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Feb. 2022 Residential
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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
Benzie, Manistee & Mason Counties
Lighthouse Realty 360 E. Parkdale Ave. Manistee Sales & Property Management
231-299-1180
www.miessentialrealestate.com
231-398-3800 www.goLighthouseRealty.com
www.dwellingrealty.com hello@dwellingrealty.com Caliber Home Loans, Inc., NMLS 15622. Copyright 2021. 2021. Equal Housing Lender. (43041 Caliber Home Loans, Inc., NMLS 15622. Copyright Equal Housing Lender.
We carry a line of bedding that is two-sided, quality, and very affordable! The manufacturer has changed the lineup for 2022 and as you can imagine, the cost has increased. If you’re in the market for a new mattress, now is the time to buy before the new pricing goes into effect.
Do not wait for your tax return! Pick out your furniture now and put it on layaway!
119 S. Main St., Scottville, MI | 231-757-8733 Tues-Fri 9am-5:30pm • Sat 9am-4:30pm www.holdenshomeemporium.com 2
Your Next Home • February 2022
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In This Issue REAL ESTATE AGENCIES & REALTORS........................................... PAGE Dwelling Realty.......................................................................... 1 (Cover) Essential Real Estate................................................................... 1 (Cover) Lighthouse Realty....................................................................... 1 (Cover) Coldwell Banker: Jamie Gray..................................................................5 Lighthouse Realty: Kerri Mackey.............................................................9 Essential Real Estate..............................................................................13 Lighthouse Realty: Heather Barker & Casey Tennant.............................15 Real Estate One: Kathy Neveu...............................................................19 Century 21: Kari King............................................................................21 Century 21: Gini Pelton.........................................................................21 MOM Board of Realtors.........................................................................23 Lighthouse Realty..................................................................................24
FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS Caliber Home Loans: Mindy Sedelmaier................................... 1 (Cover) Shelby State Bank.................................................................................19 HOME IMPROVEMENT/ DECOR COMPANIES Holden’s Home Emporium, Inc...............................................................2 West Michigan Forest Products...............................................................3 Somsel Lumber Co..................................................................................5 REDEEMED..............................................................................................7 Carter Lumber.......................................................................................12 HOME INSPECTIONS Hemlock Homes....................................................................................11 INSURANCE COMPANIES State Farm Insurance Agency: Mary Sturdevant......................................7 MISCELLANEOUS Business Directory...................................................................................4 Real Estate Transactions.........................................................................17 ADVICE FOR THE HOME Pros and cons to open-concept homes....................................................6 7 things to know before replacing windows...........................................8 Keep groundhogs out of the garden.....................................................10 How to create a romantic night at home...............................................14 Tricks to keep floral arrangements fresh................................................16 Popular kitchen flooring materials........................................................18 The different ways to repair a driveway.................................................20 Low-cost ways to revamp living areas....................................................22 February 2022 • Your Next Home
3 LOCATIONS wmkitchenstudio.com LUDINGTON
5752 W. US 10, Ludington, MI 49431
231-480-1200 BYRON CENTER 7440 Clyde Park Ave. SW Byron Center, MI 49315 616-281-6684
FOREST HILLS 850 Forest Hills Ave., Suite C Grand Rapids, MI 49546 616-727-0909
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Business Directory ■
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Caliber Home Loans: Mindy Sedelmaier 231-233-0963
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Carter Lumber 231-757-9000 www.carterlumber.com Century 21: Kari King 231-651-0923 www.C21Northland.com Century 21: Gini Pelton 231-690-0852 gini@c21boardwalk.com Coldwell Banker: Jamie Gray 231-499-1430
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Dwelling Realty www.dwellingrealty.com
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Essential Real Estate 231-942-9334 Therran Ferguson, Broker/Owner 231-510-1790 Michael Kruse 231-690-8882 Jenna Mahoney 231-942-9334 Hemlock Homes 231-343-9872 www.hemlockhomes.net Holden’s Home Emporium, Inc 231-757-8733 www.holdenshomeemporium.com
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Lighthouse Realty Manistee 231-398-3800 www.goLighthouseRealty.com Heather Barker 231-510-5505 Shirley Barker 903-681-6102 Leah Gannon 517-607-5347 John Hanson 231-510-5543 Kayla King 231-887-0092 Kerri Mackey 231-510-8380 Emily Pomeroy 231-510-1303 Judianne Sibley 231-239-1333 Dale Smith 231-794-9122 Cheryl Staszczak 248-805-3802 Casey Tennant 231-233-7613 Mason Oceana Manistee Board of Realtors www.momboard.com Real Estate One: Kathy Neveu 231-342-0921 Redeemed 231-887-4222 Shelby State Bank www.shelbybank.com Somsel Lumber Co. 231-362-3103 State Farm Insurance Agency Mary Studevant 231-723-9905 West Michigan Forest Products www.wmkitchenstudio.com Ludington 231-480-1200 Byron Center 616-281-6684 Forest Hills 616-727-0909
Your Next Home • February 2022
ContaCt us today!
231-499-1430
POLE BUILDINGS Let Us QUote YoUrs Custom • Deluxe • Ag
Somsel Lumber Company Kaleva February 2022 • Your Next Home
231-362-3103
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Pros and cons to open-concept homes
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pen-concept homes have become increasingly popular in recent years. An open-concept home is one in which the rooms flow into one another with limited obstruction from walls or other barriers. According to the National Association of Home Builders, 84 percent of new single-family homes have fully or partially open layouts. While they may seem like a new trend, open floor plans are anything but. Early American homes featured open, often one- or two-room units built around the central kitchen/hearth. This maximized warmth and functionality. Homes evolved as incomes grew, and soon homes had several smaller rooms with specialized functions. What’s old has become new again. However, before diving head first into a new home purchase or a big renovation to realize an open-concept dream, consider the pros and cons of this type of setup to determine if it’s really right for you. Advantages of open floor plans Open floor plans facilitate the flow of natural light throughout a space and can promote air
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flow, helping to reduce warm or cool pockets of air in otherwise closed-off rooms. Open homes make socializing easier, even when people are doing different things. While someone is cooking dinner in the kitchen, he or she can still interact with someone else playing video games in the family room or paying bills in the home office. Entertaining also is easier, as mingling with guests is much more convenient when walls are not getting in the way. A smaller home can feel much larger if it employs an open concept. The square footage is not divided into smaller quarters, which sometimes are rooms (such as formal dining rooms) that are only used a few times per year. This eliminates underused spaces and opens up sight lines in the layout. The value of real estate has risen dramatically since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, and prospective buyers may prefer an open-concept plan because it can help them minimize building costs. Disadvantages of open floor plans Open layouts are not for everyone. The same
sense of space that occurs when walls are taken down may make rooms feel cavernous and less cozy, particularly in homes with ample square footage. In addition, privacy can be hard to come by when all rooms feed into one another. When the kitchen is not separate from the family room space, that makes it easy for noise to compromise the area’s comfort levels. There is no hiding from noise in an open floor plan, as sounds from voices, television shows and appliances tend to echo and blend together. And if the home is a single-story layout, those noises from the main living areas also may carry to adjacent bedrooms. Smoke and smells are another thing to consider. When something on the stove spills over, a small range hood will not be practical for clearing smoke from a large space. Though the aroma of freshly cooked food is enticing, it can make it hard for cooks to keep guests out of the kitchen. Open-concept homes are popular, but homeowners should weigh the pluses and minuses to see if this trend is truly right for them. Your Next Home • February 2022
Over 50 Vendors! Stop In Today!
231-887-4222
172 Memorial Dr. • Manistee (Next to Family Dollar)
Give your home the protection it deserves. Your home is where you make some of your best memories, and that’s worth protecting.
Mary Sturdevant Ins Agcy Inc Mary Sturdevant, Agent
I’m here to help.
LETS TALK TODAY.
306 Parkdale Ave Manistee, MI 49660 Bus: 231-723-9905 February 2022 • Your Next Home
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things to know before replacing windows
he decision to replace windows often comes down to aesthetics and necessity. Drafty windows can reduce energy efficiency in a home, requiring HVAC systems to work harder to keep interiors comfortable. The harder the HVAC must work, the more homeowners will pay in energy costs. Old windows also may be points of entry for water and insects. Despite the importance of windows, Money magazine advises that new windows make up only a fraction of the home’s total exterior “envelope,” resulting in only about 5 to 15 percent of total energy savings. But there are still plenty of reasons to invest in new windows. 1. Vinyl or aluminum may be best. Lumber is farmed rather quickly today and solid wood products may not stand up to elements as well as wood used a half-century ago. To avoid rot, vinyl windows often are an affordable and durable choice. Homeowners also have the option of wood windows with aluminum cladding, which are long-lasting. 2. Moisture problems indicate windows need to be replaced. Condensation that shows
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up as fogging between double-pane windows or on the inside of windows indicates that the windows are starting to fail. If installing a vapor barrier in the basement or crawl space, ventilating properly when showering or cooking, or using a dehumidifier indoors does not remedy the situation, it might be time to replace windows. 3. Windows add curb appeal. Beyond functionality, replacement windows immediately update the look of the home and can improve curb appeal since they are one of the most prominent features on the exterior of a home. If a house needs an update, replacing windows and can be a quick and affordable update. 4. Consider other energy-efficient upgrades. Sometimes older windows can be salvaged, especially if they are not damaged and only moderately drafty. Replacing panes, sash cords, weather stripping, and even glazing may be less expensive than replacing a window. Plus, older homes with attractive windows complement one another. To keep energy bills down, think about adding insulation to the attic and basement — which is a good idea even if
you are replacing windows. 5. The wrong windows can adversely affect home value. The National Association of Realtors says homeowners get about 73 percent of their replacement window investment back when they resell a home. But choosing the wrong windows might lower the value of the home. It’s important to match the look of the original windows, including window material and the divided light pattern (the number of panes in each window) with the original windows. 6. Think about soundproofing, too. When upgrading windows, also think about how certain windows can cancel out noises and make homes more soundproof. Some windows can help reduce outdoor distractions like leaf blowers or lawn mowers. 7. Proper installation is key to longevity. Replacement windows are only as good as their installation in many cases. Poor installation and orders of standard rather than custom sized windows could result in poor fitting and seals. Homeowners should carefully vet and review window replacement contractors to find the best professionals for the job. Your Next Home • February 2022
d n a d i p u C y a l p e m t Le e v o l n i l l a f u help yo . e m o h t x e n r u o y h t i w
Kerri Mackey Realtor (231) 510-8380 Mobile
kerri@golighthouserealty.com
February 2022 • Your Next Home
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Keep groundhogs out of the garden
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roundhogs take center stage on February 2nd. Individuals across the country anxiously await the news of whether one of these furry fellows sees his shadow or not — the latter indicating that an early spring is on the horizon.
hogs to prey on produce. They’re particularly attracted to cantaloupes, cabbage, green beans, cucumbers, zucchini, and corn. They also like the tender greens from lettuce. Consider using raised garden beds so groundhogs will not have easy access.
Once Groundhog Day has come and gone, the humble groundhog regains its status as unwanted intruder.
• Groundhogs prefer camouflage around their burrows. Mow the lawn, pull weeds and clean up brush piles to deter groundhogs.
Groundhogs invade lawns and gardens in search of fruits, vegetables and ornamental plants. Groundhogs also can make extensive burrows under the soil ripping up the landscape and potentially threatening the foundation of a home. Keeping groundhogs at bay is a goal for many homeowners, and the following are some simple ways to do just that. Make sure it’s a groundhog Before taking any steps to repel groundhogs, first make sure it’s really these fuzzy critters who are wreaking havoc. Signs of a groundhog infestation include: • Feathery tops of carrots have been removed. • A large hole, around 10 to 12 inches wide, under or near a storage shed or other structure with mounds of dirt outside of it. • Tomatoes with large bites taken out of them.
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• Keep groundhogs from burrowing under structures by burying chicken wire a foot underground and bending it at 90-degree angles away from structures or the garden.
• Newly damaged plants noticed in the afternoon (deer eat garden plants at night). • Wide teeth marks on plants and bark. • Tracks in the dirt that show fourclawed toes on the front paws and five on the back. Once you’ve determined it’s a groundhog that is causing damage, you can try these strategies to keep them away. • Harvest your garden frequently to remove opportunities for ground-
• Apply safe repellents that use essential oils or flavors and scents that groundhogs do not like. Epsom salt is believed to repel groundhogs. • Call animal control to have a groundhog relocated. Animal trapping professionals can live trap and release a groundhog elsewhere. Don’t try to trap a groundhog yourself, as they can be feisty and bite or scratch if scared. Groundhogs may be heroes for a day in February, but they quickly take a heel turn when they start to damage yards. Getting groundhogs under control can help.
Your Next Home • February 2022
Tips from a Home Inspector: Get your house tested for radon. Radon is a colorless, odorless gas that causes cancer. Hemlock homes tests for radon. Call today to schedule your appointment. VOTED BEST HOME INSPECTION SERVICE, 2021.
Shawn Waruszewski, Certified Home Inspector Inspected once, inspected right.
231-343-9872
Shawnwemail@gmail.com
www.hemlockhomes.net February 2022 • Your Next Home
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At Carter Lumber in Ludington, on we make the transition into a new home as For more information painless as possible. We have years of experience helping new residents how help you, turn theirwe new can homes into the permanent home of their dreams.
visit us in-store or online.
Welcome to the neighborhood!
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 r more information on information on ow we can helphow you,we can help you, us in-store or online. it us in-store orvisit online.
to the Welcome to Welcome the neighborhood! neighborhood! 12
Your Next Home • February 2022
5450 Carlson Road, Manistee, MI 49660
$950,000 #21116571
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!!
Therran Ferguson 231-510-1790
www.MIEssentialRealEstate.com 428 1st St, Manistee MI 49660
231-299-1180
February 2022 • Your Next Home
Sales & Property Management Covering all your Essential Real Estate Needs.
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How to create a romantic night at home R
omance takes center stage on Valentine’s Day. February 14th is a chance for couples to express romantic sentiments that reflect just how much they care for one another. The relationship site Marriage.com offers that happily married couples with long histories together manage to preserve some elements present in the early stages of their relationships — a time when couples typically make a concerted effort to show affection for one another. Romance is a key component of successful relationships. Couples may discover they don’t need to leave the house to enjoy a romantic night together.
Hide romantic notes Engage in a romantic scavenger hunt by hiding notes that express thoughtful sentiments and give your partner a list of clues to guide the hunt. Start with a clue such as “Where did we go on our first date?” If it was an Italian restaurant, you can attach the next clue to a bunch of basil in the refrigerator, and so on. Alternate watching films Both of you probably have all-time favorite movies, but they may not be the same films. Encourage bonding time by queueing up two separate films to watch, yours and your significant other’s. Whether one is a rom-com and the other is an action flick, watch them in succession while cuddling on the sofa. Prepare a meal together Valentine’s Day dinner can be all the more intimate when you dine alone at
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home. Together, shop for the ingredients for a delicious meal you both enjoy. Pour two glasses of wine and divvy up meal preparation tasks. Steal a few sample bites (and kisses) along the way. Cook to a romantic playlist to really enhance the ambiance. Dress up the bed Create a warm and inviting bedroom with some luxury bedding. Splurge on sheets with a high thread count and a new down duvet. Fluffy new pillows and room accents can make the space even
more inviting. This new bedding may inspire extra cuddling together under the covers. Slow dance When was the last time you enjoyed a dance in each other’s arms? Turn up “your song” and sway to the beat. Dancing together can rekindle romantic feelings and needn’t be reserved for special occasions like weddings. Dialing up the romance at home for Valentine’s Day comes down to simple, thoughtful gestures.
Your Next Home • February 2022
thinking of Listing in the New Year? Call Heather! My Listings Sell!
g n i d p en Heather Barker (231) 510-5505
heather@golighthouserealty.com
84 Anchor Rode, Manistee
! ! d l So 1321 Perry St, Manistee
g n i d p en 5850 8 Mile Rd, Onekama
! ! d l So 102 N. Lakeshore Drive, Manistee
NEW PRICE • 307 SIbbEN St, MaNIStEE Casey Tennant (231) 233-7613
Still open for business! Currently known as Envision Hair Studio, this 900 sq.ft. commercial space was completely gutted and renovated in 2005. Updates since then include: subfloor and flooring, drywall, plumbing (2016), electric (2016), accessible bath, ramped entrance (2020), roof and parking lot.
casey@golighthouserealty.com
Offered at $125,000!
NEW PRICE • 14468 WuokSI avE, kaLEva Commercial/Retail Building with 8,768 square feet and 40 parking spots in Kaleva’s Downtown Business District! Features include: 2,000sq.ft. insulated back room with loading dock, 6,768sq.ft main room, 3 phase electric service, two 5-ton AC units, 2 bathrooms, security system, and additional storage upstairs.
Offered at $200,000! February 2022 • Your Next Home
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Tricks to keep floral arrangements fresh
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ho doesn’t enjoy receiving a fresh bouquet of flowers on a special occasion? Flowers traditionally are given for Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, anniversaries, and other special events. While a beautiful bouquet can make a lovely gift, fresh flowers have finite lasting power.
should coordinate with the flowers on display. Do not use hot water or the stems will cook. Room temperature is best for most flowers, except for blooms from bulbs that flower during cooler months, such as tulips and daffodils. They’ll be more likely to thrive in cooler water, according to Consumer Reports.
Recipients of floral arrangements need not fret. Various strategies can help prolong the life of freshly cut flowers. Florists employ certain tricks to keep cut flowers fresh longer. In fact, that’s a person’s best bet to keep cut flowers fresh — purchasing arrangements from knowledgeable florists who have done their part to ensure flower longevity.
Chill your arrangement The experts at FTD by Design tested various theories for keeping floral arrangements fresh, including adding aspirin to the water or using sugar or concoctions that contain vodka. Sugar and vinegar served as a runner-up for long-lasting blooms, but the best solution for prolonging the flowers was putting the arrangement in the refrigerator each night for roughly eight hours.
Here are some additional strategies to consider. Make fresh cuts in stems Think back to the last time you purchased a fresh Christmas tree. What is the key to ensuring it gets enough water while on display? You guessed it: making a fresh cut in the trunk of the tree. The same concept applies to floral arrangements. Use a sharp scissor or pruning shears to cut about one inch from the bottom of each stem at a 45-degree angle. Continue this process every three days or so. The 45-degree angle prevents the stem from squishing during the cut and enables it to absorb more water.
Prune the foliage Before placing cut flowers in a vase, remove extra leaves at the base of the stems that will fall underneath the water line. This helps to limit bacteria growth in the water and cuts back on foul odors. Plus, removing foliage focuses flowers’ energy on the main blooms rather than the leaves. These steps can add life to cut flowers, helping arrangements thrive in any home.
Get them in water quickly Place the flowers in a vase or other vessel with water promptly after making the cuts. Some florists like to cut the stems under water to prevent air bubbles from forming in the stems. Choose an arrangement first, then cut and place the flowers in water quickly. This gives fresh arrangements a good chance to last awhile. Monitor water temperature The temperature of the water in the vase
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Your Next Home • February 2022
Manistee News Advocate Recorded Sales for the Month of: December 2021 V/L THIRD ST, ARCADIA
15015 MAKINEN RD, KALEVA
$20,000
6852 S SHORE DR, BEAR LAKE
$700,000
V/L NINTH ST, BEAR LAKE
3202 OLD STRONACH RD, MANISTEE
$223,000
13326 HARLAN RD, COPEMISH
1621 GUNN RD, MANISTEE
$33,025
219 SEVENTH ST, MANISTEE
$59,500
7794 CABERFAE HWY & V/L, MANISTEE
$104,500
V/L YATES RD, COPEMISH
$21,500
V/L KERRY RD, MANISTEE
$72,000
12182 MAPLE ST, BEAR LAKE
$165,000
$36,000 $7,000 $175,000
3277 SUN VIEW LN & DOCK, ARCADIA
$35,000
238 SIXTH AVE, MANISTEE
$63,000
284 THIRD ST, MANISTEE
$109,900
80 WASHINGTON ST UNIT 7, MANISTEE
$150,000
204 SEVENTH ST, MANISTEE
$115,000
13503 MILARCH RD, BEAR LAKE
$250,000
V/L LITZEN RD, COPEMISH
$60,500
V/L MILARCH RD, BEAR LAKE
$28,000
1409 MANISTEE ST, MANISTEE
$149,000
529 FIRST ST, MANISTEE
$200,000
23941 BEERS RD, MESICK
$490,000
520 FIFTH AVE, MANISTEE
$340,000
2592 BIALIK RD, MANISTEE
$125,000
8178 THIRD ST, ONEKAMA
$32,000
V/L CHRISTENSEN RD, ONEKAMA
$55,000
4251 SIVERLY RD, BRETHREN
$80,000
312 SYCAMORE ST, MANISTEE
V/L PORTAGE POINT DR, ONEKAMA
$38,500
9061 THIRTEEN MILE RD & V/L, BEAR LAKE
$320,000
V/L ADAMSON LAKE RD, KALEVA
$45,000
V/L MUD LAKE RD, MANISTEE
$505,628
110 ELM ST, MANISTEE
$123,500
V/L THIRTEEN MILE RD, BEAR LAKE
11177 THIRTEEN MILE RD, BEAR LAKE
$110,000
V/L BIALIK RD, MANISTEE
285 TENTH ST, MANISTEE
$129,900
5898 CHRISTY RD, BRETHREN
$19,000
8861 THIRTEEN MILE RD, BEAR LAKE
$28,000
12075 SEVENTH ST & V/L, BEAR LAKE
$225,000
V/L LAKESHORE RD, MANISTEE
$150,000
531 FOURTH ST, MANISTEE
$139,000
V/L W SLOPE DR, ONEKAMA
$4,000
V/L RAMSDELL RD, MANISTEE 14380 COATES HWY, BRETHREN
$85,500
$37,500 $5,500 $52,000 $140,000
1416 SEAMAN RD, WELLSTON
$49,900
THIRTEEN MILE RD, BEAR LAKE
$113,000
17082 FOURTH ST, ARCADIA
$148,000
117 MCKEE ST, MANISTEE
$95,000
124 FORD ST, MANISTEE
$152,000
14538 PETERS FARM RD, IRONS
$25,000
1321 PERRY ST & V/L, MANISTEE
$245,000
V/L WILDFLOWER LN, ONEKAMA
$25,000
10438 BIG BUCK DR, MANISTEE
$139,900
922 HIGH ST, MANISTEE
$28,000
V/L ELEVENTH ST, BEAR LAKE V/L THIRD ST & DOCK, ARCADIA February 2022 • Your Next Home
$9,000 $48,000
1849 CHERRY RD, MANISTEE
$286,000
586 HUFF RD, WELLSTON
$135,000
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Popular kitchen flooring materials
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itchens have long been considered the most popular gathering spaces in a home. That popularity compels millions of homeowners to renovate their kitchens each year, and the return on those investments is often significant. A number of variables, including the value of neighboring homes and how quickly homeowners sell their homes after a renovation, affect the return on investment with a given project. According to Remodeling magazine’s “2021 Cost vs. Value Report,” homeowners recouped roughly 72 percent of their investment in a minor kitchen remodel at resale. That’s a sizable return that outperformed other popular upgrades, including vinyl siding replacement and wood deck additions. When renovating kitchens, homeowners will have to consider various components within the room, including the floors. Average flooring costs can be hard to calculate because they depend so heavily on homeowners’ choice of materials. The following are some popular flooring materials that homeowners can consider as they plan to renovate their kitchens.
• Vinyl: Vinyl flooring is popular thanks in large part to its cost. According to the home remodeling experts at HomeAdvisor, vinyl flooring installation is much less costly than other types of flooring. But its budget-friendliness is not the only benefit of vinyl flooring, which HGTV notes is easy to clean, making it an ideal choice for families that routinely confront spills and stains. HomeAdvisor notes that vinyl is the best waterproof material among all kitchen floors. • Porcelain/ceramic tile: HomeAdvisor
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reports that the average cost to install porcelain or ceramic tile flooring is between $885 and $2,994. That’s less than the average cost to install stone or wood flooring. Porcelain or ceramic tiles can be slippery when they get wet, though HGTV notes that some porcelain flooring tiles have been certified as slip-resistant by the Americans with Disabilities Act. • Hardwood: It’s hard to beat hardwood when it comes to aesthetic appeal. Hardwood can be especially suitable in homes with open-concept floor plans that already have hardwood floors in surrounding rooms. HomeAdvisor notes that hardwood flooring installation can be costly, which might make it a less realistic option for budget-conscious homeowners. According to HGTV, engineered wood planks may be something to consider in
the kitchen, as these are designed to be less susceptible to humidity and temperature. That’s an important component to consider in the kitchen, where temperatures can fluctuate while meals are being prepared. • Stone: Natural stone tile is another popular kitchen flooring material. HomeAdvisor traces that popularity to its wide variety of styles and price points, which make it a realistic option for homeowners working with budgets big and small. Stone tiles also provide a unique look because no two look the same, which might appeal to homeowners who want their kitchen floors to create a one-of-akind impression. Kitchen flooring materials vary widely. That variety ensures there’s a material for any style and budget homeowners are working with. Your Next Home • February 2022
February 2022 • Your Next Home
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The different ways to repair a driveway
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sphalt driveways do not last forever. Over time, weather and general usage can degrade the driveway surface, resulting in cracks, pitting and more. Ultraviolet rays, salt and automotive fluids also can affect the appearance and functionality of a driveway. An unsightly driveway can adversely affect curb appeal and resale potential. Homeowners have to consider various factors when it comes to repairing driveways. They may have the option of getting the driveway resurfaced, resealed or repaved, and each project is unique. Resurfacing According to the home improvement price comparison site Kompare It, resurfacing is simpler and faster than installing a new asphalt driveway. With resurfacing, any cracks are filled in to create an even base. Then a
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new layer of asphalt is applied over the existing one. That new layer can range in thickness from 1.5 to 3 inches. A heavy rolling machine will then smooth and flatten the layers together. If the driveway has minor pitting or cracking, then resurfacing can be a cost-effective strategy, as it may be a $3,000 to $6,000 job as opposed to $5,000 to $10,000 with repaving. Resealing Resealing a driveway, also called sealcoating, is another repair strategy. HGTV says resealing can be a do-it-yourself project. Resealing helps the driveway last longer. The driveway needs to be clean and dry, with holes and cracks filled prior to sealcoating. Start at the far edge of the driveway and seal that area by “cutting-in” by hand for a neat edge. Afterward the rest of the driveway can
be sealed using a squeegee or broom. This project can be completed within two or three days if no precipitation is forecast. Repaving A project best left to professionals, repaving typically involves the removal of an existing driveway and the installation of a new one. The sub-grade layer is essential in the process for a smooth look. Contractors also will assess soil and grading when doing work. The construction blog Main Infrastructure says the new asphalt driveway can vary in thickness between two and six inches, depending on budget and need. The contractor also can advise if full-depth asphalt application or an aggregate base is practical. Assessing the condition of driveway can give homeowners a better idea about which type of repair project best suits their property. Your Next Home • February 2022
4060 Spring Valley Rd. • Beulah Premier location in Crystal Highlands Association and access to Spring Valley Swim Beach and Highland Drive Boat Beach. All lot corners marked and community well available.
000 Highland Dr. • Beulah This gently sloping .69-acre building site in Crystal Highlands Association is ready for your up north home offering underground electric, natural gas and cable internet/TV.
Thank you Family, Friends, Clients of Manistee, Mason & Oceana Counties. Your trust helped me to reach an amazing goal I had set for 2021! 19.5 Million in sales with 93 transactions.
40 Representng Both sides of the transaction Buyers & Sellers 29 representing the Sellers • 24 representing the Buyers And 7 of which were Commercial Sales in the City of Manistee My life is Blessed with an amazing community of friends who say #JustAskGini when it comes to Real Estate. A full team of support at Century21 with Amy Helminski, Bonny LaBash, Micahla Theisen, Carol Cupisz, C21Northland Brokers & support staff, local lenders and Talon & Lighthouse Title completing the picture. Plus my own team with Personal Assistant Talia Miller, Staging & Prepping of Homes Amy Swiatlowski & Laurie Bialik, Photographer Zachary Pawlowski & my husband Scott Pelton. I could have never achieved all this without the 10 years of support from Suzanne Riley. It seriously takes a Village to be able to achieve this level of sales. Life is Great in the ‘Stee & Everyday I get to remind people #ManisteethePlacetoBe http://c21boardwalk.com/project/virginia-pelton/
Gini Pelton
gini@c21boardwalk.com • 231.690.0852 For all your Real Estate needs #JustcallGini #ManisteethePlacetoBe February 2022 • Your Next Home
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Low-cost ways to revamp living areas
H
ome improvement projects require substantial financial investment. But just because a homeowner wants to bring a fresh look indoors doesn’t mean he or she has to break the bank along the way. Living rooms are some of the most frequently used spaces in a home, and they can use an update from time to time to stay on trend or to make the area more functional for a changing family dynamic. Here are some budget-friendly ideas for breathing new life into living room designs. • Establish the budget. Homeowners should figure out how many dollars they can designate to a living room makeover before purchasing supplies or hiring out the work. Figure out the scope of the remodel, visit stores or suppliers to price out materials, get estimates from contractors, and then plan for some unforseen circumstances along the way to determine if this type of renovation is affordable. If not, scale things back until the project more closely aligns with your budget. • Change the paint color. Lighter and brighter colors are on trend. A can or two of paint can do wonders for updating a space without a large financial commitment. Pair that new paint color with new window coverings and complementary throw pillows to pull the theme together with minimal expense. • Update the flooring. Tired, outdated carpeting or other flooring can use an overhaul. While solid hardwood flooring may be preferable, there are many types of laminate flooring that mimic the looks of popular wood colors and styles for a fraction of the cost. Plus, many are sold at home improvement retailers and even at
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warehouse clubs or online for reasonable prices. Laminate flooring also may be a potential DIY job for a skilled homeowner, saving even more money.
• Introduce a fireplace. Fireplaces were once hot commodities, but that popularity waned in the 1970s and 1980s. Homeowners with chimneys may discover a fireplace was boarded over and the bare bones still exist that can be renovated to bring back character. There also are ventless freestanding units that are quite affordable that can mimic the look of a built-in fireplace. • Reupholster instead of replace furniture. There’s no need to throw away quality furniture if the fabric is the only thing impeding design. New upholstery or even a slipcover can update designs. • Conquer clutter. Rather than adding something to the living room, remove clutter to give the room a more airy feel. This can instantly change the look of the room. Use cord covers to tame plugs for electronics and remove unnecessary furniture from the room. • Improve lighting. Another easy and often inexpensive fix is to change lighting fixtures, including using brighter, more energy efficient LED bulbs, and to assess lighting needs to eliminate dark corners of rooms that can make the space seem drab. Living room spaces in need of an update often can benefit from improvements that go easy on the wallet. Your Next Home • February 2022
February 2022 • Your Next Home
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Let the Lighthouse Team work for you in 2022!
v/l Hill Rd, Manistee Picture your new home in this peaceful almost 1 acre parcel. Less than a 5 minute drive to town as well as Lake Michigan’s public access on Lakeshore Rd, Orchard Beach State Park, and Beech - Hemlock Natural Trail.
Offered at $31,900 Emily Pomeroy • 231-510-1303
602 Fairview Ave., Manistee Fully remodeled 3 Bedroom,1.5 bath home, with new appliances and much more in a great neighborhood.
Offered at $210,000 Cheryl Staszczak • 248-805-3802
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0000 Norconk Rd, Bear Lake Completely wooded 40 acres, untouched and wild. Plenty of deer and other wildlife. Easement is provided via Norconk Rd.
Offered at $89,900 Bill LaBelle • 239-887-1037
Emerald Ridge Lot #13, Onekama Beautifully wooded 1.6 Acre building lot in upscale ‘’Sunset Point’’ development! With 5” well, underground utilities and seasonal lake views. Just 5 minutes north of Onekama and Portage Lake!
Offered at $59,800 Leanne LaBelle • 239-887-0998
Your Next Home • February 2022
