Manufactured Homes by BreezeNewspapers

2 Winter 2023

MANUFACTURED HOME COMMUNITY LIVING GUIDE

Winter 2023 3

STAFF

What’s Inside

Publisher Raymond M. Eckenrode reckenrode@breezenewspapers.com

Content

vharring@breezenewspapers.com

Meghan Bradbury, Melinda Myers, LCEC, Better Business Bureau, StatePoint, Brandpoint

Editor

news@breezenewspapers.com

Executive Editor Valarie Harring

Chris Strine cstrine@breezenewspapers.com

Advertising Director

Cover Design Jen Pelegrino jpelegrino@breezenewspapers.com

Laurie Ragle lragle@breezenewspapers.com

Manufactured home market slows across county — Page 5

2510 Del Prado Blvd., Cape Coral, FL 33904 Phone: 239-574-1110 Hours: Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. capecoralbreeze.com

Electrical safety for your furry family members — Page 8 Manufactured home communities on Fort Myers Beach continue to recover following Hurricane Ian — Page 10 Top fire prevention tips — Page 12 Hiring a licensed contractor in Florida: What you need to know — Page 14 How to decide if a home remodel makes financial sense for you — Page 16 Top tips for a more organized kitchen — Page 17 How to handle furniture spills, stains and dents — Page 20 Keeping tropical plants healthy — Page 21 Reduce, reuse, redecorate — Page 22

Manufactured home market slows across Lee County By MEGHAN BRADBURY

news@breezenewspapers.com

With interest rates on the rise once again, and the recent anniversary of Hurricane Ian, the real estate market has slowed down for manufactured homes in Lee County. Mobile Home Lady Owner Antonette Fazlic said they had a huge demand after the hurricane due to buyers losing their homes and looking for a new residence using funding from FEMA and loans. “The market is slow right now. I attribute that to interest rates, as well as we passed the one year anniversary of Ian. It has kind of been up and down,” she said. “The hurricane definitely didn’t help. We are seeing that with real estate in general in Lee County.” The buyers, Fazlic said, are either northerners who sell

their home and move down to Southwest Florida or have a second home here. “What I love about what I do is, I kind of represent the people – the forgotten buyers of real estate,” she said, adding

MANUFACTURED HOME COMMUNITY LIVING GUIDE

that part of the misconception is there is no value in manufactured homes and no one is there to care. “What we have seen is home values have increased.” Fazlic said when she first

started selling homes in Jamaica Bay, they were $30,000, compared to $130,000 now. “We care enough, know about the market and are pushing prices. We represent those people – we see the value,” she said. “We can find something for everybody, regardless of the budget. We don’t turn anyone away.” There are 148 manufactured home parks in Lee County with 66 in North Fort Myers alone. Since 1997 Lee County has required that any new home must be wind zone pre-rated, which she said is the highest rated home available. With this said, most of the homes in Lee County, North Fort Myers area, were built in the 1960s, 1970s and 1980s, See MARKET SLOWS, page 6

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Market slows From page 5 which was 90% of what was sold before Hurricane Ian devastated the area. “The older homes withstood every hurricane that came through,” Fazlic said. “North Fort Myers, it had never experienced any sort of flooding. Most of the damage was wind damage – the carport might have come off.” Manufactured homes have a great deal of misconceptions tied to them, she said, with many comments about financing and insuring the home. “As long as the home passes a four-point inspection, financing is available. We have lenders finance any home at any age. As long as you get insurance, you can finance the home,” she said. In addition, Fazlic said manufactured homes are tax friendly and affordable for retirees. There are options between lot leases and land leases. Realtor Julie Havelka said the

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deal is with the land leases, which is going to depend on the amenities of the park. She said the highest is Jamaica Bay at $1,600 a month because it is a complete lifestyle, and the amenities are impeccable. “The communities have to support insurance for all of those things. A lot of communities give you water, sewer, trash, lawn, cable and internet – they are all included in expenses of your lot,” Havelka said. If a new manufactured home is bought in Lee County, Fazlic said flood elevation is higher off the ground. “Elevation is based on requirements of Lee County. In the areas not considered flood zones, at least three or four feet above the ground,” she said. There is also the option to rent first to see if a manufactured home, and its lifestyle is right for you.

“If you’re not ready to purchase something, rent, see if it is the right fit for you. A lot of people miss out on it because of the misconceptions out there,” Fazlic said. The biggest attractor for manufactured home communities is the lifestyle it presents in the sunshine state. Fazlic said the lifestyle comes into play due to many, if not all, residents being at the same place in their life – coming to retire, or already enjoying the retired life. “They are navigating this new chapter in their lives, and they are all in the same place,” she said. “It’s a community. The are all like-minded – Midwest or Northeast.” The camaraderie shines bright among residents as they live in close quarters to one another, can meet at the pool, or enjoy some of the same activities, participating in block parties or walking with friends.

“The trend we see is they are looking to relax and enjoy life. They worked hard their whole life,” Fazlic said, adding that they want to take a breath while spending time with friends and family. “It’s a new chapter, a new beginning.” With many other things in life the pursuit of searching for a home can become a little overwhelming due to the amount of inventory out there. “They don’t know where to start. If I can give any advice to someone moving to Lee County it is find the community first and then pick out your home,” she said, adding that the decision should be based on the amenities and location first. “Work with someone who specializes in it. Not every realtor, or mobile home broker can do that. Make sure you are working with an expert in mobile home sales. Make sure they understand what it is you are looking for.”

MANUFACTURED HOME COMMUNITY LIVING GUIDE

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Electrical safety for your furry family members By LCEC Pets are naturally curious and playful. Not only can a four-legged family member get hurt while being frisky around electricity, but a pet could even cause an electrical fire or other dangers. Remember the following to protect your furry friend: ∫ Protect pets from electrical cords by covering with a heavy plastic sleeve or applying a bitter-tasting product to deter pets from chewing. Chewing on cords can cause deadly shock! ∫ Never leave charging cords plugged in when not in use and in view. Serious burns or shock can happen if pets put these cords in their mouths. ∫ Ensure that night lights and appliances are fully 8 Winter 2023

plugged into wall outlets with no exposed prongs which could attract tiny paws or tongues. ∫ Ensure that you have no dangling cords from conveniences such as lamps and appliances. These cords could easily get pulled down and potentially start a fire. ∫ Never allow pets to nap or play behind and/or near computer equipment, dryers or other large appliances to avoid electrical risks. If you suspect that your furry friend has contacted electricity and has signs of burns, increased drooling, coughing, difficulty breathing or signs of suffering, contact your vet immediately. Visit lcec.net for more tips on staying safe around electricity.

MANUFACTURED HOME COMMUNITY LIVING GUIDE

Manufactured home communities on Fort Myers Beach continue to recover following Hurricane Ian By MEGHAN BRADBURY

news@breezenewspapers.com

Many of the manufactured homes near and on Fort Myers Beach continue to make progress after Hurricane Ian swept through Lee County leaving much damage in its wake. Jani Highley, Mobile Home Lady Realtor, services, with her team, about 15 communities in the proximity of three to four miles of Fort Myers Beach. She said before Hurricane Ian there were more than 200 homes in the mobile home community sold. The communities surrounding Fort Myers Beach, Highley said, are still in progress of rebuilding after the wake of the hurricane. “Some of them are still not

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ready for sale,” she said. “Some are still getting electric, water put through the park. People are still trying to decide whether they are going

to rebuild their home or get rid of it.” With that said, Highley said a lot of progress has been made and the parks have done a great job in cleaning things up. “A lot of the land owned communities, a lot of their residents have done a lot of the clean up specifically. They had their choice of doing that. It’s a co-op community - they are able to start on things right away after the storm,” she said. “The lot lease communities have taken a little bit more time because they are cooperation owned or owned by an LLC.” Highley said she definitely sees a lot of positive energy, as well as progress being made on Fort Myers Beach. She said a lot of homes she sold pre–Hurricane Ian are rebuilding, or the owners are figuring out what they are going to do moving forward. “Their heart is there at Fort Myers Beach. I see promise. I think these parks that are up and going are going to be better than ever. A lot of improvements are going to happen,” Highley said. As far as Hurricane Ian put-

ting a damper on the market for the community lifestyle in mobile home parks, Highley said it is staying right where it is currently. She said, honestly the market is more abundant, as she is seeing more people coming from the beach area wanting to move a few miles off the water. “As far as mobile homes, and selling manufactured homes, I don’t see the market going anywhere. I am getting calls every day and showing every day for parks that are readily available,” Highley said. In addition, those moving down from northern parts of the United States were not affected, like those who currently reside in Lee County from Hurricane Ian. “They didn’t suffer the aftermath. I think we are going to keep on moving and going and I think the market is great for the lifestyle and community,” Highley said. Those choosing to move into a manufactured home park are either searching for their second home, a vacation home or an investment near See IAN RECOVERY, page 11

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Ian recovery From page 10 and around Fort Myers Beach. “I am very prideful in finding them something they are going to love. I like to know what they enjoy, interested in and then I do my due diligence in finding something they love,” she said. “I have pre-retirees along with investors and people already retired want to be close to the beach.” Highley said they may not want to invest that type of money into a home, but rather have the lifestyle a manufactured home community has to offer. With selling homes in and around Fort Myers Beach, she said it provides a great deal of diversity and options to give her clients. “These communities are like families. All different and all different lifestyles,” she said, adding that some may offer pickleball, while others tennis or golf, as well as being located near the beach. “There are a lot of options with manufactured communities.” The manufactured home communities offer either a lot lease or land-own option. “They purchase the land and the coop inside the com-

munity. It’s a little more expensive to purchase in a land-owned community,” she said, adding that they are more like HOA fees. in the lot lease option, the individual would lease, or rent, the land the mobile home sits upon. The standard for either option includes amenities, lawn maintenance and trash removal. Some parks include more, such as internet and cable service. Highley said a lot of people become confused as far as sales go with manufactured homes. She said it is a title transfer and the contract is contingent on park approval. Some parks require background and credit checks, while others might be geared more towards background, credit score and debt to income ratio. “It’s all different depending on what your client wants,” Highley said. “I love my job. I love just finding that little piece of paradise for them.” She said with manufactured homes, people are buying the lifestyle. “You are going to lay your head down in this home, but

MANUFACTURED HOME COMMUNITY LIVING GUIDE

your community is what you are looking for. Find the community first and then find a home. That is very impor-

tant,” Highley said. There are 148 manufactured home parks in Lee County.

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Top fire prevention tips Don’t let battery chargers ignite a disaster (StatePoint) According to the National Fire Protection Association, local U.S. fire departments responded to an estimated 1.35 million fires in 2021 – an average of every 23 seconds. These fires resulted in 3,800 civilian deaths and 14,700 reported civilian injuries, but the devastation didn’t stop there. They also resulted in an estimated $15.9 billion in property damage loss. Fires can affect not just the health and safety of family, friends and community, but also take a major financial toll on homeowners and businesses. The International Code Council’s 2023 Building Safety Month campaign focuses on general building safety awareness, including how to recognize and practice fire prevention strategies and be aware of potential risks in your home or business. Potential dangers of lithium-ion batteries and chargers Over the years, lithium-ion batteries and chargers have caused many fires with sometimes devastating consequences. Found within common household products such as electronic toys, small and large appliances, headphones, cellphones, laptops and more, their popularity has grown thanks to their high-energy density and longer lifespan. But with this growth comes the need to learn how to properly handle these products. Below are actionable steps and fire prevention tips from Beth Tubbs, chief fire protection engineer for the Code Council, to help ensure lithium-ion batteries and chargers are used and stored safely. These are general safety tips, so you will need to refer to each device’s owner manual for specific safety and maintenance instructions. 12 Winter 2023

∫ Buyer Beware: Only purchase an appliance or device with a lithium-ion battery and charger from reputable manufacturers to ensure it’s designed, manufactured, tested and maintained according to applicable safety standards. This is a critical first step in battery fire prevention. ∫ Use an Approved Battery Charger, Correctly: When charging a lithium-ion battery, use a proper charger that is manufacturerapproved or listed as acceptable on the device. Lithiumion batteries are highly sensitive to charging conditions and using an incorrect charger, or using it incorrectly, can result in the battery overcharging. When a battery overcharges, it can overheat, catch fire and, in the worstcase scenario, explode. Never charge lithium-ion batteries when you aren’t home to supervise it. If a potentially dangerous situation does arise, you can act quickly to rectify it by unplugging the battery, using a portable fire extinguisher or calling your local fire department for help. When charging appliances, such as micromobility devices (scooters and e-bikes), plug them directly into the electrical receptacle, not through multiplug adaptors or extension cords. Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines, including the recommended charge time. This will increase the safety and performance of your battery. ∫ Location, location, location: When it comes to safety, where you use a lithium-ion battery device or charger is extremely important. Because these batteries can pose a significant fire risk, it is crucial that they aren’t located in front of an exit or escape route. If the battery is mishandled or exposed to extreme conditions and a fire erupts,

PHOTO PROVIDED BY STATEPOINT

The International Code Council’s 2023 Building Safety Month campaign focuses on general building safety awareness, including how to recognize and practice fire prevention strategies and be aware of potential risks in your home or business. ∫ Routinely checking the you will need an unobstructed battery’s charge status escape route. ∫ Observing and noting the Store batteries in a cool, dry environment to maintain runtime of your battery (and their performance and safety. any changes in this time) ∫ Disconnecting the batIt is recommended to store batteries indoors, away from tery from the charger once it direct sunlight, excess heat, reaches full capacity. combustibles and potentially Resources for flammable substances. ∫ Follow Maintenance Fire Prevention Guidelines: Reputable manuLithium-ion battery fires facturers provide instructions can start in a matter of secon how to best maintain the onds; it’s important to use performance and safety of them safely. their batteries, often found The Code Council’s online or in the device or Building Safety Month webappliance’s maintenance site has several resources to guide. help you understand and Some common mainte- implement key fire prevention nance tips include: measures and protect your ∫ Regularly inspecting the home or business. Access battery and charger for visible these resources by visiting iccdamage safe.org. MANUFACTURED HOME COMMUNITY LIVING GUIDE

MANUFACTURED HOME COMMUNITY LIVING GUIDE

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Hiring a licensed contractor in Florida: What you need to know By Better Business Bureau As the demand for home improvement projects increases in Florida, homeowners must be cautious when hiring a contractor. The state requires contractors to be licensed and insured, but not all contractors adhere to these regulations. Hiring an unlicensed contractor can put homeowners at risk for subpar work, financial loss, and legal trouble. The Better Business Bureau and the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation remind Floridians to thoroughly research professionals and businesses prior to hiring and to report suspected unlicensed individuals. Unlicensed activity is against the law — BBB and DBPR take unlicensed activity very seriously because it threatens the safety of Florida’s consumers and takes away business from licensed professionals throughout the state. Unlicensed activity occurs when an individual offers to perform or performs services that require a state license and the individual does not hold the required license. Florida law sets specific rules and guidelines for obtaining professional licensure, and the people who have met these requirements are held to professional standards. “I encourage homeowners to do their research and verify licenses at MyFloridaLicense.com to ensure they are hiring a licensed professional with the education and experience necessary to do the job correctly the first time,” said DBPR Secretary Melanie S. Griffin. To avoid potential hazards, homeowners should do their research before hiring a contractor. The first step is to verify the contractor’s license with DBPR. Homeowners can 14 Winter 2023

visit DBPR’s website or call their customer contact center to check if the contractor is licensed and has a clean record. In addition to a license, homeowners should also ask for proof of insurance. Contractors should carry general liability insurance and workers’ compensation insurance to protect themselves and the homeowner in case of an accident or injury. Once the contractor’s license and insurance have been verified, homeowners should ask for references, examples of work, check a contractor's track record at BBB.org and look for the BBB Accredited Business Seal to know the company is committed to BBB’s standards of trust in the marketplace. “Choosing a licensed contractor is crucial for any home improvement project,” said Karen Nalven, president/CEO of Better Business Bureau serving West Florida. “Homeowners should take the time to research their options. Go to BBB.org and make sure you are hiring someone who is both qualified and trustworthy.” Hiring a licensed contractor may require more effort and research, but it can save home-

owners time, money and headaches in the long run. Both BBB and DBPR have online resources to educate consumers on how to hire a licensed professional and to report unlicensed activity. BBB provides information for consumers to help make informed buying decisions and find properly licensed professionals, BBB Accredited Contractors, as well as an easy-to-use checklist. Resources to help businesses build trust in the marketplace are also available at BBB.org/consumers. Consumers can verify professional licenses that fall under DBPR’s jurisdiction by visiting MyFloridaLicense .com (click “Verify a License” in the middle of the home page), by calling (850) 4871395 or by downloading the free DBPR Mobile app through iTunes or the Google Play store. An FAQ including information on services requiring a state professional license from DBPR and how to report suspected unlicensed activity is available on the DBPR website. About BBB BBB is an unbiased nonprofit organization that sets

and upholds high standards for fair and honest business behavior. Businesses that earn BBB accreditation contractually agree and adhere to the organization’s high standards of ethical business behavior. BBB provides objective advice, free BBB Business Profiles and BBB Wise Giving Reports and educational information on topics affecting marketplace trust. To further promote trust, BBB also offers complaint and dispute resolution support for consumers and businesses when there is a difference in viewpoints. For more than 100 years, Better Business Bureau has been helping consumers find businesses, brands and charities they can trust. Five BBB offices service the State of Florida, with primary locations in Clearwater, Jacksonville, Longwood, Pensacola and West Palm Beach/Miami. To contact BBB Serving West Florida about this release please call Bryan Oglesby (727) 530-4651 or boglesby@bbbwestflorida.org About DBPR The Department of Business and Professional Regulation's mission is to license efficiently and regulate fairly. DBPR licenses and regulates more than 1.6 million businesses and professionals across the State of Florida. More information about DBPR is available online at MyFloridaLicense.com. Also, follow @FloridaDBPR on Twitter, @Florida.DBPR on Instagram, or Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation on Facebook and LinkedIn for important information and updates on matters relating to Florida’s business and professional licensing.

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How to decide if a home remodel makes financial sense for you (BPT) - There comes a time when every homeowner looks around at their house and ponders a few upgrades. Sometimes, those ideas turn into full-on renovations as you reimagine your space to better meet your lifestyle. But before you start calling contractors, ask yourself: Does remodeling make financial sense? Here are three tips to help you decide if a home renovation benefits your home and your finances. Identify your wants vs. needs How necessary are the improvements you want? Some home projects may end up costing you more than the value they provide. That doesn't mean certain projects aren't worthwhile. "Home renovations come in all shapes and sizes. For some, it may be about the investment and increasing the home value, for a good few it might be about what looks the best, while others might not have a choice," said Adam Fingerman, assistant vice president of equity lending at Navy Federal Credit Union. "Whatever the reason, it's always a good idea to understand how a large renovation might impact your finances and the overall value of your home." Know your budget Consider creating a chart with all of your cost estimates, and include columns for high, medium- and low-cost options. Don't forget supplies for do-it-yourself projects and always allocate a certain percentage for unexpected expenses. Also be sure to get estimates from different contractors and compare them. Carefully check references and business licenses. Explore 16 Winter 2023

BPT

financing options Ideally, you've already established a home improvement savings plan. But if you're planning to borrow, explore your financing options through your trusted bank or credit union. "Think about the size of your project, whether or not you'll have ongoing expenses, and your current finances," said Fingerman. For example, firms like Navy Federal offer members various options for funding home improvement projects, such as home equity loans, home equity line of credit or personal expense loans. Members also have access to information to help them make informed decisions about the right financing products for their home improvement goals. Home renovations of any size - large or small - can be overwhelming. Consider these tips to help make it easier and more affordable in the long run.

MANUFACTURED HOME COMMUNITY LIVING GUIDE

Top tips for a more organized kitchen (StatePoint) Better organization in the kitchen means spending less time searching for the right ingredient or tool so you can have more time for savoring meals with family and friends, and more time for personal pursuits. Whether you’re throwing together weekday lunches for the kids or hosting an elegant dinner party, here are some tips to keep your kitchen -- and meal prep -- organized. Declutter Do you feel like you’re constantly battling clutter? Not only can clutter make you feel less comfortable, it can impact your efficiency. Take some time See MORE ORGANIZED KITCHEN, page 18

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PHOTO PROVIDED BY StatePoint

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More organized kitchen From page 17 to sort through those areas of your kitchen that tend to collect unused food products, such as the pantry, the refrigerator door and the back of the fridge. You’ll be surprised how long certain items have been sitting there. Toss anything that has expired, and donate anything unopened and in good condition that you can’t or won’t use to a food pantry. Transferring items such as grains, sugar and flour to labeled containers of the same size makes for more uniform storage that can help you maximize shelving. You might also consider alphabetizing spices so they are easier to find and grab when you need them. Upgrade your fridge Trading in your refrigerator for a newer model can be a game changer, and not just because modern appliances tend to be more energy efficient. Today’s refrigerators can also be a world apart in functionality and organization, offering you more storage space, greater control and even the ability to multitask. For example, some refrigerators, like a French door refrigerator from Midea, boasts a drawer with its own temperature control that can be adjusted via a smartphone app, so you can stay on top of meal planning while on the go, and ensure foods are stored at their ideal temperatures. For example, if you know you’re coming home from the supermarket with meat or seafood, you can turn the temperature down to 30 degrees. Or, if you want to uncork a perfectly chilled bottle of wine that evening, you can turn the temperature

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up to 41 degrees. This particular fridge also features three cooling zones with multiple evaporators that manage humidity and air transition between the fridge and freezer, keeping food fresher longer and ice odor-free. Plus, a unique glide-out tray, provides easy storage and access to party platters, cakes and other large items, making hosting a breeze. Additional features like a deli net, retractable shelf and dual icemaker represent some of the best of what you can expect of today’s refrigerators. Improve go-to tools Coordinated, efficient meal prep relies on your goto tools being in good working order. To that end, a knife sharpener can make a useful addition to your kitchen, whether you opt for a simple sharpening stone or an electric model with different settings. If you’re low on counter space or would prefer having this task handled professionally, check your local hardware store. Many provide this service at an affordable cost. Other small items, such as can openers, zesters and peelers, are all prone to rust, which can make them difficult to wield over time. Likewise, plastic spatulas can become cracked and damage with use and wooden spoons can become splintered. Assess these items and replace them as needed with new tools that offer a better grip and smoother operation. With a few small tweaks and updates, your kitchen and all the items within it big and small, can make your life easier, more organized and more convenient.

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How to handle furniture spills, stains and dents (StatePoint) Furniture is what makes a house a home, however new research shows daily life leaves fixtures and fittings vulnerable to damage. In its “Furniture Damage Survey,” Allstate Protection Plans found that more than 242 million Americans have damaged furniture, and 37% of damaged items were less than a year old. Here are some of the survey’s top findings, along with advice for saving time and money on repairs and replacements: ∫ The Financial Hit: An estimated $23.5 billion has been spent by 82 million Americans replacing and repairing damaged items. The average cost of furniture repairs runs at $287. Almost half (49%) of damaged furniture originally cost more than $500 and nearly a quarter (21%) cost more than $1,000. The majority of people who damaged furniture (51%) say they spent additional money repairing or replacing it. ∫ Hot Seats: Sofas are by far the most damaged item (34%), followed by dining room tables or chairs (11%), 20 Winter 2023

kitchen tables or chairs (9%), and recliners or other living room seating (8%). Most furniture (57%) was damaged in the living room, with 15% of incidents happening in the dining room, 9% in the master bedroom and 6% in the kitchen. ∫ No Thrills from Spills. The leading cause of damage is spills, accounting for 54% of furniture damage. Other top causes are breaks (20%), dents and scratches (18%), rips or tears (17%) and burns (6%). Beverages are the dominant offenders for spills (48%) followed by ink/paint/marker (16%) and food (10%). ∫ The Cover-Up: Almost half (46%) of people who have damaged furniture reported that they tried to fix or clean the items themselves. However, only 56% of those who took a DIY approach say their efforts were successful. Sixty-one percent of Americans have tried to hide or cover up damage. ∫ Don’t Blame the Kids or Cat: Adults in the household are the most likely to cause See SPILLS, page 23

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Keeping tropical plants healthy By MELINDA MYERS Tropical plants are filling our homes and workspaces, adding beauty, relieving stress and boosting creativity, productivity and focus. Keep these plants healthy and looking their best by providing for their basic needs. Select plants that will thrive in the growing conditions found in your home or office and with your level of care. Busy gardeners should look for low-maintenance plants like ZZ plants, Chinese evergreens, pothos and philodendrons while others may choose ferns, peace lilies, baby tears and gardenias that require a bit more attention and care. Light is the most common limiting factor when growing plants indoors. Matching the plants to the desired light is the first step in success. Plant tags, university websites and plant books can provide you with this information. If you are lucky enough to have an east-

or west-facing window you can grow a wide variety of plants. High-light plants should be kept within two feet of these windows. Low-light plants can be set up to six feet back or off to the side of an east- or west-facing window or in front of one that faces north. Keep in mind buildings, awnings, trees and sheers can decrease the amount of sunlight reaching the plants. Fortunately, there are now more options for decorative energy-efficient grow lights available, expanding your indoor gardening opportunities. Pendants, clip-ons, floor lights and furniture-grade plant shelves provide the needed light for plants and add decorative elements to your home. Proper watering is next on the list of key factors for healthy growth and longevity of indoor plants. Most tropical plants prefer evenly moist soil comparable to a wrung-out sponge. Water thoroughly

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preferable with tepid water when the top few inches of potting mix are starting to dry. Pour off any excess water that collects in the saucer. Allowing plants to sit in water can lead to root rot and plant death. To achieve proper watering enlist the help of moistureretaining products like organic Wild Valley Farms wool pellets (wildvalleyfarms.com). Made from wool waste, this sustainable product reduces watering by up to 25% and increases pore space in the soil for proper drainage and better plant growth. Create attractive clusters of plants while increasing the humidity that most tropical plants need for healthier growth. As one plant loses moisture through the leaves, often called transpiration, the neighboring plants benefit. Go one step further by utilizing gravel trays. Set plant pots on pebble-filled saucers or trays.

Allow excess water to collect in the pebbles below the pots. As this water evaporates, it increases the humidity around the plants. This also reduces your workload by eliminating the need to pour off excess water that collects in the plant saucer. Add a few terrariums for plants like Venus fly trap, ferns and spike moss that grow best in high humidity and moist soil conditions. Purchase one or create your own from an old aquarium, or another clear glass container and add a lid to create a closed growing system. Select or create one that supports plant growth, complements your home’s décor, and reflects your personality. Provide a warm, draft-free location for your tropical plants. Most prefer the same temperatures, 65-75 degrees, that we do. Don’t worry if you turn down the heat at night, See TROPICAL PLANTS, page 23

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Reduce, reuse, redecorate: Why you should shop pre-owned for furniture (and how to do it like a pro) (BPT) - If you're searching for new ways to make a positive impact on the planet, have you considered how you buy furniture? By opting for preowned or used furniture you can save money, plus it's an excellent way to reduce waste and contribute to a more sustainable future. Why shop for pre-owned furniture? Purchasing new furniture can have a significant environmental impact, with production contributing to deforestation, greenhouse gas emissions and waste. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, furniture accounts for 9.8 million tons of waste in landfills annually. By choosing to buy pre-owned, you can help divert usable items from ending up in a landfill and prolong the lifespan of resources that have already been extracted from the earth. But buying pre-owned isn't just good for the planet; it can also be good for your wallet. Pre-owned furniture is often much more affordable than buying new, so you can save money while still getting quality pieces for your home. Plus, pre-owned shopping can give you access to unique and vintage finds you can't find elsewhere, and it can make your home feel stylish and unique. Tips for shopping preowned furniture It can feel overwhelming if you're new to shopping for pre-owned furniture. Here are a few tips to get you started: Start with what you have: The most sustainable piece of furniture is the one you already own. So, before browsing for new furniture, take stock of what you already have. Can you repurpose or upcycle an item to give it new 22 Winter 2023

life? Sometimes a fresh coat of paint, new upholstery or modern hardware is all you need to completely transform a piece of furniture. ∫ Determine your needs: If you still need new furniture, consider what kind of furniture you're looking for before shopping. Consider the size and style of the piece, as well as any specific features or details you're looking for. What is your budget? Knowing what you want will help you refine your search and make the process less daunting. ∫ Shop locally: If you still need new furniture, consider shopping locally, which reduces transportation emissions and supports small businesses. Look for resale stores in your community or browse online marketplaces, like OfferUp, that allow you to search for items in your area. Download the mobile app from the Apple App Store or the Google Play Store - or visit OfferUp.com.

∫ Consider the materials: When shopping for pre-owned furniture, consider how it's made. Look for items constructed from sustainably sourced wood, bamboo or other renewable materials. Avoid items made from materials that are harmful to the environment, such as plastics or synthetics. Antique and vintage items tend to be of higher quality, will usually last longer and can add unique character to your home. ∫ Don't discount the imperfect: When shopping pre-owned, it's important to carefully inspect items before you buy them. Look for any signs of wear and tear, such as scratches, dents or stains. Make sure the piece is sturdy and functional. However, minor imperfections can often be fixed with a little bit of DIY work or by hiring a professional to complete repairs. Sometimes by simply cleaning an item thoroughly, you can bring it back to life. ∫ Stay open to negotiation:

Many resale stores and online marketplaces allow for negotiation on price. Don't be afraid to make an offer that fits within your budget. Ask about the piece's backstory - where it was originally purchased and how long it was owned - so you can be sure you're getting a fair price. ∫ Get creative: One of the best things about buying preowned furniture is the opportunity to get creative and personalize your space. You can paint or refinish a piece to give it new life or mix and match styles for a unique look. Don't be afraid to experiment and have fun with your unique finds. Choosing to shop for preowned furniture instead of new is a step toward reducing our environmental impact and creating a more sustainable future. With a little bit of effort and creativity, you can find beautiful and unique pieces that will give your home a fresh new look while also protecting the planet.

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Spills From page 20 damage, with children only accounting for 26% of incidents. When it comes to fourlegged friends, dogs are 2.4 times more likely to have damaged furniture than cats. ∫ Prevention and Cure: To prevent damage, Americans apply pre-stain treatments (37%), put towels or sheets over furniture (36%), and place slipcovers or plastic sheeting on furniture (28%). When the worst occurs, the majority of people say they are most likely to turn to their

homeowners or renters insurance for help. Only 16% of respondents said their furniture was covered by a protection plan and fewer than half (48%) were aware such plans were available for furniture. “People are used to investing in protection plans for their appliances and electronics, but they don’t give as much thought to protecting their furniture,” said Jason Siciliano, vice president and global creative director at Allstate Protection Plans.

“This is surprising given the data behind how frequently people must repair furniture and how costly it is to do so. Investing in a protection plan at the point of purchase is only a fraction of the cost of a new couch.” Furniture protection plans cover repairs or replacements without claims negatively impacting homeowners or renters insurance premiums. Beyond purchasing protection plans, Siciliano also recommends extending the life of

furniture with such measures as pet-proofing and using the right cleaning solution for each type of upholstery or material. For more information on protecting prized possessions, visit: allstateprotectionplans.com. Rips, spills and stains are part of life, but spending a fortune repairing and replacing furniture doesn’t have to be. With advance planning, those inevitable incidents and accidents won’t break the bank.

Melinda Myers has written more than 20 gardening books, including the recently released "Midwest Gardener’s Handbook, 2nd Edition" and "Small Space Gardening." She hosts The Great Courses “How to Grow Anything” instant video and DVD series and the nationally syndicated Melinda’s

Garden Moment radio program. Myers is a columnist and contributing editor for Birds & Blooms magazine and was commissioned by Wild Valley Farms for her expertise to write this article. Myers’ website is www.Melinda Myers.com.

Tropical plants From page 21 most plants will be fine. Just do not trap them between the curtain and window where it is much colder than the rest of your home. Avoid cold drafts from doors and windows and hot drafts from heat registers that can be detrimental to your plant’s health.

You may need to move plants, adjust grow lights, and fine-tune watering as you get to know each plant’s needs. Once you place them in the right location and provide the correct amount of light and water, your plants will grow and prosper.

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