person should be designated as backyard lifeguard when the pool is in use. This person should always direct his or her focus on the pool, counting swimmers and keeping track of who enters and leaves the pool. Safe Kids Worldwide suggests rotating water watchers every 15 minutes.

Pools are fun places to spend summer afternoons, especially when every step is taken to ensure the safety of swimmers.

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Simple ways to save after being laid off or furloughed

The outbreak of the novel coronavirus COVID-19 had a dramatic effect on the global economy.

Businesses were shuttered seemingly overnight as public health organizations across the globe embraced social distancing as a means to preventing the spread of the potentially deadly virus.

Few, if any, businesses proved immune to the economic effects of the COVID-19 outbreak, which forced many employers to lay off or furlough employees. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, the week ending April 18 marked the fifth consecutive week that more than three million Americans filed initial unemployment claims.

During that period, which for many areas of the United States coincided with the first five weeks of social distancing guidelines going into effect, roughly 26.5 million workers had filed jobless claims. The picture was not any rosier in other parts of the globe. For example, Statistics Canada noted that more than one million jobs were lost across Canada in March, increasing the country’s unemployment rate from 5.6 percent in February to 7.8 percent by the end of March.

Many workers were furloughed in the wake of the COVID-19 outbreak, and while furloughs differ from layoffs, each situation left people looking 6

for ways to save money. The following are some simple ways to save that can help furloughed or laid off employees make it through the financial uncertainty associated with the COVID-19 outbreak.

• Contact your lenders immediately.

Many lenders, including Bank of America and Chase, announced breaks for homeowners and other borrowers in the wake of the COVID-19 outbreak. Lenders may vary regarding the extent of the breaks they offer as well their eligibility guidelines, but borrowers may be able to defer mortgage and auto loan payments for several months. Consumer advocacy groups warn borrowers to learn what the long-term effects of deferring payments may be. In addition, borrowers should know that they must contact their lenders before ceasing monthly home or auto loan payments.

Your Next Home • July 2020

• Consider cutting the cord. Many people have long advocated cutting the cord as a means to saving substantial amounts of money. Cutting the cord refers to forgoing traditional cable television service in favor of less expensive streaming options like Netflix and Amazon Prime.

The cut the cord mantra seemed to resonate in the immediate aftermath of the implementation of social distancing, as Netflix reported adding nearly 16 million subscribers in the first quarter of 2020. But before cutting the cord, consumers are urged to see if doing so would actually save them money. Customers who currently bundle their cable with internet and/or phone service may end up paying the same amount of money, if not more, even after canceling their cable subscriptions. Do your homework before cutting

the cord, speaking with your provider to learn the true cost of cutting the cord. You may end up saving more by maintaining your cable but removing premium channels and downgrading to basic packages.

• Develop a new budget. Budgeting is an essential component of responsible money management at all times, and especially so in the wake of a layoff or furlough. Do not hesitate to develop a new monthly budget, examining all monthly expenses to determine where costs can be trimmed. The longer you wait, the less you may save during a layoff or furlough.

Saving money in the wake of a lay off or furlough can be simpler than people think.

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306 Parkdale Ave Manistee, MI 49660 Bus: 231-723-9905 July 2020 • Your Next Home

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Strategies to avoid debt after being laid off

Millions of people lost their jobs due to the impact of the COVID-19 outbreak on the global economy. Professionals with thriving careers suddenly found themselves out of work by early spring 2020, leaving many to speculate about their financial futures.

Staying positive in the wake of a layoff can be challenging. The financial pressures of being laid off may compel some people to take on debt as they try to pay their bills, including their mortgage, car payments and other expenses that don’t disappear even if income does. A debt-free strategy to surviving a layoff can ease the stress of job loss and lay a positive foundation for your financial future.

• Create a budget right away. Budgets can help recently laid off workers get a clear picture of their financial obligations and where they might be spending more than necessary.

Prior to the outbreak, many people may have traveled extensively. Social distancing guidelines have all but eliminated travel, so laid off workers can redistribute the money 8

they would normally spend on travel into their savings accounts.

• Find ways to save. Cutting back on travel expenditures is just one of the many ways individuals who have been laid off can save money. Savvy consumers may pay extra toward their principle on home and auto loans each month, and that luxury, which can move up loan maturity dates, can be scaled back if not eliminated until you get back on your feet.

For some individuals, such an effort can save hundreds of dollars per month. Individuals also can dim the lights more often to reduce their energy bills, a sacrifice that should be easy to live with as summer approaches and daylight hours increase.

Your Next Home • July 2020

• File for unemployment benefits. By the end of April, the U.S. Department of Labor was reporting that first-time claims for unemployment benefits had exceeded 30 million in the previous six weeks. Laid off workers who intend to file claims should do so immediately, as many unemployment agencies are facing unprecedented backlogs that can delay administration of funds for an extended period of time. When filing, make sure taxes are withheld on the money you will receive, as that can ensure your tax bill is not especially high when you file your tax return next year.

• Maintain health insurance. Medical debt can be devastating, so it’s vital that laid off workers stay insured in the wake of a layoff. The Kaiser Family Foundation notes that, in 2016, 52 percent of debt collection actions contained medical debts. Check your severance package to determine if and for how long your medical benefits will continue after being laid off. If that is not an option, prioritize getting new coverage via COBRA or the Affordable Care Act. The financial fallout of a layoff can be significant. A proactive post-layoff approach to finances can help laid off professionals stay out of debt.

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!

July 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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How to design a fitness room at home

People exercise for many different reasons. Exercise can improve one’s appearance, reduce the risk for illness, alleviate stress or anxiety, and even help pass some time. Exercise is often a social activity, but in the wake of social distancing guidelines issue in response to the COVID-19 outbreak, many people have found themselves looking for ways to exercise at home.

Building a home fitness room has never been a more timely project, and such a project can continue to provide rewards even when life returns to some semblance of normalcy. Here’s how to successfully stock a home gym.

• Find a dedicated space. A home gym will be limited by the amount of space that can be devoted to workouts. Possible fitness room locations include a spare bedroom, a garage, a basement, or an enclosed patio. Measure the space so you can pick and choose equipment that will fit. Leave some floor space empty for movement exercises or mat activities.

• Keep the space bright. Darkness can sap energy levels, so invest in mirrors and adequate overhead lighting to make the space inviting. Natural light can make the exercise area more enjoyable.

• Consider the flooring. New flooring can protect against damage and make an area more conductive to working out. Rubber mats can offset echoes and reduce the noise of running on a treadmill or setting down heavy weights.

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• Use space-saving equipment. A home gym space will likely not be as expansive as the space inside a traditional fitness center. Thankfully, many activities do not require a lot of space or equipment. Classic exercises like squats, lunges, push ups, and sit ups require little gear but still produce results. Figure out which equipment you like the most and invest in two or three key pieces. Dumbells of various weights, a medicine ball and a yoga mat can be all you need to create a versatile, effective workout. A TRX system and a door-mounted pull-up bar also are great spacesaving options.

• Have a TV hookup. A home gym may benefit from a smart TV that you can use to stream workout videos or catch up on the latest news while running the treadmill or using the stationary bike.

A home gym is beneficial year-round, and can be especially valuable when social distancing guidelines are put in place.

Your Next Home • July 2020

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www.thebluffsonmanisteelake.com July 2020 • Your Next Home

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Take your Fourth of July burgers up a notch

The year 2020 is one few people will soon forget.

Life changed dramatically and perhaps forever in 2020, when the outbreak of the novel coronavirus COVID-19 forced billions of people across the globe to make sacrifices in an effort to prevent the spread of the potentially deadly virus.

The sacrifices made in response to COVID-19 are perhaps most noticeable on holidays, when people accustomed to gathering with family and friends were unable to do so, or only able to do so on limited terms.

Despite those restrictions, people continued to celebrate on holidays like Easter and Memorial Day, and the Fourth of July does not figure to be any different. Fourth of July celebrations often take place in the backyard by the grill, and this year marks a perfect opportunity to expand your culinary repertoire. This recipe for “Best Burger With Blue Cheese Butter” courtesy of Eric Treuille and Birgit Erath’s “Grilling” (DK Publishing) offers a new take on a backyard barbecue staple.

Best Burger With Blue Cheese Butter Serves 4 1 2 1 4 12

pound ground chuck steak teaspoons salt teaspoon black pepper 1⁄2-inch slices blue cheese butter

4

sesame hamburger buns, halved

Combine ground steak with salt and pepper.

Divide into 4 equal-sized pieces and gently shape into 4 burgers about 1-inch-thick. Grill burgers and warm buns according to instructions below.

Top burgers with butter and serve hot in sesame buns.

Outdoor cooking: Grill over hot coals for 3 minutes per side for rare, 4 minutes per side for medium rare, or 5 minutes per side for well done.

Place buns cut side down on grill until warm and lightly golden, 1 minute.

Indoor cooking: Preheat a ridged cast-iron grill pan over high heat. Cook for 3 minutes per side for rare, 4 minutes per side for medium rare, or 5 minutes per side for well done. Place buns cut side down on grill pan until warm lightly golden, 1 minute.

Your Next Home • July 2020

Blue-Cheese Butter Makes 15 servings 16 4 2

tablespoons unsalted butter, softened ounces (1 cup crumbled) blue cheese teaspoons black pepper

Place ingredients in a food processor or blender; pulse until well blended. Wrap in foil. Place in the freezer until hard, about 45 minutes. To serve, roll back foil and cut into 1⁄2-inch slices. When slicing from frozen, warm the knife under hot water first.

After slicing, always tightly rewrap the unused flavored butter roll in the foil before returning to refrigerator or freezer.

July 2020 • Your Next Home

Best Burger Variations • Herbed Burger: Add 2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves or 1 teaspoon dried thyme, 1 crushed garlic clove and 1 tablespoon finely chopped onion to the ground steak.

• Spicy Burger: Add 1⁄2 teaspoon tabasco, 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce and 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard to the ground steak.

Think ahead: Shape burgers up to 1 day in advance. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate.

Cooks’ Note: Overhandling the meat when shaping will result in a tough, dry burger. To guarantee a juicy burger, handle the meat as little as possible.

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Board games are family-friendly boredom busters

Families spend a lot of quality time together. While there are many ways to fill that time, sometimes the best activities are those that inspire a bit of nostalgia.

Board games have been a tried and true family activity for centuries. In fact, Senet, which is believed to be the world’s first board game, was enjoyed in Ancient Egypt as far back as 3500 BCE. Checkers, chess and backgammon are some other beloved board games that have withstood the test of time.

Many family-friendly board games that have been developed through the years are just as fun to play today as they were when they were first introduced.

• The Game of Life®: The idea behind this game is to go through life making smart decisions. The player who retires first and with the most money is the winner. It can be a great way to teach youngsters about money management and sound decisionmaking.

• Scrabble®: Players strategically place letter tiles on the board in a crossword puzzle format. These letters form words, and each letter is valued differently, creating a score for each word. Families can enjoy this fun competition while expanding their vocabularies.

• Clue®: Clue is the original “who done it” mystery game. Players attempt to figure out which suspect was involved in the crime against Mr. Boddy, naming the room in which it took place as well as the weapon used 14

during the crime. Although it’s somewhat macabre, the game can instill thoughtful problem-solving skills as players try to narrow down the possibilities.

• Monopoly®: The first Monopoly game was released in 1935, and since then there have been various incarnations. The game involves buying and trading properties and requires both risk and luck. Monopoly is fun to play and teaches great lessons regarding real estate, budgeting and other financial skills.

• Battleship®: What started out as a pen-and-paper game during World War I evolved into a successful strategy game. Two players attempt to target and sink their opponents battleships on a 10 x 10 grid.

• Chess: Players have to maneuver 16 pieces across a 64-square game board with the ultimate goal being to checkmate the opponent’s king piece. This game has endured nearly 1,500 years and has many different fans.

Board games can be an ideal activity that the entire family can enjoy together.

Your Next Home • July 2020

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July 2020 • Your Next Home

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5 ways to prevent lost pets

Despite the sadness, uncertainty and disruption to millions of people’s lives, the novel coronavirus COVID-19 has provided some silver linings. One such positive side effect of people being asked to spend more time at home is the opportunity for individuals and families to open their abodes to needy animals.

Pet adoptions have increased as people have found more personal time to devote to companion animals. The Pet Health Network says that people experiencing loneliness from being apart from others often turn to pets to help them feel better. Lucky Dog Animal Rescue in Virginia brought in 149 animals from high-kill shelters in March 2020 and adopted 134 in a single week, matching the agency’s monthly average. Data on New York City animal shelters indicates that, as of early May 2020, 43.5 percent of shelters were experiencing an increased demand for adoption since the COVID-19 outbreak.

As pet adoptions increase, new pet parents are urged to remember to take every precaution 16

to keep their companions safe and secure. The summer months can be a prime time for pets to become lost. Increased thunderstorms as well as fireworks displays can frighten pets.

Also, more time spent outdoors may make it easier for “escape artists” to find their way out of backyards or get free from leashes.

Thankfully, there are some steps pet owners can take to keep pets safe.

• ID and collar: Pets should wear collars with attached identification at all times. This should include an up-to-date contact number.

ID tags can be made at pet supply stores or are available at the Animal Humane Society facilities.

Your Next Home • July 2020

• Microchip: Microchips are small devices that are implanted under the pet’s skin. About the size of a grain of rice, microchips emit a low radio frequency that can be read by a handheld scanner. Virtually all vet offices and animal shelters are equipped with scanners.

Microchips are designed to last the pet’s lifetime, according to HomeAgain, a microchip company. Once the pet is registered, the chip will link to a record of owner information that can be updated easily online.

• Sterilization: AHS says studies show that pets that have been spayed or neutered are less likely to roam for mates and potentially get lost.

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• Leash pets: Prey instinct can be high and even the most well-behaved pets may act differently when away from home. A secure collar/harness and leash will help keep pets safe on walks.

New pet parents should familiarize themselves with the steps to help prevent lost pets.

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• Pet-proof: Homeowners may have to make adjustments to their yards and homes to ensure pets cannot escape. Some dogs and cats can climb over tall fences or dig underneath. Speak with your veterinarian about how to pet-proof your property.

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Conserving water during drought and dry periods

Weather can be unpredictable. Carefully developed plans for days spent in the great outdoors can be derailed by unexpected rainstorms, while sudden bursts of sunshine can turn overcast afternoons into chances to get outside and breathe some fresh air.

Lawn and garden enthusiasts know just how mercurial Mother Nature can be, especially during summer.

The specter of drought looms every summer, but the National Weather Service’s Climate Prediction Center does not anticipate any broad-scale areas of drought developing in the Lower 48 states in 2020. While that’s good news for lawn and garden enthusiasts, it’s wise to remain prepared for drought.

In recognition of the difficulties drought can pose, the Environmental Protection Agency offers the following tips to homeowners to ensure that water is available to meet critical needs.

• Learn local regulations. During dry periods and droughts, local water utilities put restrictions in place.

These restrictions are not meant to be nuisances, but designed to ensure water is available to fight fires and meet other critical needs. Adhering to these guidelines, no matter how difficult they can be, helps your community stay safe. Periodically visit local water utilities’ websites to learn if there are any restrictions in place.

way to conserve water without changing daily habits.

For example, the EPA estimates that water-conserving toilets can reduce water consumption by as much as 60 percent each year. That saves consumers money while also helping them to conserve during droughts or periods of dryness.

• Inspect fixtures for leaks. Conservation is the goal of water restrictions. Leaky fixtures compromise conservation efforts, so inspect all interior and exterior faucets and pipes for leaks and fix them immediately.

• Water wisely. The EPA notes that experts estimate that as much as 50 percent of the water we use outdoors is lost to evaporation, wind or runoff due to overwatering. The EPA recommends watering primarily in the early morning and evening, after the sun goes down, so less water is lost to evaporation.

If you have an irrigation system that uses a clock timer, consider replacing the timer with a WaterSense labeled irrigation controller, which acts like a thermostat for a sprinkler system, using local weather and landscape conditions to tell the sprinkler system when to turn itself on and off.

• Look into upgrades. Upgrading outdated bathrooms and other water features can be a great

Drought and dry conditions in summer highlight the importance of conserving water.

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Your Next Home • July 2020

Did You Know?

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, homes with clock timer controlled irrigation systems use about 50 percent more water outdoors than homes without irrigation systems. Water waste can be even more significant if irrigation systems are not programmed correctly or if they have a leak. In addition, if sprinkler heads are situated incorrectly, water might be directed to areas of the lawn or garden that don’t need water, or even onto driveways and sidewalks. To reduce water waste, and save on their monthly water utility bills, homeowners can employ WaterSense labeled irrigation controllers. Such controllers adjust irrigation schedules automatically based on local weather and landscape conditions.

These systems employ intuitive programming controls to schedule irrigation based on the water requirements of the plants. The controllers can make it easier for homeowners to keep their lawns and gardens green even during dry periods, such as drought, while still adhering to local water utility restrictions.

POLE BUILDINGS LET US QUOTE YOURS Custom • Deluxe • Ag

Somsel Lumber Company Kaleva July 2020 • Your Next Home

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HOME Returns on home improvement projects vary.

In its annual Cost vs. Value Report, Remodeling magazine notes the projects that yield the best returns on investment in a given year. But a host of factors, including the type of market (buyers’ or sellers’) and the region where the home is being sold, ultimately combine to determine if homeowners’ investments in home improvement projects will provide the returns they were hoping for.

Though there’s no way of guaranteeing a home improvement project will yield a great return, real estate professionals often cite improving curb appeal as an excellent way to attract prospective buyers and potentially get the asking price or more when selling the home. Improving curb appeal makes even more sense in today’s real estate market, when many people do their own searching via real estate websites such as Trulia or Zillow. When using such sites, buyers will likely be less inclined to click on a listing if exterior photos of the property are not eye-catching.

Various projects, including tending to lawns and gardens, can improve curb appeal. An added benefit to focusing on landscaping to improve curb appeal is it promotes spending time 20

3 ways to use your lawn to improve curb appeal

outdoors in spring and summer. In addition, many lawn- and garden-related home improvement projects need not require professional expertise.

1. Maintain a lush green lawn.

Lawns that fall into disrepair may not give buyers a correct impression about how homeowners maintained their homes. Lawns with multiple dead spots and grass that appears more brown than green may lead many buyers to assume that the home’s interior was equally ill-cared for.

Maintaining lush green lawns is not as difficult as it may seem. Applying fertilizer and aerating at the appropriate times of year (this varies by region) can promote strong roots and healthy soil, making it easier for grass to survive harsh conditions like drought. When watering in summer, do so in early morning or evening so as little water is lost to evaporation as possible.

2. Address brown patch.

Even well-maintained lawns can fall victims Your Next Home • July 2020

to brown spots. According to the lawn care professionals at TruGreen, lawns in regions with hot temperatures and high humidity can be infected with brown patch, a common lawn disease that is caused by fungus, which can produce circular areas of brown, dead grass surrounded by narrow, dark rings. Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences notes that removing dew that collects on grass leaves each morning, which can be accomplished by mowing or dragging a water hose across affected areas, can be an effective way to reduce brown patch.

Homeowners without much lawn care experience can consult professional landscapers to address the issue. But those looking to sell their properties should note that buyers often walk the grounds of homes they are considering buying. So

July 2020 • Your Next Home

addressing any issues on the lawn should be a priority for sellers.

3. Confine dogs to certain areas.

Dog owners may want to let their pets roam free in their yards. But homeowners about to put their properties up for sale may want to confine their four-legged friends to certain areas. That’s because dog urine can be high in nitrogen.

Nitrogen itself is not harmful to lawns, but in high concentrations it can contribute to yellow or brown spots. Also, highly acidic dog urine may even adversely affect pH levels in the soil.

Curb appeal can go a long way toward helping homeowners sell their homes, and a lush lawn can be used to catch the eye of prospective buyers.

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Prevent deck problems before they start

You can avoid big and expensive repairs to your deck by finding and repairing problems early. With good construction techniques and regular maintenance, your deck will withstand many more years of fun.

• Start below your deck To start your yearly deck inspection, start below your deck. You will be looking for soft spots that indicate rot. If one area of your deck is in worse shape than the other, find the source of the problem before attempting the repair. While you are down there, remove any leaves and debris that may have piled up as they may hold moisture and contribute to serious water damage. A major weak spot is the connection between the house and the deck. Pay extra attention to the flashing looking for water damage along the ledger. This is also a good spot to look for fungus and little piles of sawdust, which could indicate termites or carpenter ants.

Look at the ends of the boards and the butt joints.

Check for moisture and mildew and tighten nails or screws in the decking. Look for signs of warping or twisting which would eventually need to be replaced.

• Inspect the railings Railings take extra strain and are usually the first to come loose. Look at the ends of all the rails for warping and replace broken spindles and post covers.

Maintaining your railing will keep your deck looking nice and provide safety.

• Check the posts Especially at the ground line, probe various parts of the post comparing each side for levels of decay.

Since posts often decay from the inside out, continue to assess the internal condition. Evaluate the post connection to the foundation and re-secure if needed.

• Look at the entire deck Grab your level and see if any shifting has occurred, especially at the post. The footings may have settled unevenly, which could cause your deck to slant. The sun, rain and even wind really can weather your deck quickly. The paint peels, the wood grays and we’ve all seen what water can do.

• Check the decking The easiest part of the inspection is checking the decking. Look at the area where boards meet because anywhere that wood touches wood is prone to rotting.

Diagnosing rotting wood and structural problems early on can help keep your deck looking great and save you time and money. In about an hour you can add years of life to your deck.

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Your Next Home • July 2020

Did You Know?

Many an amateur landscaper has encountered grubs while tending to their lawns, but

even the most attentive green thumber may have a lawn infested with grubs and not know it. According to the pest and weed experts at Roundup®, grubs often go unnoticed until late summer, when they’ve already done substantial damage to a lawn. Oddly enough,

one of the telltales signs of a grub infestation is not the grubs themselves but the animals looking to dine on them. Fully grown grubs make for hearty meals, so homeowners who

notice raccoons, skunks, armadillos, and/or birds digging up their lawns may have a grub

infestation. That’s because these unwanted guests like to dine on mature grubs who have spent summer feasting on organic matter in the soil. Another sign of a possible grub

infestation is a lawn that feels spongy when stepped on. Patches of dead grass that peel back easily are a sign that grubs have eaten the roots that keep healthy grass in place. $127,500 • MLS#20003965 304 1st Avenue • Manistee

LOCATION...LOCATION...LOCATION...Just a block from Man Made Lake and LAKE MICHIGAN this intimate bungalow style home is perfect for everyone! Use it for year round living, or as a vacation get-a-way. With 4 bedrooms and two bathrooms who could ask for more? The dining and living area have all origional wood flooring. The large kitchen area is perfect for the chief in anyone. The upstairs has three bedrooms and a full bath along with a little alcove. The dry basement is perfect to make into a game room or additional living space. Home also features a front porch, back deck, large yard and one car garage. This is a perfect home for year round living, a vacation rental, or summer home just a short walk to a recreation oasis!

Extraordinary Service In Every Price Range

July 2020 • Your Next Home

Kerri Mackey

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

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Your Next Home • July 2020