3-19-16 REIO

INSIDE OUT A Special Publication of the Messenger-Inquirer

REAL ESTATE

HOME DECOR • GARDENING

Riverfront Retreat Featuring Listings of the Owensboro Multiple Listing Service (MLS)

MESSENGER-INQUIRER

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OPEN HOUSES

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For more information see realtor’s office ads for open house times

SAT., MARCH 19 EAST Real Living Home Realty 5111 Veach Road Re/Max 3801 Westminster Court Rick Cummins Re/Max 4538 Lake Forest Drive Ryan Rutman Re/Max 4249 Lake Forest Drive Blake Hayden Re/Max 1626 Chapel Lane Scott Calhoun Tony Clark Realtors 2944 Avenue of the Parks Denise Pace Tony Clark Realtors 2849 Pleasant Valley Road Mike Boling Risner Realty 13 Stone Creek Charlotte Burdette

Century 21 Partners 2736 Wimsatt Court Brad Luppino

L. Steve Castlen Realtors 2301 Meadowhill Lane Bill Speer

L. Steve Castlen Realtors 3239 Steeplechase Drive Tony Anderson

L. Steve Castlen Realtors 3610 Monticello Drive Jenny Legg

L. Steve Castlen Realtors 2744 Claiborne Run Tony Anderson L. Steve Castlen Realtors 1814 Fawn Drive Vonnie Williams L. Steve Castlen Realtors 4254 Springhurst Lane Jenny Legg L. Steve Castlen Realtors 2809 Aldersgate Cheryl Contratto L. Steve Castlen Realtors 3221 Pleasant Valley Road Garner & Castlen L. Steve Castlen Realtors 2911 Old Hartford Road Leigh Ann Garner

SOUTH

L. Steve Castlen Realtors 6651 Hwy 431 Cheryl Contratto L. Steve Castlen Realtors 6319 Valley Brook Trace Scott Lyons L. Steve Castlen Realtors 2266 Meadowhill Lane Scott Lyons L. Steve Castlen Realtors 2216 Meadowhill Lane Scott Lyons L. Steve Castlen Realtors 2325 Fieldstone Court Tyler Shookman L. Steve Castlen Realtors 2254 Meadowhill Lane Tyler Shookman L. Steve Castlen Realtors 2257 Woodstone Court Tyler Shookman

Risner Realty 3412 E. 6th Street Joetta O’Brien

Re/Max 3918 Kipling Drive Rick Cummins

Risner Realty 3836 Willow Way Joetta O’Brien

Tony Clark Realtors 2236 Berkshire Drive Rachel Brown

L. Steve Castlen Realtors 1925 Celebration Circle Jagoe & Castlen

Century 21 Partners 4300 Yewells Landing W. Brad Luppino

Tony Clark Realtors 6476 Lilac Lane, Utica Rachel Brown

L. Steve Castlen Realtors 1919 Celebration Circle Jagoe & Castlen

CENTRAL

SUN., MARCH 19

Real Living Home Realty 521 St. Ann Street Vickie Ballard

EAST

Tony Clark Realtors 2911 Chippewa Drive Angela Clark L. Steve Castlen Realtors 2011 Littlewood Drive Jonell Richeson L. Steve Castlen Realtors 2619 South Cherokee Drive Jonell Richeson

Tony Clark Realtors 6106 Stanford Court, Woodcrest Angela Clark L. Steve Castlen Realtors 1201 Hickory Lane Cheryl Contratto

SOUTH

WEST

Re/Max 6307 Valley Brook Trace Tracy Ioia

Real Living Home Realty 255 Boothfield Road Vickie Ballard

Re/Max 2275 Flowerette Court Tracy Ioia

Real Living Home Realty 8746 Ward Road

Tony Clark Realtors 2236 Berkshire Drive Tour with Rachel Brown

Re/Max 5512 Skyline Drive Tracy Ioia Re/Max 930 Walnut Park Drive Glenn Ashby Re/Max 1939 Whispering Meadow Drive Tracy Ioia Risner Realty 3856 Bowlds Court Charlotte Burdette Keller Williams Realty 6200 Autumn Valley Trace Robbie Thompson

Tony Clark Realtors 7146 Masonville Habit Road Bob McPherson Tony Clark Realtors 6476 Lilac Lane, Utica Rachel Brown Real Living Home Realty 1590Riverview Drive, Hancock County Marsha Westerfield Real Living Home Realty 415 Windsong Drive, Hancock County Marsha Westerfield

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What factors influence the price of a home?

Revitalization

BY STATEPOINT MEDIA

Over time, revitalization efforts can make certain communities more attractive to buyers. When a city or region sees an economic and cultural renaissance this influences the market. Buyers value related factors like safety, a walkable main street, public transit options and green spaces.

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hile curb appeal, structural integrity and a brand new set of appliances can impact a home’s value, there is one factor that seems to reign supreme.

“Homeownership is one of the most solid long-term investments one can make, but it’s important to recognize just how much the location of a home can impact the value,” says Budge Huskey, president and chief executive officer of Coldwell Banker Real Estate.

The new Coldwell Banker Home Listing Report, a highly extensive home price comparison tool, analyzes the listing price of more than 81,000 four-bedroom, twobathroom homes in more than 2,700 markets throughout the United States.

The report found some startling facts: the national average listing price of a four-bedroom, two-bathroom home is $302,632, but all of the top 100 affordable markets in the country have an average listing price under $135,000. Meanwhile, all of the top 25 most expensive markets are $1 million or more. The price difference between the most expensive community in California and the most affordable in Ohio is $2.2 million.

Schools

You may not have children, but it’s still important to investigate the quality of local schools. This factor can have a major impact on every homeowner.

Region So what accounts for this major value discrepancy in similar-sized homes? Here are several ways in which “where” matters most.

Local Industry Job opportunities available in a given sector can have a huge impact on the market. For example, the continued tech sector growth in Silicon Valley is one of the factors making it one of those most expensive communities in the country.

Regional factors can have a huge effect on a given locality’s pricing. These can include year-round weather patterns, proximity to natural beauty like beaches and mountains for outdoor activities like skiing and surfing, and commuting outlook.

Buying or selling a home is a very emotional process. Whether you’re listing your home or thinking of moving, take location into consideration. Doing so can help you determine your lifestyle priorities and place an appropriate value on a particular property.

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Transform your home today, stay safe tomorrow

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BY BPT

carpeting can provide warmth and cushioning for you to enjoy now, and offers an added element of safety when it might be harder for you to maneuver around in the future. Choose a low pile carpet to minimize tripping - too much shag is a safety hazard. Area rugs are a major no-no, as unsecured rugs and loose carpet are one of the main causes for slips and falls. If you can’t bear the thought of losing your area rug, use carpet tape to secure it firmly to the floor.

hile many can only dream of the day they’ll retire, for baby boomers, that dream is quickly becoming a reality. By the year 2030, approximately 20 percent of Americans are expected to be age 65 or older, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

But retirement doesn’t necessarily mean relocating to a senior community. More and more, adults choose to remai in their current home, even after retirement.

Here are a few ways to add extra convenience today - and ensure a safe home in the future.

Boost the bath

Change up common areas

When thinking about the long-term, start with the layout. In a perfect world, it’s ideal to have all the key living spaces - bathroom, kitchen and bedroom on the first floor. If your home wasn’t built with a first-floor bedroom or bath, and stairs have to be a part of your plan, install noslip strips on the edge of each stair to help limit trips and falls.

Next, make sure there’s plenty of room to move. Aim for doorways that

are at least 32 inches wide, though 36 inches is ideal. Tight corners and doorways are a challenge for those with walkers or canes. For stress-free opening and closing, change out door handles from traditional knobs to lever handles for an easier grip.

Then, focus on the flooring. Installing

If you can only update one place in your home, make it the bathroom.

The bathroom typically offers the most opportunities for injury. In fact, roughly 234,000 injuries occur annually in the bathroom alone, as stated by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

An easy way to incorporate safety is to install grab bars. Today’s grab bars are stylish, fitting in seamlessly with your space, rather than seeming obtrusive and sterile. Install them near the toilet, (make sure you have a comfort-height commode for easy sitting and standing)

as well as in the shower. Some models, like the corner shelf with grab bar from Moen, pull double duty adding an element of additional storage you can take advantage of immediately, providing room to store your shampoo, and will help keep you safe while entering and exiting the bath. Check out retailers like Lowes for a wide array of options that are fashionable as well as functional.

In the shower, a handheld showerhead, like the Magnetix Engage showerhead from Moen, is an ideal option for those who may want to be seated while they bathe. Engage with Magnetix is also handy for cleaning the shower, by eliminating bending and squatting which can be hard on your joints as you age. Finally, at the vanity, choose a faucet with lever handles - they’re easiest to grip and turn - and install sconces near the mirror for additional lighting.

In general, the most important advice for any room in your home is to think efficiently. Locate items that work together near each other to make tasks easier today, tomorrow and in the years to come.

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Personal Space

BY KRISTI MCCABE

Riverfront Retreat

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ome people say they have always wanted to live near the water, and for those in the Ohio River valley, this is not an impossible dream. The home of Chuck and Martina Billings, located at 1590 Riverview Drive in Lewisport, is a beautiful riverfront retreat, and the answer to a prayer for the home-buyer who loves fishing, boating and breathtaking views.

This three-bedroom, two-and-a-half bathroom home has more than 4,300 square feet of living space, with direct access to the Ohio River. Situated on a one-acre lot, the home has a fenced-in backyard, a one-car attached garage and a heated detached garage. The home is heated by natural gas and has a whole

house generator, so power outages are never a problem.

“Every room in the house has a view of the river, except the bathrooms,” said Martina Billings. “The view is just spectacular and the sunsets are amazing; we could make a calendar with photos of the view from our back porch. We love sitting out there in the mornings drinking coffee and enjoying the view. It is so peaceful.”

The front door opens to a hardwood landing, with the living room directly to the left and the dining room straight ahead. The living room has sage green walls and a vaulted ceiling. Double doors lead from the living room to one of multiple backyard patios; Martina pointed out that the main patio could easily be converted to a sunroom.

The dining room walls are a beautiful hue of dark red, and a stunning chandelier marks the center of the room. Connected directly to the kitchen, the dining room is large and open, an ideal space for entertaining. The kitchen has all stainless appliances—Samsung brand—which are relatively new. All cabinetry is Amish-made, and a bar between the dining room and kitchen offers additional counter space for serving or food preparation.

A utility room and half-bath are also located on the first floor. The utility room has a sink, ample storage space, and laminate hardwood flooring. The master suite is on the main floor as well, and has double doors that lead outside to a patio and hot tub.

“We love being able to go out to

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Personal Space

the hot tub directly from our bedroom door,” said Martina.

The master bath has his-and-hers walk-in closets, a Jacuzzi bathtub, and granite countertops. A separate linen closet offers storage space for towels and toiletries, and the beautiful laminate hardwood flooring adds a classic touch.

All hallways in the home are extra wide, and were designed this way by the original owner’s daughter, who is an architect. There is an elevator shaft, and the entire house has wheelchair access, designed to meet the needs of the previous owner.

A real bonus to this home is its two-car detached garage, which has floor drains, a three-ton air conditioning unit, and a heater. The couple uses this garage as a shop for their

hydrographics business.

“We also have a one-and-a-half car attached garage,” added Martina. “And it is temperature-controlled as well.”

On the second floor are two additional bedrooms, a full bathroom, and a loft area that can be used as an office or play space for children.

“The upstairs bedrooms have large windows,” said Martina. “There is also a storage closet upstairs, and a separate heating and cooling system.”

The basement is partially finished, with two rooms that are currently used as a storage room and an office. The basement has 12 foot ceilings, 12 inch thick poured concrete walls, a bar area, and room for a pool table. The backyard is fenced-in, and a boat dock is located right next door, for river access.

“We love the views here and the access to the river,” said Billings. “It is so quiet and peaceful, and we are right at the edge of the city limits. You can see all the way to Anderson Island from our house. There is a park next door with basketball and tennis courts, and stairs that lead right from our backyard down to the river. It really feels like a vacation home. We are just fourteen miles from the new hospital too, so it’s very convenient.”

Martina Billings added, “There is so much to love about this home, and the beautiful surroundings and convenient location are just two of its attractive qualities.”

Marsha Westerfield Real Living Home Realty

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Real Estate Transfers The following real estate transfers were recorded from Jan. 19 to Jan. 29.

3973 Brookside Court Unit 10, Charles and Joyce Anderson to Lawrence and Sandra Grubbs, $158,500.

Two parcels in the 2400 block of Old Kentucky 144, Keith and Karen Thomas to Ronald and Elizabeth Lowenfield, $365,000.

2413 Cascade Pointe, Jana Hendrix to Jodi Tanner, $106,000.

2309 W. Seventh St., Keith and Katherine Potts to Nicholas and Charalambos Pavlas, $38,000.

2756 Flamingo Ave., Keith and Katherine Potts to Nicholas and Charalambos Pavlas, $40,000.

3055 Avenue of the Parks, Jackie Shown to Lindsey Stovall, $112,000.

2229 Turnbury Cove, Charlene Callender to Jesse and Nancy Thomison, $265,000.

1632 Daviess St., Linda Anderson to Spencer Hayden, $79,900.

2910 New Hartford Road, estate of Carl Wedding to Danny and Joanne Roberts, $116,500.

2228 McConnell Ave., Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to Nicholas and Charalambos Pavlas, $39,501.

5547 Goldenrod Lane, Jagoe Homes Inc. to Chad and Amanda Fazio, $188,744.

2204 Dickey Drive, CHR Properties LLC to GRACExecutive Properties LLC, $6,000.

157 Church St., Ross and Kim Hardy to Nick Boone and Kelsey Millay, $88,580.

1926 Freeman Ave., Nathan and Sara Kunze to Joshua and Alicia Evans, $134,000.

4010 King Road, Gerald and Kathie Semro to Kala West, $75,000.

1892 Wellshurst Drive, Paul Martin Builders to Kimberly Roberts, $171,900.

Four parcels in the 5000 block of Frederica Street and a parcel on Theatre Way, Owensboro Towne Center LLC to Vereit MT Owensboro LLC, $23,200,000.

823 Cottage Drive, Mary and Charles Goldbach to Amberjenn LLC, $92,000.

4496 Lee Rudy Road, Jerrod and Patricia Murphy to Ross and Kim Hardy, $215,000.

2324 Harriet Lane, Randall and Angie

Bartley and others to Mark and Christy Embry, $80,000.

6310 Valley Brook Trace, Jagoe Homes Inc. to Taylor O’Bryan, $153,000.

1745 Mohawk Drive, Goodwin Living Trust to Linda Pauley, $85,000.

808 Parkway Drive, Dorothy Payne to Timothy Daniel, $117,000.

6389 Kentucky 762, Barbara Browne to Stanley Bartlett, $81,000.

1804 and 1808 E. 15th St. and 524 Bolivar St., Angela L. Thompson, master commissioner, to Branch Banking and Trust Co., $22,100.

610 Carlton Drive, S. Kurtis Wilson to Lynoak Property Jackson, Tennessee, LLC, $475,000.

2611 Meridian Court, estate of Joseph Riney to Thomas Riney, $90,000.

37 acres in the 200 block of Church Street, William and Carol Medley to JLRC Realty Corp., $600,000.

4100 Ryeland Point, Linda O’Bryan to Phillip Sinnett, $105,000.

5180 Lanewood Drive, Alan Mullins to Joshua and Rachel Tesreau, $370,000.

2939 Summer Point Court, Ashley and Robert Holderby III to Derrick and Rachel Millay and other, $185,000.

2832 Christie Place, Gabriel Guardian LLC to Everett and Heather Anderson, $113,000.

6355 Old State Road, Landon and Andrea Taylor and others to Michael and Jeanetta Gatrost, $175,000.

714 Sycamore St., Marian Rentals LLC to Charalambos and Nicholas Pavlas, $15,000.

3205 Trails Way, Adam and Melissa Emery to Derick and Ashley Saint, $144,900.

2612 Cherokee Drive S., Douglas and Tammy Wathen to Gregory and Leah McCarty, $87,038.

5700 St. Lawrence Road and 5710 St. Lawrence Road, Thomas and Michell Bickett to Benjamin Bickett, $30,000.

6775 McPherson Road and 6767 McPherson Road, Robert and Cheryl Marshall to Jared and Cristy Haynes, $218,000.

2036 Westview Drive, Carmel McLeod to John and Annette Dalton, $151,200.

6328 Valley Brook Trace, Jagoe Homes Inc. to Megan Hays, $153,000.

2516 Lawrin Court, Mark and Mary Castlen to Jack and Dorothy Mefford, $148,000.

3846 Hillcrest Drive, David and Patricia Alsip to Joshua and Natalie Alsip, $152,000.

7414 Short Station Road, Angela L. Thompson, master commissioner, to Marissa Massie, $20,000.

3916 Bordeaux Loop S., Jennifer Thompson to Adam and Melissa Embry, $125,000.

1607 Foors Lane, Tony and Paula Henry to James and Sherrie West, $91,000.

1211 Hutch Lane, Deutsche Bank National Trust Co. to Garden Properties LLC, $92,000.

6230 Oklahoma Laffoon Road, Angela L. Thompson, master commissioner, to Wimsatt Rentals LLC, $39,000.

4579 Fountain View Trace, Lee and Jessica Martin to Ryan and Hillary Overby, $305,000.

1302 W. Second St., Deloris Raines and others to Charalambos and Nicholas Pavlas, $100,000.

412 Graystone Drive, Leslie and Coretta Moody to Antoine Hanley, $155,000.

5530 Goldenrod Lane, Jagoe Homes Inc. to Joseph and Amanda O’Toole, $187,892.

4313 Plantation Pointe, Steven and Gloria Baker to Daniel and Shawna Truman, $42,500.

The following real estate transfers were recorded from Jan. 29 to Feb. 9.

1429 Leitchfield Road, Mukesh and Wendy Gupta to Kelley Donaldson, $93,500.

3211 Allen St., Robert and Connie Zimmerman to Natasha Jones-Hernandez, $78,000.

110 W. 24th St., Lois Owens to Saw Nyein and David Min, $141,000.

920 E. 19th St., Russell and Melissa Deeg to Linda Anderson, $71,000.

10331 Ratcliff Road, Stephen McEwen to Herbert and Amanda Miller, $135,000.

1919 Wellshurst Drive, Paul Martin Builders Inc. to David and Suzanna Mills,

Sonya K. Pruitt

Mortgage Loan Officer NMLS 576039 1016 N. Mulberry Street • Elizabethtown, KY 42701 T 270.766.1492 • C 270-766-4470 • F 877.715.6319 sonya.pruitt@pncmortgage.com A division of PNC Bank, National Association

$244,400.

11943 U.S. 431, David and Diane Green and others to Jason and Christina Pendley, $145,000.

2974 Turfway Drive, Eric and Sarahanne Maxey to Christopher and Karen Roby, $185,000.

2301 Crescent Hill Drive, Eric and Andria Hofmann to Eric and Sarahanne Maxey, $379,000.

5110 Lane Road and 3239 Reid Road, Linda Beam to Alan Mullins, $620,000.

7729 Kentucky 81, Thomas and Gayle Yewell to Robert and Stephanie Britton, $66,500.

4504 Fawn Drive, Michael and Gina Roebuck to Chadwick Gillespie, $132,000.

1906 Fawn Drive, Jo Wetzel to Kathy Thiesse, $185,400.

1038 Western Court, Troy and Kelci Duncan to Stephen and Debra Shaver, $58,500.

Tract on Haycraft Road, Lois and William Kuegel to Jeremy and Sara Mowers, $2,204.

Two tracts in the 200 block of Locust Grove Road East, Tammy Garrison and Jim Garrison, to Nathan and Abbie Austill, $249,900.

1105 Jackson St., Jennifer Hayman to Jeneen Coomes, $51,000.

9025 Bolling Heights Lane, Justin and Rhiannon Embrey to Brandon and Kelly Butler, $129,000.

2455 Kentucky 140 E., Edward and Kimberly Trunnell to Elizabeth and Charles Warner Jr., $122,000.

3212 Placid Place, R3 Properties LLC to Erica Owen, $82,500.

331 Locust Grove Road E., Bob Tarrants and others to Kyle and Kimberly Trunnell, $292,000.

10353 U.S. 231, James and Amy McBrayer to Eric and Andria Hofmann, $40,000.

2206 McFarland Ave., Ronald Presser, master commissioner, to Travis Walker, $50,500, CONTINUED ON PAGE 25

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Real estate investing for beginners

BY METRO CREATIVE CONNECTION

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nvestors are often nervous as they look for their first properties. Uncertainty about housing prices aside, investing in real estate also is risky, and first-time investors need to be comfortable with such risk in order to make the most of their investments. The following are a few things potential real estate investors should consider as they decide if investing in real estate is right for them.

Personal ability

Real estate investors typically have tenants, and those tenants inevitably have needs. Investors who have experience as contractors may not find it difficult to renovate a property and make it more attractive to tenants, nor are they likely to be inconvenienced when minor issues on the property need to be addressed. Investors with no such experience will need to hire contractors to do the work for them, cutting into potential profits down the road. In addition, investors who don’t have the ability and/or the time to address minor issues like a clogged drain or a drafty window on their own will need to hire a property management firm to tend to such needs. Such firms are effective, but also expensive, further cutting into your profits.

Time

Real estate is often a time-consuming investment.

Tenants pay good money to live in attractive rental properties, and those tenants will have a host of needs that must be met. Investors must be sure they have the time to address their tenants’ concerns, especially investors with no plans to hire property management firms.

Potential investors who already have full plates at work and at home may not be able to devote the time necessary to make the most of their real estate investments, and therefore might be better off finding another way to invest their money.

Time also must be considered when considering profits. Real estate is not the type of investment that turns a profit overnight. Even investors who are looking to invest in an up-and-coming neighborhood must be prepared to hold onto their properties for at least a few years, if not much longer, to maximize their investments.

Size

First-time real estate investors might be wise to choose a smaller property for their initial investment.

Larger properties can be overwhelming to manage, and investors often rely on property management firms to tend to these properties. Such firms charge more to manage bigger properties, which can eat into investors’

finances. Veteran investors can handle such overhead costs, but first-timers might find themselves caught off guard upon realizing the gravity of their financial commitment. A good rule of thumb for first-time investors is to stick to smaller properties, only moving on to larger buildings once they are fully comfortable with all that comes with investing in real estate.

Costs

The cost of a real estate investment goes beyond the purchase price of the home. In addition to the mortgage on the property, investors must pay the taxes and insurance on the property, as well as any costs associated with maintaining and managing the property. Certain tax breaks are available to real estate investors depending on where they live. For example, in the United States, taxes on the profits when a property is sold may be deferred if those profits are immediately rolled into another property (such a deferment is only available to those investors who arrange this exchange prior to selling the initial property). Potential investors need to consider all of these costs, and might want to hire a real estate lawyer to help them make the most of their investments and any profits they yield. But even hiring an attorney is an additional cost investors must consider before investing.

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Let a pro help organize your home and life

BY METRO CREATIVE CONNECTION

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any people routinely find themselves confronted with situations that could be made simpler if they were just a little more organized. Whether it’s lost keys, cramped cabinets or misplaced documents, minor yet inconvenient situations can be mitigated if not eliminated if men and women simply commit to being more organized.

Men and women who struggle with organization may be surprised to learn just how much time and productivity they lose to disorganization. For example, a survey from Ikea found that men and women routinely spend six minutes just looking for their keys.

When added up, that’s a substantial amount of time that can be put to better use.

Becoming more organized is a popular resolution come New Year’s Day, and many people benefit from hiring professional organizers to make their resolutions a reality.

Professional organizers can help men and women reduce clutter in their homes and offices and regain control over their surroundings. Such professionals also can help solve organization problems, and that can help men and women reduce stress.

Professional organizers know which strategies work, but men and women should know that not all organizers are the same. Some organizers may work as a hobby or be part of a larger cleaning company, while others are certified in organization. When searching for an organizer, determine if he or she belongs to the National Association of Professional Organizers and/or if an organizer has been certified by the Board of Certification for Professional Organizers®.

While certification may not be necessary to help you organize your home or business, certified organizers may have more experience.

Organizers may specialize in certain areas. Some deal with corporate and business organization, while others help with real estate staging. Look for one who has experience working with people of your ilk.

Organizers will want to examine clients’ situations before they develop a plan of action. Therefore, do not feel the need to prepare for the organizer’s arrival by cleaning up, as doing so may only mask the problems you’re having. The organizer will walk through your home or business and assess your needs. Many organizers will suggest you work with them to learn organizational strategies that you can implement on your own so you remain organized for years to come.

Check with the organizer to see what type of packages he or she offers. Some packages may be detailed, while others may just provide a foundation for you to become more organized.

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Four essential spring cleaning projects

BY METRO CREATIVE CONNECTION

D

onating old clothes and cleaning out the garage are popular spring cleaning projects, but there are a host of additional tasks homeowners can tackle to freshen up their homes this spring.

Floors

Simply vacuuming or sweeping the floors might not be enough to banish some of winter’s most uninvited guests. Dust has a way of settling into a home over the course of a typical winter, and it’s easy for a home’s inhabitants to track dirt and debris inside as well. After vacuuming or sweeping floors, go over them with a mop.

Doing so can remove any lingering dust, dirt, debris, and allergens the vacuum or broom failed to pick up. Apply

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The following real estate transfers were recorded from Jan. 29 to Feb. 9.

1905 McCulloch Ave., Thomas and Mary Payne to JRO Co. LLC, $30,000.

1010 W. Third St., David and Cathy Pike to JRO Co. LLC, $30,000.

2817 Daviess St., Marissa Massie to Kris and Lauren McCrary, $35,000.

6359 Autumn Valley Trace, Jagoe Homes Inc. to Jared Clary, $179,900.

56 acres on Fullenwider Road, Patsy and Jesse Daniels to Wesley and Jennifer Poole, $200,000.

901 Parkway Drive, Shelia and Steven Kingsley to John and Tabitha Drane, $164,000.

915 Cedar St., Keith and Katherine Potts to Karina Garcia, $12,000.

6552 Waterford Place, Ryan and Sabrina Ison to Bob Tarrants Jr., $183,000.

3603 Christie Place, Dennis and Bonnie Betz to Charles Billings, $102,000.

2206 Westview Drive, Pamela Hall and others to Donald and Shirley Hagman, $92,500.

2948 Waterside Way, Donald and

wood cleaner and polish to wood floors to make them look even cleaner.

Baseboards

Though baseboards might not seem all that dirty, upon closer inspection homeowners might notice substantial accumulations of dirt and dust. Such dirt and dust many not be removed so easily, so homeowners might need to use hot water and a sponge to remove any debris that is clinging.

Curtains

Curtains also may have absorbed substantial amounts of dust, dirt and debris over the winter. This might be more visible near the end of winter when more sunlight begins to shine through. Clean the curtains in adherence to the manufacturer instructions before you open

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windows for the season so any wind that blows in does not spread debris onto nearby furniture. Once the curtains have been washed, opening windows may help them dry more quickly.

Bathrooms

Bathrooms also tend to bear the brunt of winter weather, as mold and grime can accumulate throughout a season in which it’s too cold to open bathroom windows to let fresh air in after bathing. Inspect ceilings, tubs, shower stalls, and floors for any signs of mold growth or grime. Mold growth in a home can lead to respiratory problems and exacerbate existing conditions such as asthma, so it’s best to inspect bathrooms for any signs of mold growth throughout winter. If you have let that slip, prioritize such inspections come spring cleaning time.

Real Estate Transfers Stephanie Wilson to Tiffany and Clyde Ashley III, $241,000.

2936 Meadowland Drive, Rhonda Mandrell to Ryan Settle, $80,000.

4171 Lonesome Pine Trail, Brad and Lauren Stemle to Gregory and Karen Simpson, $34,000.

3734 Kipling Drive, estate of Betty Jo King to Steven and Ella Taylor, $92,000.

4071 King Road, Steven and Mary Kinney to Lincoln and Alison Latham, $210,500.

4832 Wembley Way, James and Theda Jordan to Lawrence Lindsey, $175,000.

2100 Summer Walk, Buster and Tiffany Ashley to Tyler and Jennifer Marlman, $174,900.

1200 Rose Hill Drive, Jonathon Murphy to Logan Walker, $107,000.

908 McGill St., Tom and Melinda Johnson to Clifton Johnson, $51,000.

307 Clay St., Thomas and Cathy Smith to David Mudd, $60,000.

2912 Kentucky 279 S., John Boarman and others to Jerrod Murphy, $40,000.

2890 Kentucky 142 S., William and Nancy Fuqua to Jonathon Hurm, $120,000.

4517 Strickland Drive, Rachel and Derrick Millay to Robert and Brittany

Cameron, $127,000.

7711 Kentucky 81, Thomas Murphy to Dana Bishop, $105,000.

2504 Baylor Place, Joshua and Christie Hayden to Lois and Earl Williams Sr., $139,900.

1729 Asbury Place, Roger and Cheryl Jones to Anita Chadwell, half interest, $46,400.

4131 Rudy Martin Drive, Charles and Kathryn Berry to Connie Jones, $102,500.

2332 Palomino Place, Thompson Homes Inc. to Jonathan Paff, $170,871.

2861 Summer Valley Lane, Robert and Jennifer Adams to Douglas Rhinehart, $96,900.

4021 Griffith Ave. S., Suzanne Harrington to Sherry and William Cecil, $160,000.

2803 Epworth Lane, Carl Roberts to Christopher and Mandy Blanton, $75,000.

3200 Shadewood Terrace, Ronald Presser, master commissioner, to Wells Fargo Bank, $143,000.

6198 Sullivan Loop, Phillip and Paula Annin to Robert Wells, $105,000.

125 E. 22nd St., Ronald Presser, master commissioner, to NRX REO V2 Corp., $56,667.

727 Gunther Ave., C&D Property

Management to Homer and Dorothy Harper, $49,999.

10035 U.S. 231, estate of Helen Matheny to Elizabeth Mahoney, $272,000.

1626 W. Third St., Paul Dukes to Charalambos and Nicholas Pavlas, $57,250.

1123 E. 20th St., Sandra Smith to Charalambos and Nicholas Pavlas, $25,000.

2205 Landsdowne S., Monica and John Rightmyer to Charles and Kathryn Berry, $125,000.

4317 Plantation Pointe, Chad and Heather Gray to Jeffery and Bonnie Porter, $42,500.

2821 McFarland Ave., Ronald Presser, master commissioner, to Leonard and Vivian Bratcher, $41,000.

9A Quail Ridge Court, Brenda Haas to Brenda Harrington, $99,100.

5323 Webster Lane, Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to Robin and Jonathon Hicks, $77,300.

1548 Frederica St., ESJ LLC to James and Carolyn Kassinger, $425,000.

3832 Fogle Drive, Joshua and Melissa Jackson to Pah M Lu and Mu Paw, $109,000.

26 Real Estate Inside Out

Saturday, March 19, 2016 Messenger-Inquirer

Saturday, March 19, 2016, Messenger-Inquirer

Real Estate Inside Out

27

Get kids excited about gardening

BY METRO CREATIVE CONNECTION

M

any adults understand the joy of gardening, but gardening can be equally fun for children as well. While some adults may feel that certain children do not have the patience or perseverance to see plants grow from seeds to adulthood, selecting plants that are hardy and sprout quickly may be the key to igniting a love of gardening in children.

Choosing seeds that sprout quickly can hold the attention of children who are new to gardening. Many different plants fit this bill. Beans, peas, sunflower seeds, and bell pepper seeds are easy to start and germinate quickly. In addition, many leafy vegetables, such as chard, lettuce, spinach, and mustard, germinate in three to five days. Herbs, such as basil and parsley, also sprout fast. All of these plants are good options for introducing children to gardening, as each provides quick gratification.

To further interest children, it is a

good idea to plant seeds in a way that allows youngsters to monitor the progress of growth. Use a transparent con-

tainer, such as rinsed-out glass jars and canisters, to house the plant. Such containers give kids an unobstructed view of the process, during which children can plot the progress of seed germination and easily spot root and stem development. Once the seedlings grow larger, they can be transplanted into different containers.

Many seedlings can sprout with water alone. Children can easily grow new plants from clippings of a mature plant left resting in a shallow cup of water, and seeds may not even need soil to germinate. Kids may have luck sprinkling seeds on a dampened, crumpled-up piece of paper towel. Cotton balls also make a good place to nestle seeds. Either material will hold on to water, keeping the seeds moist until they sprout. Afterward, the seedlings can be carefully moved into a soil-and-compost mix. The paper towel and the cotton balls will decompose and add to the organic matter already in the soil.

Edible plants often make good choices for children because kids can reap the

rewards of their efforts. Herbs can be sprinkled onto food, or fruits and vegetables can be grown in containers and then served at mealtime. Kids can show pride in their accomplishments, especially if they have tangible results on the dinner plate.

Children who want to try something different can explore other types of plants. Aquatic plants, or those found at the pet store to grow in aquariums, can be easy to grow. They need little more than a container, fresh water and sunlight. Cacti and other succulents are also fun to explore. These plants are quite hardy in that they can stand up to moderate abuse, such as failure to water frequently enough. The unique appearance of cacti make them interesting focal points for an indoor garden.

A love of gardening that’s fostered inside can also be explored outdoors. Set aside a plot of dirt where kids can sow their own seeds and tend to their own gardens. This hobby can help children learn patience and hard work while fostering an appreciation of nature.

28 Real Estate Inside Out

Saturday, March 19, 2016 Messenger-Inquirer