Palouse Living, May 2016

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

How to make

relocation go smoothly

May 2016 Moscow-Pullman Daily News & Lewiston Tribune

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How to make relocation go smoothly

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eople relocate for various reasons. Many relocate for professional opportunities, while others relocate to pursue their educations. And while some may relocate to enjoy a lower cost of living, others may find themselves relocating to satisfy their sense of adventure.

Regardless of why a person is relocating, doing so without preparing for the move can make the transition that much more difficult. According to data from the U.S. Census Bureau, roughly 19 percent of the 35.9 million people one year and over who moved between 2012 and 2013 did so for a job-related reason. Relocating to a new city for a job is different than moving from one home to another within the same community.

Relocating to a new city can be a life-changing event that requires planning and maybe even a little luck to make it work.

· Examine your finances. Moving is expensive, and it

can be even more expensive when moving to an entirely new city. If you are moving to pursue career opportunities but don’t yet have a job offer in hand, examine your finances and work out a worst-case scenario in the event that your job hunt takes longer than you hoped for. Unless you have a benefactor who can help you pay your bills and avoid debt while you look for a job, make sure you have several months’ worth of living expenses saved up before moving.

· Research the job market. Certain cities have more opportunities for people in certain fields than others, so make sure the city you plan to relocate to is a place where you will have ample opportunities in your chosen line of work.

Otherwise you might find yourself settling for a career you don’t like or relocating again to a job market more accommodating to someone in your field. · Research the real estate market. Before hitting the road and heading for your new home, research the real estate market in that area. Try to find out the average rental price via

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

How to make

relocation go smoothly

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online forums or even online newspaper classified sections.

Find out if people tend to live with roommates or go it alone in the city you’re relocating to. If you are moving to a city where you know very few people or no one at all, consider becoming someone’s roommate. The right roommate can provide an instant social network and help you learn the ropes of your adopted home. If you plan to live alone and rent, recognize that many landlords will require a guarantor before renting to tenants with no income.

· Don’t be shy. Unless you are moving to a place where

you already have a built-in social network, you should expect to encounter some loneliness upon arriving in your new location.

Resolve to make the most of all your new home has to offer by joining a social organization, connecting with your university’s alumni group or volunteering with local charities. If you have a job lined up, sign up for company-sponsored outings or teams.

Relocating to a new city can produce mixed feelings of anxiety and excitement. Planning ahead and doing some homework can help you as you transition to your new home.

Moscow-Pullman Daily News & Lewiston Tribune | May 2016 | 3

Gardening 101: How to pot a plant

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ardening time is here, with people enjoying plants both inside and outside of their homes.

Container gardening, which is a planting method in which flowers and other plants are grown in pots and other containers, is quite popular because of design versatility. Containers can be moved from location to location if plants are not thriving in a particular spot. They also make gardening possible when there isn’t any available land space, which might be the case for apartment-dwellers.

Flower pots enable plant enthusiasts to enjoy foliage inside of the home as well. Houseplants can add beauty to interior spaces and help filter indoor air. In the late 1980s, NASA and the Associated Landscape Contractors of America actually

studied houseplants as a way to purify the air in space facilities. They found several plants are particularly good at filtering out common volatile organic compounds (VOCs).

Having plants around can create inviting spaces and improve healthy conditions inside and out.

Part of caring for plants in containers involves knowing when a potted plant might need a little tender loving care. As plants grow larger, they may outgrow their containers and require more roomy quarters. Without ample space, plants may not be able to adequately draw up water and nutrients to support top growth. Repotting may seem like it is easy, but it actually takes a little finesse so not to damage the plants.

Gardening experts like those from Fine Gardening, HGTV and Today’s Homeowner suggest these repotting tips.

· Be sure the plant is well watered for a few days prior to the repotting process. Watering also will help loosen the root ball from inside of the smaller pot. · A plant ready for repotting should slide out with most of the soil in one piece. If the soil is free-falling, it may not need to be repotted at this point because there’s still room for the roots to expand. Other signs that plants may need repotting include roots poking out of the soil or plants that are straggly and pale. · Consider repotting outside because the process can be messy. Have all of your materials, which include a trowel, gloves, scissors, and potting soil, handy so that you can tackle

| May 2016 | Moscow-Pullman Daily News & Lewiston Tribune

Palouse Living

the process smoothly. · Remove your plant from the pot carefully. Place the plant on its side, then support the main stem in one hand and use the other hand to gently pull the pot away. Be careful not to pull on the main stem or break the stem. Tread gently. · Cut away any rotten or dead roots, and trim really long ends.

Make three or four vertical cuts about a third of the way up the remaining root ball. This also will help with water and nutrient absorption once the plant is in its new pot. · Gently untangle any remaining roots and prepare to place the plant in a new pot.

· Choose a new pot that is slightly larger than the root ball.

Fill the pot with soil so that the root ball sits about an inch below the rim of the pot. Add more soil around the roots to fill the pot.

Be sure to leave enough room so that with each watering the pot can hold water. · Thoroughly water the plant after repotting to moisten the soil.

Watch your plant afterwards to be sure that it’s taking to its new potted home. It can take around three to four weeks for the plant to recover from repotting. Water regularly, avoid fertilizing and keep the plant out of direct sunlight.

Common pests in our gardens Newspaper Toolbox

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ith its top-quality soil, mild seasons and abundance of rain, there’s no question that the West Coast is a garden-friendly region.

However, your precious plants aren’t the only ones who benefit from these optimal conditions. Some bothersome bugs are particularly suited to the western climate and can pose a true threat to your harvest. You should get to know the top three.

Aphids These tiny terrors exist in a variety of subspecies that share a common goal: to snack on your tasty vegetable garden.

They feed in colonies and reproduce at an impressive rate, so it’s important to eradicate them before they become an overwhelming threat to your plants. Signs of aphid damage include curled, atrophied leaves and stunted growth among young stems. To get rid of these unwanted guests, your greatest ally is none other than the common ladybug; you can purchase an army of these aphid-eaters at your local garden supply store.

and overcast weather — a frequent forecast for the West Coast.

To get rid of them, skip the potentially damaging salt. Instead, lure slugs into a tempting trap using citrus rinds or beer.

Snails Like slugs, snails mainly snack on foliage, but they also enjoy fruits that grow close to the ground, such as tomatoes and berries. Eliminate these unwelcome guests using the same type of trap as for slugs, or pick up some pet- and kid-friendly ironphosphate bait from your local garden supply store.

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Moscow-Pullman Daily News & Lewiston Tribune | May 2016 |

Simple steps to a greener lawn MetroCreative

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any homeowners aspire to have lush green lawns. Thriving, healthy lawns can make homeowners proud and improve their property values, as the lawns make homes more attractive to prospective buyers when those homes hit the market. While lush lawns won’t suddenly appear overnight, homeowners can take certain steps toward creating the stunning green lawns of their dreams. · Don’t overreact to brown lawns. Lawns can turn brown for various reasons, but overreacting at the first sign of brown grass can make the situation worse. Some lawns turn brown because they have gone dormant to save energy for the cooler and more damp days to come.

Applying fertilizer in such situations can damage rather than revitalize lawns. Fertilizers or chemicals applied to brown lawns may burn the lawn, creating additional stress that potentially hinders the lawns’ recovery.

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· Aerate compacted soil.

Compacted soil may be the culprit behind discolored lawns.

Over time, soils of all kinds can become compacted, which prevents moisture from reaching a lawn’s roots. As a result, the roots don’t grow and the grass is denied the nutrients it needs to thrive. Aeration combats compacted soil by poking tiny holes in the ground to loosen the soil. Speak with a landscaping professional about the best time to aerate, which typically only needs to be done once per year. As compacted soil becomes looser, the lawn will become more resistant to drought and begin to resemble the lush green lawn you’re aiming for. · Raise your mower blades. Some homeowners set their mower blades to the lowest possible setting so they can extend the intervals between cuts and reduce the number of times they mow in the hot summer sun. But cutting the grass too short exposes the soil to the sun, making it difficult for soil to retain moisture and promote deep, strong plant roots. When raising the blades, inspect them to make sure they are still sharp. Dull blades won’t cut the grass as cleanly as sharp ones, potentially causing tears in grass blades that invite disease and contribute to poor moisture retention. · Address pest problems. Pests are unwanted guests who affect lawns in various ways, depending on the type of pest. Grubs feed on grass roots, while mites feed on the nutrient-rich juices that lawns need to thrive.

Pest control may depend on the type of pest and how advanced the infestation is, so speak with a landscaping professional about your pest problems before attempting to combat the problem on your own. Letting a pest problem fester may force you to replace the lawn entirely, but addressing it promptly can likely save you both the cost and heartache associated with such a project.

Palouse Living

Documents to have on hand when selling a home

Beauty S SET IN STONE.

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· A location certificate (also known as a real property report or surveyor’s certificate) indicates the boundaries of the property and its status regarding current laws and municipal bylaws. · A condominium declaration (if applicable) describes how ownership is shared and how the building and funds are administered.

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ave you decided to sell your home? If so, you’re going to have to gather together a few important documents. They will provide potential buyers with all the information they need concerning your property; some of the documents may even be required in order to conclude the transaction. Here are a few that you may need to have:

· The lease or leases are required if it’s a rental property. · Invoices for renovations show that improvements have been made to the home. A new roof, for instance, could justify a higher selling price. · Tax statements and monthly bills (electricity, gas and water) give potential buyers an idea of the expenses they will have if they purchase the property. · The deed and previous purchase agreement prove that you are the rightful owner of the property you want to sell. Inspection and evaluation reports may also be useful for buyers who have questions during home visits. The more information you have about your home, the better it is for you and for potential buyers.

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Moscow-Pullman Daily News & Lewiston Tribune | May 2016 |

How to pay off your mortgage before maturity

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MetroCreative

omes are the most expensive purchases many people will ever make. While home ownership can be rewarding, first-time homeowners may experience some sticker shock when shopping for homes and calculating their potential mortgage costs. But as expensive as home ownership can be, there are ways for homeowners to pay off their mortgages long before those loans reach maturity.

· Pay extra each month. Factors like home value, property tax and your mortgage loan interest rate determine how much your monthly mortgage payment will be. But there’s still room to save. According to the Chase extra payments calculator, homeowners who borrow $200,000 (after making an initial 20 percent down payment of $50,000 on a home valued at $250,000) at 4 percent interest and pay $4,000 annually in property taxes and homeowner’s insurance can save more than $26,000 in interest over the life of the loan by paying as little as $100 extra per month. In addition, including an additional $100 each month will trim 59 months, or just about five years, off the life of your loan.

· Stop paying PMI. If your initial down payment was less than 20 percent of the value of your home at the time you purchased it, then you were likely required to pay private mortgage insurance, or PMI. PMI may be costing you a couple hundred dollars per month, but once your mortgage balance falls below 80 percent of your home’s appraised value, you can ask your lender to stop charging PMI. While it might be nice to pocket those PMI costs for a rainy day, continue paying that money each month so you can shorten the life of your loan. · Have your home reassessed. While homeowners would like to think the value of their homes is always on the rise, some homes decrease in value over time. If your home is reassessed at a lesser value, your property taxes will decrease.

Put the money you’re saving on property taxes toward your monthly mortgage payment each month. · Refinance your mortgage. Refinancing to a lower interest rate can lower your monthly mortgage payment, but be sure that the costs to refinance do not exceed the savings you will earn. Apply any money you save from refinancing to your monthly payment.

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| May 2016 | Moscow-Pullman Daily News & Lewiston Tribune

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here home decorating is concerned, the space between your countertop and your cabinets is the perfect place to express your personality.

Backsplashes are elements that can transform the look of the most important room in your home.

Brick: A brick backsplash gives an instant traditional, Europeaninspired cachet to your decor. The installation requires a layer of cement, or mortar, and the kind you use may differ depending on the material the wall is made of. Ask an expert about how to proceed.

Hardwood: Hardwood gives a warm, Zen touch to any decor. However, this material must be suitably waterproofed when used as a backsplash so it doesn’t get damaged by the inevitable splashes.

Decorative tiles: Stores stock decorative tiles in a wide variety of sizes, styles and colours. With geometric patterns, glass and ceramic imitations, there’s something for everyone.

If you have a limited budget and aren’t very handy, selfadhesive wall tiles are easy to install and give a nice effect at a reasonable price.

Wallpaper and glass:Hang some gorgeous wallpaper and then have professionals cover it with a glass panel to create an eye-catching backsplash. The made-to-measure glass panel will protect your wallpaper while providing a beautiful, transparent finish. Compliments, guaranteed.

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Moscow-Pullman Daily News & Lewiston Tribune | May 2016 |

3 advantages to buying your home through an agent

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uying a home is a major transaction; it may even be the most important one of your life. Are you wondering what advantage there is to doing business with a real estate agent? Read on to learn why it’s a wise choice.

1. Expertise Real estate agents or brokers can help their clients successfully conclude a home purchase. How? They accompany them through every step of the process, including negotiating the price, avoiding any risks and optimizing the transaction. When new properties appear on the market, they contact their clients to tell them which ones may be of interest.

During home visits, their knowledge and objective analyses are invaluable.

2. Protection Real estate brokerage is a regulated activity; brokers are obliged to verify any information before giving it to clients. In fact, all the responsibilities of a real estate agent are designed to minimize any risks to you during a property transaction. It’s also worth knowing that all personal information you share with

an agent is considered confidential.

3. Network Real estate agents are also a great source of information regarding all types of experts in your region. They have access to a network of experienced professionals and can direct their clients towards trustworthy financial advisors, building inspectors, lawyers and tradespeople. There’s no doubt about it: to save time and avoid worries, it’s worth using the services of a real estate agent. Your real estate agent ensures that the properties you visit meet your search criteria.

Buying a home: how much can you afford?

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10 | May 2016 | Moscow-Pullman Daily News & Lewiston Tribune

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ou’d like to set a budget in order to purchase a condominium, house or any other type of home, but you don’t know where to start? The maximum purchase price you can pay depends on several factors.

Here are some guidelines to help you. First, calculate all your monthly household expenses, including housing, communications, entertainment, savings, insurance, healthcare and transportation.

The more realistically you record your expenses, the better your idea of what you can pay towards a house. Next, you need to determine the exact amount of all your debts.

Mortgage lenders will ask you for this information, so be prepared. Now note all the costs of buying and owning a property, such as a home inspection, transfer tax and a notary or lawyer’s fees. Calculate how much of a down payment can you come up with. Keep in mind the federal guideline that says you shouldn’t let your monthly housing costs (mortgage, interest, taxes and heating) exceed 28 per cent of your average gross monthly income.

Generally, your debt-toincome ratio (the total amount you spend each month to repay all your debts, including housing) shouldn’t exceed 36 per cent of your average gross monthly income. If you would like to have more information about your mortgage eligibility or about your ability to pay, visit the website of the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation.

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How to cut home energy costs MetroCreative

allow more warm sunlight in. Much like with your AC unit, clean heating filters regularly and program the thermostat so you are not heating your home while no one is there.

Lighting

Cooling

Cut lighting costs by replacing standard light bulbs with compact fluorescent bulbs, which are more energy efficient and have longer life expectancies. When installing external lights on your home, install motion-detecting lights so you can safely get in and out of your house without having to keep a porch light burning for hours on end. When laying out rooms in your home, place lamps in corners where they will reflect light off of two walls, providing more bang for your lighting buck.

Rising temperatures tend to produce higher energy bills.

While abandoning AC is an unrealistic idea for people living in especially warm climates, there are ways to make AC units more efficient. Routinely clean AC filters so they can operate at maximum efficiency, replacing old or worn down filters when necessary. Keep AC units off during the day when no one is home, using the unit’s programmable functions to turn the AC on roughly 30 minutes before you arrive home so the house is not a sweatbox.

Electronics

Heating Heating costs also can do damage to homeowners’ monthly budgets. Wood floors might be more trendy than carpeting, but carpeting can increase heat retention in a home. When the heat is on, make sure curtains or drapes are not blocking vents, and keep them open during the daytime when you are home to

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Revamp your dining room

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Vampire power is a little known foe to homeowners.

Electronics like televisions and computers consume energy even when they are not turned on. This is referred to as “vampire power.” Unplug electronics when they are not in use, or plug such devices into power strips that you can turn off when you aren’t home or when devices are not being used.

to your door

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oes your dining room decor date back to the dark ages? The outdated colours and accessories are no longer appealing or appetizing? Make the most of the winter months to breathe new life into this room. You’ll be surprised how easy it is to do so.

MORE CHOICES, BETTER PRICES!

Walls Get out your brushes and rollers and give a boost to your gloomy looking walls. Be daring and paint them a bright colour to liven up your decor. Not sure which colour to choose?

Consult a professional decorator. If your walls are damaged, look into the amazing properties of textured coatings. Besides giving a distinctive look to your walls, they conceal small imperfections. Apply them with a plastic tool, which is easier to handle than a metal one.

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Light fixtures If your dining room doesn’t have dimmers

on the light fixtures, invest in some as soon as possible — you won’t regret it. You’d like an original light fixture? Go wild!

Warning: for any electrical work, call in a professional.

Furniture The fabric seats of your chairs are damaged?

Buy some pretty fabric that is water- and stain resistant. Using a screwdriver, a good pair of scissors and a stapler, you’ll be able to give new life to your entire dining room set. One question remains: who will you invite to help you inaugurate your revamped dining room?

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omeowners can take steps to cut costs around the house, most notably by employing a few strategies to reduce energy consumption. Below are a couple tips to live by.

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Patrick Venzke (208) 310-3482 Palouse Living