Your Next Home - December 2021

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Dec. 2021 Residential

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Rentals

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Vacant Land

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Farms

SEE OUR DIRECTORY ON PAGE 6 FOR A FULL LIST OF REALTORS AND BUSINESSES. A MONTHLY PUBLICATION OF THE MANISTEE NEWS ADVOCATE & BENZIE COUNTY RECORD PATRIOT

Benzie, Manistee & Mason Counties

Therran Ferguson, Broker/Owner • 231-510-1790 Michael Kruse, Realtor/Associate • 231-690-8882 Jenna Mahoney, Realtor/Associate • 231-942-9334

Sales & Property Management

Caliber Home Loans, Inc., NMLS 15622.

Copyright 2021.

2021. Equal Housing Lender.

(43041 Caliber Home Loans, Inc., NMLS 15622.

Copyright Equal Housing Lender.

231-299-1180

www.MIEssentialRealEstate.com

Lighthouse Realty 360 E. Parkdale Ave. Manistee

www.dwellingrealty.com

231-398-3800

hello@dwellingrealty.com

www.goLighthouseRealty.com

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Your Next Home • December 2021

Come visit us!

Over 55,000 square feet of showrooms specializing in New and Used Furniture, Bedding, Estate Jewelry and Collectibles.

Due to supply chain interruptions, new furniture is taking longer to get to your home. If you don’t want to wait, shop our 2 showrooms to get quality used furniture NOW at a fraction of the cost. Our inventory changes daily!

119 S. Main St., Scottville, MI | 231-757-8733 Tues-Fri 9am-5:30pm • Sat 9am-4:30pm www.holdenshomeemporium.com December 2021 • Your Next Home

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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) MOM Board of Realtors...............................................................2 Century 21: Kari King..................................................................5 Century 21: Gini Pelton...............................................................6 Lighthouse Realty: Heather Barker & Casey Tennant...................9 Lighthouse Realty: Kerri Mackey................................................13 Essential Real Estate...................................................................15 Coldwell Banker: Jamie Gray.....................................................16 Real Estate One: Kathy Neveu....................................................21 Lighthouse Realty......................................................................24 FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS Caliber Home Loans: Mindy Sedelmaier........................ 1 (Cover) Treadstone Residential Mortgage..............................................11 Shelby State Bank......................................................................19 HOME IMPROVEMENT/ DECOR COMPANIES Holden’s Home Emporium, Inc....................................................3 Somsel Lumber Co.......................................................................5

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HOME IMPROVEMENT/ DECOR COMPANIES......................PAGE REDEEMED.................................................................................19 Carter Lumber............................................................................23 HOME INSPECTIONS Hemlock Homes........................................................................12 INSURANCE COMPANIES State Farm Insurance Agency: Mary Sturdevant........................19 MISCELLANEOUS Business Directory.......................................................................6 Real Estate Transactions.............................................................17 ADVICE FOR THE HOME Did you know? Indebtedness.......................................................7 Simple ways to incorporate reclaimed wood in your home........8 The Gutter Guide........................................................................10 Entertain safely with proper food handling...............................14 Did you know? New Year’s Resolutions......................................16 Stay on Top of Bathroom Safety.....................................................18 How to account for a rising cost of living...................................20 How to reduce risk of home fires this holiday season................22 Your Next Home • December 2021

POLE BUILDINGS LET US QUOTE YOURS Custom • Deluxe • Ag

TURNKEY BUS

MAYFAIR TA

ELBERTA, MIC

Somsel Lumber Company Kaleva

TURNKEY BUSINESS 231-362-3103

MAYFAIR TAVERN ELBERTA, MICHIGAN TURNKEY BUSINESS

MAYFAIR TAVERN

- Seats 85 indoor w/ additional bar ar - Outdoor bar & patio seats 50 with vi - Remodeled & expanded w/ new equ - Plenty of space for private function

TURNKEY BUSINESS

MAYFAIR TAVERN ELBERTA, ELBERTA, MICHIGANMICHIGAN

MLS 1879879

$549

KARI KIN

231.651.09

- Seats 85 indoor w/ additional bar area and pool table.

- Outdoor bar & patio seats 50 with view of Betsie Bay. KariKing@C21No - Remodeled & expanded w/ new equipment.

408 Main St. • Fr - Plenty of space for private functions & social distancing.

MLS 1879879

KARI KING

- Seats 85 indoor w/ additional bar area and pool table.

- Outdoor bar & patio seats 50 with view of Betsie Bay. - Remodeled & expanded w/ new equipment.

- Plenty of space for private functions & social distancing.

MLS 1879879

$549,900

KARI KING

KariKingHomes.

$549,900

Each office is independently owne

231.651.0923

KariKing@C21Northland.com 408 Main St. • Frankfort, MI 49635 KariKingHomes.C21.com

Each office is independently owned and operated Each office is independently owned and operated

December 2021 • Your Next Home

231.651.0923

KariKing@C21Northland.com 408 Main St. • Frankfort, MI 49635 KariKingHomes.C21.com Each office is independently owned and operated

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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 Treadstone Residential Mortgage 616-326-2201 www.treadstonemortgage.com

Your Next Home • December 2021

Did you know?

Indebtedness is often discussed in terms related to debtors’ short- and long-term financial health, but debt also can have an adverse effect on individuals’ mental health. A 2014 study published in the journal BMC Public Health examined the effects of debt in the aftermath of the global financial crisis that began in 2007 and extended into 2008. The authors of the study found that individuals with unmet loan payments had suicidal ideation and suffered from depression more often than those without such financial problems. The 33 peer-reviewed studies examined by the authors of the 2014 study covered various types of debts, including medical debts, mortgages and credit card debt.

Each type of debt produced negative health consequences, though individuals who failed to pay their mortgage or had their homes repossessed reported an especially high prevalence of mental and physical health impairments.

Gini Pelton

gini@c21boardwalk.com 231.690.0852 For all your Real Estate needs #JustcallGini #ManisteethePlacetoBe December 2021 • Your Next Home

7

Simple ways to incorporate reclaimed wood in your home

H

omes come in many sizes and styles. But whether your home is a palatial postmodern masterpiece or a cozy farmhouse, reclaimed wood can be utilized to create an awe-inspiring interior.

Reclaimed wood serves both aesthetic and practical purposes. Visually stunning, reclaimed wood also is a great way to make use of old-growth forest wood. Why is that significant? According to the United States Forest Service, just 3 percent of old-growth forest has survived into the second decade of the 21st century. Old-growth forest wood like that from longleaf pine trees has long been touted as excellent building material, but the pine utilized today comes from trees that are cut down when they’re young. Reclaimed wood taken from old or demolished homes built with old-growth forest wood offers access to this highly valued building material while also providing the environmental benefits that come with reusing existing materials.

Reclaimed wood can be incorporated into a home’s interior rather easily, and the results are often stunning.

• Accent wall: Transforming a wall into an accent wall with reclaimed wood is a simple project that won’t affect the existing design of a home’s interior. A living room or home office can be given a whole new look with the addition of an accent wall made from reclaimed wood. Home-

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owners who want their bedrooms to give off the vibe of a rustic retreat can consider adding an accent wall made of reclaimed wood.

• Furniture: Reclaimed wood also can be put to use, or reuse, as furniture. A home office desk made from reclaimed wood can be both stunning and sturdy, while end tables and coffee tables made from reclaimed wood can add some unique character to a living room.

• Kitchen islands: Homeowners who aspire to have a farmhouse kitchen can consider reclaimed wood when creating their kitchen islands. Reclaimed wood can be used to make the body of the island, complete with cabinets and drawers, that sits beneath the countertop where cooks will prepare their meals.

• Storage beds: Guest rooms tend to be smaller than other rooms in the house, and that means little room for furniture like dressers. Rather than cramming lots of furniture into a small room, homeowners can utilize reclaimed wood to create storage bed frames. The frames won’t take up extra space in the room, reassuring guests that they won’t be spending a weekend in cramped quarters. And the rustic look of reclaimed wood storage beds can be an instant stunner when guests arrive.

Reclaimed wood can be incorporated into a home in myriad ways. This stunning, eco-friendly design choice can add instant appeal to any home.

Your Next Home • December 2021

if you need your home solD, call Heather!

My Listings Sell.

! !

D L SO Heather Barker (231) 510-5505

heather@golighthouserealty.com

10227 Coates Hwy, Brethren

COnt

! t n e ing

1321 Perry St, Manistee

! !

D L SO

10635 Northwood Hwy, Onekama

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D L SO 102 N. Lakeshore Drive, Manistee

14468 Wuoksi Ave, kAlevA Casey Tennant (231) 233-7613

casey@golighthouserealty.com

8,768 sq.ft. Commercial Building with 3 Phase Electric, Loading Doc, A/C and 2 Bathrooms.

Offered at $220,000!

9289 WAltA st, kAlevA 5,000 sq.ft Restaurant and Bar in Kaleva!

Licenses and Equipment Included! (Kaleva Tavern is still open and operating).

Offered at $340,000!

December 2021 • Your Next Home

9

Installation Tips Pitch: To ensure that gutters drain properly, they must slope toward a downspout. Typically, it's best to install gutters so they slope 1/2-inch per 10 linear feet of gutter. For gutters that run longer than 40 feet, it's best to pitch the gutter down from the middle to a downspout at each end.

The

Gutter Guide G

utters are essential for routing roof water runoff away from your home, keeping basements dry, and protecting siding from backsplash stain and rot.

Materials Vinyl: Vinyl is immune to rust and rot. It's also a great choice for DIY installation projects because it's one of the more inexpensive options and is easy to cut down to size.

Aluminum: Aluminum is the most popular material choice. It's perfect for DIY installation projects because it's lightweight, inexpensive, and available in custom lengths.

Steel: Steel is strong enough to stand up to ladders and fallen branches. Steel is the most durable gutter option available and holds 58% more water than standard 5-inch K-style gutters.

Copper: Copper is a naturally beautiful material, so there's no need to paint it. Copper is generally used on high-end and historic residences.

Types of Gutters Sectional Gutters: Do-it-yourself gutter systems are typically sold in "sections," and installed as component systems. All sectional systems include end caps, corner pieces, and drop outlets for connecting to downspouts (vertical pipes that drains water from the roof). Sectional gutters are easy to handle and don't require professional installation, made of stronger metal than their seamless counterparts and tend to be more cost-effective.

Half-Round/U-Style: Half-round gutters (also known as U-style gutters in certain materials) look like a round pipe that has been cut lengthwise. They're often found on older, historic homes because they suit the style and design of these homes. One perk of half-round or U-style gutters is that they're easier to clean than K-style gutters.

K-Style: K-style gutters - also known as "ogee gutters" - are more popular and have flat bottoms and backs. The front side has a decorative shape that mimics crown moulding. This style generally has twice the capacity of U-style gutters with the same width and are typically more durable than U-style gutters.

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Downspouts: One downspout should be installed for every 30 to 40 feet of gutter. Make sure downspouts run to a suitable drainage system or properly graded absorbent soil to prevent damage to your foundation. Downspouts usually include three elbow joints. One end of each section of the joints must be crimped in order to attach them together.

You can use needle-nose pliers to crimp them yourself.

Hangers: Hangers are used to support gutters and strengthen the front edge. They should be installed every 2 feet. Reduce spacing to 18 inches apart if you live in an area with long-lasting snow and ice.

Hangers attach to the fascia - the board that essentially acts as moulding to cover the area where the wall joins the roof - and the assembled gutters snap into them.

Accessories Splash Blocks: Splash blocks are placed beneath the downspout elbow to help disperse water away from your home's foundation. They are lightweight enough to move easily, yet heavy enough to stay in place.

Gutter Covers: Gutter covers snap to the front edge of the gutter and slide under shingles to prevent large debris from getting inside the gutter, which could cause clogs and buildup. Menards® offers a variety of affordable, aintenance-free gutter covers.

Gutter Filters: Gutter filters provide many of the same benefits as gutter screens and covers. They fit completely inside the gutter, so they're not visible and also prevent debris that could cause clogs to build up.

Downspout Strainers: Wire downspout strainers are placed inside the outlet tube that connects the gutter to the downspout in order to prevent leaves and other debris from clogging downspouts and underground drainage.

Gusher Guards: Gusher guards prevent gutters from overflowing with water at the valleys.

Flashing: Flashing prevents water from running behind your gutters, which could potentially cause the wood to rot.

Gutter Maintenance In order to keep your gutters in good condition, it's important to maintain them properly by cleaning the leaves from them twice a year or hiring a company that specializes in gutter maintenance. It's also important to pay particular attention to the downspouts, as they're the most likely to become clogged. During these inspections, check all of the spikes in the hangers. If they have worked their way out of their designated places over the years, it's important to invest in new ones to keep your gutters secure. Finally, find the source of any leaks, and repair them with bead silicone sealing or caulk to keep water from getting down behind the gutters and rotting the boards.

Your Next Home • December 2021

December 2021 • Your Next Home

11

Happy Holiday’s from all of us at

Hemlock Homes!

Thank you for voting us 2021 Best Home Inspection Service.

Shawn Waruszewski, Certified Home Inspector Inspected once, inspected right.

231-343-9872

Shawnwemail@gmail.com

www.hemlockhomes.net 12

Your Next Home • December 2021

Does your

T N E R R U C u o y e v i g PLACE

G N I T S E R

h c n i r G FACE I CAN HELP WITH ALL YOUR REAL ESTATE NEEDS

Kerri Mackey Realtor (231) 510-8380 Mobile

kerri@golighthouserealty.com

December 2021 • Your Next Home

13

Entertain safely with proper food handling

H

omes are brimming with holiday revelers throughout the last month of the calendar year. Serving food is par for the holiday season course, and some individuals wait all year to unveil their signature holiday feasts. There are many reasons to be joyful for the bounty of appetizers, main courses, desserts, and sides available. However, one thing has the potential to put a crimp in any holiday gathering: foodborne illness.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services indicates about one in six people in the United States gets a foodborne illness every year.

Salmonella, E. coli, listeria, and campylobacter are all bacteria that can grow in food that is not properly handled. These bacteria can cause illness or even death.

The good news is that foodborne illnesses are largely preventable, and a big part of prevention is handling food before and after it is cooked.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service says safe food handling largely comes down to four vital rules: clean, separate, cook, and chill.

Clean Anyone handling food should start with clean hands washed in warm water and soap for at least 20 seconds. Wash cutting boards, dishes, counters, and utensils after preparing food as well. Consider using disposable paper towels to mop up juices from food to avoid the spread of bacteria. Remember to wash all produce (including those with skins and rinds that are not eaten), and clean lids before opening cans.

Separate Raw poultry, seafood, meat, and eggs should be separated from other foods in grocery carts and bags and later at home in the refrigerator or on the counter during preparation. Use separate cutting boards for raw foods and fresh produce. Never place cooked food on a plate that previously held raw foods unless it has been washed. Marinades used on raw foods should only be reused if they have been boiled first.

Cook A food thermometer is a home cook’s best tool. The U.S. Food & Drug Administration says that texture and color are poor indicators of food doneness. A food thermometer is essential to ensuring the safety of cooked foods for all cooking methods.

Internal cooking temperature minimums vary depending on the food and cut. A detailed list can be found at www.foodsafety. gov/food-safety-charts/safe-minimum-cooking-temperature.

Microwaves are notorious for heating food unevenly. When using a microwave, take the food out midway and stir the contents to help disperse heat accordingly.

Chill Never thaw raw foods on a countertop at room temperature.

Defrosting should take place in the refrigerator in a bowl of cold water or in the microwave. Also, marinate foods in the refrigerator.

Holiday hosts may want to leave food out for guests who are late to arrive. The FDA says that leftovers should be refrigerated within two hours of cooking or purchasing. Keep this in mind when cleaning up the table or packaging “doggie bags” for guests to take home. With buffet service, keep foods hot with sternos and chafing dishes and place cold foods on ice.

Safe food handling is important whenever cooking and entertaining at home.

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Your Next Home • December 2021

721 Merkey Road W • Manistee, MI 49660

$295,000 #21111152

4 Bedroom House & 30’ X 100’ Steel Building! Located in desirable Filer Township (Manistee) this 2,304 sq. ft. 4 bedroom 2 1/2 bath home sits on 1.38 acres with views of the rolling ravine and forest back-drop. Not far from Lake Michigan! Right next door is a massive 3,000 sq. ft. warehouse with upper loft above workshop, as well as several large doors including 1 that is large enough to park an RV. House was built in 1995 and could use some cosmetic improvements, but the overall layout was well designed and the overall house is in great condition. Large eatin kitchen off the main floor primary bedroom. Open kitchen, dining, & Livingroom. Full walkout basement (partially finished) that leads out to a large attached garage. Schedule your appointment to tour this unique opportunity.

Therran Ferguson 231-510-1790

www.MIEssentialRealEstate.com 428 1st St, Manistee MI 49660

231-299-1180

December 2021 • Your Next Home

Sales & Property Management Covering all your Essential Real Estate Needs.

15

Did you know?

Individuals making New Year’s resolutions should not discount the value of utilizing a multifaceted approach to achieving their goals. A recent study from psychology professor and researcher Dr. Gail Matthews examined the effects of writing down goals, committing to goal-directed actions and creating accountability for those actions.

The 267 participants in the study were separated into five groups and asked to identify their goals. Each group was then asked to rate each goal based on how difficult and important they thought it was. They also were also asked to rate the extent to which they had the skills and resources to accomplish the goal and rate their commitment and motivation to do so. Participants were also asked to disclose their previous history with the goal, including whether or not they had pursued it or succeeded in their pursuits in the past.

Group one was directed to think about their goals but not write them down, while groups two through five employed progressively greater initiatives in pursuit of their goals. The further efforts employed by group five included writing their goals down, sharing those goals with a supportive friend and sending goals progress reports to that friend.

At the end of the four-week study, Dr. Matthews concluded that those who made a public commitment by sharing their goals with a friend, sent weekly progress reports to their friend, and wrote down their goals achieved significantly more than participants who did none of those things. These findings can serve as a useful tool for individuals who plan to make New Year’s resolutions this January.

ContaCt us today!

231-499-1430

16

Your Next Home • December 2021

Manistee News Advocate Recorded Sales for the Month of: October 2021 80 WASHINGTON ST UNIT 14, MANISTEE 14204 PEPPERMAN DR, BEAR LAKE V/L BITTERSWEET DR, MANISTEE 12775 CABERFAE HWY, MANISTEE 1330 CORNELL ST, MANISTEE 510 SECOND ST, MANISTEE 15451 HOLLY DR, THOMPSONVILLE 229 SIXTH AVE, MANISTEE V/L POTTER RD, BEAR LAKE V/L WARFIELD RD, WELLSTON V/L PORTAGE POINT DR, ONEKAMA 919 HIGH ST, MANISTEE 17276 CABERFAE HWY, WELLSTON 15325 PLEASANTON HWY, BEAR LAKE V/L SUNSET LN, MANISTEE 3643 FISK RD, MANISTEE 512 FAIRVIEW AVE, MANISTEE 3130 THIRTEEN MILE RD, ONEKAMA 5650 ORCHARD HWY, MANISTEE 2403 FILER CITY RD, MANISTEE 4337 WINGERT ST, BRETHREN 294 SIXTH AVE, MANISTEE V/L FIRST ST, ARCADIA 1 SOPHIA ST, MANISTEE 17327 THIRD ST, ARCADIA V/L SWITALSKI RD, MANISTEE 718 KOSCIUSKO, MANISTEE 156 QUINCY ST, MANISTEE V/L OUTBACK RIDGE, MANISTEE 1621 SPRUCE ST, WELLSTON 356 8TH ST, MANISTEE V/L CLEMENTS RD, BRETHREN 305 MCNITT RD, MANISTEE 2205 LAKEISLE AVE, ONEKAMA V/L ARCADIA RIDGE DR & V/L NORMAN RD, ARCADIA 8021 SCHROEDER ST, ONEKAMA 574 BROAD AVE, MANISTEE V/L BROWNING AVE, MANISTEE December 2021 • Your Next Home

$129,000 $27,500 $44,000 $27,200 $180,000 $95,333 $450,000 $320,000 $50,000 $26,000 $36,000 $170,000 $352,500 $170,000 $22,000 $230,000 $170,000 $66,000 $300,000 $177,000 $142,000 $160,000 $44,000 $270,000 $180,000 $29,900 $61,000 $108,000 $59,900 $53,000 $170,212 $55,000 $184,500 $375,000 $99,900 $199,900 $195,000 $35,000

18753 RAPIDS RD, THOMPSONVILLE

$539,900

77 OAK ST, MANISTEE

$257,050

1621 OLSON RD, MANISTEE

$23,000

536 4TH ST, MANISTEE

$390,000

22583 CADILLAC HWY, COPEMISH

$200,000

2121 REIGLE ST, MANISTEE

$280,000

V/L BENTON RD, COPEMISH

$45,000

14544 PLEASANTON HWY, BEAR LAKE

$148,000

143 WASHINGTON ST, MANISTEE

$235,000

V/L BIG FOUR RD, BEAR LAKE 17245 NORTHWOOD HWY, ARCADIA

$75,800 $182,500

15297 & V/L HOLLY DR, THOMPSONVILLE $532,500 7 PARK AVE, MANISTEE

$150,000

13678 HARLAN RD, COPEMISH

$124,900

2585 GRANT HWY, MANISTEE

$136,500

900 CABERFAE HWY, MANISTEE

$165,000

V/L SAMERDAR DR, ONEKAMA

$13,500

V/L FIRST ST, ONEKAMA 38 MARINA DR, MANISTEE

$222,500 $16,375

10227 COATES HWY, BRETHREN

$195,000

11074 CHIPPEWA HWY, BEAR LAKE

$220,000

V/L EARHART AVE, BRETHREN

$50,000

V/L NORCONK RD, BEAR LAKE

$6,500

V/L PORTAGE POINT DR, ONEKAMA

$48,000

707 PINE ST, MANISTEE

$175,000

505 SEVENTH ST, MANISTEE

$305,000

16951 FIFTH ST, WELLSTON

$40,000

3511 SWIHART RD, BRETHREN

$104,000

17332 SECOND ST, WELLSTON

$45,000

1306 VINE ST, MANISTEE 15780 WARE RD, ARCADIA

$144,900 $48,000

102 N LAKESHORE DR, MANISTEE

$625,000

1665 FROST RD, MANISTEE

$168,000

7071 ROGERS MEMORIAL DR, ONEKAMA $195,000 13125 BIG FOUR RD, BEAR LAKE

$250,000

17

Stay on Top of Bathroom Safety

K

nown as one of the most hazardous rooms in your home, your bathroom should be a comfortable and safe space. Having a well-designed, stylish, accessible and functional bathroom is all possible while keeping safety in mind.

Eliminate Hazards 3 Surfaces – Flooring choice is a main component in bathroom safety. Non-slip, smooth, and free of debris flooring can prevent falls and other injuries. Remove loose rugs to prevent trip ups and install flooring that enables traction. Cleared table tops can act as a stabilizer to move from one area to the next.

3 Moisture – Bathrooms tend to be moisture ridden, therefore wiping up spills, puddles, and excess water around the shower, sink, and toilet could prevent an injury.

3 Lighting – Proper lighting is important for visibility of the space.

Inadequate lighting is a main contributor to accidents, therefore by installing automatic night lights and replacing burnt out bulbs can save you from a potential fall.

Functionality 3 Support – Installing appropriate objects designed to support someone’s weight such as grab bars will help maintain balance and give ease of mind when stepping in or out of wet areas prone to slipping.

3 Space – Allowing enough turn around space between bathroom utilities aids bathroom safety. Catching on corners of walls, vanities, and toilets can contribute to accidents.

3 Access – Designing a bathroom for easy access to the shower, tub, sink, toilet, etc. can help prevent injuries. Walk-in showers and cut out bath tubs are perfect examples of safe guarding your health and planning ahead.

Code 3 Installation – Keep bathroom safety at the forefront of your plans by hiring a licensed contractor to ensure your bathroom follows state codes and regulations.

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Your Next Home • December 2021

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

Tis the Season!

Over 50 Vendors!

Stop In Today!

231-887-4222

172 Memorial Dr. • Manistee (Next to Family Dollar) December 2021 • Your Next Home

19

How to account for a rising cost of living

C

ost of living is a significant component of financial planning. The cost of living may dictate where people live and work, and a high cost of living can influence how individuals spend their free time.

Data from Statistics Canada indicates that consumer prices rose 4.1 percent and 5.3 percent in August 2021 in Canada and the United States, respectively. As Canadians headed to the polls in late September, a survey from Abacus Data found that 38 percent felt reducing their cost of living was a key factor affecting their vote. Similarly, a 2020 survey from TD Ameritrade found that 47 percent of Americans feel that cost of living is the biggest threat to their financial security and long-term investments. It’s worth noting that the survey was conducted prior to the pandemic. Since the onset of the pandemic, cost of living has increased considerably.

Though the fight against a rising cost of living can feel like an uphill battle, individuals can take steps to prepare for such increases.

• Apply lessons learned during the pandemic. A recent Pew Research Center analysis of U.S. government and Eurostat data found that roughly 9.6 million workers in the United States lost their jobs in the first three quarters of 2020. That period coincides with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. When forced to confront sudden and unexpected job losses, millions of individuals learned how to get by on less income. Cost-saving measures adopted during the pandemic can be continued or reimplemented, helping individuals to combat higher energy costs and other rising expenses.

• Look for a new job or fresh income streams. A rising cost of living is a concern for people from all walks of life, but it may be especially concerning for retirees or individuals with costs like childcare that can be hard to pare back. In such instances, individuals can look for new a job or fresh income streams. According to the Q3 2021 CNBC | Momentive Small Business Survey, 50 percent of small business owners say it’s gotten harder to find qualified people to hire compared to a year ago. And nearly one-third of survey respondents indicate they have open roles they have not been able to fill for at least three months. Individuals can explore local employment opportunities in an effort to find a new, more lucrative job that can help them combat a rising cost of living. Others who want to remain in their jobs can look for part-time work to supplement their existing income.

• Consider relocating. The pandemic forced many companies to transition from in office working to remote working overnight.

That trial by fire could have lasting results.

A 2020 survey of 317 Chief Financial Officers and leaders in the finance industry found that 74 percent will move at least 5 percent of their previously on-site workforce to permanently remote positions after the pandemic ends. The survey, conducted by Gartner, Inc., also found that nearly one-quarter of respondents will move at least 20 percent of their on-site workers to permanently remote positions.

That could make it possible for millions of working professionals to relocate to regions with a lower cost of living than their current towns or cities.

The cost of living might be on the rise. But individuals can combat that increase in various ways.

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Your Next Home • December 2021

December 2021 • Your Next Home

21

How to reduce risk of home fires this holiday season

S

afety might not be the first thing people think of as the holiday season approaches. Faith, celebrations, decorations, and holiday dinners all come to mind when considering the holiday season. But that doesn’t mean safety should be left out of holiday planning.

Fire safety bears special consideration during the holiday season, when the prevalence of fire hazards like Christmas trees, holiday lighting displays and other decorative items increase the risk for home fires. Such tragedies can be averted with a few simple safety measures.

• Tend to your tree. Live Christmas trees are awe-inspiring, but they also pose a significant fire risk. The National Fire Protection Association urges celebrants to purchase only healthy trees with fresh, green needles that do not fall off when touched.

Such trees are less likely to dry out, especially when well-watered throughout the season. Dry trees can catch fire more easily

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than healthy trees if embers from nearby fireplaces or candles drift in their direction.

• Recognize that location matters when decorating. The NFPA notes that Christmas trees should always be placed at least three feet away from any heat source, including fireplaces, space heaters, heat vents, candles, and even overhead lights.

If decorating with candles, never place them on the tree or on tables where other flammable decorations have already been placed. Chanukah menorahs should never be placed near curtains or other decorations.

• Turn off all lights and extinguish all lit decorative items when leaving the home or going to bed. Lit candles and menorahs should never be left unattended. The NFPA recommends turning tree lights and exterior decorative lights off when leaving the home or going to bed.

• Utilize a fire screen on fireplaces. Embers

can catch on trees, decorations or anything else that’s flammable if they escape the fireplace. Fire screens prevent that from happening by ensuring embers from burning logs stay in the fireplace. Like candles and menorahs, fires burning in a fireplace should never be left unattended.

Make sure all embers have been extinguished before leaving the home or going to bed.

• Keep discarded trees away from your home. A 2014 analysis from the NFPA found that none of the ten days with the largest share of Christmas tree fires were before Christmas. Dried out trees still pose a fire risk even after they’ve been removed from a home. When discarding a tree at the end of the holiday season, place it at the curb or keep it a safe distance away from your home and garage until you can.

Fire safety measures are an important component of the holiday season that can prevent this joyous time of year from turning tragic.

Your Next Home • December 2021

have you found that a good used home in the right location and having the highest bid has become as hard as picking a winning lottery ticket?

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Let the Lighthouse Team work for you in 2021!

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340 7th St, Manistee 3 Bedroom, 2 Bath Home with Full Basement and Fenced Backyard.

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300 Walnut St, Manistee 4 Bedroom, 2 Bath Home near Downtown Manistee with Bonus Historic ‘Music House’ Auditorium.

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Your Next Home • December 2021