At Home Living 070916

HOUSING MARKET

Saturday, July 9, 2016 An advertising feature of The Topeka Capital-Journal

Tips for first-time homebuyers, page 6

 Jamie Kidd: Join the Master Gardeners, page 2  Expert lineup for Sick Plant Clinic, page 3  Replacing ’80s-era cedar shingles, page 5  Topeka yard holds many surprises, page 7

REX WOLF/SPECIAL TO THE CAPITAL-JOURNAL

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Like to garden? Join the Master Gardeners “I used to garden ‘by the seat of my pants.’ Now I know how and why. This is great!”

“Learning is fun again and challenging. I can’t think of anything I would rather do.”

“Everything I grew was by trial and error. Now, I can intentionally grow and maintain a good garden. And, I can help others do it also.”

These are quotes from regular folks who took a chance and looked into the benefits of becoming a Shawnee County Master Gardener.

You may already have some gardening skills and knowledge, or you might be the one who can’t grow a blade of grass but would like to — this program could be for you. We’re looking for new people to join us. Read on. You will learn what Master Gardeners do and/or what they can do to help you or your organization.

Jamie KiDD

jamiehan@ksu.edu

Master Gardeners is a volunteer program in which KState Research and Extension “trades” classroom training for volunteer time. Training consists of 40 to 50 hours of instruction in all aspects of horticulture. Instructors include Kansas State University specialists, county Extension agents and local experts in specific subject matter.

After training is completed, volunteers donate 40 hours of service the first year and 25 hours of service in subsequent

years. Service activities are coordinated by the local county Extension agent. Though volunteer activities vary widely, all are educational, Extensionrelated and represent the interests of K-State Research and Extension.

Master Gardeners has become a vital part of the university’s ability to provide accurate, up-to-date and research-based information to our clientele. Volunteer time during 2015 totaled 101,000 hours, with an average of 83 hours donated per volunteer.

This is equivalent to 50 fulltime Extension staff positions and is estimated to be worth $2.1 million.

Master Gardeners are highly valued by K-State Research and Extension. They are the conduit through which knowledge is imparted to the general public.

The Shawnee County Master Gardeners is a very active group. n The members attend regular monthly meetings, as well as advanced training sessions that are always interesting. n They receive an “in-house” newsletter and timely horticulture publications. n They participate in educational programs, such as information booths, a speakers bureau, the Master Gardeners Response Line, annual plant sale, seasonal public information sessions, school/youth programs and the Sick Plant Clinic. n They care for several demonstration gardens, including the vegetable garden and composting site on the Kansas Expocentre grounds; the perennial and native plant gardens

KIDD continues on 3

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Kidd: Classes to begin Sept. 8 Continued from 2 at the entrance to Cedar Crest, the governor’s residence; a xeriscape garden; a Prairie Star/Prairie Bloom garden at the Shawnee County Extension office; and a shade garden at Lake Shawnee near the garden house. n Master Gardeners can write articles for the Extension News and The Topeka Capital-Journal. n Special events, such as field trips, garden tours and conferences, provide additional opportunities to

learn while enjoying each other’s company.

Classes will be forming soon for the 2016-17 Master Gardeners year. Applications are available online at www.shawnee.ksu.edu and due Aug. 12. Instruction will be from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursdays, Sept.

8 through Nov. 3, with no class on Oct. 27.

A required pre-acceptance orientation will take place from 9 to 11 a.m. or 6 to 8 p.m. Aug. 23.

Gardening may be one of the best activities you can do. Not only can it be

a physical workout, but you also can learn to grow healthful food in healthful ways. Gardening is a lowstress hobby, and those who take advantage of it have a greater sense of satisfaction and well-being.

The learning experiences keep your mind active and alive.

Give us a call at (785) 232-0062, ext. 109. Sign up to become an Extension Master Gardener today.

Jamie Kidd is a horticulturist with K-State Research and Extension in Shawnee County.

Experts to inspect sick plants, pests The Capital-Journal Have a garden pest you can’t identify? Are your green beans looking rusty?

The experts at the Master Gardeners Sick Plant Clinic might be able to help. The free clinic will be from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Monday at Fairlawn Plaza, 2114 S.W. Chelsea Road.

Experts, who will inspect samples of sick plants, vegetables and insects/pests and answer questions about problems gardeners are experiencing, include: n Raymond Cloyd, an entomology professor at K-State who has a doctorate degree in entomology

from Purdue University, is the Extension specialist in horticultural entomology for the state of Kansas, with a major clientele that includes homeowners, Master Gardeners and professional and commercial operators. n Judy O’Mara, instructor/ diagnostician in the Department of Plant Pathology at K-State, has a master’s degree in plant pathology/Extension education/ horticulture from New Mexico State University. n R.O. “Brownie” Brown, an arborist and former owner of Brown’s Tree Service, is still involved in the business and has been a longtime member

of the Shawnee County Master Gardeners. n Chad Bullock, a lawn and weed expert with a bachelor’s degree in horticulture with an emphasis in turf management from K-State, owns and operates Premier Farm and Home Supply. n Jamie Kidd, Shawnee County Research and Extension horticulture agent, has a master’s degree from Pittsburg State University and oversees the Master Gardeners program in Shawnee County.

For information about how to properly collect plant and pest samples, visit www.shawnee.ksu. edu/lawn-garden.

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1980s-era cedar shingles tend to warp over time Replacing cedar shingles on roof may require new underlayment to carry weight of an asphalt shingle

By C. Dwight Barnett Tribune News Service

Q: We are wanting to purchase a 1980s-era home that has cedar shingles. I have asked several different roofers for a price to repair the shingles, but every one of them said they will have to replace the shingles and add new underlayment. It’s like they are all talking to each oth-

er and comparing ideas. Is it true the shingles need to be removed?

A: Hand-split cedar shingles have been used as roofing for hundreds of years. Hand-split shingles were usually split from logs that were free of knots, and once they were split each shingle was smoothed by hand.

Because the split wood varied in size and thick-

ness, each shingle was planed as it was installed.

Older damaged hand-split shakes can be replaced with a similar type of wood.

In the 1980s, as I remember it, cedar shakes were more often machine split or sawed, and each shingle was more uniform than most hand-split shingles.

This new uniformly-cut shingle didn’t require the

additional task of hand dressing of each shingle’s face, but they were easier to install.

Because the sawed shingle face is untreated, it could absorb more water than the older hand-split shingles and would tend to cup or warp over time.

If you are considering replacing the cedar shakes with a standard asphalt shingle, it would probably

be less costly than trying to remove and replace individual shakes over the entire roof area.

If the roofer is wanting to add underlayment, it’s because the cedar shakes are attached to a piece of lath or a single board.

The lath isn’t designed to carry the weight of an asphalt shingle, and it will be necessary to add 4-by8-foot sheets of plywood

or OSB (orientated stran board) underlayment on top of the wood lath after the cedar shakes have all been removed.

C. Dwight Barnett is a certified master inspector with the American Society of Home Inspectors. Write to him with home improvement questions at C. Dwight Barnett, Evansville Courier & Press, P.O. Box 268, Evansville, Ind. 47702 or e-mail him at d.Barnett@insightbb.com.

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Advice key for first-time homebuyers

By Shanna Sloyer Special to The Capital-Journal

Buying a first home is an exciting and nerve-wracking prospect. It’s no wonder many first-time homebuyers are prone to missteps that a more seasoned purchaser would avoid.

Carrie Calhoon, president of the Sunflower Association of Realtors and a Realtor with Reece & Nichols, offers these tips to ensure a successful experience: n Get approved first.

Many first-time buyers begin looking at homes before they have secured a loan, which is something Calhoon doesn’t recommend.

“It’s always important to get educated on the types of loans available,” she said.

Calhoon encourages her clients to know what their down payment will be, the amount of the closing costs, and how much their monthly payment will come to before they begin house hunting so they know what their financial obligation will be at closing. n Use a local lender.

“It’s nice to be able to sit face to face with a loan officer versus applying online,” Calhoon said.

Using a local lender also ensures you close on time, while there are no guarantees with online lenders. n Consider your budget.

Although lenders will approve loans up to a certain amount, Calhoon discourages prospective buyers from buying the most expensive home they have been approved to purchase.

Be prepared to put down earnest money to confirm the contract and indicate your intent to buy, but re-

REX WOLF/SPECIAL TO THE CAPITAL-JOURNAL

Josh and Carol Calvaruzo, along with their daughter Elaina, complete paperwork for their first home in the Topeka area with the help of Carrie Calhoon, a Realtor at Reece & Nichols.

HOME-BUYING TIPS

Here are some common first-time homebuyer mistakes: n Not having representation by a Realtor. n Not relying on your Realtor for advice. n Looking before being prequalified for a loan. n Shopping in a price range beyond one’s means. n Not having inspections done. n Getting emotional about a house or falling in love with a house you can’t afford. n Not checking the quality of nearby school districts. n Not making sure the house is what it’s been marketed as. For example, are all the bedrooms really bedrooms? n Being unprepared for multiple offers in a sellers’ market. n Being unprepared for contingency offers.

member the amount you put down is negotiable.

“Just because you are approved up to a certain amount, don’t buy the most expensive home you can,” she said. “You don’t want to be payment poor and

FINANCING TIPS

Here are some tips for first-time buyers who are financing a home: n Don’t buy anything or apply for other credit, such as for furniture, appliances or flooring, that could affect your debt-to-income ratio and/or credit score. n Have pay stubs, W-2 forms, tax returns, bank statements and retirement statements available for your lender. n Cash deposits can’t be used toward verified funds to close. Large check deposits will need a paper trail; keep copies of these items so they can be verified.

SOURCE: SUNFLOWER ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS

not be able to make improvements or have money to decorate.” n Consult the professionals.

A significant error made by first-time buyers is not using the services of a Re-

altor from the very beginning of their search.

“A Realtor is important for guiding buyers through every step of the process of making what is typically the largest purchase of their life,” Calhoon said.

Another mistake she sees frequently is buyers who rely on a listing agent rather than hiring a good buyer’s agent who will represent their interests.

“Don’t rely solely on the listing agent. They are working for the seller and will be offering them advice,” she said. “Buyer representation will be looking out for your best interest.” n Use reliable resources.

While it’s convenient and tempting to house hunt online, avoid using real estate websites unless they are associated with a reputable Realtor in your area.

Online home listing sites often are outdated and include homes that are no longer on the market or overlook homes that are available.

n Don’t let emotions rule.

Avoid buying the first house you see, purchasing a house that is significantly over your budget, or paying too much for a house based on emotions.

It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of buying a home, but Calhoon advises her clients to look around before making a decision.

Conversely, don’t be too indecisive and let the perfect house slip through your fingers. A good Realtor can keep you on the right track and help you make an educated decision. n Request inspections.

Know the condition of a home prior to purchase.

The buyer has the right to choose their inspectors and the inspections they want to have completed, and it’s well worth the money spent. Inspectors also can help the buyers and their Realtor negotiate any necessary repairs.

Josh and Carol Calvaruzo recently purchased their first home in the Topeka area, and Josh reiterates the importance of home inspections in the buying process.

“I’ve had bad experiences in the past, but having the home inspector come in and do the inspection went really well,” he said. “Get a knowledgeable Realtor, someone with experience. The more knowledgeable they are, the better able they are to help you. Reece & Nichols and Carrie (Calhoon) have done a great job helping us out and helping us find other knowledgeable and trustworthy people to help with home improvement projects.”

Shanna Sloyer is a freelance writer from Topeka. You can reach her at ssloyer@yahoo.com.

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Topekans add unexpected touches to yard Nancy and Roger Leonard’s colorful wildflowers attract wildlife to property

By Dianne Lawson Special to The Capital-Journal

Unexpected touches add beauty, sentiment and interest to Nancy and Roger Leonard’s Topeka yard. Among the most striking is what Roger has done along the banks of the creek that borders their home on the front and the back side of their yard.

The city placed rocks along the sides of the creek to prevent erosion of soil into the creek.

Although utilitarian, the rocks don’t create a pretty sight. Roger tossed wildflower seed among the rocks. He thought the wildflowers could choke out the weeds so the city wouldn’t need to spray. He thought the city’s spraying might kill plants in his yard.

The wildflowers by the creek

— and in other places throughout their yard — are mixtures to attract butterflies and hummingbirds.

“My favorite are the poppies as they have such vivid colors — vivid red and vivid orange — they are so pretty,” Nancy said.

The side of the yard by the creek is edged with flowers, shrubs and trees, including red lilies, a forsythia bush, roses and a walnut tree. With the wildflowers growing on the sides of the creek, it looks as if the yard has spilled over its edge and into the creek.

Butterflies, bees and goldfinches flock to the wildflowers on the bank of the creek. At certain times of the year, goldfinches fly up and down from the wildflowers to the safety of the nearby tree.

Another potentially plain place in the Leonard yard is the driveway, which is 4 inches from a wooden fence. With little room to grow any plants, Roger tossed wildflower seed in the area, and now the fence is beautifully bordered by wildflowers, as well as daylilies that have crept over from the neighbor’s side of the fence and wild violets that have planted themselves.

On the other side of the driveway, with a little more room between the asphalt and the fence, red begonias bloom.

Sentimental items in the yard are a wooden wishing well that Nancy’s father made and a bench that used to belong to Nancy’s sister.

YARD continues on 9

TRISH WILLIAMS/SPECIAL TO THE CAPITAL-JOURNAL

Wildflowers tumble down the rocky creek bank on Nancy and Roger Leonards’ property in Topeka. The city placed rocks along the creek to prevent erosion of soil into the creek. Roger Leonard tossed wildflower seed among the rocks to choke out the weeds, so the city wouldn’t need to spray to eradicate weeds at the site.

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Yard: Green metal water pump, bench among decorations same time,” Nancy said. “They are all purple and are so pretty.”

Roger planted wildflowers throughout the yard, which attract bumblebees.

The home has a large front porch, from where they can see the creek. At a corner of the side and back of the house, the Leonards have a large screened-in porch.

“Everyone should have a screenedin porch,” Nancy said. “I sit in it all the time.”

Continued from 7 “My oldest sister passed away suddenly four years ago. Two years ago, I got a call from one of her neighbors. My sister had told him to make sure I got her bench. It took him two years until he got my phone number. He even brought it over,” she said.

Nancy placed the bench in her circle flower garden, which is around a maple tree. Many more wildflowers and lilies surround the tree, under which Roger’s green metal pump is displayed. Nancy said people ask them if the pump is a working pump, but it’s just for decoration.

The house is 100 years old, and the yard has seven huge, old trees, including an elm, four maples and a post oak. The Leonards also planted two trees they especially like.

“Roger wanted to have a white oak because he grew up in Michigan. It is gorgeous in the fall and turns shades of red and maroon,” Nancy said.

Walking up to a redbud tree, she said, “I love this one. I told Roger I wanted a knarly one.”

Because most of the yard is in shade,

TRISH WILLIAMS/SPECIAL TO THE CAPITAL-JOURNAL

A birdfeeder hangs from a tree and attracts wildlife to the yard. they have several shade plants, including hostas, surprise lilies and sweet William. They also planned their plantings

so they could have flowers blooming all year long.

“The lilacs and vincas bloom at the

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TIP OF THE WEEK

Here is a recipe for making your own nectar to place in hummingbird feeders.

Nectar 1 part sugar 4 parts water Boil for 1 to 2 minutes. Cool and store in refrigerator. n Never use honey or artificial sweeteners.

Honey ferments easily and can cause sores in a hummingbird’s mouth. Artificial sweeteners have

no food value. n Hummingbirds are attracted to the color red, but don’t use red food coloring in your solution because it could be harmful to the birds. No testing has been done on the effects dye has on birds.

Most feeders have red on them and that should be enough to draw them in.

SOURCE: BIRDWATCHERS.COM/DEBTIPS.HTML

Service Directory

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