Today's Home - Winter 2016

Supplement to the Federal Way Mirror, Auburn Reporter, Covington Maple Valley Reporter and Kent Reporter

Winter 2016

[2] January 29, 2016

WINTER 2016

Today’s HOME

Winter 2016 Exterior Painting Preparation Tips for Home Owners You can make prep work go quickly and smoothly by doing some prep of your own. The following is a helpful checklist to follow to ensure your home’s exterior is ready prior to the ProTect Painters professionals arriving at your home.

Before ProTect Painters Pressure Wash Your Home: • Trim back landscaping to allow painters close access to siding and trim • Move items, such as potted plants and/or lawn furniture, to allow close access to siding and trim

Why Customers Choose ProTect Painters?

We are ProTect Painters, a full-service, interior and exterior painting company. We believe in helping others fully realize the pride and joy of home ownership. We, not only treat our customers like family, ProTect Painters treats your home like it was our own, by finding the right color that represents you and your space. We’re professional painters that never cut corners in delivering unparalleled quality YOUR home is our showcase.

What makes ProTect Painters different? We always do what we say we are going to do! We’re proud of the Top 5 reasons why customers choose ProTect Painters: 1. Gift of Time: ProTect Painters manages the entire project from beginning to end.

2. Upfront Pricing: A detailed plan. No hidden costs.

3. Color Consult: Our painting professionals provide the right color for your surroundings.

4. Flexible and Reliable: Experienced in working with your schedule.

5. Communication: Always knowing what’s happening and when.

Transform your home with a new coat of paint!

• Make sure water spigots are in good working order for pressure washing • Close your windows on pressure washing days • Check window sills for water after pressure washing is completed

Before ProTect Painters Begin Prep and Painting: • Have paint colors selected approximately one week prior to scheduled painting • Move items, such as potted plants and/or lawn furniture, to allow close access to siding and trim • Ensure that the painters will have access to electrical outlets • Designate a safe area where the crew can leave their ladders and miscellaneous equipment • Coordinate your painting plans with other potential tradespeople working on your project • Reschedule lawn service and turn off sprinklers while your house is being painted • Unlock windows on the days they are painted – it is necessary to open and shut

Terry & Jeanette Koubele

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• Ensure access to doors that will need to be painted, as they may need to be open for several hours on the day they are painted

Call 253-561-8494 TODAY for your free estimate!

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Today’s HOME

WINTER 2016

January 29, 2016 [3]

Winter 2016

Welcome to Tile Lines‌ What project are you working on?

We’re a family-owned retail tile and stone showroom located in Kent, Washington. We provide a wide range of quality products to homeowners, designers, and contractors from Seattle, Tacoma, Kent, Renton, Auburn, Federal Way, and the greater King County area. We have a great selection of porcelain tiles, granite and marble tile for floors and countertops, travertine tiles for showers, floors, and backsplash projects. We can help you order solid surface countertops in granite, marble, and quartz. We have many decorative glass, metal, and stone tile and mosaic options on display. In-store designers can assist with ideas and product selection and answer many installation-related questions. We stock many installation supplies, including thinset mortar and grout, as well as shower waterproofing kits such as Wedi and Schluter Kerdi. Unlike the big box home improvement stores, we deal exclusively with tile and tile products; so we have consistently better selection, better information, and better customer service. Stop by today and see what’s in store!

Over 1OO,OOO tile options, and we’ll KHOS \RX žQG WKH perfect one.

Our new retail showroom is open to homeowners, designers, and contractors.

We offer complimentary in-store design assistance and professional installation advice.

Stop by to see thousands of products: from durable lOOR TILES TO SLEEK SHOWER tiles, from decorative accents FOR KITCHEN BACKSPLASHES TO beautiful granite, marble, and quartz for your countertops...

Whether you plan to install YOUR NEW SHOWER lOOR

OR BACKSPLASH YOURSELF OR IF you’re just supervising, we have the experience and THE KNOWLEDGE TO GUIDE YOU through your project!

S Kent Des Moines Rd Willis St

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Allow us to guide you through your next tile or countertop project! Whether you need a kitchen countertop with a coordinating backsplash or are replacing your bathtub with a walk-in shower, we can provide installation advice, design assistance, and one of the biggest selections of tile and stone in the Northwest. We offer complementary design assistance! Our talented staff can help you choose the right tiles, countertops, and decorative pieces to fit your style and your home. We also have numerous in-store design boards, product samples, and idea books that can help with the design process.

Frequently Asked Questions about our Products: Why can’t I buy any products on your website? Tile and stone can look extremely different on a computer screen than they do in real life. We strongly recommend you see the color and feel the texture of a tile in person before buying. Choosing a product that you’ll live with for 10+ years without seeing it in person is like buying a new car without taking it for a test drive!

We may, in the future, sell non-design items such as thinset and tools on our website and have them available for delivery or in-store pick-up. Subscribe to our quarterly email newsletter, to keep up to date on our latest website and product developments.

I found a tile/stone at another store. Can you order it for me? More often than not, yes! We work with over 30 different tile distributors, hundreds of tile manufacturers, and can order over 100,000 tile and stone products. Contact us with the name of the product and when and where you saw it, and we’ll be able to tell you if we can get it and how much it would cost. However, if a man-made product has been discontinued, is exclusive to another retailer (such as a Home Depot or Lowe’s), or is unavailable in our region, we might not be able to order it.

When looking for natural stone products from several different sources; so even if Company A stopped carrying a product, Company B might still have it. We always recommend seeing a sample of the current batch of any natural stone material in person, due to the high variation inherent in the product. The stone sample you saw three months ago might look very different from a current sample from the exact same company or quarry.

I have a tile I’m trying to match, can you help? We’ll certainly try! At least once a week, a homeowner comes to us with a broken piece of tile from a damaged shower or an old floor and asks if we can order it or something like it.

Occasionally, we can track down the manufacturer and order more of the exact same tile.

But if the tile is out of production or completely unavailable, we’ll let you know up front and recommend alternatives.

Submitted by Darrell Helbling, owner of Tile Lines, website www.tilelines.com.

[4] January 29, 2016

WINTER 2016

Today’s HOME

Winter 2016

Modern Design Tips to Set Your Home Apart (StatePoint) If it’s time for a remodel -- or even just a refresh of your home’s dated décor – it may be time to think modern.

Innovations in technology and design can offer your home efficiency, luxury and sophistication, and even improve your home’s resale value. Here are a few trends to consider.

ger serve as the primary way people heat their homes, they continue to be a focal point, both aesthetically and as a gathering place for family and friends, even in spaces characterized by modern design.

New Kitchen Whatever purpose your kitchen serves, be it simply a workplace for meal prep or the hub of the home, you can give the room a clean modern look while retaining its functionality and aesthetic appeal.

Stainless steel appliances and hardware coupled with butcher block countertops harmonize nicely and are beautiful design elements that lend themselves to both modern form and function.

Modern design is all about streamlined simplicity, so use this opportunity to rid your kitchen of clunky, clutter-causing gadgets you don’t use -- especially those that don’t match your updated look.

The Fireplace The hearth has been, and continues to be, the heart of the home. While fireplaces may no lon-

anywhere you want to create ambiance with a stunning focal point. Check out options specifically designed to fit smaller rooms or unique spaces – like the REVO, which is only seven inches deep and features venting technology that opens up opportunities for installation in places and homes previously thought impossible.

From a resale perspective, a fireplace adds $3,600 on average to the value of a home, and creates a design focal point that sets it apart from the rest of the inventory on the market.

Hidden Storage

New gas fireplace designs are focusing on clean lines, sometimes replacing logs with materials like crushed glass, and the traditional masonry look with metallic fronts. For a highend look, the MEZZO unit features a modern, see-through front.

Also consider incorporating a fireplace into your kitchen, bathroom, master bedroom or

For a modern look, the more devoid your space is of clutter, the better. And this goal in minimalism is informing many homeowners’ design decisions. Look for spaces that can serve as hidden, unique storage solutions, like carve outs or drawers that extend from under the staircase or storage spaces built between rooms. These modern twists on traditional storage will allow you to keep those items you need, but don’t want displayed, out of sight but not out of mind.

Modern design can set your home apart, offering sophistication and efficiency without compromising comfort.

Don’t Let Cold Weather Delay Important Energy Saving Home Upgrades (StatePoint) Think you missed this year’s season to make energy efficient exterior upgrades? Many homeowners are reluctant to start exterior remodeling improvements in the cooler months because they worry about the potential to let in a draft during the installation process. In reality, this is one of the times of year you will most feel the impact of an upgrade to energy-efficient windows, doors and insulated siding, and the remodeling can be done with minimal impact on the comfort of your home.

Here are a few reasons not to delay:

out using caulk designed to withstand temperature extremes, installation professionals can minimize a home’s exposure to the elements during the replacement process.

Timing Winter can be an ideal time to initiate upgrades.

By taking care of your project now, you avoid the busier spring season. Plus, the sooner you make enhancements that increase efficiency and comfort, the sooner you can reap those benefits. Why let another winter pass you by feeling chilly in your home and paying for wasted energy?

Installation Process Innovations in home remodeling are making year-round upgrades easier than ever. For example, Window World, America’s largest exterior remodeler, can use one-to-one window and door installation methods, meaning one unit is replaced at a time. By fully sealing the perimeter inside and

Superior Products The U.S. Department of Energy estimates that nearly 50 percent of a household’s annual energy consumption goes to heating and cooling. The right exterior updates can offer curb appeal while also keeping your home comfortable.

Today’s highly efficient window systems can provide substantial savings for your home. Check out new technologies, such as SolarZone Low-E

Glass, which uses a microscopic, metallic coating on the interior surface of an insulating glass unit. This coating keeps your home warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer. Such glass packages also include features like Argon gas between the glass lites, which has a low thermal conductivity and high density, making it an ideal insulating agent.

Another efficient enhancement you shouldn’t delay is insulated siding. It provides a thermal barrier between you and the outside elements, helping to lower energy bills throughout the year. In addition, the insulative backing improves durability, minimizing the appearance of common dings.

Lastly, entry doors can be beautiful, durable and high performing. For example, the fiberglass doors offered by Window World provide considerable insulating improvement over wood. While maintaining the aesthetic appeal of traditional doors, the long-lasting materials stand up to severe conditions to create an exceptional barrier to the outdoor elements.

Don’t wait until the birds are chirping and the flowers are blooming to improve home comfort.

Enjoy your home in winter and summer alike, with an environment that’s as comfortable and efficient as it is beautiful.

To learn more about energy efficiency and high-quality exterior products, visit www.WindowWorld.com.

WINTER 2016

Today’s HOME

January 29, 2016 [5]

Winter 2016

How to choose a mortgage lender. Selecting the Right Mortgage Lender.

Selecting a mortgage lender is one of the most important steps in the process of buying a home and an experienced lender can make the process a lot more comfortable.

While you might focus initially on the interest rate of your loan, it can make a difference if the lender has local knowledge and presence. When you get a loan from a local company, you’ll benefit from the flexibility that comes with local decision-making. In other words, you won’t have some committee halfway across the country deciding whether or not your loan is approved. Another advantage of borrowing locally is the lender is likely to be familiar with the town or neighborhood you’re considering. This local knowledge is especially helpful if you’re looking at a unique property. Of course, when you take out a mortgage with a local company, your loan also helps stimulate the local economy.

In addition to the interest rate on the loan, you should also take a close look at the fees your lender will be assessing. These fees are often referred to as “closing costs” and can include various combinations of the following: • Origination fee • Discount fee • Underwriting fee • Processing fee • Administrative fee • Loan Review fee

Marcy Duenhoelter AVP, Mortgage Loan Officer NMLS ID:285468 Allenmore Office 253.671.3733

Scott Leingang AVP, Mortgage Loan Officer NMLS ID:284305 Lakewood Office 253.671.0839

When talking to your prospective lenders, ask them to provide you with a written estimate of your Rate/ Fees and all Closing Costs which includes the A.P.R. (annual percentage rate). This document will disclose your interest rate, as well as all of the loan and lender

fees. When reviewing, be sure to look at the A.P.R. which discloses the combination of the interest rate and the fees. The closer A.P.R. is to the interest rate, the lower the upfront cost of the loan. For example, if the quoted interest rate is 3.75% and the A.P.R. is 4.875%, then you know you are paying upfront costs to obtain the interest rate of 3.75%.

Many factors can affect your loan, interest rate and fees. These include: • Your credit score • Amount of down payment relative to total cost – also known as Loan to Value Ratio • Income vs. monthly debt – also known as Debt to Income Ratio • Property type – single family, duplex, condominium • Occupancy plans – owner occupied or rental Together, you and your lender will determine the best loan for you based on such factors as credit score, down payment, how long you plan to remain in the home, etc.

Choosing a lender comes down to trust and education. Find someone you can communicate with, who asks you questions, honestly answers your questions and provides you with knowledgeable service. After all, a mortgage loan is more than likely to be the biggest financial obligation in your life.

[6] January 29, 2016

WINTER 2016

Today’s HOME

Winter 2016

No Room For The Winter Blues When is your yard and garden most beautiful?

Answers often vary between spring, summer, and fall. When is your yard and garden at its worst?

The overwhelming answer, from northwest gardeners, is most often “winter”. But a beautiful garden should always be in season. Even in the grey of winter there are numerous plants ready to take “center stage” and fill your garden with beauty and drama. It is possible to add color, texture, fragrance, and yes, even flowers to the winter landscape.

It is time to say goodbye to the boring winter blues and say hello to a fresh look out your winter window. And your window is actually where you should begin. There are many locations in the yard that we seldom frequent during the winter’s cold and rainy days. But there are areas that we walk past or look at regularly out our windows that should be beautiful and inviting even in the winter.

Here are a few great choices to make your winter garden as beautiful and enjoyable as your garden is the rest of the year.

Sarcococca ruscifolia, (sweet box) is a small to medium, evergreen shrub that prefers shade and consistently moist soil. You will also want to place this plant near your front door or an area you

walk past during the winter months. Sarcococca’s winter blooms are small but their intense vanilla fragrance will fill the air for several weeks during the winter.

Mahonia aquifolium, (Oregon grape) is native to the Pacific Northwest. Shiny, holly-like leaves turn bright red, orange, and yellow as they age adding color to the winter landscape. But the bright yellow flower clusters that appear in the winter are number one reason to find a place for this plant. They are an important food source for “Anna’s Hummingbird”, the species of hummingbird that stays here in the northwest during the winter. The flowers are also followed by clusters of dusty blue berries that provide food for other birds and wildlife later in the season.

Callicarpa, (Beautyberry)

Helleborus, (Lenten rose) is a clump-forming, winter blooming, perennial which typically grows 1-1.5’ tall. The cup shaped, rose like flowers are held on thick stems rising above the foliage.

Flower color is extremely variable, ranging from white to pink to light rose-purple, frequently with interior spotting. The flowers will persist for 8 – 10 weeks. This heavy bloomer establishes quickly and deserves a place in every winter garden. Hellebor do well in part shade to full shade but also perform well even in full sun in our northwest gardens.

This medium sized, deciduous shrub is a good selection for the back of the border, but be certain to have a view of it from your window so you can be sure to enjoy the fall and winter “surprise” it brings to your garden.

Very non-descript during the spring and summer, Beautyberry provides a basic, supporting role in the landscape. The basic green shrub provides a pleasing background for other, more dramatic plants.

By late fall Beautyberry suddenly leaps to center stage when it drops its leaves to reveal hundreds of brightly colored, tightly clustered berries that remain on the bush well into winter. A real show stopper!

YOUR FIRST STOP FOR GARDENING, GIFTS & HOME DECOR

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320th & Military Rd., Federal Way, WA 253.941.7705 • Federal Way Commons Mall 253-736-4644 • branchesgardencenter.com

Today’s HOME

WINTER 2016

January 29, 2016 [7]

Winter 2016

The purchase & sale of real estate benefits the entire community

Marti Reeder REALTOR®, Broker, CRS

Your Award-Winning, Full-Service Real Estate Specialist

206-391-0388 martireeder.com

Use my search app!

Buying or selling a home not only offers us benefits, like equity, comfort & stability, it also positively impacts our community. Every time a home is sold, it sets off a series of events that generates an economic impact on the area around it. In fact, according to the National Association of Realtors, the transfer of real estate in Washington boosts the economy by $76,000, on average!

Typically, there are 26 services involved in a single real estate transaction in the 30 days before and after a real estate transaction has closed. Buyers and sellers may use services such as home remodel & repair contractors, painters, plumbers, cleaners, etc. during and after the closing of a sale.

In addition, the community experiences a positive economic impact when buyers and sellers utilize the following services: mortgage lending, title insurance, escrow, home appraisal, real estate brokerages, movers, storage facilities, hardware and home product stores, and the purchase of new furniture & appliances.

I love my real estate business because it allows me to serve my community by helping individuals and families own a piece of the American Dream.

Homeownership has a direct, positive impact on the health of our community, and that’s important to me, and it’s good for all of us! – Marti Reeder

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Make Winter Bright with These Fireplace Tips

Safety First With some precautions in mind, the fireplace can be the centerpiece of all your gatherings -- big and small -- or even just low-key evenings with the family.

First, always keep clothing, furniture, draperies and flammable materials at a safe distance.

Don’t be shy about using your fireplace while you have visitors.

Just be sure guests know that it can be very hot during and after use, and remember that children and pets should always be supervised. Keep the remote control (if your unit has one) out of reach.

Factory-provided safety screens, aftermarket freestanding screens, and barriers help reduce burn risk, as they prevent skin from coming into direct contact with hot glass. You can learn more about fireplace safety and request a safety barrier at heatilator.com/Fireplace-Safety.aspx

What to Know A new fireplace can be the perfect home upgrade, and smart technologies are making them more versatile than ever before – ideal for traditional settings, like the family room, as well as bedrooms and even bathrooms.

Different needs will guide your choice. Do you want a fireplace that’s more decorative, or are you interested in high heat output? How do you want to start a fire -- with a wall switch, a log,

a remote control or a thermostat?

Do your research before making any decisions.

Free online resources, available at heatilator.com, can help you determine what fuel choice and style is right for your home -- whether you are looking for a modern or traditional design in a wood-burning, gas, or electric fireplace.

She enjoys home life with her 526 children and raiding your pantry.

Decorate the Mantel The fireplace can be one of the top areas of the home to showcase your decorating skills. Display frames filled with holiday photos of family and friends, scented candles, and bowls of seasonal fruit.

Just be sure all decorations are safely away from heat and flame.

Make your winter a little brighter by getting your fireplace prepped for good times ahead.

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(StatePoint) Fireplaces mean warmth, comfort, and ambiance -- and there’s no better time of year to enjoy one than in the chilly winter months.

To make the most of the experience, consider these tips:

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[8] January 29, 2016

WINTER 2016

Today’s HOME

Winter 2016 SOLERA® SOFT SHADES

Make the smart choice today.

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Keep your home warmer in winter and cooler in summer with insulating Hunter Douglas window fashions. They’re the smart and beautiful way to help lower your energy bills. Ask for details.

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Follow Us on Facebook *Manufacturer’s mail-in rebate offer valid for qualifying purchases made 1/30/16 – 4/11/16 from participating dealers in the U.S. only. A qualifying purchase is defined as a purchase of any of the product models set forth above in the quantities set forth above. If you purchase less than the specified quantity, you will not be entitled to a rebate. Rebate will be issued in the form of a prepaid reward card and mailed within 6 weeks of rebate claim receipt. Funds do not expire. Subject to applicable law, a $2.00 monthly fee will be assessed against card balance 7 months after card issuance and each month thereafter. Additional limitations may apply. Ask participating dealer for details and rebate form. © 2016 Hunter Douglas. All rights reserved. All trademarks used herein are the property of Hunter Douglas. WIN16MB2 55635