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ALTERNATIVE Living Spaces #HouseplantsAreIn AUTUMN TRENDS and Changes Mankato Areaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s HOME MARKET

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Table of Contents

28 30

20 20

Alternative Living Spaces

#HouseplantsAreIn

Autumn Trends and Changes

Mankato Area’s Home Market Stays Strong

Directory

SOUTHERN MINNESOTA

The Free Press MEDIA

2 •

SOUTHERN MINNESOTA

The Real HOUSE FLIP 2019 Trends OPEN HOUSE 3 Design & Decor

Spring Issue:

Photo by Jordan Powers Mankato Home Tours

• OCTOBER 2019 • The Free Press • Home Magazine

The Free Press MEDIA

ALTERNATIVE Living Spaces #HouseplantsAreIn AUTUMN TRENDS and Changes Mankato Area’s HOME MARKET

On the Cover:

Photo by Jordan Powers Mankato Home Tours Home built by DeMars Construction

INTERIOR AND ARCHITECTURAL PHOTOGRAPHY JORDANPOWERSPHOTOGRAPHY.COM | 507.933.0411 INSTAGRAM@JRDNPWRS Home Magazine • The Free Press • OCTOBER 2019 •

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October 2019 | Fall/Winter Issue PUBLISHER

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Home +Style is published by The Free Press Media bi-annually at 418 South Second St., Mankato MN 56001. For editorial inquiries, call Marianne Carlson at 344-6338, or e-mail mcarlson@mankatofreepress.com. For advertising, call 344-6364, or e-mail advertising@mankatofreepress.com.

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• OCTOBER 2019 • The Free Press • Home Magazine

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Vision Board is a tool that you can use to help visualize your future. Simply put, a Vision Board is a visual wish list. They are often created on a large sheet of paper or tag board that you fill with photographs or magazine clippings of images that represent your goals and dreams. Deciding to build a new home or even planning a home remodeling project can be a huge undertaking. Everyone wants their home to be unique – to say something special about them and who they are. A great way to keep track of your ideas is to put them all on a Vision Board. Find images that inspire you. They can range from home décor accessories such as throw pillows and art, all the way to faucets and light fixtures. Certain objects and even colors can evoke strong emotions. Now put several of these objects together in one space and you can create a room that makes people feel relaxed, joyful, excited, nostalgic, even energized. While websites like Pinterest are basically one giant Vision Board where you can pin everything from recipes to workout routines, a true Vision Board is meant to be seen on a daily basis as a way to manifest your ideal reality. Some people believe that a Vision Board “activates” the Law of Attraction which states that you can program your mindset to actually attract things and situations into your life. On the next several pages you will find inspiration from local builders, home improvement and organizational experts, interior designers, landscaping professionals and local retailers who can help you update everything in your home. Home Magazine • The Free Press • APRIL 2019 •

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INTERIOR AND ARCHITECTURAL PHOTOGRAPHY JORDANPOWERSPHOTOGRAPHY.COM | 507.933.0411 INSTAGRAM@JRDNPWRS

Home Magazine • The Free Press • OCTOBER 2019 •

• 19

Alternative Living Spaces

Just Fun & Games or the Key To Sanity? A

By Marianne Carlson

lternative living spaces are not a new concept. But with the variety of home improvement shows on HGTV, there is no lack of inspiration.

20 •

• OCTOBER 2019 • The Free Press • Home Magazine

Whether you are thinking of building a treehouse, a she-shack or a man cave, these types of shows along with websites like Pinterest and YouTube, make these ideas attainable, giving you permission to create a space that is uniquely yours.

Dan (Davvy) Devenport’s Man Cave has been fondly named The Friendship Hall of Fame because “Friendship is the heart and soul of the man cave,” Davvy said.

Man Cave When Dan Devenport’s wife Brook started doing in-home daycare, he said he was desperate for a retreat. “There were toys and food and stuff everywhere – no living room anywhere,” he said with a laugh. “Brook felt bad that the house was over run so she told me to take the third stall in the garage and do whatever I want with it.” The project started out simple, Dan, (Davvy) said. He planned to clean out the garage stall and create a spot where he could watch sports on television. After getting rid of all the shelving on the walls, he brought the wicker furniture in from the deck and set up a TV. It wasn’t long before his simple project turned into a fullblown hobby. “At first I was like, let’s see if we can build a bar,” Davvy said. “Then we put up a wall to separate the room from the other two stalls.” Over the next several years, with a little help and expertise from his friends, the man cave evolved. Davvy added knotty pine to all of the walls and built a riser for his couch. “Then I added a second TV. But pretty soon I realized, how am I going to get through March Madness with only two TVs,” Davvy said with a laugh. “So now, it is seven years later and the man cave has three TVs, three recliners, and an eigth person bar. There is a refrigerator in there, of course. And it has its own air conditioner and heating unit. I totally

realize how obnoxious it is, but I don’t care.” Over the years, his man cave has become a favorite neighborhood hangout, Davvy said. “Honestly, that is my favorite part,” he explained. “I wanted this to be a place where friends could gather. Friendship is the heart and soul of the man cave. I couldn’t have built it without my friends so I wanted to make it a place where people can feel comfortable to come over in their sweats, sit down, watch the game and have a beer.” Davvy calls it the Friendship Hall of Fame. As the man cave evolved, friends of Davvy’s have brought over their letters from high school lettermen’s jackets, old high school sports jerseys, and other sports memorbillia to hang on the walls. Two years ago Davvy took out the overhead garage door to the third stall and added sliding patio doors. “It’s a very social thing,”Davvy said. “My friends and neighbors know that if the light is on and the blinds are up, they can feel free to stop by. The bar is stocked. The fridge has beer and mixers for the adults and juice boxes for the kids.” In order to appease the non-sports loving family members, Davvy installed a projector, screen and surround sound. “When the black out shades are down, it’s like a movie theater in there,” Davvy said. “At Thanksgiving the kids like to go out there, eat at the bar and watch movies.” His youngest daughter convinced him to spray paint the refrigerator with black chalk paint so people could write messages on it, Davvy said. “People have left everything you can imagine on there including inappropriate and funny sayings,” Davvy said with a laugh. “But if we are doing a drink of the night, we will also use it to write the recipe on.” One of the newest additions to the man cave is an arcade console where friends and family members can pull up a stool and play Pac Man, Galaga or several other classic 1980’s classic arcade games. When asked what his most favorite feature is, Davvy said, “Being a typical sports guy, I like the fact that when there are multiple events going on, I can watch them at the same time. March Madness is a perfect example, we can watch three games at the same time.” Davvy said he thinks of the Friendship Hall of Fame as a living, breathing thing. “It’s constantly changing and evolving. I don’t think it will ever be finshed,” Davvy said. “Over the years, I’ve had a lot of help getting it to where it is today. The best part about it, is that it brings people together and it reminds me of the good friendships I have.”

She Shack A few miles outside of Mankato, Jodel Lund, has created the perfect female getaway. After being inspired by the show Tiny Houses on HGTV, Jodel started doing some research. “Originally, I wanted to use an old camper and convert that into my she shack but honestly, I couldn’t find one that I liked and after looking at several smaller sheds, we ended up purchasing a 24’x12’ shed in Waseca,” Jodel said. “We figured if we are going to do it, let’s do it right.” Home Magazine • The Free Press • OCTOBER 2019 •

• 21

Jodel Lund and her husband have transformed an empty 24â&#x20AC;&#x2122;x12â&#x20AC;&#x2122; shed into a beautiful she-shack where she can read, relax and entertain friends and family members.

canning jars,” she said. “This is one of those things that will never be finished. I will always be adding to it.” Her husband offered to install carpet over the entire floor, but Jodel wanted to use throw rugs to add splashes of color and texture. Jodel said she loves having a place where she can add her own personal touches and express herself decoratively. There is a table and chairs set out there. Along with a couch. Above the couch, Jodel hung twinkle lights with netting over them for a little mood lighting, she said. The she shack also has a chandelier, and shelves for her books and knick knacks. But her favorite feature is the deck. “We sit out there all the time,” Jodel said. “We had a bridal shower for my daughter-in-law and we brought all the food out there and sat out on the deck. We have a fire pit not too far away. It is really serene and perfect for entertaining.” Jodel said she and her husband have worked really hard on the landscaping around the she shack and this year they plan to add even more flowers, she said. Their next goal is to add on a bedroom to make it even more like a guest house. “From the beginning, our goal was to not only make it beautiful but to make it functional,” Jodel said. “It would be wonderful to have a bedroom out there so when the kids come to visit, they can stay out there. It would be comforatable and private.”

Treehouse

Above: The Streit Family Treehouse stands 27 feet above the ground. Brian Streit built the treehouse with his daughter Mary and his son Jacob. Right: For the better part of two decades, Scott Carlson has been slowly transforming his backyard into a beautiful sanctuary where his children, family and friends go for fun and relaxation. Her husband Ron has been a huge part of this project, Jodel said. “Ron built a loft and a deck and we painted it together,” she said. “We used a sprayer to paint the inside walls and the floor. It is all raw wood, painted white. I didn’t want to insulate it. I wanted to keep it rustic. I wanted to be able to see the 2x4s.” Jodel said her she shack is her escape where she can sit down, relax, have a glass of wine and work on her crafts, most of which are decorations for the she shack itself. “I made some of the signs and I made the lights out of 24 •

• OCTOBER 2019 • The Free Press • Home Magazine

Building the Streit Family Treehouse was a group effort. Once complete, the top of the giant three-story treehouse was 27 feet above the ground. For almost three years, Brian Streit spent evenings and weekends working on the treehouse with his daughter Mary and his son, Jacob. Even their long-time neighbor John Myers, a heavy equipment operator by trade, got a taste of the action. “A friend gave me a fence so I had a bunch of 4x4s,” Brian said. “That is really what got the project going. All of the materials for the whole first level came out of my garage. That first level took about a year.” Brian went all out with his family treehouse. Once it was finished, the treehouse had real windows, two sky lights, two trap doors, electricity, heat, lights and even a window air conditioner. “The kids would watch movies and play video games up there,” Brian said with a smile. “We had two electric heaters to keep it warm. We had beds on each level. The kids used to sleep up there all the time. Our whole family even slept up there a few times.” When it came to designing and building the treehouse, there was no such thing as a blueprint, Brian said. “I had to work around the tree and big branches,” Brian said with a laugh. “The first level was built into the tree, nailed into the tree. Then we built the walls on the ground and hoisted them up. We set the second level on top of the first and then finally the third on top of the second. A bunch of my buddies traded me stuff for different supplies I needed to finish the second and third floors. Most of the windows I got from buddies or The Restore. The skylights were from my brother in law. We went as cheap as we could. The whole thing cost me $2,000.”

In order to put the roof on and stain the finshed treehouse, Brian had to use a safety harness because by the time the third level was built, the treehouse stood 27 feet off the ground. A deck was added a little while later, Brian said. “When Jacob started jumping out of the window onto the trampoline, I figured I better build a deck,” Brian said with a smile. Between the three story treehouse and the trampoline, the Streit house became the neighborhood hang out. “I guess the good thing was that we always knew where the kids were,” Brian said. “We didn’t have to worry about where they were or what kind of trouble they were getting into. Then when they got into their teenage years, they stopped using it.” Jacob said he had a blast helping his dad build their treehouse. “It was fun because Jacob helped me and Mary helped me. It really was a family project,” Brian said. “We built it and the cousins painted the inside, top to bottom. We made tons of family memories while we were building it and even more after it was done.”

Backyard Sanctuary For Scott Carlson, his backyard has been a true labor of love. Scott designed and created every aspect of it by himself. His beautiful waterfall was one of the first additions he ever made. He hauled and strategically placed thousands of pounds of rock, one boulder at a time. The waterfall spills into a large pond complete with Koi and a dock that stretches from land over the water, where you can sit and dangle your feet. “Now I’m putting in a permanent 26-foot pool with a deck around it,” Scott said with a smile. Many years ago, Scott renovated his garage making it a place where he can entertain family and friends or work on one of his many projects. One of the projects that he is best known for, is his elaborate Halloween party and his intricately painted and handmade decorations. After the inside of the garage was complete, Scott focused his attention on the outside. He added a bar off the side of the garage and a covered porch. “I wanted to have a place to hangout Home Magazine • The Free Press • OCTOBER 2019 •

• 25

“Some of them (birdhouses) have themes,” Scott said. “I mostly give them away. But I have a buddy in the cities who bought a store and wants to try selling them.” Scott said he thinks of his yard as an evolution. One of his newest pieces to the ever-changing puzzle is a treehouse that he built for his nine-year-old son Sawyer. “I started it when he was really little,” Scott said. “I’m not sure I even knew what it was at first. I just wanted to make something cool for him. I was cleaning up branches that had fallen, when I saw a group of trees that I thought would be perfect.” Scott built the entire treehouse by himself. “Trying to lift that first platform was something,” Scott said with a laugh. “I had a car jack out there, slowly lifting it one foot at a time and then bracing it as I went along. It weighed hundreds of pounds. Really the whole project has been trial and error.” Once the treehouse was fullly enclosed, Scott added windows and a loft. He also built a table and a big bench inside. “It’s always a work in progress,” Scott said. “I’m not sure it will ever really be finished. I think it will just evolve and be reinvented. I just picked up a slide to add to the treehouse and we put a new tramopline next to the pool. I’d love to add a zip line from the treehouse to pool. So I’ve got lots of ideas.” Scott said the neighborhood kids like to hang out in his backyard and play laser tag or have Nerf gun wars. “Sawyer keeps reminding me that we are never, never, never moving, “ Scott said with a laugh.

outside and not get wet,” Scott said with a smile. “I used reclaimed steel I got from a neighbor’s farm site. I painted the exterior of the tin but I still wanted to keep that rustic look. I moved the grill over to the bar area so I grill in the rain and even in the winter.” When Scott built the bar, he added a smokey mirror on top. “I have all of this glass from when I used to etch it so I really wanted to use it for the bar,” Scott said. “I thought it would get broken right away, but it hasn’t.” Scott said he is never at a loss for projects. “My brain is a hamster wheel … it just keeps spinning,” Scott said with a laught. “It is a gift and a curse.” In addition to his home improvement projects, Scott makes smaller items such as tiki masks, signs and birdhouses.

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• 27

#HouseplantsAreIn P

By Heidi Newbauer

lants and flowers are certainly lovely additions to any home: a few palms in the front porch; a bamboo or two in the kitchen; and hostas, marigolds, and hydrangeas scattered throughout the yard. Yet lately, indoor houseplants have made a stellar comeback, a movement started by the millennials. This social-media savvy, wellness generation has put houseplants at the forefront of the BOHO decorating style. The bohemian, or BOHO style, originally was seen as a style of dress inspired by the lifestyles of the free spirits and hippies of the 1960s and 1970s. Long, flowered skirts and dresses, peasant blouses, fringed handbags, and wood jewelry created layers of colors from head to toe. Today, however, this style is more incorporated into other layers and trends, such as Americana and sleek minimalism. But what does this have to do with houseplants and millennials? The bohemian style of dress has filtered into how many millennials decorate their humble abodes. For these younger generations, experiences and travel are at the forefront of their lifestyles, making their homes more of a mecca of memories and cultural curation. When interviewed by Realtor.com writer, Jane Chertoff, interior designer Annabel Joy says that “millennials want their home to feel collected and curated, as opposed to decorated, with a mix of vintage and modern, peppered with little details that represent their favorite memories and experiences.” Houseplants can add to any type of décor, with their flowing vines and earthy colors, and minimal care. In his article, “Millennials really love plants,” journalist Matthew Boyle points out that “plants have become the new pets. fulfilling a desire to connect to nature.” Plants give these

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• OCTOBER 2019 • The Free Press • Home Magazine

owners a nurturing responsibility with a large return: a connection to nature, cleaner air, growth and inspiration. These BOHO decorated homes, with a variety of easy-to-care for succulents and other green plants such as Devil’s ivies, spiders, and Hoyas, give their on-the-go owners something fresh and happy to come home to after a long day or trip. On a recent episode of 1A, Joshua Johnson interviewed the New Yorker’s Jia Tolentino. She says, “There’s something mesmerizing about this chronicle of ‘plant parents,’ in which you’ll see a string of millennial plant owners attempt to bring a spirit of slow caregiving to the digital systems that make us sad and twitchy enough to crave this very spirit—ideally in a form that can be contained in a nice ceramic pot.” These houseplant owners aren’t just housing a few here and there. Famous millennial Summer Rayne Oakes houses over 700 plants in her 1,200 square foot Brooklyn apartment. Yes, 700—with 400 distinct species! Plants can go a long way in a challenging space. Their sense of lifestyle also stems from a tough real-estate market and student loan debt, so they are waiting much longer to buy a home, get married, and have kids—or any of the three—until they have built some savings and wealth. They are also against a more expensive real-estate market than previous generations. According to Business Insider, the median price of previously owned homes is the most expensive it has been in a decade: $264,800, which is just above the median average in Mankato. Yet, millennials are boosting the plant market from their houseplant decorating. Data from the National Gardening Association shows that houseplant sales have nearly doubled over the past three years to $1.7 billion. Houseplants are in.

Hilltop Florist in Mankato has also noticed this rise in millennial plant shoppers. Deb Newman, owner, says that, “yes, we’ve definitely seen more younger folks come in to buy plants.” Some of the most popular plants they sell are succulents, of course, along with Hoyas, swiss cheese plants, spiders, and the ever-most popular snake plant. They are also looking into ways of expanding their plant supply in the winter to keep up with this trending demand. When asked about houseplant care, Deb notes that “not every plant is for every person. We send care tags with every plant and will also repot plants for customers.” Katie Dick, the plant expert at Hilltop Florist, says plant care isn’t general: “it really depends on the plant. I always tell customers to picture the plant’s natural habitat in thinking about care.” Succulents and cacti, for example, like to get dry between waterings and prefer light while ferns prefer shade. Watering maintenance is key to any houseplant. Katie tells customers to set a day/time alarm on their phones for watering: “that way, it’s already in a person’s schedule and they don’t have to think about it.” In the grand scheme of things, Katie says, “plants are healthy! They clean the air better than any filtering device could do.” Keeping plants is worth the effort. Starting out with an easy plant, like a pothos, is a great way to begin a sustained plant oasis in your own home. Hilltop Florist is located just on top of the hill in Mankato, off Madison Avenue. They are open every day except Sunday. Questions? Give them a call at 507-387-7908 or check out their website: www.hilltopflorist.com. Other noteworthy businesses in the greater Mankato area are Edenvale Nursery, located just five miles south of Mankato on Highway 22. Situated on five beautiful acres, they are open Monday through Friday 9-6, with varying hours on the weekends. Contact them at 507-387-6761 or www.edenvalenursery.com. Traverse Des Sioux Garden Center in St. Peter is also a plant lover’s dream, open every day except Sunday. They can be reached at 507-931-6683 or www. tdsgardencenter.com. Every one of these amazing places has the option to shop online.

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• 29

Autumn Trends and Changes T

By Nicole Hallman

he fall season brings a lot of change. The leaves on the trees, the temperature outside and home décor. Many new ideas come with the new season and they can gravitate toward your walls, floors and even outside your home. Decorating for fall and the holidays can spruce up your home for hosting and give you the comfortable feeling that comes with the change of weather. Cate Debates styles all kinds of spaces. Debates started DomestiCate about three years ago to express her creative outlet which is to style and design spaces. “Just the evolution we go through throughout the year too, our clothing changes when the air starts to crisp, we just want to light a candle and feel cozy in our homes and that is something that inspires me,” said Debates. Through word of mouth she’s been asked to style a room or front porch for the change of seasons. And with the different styles

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• OCTOBER 2019 • The Free Press • Home Magazine

she has come across, she definitely has an idea of what trends come with fall. “This year we are seeing a lot more of sienna’s and oranges. The scheme of the fall leaves like all of the burnt oranges and the changing of the seasons, I think everyone has embraced that this year,” said Debates. The color change of the leaves really inspires many to start redecorating. But when is it acceptable to start changing your décor throughout your home? Some of us like to think, what is too early? There’s no specific time to pack up your summer accents and pull out those autumn ones. Debates breaks it down for us, “Whenever the moment hits you is when you should start to change it over. It’s important to really love the space you’re in when you’re in it.” There is no shame in changing things up in August, we even see Christmas décor on the shelves teasing us to purchase. When you start to feel the change, make the

change to enjoy being in your home. Not only do decorations come to mind but also bigger changes throughout the home are considered. If hosting is an important part of your holidays, you may look to changing your flooring as well. The chilly season inspires some to warm up their home a little with carpet. Tammy Beeman, the sales manager at Rickway Carpet shares what she sees in the fall. “Carpet is still very popular. It adds warmth and comfort to a room. We install a lot of carpet in the fall, because customers want it installed before they put up their holiday decorations.” When you are deciding what kind of carpet you should add to a room, there are many options to consider when matching your home and décor. Texture, twist, loop and pattern are the different categories you can choose from. Beeman explains the categories so you have a better idea of what will fit best in your home. “Texture—The velvety look and feel of smoothly cut yarns. May be deeply or lightly textured to create a fresh, easy-care surface. Twist—The twist is back in this lighthearted carpet trend. It’s relaxed but elegant and sumptuous to the touch. Loop— Modern interpretation of handcrafted styling. For active areas, where you want sass and sophistication without worry. Pattern—Almost an art form. Cut and uncut loops form distinctive designs, for decorating with originality and flair.” When you are choosing the perfect floor to change in your home, you want to make sure it will be fitting for your style and designs. Even Beeman sees those important factors that are considered when choosing a color. ”People are using color to create a mood in the room. Natural, earthy colors are an effective choice to establish Zen in a space. Soft tones, such as white and beige - especially pinkish beiges - have the ability to make guests feel comfortable and at ease.” How can you decorate with these colors of choice or how can you match them with what you already have? When you are redecorating, you don’t have to spend a lot of money on new pieces. Take it from Debates and her advice on creating the best bang for your buck. “Before I change things up for the season, the first thing I do is I shop my house. I

“ Whenever the moment hits you is when you should start to change it over. It’s important to really love the space you’re in when you’re in it.”

Cate Debates started DomestiCate three years ago to express her creative outlet which is to style and design spaces. She is inspired by the change of seasons.

Home Magazine • The Free Press • OCTOBER 2019 •

• 31

season is a warm feeling but you want to make sure to stay warm. Hans Schwanke, store manager of Glowing Hearth and Home, talks about that feeling. “Outdoor features are still popular in the fall. The outdoor gas firepits and fireplaces are nice to sit around on cooler nights. The effect of the fire sets the mood for the evening.” Minnesota only gives us a few months of nice weather so enjoy it while you can by adding an outdoor firepit to complete the fall style of your home. While we are situated in Mankato, we want to know some of the trends and if you are adding a fireplace that will make a statement, we want to know about those trends. “The building in Mankato is strong and people are either remodeling or adding onto their homes. People are still traditional with the log version fireplace but the trend for a more modern linear type fireplace is trending upward in the Mankato area,” said Schwanke. Think about the style of your home and what you want to add to it when it comes to a fireplace. Make it the main focus of a room or tone it down to match your design. Most importantly, adding this piece to your home can give you the benefits you are looking for. “Every year there is something different as far as the looks of both the indoor and outdoor fireplaces. It is just nice knowing that people can sit and relax around a fire whether it is gas or wood burning,” said Schwanke. If you want to dig deep into your home design and get a real feel of yourself and your family, minimalist designs can mean the most. You can add the simplest pieces of décor to style your home that fits your family exactly the way you want it. “Whether it’s jack-o-lanterns you carved with your kids or it’s a lace runner your grandmother gave you down your table, I think making sure it reflects you and your

go through and think, what do I already have?” You can use décor that you already have and change it up whether repainting it or adding pinecones to bring the outdoor feeling inside your home. Even Debates uses all of her resources before shopping. “I often times will go outside and clip branches and pop them in a vase of water and just set them on my island in my kitchen. And that’s a really affordable fast and easy way to bring the outdoors in.” What if you want to host at your home but outdoors while the nice cool weather is around? You can make changes to your home whether it’s on your porch or backyard. Bringing friends or family over to enjoy the

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• OCTOBER 2019 • The Free Press • Home Magazine

lifestyle, that’s what’s going to make you feel most at home,” said Debates. To continue that unique and deep style to your home, there are other elements you can put together that makes your décor stand out but still in a minimalist form. Get a candle that smells like pumpkin spice or apple cinnamon to complete your fall feels. Debates shares a piece of advice that could complete that feeling. “They are more special if you find a hidden gem, so I would encourage people as they are transitioning into fall, maybe not to just go out and buy the trendiest stuff that you see at the Target dollar spot but maybe to come to a place like a union market or go to a maker fair, and find something really unique that speaks to you.” Take a look at your home and think about what designs and styles that fit you most. What kind of changes do you make to your home once autumn arrives? Put together your favorite ideas and create a wonderful space to live in while enjoying the change of season.

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• 33

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• OCTOBER 2019 • The Free Press • Home Magazine

Knit Throws + Chunky Textiles

An easy way to cozy-up a home is to add heavier knit blankets, throw pillows and textiles onto couches and bedding.

Wooden Bowls

This time of year, I ditch my porcelain fruit bowls and exchange them for “earthier” pieces. Stacked on a shelf, filled with pears on a kitchen island or on a console table with your keys and loose change – they are a simple, but functional addition to your décor.

Thrift Stores, Flea Markets and Antiquing… oh my!

Ah, the thrill of the hunt! Who doesn’t love a good thrift or antique find?! This time of year, flea markets and maker fairs are abundant! These shopping destinations are the best way to find one-of-a-kind pieces for your home.

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• 35

Mankato Area’s Home Market

g n o r t Stays S By Heidi Newbauer

he national housing market has been slowly recovering since its bubble burst in 2008. As the national market has recovered over the years, the Federal Reserve’s Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) lowered, increased, and then lowered interest rates again to help curb effects of the recession. In this past year, the FOMC lowered interest rates twice, from 2.5% to 2.25% in July and recently in September from 2.25% to a flat 2%. With the steady recovery of the national housing market, how has the Mankato area’s housing market been holding up? In one word: steady. With recent data from Realtor.com, Mankato’s market is what can be called a “seller’s market.” This means that there are more people looking to buy a home than there are homes available. With the interest rate cuts this year, now is not only a good time to buy or refinance for the homeowner, but it also a prosperous time to build homes for customers in the market. Bill Freitag, owner of Wilcon Construction, says that the Mankato housing market “is very stable. Even in the big recession, there was some drawing back, but Mankato stayed stable. Prices fluctuated a bit, but overall the market’s good.”

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• OCTOBER 2019 • The Free Press • Home Magazine

They are busily building all types of home models in today’s market. Their most popular home building model is called a patio home. These are one-story homes that many consider their “forever home.” Patio homes are popular among seniors and those who simply want this type of model. Some characteristics of these homes include no step-up at entrance, zero-entry showers, and are overall low-maintenance. Many of these homes are located within associations, meaning that the homeowner does not need to worry about snow removal or lawn care. Bill told me that “most customers are approaching retirement and they want to downsize. They want to begin to gravitate to simpler living.” Gravitating to one floor from many floors, many steps to a very few steps, the patio home has many attractive options for those wanting a change in their later years or those who simply find the layout right for them. Entry-level homes are also popular, but Wilcon does not build as many of these as they do patio homes. Young couples and first-time homebuyers are the popular clientele for these types of homes. These homes tend to be on the lower-cost

end of home building. Wilcon also builds many other types of homes and offer a vast array of customizable options, all the way down to lighting and hardware selections. With this type of building approach, Wilcon partners with their clients to fully understand their client’s goals for the home they will be living in. This customizable approach also gives the soon-to-be homeowner relaxed control over the building process. When I asked Bill if he has any advice for those wanting a new home, he says that Wilcon “has several model homes. It’s very beneficial for customers to walk through our model homes. Sometimes people have an idea of the size of a room in their head, or from a picture, but then look at the room and say, ‘Oh, that’s not going to work.’” Being able to walk through a scale-to-scale model gives the customer and the builder the opportunity to start planning from more realistic, hands-on measurements. Wilcon Construction has been in business since 1986, with offices in St. James and Mankato. Even though most of their work is in homebuilding, Wilcon Construction offers design and building options for commercial and industrial buildings as well. For more information, give them a call at 1-800450-6625 or check out their website: www.wilcon-construction.com. Along with building options for a new home in Mankato’s strong housing market, many folks are already in their “forever home,” or moving is just not for them right now. Still, they may be asking, “Is it a good time to refinance?” YES. Kim Weise, a Home Mortgage Consultant with Wells Fargo, says that there are “many people refinancing right now. It’s a good time to refinance. People should be calling their lender if their mortgage rates are around 4% or higher.” It’s been busier than usual for Kim and the rest of the team at Wells Fargo Home Mortgage because of the recent federal cuts in interest rates. The federal rate cuts affect mortgage rates everywhere, bringing them to a two-year low. In the Mankato area, Wells Fargo’s average 30-year fixed mortgage rate for those with a credit score of 761 or higher is at 3.5% with an APR of 3.601%. For the 15-year mortgage option, the rate is 2.875% with an APR of 3.642%. Recent rates are at a sweet spot to refinance.

Patio homes are popular among seniors and those who simply want this type of model. Some characteristics of these homes include no step-up entrance, zero-entry showers and are overall low maintenance.

Home Magazine • The Free Press • OCTOBER 2019 •

• 37

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• OCTOBER 2019 • The Free Press • Home Magazine

Kim mentions, “the savings can be tremendous when refinancing from a 30-year to 15-year mortgage.” Even switching to a 20-year from a 30year shows substantial savings. For example, refinancing a $250,000 mortgage to a 20-year mortgage can save a person up to $139,000 in interest. Smaller mortgages will naturally not see the same savings—the higher the loan, the more substantial the savings. However, depending on a person’s budget and lifestyle, refinancing has its perks for everyone. Wells Fargo also participates in the State of Minnesota’s Firsttime Homebuyer’s program, which is considered a DAP loan—Down payment Assistance Program loan. This program does not get a better rate with refinancing, but it does offer first-time homebuyers with the option of a small down payment—as low as $1,000—when purchasing a home. The down payment amount is set by strict income guidelines. Here’s the link for further information: http://www.mnhousing.gov/sites/ homebuyers/startup. With today’s market, first-time homebuyers have feasible options with down payments.

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• OCTOBER 2019 • The Free Press • Home Magazine

When asked what advice she has for potential homebuyers, Kim tells me that “first-time homebuyers do not need to have a lot of money to buy a home. For many first-time homebuyers, the minimum down is 3%.” She also mentions that coming in for preapproval does not cost anything. Kim and the rest of her team at Wells Fargo can help potential homebuyers plan for buying with starting pre-approval and then assisting them with buying goals down the road. Most of Wells Fargo’s mortgage programs have a credit score cap of 620, so good credit is helpful. Regardless, Kim says, “Most people are surprised. Don’t hesitate.” Kim Weise has been in the home mortgage business for around 30 years. In that time, the most significant thing that’s changed is the technology: “some years ago, it would take two weeks to get a credit score. Now I can usually get one in under five minutes.” Even though the technology has changed, one major thing in the mortgage business has not: qualifying. Four things are crucial in qualifying for reasonable financing: credit score, employment history, incomedebt ratios, and closing payment. So, pre-approval can go a long way in making these qualifying factors easy to accomplish, and to simply have a better edge on your home mortgage and finances. So, if you’re in the market to refinance, Kim says, “Call in and say that you heard mortgage rates are low and are wanting to see if this is beneficial for me.” If you’re curious about pre-approval, stop in and see what your options are for financing and making homeownership a reality. When asked what she likes most about her work, Kim says that “I love helping people. Helping them attain the payment dream of home ownership or saving costs with refinancing.” You can reach Kim at 507-387-9382. Given the recent federal rate cuts and the steady housing market in the area, it’s a great time to take another look at your housing and financing goals. If it’s a dream to build or own your first home, now is a good time for that dream to come true.

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Home Magazine • The Free Press • OCTOBER 2019 •

• 41

SOUTHERN MINNESOTA

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• OCTOBER 2019 • The Free Press • Home Magazine

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Home Magazine • The Free Press • OCTOBER 2019 •

• 43

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menards.com

507-387-3400

507-387-3055

When it comes home financing—— When it comes toto home financing Whenhere it comesyou to home financing — we’re we’re here forfor you we’re here for you

Kim M. Weise Kim507-387-9382 M. Weise Office: 507-387-9382 Cell:Office: 507-340-5558

Ryan Greene Ryan Greene Office: 507-933-4313 Office: 507-933-4313 Cell: 507-514-1104

kim.m.weise@wellsfargo.com NMLSR ID 400945

ryan.w.greene2@wellsfargo.com NMLSR ID 763148

Chris Harstad Chris Harstad Office: 507-344-2681 Office: 507-344-2681 Cell: 507-351-9988

Nate Olsen Nate Olsen Office: 507-550-1903 Office: 507-550-1903 Cell: 507-382-1048

Cell: 507-382-8142 kristy.a.kall@wellsfargo.com

Cell: 507-340-5558 kim.m.weise@wellsfargo.com

NMLSR ID 400346

NMLSR ID 400945

kristy.a.kall@wellsfargo.com NMLSR ID 400346

Daniel Sprague Sprague Office:Daniel 507-550-1840 Office: 507-550-1840 Cell: 507-380-2718 Cell: 507-380-2718

daniel.j.sprague@wellsfargo.com

Cell: 507-351-9988

chris.harstad@wellsfargo.com

NMLSR ID 833080 NMLSR ID 833080

NMLSR ID 1420705 NMLSR ID 1420705

DavidDavid Maertens Maertens Office:Office: 507-387-9264 507-387-9264 Cell: 507-995-3428 Cell: 507-995-3428

BradBrad J. Brozik J. Brozik Office: 507-387-9225 Office: 507-387-9225 Cell:Cell: 507-514-0408 507-514-0408

david.maertens@wellsfargo.com david.maertens@wellsfargo.com

NMLSR ID 1611875 NMLSR ID 1611875

bradley.brozik@wellsfargo.com bradley.brozik@wellsfargo.com

NMLSR ID 402019 NMLSR ID 402019

ryan.w.greene2@wellsfargo.com Cell: 507-514-1104

NMLSR ID 763148

Cell: 507-382-1048

nathan.olsen@wellsfargo.com

NMLSR ID 1519662 NMLSR ID 1519662

Office: 507-387-9243 Office: 507-387-9243 Office: 507-387-9243 Toll-free: 1-800-720-9243 Toll-free: 1-800-720-9243 Toll-free: 1-800-720-9243 www.wfhm.com/ www.wfhm.com/ www.wfhm.com/ mn-mankatobranch-mankato mn-mankatobranch-mankato mn-mankatobranch-mankato

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. © 2011 Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. All rights reserved. NMLSR ID 399801. AS3938779 Expires 11/2018 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. © 2011 Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. All rights reserved. NMLSR ID 399801. AS3938779 Expires 11/2018 44 •

• OCTOBER 2019 • The Free Press • Home Magazine

Northern Comfort Inc. 917 Southbend Ave, Mankato sales@ northerncomfortinc.com northerncomfortinc.com

Rickway Carpet 1107 Cross Street North Mankato rickwaycarpet.net

507-387-6596

507-625-3089

The Free Press Media

Wells Fargo Home Mortgage

418 South Second Street Mankato advertising@ mankatofreepress.com mankatofreepress.com

1600 Madison Avenue Suite 115 Mankato wellsfargo.com/mortgage

507-625-4451 The Free Press

507-387-9225

Schmidt Siding & Window

Timeless Interiors

901 N 5th St, Mankato info@ schmidtsidingandwindow.com Schmidtmankato.com

beth@ timelssinteriorsmn.com

507-625-6412

507-351-5214

Wilcon Construction Services

Creative Closets of MN LLC

111 Redtail Court Mankato billf@wilcon-construction.com

800-450-6625

ryan@ creativeclosetsofmn.com creativeclosetsofmn.com

507-380-1264

MEDIA

STRENGTH AND VERSATILITY FOR A LIFETIME OF ENJOYMENT Need a tough dock like the Hewitt Roll-A-Dock but don’t have the beachfront to roll it in for seasonal storage? Check out the new Ultra Dock from Hewitt. It can also be quickly disassembled and tucked away for the winter without taking up a large amount of space.

ALL-TERRAIN STAIRCASE SYSTEM™

Decking options include white aluminum and white, beige, or gray ThruFlow. Custom frame color options available.

The perfect solution for areas where construction of a permanent staircase would be too difficult or costly. The system’s unique design allows it to be adjusted to almost any terrain or slope, and we can customize steps or platforms to any specific length.

Customize your installation with a full line of Hewitt accessories. Contact your dealer or visit our website for additional information.

hewittrad.com • 800-544-2067

Find Your Hewitt Dealer

Home Magazine • The Free Press • OCTOBER 2019 •

• 45

Quality Products and Exceptional Service from your local, hometown lumber yard and rental company for over 72 years.

Lloyd Lumber Company Marvin windows and Doors brings its Built around you® philosophy to life with every customer and every product it creates. A premier manufacturer of made-to-order windows and doors, Marvin offers unparalleled value with craftsman-quality construction, energy-efficient technology and the industry’s most extensive selection of shapes, styles sizes and options.

507-625-4500

1860 Commerce Drive North Mankato HOURS: Monday - Friday 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; Saturday 7:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

46 •

• OCTOBER 2019 • The Free Press • Home Magazine