Your Next Home - May 2019

your

CHARLEVOIX

1 LEELANAU

Mesick

Bear Lake

Manton

Irons

MASON

Scottville Ludington

Benzie, Manistee & Mason Counties

Pentwater Hart

OCEANA

McBain Marion

LAKE

OSCEOLA Evart Reed City

Baldwin

Big Rapids

NEWAYGO

White Cloud

Hesperia

Holton Whitehall Twin Lake

Fremont Newaygo

MUSKEGON

Dedicated • Professional • Results

Harrison Clare

ISABELLA Mt. Pleasant

Morley

Casey Tennant 231-233-7613

Cheryl Staszczak 248-805-3802

MONTCALM

Sparta Cedar Springs GreenvilleCarson City Rockford Belding

Dale Smith 231-794-9122

KENT

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

Leah Gannon 517-607-5347

Lynda Beaton 231-383-0404

Michael Kruse 231-690-8882

Pam Weiner 810-841-8616

Shirley Barker 903-681-6102

Therran Ferguson 231-510-1790

Ben Korendyke 231-690-0670

Don Bradley 231-425-8838

Lighthouse Realty www.goLighthouseRealty.com

Residential

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Commercial

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Rentals

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360 Parkdale Ave., Manistee, MI

231.398.3800

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.

MIDL

Shepherd

Howard City Lakeview

Grand Rapids

Brenda Gauthier 231-233-6378

GLAD

CLARE Farwell

Mecosta

MECOSTA

West Michigan’s #1 Team Over $82 Million in Sales for 2018 Montague

ROSCOMMON

Lake City

Cadillac

Manistee

M I C H I G A N

MISSAUKEE

WEXFORD

MANISTEE

CRAWFORD

KALKASKA

GRAND TRAVERSE

BENZIE

OTSEGO

FREE

Traverse City

Next Home W E S T

ANTRIM May 2019

RECORD 1 A MONTHLY PUBLICATION OF THE MANISTEE NEWS ADVOCATE & BENZIE COUNTY Your Next Home • PATRIOT May 2019

St. Lou 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 Lighthouse Realty .......................................................................... 11 Lighthouse Realty .......................................................................... 13 MOM Board of Realtors ............................................................... 15 Lighthouse Realty .......................................................................... 19 REO-Jon Zickert............................................................................. 21 Lighthouse Realty .......................................................................... 23 REO-Jon Zickert............................................................................. 24

LUMBER COMPANIES

Somsel Lumber .................................................................................7

INSURANCE AGENCIES

Webber Insurance ......................................................................... 17

FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS

Filer Credit Union .............................................................................5

ADVICE FOR THE HOME

Did You Know? — Spring Cleaning.................................................5 6 Options For Funding Your Next Home Improvement Project 6 Did You Know? — Planting Bulbs ....................................................7 Get Ready: Early Spring Landscaping Tips...................................8 Did You Know? — Remodeling Cost vs. Value ..............................9 Improving A Home’s Curb Appeal .............................................. 10 Did You Know? — Compacted Soil .............................................. 11 Quick And Simple Ways To Make A Front Door Pop ................ 12 Outdoor Improvements That Boost Home Value ..................... 14 The Choice For Staying Put Or Moving On ............................... 16 What Is The Water Table, And How Does It Affect Homes? .... 18 Must Haves For An Amazing Kitchen Remodel ....................... 20 Emerging Deck Trends ................................................................. 22

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Your Next Home • May 2019

PRICED TO SELL!

2967 Chippewa Hwy. Manistee, MI • $154,900 • MLS # 17014848

Well Maintained Brick over 2,000 sq. ft. Ranch Style Home. Property sits in a wooded setting just north of Manistee in Manistee Township. Large 2 lot parcel. Recently remodeled kitchen and bathrooms. Cherry cabinets. Hardwood floors throughout. No step entrance and shower.

The private patio and back yard are fenced in which make it perfect for dogs and encompasses a 30 x 26 pole barn. Wood stove in the family room and fireplace in the living room. Attached garage could be finished off to provide additional sq. footage. Schedule your tour today!

Therran Ferguson Associate Broker

(231) 510-1790 Therran@golighthouserealty.com May 2019 • Your Next Home

Lighthouse Realty 360 Parkdale Ave., Manistee, MI

231.398.3800

www.goLighthouseRealty.com 3

INFORMATION

Filer Credit Union .....................231-723-3400 www.filercu.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

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 4

Your Next Home • May 2019

Did You Know?

Spring cleaning is a ritual in many homes, though some might be forgetting to address an area of their homes that can be especially vulnerable to insect infestations.

According to PestWorld.org, kitchen cabinets and pantries used to store spices and baking items, such as flour, can make for inviting hideouts for various types of pests. These unwelcome guests include beetles, Indian meal moths and ants. To remedy this issue or prevent insects from becoming an issue, discard stale spices or dated baking items. Once

May 2019 • Your Next Home

such items have been removed from the cabinets and pantry and discarded, wipe down the interior of the spaces before installing fresh shelf paper. If the critters didn’t make their presence known in the cabinets, that doesn’t mean they haven’t made your kitchen home over the winter. Some might have opted to spend their winters behind appliances, including the stove and the refrigerator. As a result, it’s best to pull these appliances off the wall each spring, sweeping or vacuuming the dust and crumbs you find before mopping the floors.

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HOME Before starting a home improvement project, either on one’s own or with the assistance of a professional contractor, homeowners must first consider the costs involved. According to the home improvement resource HomeAdvisor, more than one-third of homeowners do not understand what hiring a professional will cost, and then cannot successfully budget and secure financing once they have set their sights on a renovation project.

HomeAdvisor says that some of the more popular projects, such as remodeling a kitchen or bathroom or building a deck, can cost, on average, $19,920, $9,274 and $6,919, respectively.

Homeowners may find that the more expensive renovations require them to secure some type of financing. Those who have never before sought such financing may want to consider these options.

1. Cash-out refinancing: With cash-out refinancing, a person will begin the mortgage process anew with the intention of paying off the current mortgage balance, and then taking out additional funds for other purposes. Cash-out refinancing is a way to tap into a home’s existing equity for use on improvements or other expenses, such as college tuition.

2. Home equity line of credit: The financial experts at Bankrate indicate that a HELOC works like a credit card, with the house as collateral. There is a credit limit, and borrowers can spend up to that limit. The interest rate may or may not be fixed. However, the interest may be tax-deductible if the financing is used to improve, buy or build a home.

3. Home equity loan: Individuals also can borrow against equity in their homes with a fixed interest rate through a home equity loan. Most lenders will calculate 80 percent of the home value and subtract a homeowner’s mortgage balance to figure out how much can be borrowed, according to the financial advisory site The Simple Dollar.

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6 Options For Funding Your Next Home Improvement Project

4. Personal loan: Homeowners can shop around at various financial institutions for competitive personal loans to be used for home improvement purposes.

Funds may be approved within one business day, which can be ideal for those who want to begin their improvements soon.

5. Personal line of credit: A personal line of credit allows borrowers to borrow only the money needed at the time, and offers a variable interest rate that is generally lower than fixed loan rates. Again, like a credit card, PLOC gives a person a maximum borrowing amount and is ideal for ongoing purchases.

6. Credit cards: In a pinch, credit cards can be used to finance improvements, but they do come with the cost of very high interest rates if the balance is not paid in full by the time the bill comes due. However, for funding smaller projects and maximizing rewards points through home improvement retailers or specific credit card company promotions, credit cards can be a way to earn various perks in addition to the benefit of improving a home.

Homeowners looking to finance their next improvements should speak to a financial advisor and shop around for the best types of funding for them.

Your Next Home • May 2019

Did You Know?

The arrival of cooler weather marks a prime time to plant bulbs that will bloom come spring and summer. Bulbs should be planted as soon as the ground is cool, ideally when temperatures average between 40 and 50 F. Just be sure to plant bulbs at least six weeks before the ground freezes

for optimal success. Always follow the bulb distributor’s guidelines for planting, including suggestions regarding spacing and soil depth. Remove any weeds and loosen the soil to get started. In addition, think about mixing in compost or other organic matter to enrich the soil if it lacks nutrients.

POLE BUILDINGS LET US QUOTE YOURS Custom • Deluxe • Ag

Somsel Lumber Company Kaleva May 2019 • Your Next Home

231-362-3103

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HOME During the cold months of winter, many people stare longingly out of the window dreaming of spring and time spent outdoors. For those with green thumbs, images of tending to the garden and other aspects of their landscapes no doubt dominate such daydreams.

Draw inspiration from those budding crocuses and daffodils pushing through the last remnants of snow and employ these tips to prepare for the upcoming gardening season.

• One of the first steps is to apply a preemergent weed killer to get a head start knocking out weeds that can plague the lawn during the growing season.

Killing weeds at the roots early on can mean far fewer hassles in spring and summer, and may prevent new generations of weeds from cropping up each year.

• While it may be tempting to take a prematurely warm day as a sign that spring is in full force and purchase a bunch of annuals, it’s better to know the last of the possible frost dates (check “The Farmer’s Almanac”); otherwise, you may waste time and money planting flowers or vegetables only to have them zapped by another frosty day.

• Amend the soil so that it is the right consistency — just crumbling when lifting it. Soil that is too muddy after spring thaw can harden, making it difficult for plants to flourish later on. Speak with representatives at a local lawn and garden center about which types of amendments you can add to the soil in your particular area to enrich it.

• Lawn and garden experts at The Home Depot suggest filling in bare patches of lawn now by mixing a few shovelfuls of soil with grass seed. Then apply this patch to the bare areas, water, and continue to care for the area until the spot fills in.

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Get Ready: Early Spring Landscaping Tips

• Spend a day in the garage or shed tending to the lawn mower and other gardening equipment. Clean all tools and ensure that everything works, repairing parts as needed.

• Give outdoor entertaining spaces a good scrubbing, clearing away dirt and grime that may have accumulated over the winter. Use a leaf blower to blow away any leftover leaves.

• Check if the front porch, railings or decking need painting and/or staining. Tackle these projects when the weather is cooler so everything will be ready for those peak spring days.

• Think about any annuals you might want to plant in the landscape this year that will complement any existing shrubbery or perennials. Come up with a theme so that the entire yard is cohesive.

Before homeowners know it, winter is gone and it is time to once again enjoy long days spent outdoors.

Get a jump start on spring lawn prep as soon as you can.

Your Next Home • May 2019

Did You Know?

Each year, Remodeling magazine publishes its “Cost vs. Value” report to give homeowners a greater understanding of how much popular home projects will cost across the nation, as well as which renovations will offer the greatest return on investment.

According to their research, these projects improved in value between 2017 and 2018 and can be smart choices for homeowners looking to add popular features to their properties. Below are the popular projects and the average cost of the renovations.

• Midrange bathroom addition: $44,717 • Midrange bathroom remodel: $19,134 • Midrange deck addition (wood): $10,950 • Midrange entry door replacement (steel): $1,471 • Upscale garage door replacement: $3,470 • Midrange manufactured stone veneer: $8,221 • Midrange minor kitchen remodel: $21,198 • Midrange siding replacement: $15,072 • Midrange universal design bathroom: $16,393 • Upscale window replacement (vinyl): $15,955

Buying or Selling a Home?

Brenda Gauthier Realtor

(231) 233-6378 Mobile (231) 398-3700 Fax brenda@golighthouserealty.com

Who you work with really does matter.

Call me today!

Lighthouse Realty 360 Parkdale Ave., Manistee, MI

231.398.3800

www.goLighthouseRealty.com May 2019 • Your Next Home

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HOME

Improving A Home’s Curb Appeal

An attractive front entrance area gives a home curb appeal that invites both guests and potential home buyers. Upgrading a home’s exterior can be as simple as painting or as complex as installing new windows or adding a patio.

Inspiration for a curb appeal “makeover” that reflects the owner’s budget and decorating choices are easy to find online. Stop by the nearest Woodcraft store for tools and supplies, along with helpful advice from the staff, or visit Woodcraft.com to shop and read how-to blogs and articles.

One of the easiest and quickest ways to boost curb appeal is to paint (and repair if needed) a home’s front door, molding and trim. Painting garage doors, porches, shutters, doorsteps, flower boxes, furniture, mailboxes/stands, and window trim are other potential projects, as is changing the front door hardware.

For front door and shutter painting inspiration, visit these informational blogs on Woodcraft.com: Front Door Klein Blue Redo (http://bit.ly/2zSVV9J) and To Thine Own Self Be Blue (http://bit.ly/2EkUsvR).

REPAIR & PAINT Woodcraft offers these products and ideas for more repairing and painting.

• General Finishes Milk Paint is a premium interior/exterior mineral-based paint premixed in more than two dozen colors. It is so durable it does not require a topcoat. However, Woodcraft Product Development Manager Kent Harpool suggests using General Finishes Exterior 450 as a sealer for exterior uses. The 450 is fortified with UV absorbers to stabilize the finish and builtin mildewcide to retard mold and mildew growth.

• Krud Kutter TSP Substitute will clean and degloss almost any surface prior to painting so that paint adheres better.

• System Three Sculpwood Epoxy Putty is a two-part epoxy putty that can be used indoors or out. Mold it, shape it or use it to repair carvings, antique picture frames or even windowsills. Be sure to add a coat of General Finishes Exterior 450 to seal your work.

• Titebond III Ultimate Wood Glue is waterproof, yet it cleans up with water. It allows eight minutes of open assembly time and offers an application temperature as low as 47 F. • HOMERIGHT Super Finish Max and Finish Max Fine Finish HVLP Sprayers spray most solvent or water-based products — latex paint, milk paint, chalk paint, furniture paint, stains, and finishes.

The Finish Max is ideal for small- to medium-sized projects, while the Super Finish Max is more powerful and covers a wider range of projects and thicker paints and varnishes with less thinning required.

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• HOMERIGHT Spray Shelters are good for furniture projects (large shelter), as well as smaller accessories (small shelter).

REMOVE, REPLACE & BUILD Replacing windows, gutters and downspouts; adding molding to a door; building — outdoor furniture, a unique mailbox and stand, or flower containers; and adding or expanding a patio area/porch require a large investment of time and money. Look for these products to help with these replacement and building projects.

• Lightweight and quiet, yet easily portable, the Rolair AB5 Air Buddy, 1⁄2 HP Compressor is a durable companion for your weekend projects.

• Use the GREX Green Buddy 18-gauge, 2” Brad Nailer for trim and moldings, light wood assembly, window beading, scribe molding, and door and window casings.

• For precision sawing, efficient sanding, power cutting, accurate filing, scraping, cleaning and polishing, and more, consider the Fein MultiMaster Start Q with a pinless Starlock mounting system and easy snap-in accessories.

• Take SawStop safety, quality and precision directly to your project work area when you choose the portable SawStop Jobsite Saw with Cart.

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

Your Next Home • May 2019

Did You Know?

Oxygen is essential for the roots of grass to breathe and grow strong enough to support healthy lawns. But according to the Center for Agriculture, Food and the Environment at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, compacted soil can produce a decrease in oxygen content that can make it hard for roots to thrive. Soil compaction can result from a number of activities, including walking on grass or driving or parking vehicles on grass. When soil is compacted, it breaks into small particles that

reduce the amount of pore space in the soil. That makes it hard for water, oxygen and nutrients to get through, threatening the strength of the roots and putting the grass in jeopardy. Aerating a lawn can help homeowners foster strong root growth and healthy grass. When to aerate may be contingent upon local climate, so homeowners who suspect the soil in their yards is compact should consult with a local landscaping professional to determine the best time to aerate their lawns.

Extraordinary Service In Every Price Range

$74,000 • MLS#19012597

517 Cypress Street • Manistee

Charming 2 bedroom 1 bath home. Great starter home or fixer upper. Updated in 2014-2015 with a new boiler for hot water heat, new electrical and drywall. Features include functionable kitchen with ample cupboards, large pantry off the entry way for extra kitchen storage, large dining room and living room with 10 foot ceilings giving the house a larger feel along with plenty of natural sunlight in the main living areas. Outside there is a small easy to maintain yard and 1 car detached garage.

Home is centrally located giving the homeowner easy access to all Manistee has to offer.

Kerri Mackey Realtor

(231) 510-8380 Mobile (231) 398-3700 Fax kerrisellshomes.com May 2019 • Your Next Home

Lighthouse Realty 360 Parkdale Ave., Manistee, MI

231.398.3800

www.goLighthouseRealty.com 11

HOME Visitors’ impressions of a home are often dictated by the home’s entryway. Must as one may judge a book by its cover, the same can be said about the impression that a front door and entryway can create, regardless of how accurate that impression is.

Making certain changes to an entryway can go a long way toward improving curb appeal. Entryways also can set the scene for a home’s interior. Whether one chooses to be classic or bold, modern or traditional, there are various ways to quickly transform a home’s entryway.

• Bold front door color: Color can dramatically enhance an entryway. Painting an existing door or replacing it with a more vivid option can do the trick.

The DIY Network says certain colors stand out as favorites. These include turquoise, yellow, red, indigo, orange, and black. The door color should complement the other shades of the home, such as those on siding and trim.

• Custom walkway: Guide guests right to the front door with an attractive (and safe) walkway. Stamped concrete or decorative paver blocks may fit the bill. This walkway can extend to the street or to the driveway.

• Contain plants. Landscaping around the entryway should be neat and well-tended. Overgrown plants or shrubbery may give off an air of neglect. Container plants and carefully curated shrubs can create a neat and inviting aura.

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Quick And Simple Ways To Make A Front Door Pop

• Highlight the address. Make sure the home can be found easily with bold and decorative house numbers.

Consider two different address signs: one illuminated and easily viewed from the curb, and another closer to the front door.

• Utilize high-end materials. The relatively small area of real estate by the front door enables homeowners to splurge on more opulent materials that can really add a feeling of luxury. These can include colorful tiles, ornate planters, decorative wooden doors, or elaborate knobs and lighting fixtures.

• Add architectural details. Find out which architectural elements will meld with the style of the home and then incorporate them. Moldings, columns, shutters, and trim are areas to consider.

The entryway to a home garners a lot of attention.

Homeowners can enhance their spaces with entryways that really make a statement.

Your Next Home • May 2019

Lynda Beaton

(231) 383-0404

Lynda@golighthouserealty.com

Life Just Got More Beautiful In Pierport Shores!

Arcadia Township in northern Manistee County has plenty to offer, a world class golf course, deep water port in the village of Arcadia, rolling hills, nestled between two great resort areas, Onekama and Frankfort.

All lots are one acre in size. Another improvement? Natural gas is now available at the street for all lots.

A picture is worth a thousand words, but to see these in person will take your breath away!! Come see this unique 12 lot development on Lakeview Road in Arcadia and take advantage of the much improved (lower) pricing!

Lots 1-6 are $199,000 each. They include their individual private lake frontage on Lake Michigan.

Lots 8 and 9 have deeded lake access are now priced at $159,000.

360 Parkdale Ave., Manistee, MI

231.398.3800

www.goLighthouseRealty.com

Harbor Drive Water Front, Manistee MI Excellent Location Sandy Lake MI Beach Spectacular View Unique, Beautiful 2 Acres in City of Manistee 208’ Lake MI Water Frontage MLS# 19016936

Judianne Sibley Dedicated - Trusted Experienced

(231) 239-1333

$495,000

Judianne@golighthouserealty.com

Beautiful

Lovely Wooded 8.5 A A-Frame

$68,500

$225,000

10 Acres Hamlin Lk Twp Wooded Ludington MLS #18047405 May 2019 • Your Next Home

3 Bdr., 2 Story Home 2 Story Barn/Garage & A-Frame Out Building Secluded in a Neighborhood on the edge of town & Very Close to LK MI and Shopping 1608 Snowtrails Dr., Manistee MLS# 19016943

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HOME Whether home improvement projects are design to improve the interior or exterior of a house, focusing on renovations that make the most financial sense can benefit homeowners in the long run. The right renovations can be assets if and when homeowners decide to sell their homes.

So how does one get started? First and foremost, speak to a local real estate agent who is knowledgeable about trends in the community. While a swimming pool may be something coveted in one area, it may impede sales in another. It also helps to study generalized trends and data from various home improvement industry analysts to guide upcoming projects.

The following outdoor projects are just a few renovations that tend to add value.

• Fire pit: A fire pit is a great place to gather most months of the year. Bob Vila and CBS news report that a fire pit realizes a 78 percent return on investment, or ROI. • Outdoor kitchen: Many buyers are looking to utilize their yards as an extension of interior living areas.

Cooking, dining and even watching TV outdoors is increasingly popular. Outdoor living areas can be custom designed and built. In addition, prefabricated modular units that require a much smaller commitment of time and money are available.

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Outdoor Improvements That Boost Home Value

• Patio: Homeowners who do not already have a patio will find that adding one can increase a home’s value.

Patios help a home look neat, add useable space and may help a home to sell quickly. The experts at Space Wise, a division of Extra Space Storage, say that refinishing, repairing and building a new patio offers strong ROI. • Deck: Deck can be as valuable as patios. A deck is another outdoor space that can be used for entertaining, dining and more. Remodeling magazine’s 2018 “Cost vs. Value” report indicates that an $11,000 deck can add about $9,000 in resale value to the home, recouping around 82 percent of the project’s costs.

• Door update: Improve curb appeal with a new, high-end front door and garage doors. If that’s too expensive, a good cleaning and new coat of paint can make an old door look brand new. These easy fixes can improve a home’s look instantly.

• New landscaping: The National Association of Realtors says an outdoor makeover that includes wellthought out landscaping can net 105 percent ROI. Installing a walkway, adding stone planters, mulching, and planting shrubs are ideas to consider.

Many different outdoor projects can add value to a home.

Your Next Home • May 2019

May 2019 • Your Next Home

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HOME Many home improvement television series showcase people deciding whether to improve upon their current homes to make them into the houses of their dreams or to put “for sale” signs in their lawns and move on to something new.

The question of whether to move or stay put depends on various factors. Such factors may include emotional attachment to a home, the current economic climate and the cost of real estate. Current data points to a greater propensity for people to invest and improve upon their current properties rather than trading up for something new.

According to information collected by John Burns Real Estate Consulting, the percentage of homeowners moving up to their next home is the lowest in 25 years. Many are opting to make starter homes permanent by expanding them and repairing homes for the long haul.

The National Association of Realtors said that, between 1987 and 2008, home buyers stayed in their homes an average of six years before selling. Since 2010, however, NAR says the average expected length of time people will stay in their homes before selling is now 15 years.

Part of what’s fueling this permanency is that many home buyers were able to acquire rock-bottom mortgage interest rates shortly after the 2008 recession. As a result, they’re not inclined to walk away from those rates, even if doing so means getting more house. Also, a low inventory of available houses has stymied repeat buying for many people.

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The Choice For Staying Put Or Moving On

Those factors and others have led many homeowners to invest in renovations instead. The experts at Bankrate say realistic budgeting and comparing renovation project costs against mortgages and interests rates can further help individuals decide whether to remain in their current homes or move out. Very often a smarter layout and more efficient floor plan can make meaningful differences in spaces.

Renovations and redesigns can make sense and often are less expensive and disruptive than moving.

Your Next Home • May 2019

882-9655 • 929-9761 • US-31, Benzonia

May 2019 • Your Next Home

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HOME The groundwater table plays a role in home construction, foundation stability and home comfort.

Because the groundwater table is so significant, it behooves homeowners to understand how it works.

National Geographic defines a water table as the boundary between water-saturated ground and unsaturated ground. Well beneath the ground, at various depths depending on geography, topography and weather conditions, pockets of water, called aquifers, exist. The water table marks the boundary between that available water and the dry surface.

Ground water is impacted by precipitation, irrigation and ground cover. It also may be affected by land use and tides. The water table can fluctuate with the seasons and from year to year because it is affected by climatic variations, as well as how much water may be drawn from underground, advises Encyclopedia Britannica. The water table where one person lives may be several inches or feet below the surface of the ground and follow the topography of the land. For others, it may be much higher, even coming above the surface of the soil.

The water table as well as local soil conditions and drainage can impact homes and their foundations.

If soil drains efficiently and there is a relatively low water table, it may not be problematic. However, if soil is dense and absorbent and the water table is high, the ground around a home may swell and become saturated. This can exert significant pressure against the foundation walls, states Rytech, a water damage and mold rehabilitation company.

In areas where a local water table rises near the surface, water can push against the underside of the foundation in a condition known as “hydrostatic pressure.” This may cause water to infiltrate through 18

What Is The Water Table, And How Does It Affect Homes?

the bottom of the foundation — even permeating solid concrete over time. If hydrostatic pressure is severe, it could lift certain portions of the foundation out of the ground, but this is very unlikely. But it could cause shifting of foundation walls and structures like fencing and decks.

Even if ground water does not cause foundation cracking or shifting, it could lead to humidity issues, resulting in rust, bacteria and mold. Wood structures in a home may be compromised by a high level of humidity.

The home improvement resource Angie’s List says certain steps may need to be taken to protect against damage from a water table and abundant ground water. Basement and foundation waterproofing professionals can help homeowners develop a plan to mitigate water damage. This can include grading changes and the installation of drains and pumps to move water away from the house. Special paints and sealants also can protect the foundation.

Ground water can be a hindrance when it affects the home, but homeowners who learn about it can be in a position to confront any ground water issues.

Your Next Home • May 2019

CUSTOM BUILT HOME ON 83 ACRES

Offered at $434,500

11317 Custer Rd., Free Soil

Federal Land on 2 Sides 4 Bedrooms, 1 Bath Walkout Lower Level 2.5 Car Garage + 40x30 Pole Barn

Heather Barker (231) 510-5505

heather@golighthouserealty.com

PORTAGE LAKE FRONTAGE + DEEDED BOAT LAUNCH 2907 Laketon Court, Manistee

60FT OF BEAR LAKE FRONTAGE

13377 Hopkins Forest, Bear Lake

150FT OF LAKE MICHIGAN FRONTAGE 4614 W Fox Farm, Manistee

4 Bedrooms, 2.5 Baths 3 Season Room With Lake Views Fully Furnished

4 Bedrooms, 3.5 Baths Balcony on Master Bedroom 2 Car Attached Garage

Desirable Red Park 5 Bedrooms, 2 Baths Screened In Porch

Offered at $475,200

Offered at $535,000

Offered at $549,999

360 Parkdale Ave., Manistee, MI

231.398.3800

www.goLighthouseRealty.com

DEEDED LAKE MICHIGAN ACCESS

Offered at $35,000 3461 Jungle Inn Drive, Arcadia

.67 Acre Corner Lot Cleared, Ready To Build Perk Test On File

Casey Tennant (231) 233-7613

casey@golighthouserealty.com

CRYSTAL LAKE VIEWS 1550 Oak St., Wellston

2 Bedrooms, 1 Bath Handicap Accessible Detached Garage With Workshop

Offered at $64,900 May 2019 • Your Next Home

80 WOODED ACRES Lumley Rd., Bear Lake

Some Clearings For Build Sites or Deer Camps State Land On 2 Sides Glover’s Lake Access Nearby

Offered at $149,500

143FT OF LAKE MICHIGAN FRONTAGE

Lakeview Rd., Lot 2, Arcadia

1 Acre Building Site Perfect For A Walkout Lower Level 40 Steps To Beach

Offered at $199,000

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HOME Kitchen remodels are among the most popular home renovation projects, whether they consist of swapping out cabinet hardware or doing major demolition.

Due to the sheer amount of time families spend in the kitchen, not to mention the number of tasks performed in this space, it is easy to see why Remodeling magazine consistently ranks kitchen renovations as projects that will enable homeowners to recoup a high percentage of their investments.

In the magazine’s 2018 “Cost vs. Value” report, midrange major kitchen remodels costing an average of $63,829 recouped 59 percent of that investment.

When investing in a kitchen project, it is important to incorporate items that are coveted.

• Deep, double sinks: Having a double sink enables you to soak dishes in one side and then wash on the other. It also makes it easy to wash and prep produce for meals.

• Kitchen island and bar stools: Even though many meals are enjoyed around the table, there’s something to be said for the convenience of a kitchen island and some well-placed bar stools for quick breakfasts or snacks.

• Smart kitchen storage: Work with a contractor to include storage solutions built into cabinetry and the pantry. Slide-out shelving, nooks for a paper towel roll and custom-designed areas to store stand mixers and other necessities can make kitchens more functional.

• Outdoor access: If possible, design a kitchen so it is easy to access the backyard via sliding doors. This can make outdoor entertaining or even coffee on the deck much easier.

• Under-cabinet lighting: Fixtures installed under cabinets provide both ambient lighting and task lighting. Such lighting makes it easier to see what you’re working on as well, as even well-placed overhead lighting can fail to illuminate dark corners and spots on the counters.

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Must-Haves For An Amazing Kitchen Remodel

• Convenient warming drawer: This appliance provides backup to the oven. It’s a slide-out drawer that can keep prepared foods out of the way and warm until they are ready to be served. This is particularly handy for holidays and other entertaining.

• Beverage station: Designate one area of the kitchen to beverages, such as coffee and tea. Or make the area an informal bar. This can limit traffic in the kitchen to a single area.

Kitchen remodels are exciting to envision, and several choices can make these high-traffic spaces even more coveted.

Your Next Home • May 2019

6225 CRYSTAL DRIVE— BEULAH

57 N. Michigan — Beulah

PROPERTY FEATURES: • • • • • •

50 ft of Private Frontage Move-in Ready Modern Cottage Style 1770Sq. Ft. — 3BR/2BA Open Concept Main Floor Amazing Lake Views from the Deck Excellent Rental Property

Offered at $620,000

May 2019 • Your Next Home

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HOME Custom-built decks can expand usable outdoor entertaining spaces. Decks can surround pools and create outdoor patio areas that make it easy to establish multitiered living spaces, improving the functionality of outdoor areas.

Certain deck trends have emerged as industry experts’ top picks for the upcoming remodeling and renovation season. For those thinking of revamping an existing deck, or building an entirely new one, these trends are on point.

• Established perimeters: “Picture framing” is not a new trend, but one that has taken greater hold in recent years. The term refers to aesthetically appealing designs that conceal the ends of deck boards for a clean finish. Some designs feature contrasting material colors on the ends for even more impact. This helps create refined perimeters for a polished look.

• Roof-top decking: Urban areas also can benefit from decking to create usable outdoor spaces. In fact, many new condominium and townhouse communities are incorporating roof-top decks into their designs, particularly in communities with water views or other impressive vistas. HGTV experts suggest roof-top decks feature light-colored materials and fixtures to help keep the area cool even in direct sunlight.

• Distressed hardwood: Builder and Developer, a management resource for professional homebuilders, says that the trend for using distressed hardwoods at home has migrated outside. Some decking manufacturers have recently introduced lowmaintenance composite deck boards that mimic the look and feel of distressed, rustic hardwood flooring.

This weathered appearance gives the look of age without the upkeep of real aged wood.

• Wooden walkways: Decking can be the more traditional design people envision with a patio table or outdoor furniture. But it also can consist of wooden walkways or a low-laying patio to accentuate the yard.

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Emerging Deck Trends

• Mixed materials: Homeowners may be inspired by commercial eateries, breweries and urban markets in their exterior design choices. Decks featuring composite materials and aluminum railings blend sophistication, urban appeal and comfort.

• Personal touches: Homeowners can customize their decks with personal touches. It’s not unheard of to wrap columns in stone or glass tiles for more impact.

And a vast array of decking colors now enables fun interpretations for outdoor areas.

• Fire pit conversation area: Many decks can incorporate water or fire elements for visual appeal.

Gas-fueled fire elements can expand the functionality of decks beyond the warm seasons, or make enjoying them practical on nights when the temperature plummets.

Decks are reimagined in many different ways with continually evolving trends.

Your Next Home • May 2019

Let Me Guide You Home. $194,000

7512 Riverside Drive, Manistee, MI 49660 • #19007832 Looking for a home that offers easy access to an active outdoors lifestyle? This 3 bedroom 2 bath has so much to offer. You can see deer and turkey right from your living room or hunt them on your own land and the hundreds of acres of federal land that is adjacent to the property. Walk inside and be greeted by custom cedar log railing that wraps around the entire open loft area and a floor to ceiling stone-faced gas fireplace. The living room, loft and master bedroom are finished with beautiful knotty pine ceilings that complete the look of the home. In the winter, you will enjoy in-floor radiant heat on both the main floor and in the basement. You can heat the home with your choice of either propane or the outdoor wood central boiler.

Seller only buys propane every 2-3 years.

PENDING

$367,500

7353 South Shore Drive, Bear Lake, MI 49614 • #19004062

This partially remodeled 3 bedroom, 2 bath, ranch style home is waiting for its new family. She loves people and is hoping the right family will once again fill her empty walls with furnishings and the currently unoccupied air with conversation and laughter. She has had a recent makeover to include a newly opened floor plan. New floors in the remodeled areas, new quartz counter tops , Kraft Maid cabinets with soft close drawers, new appliances, a new electrical panel, new wiring in the remodeled area and new windows. Her exterior has all new siding, new entry door, new front and back Azek no maintenance decks, newly fenced large back yard with sprinkler system, and new landscaping. All of that is topped off by a full basement, 24’x32’ pole barn, and 4 seasons room. Sellers motivated!

$15,900 1580 N Dexter Road, Irons, MI 49644 • #18036552 Great wooded parcel, quiet and near Federal Land. Close to lakes, rivers and snowmobile/Orv trails. Accessed by private easement off county maintained road.

Possible Land Contract for the right buyer.

Leah Gannon Realtor

(517) 607-5347 Mobile (231) 398-3700 Fax Leah@golighthouserealty.com May 2019 • Your Next Home

Lighthouse Realty 360 Parkdale Ave., Manistee, MI

231.398.3800

www.goLighthouseRealty.com 23

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Your Next Home • May 2019