MNA - Your Next Home - August 2023

At Carter Lumber in Ludington, we make the transition into a new home as painless as possible. We have years of experience helping new residents turn their new homes into the permanent home of their dreams.

From kitchen and bath designs to decking, we make the remodeling and building process easy. We’ve been rooted in the community for decades and are proud to welcome you to our beautiful lakeside community.

For more information on how we can help you, visit us in-store or online. Welcome to the neighborhood!

Business Directory

Carter Lumber

231-757-9000

www.carterlumber.com

Caliber Home Loans: Mindy Sedelmaier 231-233-0963

Century 21: Kari King 231-651-0923

www.C21Northland.com

Dwelling Realty

www.dwellingrealty.com

Essential Real Estate 231-942-9334

Therran Ferguson, Broker/Owner 231-510-1790

Michael Kruse 231-690-8882

Jenna Mahoney 231-942-9334

Five Star Realty: Corinn Fink 616-278-5417

www.CorinnFink.com

Lighthouse Realty Manistee

231-398-3800

www.goLighthouseRealty.com

Heather Barker 231-510-5505

Shirley Barker 903-681-6102

Cathy French 231-233-3268

Leah Gannon 517-607-5347

Jeremy “Ox” Glenn 812-929-9289

John Hanson 231-510-5543

BethAnn Kozicki 231-794-8960

Bill LaBelle 239-887-1037

Leanne LaBelle 239-887-0998

Kerri Mackey 231-510-8380

Emily Pomeroy 231-510-1303

Dale Smith 231-794-9122

Cheryl Staszczak 248-805-3802

Casey Tennant 231-233-7613

Metro Mortgage 231-425-5555

www.metromtg.com

Pamela’s Interior Design 231-723-8688

PamelasInteriors.net

Real Estate One: Kathy Neveu 231-342-0921

Redeemed

231-887-4222

State Farm Insurance Agency Mary Studevant

231-723-9905

Exterior renovations that boast the best ROI

Remodeling with a return on investment in mind can be a smart strategy for homeowners, whether one is thinking about moving in the next few months or further down the road. Though this approach is an inexact science, in many instances, it’s savvy for homeowners to consider what buyers may want when planning home improvements.

Homeowners may be surprised to learn which renovations garner the best ROI at resale. The home loan and refinancing company RenoFi indicates that overall home improvement projects provide a 70 percent ROI on average. Many high-ROI projects add functional space and improvement. The following are some exterior renovations that help homeowners recoup the most money at resale, according to Remodeling magazine’s “2022 Cost vs. Value Report.”

1. Garage Door Replacement: 93.3 percent recouped of $4,041 cost

2. Manufactured Stone Veneer: 91.4 percent recouped of $11,066 cost

3. Siding replacement (Fiber Cement): 68.3 percent recouped of $22,093 cost

4. Window replacement (Vinyl): 67.5 percent recouped of $20,482 cost

5. Siding replacement (Vinyl): 67.2 percent recouped of $18,662 cost

6. Window replacement (Wood): 66.3 percent recouped of $24,388 cost

7. Deck addition (Wood): 64.8 percent recouped of $19,248 cost

8. Entry Door Replacement (Steel): 63.8 percent recouped of $2,206 cost

The majority of renovations on Remodeling magazine’s list of the best investments are exterior renovations, making this area of a home a particular point of interest for homeowners.

The only interior project that cracked the Top 10 ROI for projects was a minor midrange kitchen remodel.

Exterior renovations perhaps add the most bang for your buck because they’re not only functional, but also because they add immediate curb appeal. Much in the way it has been said people eat with their eyes first — which is why chefs spend so much time on elaborate plating — buyers will judge a property by how it looks when they arrive, even before they’ve stepped inside a home. In essence, home buyers often judge a book by its cover. A worn exterior may indicate to potential buyers that the home was not maintained, however false that assumption may be.

It’s important for homeowners to consider all factors before beginning a renovation. Certain projects offer a stronger return on investment than others, and that’s a significant consideration for homeowners thinking of selling their homes.

Sales & Property Management 231-299-1180

www.MIEssentialRealEstate.com

107 N Lakeshore Dr • Manistee

$449,000 #23013788

2 beds, 1 bath, 890 SF WOW!!! This gem offers rare Lake Michigan views and access UNDER 500K! This two bedroom beach house is situated on a lot large with a 2 car garage. Inside the home you will find original wood trim and finishings with plenty of space for your guests to enjoy This home would make a lovely get away or short term rental right across the street from Manistee’s favorite 5th Ave beach. They are not making more properties like this one, schedule a tour of this Lake Michigan beach house today!

2 beds, 1 bath, 1340 SF

This two bedroom one bath

Farmhouse sits on 4.37 acres with a three-car detached garage. All new roof, electrical service and furnace in 2021. This could make a great sweat equity home for a handyman or possible contractor

The road frontage is available for a land division, all splits are included in sale Conveniently located just off Pere Marquette Highway and US-31. Buyer to verify all information.

$825,000

2 beds 1 baths 1,584 SF

This block built home has sturdy foundation for your future rehab project. Large open kitchen and dining into living room make great space for family functionality Large wooded back yard on nearly 9 acres of land. So close to Claybank Creek and a short drive to Lake Michigan. Roof no longer leaks, cosmetic issues remain and can be easily taken care of. This 2 bedroom home once had an attached garage that has been converted to additional storage (plan was to create 3rd bedroom). Wooden garage on property for storage or parking.

5450 Carlson Rd • Manistee

7 beds, 3 baths, 3180 SF

Opportunities like this, simply don’t happen every day! Sprawling 80 acre resort on Anderson Bayou of the Big Manistee River. Extremely well maintained 7 bedroom, 3 full bath home, with combined guest house separated by an attached garage, as well as a 24’ x 24’ bunkhouse style cabin right on the bayou! Over 5,000 sq. ft. of finished living space. Full finished basement 2021. Much of the main house has been remodeled. Outdoor wood-boiler adequate in size for even the large 32’ x 40’ Insulated Pole Barn. Attached boiler mate provides endless hot water The home features hardwood flooring, many remodeling updates, main floor laundry, large eat-in kitchen, and beautiful scenic views. House and attached guest house each have woodstoves. Abundant wildlife, mature trees, amazing property!!

4 beds 3 baths 3,593 SF

This building has so much room to bring your dream home or rental to life. Just down the road from KND schools, Lake Eleanor public access and Dickson Township park, this would be the perfect location for a family home or day care!

This was once a restaurant that has been converted to a primary living space.The square footage would allow for at least 2 additional bedrooms on the main floor Additional attic space could be turned into a bunk room or used for additional storage. Close to Tippy Dam and the Manistee River, endless miles of hiking trails and the areas most loved snowmobile and ORV trails.

#21116571

2019 Lenz Rd • Ludington

$234,900 #23012833

14203 Coates Hwy • Brethren

$119,000 #23023134

7235 Pine Creek Rd • Manistee

$119,000 #23024363

$619,000 #23023329

421 1st St • Manistee

5 BD 4 BA 2,525 SF

This historic beauty was completed in 1882 and stands as one of the oldest homes in Manistee. Built for a wealthy attorney and his family, this has become known as the (A.J.) Dovel home. This three story freshly painted brick home has a widows watch on the top floor where you get a private view of Lake Michigan and the Historic Downtown District. A gorgeous modern kitchen and large dining are just the start of the updates here; you’ll also find a large living room, great room and a cocktail room that takes you to the fenced in back yard and deck area. Five bedrooms and two baths upstairs are all recently redone, including electrical and plumbing. A detached two car garage, newly poured concrete driveway and wonderful landscaping complete this

2408 Nelson St. • Manistee

4 beds, 2 baths 1525 SF

$210,000 #23012939

1,525 sq. ft. 4 bedroom home on a large corner lot in Oak Hill, Filer Township. The master bedroom on the main floor has its own half bath and an entire wall of closet space. The mechanicals are in good shape : newer furnace, plumbing, electrical, roof. Sun room on the Nelson Street entrance. Hardwood flooring throughout the main floor The large lot offers plenty of room to add a garage.

238

Great Commercial/Residential Opportunity!

Excellent location and excellent condition!

Located on the US-31 business corridor in Parkdale just north of Manistee. Large paved private parking lot. Washer & dryer in upstairs apartment. Separate utilities. Currently the upstairs 2 bedroom apt is rented for $950/month plus utilities. Back main floor apt is rented for $575/month plus utilities. Utilize or lease the 1,000 sq. ft. commercial office space office that could potentially rent for around $900/ month. New roof in 2016. Handicap ramp to main offices. Vinyl siding. Updated mechanicals. Air in offices and upstairs apartment. New 4’’ well in 2003. New Septic in 2020. High visibility in this Manistee location.

$115,900 #23017491

13544

SF

This is a wonderful opportunity to own a campground and motel/ cabin complex. Pine Creek Lodge has been family owned for __years. Licensed for 25 campsites, boarding the federal land and the areas favorite ORV and Snowmobile trails. The Resort has a motel which features a bunk house on the main (sleeps 6), main living space upstairs (3bed 1 bath), and another single sleeper unit (1 bed/bath). The main lodge has a shared laundry room for the resort guests, a large kitchen, 4 bedrooms and 2 baths. There are 5 cabins on property, most occupied by month to month tenants. Resort operates off 1 5 in well and has 5 septic tanks servicing the 7 buildings on property

3 BD 3 BA 1,791 SF

Come check out this handy man special! This has a very open layout, one that many would appreciate! Huge kitchen, separate dining area, an office and a huge living room. This is one of the bigger yards in the village of Bear Lake and it also butts up to a large property that is fully wooded. Across the street is the Bear Lake school and playground for your family to enjoy all year long, your kiddy corner to the local library and walking distance to a public access beach There are three bedrooms upstairs and a bathroom with a standup shower in the master This is a house you don’t want to miss out on. Boiler new, 10yr old roof, some newer windows It needs new siding, a few new windows and updates to the bathrooms.

6529 8 Mile Rd • Bear Lake

3 beds 1 baths 1,254 SF

3 bedroom, 1 bath home on a beautiful lot with a creek running through the back side. Only 2 miles to the Onekama Village Park. 5 miles to Lake Michigan-Portage Point.This home has huge potential for year around living or rental income.

Caberfae Hwy • Wellston 5192

$394,000 #23016271

12243 Smith St • Bear Lake

W. Parkdale Ave • Manistee

$235,000 #23021439

$197,000 #22034964

Kitchen cabinets: reface or replace?

The kitchen is a busy room in many homes. That popularity likely has something to do with why so many homeowners spend sizable sums renovating their kitchens. According to highlights from the 2022 U.S. Houzz Kitchen Trends Study, the median spend on major kitchen remodels grew by 14 percent from the previous year, and minor remodels increased by 25 percent. Spurred on by increased time spent at home during the pandemic, the main impetus for kitchen remodels according to the study was that homeowners wanted to make these improvements all along and finally had the time and means to do so.

There are many aspects of a kitchen that homeowners can change. Houzz found 94 percent of renovators either fully or partially replaced cabinets in their improvement plans. Cabinets are a major component of kitchen layouts. Cabinets help to establish the aesthetic of a kitchen and serve a useful function, providing necessary storage space to ensure the room does not appear cluttered.

Homeowners have different options when it comes to cabinet renovations, and they may need to decide if they need to replace or reface their cabinets.

Replacement

Cabinet replacement involves removing all of the existing cabinets

before new cabinets are leveled and installed. According to the home improvement resource The Spruce, homeowners can expect to pay between $13,000 and $30,000 for contractor grade cabinets. Cabinet replacement is a good idea when homeowners want to add more cabinet space or create a new layout in the room.

Refacing

Cabinet refacing is less messy and less disruptive than replacement. All cabinets remain the same size and in the same location. The cabinet boxes must be in good shape to facilitate a refacing. The process involves installation of new drawer fronts and cabinet doors, as well as veneering of the cabinet boxes. New hardware typically is installed as well. The insides of the cabinets typically remain the same. The Spruce says cabinet refacing can be 30 to 50 percent cheaper than a replacement.

Most people call in professionals to change their cabinets. Cabinet replacement can be a do-it-yourself job, but it involves measuring and ensuring everything fits and is leveled appropriately. Homeowners who choose to reface their cabinets themselves may opt to paint or restain. Wood veneer or a new door and drawer panel installation can be complicated and is best left to qualified contractors.

Did you know?

Vinyl siding is not something that many homeowners may consider painting, but it can be done. However, some contractors may not recommend it as the best option to overhaul a home. Painting siding means it will only be as durable as the paint used. It’s also essential to determine if painting vinyl will void any warranties. Wood or engineered wood or fiber cement siding tend to be better options than vinyl should you want to switch colors down the line. But vinyl siding can be painted if it is done right, and it can be an affordable way to change the look of a home without investing in new siding. According to Benjamin Moore Paints, vinyl siding that will be painted will need to be cleaned thoroughly, including the removal of any mildew, chalk or dirt, to enhance paint adhesion. Pitted or porous vinyl siding always must be primed, but others may not require priming. Choose an exterior paint designed for painting on vinyl. Benjamin Moore has a palette called Colors for Vinyl that can be used in select exterior paint lines. Two coats of paint are recommended. According to BobVila.com, paint for vinyl has acrylic and urethane resins that accommodate the expansion and contraction of vinyl and help the paint stick. Also, for the best results, the home improvement experts on the site advise painting when temperatures are mild and there is low relative humidity and an overcast sky.

Did you know?

Drains and other high-suction components in pools and spas can be dangerous. That is why the United States Congress passed the Title XIV Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act, which was named after the granddaughter of Secretary of State James A. Baker, III. Virginia lost her life in a family spa suction entrapment during a birthday party.

Federal law now requires that all pools and spa drains that were manufactured, distributed or sold on or after December 19, 2008 must meet ASME/ANSI A112.19.82007 requirements. In addition, public pools and spas must be retrofitted with covers that meet safety standards. The purpose of drain covers is to prevent the powerful suction of the spa or pool drain from forming a complete seal that can cause a person’s hair or body to be trapped against the drain. Such a situation may result in drowning or even disembowelment, in the event of buttock entrapment. In 1993, a five-year-old-girl named Valerie Lakey experienced evisceration of her small and large intestines when her bottom became pinned to the drain of a kiddie pool.

Swimmers should exercise caution to steer clear of any drains, and covers should be checked for safety periodically.

Tips to throw a memorable end-of-summer soirée

One last bash as summer winds down is a great way to send off a season that’s synonymous with recreation and leisure. And end-of-summer soirée also provides an opportunity to get together with friends and family before a new school year begins and families’ schedules fill up.

As August inches closer to September, hosts can consider these tips as they plan a memorable sendoff to summer.

• Avoid Labor Day weekend. Labor Day marks the unofficial end of summer in many places, but hosts may want to avoid choosing this popular three-day weekend for their end-of-summer soirée. A survey from the travel experts at The Vacationer found that roughly 137 million people had travel plans over Labor Day weekend in 2022. Travel is undeniably popular on Labor Day weekend, and hosts likely won’t want to contend with guests’ travel plans. The weekend before Labor Day may produce a greater turnout, which undoubtedly makes for a more enjoyable affair.

• Pick a summer theme. An end-of-summer party should have a theme that evokes the season’s special vibe. A beach theme with some sand in the backyard, some specialty cocktails served with mini beach umbrellas and, of course, some water play for adults and kids can help to establish a vibe that’s synonymous with summer.

• Serve traditional fare. Though hosts who already hosted a handful of backyard barbecues this summer might have had their fill of hamburgers and hot dogs, an end-of-summer party is the last time many people will eat such foods until next spring. So while it’s alright to offer some alternatives, such as meat cooked on a smoker or grilled fish, be sure to offer the standard hamburgers and hot dogs as well.

• Invite the neighbors. It’s tempting to throw a season-ending bash that lasts into the wee hours, but that can be problematic for hosts whose neighbors are within arm’s length. That potentially sticky situation can be remedied by inviting the neighbors to the party. Neighbors

won’t be upset by a little extra nighttime noise if they’re living it up as well. If that’s not an option, hosts can just remember to turn the volume down a notch once the sun sets.

• Create a contingency plan. August can be a bit on the rainy side in many areas, particularly those where hurricane season hits full swing as summer winds down. Though summer storms tend to come and go in the blink of an eye, it’s best to have a contingency plan in place. If possible, ensure outdoor entertaining areas can provide some respite from the elements if need be. A well-placed pergola can keep guests and food safe from the rain and a retractable patio awning can provide an extra layer of protection. Hosts also can clear out part of their home interior and have some backup games at the ready to accommodate guests if the party has to move inside for a little while.

An end-of-summer soirée can be the perfect way to say so long to a beloved time of year.

Manistee News Advocate

Recorded Sales for the Month of: June 2023