Your Next Home - October 2020

FIND THE HOME OF YOUR DREAMS...

your Next Home

FREE

W E S T

October 2020 Residential

■

Commercial

■

Rentals

■

Vacant Land

M I C H I G A N ■

Waterfront

■

Farms

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

Benzie, Manistee & Mason Counties

Let the Lighthouse Team work for you in 2020!

249 5th Ave, Manistee

3018 Grebe Court, Arcadia

Cute Northside Duplex!

Unit 1 is 2 Bedrooms, 1 Bath with Basement Access Unit 2 is 1 Bedroom, 1 Bath with New Carpet Roof is 3 years old.

Waterfront Building Site! 1/2 Acre Parcel with 170ft of Frontage on Arcadia Lake with direct access to Lake Michigan. Part of Point Arcadia Association.

Offered at $89,900

Shirley Barker • 903-681-6102

Kerri Mackey • 231-510-8380

234 5th St, Manistee

2213 US 31, Manistee

Duplex with Off Street Parking! 3 Bedroom, 2 Bath Duplex with Full Basement Live in 1 Unit and Rent the Other!

2 Car Garage and Workshop off Alley.

Commercial/ Residential/ Development Property!

17.22 Acre Parcel with Frontage on US 31 and Nelson St Underground Water and Sewer already available.

Offered at $77,000

Cheryl Staszczak • 248-805-3802

1

Offered at $294,500

Offered at $525,000

John A. Hanson • 231-510-5543

Your Next Home • October 2020

your

DIRECTORY

Next Home W E S T

M I C H I G A N

Benzie, Manistee & Mason Counties

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

Lighthouse Realty................................................................1 (Cover) Lighthouse Realty..............................................................................3 REALTOR Contact & Website Information.....................................6 Lighthouse Realty..............................................................................9 MOM Board of Realtors................................................................ 11 Essential Real Estate...................................................................... 12 RJ II Associates, LLC....................................................................... 15 Lighthouse Realty........................................................................... 17 Lighthouse Realty........................................................................... 20

LUMBER COMPANIES

Carter Lumber....................................................................................4 Somsel Lumber............................................................................... 19

INSURANCE AGENCIES

State Farm Insurance Agency..........................................................5

FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS

Shelby State Bank.......................................................................... 21 Treadstone Residential Mortgage............................................... 23

HOME IMPROVEMENT/ DECOR COMPANIES

Northwoods Outdoor Stoves....................................................... 13 REDEEMED........................................................................................7 Slawinski Surveying & Mapping................................................... 24

ADVICE FOR THE HOME

Winterize your home.................................................................... 4-5 Did you know? Holiday Decorating................................................7 How to host a socially distant truck-or-treat..................................8 How to protect kids by securing furniture & TVs....................... 10 Home inspections 101.................................................................. 14 Changing furnace filters................................................................ 16 Enjoy a homespun Halloween holiday...................................18-19 Common causes of house fires...............................................20-21 How to recognize when you can stop mowing.......................... 22

2

Your Next Home • October 2020

Custom Built, Move In Ready!

Lynda Beaton (231) 383-0404

4 bedrooms, 3.5 bath home on 4 acres!

Open Floor plan, Perfect for entertaining!

Attached Garage + Pole Barn Central A/C, High Speed Internet, Nat. Gas 4605 Steffens Rd., Arcadia Offered at $324,900, currently under contract

Price

Judianne Sibley (231) 239-1333

Judianne#golighthouserealty.com

Reduction

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

MLS #20017059

2 ACRES HARBOR DR

$395,000

active contingent!

Trusted Experienced October 2020 • Your Next Home

3

HOME

Winterize Your Home

Now is the time to prepare your home for winter. A few simple suggestions will help you save energy while decreasing your utility bills.

the edge of the frame. Patch the weak points with some type of sealant by squirting it on and smoothing it over.

v Stop Energy Loss with Doors Insulation strips work great around doors and can be applied easily just like sticky tape to help prevent unnecessary cold air from entering your home. Also makes sense to use a draft guard on the bottom of your door’s interior.

v Consider Double Pane It might be worth investing in double pane windows if you haven’t already. This could save you hundreds of dollar on your utility bill.

v Well Insulated Windows Cracks around window frames are a popular escape point for warm air. Check for weak points around your windows by running the palm of your hand around

v Use Window Coverings Closing blinds or curtains after dark traps in the warm air and prevents drafts, especially if they have thermal backing for added warmth retention. Shrink wrapping your windows will also help retain warmth.

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!

4

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.

Your Next Home • October 2020

v Fill Floor Gaps Most homes have gaps between the skirting board and the floor, and if you have floorboards there’s likely to be a few gaps between them too. Silicone sealer works great to fill the gaps, and putting a rug down isn’t a bad idea either. v Insulate the Attic One of the most efficient energy savings options is to make sure your attic or loft is well-insulated. There are a variety of insulation options available for your home or garage. v Cover Cold Walls If you have a concrete wall in your home with no or bad insulation, it’s a good idea to add insulation and cover with plasterboards or sheetrock.

• Run ceiling fans in reverse • Shut off your outside water source • Flush out your irrigation system • Give your heating system a tune-up • Insulate pipes & seal ducts

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 October 2020 • Your Next Home

5

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

INFORMATION

Essential Real Estate............................. 231-942-9334

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

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

Shelby State Bank......................................................... www.shelbybank.com Slawinski Surveying & Mapping........... 231-690-9795 Somsel Lumber..................................... 231-362-3103 State Farm Insurance - Mary Sturdevant.231-723-9905

Treadstone Residential Mortgage......... 616-326-2201 www.treadstonemortgage.com 6

Your Next Home • October 2020

Did You Know?

It is customary to decorate for the holiday season, but not everyone has the time, inclination or wherewithal to handle the task. Those who want to enjoy the holidays but do not have time to decorate can rely on the services of professional holiday decorators. These individuals are available across the United States and Canada and can design top-notch lighting displays. Depending on the decorator, interior and exterior design services may be available. Professional decorators can work in residential or commercial settings. Furthermore, some services may include preventative maintenance as well as timely takedown of decorations once the season is over. Hiring a professional has its merits, including time savings, reduced injury risk and the assurance that a clean and thorough job will be done. Professional decorating also eliminates the need to store lights and other decorations between seasons, freeing up valuable storage space.

---------------

R

---------------

---------------

---------------

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

Over 50 Vendors! Stop In Today!

231-887-4222

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

7

HOME

How to host a socially distant trunk-or-treat

Halloween in 2020 figures to be unlike any other.

The outbreak of the novel coronavirus COVID-19 that began in the winter of 2019-20 forced governments across the globe to issue social distancing mandates designed to stop the spread of the virus. Such mandates included restrictions on the size of gatherings, and those restrictions remain in place in many places across the globe.

Halloween celebrations are social by nature, so celebrants will have to get creative if they want to show off their costumes and cash in on candy in 2020. While Halloween 2020 will likely include some type of foray into uncharted territory, one relatively recent Halloween tradition seems tailor-made for a socially distant Halloween.

If the event is in your neighborhood, residents can organize separate events on a street-by-street basis so kids only visit trunks on their streets. If the event will be in a large parking lot, encourage parents to sign up early and let them know only a limited number of cars will be allowed to park in the lot and participate in the event.

Trunk-or-treating is a popular Halloween tradition in suburbs and rural areas where homeowners’ nearest neighbors may be not be within comfortable walking distance. During trunk-ortreat celebrations, kids still get to walk around, show off their costumes and go home with candy, but they do so in a more controlled setting. That control makes trunk-or-treating ideal for a socially distant Halloween, and the following are some ways parents can pull off such an event in a way that’s safe and fun.

• Create an age-specific schedule. An age-specific schedule can help participants have fun and reduce their exposure to other people. Halloween 2020 is on a Saturday, so trunk-ortreat organizers can stagger the times kids are out and about throughout the day. For example, kids between the ages of three and five can trunk-or-treat from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m., while those between the ages of six and 10 can trunk-or-treat from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m., and so on.

• Host the event in a big parking lot where it’s easy to stay socially distant. Trunk-or-treats can take place in suburban neighborhoods, but that might make it difficult for participating kids and their parents to stay six feet apart from other families. If possible, arrange to host the event in a large, empty parking lot so kids can walk from one car to the other without compromising social distancing regulations. Make sure cars are at least six feet apart, and ideally even further apart so families can comfortably maintain their distance from one another.

• Encourage all participants to wear masks. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention notes that masks can slow the spread of COVID-19 by protecting Halloween celebrants from people who have the virus but are asymptomatic. Masks also can reduce the likelihood that asymptomatic people unknowingly spread the virus to others. Traditional Halloween masks typically have holes for people’s noses, mouths and eyes, so they won’t be effective in the fight against COVID-19.

Parents and youngsters participating in trunk-or-treat events should wear masks that cover their noses and their mouths and fit snugly against the sides of their faces.

• Limit participants. Organizers should limit the number of participants so everyone involved can safely stay six feet apart.

Halloween 2020 may be different, but there are still safe, fun ways to celebrate this beloved holiday.

8

Your Next Home • October 2020

It’s your largest Investment!

Sell with confidence...

Put John’s 25+ years experience to work for

You!

When “Opportunity Knocks” Call John!

John Hanson

231.510.5543

jhanson@golighthouserealty.com

October 2020 • Your Next Home

9

HOME

How to protect kids by securing furniture & TVs

Parents go to great lengths to protect their children.

Much of those efforts may be directed at potential threats outside the home, but it’s equally important that parents prioritize safety inside their homes as well.

According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, a child in the United States is injured in a television or furniture tip-over incident about 43 minutes. Tip-over incidents are preventable, and the CPSC offers the following tips to protect children.

• Use sturdy furniture.

When choosing furniture to hold a television, be sure to read product descriptions to ensure you’re only buying furniture designed to hold a television. Items described as “television stands” or “media centers” are designed to hold televisions, but size and weight restrictions also must be considered when buying such products. TV stands and media centers are only safe if they are designed to hold televisions that are the size of your TV. • Secure the television.

The CPSC recommends that all televisions be secured by mounting or anchoring them to the wall. Properly mounted televisions likely won’t come off the wall no matter how curious kids are, but no item should be lower than 27 inches from the ground. Parents who can’t or don’t want to mount their televisions can purchases anchoring kits, which the CPSC notes cost as little as $5 and take as few as five minutes to install. Parents hesitant to do the job themselves can have televisions mounted or anchored by professional 10

installers for a nominal fee. Many electronics retailers offer installation services as well.

• Secure top-heavy furniture.

Top-heavy furniture also should be secured to prevent tip-overs. Anti-tip brackets are inexpensive and can be used to secure dressers, bookshelves and other pieces that pose a threat to curious youngsters. Anchoring furniture secures items to the wall, and the CPSC notes that a lot of newly built furniture is sold with anti-tip devices. These devices should be installed immediately so children are safe from the moment a new piece is brought into the home.

• Remove tempting objects.

Curious kids may try to climb furniture if they see toys, remote controls or other enticing items on top of televisions, dressers or bookshelves. Keep such items low or stored in low drawers to remove the temptation to climb.

Tip-over incidents are deadly but preventable. Parents who recognize this threat to their youngsters’ safety can ensure that their homes remain safe environments for curious kids.

Your Next Home • October 2020

October 2020 • Your Next Home

11

Michael Kruse Realtor/Associate 231-690-8882

Jenna Mahoney Realtor/Associate 231-942-9334

Buying, Selling, Leasing & Management

Therran Ferguson Broker/Owner 231-510-1790

Covering all your Essential Real Estate Needs.

231-299-1180

www.EssentialRealEstate.org 12

Your Next Home • October 2020

The Ultimate Wood Heat.

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

The Classic Edge HDX is U.S. EPA Certified

• More Comfort - Thermostatically controlled wood heat.

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

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

• Durability - Long-lasting, stainless steel firebox.

NORTHWOODS Dealership Name OUTDOOR STOVES

Outdoor Wood Furnace

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

CentralBoiler.com > Explore > How it Works

CentralBoiler.com

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

October 2020 • Your Next Home

VIDEO: How It Works

20-0101

13

©2020 Central Boiler – Ad Number 20-0101

This ad size is 5” x 5.2”

HOME

Home inspections 101

The process of buying a home can be unlike any experience prospective buyers have ever had. After finding a home they like and coming to an agreement on a sale price with the seller, buyers can expect to add many items to their to-do list. One of the first things to jot down on that list is scheduling a home inspection.

Home inspections are a vital part of the home buying process. Such inspections can protect buyers as they’re on the cusp of making what will likely be the most significant investment of their lives. Understanding the home inspection process can help buyers during an exciting yet potentially nerve-wracking time in their lives.

What is a home inspection?

The American Society of Home Inspectors defines a home inspection as an objective visual examination of the physical structure and systems of a house.

Inspectors will conduct visual examinations from the roof to the foundation of the home. Additional structures on the property, such as sheds or detached outdoor living areas, are not typically included in the examination.

What do inspectors examine?

The ASHI notes that inspectors will examine the condition of various parts of the home. The heating system, central air conditioning unit, interior plumbing and electrical systems, roof (though inspectors will not climb onto the roof), attic and insulation will be examined. Inspectors also will examine walls, ceilings, floors, windows, doors, the 14

foundation of the home, basement (or crawl space), and structural components.

Can a home fail inspection?

Homes cannot fail home inspections, which are just assessments of a home’s existing condition. Municipal inspections are separate inspections conducted by government agencies to verify that a property is in compliance with local codes. Home inspectors will provide detailed reports describing the condition of a home and indicate if any repairs are in order.

Do I really need a home inspection?

A home inspection is a vital component that can help buyers make the most informed decision possible.

Forgoing an inspection can leave buyers vulnerable to potentially costly repairs and issues with a home that might have been detected with a proper home inspection. In addition, some lenders insist that buyers have home inspections conducted before they will allow them to borrow money.

Home inspections can protect home buyers as they prepare to make the most significant financial investment of their lives. More information about inspections can be found at www.homeinspector.org.

Your Next Home • October 2020

n vi i g L M t n a e d e m e E r asy i t e R

Manistee’s ONLY 55+ Active Adult Community Enjoy low maintenance living Custom open floor plan home designs

Homes starting at

$125,000

Models Open Daily Visit us on

956 Tennessee Ave., Manistee Off Eastlake Road • 1 Mile South of M-55

231.887.4512

www.thebluffsonmanisteelake.com October 2020 • Your Next Home

15

HOME

Changing furnace filters

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

dander, pollen, etc., it starts to get clogged. Over time, the clog can build up and make it much more difficult for air to pass through. This causes the blower to work harder to force warm air in to your home, increasing your energy bill and eventually causing the blower motor to overheat and burn out. v Also, the reduction in airflow means it will take

longer to heat your home. If the filters get too stopped up and your airflow gets too bad, there’s a chance many rooms further away from the HVAC system won’t get any warm air at all! Essentially, this means higher heating costs to you. v In addition, if you don’t replace your filter often

enough, anyone living in your home with asthma, 16

allergies or other respiratory problems may find their symptoms aggravated when the air is not effectively cleansed. v Changing your furnace filters regularly is the

best thing you can do to ensure proper furnace operation all winter long. Filters work to clean debris and dust from the air, resulting in better indoor air quality.

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

Your Next Home • October 2020

Bear Lake Hunting Land or BuiLd Site!

14925 Leffew Rd

40 Acres, about 10% Wooded. 2 Mobile Homes, Shed, Outhouse and Well Pump Included. Electric Service already on site!

Offered at $99,900

great Hunting up nortH getaway!

Heather Barker (231) 510-5505

Healy Lake Road

80 Acres of mixed Hardwoods, Pines and Fields. Hunting Camper Included

heather@golighthouserealty.com

Offered at $149,900

updated FarmHouSe on 16 acreS! Casey Tennant (231) 233-7613

casey@golighthouserealty.com

11272 Chippewa Hwy. | Bear Lake

Beautifully updated 3 Bedroom, 1 Bath home with 2 Car Detached Garage, Indoor Riding Arena and Barn! Updates include: New Flooring, Water Heater, Furnace, Electric Service and Wired for Generator.

Offered at $299,999

October 2020 • Your Next Home

17

HOME

Enjoy a homespun Halloween holiday

Halloween is a day many people, including adults and children, eagerly anticipate. Steeped in tradition, Halloween is a day that’s always good for a scare and, of course, some candy.

Many Halloween traditions are rooted in customs from the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain. Samhain marked the end of the summer harvest and the beginning of the cold winter. Celts believed that the boundary between the world of the living and the dead was permeable on the night before the new year, when it was possible for ghosts to return and wreak havoc.

Halloween 2020 will likely feel a little different than it’s been in years past, as a global pandemic has forced people to limit their interactions with those who live outside their homes. But even if trick-ortreating or other social gatherings are not possible, there are many ways to enjoy the Halloween festivities.

Build a Samhain bonfire Gather the supplies for a bonfire — albeit on a smaller scale. Light a fire in a fire pit or outdoor fireplace. While ancient Celts burned crops and other things as sacrifices to Celtic deities, your bonfire can be what you make of it. If you want some dramatic effect, the science resource ScienceStruck notes the addition of metal salts can change the color of flames in the fire. For example, iron fillings produce gold sparks and copper sulfate 18

will make green flames. Wear costumes and make s’mores while around the Samhain fire.

Make a witch’s brew Images of witches stirring a bubbling cauldron are ubiquitous on Halloween. Families can create their own Halloween “spells” and mix up a batch of potion over a campfire or on the stove. It can be a favorite soup or stew recipe, or cocktails and mocktails for the kids. Here’s a recipe for “Witch’s Your Next Home • October 2020

Brew,” courtesy of the Food Network® and Sandra Lee.

ginger ale. If desired, add two cups chilled vodka.

Stir gently to mix. Enjoy.

Pour one 6-ounce package of lime gelatin into a large bowl. Slowly stir in 2 cups boiling water. Stir for at least 2 minutes until the gelatin is completely dissolved. Stir in 3 cups chilled pineapple juice. Let cool to room temperature.

Purchase a plastic cauldron from a party supply store and one block of dry ice. Break up the dry ice and place (using tongs or heavy-duty gloves) into the bottom of the cauldron. Pour a little water on top just to cover to get the ice to start “smoking.” Place a punch bowl that fits inside the cauldron on top of the dry ice.

Organize a community jack-o’-lantern carving contest Large turnips and potatoes were once reserved as canvases for Halloween jack-o’-lanterns, but pumpkins now are the gourd of choice. Ask neighbors if they would like to participate in the festivities and contribute toward supplies for a Halloween gift basket as a prize. Each household then carves a pumpkin and places it on their doorstep Halloween night. One person can serve as judge and choose the winner. Whoever is chosen gets the basket, which can be filled with treats and trinkets.

Pour the drink mixture in the punch bowl. Slowly add a two-liter bottle of chilled lemon lime soda or

Everyone can enjoy some Halloween fun even if they have to stay closer to home this year.

POLE BUILDINGS LET US QUOTE YOURS Custom • Deluxe • Ag

Somsel Lumber Company Kaleva October 2020 • Your Next Home

231-362-3103

19

HOME According to the Consumer Products Safety Commission, roughly 25,000 home fires causing more than 300 deaths occur in the United States each year. Homeowners can keep themselves and their families safe by being aware of the dangers around a home that can contribute to house fires and the preventive measures that can reduce the risk for such fires. According to the National Fire Protection Association, the following are the most common factors that can lead to fires around the house.

Common causes of house fires • Cooking accidents: It can take mere seconds for grease splatters or an overheated pan or pot to cause a fire. Stay in the kitchen at all times when cooking.

• Heaters: Have furnaces and other heating appliances regularly inspected. Keep portable heaters away from anything that can burn, including curtains and furniture. Do not leave portable heaters running while you are sleeping or out of the home.

• Smoking: Smoking inside a home can lead to

$364,000 • MLS#20035544 4430 Red Apple Rd • Manistee Beautiful 6 bedroom 3 full bath country home on 10 acres!

3 Bedroom ranch home on over 25 acres! Home features full basement with large recreation room, two and a half car attached garage, full irrigation system, and dry hydrants through out the property. The property is tillable/farmable for a nice garden or corn plots for you hunters.

Spacious work shop out back with water and heat. Large pole barn for all your seasonal toys.

Property has various fruit trees, grape vines. Home is located just minutes from Sundling Park and Magoon Creek great for the outdoor enthusiast or beach glass hunter. Also perfect for some cross country skiing in the winter!

Extraordinary Service In Every Price Range

20

Kerri Mackey

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

Your Next Home • October 2020

fires. Some people forget to extinguish the smoke or embers may fall, while butts may smoulder for hours before causing flames to form. • Washers and dryers: Between 2010 and 2014, American fire departments responded to an estimated 15,970 home fires involving clothes dryers or washing machines each year. Mechanical or electrical failure or malfunction was involved in the vast majority of home fires involving washing machines. Failure to clean dryers also can cause fires to ignite. • Candles: Candles can add ambiance to a room and are commonly used in decorations, but they also can be a fire hazard. Candles easily can be knocked over by children, pets and others. Do not leave candles lit and unattended.

October 2020 • Your Next Home

21

HOME

How to recognize when you can stop mowing

Each weekend in spring, summer and fall, millions of homeowners fire up their mowers and cut the grass in their yards. A few hours spent mowing the lawn can be a great time to get some sun and some exercise in the great outdoors.

As fall gradually transitions to winter, homeowners may wonder when to stop mowing their lawns. Each lawn is different, and when to stop mowing may depend on a host of factors, including local climate and the type of turf. In addition to climate and turf, homeowners can keep an eye on these conditions to determine when the time is right to put their mowers away for the winter.

• Frost: Warm-season grasses typically go dormant after a couple of significant frosts. Homeowners can jot down each frost during fall. Frosts are most noticeable in the early morning hours, so be sure to check lawn conditions each morning as the weather begins to grow cold. Frost may be noticeable without even going outside, but homeowners may need to go outside to check on chilly mornings or on days when the previous night was especially cold. If you must go outside, stay off the grass to protect it. Two or three frosts might be enough to make warm-season grasses go dormant for the winter. Cool-season grasses may keep growing and require moving even after a few frosts, so it’s imperative that homeowners determine which type of grass is in their yards.

• Soil temperature: If it’s hard to determine if frosts have occurred, homeowners can try checking the temperature of their soil to decide if they need to keep mowing. The lawn care experts at Pennington 22

recommend homeowners continue mowing warmseason grasses so long as they keep growing. Lawns may not grow as quickly in fall as they do in spring or summer, and growth may not be as visible to the naked eye during this time of year as it is in other times.

Homeowners can routinely check soil temperature to determine if their grasses have stopped growing.

Warm-season grasses tend to stop growing once the soil temperature is consistently at 55 F or below, while cool-season grasses tend to stop when temperatures are 45 F or lower.

Falling leaves have long been a barometer used by homeowners to determine if they need to keep mowing their lawns. That’s not necessarily a reliable metric, as grass can still keep growing even if leaves have been falling for weeks. In addition, using a mulching mower when leaves begin falling is a great way to provide the lawn with nutrients it can use throughout the winter.

Some trees shed their leaves more quickly than others, but it’s a good rule of thumb that lawns will need to keep being mowed if trees are still retaining more than half their leaves.

A host of factors can help homeowners determine when it’s safe to put their mowers away for the winter.

Your Next Home • October 2020

What’s in a name?

Everything A company’s reputation is like a good handshake—significant and impactful.

our passion Positively Impact Lives

Stuart Wilson Loan Officer | NMLS 1778344

616.326.2201

our niche

StuartW@ treadstonemortgage.com www.treadstonemortgage.com

Mortgages – Better. Faster. Smarter.

three uniques 1. Best people in the industry.

2. Proactive communication throughout.

3. Make a complex process simple.

October 2020 • Your Next Home

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

23

Team!

Buyi ng Sellin or g?

Need to kn ow prope rty lines ?

Take advantage of our shared knowledge of the real estate industry. Lynda can help you through the buying or selling process of your home while Bob at Slawinski Surveying & Mapping can make sure you know exactly what you’re buying and where your plot lines are drawn.

256 Hughes Street Manistee, MI 49660 231-690-9795 Bobms44a@gmail.com

Slawinski Surveying & Mapping Robert Slawinski

Professional Land Surveyor

Lynda Beaton Associate-Broker

231-383-0404 Lynda@golighthouserealty.com

24

Your Next Home • October 2020