Your Next Home - April 2019

your

CHARLEVOIX

1

ANTRIM April 2019

Traverse City

Next Home W E S T

M I C H I G A N

Benzie, Manistee & Mason Counties

Mesick

Bear Lake

Manton

Irons Scottville Ludington Pentwater Hart

OCEANA

LAKE

OSCEOLA Evart Reed City

Baldwin

Big Rapids

NEWAYGO

White Cloud

Hesperia

Holton Whitehall Twin Lake

Fremont Newaygo

MUSKEGON

McBain Marion

Let the Lighthouse Team work for you in 2019!

Montague

ROSCOMMON

Lake City

Cadillac

Manistee

MASON

MISSAUKEE

WEXFORD

MANISTEE

Harrison Clare

ISABELLA

Mecosta

MECOSTA

Mt. Pleasant

Morley

MONTCALM

Sparta Cedar Springs GreenvilleCarson City Rockford Belding

Great Visibility Location!

Hardwood and Pine Forest Cleared Building Site

3,000 Square Foot Warehouse Across From Marina

Offered At $260,000

Offered At $99,900

John A. Hanson • 231-510-5543

Shirley Barker • 903-681-6102 Lot 6 Lakeview Rd, Bear Lake

Portage Lake Living

Build Your Lake Michigan Dream Home!

3 Bedrooms, 2 Baths on Almost 1/2 an Acre Stainless Steel Appliances Dock Included

137ft of Beach Frontage!

1 Acre Building Site in Beautiful Pierport

Offered at $359,000

Offered at $199,000

Lynda Beaton • 231-383-0404

Dale Smith • 231-794-9122

360 Parkdale Ave., Manistee, MI

231.398.3800

www.goLighthouseRealty.com Residential

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Commercial

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Rentals

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Vacant Land

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Waterfront

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Farms

SEE OUR DIRECTORY ON PAGE 2 FOR A FULL LIST OF REALTORS AND BUSINESSES.

MIDLAND

Shepherd

Howard City Lakeview

Grand Rapids Manistee

40 Acre Parcel Near Lake Michigan

GLADWIN

CLARE Farwell

KENT 24 Arthur Street,

Cherry Rd, Manistee

CRAWFORD

KALKASKA

GRAND TRAVERSE

BENZIE

OTSEGO

FREE

LEELANAU

1 A MONTHLY PUBLICATION OF THE MANISTEE NEWS ADVOCATE & BENZIE COUNTY Your NextRECORD Home • PATRIOT April 2019

St. Louis Alma Ithaca

GRATIOT

your

Directory

Next Home W e s t

M i C h i g a n

Benzie, Manistee & Mason Counties

Real estate agencies & RealtoRs ..........Page

Lighthouse Realty .................................1 (cover) Lighthouse Realty .............................................. 3 REALTOR Contact & Website Information ..... 4 Lighthouse Realty .............................................. 5 Lighthouse Realty .............................................. 7 Lighthouse Realty ............................................11 Lighthouse Realty ............................................13 MOM Board of Realtors .................................17 REO-Jon Zickert...............................................21 Lighthouse Realty ............................................23 REO-Jon Zickert...............................................24

lumbeR comPanies

Somsel Lumber.................................................. 9 Carter Lumber..................................................15

insuRance agencies

Webber Insurance ...........................................19

advice FoR the home

How To Control Crabgrass ............................... 6 How To Relocate For A New Job................. 8 Did You Know? .................................................. 9 Early Blooming Spring Flowers .....................10 Did You Know? ................................................11 Preparing Garden Beds For Spring ..............12 Did You Know? ................................................13 Choosing The Right Window Treatments ....14 Did You Know? ................................................15 Early Blooming Spring Flowers .....................16 How To Hang Photos and Artwork ...............18 Curb Appeal Pays Off Big Time.....................20 Grill Season ......................................................22

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Your Next Home • April 2019

PRICED TO SELL!

2967 Chippewa Hwy. Manistee, MI • $154,900 • MLS # 17014848

Well Maintained Brick over 2,000 sq. ft. Ranch Style Home. Property sits in a wooded setting just north of Manistee in Manistee Township. Large 2 lot parcel. Recently remodeled kitchen and bathrooms. Cherry cabinets. Hardwood floors throughout. No step entrance and shower.

The private patio and back yard are fenced in which make it perfect for dogs and encompasses a 30 x 26 pole barn. Wood stove in the family room and fireplace in the living room. Attached garage could be finished off to provide additional sq. footage. Schedule your tour today!

Therran Ferguson Associate Broker

(231) 510-1790 Therran@golighthouserealty.com April 2019 • Your Next Home

Lighthouse Realty 360 Parkdale Ave., Manistee, MI

231.398.3800

www.goLighthouseRealty.com 3

information

Carter Lumber ..........................231-757-9000 www.carterlumber.com

Lighthouse Realty Manistee .....231-398-3800 www.goLighthouseRealty.com Heather Barker .....................231-510-5505 Lynda Beaton .......................231-383-0404 Therran Ferguson .................231-510-1790 Leah Gannon ........................517-607-5347 Brenda Gauthier...................231-233-6378 Kerri Mackey ........................231-510-8380 Judianne Sibley ...................231-239-1333 Casey Tennant ......................231-233-7613 Mason Oceana Manistee Board of Realtors ..... www.momboard.com

Real Estate One/The Jon Zickert Group ............

231-631-1337 www.jonzickert.com Somsel Lumber ........................231-362-3103 Webber Insurance ....................231-882-9655 www.webberinsurance.us 4

Your Next Home • April 2019

Lynda Beaton (231) 383-0404

Lynda@golighthouserealty.com

Life Just Got More Beautiful In Pierport Shores!

Arcadia Township in northern Manistee County has plenty to offer, a world class golf course, deep water port in the village of Arcadia, rolling hills, nestled between two great resort areas, Onekama and Frankfort.

So what’s so special about Pierport Shores along Lakeview Road? Owners/Developers of Laughing Angel Inc. have groomed, cleaned and brightened areas up on Lots 3, 4, 5, 8 and 9 along with new pricing!

All lots are one acre in size. Another improvement? Natural gas is now available at the street for all lots.

A picture is worth a thousand words, but to see these in person will take your breath away!! Come see this unique 12 lot development on Lakeview Road in Arcadia and take advantage of the much improved (lower) pricing!

Lots 1-6 are $199,000 each. They include their individual private lake frontage on Lake Michigan.

Lots 8 and 9 have deeded lake access are now priced at $159,000.

360 Parkdale Ave., Manistee, MI

231.398.3800

www.goLighthouseRealty.com

10 ACRES

Judianne Sibley (231) 239-1333 Judianne@golighthouserealty.com

Make sure your visions are in trusted hands.

Choose Judianne.

Dedicated, Experienced, Trusted

Beautiful, Build Your Dream Home Mature Woods.

Build Your Dream Home!!

Residential Neighboorhood CLOSE TO LK MI, SHOPPING, ST PARK, Hamlin Lk Pine Tree plantation on back half.

RATH RD N, LUDINGTON, MI 49431 HAMLIN TWP. - 1/4 Mi off Decker Rd MLS #18047405

$68,500

April 2019 • Your Next Home

5

HOME Homeowners who enjoy tending to their lawns know that grass is vulnerable to a host of problems, many of which appear at a time of year when lawn enthusiasts want to showcase the fruits of their lawn-and-garden labors.

Crabgrass is a common problem that appears in summer. According to Lowes, crabgrass plants produce thousands of seeds between midsummer and early fall. While the first frosts of late-fall or early winter kill the crabgrass plants, the seeds produced by the plants remain dormant throughout winter and then begin to grow as the ground temperature warms up with the spring and summer thaw. As a result, controlling germination, which is the development of a plant from a seed or spore after a period of dormancy, is the key to preventing crabgrass from becoming an unsightly blemish that can harm your lawn in summer.

A proactive approach to crabgrass can save homeowners the headaches of dealing with this unwanted guest taking over their grass. The following tips, courtesy of Lowes, can help homeowners reduce the likelihood of their lawns being overcome by crabgrass as summer hits full swing.

• Recognize that routine lawn maintenance may not be enough. Even lawns that receive sufficient TLC can fall victim to crabgrass. A proactive, crabgrass-specific approach to lawn maintenance is the most effective way to control the problem before it pops up.

• Apply a pre-emergent herbicide. Pre-emergent herbicides kill crabgrass seedlings as they germinate. While these herbicides are highly effective, they must be applied at precisely the right time. The right time to apply them depends on weather patterns. For example, Lowes notes that homeowners who live in regions that might have experienced warmer than usual winters will probably need to apply the herbicides earlier than usual. While the manufacturer instructions 6

How To Control Crabgrass Before It Appears

should always be followed when applying herbicides, it’s essential that homeowners take weather patterns into consideration as well.

• Wait until the ground temperature rises above 60 F. Applying herbicides when the ground temperature is below 60 F might render the products ineffective. Gauging soil temperature can be tricky, but Lowes advises monitoring shrubs and trees on the property. Once shrubs begin to bloom and trees bud, herbicide can be applied.

• Wait when treating newly seeded lawns. Preemergent herbicides might kill new grass seedlings, so homeowners with newly seeded lawns should wait until they have mowed their lawns three times before applying a herbicide.

• Emphasize uniform application. If a herbicide is not applied uniformly across the lawn, crabgrass can establish itself and ultimately spread to the rest of the lawn.

• Do not thatch or aerate after applying a herbicide. Thatching or aerating a lawn after applying a herbicide might break the product’s chemical barrier, thereby rendering it ineffective.

Crabgrass can quickly spread on an untreated lawn. A proactive approach that prevents its growth can keep lawns looking great through summer.

Your Next Home • April 2019

SPECTACULAR VIEWS AND PRIVACY!

Offered at $497,500

9758 Horizon Ridge Lane, Onekama

4 Bedrooms, 3 Baths Almost 1 Acre with Lake Michigan & Portage Lake Views 3 Car Garage Part of Portage Ridge Association

Heather Barker (231) 510-5505

heather@golighthouserealty.com

LAKE MICHIGAN LIVING!

NEAR BIG MANISTEE RIVER & TIPPY DAM

7314 Beech Knolls Trl, Manistee

Almost 2 Acres with Breath-Taking Views and 150ft of Lake MIchigan Frontage Part of Forest View Shores

Offered at $249,900

17634 Caberfae Hwy, Wellston

Offered at $159,500

5 Bedrooms, 2.5 Baths On 1.5 Acres Vaulted Ceilings, Large Kitchen with Island

360 Parkdale Ave., Manistee, MI

231.398.3800

www.goLighthouseRealty.com NEWLY BUILT HOME ON PORTAGE LAKE! 8729 Bayview Rd, Onekama

Casey Tennant (231) 233-7613

casey@golighthouserealty.com

101 Feet of Lake Frontage!

3 Bedrooms, 2 Baths .48 Acres Offered at $359,900 Co-Listed with Dale Smith

DEEDED LAKE MICHIGAN ACCESS! 3461 Jungle Inn Drive, Arcadia

.67 Acre Building Site with Perk Test on File Walk-Out Deeded Access Offered at $40,000 April 2019 • Your Next Home

7

HOME Moving can be a considerable undertaking. While working professionals who are single or married with no children may find it easier to move than men and women with families, it’s fair to say that anyone who is moving in the near future has some significant work ahead of them.

In its Job Relocation Survey, the moving company Allied Van Lines found that people move for a variety of reasons. Fifty percent of the 3,500 respondents indicated they relocated for career advancement or money, and many more indicated they relocated because of a job transfer (12 percent), their companies moved (9 percent) and to be closer to family/ relationships (8 percent).

Regardless of what’s motivating men and women to relocate, and whether or not they’re relocating on their own or uprooting their families, various strategies can make a forthcoming move go more smoothly.

• Inquire about relocation assistance. The Allied survey found that 63 percent of companies offered relocation packages. That’s a considerable perk, as moving can be expensive, especially for adults moving to different parts of the country.

Asking about relocation expenses before being offered a job can be tricky, but some companies may mention such packages in their job ads or in their initial meetings with out-of-town candidates.

• Ask what relocation packages cover.

Relocation packages vary from company to company. The Allied Survey found that 54 percent of companies that offered such packages covered moving expenses, while 21 percent gave new hires a lump sum of money to use as they deemed necessary. One in five companies even sponsored trips to search for homes. Adults who are offered relocation packages should get the specifics so they can start creating moving budgets.

• Emphasize organization. Much of the stress 8

How To Manage Relocating For A New Job

associated with relocating can be traced to the logistics of uprooting oneself and one’s family.

Men and women who are unaccustomed to making lists may want to start, as doing so can help keep track of all the tasks that need to be completed before hitting the road. Various unique tasks, from canceling utilities to changing insurance policies, must be completed before moving, and it’s easy to lose track of what’s been done and what hasn’t. Maintaining a to-do list and checking off tasks as they’re completed can simplify the relocation process.

• Rent your first home. The Allied survey found that 31 percent of respondents indicated the most challenging part of relocating for a job was finding a home, while 29 percent felt acclimating to their new community was the most challenging aspect of their relocation. Adults who rent their first homes upon relocating can remove some of the pressure to find the perfect home, knowing full well their first home in their new community will be temporary. If possible, rent in a location that makes it easy to immerse yourself in your new community, which should make the adjustment easier. In addition, place items that are unnecessary for day-to-day life in storage.

Having some of your possessions already packed should make your next move less stressful.

Relocating for a job can be exciting and stressful. But there are ways to make moving go smoothly.

Your Next Home • April 2019

Did You Know?

Oxygen is essential for the roots of grass to breathe and grow strong enough to support healthy lawns. But according to the Center for Agriculture, Food and the Environment at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, compacted soil can produce a decrease in oxygen content that can make it hard for roots to thrive.

Soil compaction can result from a number of activities, including walking on grass or driving or parking vehicles on grass.

When soil is compacted, it breaks into small particles that reduce the amount of

pore space in the soil. That makes it hard for water, oxygen and nutrients to get through, threatening the strength of the roots and putting the grass in jeopardy.

Aerating a lawn can help homeowners foster strong root growth and healthy grass. When to aerate may be contingent upon local climate, so homeowners who suspect the soil in their yards is compact should consult with a local landscaping professional to determine the best time to aerate their lawns.

POLE BUILDINGS LET US QUOTE YOURS Custom • Deluxe • Ag

Somsel Lumber Company Kaleva April 2019 • Your Next Home

231-362-3103

9

HOME

The arrival of spring is a welcome occurrence for many people. Budding flowers are among the harbingers of spring. Spring flowers can revitalize winter-weary people just when they need it most — and provide reassurance that brighter, warmer and longer hours of sunlight are just around the corner.

Cold-tolerant flowers are hardy enough to start blooming before the last frosts have dissipated. Other flowers will begin to fill in as days warm a little bit more, according to Better Homes and Gardens. Home gardeners looking to warm up their gardens with early blooms can use these flowers in their early-season containers, window boxes and planting beds.

• Pansy: Pansies prefer cool weather, which can make them one of the best flowers to plant in early spring and late fall. Pansies come in a variety of colors, so there’s bound to be an offering that will blend with any homeowners’ landscape design.

• Creeping phlox: Also known “moss phlox,” creeping phlox is a short ground-cover that is a herbaceous perennial. Phlox produces small, fragrant flowers in dense clusters, which can attract wildlife, such as butterflies, to their mats across the soil surface.

• Snowdrops: Snowdrops can peek out even when there is snow still on the ground — sometimes as early as January and February. But their name is actually a reference to their appearance, as snowdrops have three white petals that hang down like drops dripping off the stem.

• Violets: These flowers are closely related to pansies and, as a result, prefer cool seasons.

Violets are generally slightly smaller than pansy blooms, but they can be just as beautiful. But as with pansies, violets will start to fade when the heat arrives.

• Crocus: Crocus plants are relatively small, only reaching three to six inches in height. However, 10

Early Blooming Spring Flowers

their grass-like leaves are some of the first sprouts that can be seen among bulb and corm plantings.

Preferring full to partial sun, these gold, purple, lavender, white, or yellow flowers can be enjoyed during the earliest days of spring.

• Daffodil: Daffodil bulbs produce cheerful, yellow flowers in early spring. They’re one of the most recognizable flowers thanks to their familiar shape and fragrant aroma.

• Lenten rose: Hellebores, also called the Lenten rose or Christmas rose, can tolerate light frosts.

These blooms get their name from the time of year when they bloom, which is typically around the Christian Lenten season. Despite their name, these delicate flowers are not actually related to roses, however.

Early-blooming flowers give winter-weary gardeners hope that spring has arrived.

The arrival of spring is a welcome occurrence for many people. Budding flowers are among the harbingers of spring. Spring flowers can revitalize winter-weary people just when they need it most — and provide reassurance that brighter, warmer and longer hours of sunlight are just around the corner.

Your Next Home • April 2019

Did You Know?

When tending to their lawns, homeowners are advised to pay attention to areas that may feature standing water. According to the World Health Organization, standing water is a breeding ground for mosquitoes, which can breed in great numbers in pools of water. Mosquitoes are known to carry diseases like malaria, West Nile virus and Zika. Furthermore, mosquitoes that bite pets can transmit heartworms, a serious problem if gone it goes undiscovered.

Standing water also can be a haven for bacteria, mold and parasites that are dangerous to human health. If standing,

stagnant water is a problem in your yard, remediation is necessary. Directing downspouts away from the house can remediate standing water. Changing the grading of soil so that low spots are elevated is another way to reduce instances of standing water. This may be a project that requires the assistance of a drainage professional. In addition, homeowners can remove standing water from empty flower pots, pool covers, bird baths, and more to reduce the likelihood that mosquitoes will appear on their properties.

Buying or Selling a Home?

Brenda Gauthier Realtor

(231) 233-6378 Mobile (231) 398-3700 Fax brenda@golighthouserealty.com

Let me help you make your dreams a realty.

Call me today!

Lighthouse Realty 360 Parkdale Ave., Manistee, MI

231.398.3800

www.goLighthouseRealty.com April 2019 • Your Next Home

11

HOME

Preparing Garden Beds For Spring And Beyond

Gardening enthusiasts may have been thinking about their landscape plans throughout the winter, eager to once again get their hands dirty with soil. Whether a home gardener is making preparations for edible crops or beautiful flowers, he or she must take time to make the soil amenable to planting. To establish hearty, durable plants, gardeners can focus on three main areas: addressing soil composition, cultivating and adding nutrients.

Soil composition Many gardeners prefer growing a variety of plants in their gardens. Such an approach requires taking inventory of the type of soil in one’s garden and making the necessary modifications so that the types of vegetables, herbs, shrubs, or flowers that will be planted can grow in strongly.

In fact, according to the plant company Proven Winners, the most important step to developing good roots is preparing the soil.

Take a sample of the soil and examine it to see what is present. If the soil is too full of clay, too sandy, too dense, or too loose, that can lead to problems where plants cannot grow in strong. Work with a garden center to add the right soil amendments to make a rich soil. This may include organic compost or manure, which will also add nutrients to the soil.

Cultivation Cultivating the soil can involve different steps. Removal of weeds, errant rocks, roots, and other items will help prepare the soil. Mother Earth News suggests working on garden soil when the soil is damp but never wet; otherwise, garden soil can become messy and clumpy. Use a digging fork or shovel to lightly turn the soil when it’s mostly dry. Gentle tillings also can open up the soil to incorporate the nutritional amendments and relieve compaction that likely occurred from freezing temps and snow pressure.

Tilling also helps with drainage and oxygen delivery to roots. The DIY Network suggests turning over soil at a depth of 12 inches to work the soil — about the length of a shovel spade. However, the resource Earth Easy says that existing garden beds have a complex soil ecosystem and simply top-dressing with compost or manure can be enough preparation for planting. Gardeners can experiment with 12

the methods that work best for their gardens.

Nutrition Testing the pH and the levels of certain nutrients in the soil, namely nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium, will give gardeners an idea of other soil additions that may be needed. Soils with a pH below 6.2 often can benefit from the addition of lime several weeks before planting.

Soil tests will determine just how much fertilizer to add to the soil. Complete fertilizers will have equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium. Individual fertilizers can amend the soil with only these nutritional elements that are needed.

Top-dressing empty beds with a layer of mulch or compost can prevent weed growth and preserve moisture until it is time to plant. If existing shrubs or plants are in garden beds, use more care so as not to disturb roots or dig too deeply.

Preparing garden beds takes some effort initially, but can be well worth the work when plants flourish throughout the growing season.

Your Next Home • April 2019

Did You Know?

Investing in a home renovation project not

six months. But if ductwork, plumbing

patience. While contractors, architects and

may take longer. A midline bathroom

only requires money, but also time and designers can estimate how long a project may take, it is impossible to anticipate all of the scenarios that can affect that

estimated timeline. Information from the

real estate firm Keller Williams indicates an average kitchen remodel involving

installation of new countertops, cabinets, appliances, and floors can take three to

or wiring must be addressed, the job

remodel may take two to three months.

Adding a room to a house can take a

month or two. The home improvement resource

Renovation

Junkies

offers

similar estimates, with the average home renovation taking between four and eight

months. Homeowners need to consider

time when planning their home projects.

Extraordinary Service In Every Price Range

$99,000 • MLS#19007804 1379 Tubbs Road, Manistee Charming 3 bedroom, 1 and 1/2 bath located in a desirable Manistee Township neighborhood. Home is well maintained & has two covered porches, central air, and a two car detached garage with work shop as well as a large spacious nicely landscaped yard. Conveniently close to the local hospital and medical offices. Also minutes to local shopping, beaches and the casino!

$54,400 • MLS#18055219 3910 Joseph Street, Wellston Older well maintained comfortable mobile home with with 2 bedrooms & 2 baths situated on 1.5 acres in Wellston. Single wide mobile has a metal roof, updated plumbing, and covered porch! Also featured is a 24x28 pole barn with concrete floor, electric & water. Also available two additional storage sheds! All situated on 3 nicely wooded lots. Great recreational location close to the famous Dublin store and area fishing and hunting.

Two Tax ID’s include Lots 51,52 & 53

Kerri Mackey Realtor

(231) 510-8380 Mobile (231) 398-3700 Fax kerrisellshomes.com April 2019 • Your Next Home

$219,000 • MLS#18057658 315 Fifth Street, Manistee Charming historic home situated in heart of the City of Manistee.

Also known as the location of “Jeri’s Beauty Shop’’ home has many unique features and endless potential! The Beauty/Barber shop can continue to be used as is or set up as an apartment or guest area. The two story carriage house also has potential to be set up as a two bedroom apartment or guest quarters. Home features 3 bedrooms with the opportunity for 4 in the main house, two car attached garage, a formal dining room, informal eating area two sitting/living rooms and much more!

Lighthouse Realty 360 Parkdale Ave., Manistee, MI

231.398.3800

www.goLighthouseRealty.com 13

HOME

How To Choose The Right Window Treatments

Plantation shutters? Mini-blinds? Cafe curtains? Formal draperies?

Homeowners’ options in regard to window treatments for their homes are extensive, which can make outfitting home interiors challenging for novice decorators.

Some people do not pay a lot of attention to window treatments, failing to realize just how great an impact the right window treatments can have on a space. According to the design experts at Hunter Douglas, window treatments are often an afterthought because residents may not consider them necessities. As a result, homeowners may install whatever is on hand or accept window treatments that came with a house or apartment. But ignoring window treatments, especially when they can fulfill certain needs, is a missed design opportunity.

One of the first steps to choosing window treatments is determining your end goal. Is privacy your main goal? Are you seeking more natural light in a room? Is there too much light and you need to darken the room? Window treatments can serve multiple functions, and some treatments may make better fits depending on homeowners’ ultimate goals.

Semi-sheer window treatments Semi-sheer window treatments are often fabric and can help brighten rooms with natural light but offer little privacy. They’re usually appropriate for spaces where people gather, such as living rooms, dens or dining rooms. Semi-sheer curtains may be paired with another complementary window treatment so privacy can be customized as needed. For example, sheer curtains let light into a bedroom, but shades can be drawn at night.

Maximum privacy Bedrooms, work spaces or bathrooms can benefit from extra privacy.

While some people may think that privacy comes at the cost of light, that’s not always the case.

Functional curtain panels can be drawn closed when privacy is desired and then opened to let in light. The thickness of the fabric will also dictate the amount of privacy the panels create.

Tiers are hung on a short rod-pocket panel and usually cover the lower one-third of a window. They’re popular choices to let light in from the top, but obscure views from the bottom portion of the window.

Cellular shades are another option that provide privacy but still let light in. Cellular shades come in hard and fabric varieties and their use depends on the room. Many cellular shades are constructed 14

with a honeycomb design, offers the design resource Houzz, so they can insulate as well as decorate windows.

Blackout shades/shutters Perfect for rooms where babies nap, shift workers rest during daylight hours or external lights, such as that from a street lamp, need to be blocked out, blackout shades do just what their name implies.

A dense fabric lining helps keep light out entirely.

Shutters also can block out light but add to the character of the room. They can be painted a bright color to make a statement or match wall colors to blend in seamlessly.

When selecting window treatments, shoppers can choose retail options or custom treatments. Many designers recommend custom window treatments because they are measured, manufacturered and installed specifically for homeowners’ windows. However, there are many DIY options available at budget-friendly retailers.

Your Next Home • April 2019

Did You Know?

Organizational professionals for This Old House estimate that only 30 percent of people store their vehicles in a garage, while the RAC Foundation found that, in the United Kingdom, 53 percent of households had access to a garage, but only 24 percent used them to park their vehicles. The reason why cars and trucks are relegated to sitting in driveways or at the curb is simple: too much stuff and, in some instances, larger vehicles that simply do not fit. Taking inventory of the items stored in the garage can help free up space to park cars. This can prolong the life of the vehicle’s paint and make it more

April 2019 • Your Next Home

comfortable to enter and exit the vehicle during inclement weather. Homeowners who want to make more effective use of their garages can give thought to their current usage, ultimately deciding if certain items can be stored elsewhere or discarded. Homeowners can also set aside a weekend to tackle garage organization - involving the children and other family members to make the sorting and cleaning easier. Donate or sell unwanted items as soon as possible. Recycle items that can be reused or repurposed, and then consider contacting a bulk hauler to remove the trash.

15

HOME

Early Blooming Spring Flowers

Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas that can be deadly. Because carbon monoxide is found in the fumes produced when fuel is burned, it is present in and around homes. As a result, homeowners should be aware of carbon monoxide and make every effort to detect its presence.

CO forms most readily when there is insufficient oxygen to complete combustion and produce carbon dioxide. Hot water closets, furnaces in crawlspaces, heating appliances in attics, and other contained areas are common areas where CO can form.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says that thousands of people visit emergency rooms and are hospitalized because of CO poisoning every year. While CO is a risk for just about anyone, infants, the elderly, those with breathing problems or chronic heart disease, and people with anemia are most likely to get sick from CO. CO has earned the moniker “the silent killer” because it cannot be identified without the presence of a carbon monoxide detector. If a person believes he or she is smelling carbon monoxide, that person is probably mistaking the odor for other combustion byproducts that the human nose can sense.

CO is a byproduct of vehicle exhaust, boat engines, stoves, lanterns, grills, furnaces, and fireplaces. CO is produced anytime something is burning. That is why it is essential that products designed to be used outdoors are used exclusively outside, and that indoor appliances are properly vented to the outdoors. CO can build up indoors and poison people and pets who breathe it in.

Some people may not recognize that CO is problematic in a home until multiple residents start complaining of similar symptoms. Common CO poisoning symptoms include nausea and vomiting, dizziness, chest pain, confusion, headache, and other flu-like symptoms, advises the consumer advocacy group Carbon Monoxide Kills. Those with repeated exposure to high levels of CO may eventually 16

develop cerebral edema, which is a swelling of the brain.

CO can compress brain cells and destroy them, leading to neurological issues and death. CO poisoning is actually the result of the head and heart not receiving sufficient oxygen.

CO detectors can save lives and should be installed in all homes and apartments. The National Fire Protection Association says CO detectors “shall be centrally located outside of each separate sleeping area in the immediate vicinity of the bedrooms.” Individuals should follow the manufacturer instructions regarding where on the wall or ceiling the CO detectors should be mounted. As an added safety precaution, CO detectors should be placed on every floor of the home.

Gas sensors in CO alarms have limited life spans, so they should be replaced generally every five to six years, because calibrating and testing for CO is more difficult than simply replacing the alarms.

Installing or replacing carbon monoxide detectors is an easy improvement that can help save lives.

Your Next Home • April 2019

April 2019 • Your Next Home

17

HOME

Personal touches turn a house into a home. Hanging pictures, whether they’re personal photographs or artwork, can really change the character of a room.

Unfortunately, some people may not know the proper ways to display pictures on a wall. Design maven Martha Stewart advises that the first step is to gather all of the pictures that are in consideration for hanging. This will enable a person to see what is available and edit their selection based on the space available, theme or color scheme. Having the artwork there enables a person to move it around like a puzzle until the placement feels just right.

Next, plan on hanging artwork at 57 inches on center, according to the renovation experts at Apartment Therapy.

“On center” means the middle of the photograph or painting will always be at 57”, as this measurement represents the average human eye height. This height is regularly used as a standard in many galleries and museums.

When the goal is to hang multiple pictures, treat the entire grouping as a single unit. This means creating the layout and finding the center of the middle piece of the grouping.

To make picture grouping easier, use paper templates with arrows to indicate whether the artwork will be hung horizontally or vertically. These templates can then be easily taped to the wall and rearranged until the grouping is ideal.

There are no hard and fast rules concerning frames, meaning they do not all have to match. But placing framed artwork side by side can give a person a feel for whether the images and the frames work together in the space. Some people like to use frames of similar colors and sizes. Others want the eclectic mix-and-match appeal. It’s ultimately up to the homeowner.

Measuring is key to hanging a picture correctly on the wall.

Take into consideration the type of attachment, whether it’s D-rings, sawtooth hangers, wire, or other fasteners on the back. Measure from the top of the frame to the hanger.

Measure the wall to achieve the 57” on center location, and then calculate where this falls within the height of the 18

How To Hang Photos and Artwork With Ease

artwork and frame top. Adjust accordingly and mark. Then measure the distance from the frame top to the hanger location on the wall.

Be sure to take the weight of the picture into consideration when selecting hanging hardware. Wall anchors may be needed if measurements determine a wall stud will not help secure the artwork — to keep the frame sturdy in the drywall. Home improvement resource Today’s Homeowner also suggests using self-adhesive rubber bumpers to the bottom corners on the back of the frame before hanging so that the picture will not damage the wall and will help it hang level.

It can take a few attempts to hang pictures correctly, but with practice it should come with greater ease. The good news is there are new products constantly being evolved to make picture hanging easier, including those that enable removal and relocation of artwork without damaging walls.

Your Next Home • April 2019

882-9655 • 929-9761 • US-31, Benzonia

April 2019 • Your Next Home

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HOME

Curb Appeal Pays Off Big Time

How attractive a home looks from the outside is often a good indication that a homeowner also takes pride in the interior. You can improve your home’s curb appeal with a few minor landscaping upgrades.

• Clean and repair – Weed gardens, flower beds and edging, cut back overgrown plants and shrubs that block windows or spill over walkways, trim trees and power-wash paths, sidewalks and porches.

• Focus on the front porch – Place potted evergreens or other plants at the base of front steps, hang flowering baskets and replace worn welcome mats.

• Block what’s ugly – Hide unsightly air conditioning units, meter boxes, propane tanks, rusty sheds and more with plants or accessories.

• Add Color – Edge sidewalks and tree bases and add brightly colored flowering annuals.

• Rethink walkways – Carve a path to your front entry or seating area near your yard’s most attractive spots, using gravel, wood chips or landscape blocks.

• Refine foundations – Design landscaping beds closest to the front of your home to look interesting year-round. Combine various types of plants, rocks, mulch and shrubs with flowering annuals when perennials aren’t blooming.

• Plant a tree – Trees can add much value to your home. They can help prevent erosion, improve air quality and even reduce utility bills with the shade they provide.

• Add a structure – Fences, pergolas, arbors and landscape blocks can define and complement different areas and promote year-round curb appeal.

• Have a seat – Create a spot that invites people to sit out front. Place an attractive bench beneath a large tree or tuck a bistro table and chairs on a porch or amidst a densely flowered garden.

• Light the way – Low-voltage outdoor lights can be used to define a walkway, spotlight a tree, highlight landscaping, showcase shrubs or accent an entry way.

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Your Next Home • April 2019

April 2019 • Your Next Home

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HOME

Grill Season

Fresh rain, mowed grass and fragrant flowers are signs that Spring is here, but nothing compares to the aroma of juicy steaks, burgers and hot dogs on the grill. It’s time to break out the barbecue grill with friends and family.

Gas Grills are the most popular type of backyard grill and conveniently run with bottled propane or natural gas.

• Best for the impatient chef who wants to fire up the grill and cook a meal without worry about preparation or cleanup • You only get a hint of smoke flavor compared to a genuine charcoal grill or smoker.

Charcoal Grills – Use charcoal or wood briquettes as the fuel and fire power for cooking. All-day smokers are increasing in popularity.

• Best for the purist who longs for that smoky, grilled flavor, cooking at higher temperatures than gas to easily sear meat. Has a distinct romance that is clearly lacking with a modern gas grill.

• The time involved, expense of charcoal, clean-up and disposal of ashes are drawbacks.

Electric Grills – Powered by electricity and cook meat using heated grill plates with no fire required whether indoors or outdoors.

• Best for city dwellers who have space constraints or are restricted by fire regulations from using gas or charcoal grills in an urban setting.

• Produce grill marks that look similar to their fire22

powered cousins, but they are not a replacement for the traditional grill.

• Portable Grills – Easily transported from one location to another, running on charcoal or propane.

• Best for the tailgater who loves a good outdoor picnic or a perfectly cooked brat in the parking lot before the big game, available in all sorts of different styles.

• If too small, size is a problem because you can’t cook burgers for all 50 of your closest friends and fans at the same time.

Your Next Home • April 2019

Let Me Guide You Home. $199,000

7512 Riverside Drive, Manistee, MI 49660 • #19007832 Looking for a home that offers easy access to an active outdoors lifestyle? This 3 bedroom 2 bath has so much to offer. You can see deer and turkey right from your living room or hunt them on your own land and the hundreds of acres of federal land that is adjacent to the property. Walk inside and be greeted by custom cedar log railing that wraps around the entire open loft area and a floor to ceiling stone-faced gas fireplace. The living room, loft and master bedroom are finished with beautiful knotty pine ceilings that complete the look of the home. In the winter, you will enjoy in-floor radiant heat on both the main floor and in the basement. You can heat the home with your choice of either propane or the outdoor wood central boiler.

Seller only buys propane every 2-3 years.

$367,500 7353 South Shore Drive, Bear Lake, MI 49614 • #19004062 This partially remodeled 3 bedroom, 2 bath, ranch style home is waiting for its new family. She loves people and is hoping the right family will once again fill her empty walls with furnishings and the currently unoccupied air with conversation and laughter. She has had a recent makeover to include a newly opened floor plan. New floors in the remodeled areas, new quartz counter tops , Kraft Maid cabinets with soft close drawers, new appliances, a new electrical panel, new wiring in the remodeled area and new windows. Her exterior has all new siding, new entry door, new front and back Azek no maintenance decks, newly fenced large back yard with sprinkler system, and new landscaping. All of that is topped off by a full basement, 24’x32’ pole barn, and 4 seasons room. Sellers motivated!

$15,900 1580 N Dexter Road, Irons, MI 49644 • #18036552 Great wooded parcel, quiet and near Federal Land. Close to lakes, rivers and snowmobile/Orv trails. Accessed by private easement off county maintained road.

Possible Land Contract for the right buyer.

Leah Gannon Realtor

(517) 607-5347 Mobile (231) 398-3700 Fax Leah@golighthouserealty.com April 2019 • Your Next Home

Lighthouse Realty 360 Parkdale Ave., Manistee, MI

231.398.3800

www.goLighthouseRealty.com 23

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Your Next Home • April 2019