Palouse Living, September 2015

Palouse LIVING Your resource for buying, selling and enjoying your home on the Palouse.

Creative ways

to recycle leaves

| September 2015 | Moscow-Pullman Daily News

Palouse Living

Your home financing needs deserve my attention Every year, millions of Americans enjoy the rewards of homeownership. And they look to Wells Fargo Home Mortgage to help them find the home financing to fit their needs and goals. I’d like to help you too.

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Rachel Ellen Laine Home Mortgage Consultant 221 S Main St Moscow, ID 83843 Office: 208-883-5659 Cell: 208-874-2452 rachel.e.laine@wellsfargo.com www.wfhm.com/rachel-laine NMLSR ID 1015986 Information is accurate as of date of printing and is subject to change without notice. Wells Fargo Home Mortgage is a division of Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. © 2012 Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. All rights reserved. NMLSR ID 399801. AS1067291 Expires 09/2015

PALOUSE LIVING

Moscow-Pullman Daily News | September 2015 | 3

Creative ways to recycle leaves MetroCreative

eaves cascading down from L trees indicate the arrival of autumn. However, colorful and

· Insulation: Collect leaves to mound over delicate perennial plants and awe-inspiring autumn leaves can shrubs.

The leaves will add more be a hazard if left to lie on the warmth to the soil and may help ground too long. plants make it through harsh Fallen leaves form a dense winters. Just remove the leaves insulator to protect trees’ roots and slowly when spring arrives so prevent competing plants from that the soil underneath can get growing. Decomposing leaves the sunlight and water it needs to also provide nutrients for the tree. thrive. Leave some leaves in the But wet leaves can be a safety yard so that animals can use them hazard and leaves left on the lawn as nesting material and line their through the winter can pose a dens for the winter. threat to the grass. These are just · Stuffing: a couple of reasons why so much Create whimsical scarecrows effort is placed on leaf clean-up as part of your autumn decoration in the fall. The following are some creative ways to recycle leaves that scheme. Gather older clothes that fall from your trees in the weeks to you no longer use and stuff the sleeves of shirts and the legs of come. pants with leaves, which are less · Mulch: expensive and easier to come Shredded leaves can make for by than straw. Use a few pieces a great amendment to fertilizer of straw around the neck and for garden beds and even the hand areas of the scarecrow for lawn. Leaves lying on the grass visual effect. Tie off with twine and can be mulched into small pieces display your scarecrow. with a mulching mower so they · Bedding: don’t choke the blades of grass.

Chicken owners can use Leaves also can be broken down with a string trimmer, a leaf blower fallen leaves as bedding in their chicken coops. Dry leaves also that has a vacuum function or a commercial shredder/chipper. Add may create more comfortable the shredded leaves to a compost and drier conditions for goats and other livestock. Goats may pile or use them to fill container look to recently fallen leaves as a plants before adding regular nutritious food source. Gather the potting soil. leaves and let the goats munch before

Palouse LIVING Your resource for buying, selling and enjoying your home on the Palouse.

Creative ways

to recycle leaves

Enjoy Palouse Living IN PRINT: Palouse Living is published monthly, with 12,500 copies distributed in the Daily News, Lewiston Tribune and at key drop spots and advertisers across the Palouse.

ONLINE: Check out the latest edition in digital format at www.DNews.com, just click on the Special Sections tab.

To advertise your business or service in the next edition, contact advertising coordinator: Angela Kay: akay@dnews.com

you further rake and compost the leaves. · Decorations: Natural leaves can be used as decorations both inside and outside a home. String freshly fallen leaves together and wrap them around a grapevine wreath for a rustic door decoration. Leaves can be placed in clear vases and put on display for a cheap way to showcase some autumn color. Preserve favorite leaves with a lamination machine or by sealing them between heated sheets of waxed paper. Cut out the leaf shapes and use for hanging window decorations. · Recreation: Leaves have long been favorite toys for children, who eagerly await jumping into large piles of fallen leaves. Fill paper bags with leaves and draw a target on the front.

Let kids test their skill aiming for the targets. Children can camouflage their clothing with leaves and masking tape and have a more intense session of “hide and seek.”

Palouse Living

| September 2015 | Moscow-Pullman Daily News

Four easy tips for a basement makeover MetroCreative - By Scott McGillivray

he start of a new season is T the perfect time to check some tasks off of your “to-do” list

- whether it’s to get in shape or tackle at-home projects. If you’re planning on making some simple but effective changes at home, here are some tips on how to give your basement a total 180-degree makeover.

Soundproof it Installing acoustic insulation is the perfect excuse to crank up the subwoofer, host a get-together or let the kids run wild. Soundproofing is the ultimate solution to maximize your basement’s peace, quiet and privacy. Industry experts suggest using Roxul Safe n’ Sound, which effectively absorbs sound and is easy to work with.

Out with the old, in with a floor Installing a new floor or updating

the existing one can improve the overall comfort level and look of your basement.

Many unfinished basements have basic concrete flooring, which is cold yearround.

Flooring options are endless - hardwood, laminate, cork and Berber flooring all add warmth to a basement bedroom or TV room; play mats are great for kids’

playrooms; and carpets are perfect to make any room feel more comfy and welcoming.

Get creative with a fresh paint Transform the dull and boring space into an inviting entertainment oasis or a colorful playroom with a simple coat of paint. When considering the paint, think about what color will compliment your existing furniture. To add some drama, consider adding depth and visual

interest to your space with a different colored accent wall.

Accessorize it Throw pillows, rugs, lighting, and artwork are simple additions that can immediately enhance or change your basement’s look and feel. Pot lights can modernize, while art work and throw pillows can add a splash of color. Decide on a theme and color scheme for your room and keep your eye out for staple pieces that will make it feel like an entirely new space.

Scott McGillivray is the awardwinning TV host, a full-time real estate investor, contractor, author, and educator. Follow him on Twitter @smcgillivray.

Be prepared when seconds count: Renovate for fire safety

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A National Fire Prevention Association study reported that, on average, seven Americans die in a residential home fire each week. Though you never know when fire might strike, there are important measures you can take to increase your chances when seconds count.

While it’s nearly impossible to make a house completely fireproof, you can build or remodel it using fire-inhibiting materials.

The better ones will help to withstand fire hazards, and they may also give you those extra precious minutes or seconds to escape in the event of a fire.

When considering a home renovation, be sure to do your research for firerated and noncombustible products. The Roxul brand, for

example, produces stone wool insulation. This insulation resists temperatures up to approximately 2,150 F, and when directly exposed to fire, this chemicallyinert material will not produce harmful gases or promote the spread of flames. Industry experts explain that stone wool insulation is designed to delay the spread of fire from room to room, providing valuable evacuation time that is critical to saving people, pets, property and reducing environmental damages.

Helpful fire safety tips are available online at nfpa.org. You can also brush up on your fire safety knowledge by visiting the Roxul website for a chance to win $2,500 towards extra precious moments with your loved ones.

Palouse Living

Moscow-Pullman Daily News | September 2015 |

Plan a day to shop local fairs, shops and stands MetroCreative

isit a local market this fall and V you will likely go home with plenty of fresh foods and unique

Fresh produce Farms big and small are bursting with produce come the items. fall. You can find the last vestiges Autumn is tailor-made for getting of summer crops mingling with out of the house to enjoy the great the first fruits of autumn. Grab the outdoors. With crisp temperatures last of tomatoes and start thinking perfect for strolls or sightseeing ahead to apples, squashes, and breathtaking scenery awash lettuces, and grapes. You can in bright autumnal hues, autumn even get an early start on pumpkin landscapes make for the ideal season - both for cooking and backdrop for weekend plans, carving. including shopping excursions.

Stock the car with reusable Fall is a great season to enjoy tote bags and scour the farmer’s festivals, farmer’s markets and markets for seasonal finds. craft fairs, as merchants look Chances are you also might pick to liquidate inventory before up some extra treats, such as fresh they prepare for the rush of the honey or canned jams. upcoming holiday season. Cities, Food finds towns, and everything in between As plants are harvested, many will host their share of open markets and more with great deals items are turned into delicious to be had, and fall is an ideal time treats. No autumn shopping excursion is complete until you to visit local shops and stands.

smell a fresh-baked apple pie or some apple cider doughnuts.

Corn breads and fritters, cranberry snacks and wines from nearby wineries also are easy to find in autumn. These items make welcome additions to your own pantry, or bring a freshly made treat to a friend or family member’s home when paying a visit.

Also, don’t miss the food-related festivals that pop up on community calendars in the fall. From garlic to potatoes to pumpkins to cheeses, many seasonal items are on display. You also can sample these foods in interesting applications and make a day of gathering recipes and supplies to enjoy later.

Crafts, jewelry and dĂŠcor Include a trip to a craft fair, where local vendors come together to display and sell

their wares, on your weekend schedule. Handcrafted items make thoughtful and unique gifts, which can be tucked away for giving later in the year.

Booths at these types of events tend to be diverse. Spend the day strolling town squares or closedoff city centers, and you may find some hand-fashioned jewelry or home-crafted artisanal soaps.

Those eager to enhance their homes’ dÊcor may find unique items like painted signs, knit afghans and much more.

Shopping local shops, farms and fairs is a great way to enjoy the fresh autumn air while supporting local businesses.

L LET US HELP YOU FIND YOUR DREAM HOME

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Palouse Living

| September 2015 | Moscow-Pullman Daily News

High Heels with High Standards

2015 Palouse Womens Expo ‘

at Best Western Plus University Inn, Moscow

Girl’s Night Out | October 9th | 5 to 7pm* | Tickets $30 featuring two comedians, finger foods & early VIP entry to all booths Women’s Expo | October 10th | 9am to 3pm | FREE The Palouse Women’s Expo is designed to make a significant difference in the women’s lives.

Bringing together resources that will help them flourish and succeed in all aspects of their lives - professional and personal. Giving Expo presenters and attendees alike, the opportunity to focus on each other, to inspire, educate, empower and have fun!

The 2015 Palouse Women’s Expo will be EVERYTHING WOMEN! Food, fashion, fun, shopping, fitness, relaxation, pampering and self care. We strive to provide you with the tools you need to learn and grow as women in all walks of life. The Palouse Women’s Expo invites you to discover your style, rejuvenate your body and mind, and explore new ideas!

Tickets available for purchase in person at: the Lewiston Tribune, Moscow-Pullman Daily News, University Inn, Best Western: 1516 Pullman Rd, Moscow or by calling (208) 882-0550 BECOME AN EXHIBITOR! For info and package pricing, email akay@lmtribune.com.

Palouse Living

Moscow-Pullman Daily News | September 2015 |

Factors to consider before renting out your home MetroCreative

Renting out a home is a great way for homeowners to earn some extra income. Some homeowners rent their homes in an attempt to wait out a sagging housing market, while others see renting their homes as a long-term commitment to their financial futures.

Being a landlord has its advantages and disadvantages.

The following are a handful of factors homeowners should consider as they try to decide if renting out their homes is the right move for them.

Time Being a landlord is a 24/7/365 commitment, as tenants will expect their landlords to be on call at all times. Tenants will call their landlords should plumbing fixtures suddenly burst in the middle of the night, and landlords must be available to answer such calls

Jason Brown

Realtor®

(208) 669-1690

no matter how inconvenient they become. If you are not willing or able to devote the time necessary to tend to tenant needs, then being a landlord may not be for you.

Maintenance Whereas homeowners may be able to delay making certain repairs in the homes where they lay their heads, such a luxury is not afforded when they are renting out their other properties. Repairs and maintenance of rental properties cannot be put on the back burner while you save money to fix them.

In addition, if even minor repairs typically pose a problem for you, you may soon discover that hiring a handyman or discounting rent for live-in supers is cutting into your profits or making it difficult to pay bills. Before deciding to rent out your home, determine the potential costs of maintaining a second

property and use that information to decide if renting the property is a sound financial investment or one that might put you in the red.

Tenants Many people who have rented have a horror story or two about an absentee or indifferent landlord, but landlords also have their own such stories about nightmare tenants. When mulling whether or not to rent out your home, consider who your prospective tenants will be and if your community will supply the steady stream of renters you will need to pay your mortgage and bills without jeopardizing your finances. The last things first-time or even experienced landlords want are tenants who cannot pay their rent and/or those who are disrespectful of their neighbors and their landlords, so it’s best to give ample consideration to your

Tracy Burch-Greer John Freeland Wanvig

Realtor®

Realtor®

(208) 874-7823

Licensed in ID & WA

(208) 596-8521

Licensed in ID

Licensed in ID

potential pool of renters before deciding to rent out your home.

Help Many landlords work with local real estate agencies or property management firms who will do much of the legwork with regard to finding tenants and maintaining properties. Research the cost of such help to determine if you can afford it and still make renting your home financially viable.

Attorney fees are another cost prospective landlords must consider. Landlord-tenant laws can be difficult to decipher for first-time landlords, so it helps to have an attorney who can help you decipher these laws and how they should govern your actions as a landlord. But attorneys are not inexpensive, and they must be worked into your budget as well.

Patti Green-Kent

Realtor®

(509) 595-3740 Licensed in ID & WA

217 S. Main St. Moscow, ID (208) 882-0800 cbtmoscow.com 405 S. Grand Ave. Pullman, WA (509) 334-0562 cbtpullman.com

Corinne Harmon

Debbie Lawrence

Bill Morscheck

Darl Roberts

Patrick Venzke

(509) 595-7979

(208) 301-0108

(509) 332-9088

(509) 334-0562

(208) 310-3482

Realtor®

Licensed in ID

Realtor®

Licensed in ID

Broker

Licensed in ID

Realtor®

Licensed in ID & WA

Realtor®

Licensed in ID

Palouse Living

| September 2015 | Moscow-Pullman Daily News

128 E 3rd St. 208.883.1525

Darcy Anderson

Tiffany Bentley

Angela Carpenter

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Bret Carpenter

Misty Curry

Jessica Dahlinger

Jarrod Nichols

Tanja Rankin

Tami Storm

Gary Tribble

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