MNA - Your Next Home - October 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

Century 21: Gina Pelton 231.690.0852

gini@c21northland.com

Dwelling Realty

www.dwellingrealty.com

Essential Real Estate

231-299-1180

Therran Ferguson, Broker/Owner 231-510-1790

Michael Kruse 231-690-8882

Jenna Mahoney 231-942-9334

Chelsea Hild 231-510-3206

Sarah Mahoney 231-357-3001

Phil Landis 231-590-9341

Kevin Bishop 231-303-3595

Cassandra Ferguson 231-383-3580

Suzy Gorski 231-299-0620

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

State Farm Insurance Agency

Mary Studevant

231-723-9905

The FACTSabout insulation and home efficiency

Insulation can go a long way toward making a home more comfortable. Insulation reduces the transfer of heat from indoors and outdoors so homes stay more comfortable in both the winter and summer. Insulation also can block exterior noise. A properly insulated home is a must, particularly in the wake of rising energy costs. Insulation will help a home be more energy efficient.

Insulation is easily taken for granted. The following are some facts about insulation and home efficiency that illustrate how much homeowners can benefit from upgrading their insulation.

• Insulation is made from a variety of materials, including fiberglass, wool, cellulose, and spray foam.

• Unless damaged, insulation lasts for the life of the building. Some settling of insulation may occur, particularly with loose-

fill type insulation, and gaps can be filled in.

• During the Middle Ages, walls of homes were stuffed with straw and mud to help keep out the cold. It is one of the first documented types of insulation.

• According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, insulation saves more than 600 times more energy each year than compact fluorescent lights, Energy Star Appliances, and Energy Star windows combined.

• For every Btu consumed in the production of insulation each year, 12 Btus are saved by the use of insulation, says A+ Insulation of Kansas City.

• An insulating material’s resistance to heat flow is measured in terms of its thermal resistance, or R-value. The higher the R-value, the greater the insulating effec-

tiveness. An insulation contractor can let a homeowner know how much insulation and what R-value is recommended for his or her climate.

• Manufacturers continue to experiment with insulation materials. Environmentally friendly options include recycled cotton denim, paper or plant cellulose, and sheep’s wool.

• Large pieces of insulation are called batts. Traditionally they are made from pink fiberglass, which is extremely fine woven glass. It’s important to realize fiberglass insulation can release small particles or fibers in the air when disturbed, so respiratory protection and gloves should be used when handling to reduce risk of irritation.

Insulation is a key investment in home comfort and efficiency.

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!

1940

4 beds 3 baths 2,363 SF

Less than 1 Mile from Lake Michigan!

Located in desirable Filer Township

Manistee, this well maintained 2,363 sq. ft. brick ranch style, 4 bedroom 3 bath home, with 2 wood burning fireplaces, sets on 1.5 acres with a large attached garage as well as a 24’ X 52’ pole barn with heat and power Brick fireplace with wood burning stove insert in the main level family room. Sliding doors off kitchen and main floor primary suite lead to a large deck overlooking the private wooded backyard where abundant wildlife loves to gather Second fireplace in the additional unfinished space in the large walkout basement currently utilized as a rec room. Boiler heat, natural gas, highspeed internet

$735,000 #21116571

2314 Revolt Rd • Manistee

3 beds 2 baths 1,421 SF

Well maintained home in a highly desirable area of Manistee county. This beautiful abundant in wildlife 19.34 acres of mature woods, is located on a dead end road. Thoroughly insulated home with new windows, metal roof and much more, is move-in ready to be enjoyed for many years to come. Relax in peace and quiet, as you sit on the deck overlooking the pond or go curl up inside by the fire. Property has a creek that is actively running most of the year and a detached metal garage (22’x36’) as well. Don’t miss out, schedule your showing today!

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!!

14203

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.

Red Apple Rd • Manistee

$415,000 #23030776

Coates Hwy • Brethren

$119,000 #23023134

$375,000 #23029843

$549,000 #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 historic oasis.

$394,000

13544 Caberfae Hwy • Wellston 5192 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

10 Bridge Street • Manistee

3 beds, 1 bath 1586 SF

$179,000 #23032055

Just 1 block up from the Manistee River! 3 Bedroom Bungalow with a 2 stall garage and a nice back yard. New decks on the front and back. The exterior of the home appears to be in great shape! 2 Storage sheds. Main floor laundry Located in Manistee Township, not far from the Township Hall and Park, as well as shopping. Schedule your tour today!

3 Units

3 Units! 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

3 beds 3 baths 1,998 SF

Built in 2007! Situated on a forest setting is this beautiful 1,998 sq. ft. 3 bedroom 2 1/2 bath ranch style home on 35.43 acres with abundant wildlife in desirable Grant Township, North Mason County Not far from Lake Michigan,and located between Manistee & Ludington. Some of the features include; large primary bedroom, main floor laundry, hard surface countertops, tile floors in the entry, bathrooms, & kitchen, large 2 car attached garage, newer foundation system in the full basement with 9 ft. ceilings, and a large covered back porch with composite decking. Home is less than 17 years old and built to 2007 construction code.

2 beds 1 baths 1,000 SF

This cozy well kept Chalet comes furnished and is adjacent to Federal land. The two bedroom, one bath home with it’s bunkhouse garage is set up to sleep up to 16 people. The home has been meticulously cared for and has been used primarily as second home. Just imagine, the Manistee National Forest right out your window This Quality constructed home in the heart of Whiskey Creek, Unit 167 within the Whiskey Creek Condo Association. Dues are $285 per year per lot.

As owner you become part owner of over 130 acres of common element land including 30+ acres of fresh spring water for swimming and fishing, along with miles and miles of trails for your favorite means of transportation. A nice Condo building, campground bath house, recreation committees, this place has it all!

#23016271

11855 Morton Road • Manistee

$465,000 #23029893

238 W Parkdale Ave. • Manistee

$235,000 #23028273

4831 Meadowview Trail • Custer

$205,000 #23029016

Safely decorate your home exterior this holiday season

Aperson doesn’t have to drive far or look too closely to be inspired by holiday decor come the month of December. Enthusiastic celebrants go to great lengths to express their holiday spirit, and that typically includes decorating their home exteriors.

Home holiday decorations are a tradition in millions of households. Though the tradition helps make this special time of year even more festive, decorating a home exterior for the holidays is not without certain safety risks. Homeowners must prioritize safety when decorating their home exteriors for the holidays. These tips can ensure the holiday season is as safe as it is special.

• Never decorate alone. The buddy system should be employed when decorating a home for the holidays. No fewer than two people should decorate a home. A second person can ensure a ladder remains steady while hanging lights and can help lift potentially heavy lawn decorations, thus reducing the risk for injury.

• Use the appropriate decorations and tools. The American Red Cross urges individuals to use only decorations designed for outdoor use when decorating their home exteriors. Indoor lights should never be strung outdoors, even on small spaces. In addition, the Red Cross recommends homeowners who intend to use nails or hooks to hang decorations first confirm they are insulated, which can help to avoid electrocution and reduce fire risk.

• Plug decorations into the correct outlets. The energy experts at FirstEnergy note that outdoor lights and inflatable decorations should be plugged into circuits protected by ground fault circuit

interrupters (GFCIs). Older homes may not be equipped with such outlets, particularly on their home exteriors. Replacing existing outlets with GFCIs is a quick and relatively inexpensive job that a professional electrician should be hired to handle before decorating for the holidays.

• Utilize a timer for exterior lights. Lights should be not kept on overnight, which can be costly and pose a safety hazard. Utilize a timer so lights come on at night and turn off around bedtime, if not earlier.

• Inspect decorations. Exterior string lights and other plug-in decorations should be inspected at the beginning of each season to ensure there are no frayed or cracked wires. Damaged wires pose a significant fire hazard, so any damaged strands should be discarded and replaced.

• Pick the right day to decorate. Consult the weather forecast prior to decorating the exterior of a home. Pick a day when efforts to decorate won’t be compromised by wind, rain, snow, or other inclement weather. If it’s already snowed, avoid decorating until the snow has melted, as there could be ice lingering beneath the snow. It’s also unsafe to work on a snow-covered roof. Decorate on a day with ample daylight and pause decorating if weather takes a sudden, unexpected turn for the worse.

It can be fun to decorate a home’s exterior for the holiday season. But homeowners must prioritize safety and take every step necessary to reduce their risk for accident or injury.

Wood floor cleaning guide

Wood floors are coveted for a number of reasons, not the least of which is their aesthetic appeal. Many people prefer wood flooring because dust and dirt do not become trapped as they would in carpet fibers, seemingly making wood flooring easy to clean.

Most floors endure a lot of wear and tear. However, with care, wood flooring may last for decades. Part of that care includes understanding how to properly clean and maintain wood floors so they look their best. The following are some steps for keeping wood floors as pristine as possible.

• Remove shoes. It’s a good idea to remove shoes, particularly heels, when walking on wood floors. Sharp heels, cleats and other shoes can scratch or dent wood flooring. All shoes can track in excess dirt, which can contribute to a lack of luster as well.

• Sweep or vacuum frequently. The experts at The Spruce suggest sweeping, vacuuming or dust mopping wood floors daily. Dirt and dust make floors more slip-

pery, and dirt or sand particles can lead to scratches on the floor.

• Learn your flooring type. Wood flooring is broken down into three main categories: solid hardwood flooring, engineered hardwood flooring and laminate wood flooring. Traditional hardwood is made of planks or strips of any hardwood covered in a wood stain. Engineered flooring is manufactured by gluing together several thin plies of hardwood. Laminate flooring looks like wood but generally is a veneer or a photographic image of wood covered by a thick layer of melamine resin over fiberboard.

• Skip harsh cleansers. Regardless of flooring type, most are covered by a sealant that can become streaky or dull if the wrong cleanser is used. Avoid chlorine bleach, ammonia, pine oil, or undiluted vinegar. Instead, choose a cleanser that is specifically recommended for the flooring type. Do not allow water or solutions to sit on the floor, as that can contribute to staining and warping. With laminate

flooring, avoid wet mopping unless the flooring is specifically marked as being able to be wet. The underlayers of laminate flooring can warp if it gets wet.

• Damp is better than wet. When cleaning wood flooring, use a damp rather than a soaking wet mop. Better Homes & Gardens says standing water can damage wood surfaces.

• Use the hard floor setting. When vacuuming, adjust the vacuum to a hard flooring setting, which will not engage the brush rollers on the vacuum head. Rollers can scratch wood and laminate flooring, advises The Home Depot.

• Use repair products as needed. Scratch and repair kits can fill in small scratches. Wood floor polish and wood waxes also can revitalize worn floors. Again, check that the product is safe for your particular flooring before use.

Wood floors bring warmth to a home and are very popular. Cleaning them correctly can add to their appeal and longevity.

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 she’s 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

Did you know?

A room addition can be a worthy project that makes a home more livable. A host of factors will affect the cost of a room addition, but the experts at HomeAdvisor estimate that such a project can cost as much as $150,000.

The size of the new room, the location of the home, the materials used to build the room, and a number of variables unique to the existing home will affect the final cost of an addition. An online calculator can provide some basic estimates about the final cost of a room addition, but homeowners are best served by contacting various contractors and receiving multiple estimates to get the most accurate idea of what the cost layout will be to add a room to their homes.

Though the sticker price of a room addition may shock some homeowners, it’s worth noting that such projects provide a good return at resale. In fact, the “Cost vs. Value Report 2021” from Remodeling magazine found that a midrange primary suite addition with an initial cost of $156,741 had a resale value of nearly $86,000.

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of the community

So, how did an ambitious woman from Michigan Farm Country make it happen? Pelton’s 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 youd 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

Pelt on

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 she’s 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 New Hampshire, 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 Lucky to have her husband of 45 years, Scott, who is retired & maintains their home Lucky to have her 95 year old mother living 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 New Hampshire, with a her newest grandchild who she travels to visit. She also finds time to travel for her own pleasure “Lucky to have traveled this year to Jamaica and Ireland,” 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!

How to handle selling a home when moving into an assisted living facility

Families must make a number of important decisions when an aging relative decides the time is right to move into an assisted living facility. Such facilities help older individuals who are having troubling living independently. In addition to finding the right facility for a loved one, many families have to decide what to do with their aging loved one’s home.

Aging individuals with companions such as a spouse or a live-in partner may not need to sell their house if that person will not be moving to the assisted living facility with them. However, many partners choose to move as well, and family members may need to sell their current home in order to pay for their loved one to stay at an assisted living facility. The senior care experts at Caring.com note that selling a home when a loved one decides to move into an assisted living facility can present some emotional aspects that will not necessarily be present when selling one’s own home. In recognition of that and some additional difficulties associated with this unique situation, Caring.com offers the following tips to help families navigate the process as smoothly as possible.

• Consider assigning someone power of attorney. Individuals move into assisted living facilities for a number of reasons, so not everyone will do so because of diminishing cognitive abilities. However, Caring.com notes that selling the home of a loved one diagnosed with dementia can present unique challenges, as only a homeowner can transfer a home to a new owner. In such instances, someone may need to step in and assume power of attorney. Contact an elder law attorney to facilitate that process, if necessary. Such professionals also can provide insight into laws that can help families determine if it’s best to sell the home or hold onto it if proceeds from a potential sale are not needed to pay for a facility. Arrange for power of attorney or even a guardianship prior to putting a home

on the market.

• Discuss the situation and the sale. Aging individuals should be given ample time to process the idea of selling their homes before moving into an assisted living facility. Homeowners make untold sacrifices to buy and maintain their homes, so the decision to sell could elicit a range of emotions that aging individuals have a right to process before a “For Sale” sign is erected in the front yard. Caring.com recommends maintaining an open and honest dialogue about what can be achieved by selling the home and how their quality of life will benefit from moving to the assisted living facility.

• Sort through belongings. Caring.com notes the significance of allowing aging relatives to take special items with them into the assisted living facility. It will be impossible to take a lifetime’s worth of possessions into such a facility, but sort through belongings with your aging family member and do everything possible to ensure that especially meaningful items can make the move. Remaining items can be donated, sold, given to younger loved ones, or discarded.

• Make sure all relevant parties remain in the loop. If one person accepts power of attorney or a similar level of responsibility, that person should ensure all interested parties remain in the loop about the sale process. Aging adults without diminished mental faculties should be routinely updated on the sale process. Keeping all interested parties in the loop reduces the risk of objections or other problems when the sale is set to go through.

Selling a home before moving into an assisted living facility presents some unique challenges that families can tackle together to ensure the process goes smoothly.

Manistee News Advocate

Recorded Sales for the Month of: September 2023