Residential ■ Commercial ■ Rentals ■ Vacant Land ■ Waterfront ■ Farms SEE OUR DIRECTORY ON PAGE 4 FOR A FULL LIST OF REALTORS AND BUSINESSES. A MONTHLY PUBLICATION OF THE MANISTEE NEWS ADVOCATE & BENZIE COUNTY RECORD PATRIOT FREE June 2023 FIND THE HOME OF YOUR DREAMS... WEST MICHIGAN Benzie, Manistee & Mason Counties your Next Home Sales & Proper ty Management 231-299-1180 www.MIEssentialRealEstate.com Lighthouse Realty 360 E. Parkdale Ave. Manistee 231-398-3800 www.goLighthouseRealty.com w w w.dwellingrealty.com 231-887-4455
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!
Your Next Home • June 2023 2
June 2023 • Your Next Home 3 In This Issue REAL ESTATE AGENCIES & REALTORS .................................PAGE Dwelling Realty 1 (Cover) Essential Real Estate 1 (Cover) Lighthouse Realty .......................................................... 1 (Cover) Lighthouse Realty: Casey Tennant .............................................. 5 Essential Real Estate................................................................ 8-9 Century 21: Kari King 13 Century 21: Gini Pelton 10 Lighthouse Realty: BethAnn Kozicki 11 Real Estate One: Kathy Neveu 15 MOM Board of Realtors 16 FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS Caliber Home Loans: Mindy Sedelmaier ....................... 1 (Cover) Metro Mortgage ........................................................................11 HOME IMPROVEMENT/ DECOR COMPANIES Carter Lumber 2 HOME IMPROVEMENT/ DECOR COMPANIES .....................PAGE Pamela’s Design 7 REDEEMED 7 INSURANCE COMPANIES State Farm Insurance Agency: Mary Sturdevant .......................15 MISCELLANEOUS Business Directory 4 Real Estate Transactions 15 ADVICE FOR THE HOME Explaining easements, setbacks and CCRs 5 How to prepare for drought in advance 6 How to protect your home when you’re away 10 Guide to outdoor Lighting ........................................................12 Planning ahead is vital to a successful renovation....................14
Business Directory
Carter Lumber
231-757-9000
www.carterlumber.com
Caliber Home Loans: Mindy Sedelmaier 231-233-0963
Century 21: Gini Pelton 231-690-0852
gini@c21boardwalk.com
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
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
Your Next Home • June 2023 4
■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■
Explaining easements, setbacks and CCRs
Property setbacks as well as easements and conditions, covenants and restrictions (CCRs) must be considered before renovating an existing home or building a new one. Setbacks are mandated buffers between surveyed property lines and permanent structures. Easements are legal designations that enable individuals or entities to use portions of a person’s property for physical access or to build on it for one reason or another. Easements may be owned by utility companies for gas lines or government agencies when sidewalks are on a private property. Additional examples of easements include greenbelt conservation easements, beach
easements or view easements, according to The Spruce, a home and lifestyle resource. CCRs include rules established by many planned communities, subdivisions and planned unit developments. CCRs, easements and property setbacks can affect which type of renovations are allowed on particular plots and may affect the issuance of permits. It’s essential to learn about property easements, CCRs and setbacks in advance and discuss them with contractors when drawing up preliminary plans. Your property deed or plat map as well as the local building inspection offices can highlight any regulations that may be in effect on your property and if they may affect future projects.
(231) 233-7613
casey@golighthouserealty.com
June 2023 • Your Next Home 5 17665 Forestview Dr, Arcadia Gorgeous 3 Bedroom, 3 Bath Log Home with Full Basement in Camp Arcadia’s Cottage Colony! Full Log construction, Main Floor Master, Main Floor Laundry Lake Michigan Beach access + all camp amenities Offer ed at $699,000!
Casey Tennant
How to prepare for DROUGHT IN ADVANCE
Drought is becoming a more frequent problem. According to NASA, the last 20 years have produced some of the driest conditions in the American west on record. When drought occurs, it is now more severe and pervasive than it once was, which underscores the importance of planning for drought before it occurs.
Government efforts to combat climate change, which NASA indicates is behind the increase in drought over the last two decades, might produce large scale change needed to protect against drought. But there’s also steps private homeowners can take to prepare for drought before it occurs.
• Check your well pump regularly. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security urges homeowners who have a well pump on their properties to check them regularly for leaks. If the pump turns on and off while water is not being used, it has a leak. Addressing the leak promptly helps to conserve water, which is one of the most effective means to combatting drought.
• Plant native species. The U.S. Forest Service notes that native plants are adapted to the local climate and soil conditions. That means they will require less water and will be hardy enough to withstand heat waves in areas where especially high summer temperatures are the norm.
• Raise the blades on your lawn mower. The DHS notes that lawn mower blades raised to at least three inches encourage grass roots to grow deeper and hold soil moisture. That can help lawns survive drought without much intervention, including extra water during times when water restrictions are in place.
• Reseed lawns with drought in mind. When reseeding a lawn, consider the potential for drought. The DHS recommends individuals in areas affected or likely to be affected by drought plant drought-resistant lawn seed. Drought-resistant grasses, which include Bermuda and Zoysia grass,
can withstand prolonged periods without water. However, before reseeding, consult a local lawn and garden professional to ensure the grass will thrive in your area.
• Devise a wise watering strategy. Come late spring, devise a watering strategy to take you through the dog days of summer. Water-efficient irrigation systems can protect flowers, plants and shrubs during prolonged periods marked by little to no precipitation. In addition, less water will be lost to evaporation when watering during early morning or evening hours when temperatures tend to be less extreme and the sun is not as high. If possible, hand water during these times of day or set irrigation system timers to do so.
Dry conditions are more common today than they were 20 years ago. That reality means homeowners must plan ahead as they try to help their lawns and gardens survive drought.
Your Next Home • June 2023 6
June 2023 • Your Next Home 7 231-887-4222 7-4222 172 Memorial Dr • Manistee (Next to Family Dollar) to Gif t Cer tificates Available Over 50 Vendors! S top In Today! Vendors! For Kitchens and Bath Cabinets, Counter tops, Installation and D esign Come S ee 433 R iver Street, Manistee, MI (Open by Appointment - Call today) PamelasInteriors.net 231-723-8688 residential commercial Pamela Schindlbeck interior/kitchen/bath designer
Sales & Property Management 231-299-1180
www.MIEssentialRealEstate.com
$279,000 #23002915
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
$259,900 #23012833
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.
$399,000 #22019638
4531 Harter St • Brethren
2 beds, 1 bath, 1448 SF
This 2 BR/1 BR cottage boasts wonderful opportunities inside and out! Inside is a marvelous sunroom overlooking Lake Eleanor. Adjoining kitchen has plenty of counter space and a huge living room perfect for entertaining. Outside the 3 ac lot has 266’ of private frontage one of the largest on the 15 ac lake. Enjoy peaceful kayaking or SUP on this NO motor lake. Fish on your own lake or enjoy the world’s best salmon and steelhead fishing a short distance away on the Manistee River or at Tippy Dam. Brethren is surrounded by thousands of acres of public land with miles of trails for your adventures: go hunting, hiking, skiing or ride ORVs and snowmobiles. Two downhill ski areas are nearby. A detached 2 car garage can store all your recreational toys. Would make an AMAZING short term rental!
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!!
16954
Wellston
2250 SF
This fully functioning gas station is right on M-55. 4 pumps and a rec fuel tank sit on just under an acre with store front space totaling 2250sq’ of combined retail, commercial kitchen, freezer and cooler space (complete with new compressors). This booming party mart has beer and liquor license and has a commercial kitchen license, all of which will transfer to new owner with state and municipal approval.
GAS STATION WILL COME WITH residential property which sits on its own lot (.76ac) 2 bed/1bath 14x60 mobile with 26x32 garage.
Combined 1.5 ac frontage on m55, perfect turn key opportunity for someone looking to move to the area!
INVENTORY SOLD SEPERATELY
Your Next Home • June 2023 8
$825,000 #21116571
2019 Lenz Rd • Ludington
Caberfae Hwy
$165,000 #22042234
14459
3 beds, 2 baths, 3036 SF
This unique property has so many posi- tives! It offers a business space that can be either rented out or owned and grown while living on site! This home features a completely updated upstairs living space with three bedrooms, one bath, a large kitchen and updated windows to really light up the space throughout. The double lot features a basketball court, patio, large shade tree and is fully fenced in. This property is centrally located between Manistee, Cadilac and Traverse City This is a up north lover’s dream with a 24x24 garage to store snowmobiles, hunting gear, fishing equipment, surrounded by Manistee National Forest, state land, lakes and Manistee County snowmobile trails right on the corner of the street. This could easily be a income property Call today to for showing!
2408
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.
173 Preuss Rd W * Manistee
5 beds, 3 baths, 2828 SF
Magnificent Opportunity!! Exceptionally well maintained 4+ bedroom, 3 full bath, home with over 3,890 sq. ft. on 8.5 wooded acres with rolling hills. Not far from Lake Michigan, in desirable Filer Township. 28x48 Barn with 3 levels including an unfinished living space above. There is also a separate 30x48 pole barn. Home has plenty of room for and is set up to accommodate a large home office. There is a separate fire place on the main floor as well as in the lower level Den/Study 13x37 rec-room with kitchen & hot-tub that walks out to a beautiful yard with gardening area, tiny cabin, & shed. Abundant wildlife to observe from the large deck space with attached gazebo. Unfinished 24x16 bonus room on second level which could allows for additional living space.
13544
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.
6529 8 Mile Rd • Bear Lake
3 bed, 1 bath 1254 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 Michi-
gan-Portage Point.This home has huge potential for year around living or rental income.
472 S Pere Marquette Hwy
Ludington
32 baths, 9838 SF
Incredible opportunity with this turnkey operating 31 room Seasonal Motel. The 3000sqft, 2 story living quarters has three bedroom two full bath just off the office. There are 28 rooms currently available for rent plus a one bedroom apartment rented weekly This 28-year family run operation includes everything needed to continue the current business model. The Nova Motel stands upon 4.93 acres with 462’ of frontage on PM HWY and an additional 475’ of frontage on First St. The area on First St has been a parking area for large trucks and trailers but easily could be developed with its road frontage and size. Included on the parcel are two pole barns measuring 40x24 and 64x32 and an older Cape Cod home in need of rehabilitation. The entire property projects pride at every angle.
June 2023 • Your Next Home 9
Wuoksi Ave • Kaleva
Nelson St. • Manistee
Caberfae Hwy • Wellston 5192 SF
$394,000 #23016271
$205,000 #22034964
$585,000 #23012710
$699,900 #23012852
How to protect your home when you’re away
Vacation often serves as a well-deserved break from the hustle and bustle of daily life. When relaxing and recharging away from home, the last thing vacationers want to think about is the safety of their homes and everything inside them. However, the National Council for Home Safety and Security and Statistics Canada estimate that more than two million burglaries occur in the United States and Canada every year. That underscores the importance of protecting your home at all times, including when you’re not there.
• Create the impression that someone is home. Just because you’re heading off for parts unknown doesn’t mean you can’t create the impression that life is carrying on as usual within the walls of your home. Smart home technology now enables homeowners to set timers on lights and even home electronics like televisions and radios. Homeowners
also can ask neighbors to pick up their mail or halt delivery until they return from their trips. Nothing says “no one’s home” as definitively as an overflowing mailbox.
• Keep quiet on social media. A Credit Sesame survey of former burglars in the United Kingdom found that 78 percent acknowledged monitoring social media platforms such as Facebook and Twitter as they try to find homes to burglarize. Individuals about to go on vacation should avoid sharing that on social media.
• Stay silent while you’re away as well. Social media silence should be continued while you’re on vacation as well. No matter how tempting it may be to share photos from an exotic location, such posts could catch the attention of all the wrong people. A recent report from MetLife indicated that 35 percent of
Americans between the ages of 18 and 34 check in from their locations via social media. That can alert criminals that no one is manning the fort back home.
• Switch from a traditional lock and key to a lockbox. Individuals who travel frequently can take a page from the realtor notebook and switch from a traditional lock and key lock system to a lockbox. Lockboxes require that a code is entered before a box containing a key can be unlocked. Homeowners who want this added measure of protection don’t even need to put a key inside the lockbox, which typically covers a lock, making it extremely difficult for potential thieves to pick the lock.
Before leaving for vacation, individuals can implement various strategies and safety measures to protect their homes and their belongings while they’re away.
Your Next Home • June 2023 10
June 2023 • Your Next Home 11 231-425-5555 • lakeshore.team@metromtg.com 216 Ludington Ave, Ludington, MI 49431 NMLS 129386 Scan this code to download our mobile appand apply from the palm of your hand! Your local purchase, refinance and new construction experts. - Flexible Programs - Low Rates - Low Down Payment Options - Excellent Service - Conventional, Rural Development, VA, FHA, and MSHDA options available. MATT MEYER Regional Vice President NMLS 1622182 K ATER OVIEDO Loan Officer NMLS 1379144 Local Exp er ts • Exceptional Service Looking to Buy or Sell? Call Me Today! Wishing my clients and my community a safe & happy July 4th! B ethAnn Kozicki • 231-794 -8960
Guide to Outdoor Ligh ng
Lighting is an essential component of interior and exterior home design. Not only does lighting add style and make spaces more appealing, when done correctly, it also makes a home safer and more functional.
Homeowners who plan to utilize outdoor spaces like backyards, front porches and walkways to the fullest should think carefully about lighting. These guidelines can assist with selecting outdoor lighting fixtures.
Security lighting
Flood lights and security lights are a good investment for those who want to beef up visibility and security around the home. These lights are high-intensity and designed to illuminate large areas. The brightness and reach can serve as a preventive measure to keep animals and even criminals away. Motion-sen-
sor lights will immediately engage if something crosses the path of the sensor. Some lights will remain on from dusk until dawn. Lowes Home Improvement suggests using the correct wattage on outdoor security lights so they flood an area thoroughly without affecting neighboring properties.
Wall, post and ceiling lights
Outdoor lighting fixtures beyond security options come in a variety of styles, according to Lamps USA. Wall lights are mounted to the outdoor wall of the home. These typically flank doorways or the garage. Post lights are often installed on the posts of decks and porches, or are free-standing on properties, providing visibility but also style. Ceiling-mounted lights may be above doorways or installed in any structure that has an overhead area. Warm-colored temperature bulbs in these fixtures can create an inviting
atmosphere that is not too bright and jarring, especially when multiple lighting fixtures are working together. When selecting lighting for wall-mounted fixtures, experts suggest sizing up if you are not sure of the size to pick, as lights will look much smaller in scale from a distance.
Accent and landscape lighting
A bevy of accent lighting choices are available. Accent lighting is designed to enhance the mood and appearance of certain elements of a landscape. Accent lighting is not intended to add bright light. For example, upward-directed lights can be cast on trees or shrubs to accentuate their shapes. Accent lighting also may call out a structure, such as a garden or a fountain. While accent lighting may be hard-wired, homeowners who want the luxury of changing lighting can opt for solar fixtures, which are more mobile but not as bright.
Additional pointers
When shopping for bulbs, consider the number of lumens. A standard 100-watt bulb produces around 1,600 lumens. Security lights should range from 700 to 1,300 lumens for optimal brightness. Other lights needn’t be so bright.
Furthermore, ensure that any fixtures that are being used are safety-rated for outdoors. Wet-rated fixtures are designed to withstand direct exposure to outdoor elements, advises the design experts at Schoolhouse, a lighting and lifestyle goods company. Damp-rated fixtures are built for outdoor locations protected from harsh weather. Look for the product details or work with an electrician to choose the right lighting choices.
Lighting can transform outdoors spaces for the better.
Your Next Home • June 2023 12
EXCEPTIONAL OPPORTUNITY! ALMOST 7 ACRES W/ 500’ OF CRYSTAL LAKE FRONTAGE
INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITY! TRIPLEX 2 BLOCKS FROM DOWNTOWN FRANKFORT
VACANT PARCEL IN QUIET NEIGHBORHOOD IN THE CITY OF FRANKFORT
1212 AMARELLE LANE BEULAH
500 feet of shared Crystal Lake frontage with countryside views and potential seasonal views of the Crystal Lake on a nearly 7 acre parcel. Can be the site of your future dream home, or split and sold separately and developed. Located in Lake Shore Orchards Association with a stunning sandy beach, community dock with boat hoist options. Lots sold with developer rights and include 2 boat slips and the ability to add 3 additional slips. Minutes from Beulah, Frankfort, Lake Michigan, and scenic M-22. $569,000
803 FOREST AVENUE FRANKFORT
Endless opportunities with this expansive triplex located blocks from Betsie Bay and Lake Michigan. Updated in 2020, this corner lot property was converted to a triplex, and could be a primary or secondary home with additional rental income, or full investment property. Features 2-story apartment w/ 3 beds, 2 full baths, 2 kitchens, family room w/ gas fireplace, and upper level family room. New vinyl plank fooring, carpet, appliances, boiler, water heater, full kitchen and bathroom renovations. $649,900
SPONSORED CONTENT
HANRATH STREET FRANKFORT
It’s all about location with this half-acre parcel in the city limits Lot is in a quiet neighborhood setting, but within walk or bike down treelined Michigan Avenue to downtown Frankfort and the beautiful Lake Michigan Shoreline. Area attractions include shops, restaurants, public access to Crystal Lake and Lake Michigan beaches. Level lot w/ mature hardwoods bordering the backyard, and newly constructed homes next door. Underground electric, municipal water and sewer, ready to build your future dream home. $68,900
G ini P e l t o n – B ui ldin g , S u p p o r t in g , a n d
G r o w in g t h e M a ni s t e e C o mm uni t y
With just over 6,000 residents, Manistee is a community where everybody knows each other And with her involvement with local community organizations and real estate, it doesn’t take six degrees of separation for you to get to Gini Pelton. With 30+ years of supporting and promoting the beauty of the Manistee community, Pelton is your friendly neighbor who will make anyone excited to live in or visit Manistee
Gini Pelton has been the #1 real estate agent in Manistee County for the past five years and an ambassador for the Manistee Area Chamber of Commerce—credentials boasting her love and expertise in Manistee “I love that I can share the life I live here with other people,” states Pelton, whether shes selling real estate properties to local families or giving her famous “10 cent tours to visitors.
Immersing in the Manistee community through local organizations and events has always been a passion for Pelton. However, relocating from South Haven meant she was first an outsider whose love for Manistee would soon make her and her family beloved members
of the community
So, how did an ambitious woman from Michigan Farm Country make it happen? Peltons work ethic was established early on in life by working their 400-acre family farmland as the oldest of 10 siblings. “If you didn’t learn how to work there, I don’t know when you’d ever learn how to work!” Her work ethic established an early foundation of success while still in South Haven, involved in everything from selling cars to owning a children’s store However, an opportunity in 1992 for her husband to be a part of the opening staff for the newly built Oaks Prison introduced a new chapter for Pelton’s career, who uprooted her and her family’s lives to Manistee.
“Moving to a town where families have lived for generations was a bit hard But that s why you have to jump in and volunteer because that’s how you ’ re going to meet people Don’t expect other people to get it done for you ” It didn’t take long for Pelton to become a familiar face in town thanks to her involvement with the Manistee Recreation Association coaching 18
Gini Pelt on Nor t hland
gini@c21nor t hland.com
231.690.0852
For all your Real Estate needs #JustcallGini #Manisteet hePlacetoBe
seasons for a championship traveling soccer team and community projects such as co-chairing the building of Lighthouse Park. Decades later and her enthusiasm for volunteering continues, currently holding roles on the Manistee Housing Commission, a seat on the Board of Directors of the Ramsdell Regional Center for the Arts, the board for the Munson Manistee Hospital Foundation, and member of Lakeside Club of Manistee County.
Pelton balanced her volunteer pursuits with building her career in Manistee Her extensive real estate expertise comes from involvement in several aspects of the business. In 1993, Pelton started working for MSHDA as a Housing Agent for Lake, Manistee & Mason Counties. In 2004, she ran Reitz Park & Horizon Pointe Then, in 2006, did Rental Management for West Shore Rental, leased & sold Property Finally, in 2012, she became a full-time real estate agent for Century 21, where shes been ever since
As a real estate agent, she can relate firsthand to the many families relocating to the Manistee area. “I encourage families to volunteer and get involved And notes that Manistee is the perfect location to live or visit for nature lovers, history buffs, and those seeking a better quality of life
“What we have is a community surrounded by nature, so we have First Street Beach and Fifth Avenue Beach, the Manistee Riverwalk, hiking trails, and skiing within 30 minutes.” In addition, the historic downtown features landmarks like the Ramsdell Theater, the Vogue Theater, and buildings dating back to the early 19th century during the lumber baron era. “I’m lucky I get to walk four blocks, and I’m at Lake Michigan. Within 10 minutes, I’m downtown with shops and restaurants.”
Pelton agrees that Manistee is a place worth experiencing to see if it’s the right fit. “It’s a quieter lifestyle, but it’s a quality lifestyle” To paint a better picture, Pelton notes that the nearest Target is an hour
away Still, the Manistee community has everything you need without even leaving town—“we’ve got great stores, restaurants, bars Downtown Manistee and throughout the county Downtown alone, we have a Kitchen, Beverage, Shoe, Clothing, Home, Gift, Antique, and Collectible stores, along with great places to eat and the two historic theaters. We’ve got it all!”
Between being a top real estate agent, volunteering in the community, and setting time aside for personal life, Pelton has found a healthy balance to give 100% in all her endeavors. “You have to mix fun, work, and volunteering, she says. Her two children are already adults living in Detroit and Colorado, so she’s able to dedicate more time to her passion projects. Her daily agenda can include a line-up of meetings with her various community organizations and realtor duties.
Aside from work, family is a major pillar in Pelton’s life She gives credit to a loving husband of 45 years who is now retired and able to manage taking care of the house while shes busy Additionally, her mother (age 95 this June) also lives in Manistee, while her brother maintains the family farm. Her children also keep her on the move, with her daughter Caitlin residing in Detroit with her three grandchildren; and her son Conor living in Telluride, CO, with a her newest grandchild who she travels to visit. She also finds time to travel for her own pleasure “I just got back from Jamaica,” although one of her favorite beaches is just a few blocks from home in Manistee.
Gini Pelton is an active member of the Manistee community who makes it her business to connect with local store owners, volunteering her time to support community organizations, and appreciating the beautiful nature surrounding it. Get in touch with Gini Pelton via phone or email to learn more about what makes Manistee special and how you, too, can get involved with the community!
June 2023 • Your Next Home 13
K ARIKINGHOMES.C21.COM
408 Main Street | Frankfort, MI 49635 Each office independently owned and operated.
231.651.0923
000
Planning ahead is vital to a successful renovation
Remodeling projects are significant undertakings. Homeowners must consider a host of variables before any such project can begin. While planning ahead may take time, it is essential to ensuring successful completion of a renovation project. Consider these pre-renovation planning pointers to help any job go smoothly.
Determine your motivation for renovating
Renovation projects often involve balancing needs and wants, and determining if a project is a necessity or a luxury can set the timeline and course of the project. Is the roof leaking? If so, immediate action is necessary. Could the kitchen be a bit more functional? If the kitchen is still manageable, a homeowner may be able to wait a little bit to get better prices on appliances or contracting services.
Separating needs from wants helps homeowners map out a viable timeline that maximizes productivity and affordability.
Get professional advice
Many homeowners are under the impression that doing the work themselves can save a considerable amount of money. This may be the case for homeowners with renovation experience. But by and large, professional contractors are an asset to any renovation. They can provide a realistic overview of the project, map out projected costs, point out areas that could be troublesome, and may have industry contacts that can keep supply costs low. Even if a homeowner will do a portion of the job, a contractor can do the bulk of the work and keep the project on budget.
Get necessary permits
Permits are designed to ensure the work is being done to code and in a safe manner. However, they are not without additional costs and processing time, and that can cause some homeowners to skip this step. According to the home information site The Spruce, building permits cost anywhere from $400 to about $2,200 for new home construction. Building permits for smaller projects can cost $100 or less, and typically are based on a percentage of the anticipated cost of the project.
A permit may be issued the day the application is submitted, while other cities and towns may issue permits up to two or more weeks later. Factor permit fees and processing times into the renovation plan.
If it comes to light a homeowner did work without a required permit, he or she may face penalties; may have to tear out work done to have it inspected or redone; some may be unable to sell a home until permits have been obtained and work has been done to code. Homeowners insurance coverage also may be affected if homeowners do not obtain the proper permits.
Other considerations when planning a renovation include writing out a strict budget, gathering inspiration, drawing up to-scale renovation plans, pouring over material reviews, and getting recommendations for reliable professionals to do the job. While not every obstacle can be avoided, planning is a good way to start successfully.
Your Next Home • June 2023 14
June 2023 • Your Next Home 15 Mary Sturdevant Ins Agcy Inc Mary Sturdevant, Agent 306 Parkdale Ave Manistee, MI 49660 Bus: 231-723-9905 Give your home the protection it deser ves. Your home is where you make some of your best memories, and that’s wor th protecting. I’m here to help. LETS TALK TODAY. Temps outside are heating up and so is the housing market... Don’t sweat it! Call me!