Your Next Home March 2023

Business Directory

Caliber Home Loans: Mindy Sedelmaier

231-233-0963

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

Dwelling Realty

www.dwellingrealty.com

Essential Real Estate

231-942-9334

Therran Ferguson, Broker/Owner 231-510-1790

Michael Kruse 231-690-8882

Jenna Mahoney 231-942-9334

Holden’s Home Emporium, Inc 231-757-8733

www.holdenshomeemporium.com

Lighthouse Realty Manistee

231-398-3800

www.goLighthouseRealty.com

Heather Barker 231-510-5505

Shirley Barker 903-681-6102

Cathy French 231-233-3268

Leah Gannon 517-607-5347

Jeremy “Ox” Glenn 812-929-9289

John Hanson 231-510-5543

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

Mason Oceana Manistee Board of Realtors

www.momboard.com

Metro Mortgage

231-425-5555

www.metromtg.com

Pamela’s Interior Design 231-723-8688

PamelasInteriors.net

Real Estate One: Kathy Neveu

231-342-0921

Redeemed

231-887-4222

State Farm Insurance Agency

Mary Studevant

231-723-9905

West Michigan Forest Products

www.wmkitchenstudio.com

Ludington 231-480-1200

Byron Center 616-281-6684

Muskegon 231-246-7184

Forest Hills 616-727-0909

Popular insect repellant plants

Homeowners choose plants for their properties based on a number of variables. Some may be into growing their own foods, while others desire their gardens to be an awe-inspiring mélange of bright colors and alluring scents. There’s no wrong reason to plant a fresh garden, but some plants offer extra benefits, such as repelling insects.

Insects can be a nuisance and a threat to individuals’ overall health. According to the American Academy of Family Physicians, insect-borne diseases are viral and bacterial illnesses that develop from insect bites. Mosquitoes, sand flies and fleas are some examples of insects that can pass on disease. Fever, chills, headache, and muscle soreness are just a few of the more common symptoms linked to insect-borne diseases.

The good news for avid gardeners is that certain plants can help repel insects and provide the additional benefits like fresh food and aesthetic appeal that so many people love.

• Basil: The aroma of fresh basil is enough to compel any gardener to make a place for it in their garden. But there’s more to fresh basil than its scent, as the Farmers Almanac notes it can be used to repel mosquitoes and moths.

• Lavender: Fleas, flies, mosquitoes, and moths are not fans of this aromatic and colorful member of the mint family. Bees tend to be drawn to lavender, a durable plant that many garden centers recommend in areas prone to drought or hot summers without much precipitation.

• Mint: Mint is another plant that is instantly recognizable for its aroma. But mint lovers may not realize that it’s also great for keeping ants at bay. Mint also can be used to repel mosquitoes, but gardeners with no experience planting mint should plant it in pots. That’s because the Farmers Almanac notes mint is an especially aggressive spreader that can quickly take over a garden. Separating mint in pots can prevent it from bullying its way into other

plants’ domains.

• Lemongrass: Lemongrass is a tropical grass that’s so fragrant it’s often used in perfumes. Lemongrass contains citronella, which many people associate with repelling mosquitoes. A potted lemongrass plant can repel these unwanted guests, keeping them away from decks, porches and/or patios all summer long.

• Chrysanthemums: The Farmers’ Almanac® recommends using chrysanthemums, which repel a range of insects from bedbugs to fleas to ants, as border plants around a home. That’s because they contain the natural insecticide pyrethrin, which can serve as something of an insect-repelling boundary around a home.

Insects are unwanted guests around a home each spring, summer and fall. Certain plants can help repel insects and serve as an eco-friendly alternative to insecticides.

Essential Real Estate has the marketing expertise to help you sell your property as quickly as possible. Our comprehensive approach to real estate marketing ensures the desired result.

1200

High

$297,000 #23002915

4531 Harter St • Brethren

2 beds, 1 bath, 1448 SF

This 2 BR/1 BR cottage boasts wonderful opportunities inside and out! Inside is a marvelous sunroom overlooking Lake Eleanor. Adjoining kitchen has plenty of counter space and a huge living room perfect for entertaining. Outside the 3 ac lot has 266’ of private frontage one of the largest on the 15 ac lake. Enjoy peaceful kayaking or SUP on this NO motor lake. Fish on your own lake or enjoy the world’s best salmon and steelhead fishing a short distance away on the Manistee River or at Tippy Dam. Brethren is surrounded by thousands of acres of public land with miles of trails for your adventures: go hunting, hiking, skiing or ride ORVs and snowmobiles. Two downhill ski areas are nearby. A detached 2 car garage can store all your recreational toys. Would make an AMAZING short term rental!

5450 Carlson Rd •

7 beds, 3 baths, 3180 SF

$249,000 #22027684

main thorough- fare and central business district of the Village of Bear Lake (in Northern Michigan), directly across the street from beautiful Bear Lake and the municipal park. Built in 1994 as an office, this property comes perfectly equipped for almost any practice or brokerage. Tons of parking in front (just off of US-31) that leads to from the entryway into a large waiting area/lobby. Well thought out reception & front office space with plenty of file and desk space. Large A.D.A. Compliant restroom, 2 exam rooms, work station, and a separate/ private office on the East end. Currently set up as an Dentist Office and the Dental Equipment may be negotiable. Schedule you tour today!

is located

2906 Frankfort Hwy Frankfort

3 beds, 2 baths, 1080 SF LOCATION! 3 miles to Lake Michigan, 36 miles to Traverse City Surrounded by many other lakes and rivers. Make this 3 bedroom, 1.5 bath on 2.65 acres your forever home, vacation home or income property rental. Newer built 26x38 pole barn with electric and concrete floor

$450,000 #22019638

Opportunities like this, simply don’t happen every day! Sprawling 80 acre resort on Anderson Bayou of the Big Manistee River

Extremely well maintained 7 bedroom, 3 full bath home, with combined guest house separated by an attached garage, as well as a 24’ x 24’ bunkhouse style cabin right on the bayou! Over 5,000 sq. ft. of finished living space. Full finished basement 2021. Much of the main house has been remodeled. Outdoor wood-boiler adequate in size for even the large 32’ x 40’ Insulated Pole Barn. Attached boiler mate provides endless hot water The home features hardwood flooring, many remodeling updates, main floor laundry, large eat-in kitchen, and beautiful scenic views. House and attached guest house each have woodstoves. Abundant wildlife, mature trees, amazing property!!

16954

Caberfae Hwy Wellston

2250 SF

This fully functioning gas station is right on M-55. 4 pumps and a rec fuel tank sit on just under an acre with store front space totaling 2250sq’ of combined retail, commercial kitchen, freezer and cooler space (complete with new compressors). This booming party mart has beer and liquor license and has a commercial kitchen license, all of which will transfer to new owner with state and municipal approval.

GAS STATION WILL COME WITH residential property which sits on its own lot (.76ac) 2 bed/1bath 14x60 mobile with 26x32 garage. Combined 1.5 ac frontage on m55, perfect turn key opportunity for someone looking to move to the area!

INVENTORY SOLD SEPERATELY

7659 Lake St • Bear Lake

SF

Visibility! This 1,200 sq. ft. office space

on the

$192,500 #22045512

Manistee

$925,000 #21116571

$165,000 #22042234

3 beds, 2 baths, 3036 SF

This unique property has so many posi- tives! It offers a business space that can be either rented out or owned and grown while living on site! This home features a completely updated upstairs living space with three bedrooms, one bath, a large kitchen and updated windows to really light up the space throughout. The double lot features a basketball court, patio, large shade tree and is fully fenced in. This property is centrally located between Manistee, Cadilac and Traverse City This is a up north lover’s dream with a 24x24 garage to store snowmobiles, hunting gear, fishing equipment, surrounded by Manistee National Forest, state land, lakes and Manistee County snowmobile trails right on the corner of the street. This could easily be a income property Call today to for showing!

$129,000

3 beds, 2 baths, 1008 SF

This home has so much potential. With a little TLC, it could be the perfect summer cabin or full time northern Michigan living. The home is off the road for seclusion but has Bear Lake views and a short walk to the lake access.

$142,000 #22049150

Just down the road is a public boat launch.

$649,000 #22039120

This is one of the biggest lots in Norman township, perfect for your hunting get away or constructing your dream home. Two parcels=236 acres of lush wooded land with numerous cleared spots for building or farming, accessed by easement from Peters farm road with a nice clear driveway back to your gated oasis. Berry bushes galore with an abundance of wildlife ensure you will have plenty to watch as you sip your morning coffee from the cozy rustic cabin in place. There are several deer blinds and planted food plots for the upcoming season. Build, hunt, or develop this gem in the heart of the areas most loved trails and the worlds best salmon and steelhead fishing- not to mention bordering thousands of acres of national forest! 156 ac zoned agricultural+ 80 ac zoned residential. AMAZING!

3000 SF

This building looks rustic and cozy from the outside and offers so much potential on the inside. Frontage on m-37 make this the ideal location for your future business. Lots of traffic which equates to lots of potential customers.

- Open floor plan, huge 19x26 kitchen space with office potential.

-Walk in freezer/fridge possibilities (con- densers believed to function still)

-Two 2 stall bathrooms with hand sinks

-A/C -Newer furnace -Open basement

Would be easy conversion to apartment complex or bed and breakfast.

Peacock township is a ‘’green’’ township- this building would make the perfect storefront for the booming industry For all use questions please contact Zoning Enforcement Officer, Marty Walker 231-729-3374 directly or email township clerk at peacocktwp.clerk.lake

6529 8 Mile Rd • Bear Lake

3 bed, 1 bath 1254 SF

3 bedroom, 1 bath home on a beautiful lot with a creek running through the back side. Only 2 miles to the Onekama Village Park. 5 miles to Lake Michi-

gan-Portage Point.This home has huge potential for year around living or rental income.

14459 Wuoksi Ave • Kaleva

13134 Hopkins Forest Dr Bear Lake

1098 N M37 • Baldwin

#23003598

$205,000 #22034964

15016 Peters Farm Rd • Irons

How to prepare landscapes for new plants

New plants can add much to a landscape. Whether they’re replacing plants that are no longer thriving or being added to supplement an existing landscape, new plants are an affordable way to give a home’s exterior a whole new look.

Much consideration is given to which plants to add to a landscape. That’s understandable, as homeowners want to choose plants that will thrive and won’t compromise the health of surrounding plants and trees. Before planting or even choosing plants, it’s important to plan for new additions to a landscape. Preparing the landscape can inform homeowners about which plants to purchase and can ensure they thrive after planting.

• Document sunlight exposure. Plants have different needs, and one of the biggest differences between species is the amount of sunlight they need to thrive. According to Penn State Extension, plants characterized as “full sun” require six or more hours of sunlight per day, while those considered “partial sun” need between four and six hours of sunlight per day. Plants designated as “partial shade” need two to four hours of sun per day, while “shade” plants need less than two hours of sunlight a day. Documenting sunlight exposure in advance gives homeowners an idea of which plants should be

planted and where they should be planted. Jot down these observations in a journal over several weeks and then choose plants that will thrive in each area.

• Test the soil. A soil pH test is a simple and quick way to determine the acidity of soil. Soil pH levels will indicate how likely a plant is to thrive in a given spot. High levels won’t necessarily mean an area should be avoided, as some plants thrive in acidic soils. Additional soil tests can determine other characteristics, such as the nutrient levels of soil and the amount of organic matter it contains. Each of these variables can help homeowners make the right choices as they introduce new plants to their properties.

• Consider local wildlife. If local wildlife makes its presence known on a property, homeowners may want to take proactive steps prior to planting anything new. A new fence might prevent animals like deer from getting in, but that likely won’t do much to repel smaller animals like squirrels, rabbits or foxes. If wildlife is a concern, homeowners can seek advice at their local garden center about which plants certain animals are likely to ignore. Homeowners who want to attract wildlife can do the same in reverse, choosing plants wildlife will be drawn to. Homeowners who want to deter wildlife should erect fencing or other barriers prior

to planting.

• Clear space if necessary. Plants grow up and out, and cramped quarters can make it hard for new plants to thrive. Some may thrive but only at the expense of other plants. If

necessary, clear space prior to planting to ensure plants have ample space to grow.

Some pre-planting landscape preparation can ensure new plants thrive.

The basics of container gardening

Gardening is a rewarding hobby that has been linked to health benefits like reduced stress and improved mental well-being. Gardening also can lead to an inviting home landscape full of attractive blooms and/or delicious foods.

Backyard gardens have long been planted after clearing a plot of land, tilling and amending the soil, and planting rows of favorite crops. However, gardening can be less labor-intensive and even more successful when people consider the many benefits of container gardening.

What is container gardening?

As its name implies, container gardening is growing plants inside of containers. These containers can be flower pots, rectangular deck boxes or even large raised garden beds.

Pros to container gardening

One of the advantages of container gardening is that plants can be moved in and out of sunlight to ensure the right growing conditions. This isn’t as easily achieved when gardens are stationary. Also, beginner gardeners may be more able to control soil conditions inside of a small container rather than a vast ground-based garden, which will require a good deal of

manual labor. Pots and boxes also can be grouped together to create eye-popping displays, usually at lower costs than the sheer volume of plants that would be needed to fill out an expansive landscape.

Cons to container gardening

Container garden plants will not have direct access to the ground, so they need gardeners to create the ideal growing conditions. Developing the right care

formula can be challenging. The home and garden resource The Spruce says that drainage is an important factor in container gardening, and most containers do not offer enough drainage holes. If water cannot escape the soil, the roots of the plants can rot and die. It’s not enough to add stones or gravel to the bottom of containers. Drill additional holes in the bottom (1⁄2-inch in diameter for small or medium-sized pots; one inch in diameter

for larger pots). Also, be sure to check on soil moisture so that watering can be adjusted. During hot stretches, plants may need to be watered more frequently.

Plan for plants that play well

Grouping plants together can create visually stunning combinations. However, it is important to choose plants that require the same amount of light and moisture. Look at plant tags when visiting the garden center and select complementary plants, or ask a store employee. Mixing different plant shapes, colors and leaf textures, as well as plants of various heights, can help containers look filled out.

Feed plants accordingly

Plants need nutrition to thrive in containers. Quality potting mixes will contain fertilizers, but nutrition will wane over time. Every couple of weeks, container plants will need either fresh potting mix or granular fertilizer added to feed them. Oregon State University Extension Services suggests using a slow-release fertilizer or worm castings several times throughout the season.

Container gardening is a great way to add plants to smaller patios, reduce the workload involved in maintaining expansive gardens, and customize conditions for optimal growth.

How to corral a crabgrass infestation

A well-manicured lawn adds undeniable curb appeal to a property. Homeowners who take pride in their lawns should know that they can take that pride all the way to the bank, as investing in a pristine lawn can provide a significant return at resale.

A 2019 report from the real estate experts at HomeLight found that a $268 investment in lawn care service can add $1,211 at resale. That’s a 352 percent return on investment.

Homeowners can capitalize on a pristine lawn even further by tending to their own lawns. Crabgrass is one lawn problem that can compromise the look of an otherwise lush lawn. Thankfully, crabgrass can be controlled without much effort.

Identifying crabgrass

Crabgrass is a weed that grows in areas of a lawn that are bare or where the grass is thin. Crabgrass gets its name from its appearance, as it grows from the center outward and mimics the look of crab legs emerging from the center shell.

The growth of crabgrass

The University of Minnesota Extension notes that crabgrass is an annual plant. That means a crabgrass infestation that’s problematic once the mercury rises in the summer will die out in late fall or early winter. But crabgrass germinates in the spring, so homeowners will want to take steps to prevent it long before it becomes an eyesore in summer.

How to corral crabgrass

The UME notes that application of a pre-emergent herbicide before crabgrass seeds can germinate is an effective way to eliminate it. The timing of that application can be tricky, as jumping the gun and applying the herbicide too early can prove fruitless. The same goes for applying herbicides too late. Crabgrass will likely still grow if the herbicide is applied too early or too late. UME recommends applying a pre-emergent herbicide when soil temperatures approach 55 F.

Home Depot notes that a chemical treatment may be applied after crabgrass has already grown in, but this option requires careful application to avoid

killing surrounding healthy grass. Crabgrass can be pulled out by hand, but such an approach can be physically daunting. That’s especially so because crabgrass thrives when the weather is hot and dry. So homeowners who intend to pull crabgrass by hand can decrease their risk of dehydration or heat-related illness by drinking plenty of water and pulling the grass during early morning or evening hours when the sun is lower and temperatures are more mild.

Crabgrass can compromise the look of an otherwise healthy lawn. But various strategies can eliminate crabgrass and restore a lawn without much effort on the part of homeowners.

Manistee News

Advocate Recorded Sales for the Month of: January 2023