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BEEKEEPING
THURSDAY APRIL 20, 2017
1D
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Technology can make landscaping a virtual breeze
By KATHERINE ROTH Associated Press Just as virtual technology has become a common tool for anyone planning to repaint or redecorate a home, a growing array of apps can make landscaping easier too. But know when to use them, and when it would be easier to pull out an oldfashioned pencil and a sheet of graph paper — or to seek out a professional. “We’ve seen an increase in virtual interior design services within the last two years, so it’s only natural that this functionality would make its way to the exterior of the home as well,” said Stephanie Sisco, Real Simple magazine’s home editor. A few of the more popular DIY gardening apps include Garden Designer ($9.99, from Artifact Interactive), Design your New Surroundings ($9.99, from Home Revivals), Garden Plan Pro ($9.99, from Growing Interactive), and Perennial Match ($4.99, from Harmony systems, Inc.). “We have seen several hundred thousand downloads,” says Patrick Pozzuto, founder of the iScape app ($9.99, from Home Revivals LLC), aimed at both professional and home landscapers. Based in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, Pozzuto worked as a contractor before launching his app. “Arranging plants using a touch screen is way easier than using your lower back to do it,” he says. “But while the pros have been using apps for a long time now, home gardeners do encounter some hiccups sometimes,” he admits. “They don’t necessarily know what plant goes with what, and what areas it’ll grow in. And some people don’t have an artistic mind, and get into trouble.” Dave Whitinger, executive director of the National Gardening Association,
based in Jacksonville, Texas, warns that while some tech-savvy gardeners quickly get the hang of landscaping apps, the learning curve is steep, and they may be impractical for most home gardeners. The association, founded in 1971, helps put out the “Gardening for Dummies” book series (published by For Dummies) and hosts the website garden.org. “The reality is that while the virtual tools are great for a minority of gardeners, many more people find them far too confusing, and they get really frustrated,” he says. Many home gardeners, he says, would be better off using a pencil and graph paper, with each square representing 6 inches, or whatever scale is appropriate for the particular garden. Yet even for amateurs, he notes, the information on some online sites can mean the difference between failure and success with gardening and landscaping projects. Garden.org, for example, features a database for the entire country, searchable by zip code, to tell home gardeners what the frost dates are for their area, when to plant which vegetables and flowers, and what kinds of plants will encourage, say, certain varieties of butterflies or bees. “Knowledge like that is crucial to whether a person’s gardening project succeeds,” he says. “Lettuce and spinach and tomatoes all have different dates when they should be planted for best results, and planting dates vary depending on where you live. Just because you see the plants for sale in the nursery doesn’t mean it’s the right time to plant.” And even if you haven’t figured out all the features of the gardening apps, they can be a good way to show professional landscapers
See Landscaping p. 2D
This image provided by iScape shows a screen shot of the company’s web site showcasing before and after views of landscaping changes using their mobile garden and landscape design application. (iScape via AP)
In this March 30 photo, Kathleen Mulcahy stands in her recently sold one-bedroom condo, on which she received nearly two dozen offers and sold for more than $100,00 over her asking price, in Seattle’s Belltown neighborhood. Many would-be buyers, especially in the big cities, will be wading into a market that’s crowded with rival buyers and constrained by the lowest inventory of homes for sale in nearly two decades. That severe imbalance between supply and demand favors sellers, but also gives homeowners little incentive to part with their properties. (AP photo)
Mission nearly impossible this spring: Finding a home to buy By ALEX VEIGA AP Business Writer Anyone eager to buy a home this spring probably has reasons to feel good. The job market is solid. Average pay is rising. And mortgage rates, even after edging up of late, are still near historic lows. And then there’s the bad news: Just try to find a house. The national supply of homes for sale hasn’t been this thin in nearly 20 years. And over the past year, the steepest drop in supply has occurred among homes that are typically most affordable for first-time buyers and in markets where prices have risen sharply. In markets like San Diego, Boston and Seattle, competition for a dwindling supply has escalated along with pressure to offer more money and accept less favorable terms. “Sellers will have the edge again this year,” said Ralph McLaughlin, chief economist for Trulia, a real estate data provider. “Homebuyers are really going to be scraping the bottom of the barrel as far as housing choice is concerned.” The intensity of the competition this spring has surprised even sellers like Kathleen Mulcahy, a 37year-old product manager in Seattle. Within a week of listing her one-bedroom, one-bath condo, Mulcahy received 21 offers — all above her asking price of $398,000. Most of the offers came with built-in triggers to automatically rise in case a ri-
val bidder sweetened a bid. In the end, she accepted an offer of $500,000 — all cash. “A lot more than I expected,” Mulcahy said. Yet the changed landscape cuts both ways: Facing higher prices and competition herself, Mulcahy has decided for now to put off buying another home. “There’s very little available, and it’s just too expensive right now, so I’m going to wait,” she said. “I’ll probably rent for two or three years.” About 1.75 million homes were for sale nationally at the end of February, according to the National Association of Realtors. That’s down 6.4 percent from a year earlier and only slightly up from January, when listings reached their lowest point since the association began tracking them in 1999. All told, the supply of homes for sale has fallen on an annual basis for the past 21 months. Among the factors that have fueled the decline in homes for sale: — Since 2008, the average time homeowners have stayed in their houses before selling has doubled to nearly eight years, according to Attom Data Solutions. — Many homeowners aren’t selling for fear they wouldn’t find a new home they would like and could afford. Some who had locked in ultra-low fixed mortgage rates may be reluctant to take on a new loan at a higher rate. Others may wish to sell but can’t because they own one of
LAKEFRONT HOME
further — many people are looking to buy. Sales of previously occupied U.S. homes surged 5.4 percent in February from a year earlier, according to the NAR. In January 2016, 16.5 percent of the homes on the market were sold. This January, it was 19 percent, according to Trulia. As prices have risen in response, so have the financial obstacles to homeownership. The median sales price has surged 7.7 percent from a year ago to $228,400, more than double the pace of average pay gains. And qualifying for increasingly expensive homes will become even harder should mortgage rates continue to rise this year, as many economists predict. The average rate on a 30-year, fixed-rate mortgage recently hit 4.1 percent; last year, it averaged 3.65. The homes that are on the market are less affordable to a growing proportion of the population, according to research from Realtor.com. Entry-level buyers will likely have the most difficulty finding a home they can afford this spring. Nationally, the supply of entry-level homes for sale has declined the most from a year ago — down 8.7 percent in the first quarter, according to Trulia. The supply of move-up homes is down 7.9 percent. By contrast, the supply of high-end homes has slipped just 1.7 percent from a year ago. See Homes p. 2D
HOME IN THE WOODS!
1761 E M35, Little Lake
Some family is going to love living here! The current owners have enjoyed the beautiful lakefront view, privacy on hundreds of feet of frontage, fishing and boating, but now is their time to move on, and you can take over. This is a great weekend getaway or year round home right on the shores of popular Little Lake, featuring good fishing and water sports. There are many updates and you even have a quaint guest cabin for your visitors. There aren’t many waterfront cottages like this one for only $249,900. #1094184
the 3.2 million homes worth less than what’s owed on their mortgage. — Some homeowners own other properties they rent out and have little incentive to give up the steady rental income, especially while they’re also benefiting from rising home values. — Investors, who typically keep properties for disproportionately long periods, own a larger share of houses. Between 2006 and 2016, the share of U.S. single-family houses and condos owned by investors averaged around 30 percent, according to Attom, and reached 35 percent last year. Nor are builders replenishing the stock of new homes fast enough. Though the pace of building has been rising, it has yet to make up for years of sluggish construction growth that followed the housing bust. Builders complain that they can’t build more homes because of a lack of ready-to-build land, costly regulations and a chronic shortage of skilled construction workers. “We’re building homes now at a 65 percent of the rate we have historically,” McLaughlin said. “The long-term solution to this scenario is building new homes.” Despite the scant supply, U.S. home sales are expected to rise this year, economists say. Fueled by job growth, pay raises and still-low loan rates — and perhaps fearful of being left out as more homes are snapped up and prices rise
292 Maple Grove Rd., Skandia
Contact Bob Sullivan
Cell: 906-361-4212 LandCoach@aol.com www.NorthernMichiganLandBrokers.com
This beautifully crafted home is just minutes south of Skandia on 20 acres of your own ground. The home features wood accents, vaulted ceilings, wrap around decking, a walk-out basement, and is a must see. Year round access on a county road with all the conveniences makes this home a treasure but make no mistake about it, you are home in the woods with plenty of privacy. If you are looking for rural living, do not miss this one. #1097821 $299,900
2D The Mining Journal
Thursday, April 20, 2017
House to Home Mortgage Index 30-YEAR Rate-Fee/Pts.
15-YEAR Rate-Fee/Pt.
High rate
4.25
1
3.375
1
Low rate
3.625
1
2.875
1
Average rate
3.925
1
3.15
1
This graphic represents a Tuesday survey of regional lending institutions. Figures are based on rates at Range Bank, Northern Michigan Bank, mBank, Marquette Community Federal Credit Union and TruNorth Credit Union.
Lan dscapin g
what you have in mind, Pozzuto says. Richard Heller of Greener By Design, a firm in the New York area that uses 3D software to help with both landscape design and communication with clients, says the software makes a huge difference. “Three-D software is still not very common, and it gives us an amazing competitive edge. It allows people to see what’s not planted, so they start expanding on projects they have in mind,” he
Hom e s
This 2016 photo taken near Langley, Wash., shows a marked queen bee in a new colony that was being developed by members of a beekeeping club. Community beekeeping is modeled after community gardening. Hobbyists share sites, equipment and even production. Community apiaries are designed to boost pollination, train beekeepers and promote interest in beekeeping. (AP photo)
Sometimes it takes a community to keep bees
By DEAN FOSDICK Associated Press Finding places for beekeeping can be a challenge for city dwellers. But apiaries modeled after community gardens have become a popular option. Community beekeeping operations are usually comprised of shared sites on public or private properties, organized by or for people trying to turn out fresh plants or products. Some, like the community apiary inside The Hudson Gardens & Event Center in Littleton, Colorado, also educate. Its objectives are to train, mentor and provide fellowship for hobbyist beekeepers, promote interest in beekeeping, and boost plant pollination in Hudson Gardens and around the neighborhood, said Amanda Accamando, the center’s education and volunteer manager. The apiary “brings together a dynamic and unique community of beekeepers that not only share the common goal of supporting honeybee health but also greatly value learning from one another” and spreading the word, Accamando said. No fees are charged for the program since the beekeepers also do volunteer work. But they must provide their own equipment, protective gear and honeybees. Hudson Gardens delivers the infrastructure, funding, staffing and administrative help. “That allows our participants to focus on the health of their colonies, and their own development as beekeepers, mentors and educators,” Accamando said. The program has been growing steadily and she expects to have more applicants than hive spaces available by next year.
“We are actively seeking additional ways in which we can engage with beekeepers in our area beyond the apiary’s physical borders,” Accamando said. Bee stings and liability are obvious concerns, and the public garden’s hobbyist beekeepers are required to follow city codes. Hives must be placed at least 25 feet from property lines, and bee flyways are directed away from private dwellings. No visitors are allowed to approach the hives without a beekeeper escort, and each guest must sign a waiver before entering the apiary. Burgh Bees in Pittsburgh established the first urban community apiary in the United States. “We realized more and more people in the city were interested in beekeeping,” said Stephen Repasky, a master beekeeper and Burgh Bee president. “We wanted to help find places for them to do that so we adopted the community garden example.” The beekeepers eventually found a vacant piece of land and signed a lease with the city for $1 a year to landscape and manage it. “We went from having a gravel lot full of used needles and garbage to a fenced property with perennials and pollinators,” Repasky said. “It’s going so well that we hope to open a second apiary sometime this summer.” The City of Pittsburgh continues to look for new ways to utilize its vacant lots, Repasky said. “Everyone gets a boost when the city is able to find people who can organize and transform those sites,” he said. “It adds value to property you can’t put a price on.”
1900 Presque Isle Ave.
228-7255
FEATURED PROPERTY
1042 S Lake St, Mqt Just off of Lake Superior sits this custom 4 bedroom, 3 bath home with a Schwalbach kitchen, Jacuzzi, 10’ ceilings, grand staircase, 75’ covered front porch with amazing views, two stall garage and so much more! (1097196) $627,500 740 E King Lake Ln, Gwinn This cute ranch 3 bedroom 2 bathroom home does need some TLC but is nicely situated on 1.77 acres with 68 ft of lake frontage on King Lake! (1100487) $74,000 107 E Peck St, Neg Near Teal Lake this 4 bedroom home has a kitchen that offers plenty of cabinets and countertop space along with newer appliances! Master has large walk in closet. Enclosed porch and spacious backyard. (1100373) $84,900 320 S Shag Lake Dr, Gwinn Beautiful Big Shag Lake with 185’ lake frontage on 6 acres! Enjoy all four seasons at this 194 acre lake! There is electric, septic and a well on this property. Build your home or cottage! (1100546) $99,000
Visit the Journal on the web: www.miningjournal.net
436 Stone Quarry Dr, Mqt Close to the Lake Superior beaches this 4 bedroom, 2 bathroom home has an extensive front porch and attached garage. With all your main level needs met with the kitchen, dining area, living room, laundry area and Master Suite. (1100351) $217,000
www.lookrealtyinc.com
from 1D
from 1D
The coastal markets are among the tightest, reflecting years of declines in homes for sale. Seattle’s inventory is 20 percent lower than it was in the first three months of last year. It’s down 66 percent since 2012, according to Trulia. But even many inland markets have only a limited supply of homes for sale. Three such metro areas experienced the sharpest drop in supply over the past year, according to Trulia: Dayton, Ohio (-29 percent); Gary, Indiana (-27.6 percent); and Minneapolis-St. Paul (-24.9 percent). Some areas did buck the trend, including Miami, where inventory jumped this year by more than 43 percent. But even in housing markets where the supply has grown over the past year, prices have risen briskly. Take Denver. Its inventory was up 6.5 percent in the first quarter. Yet it was still down 61 percent from its 2012 levels. That’s one reason why sellers there are fetching multiple offers. On average, sellers are receiving five to seven offers this spring, said Stephanie Collins, a Redfin agent in Denver. She had one home this year that drew 15 offers. Another got 52. Sellers are also persuading buyers to provide other enticements, like agreeing that a deal becomes official only after the
says. “The software is accessible to anyone, but there’s a steep learning curve involved. And you need a high-end gaming computer to use it.” Heller says home gardeners might want to check his company’s website EZgardendesign.com which, for a small fee, allows you to create a landscaping “design book.” It’s a good starting point, but most home gardeners would still want to work with a professional who knows plants well, he says. And there’s always graph paper and a pencil if the learning curve proves too steep.
seller finds another home. “In our market,” Collins said, “you can’t just start at your price point and hope to get a good deal.” Offering more money than the next bidder may not always work. Some sellers now expect buyers to waive some protections that have allowed buyers to cancel a deal without losing their deposit should some precondition not be met. Examples include a professional home inspection to ensure that no major surprise repairs are needed, or requiring a seller to replace an older appliance, or asking for a final walkthrough of the property before finalizing the deal. After months of looking for a home, Alaina Donofrio recently bought a 700square-foot, one-bedroom house in Denver. Hoping to dissuade rival bidders, she agreed to pay $18,000 above the seller’s $308,000 asking price. That wasn’t all she had to do. Donofrio also surrendered the right to back out of the contract if a home inspection turned up any major problem. And she agreed not to ask the seller to make any repairs. She also pushed back the closing date to give the seller more time to move. “Basically I’m buying it as-is,” said Donofrio, a 45-year-old database administrator. “It was really difficult to find something in the price range I wanted and where I wanted. It’s pure luck that it did.”
BIG C REALTY
EXPERIENCE COUNTS
Since 1936
228-9297
50 YEARS
George Hazeres, CRS Cell: 360-9318
500 S. Third St., Marquette
(906) 387-3074 321 E. Munising Ave., Munising www.bigcrealty.com office@bigcrealty.com
1098254 For sale one of the area’s finest dining, the Navigator Resturant is located in the heart of Munising overlooking Lake Superior’s Munising Bay just a block from city park, marina, and Pictured Rocks Cruise boats. 1087260 One of the best commercial sites in town - corner lot overlooking Lake Superior’s Munising Bay just one block South of Bayshore Park!! $395,000 1092574 Wonderful location to promote your business or invest in the main corridor of the downtown area - totally updated commercial building with potential of renting entire 1st level or split into two commerical rentals plus the 2 bedroom living quarters in lower. $134,500 1075943 One of the best commercial sites in Alger County!! Over 400’ frontage located at corner of M 28 and Knox Street - property includes frontage on Knox Road (bordering site on the East and North) and on main highway M 28. Site contains over 3 acres and is ideal for just about any commercial venture! $79,500 1082908 TWO mainland lots plus private 4 acre island - Lot 10 is a beautiful lake front lot with cleared building site, driveway in and is nicely wooded sloping gently to water’s edge, sandy bottom; a 20’ rollout dock and 12’ rowboat included in sale/ And lot 15 -nicely wooded lot and has access to Lost Lake. $129,000 1096959 Fully furnished home/ camp - Sturgeon River out your back door, property adjacent to USA lands on the North boundary, frontage on year round blacktop road! $69,900
The Mining Journal 3D
Thursday, April 20, 2017
Real Estate Classifieds
EMPLOYMENT Local…Regional…jobs. Check us out at: jobs.miningjournal.net
Open Houses Saturday, April 22, 12:00-2:00 PM 2001 W. Ridge St., Marquette Directions: US 41 W to Ridge St., home on right.
The former owner was one of Marquette’s best mechanics, hence garages galore! This conveniently located home with a completely fenced yard is perfect for children and pets. The living room features a gas fireplace and large windows. A family friendly, eat-in kitchen includes all appliances. The bedrooms have hardwood flooring, plus the master bedroom features a patio door that leads to an addition. Attached to the addition is a room that once housed a hot tub. Two detached garages; one 16 x 36 pole building plus a 24 x 37 heated garage/workshop with bathroom and a full two car below (4 total). $175,000
Shown by: John Martin
1901 W. Ridge St., Marquette (906) 228-2772 • www.selectmqt.com
4D The Mining Journal
Northern
Thursday, April 20, 2017
Michigan
FEATURED LISTINGS
Land Brokers
BEAUTIFUL BIG BAY
303 Bensinger, Big Bay
Log office building in downtown Big Bay. A great place to start your own business. Features a large porch, a wheelchair ramp, hardwood floors, and it is located on a highly visible street. Also contains several offices--both private and semi-private. $69,900 MLS#: 1092575
308 Bensinger, Big Bay
100 Deutsch, Big Bay
Great commercial building or investment property centrally located with living quarters upstairs and offices downstairs. This building is currently renting to three businesses. Take a drive up to Big Bay and open your own business! $110,000 MLS# 1090360
Five bedroom home centrally located in Big Bay close to the school, Lake Independence and Lake Superior. The home has been extensively remodeled upstairs and in the lower level. There are two full kitchens, one upstairs and the other downstairs with a separate entrance to the lower level. This gives you the possibility of living in half and renting out the other or a great investment opportunity. $129,900 MLS# 1097195
40 Acres!
40 Acres!
Pohlman Road, Gwinn This camp is located in a great hunting and trail area north of Gwinn. The site is an open food plot/field leading to a picturesque wildlife pond. Deer, grouse and the occasional turkey feed on the clover within site of camp. Camp consists of a mobile home and a very nice sauna building with a changing room. There is a shed for storage so you will be all set for an affordable camp on a nice 40 acre parcel. Being only five miles out of town makes this convenient too. This is a nice set up for hunting and there are plenty of animals on this 40 and the adjoining/nearby state land. $59,900 MLS# 1095555
Contact Bob Sullivan
Associate Broker/Owner Cell: 906-361-4212 Office: 225-LAND (5263)
Ross Grade, Northland
Located on the Ross Grade in Southern Marquette County near Northland, this 40 acres with a log cabin has a great layout for hunting with the road access on the far West end and the rest of the acreage undisturbed. The 36x28 log cabin has a nice setting on the edge of a clearing not far off the road, but enough for privacy. $99,000 MLS# 1099001
LandCoach@aol.com
Contact Rob Sullivan
Associate Broker, Office Manager Cell: 906-362-3337 Office: 225-LAND (5263) RobSullivan39@hotmail.com
BEAUTIFUL CAMP
GREAT LAKE SUPERIOR VIEW 540 S. Lakeshore Blvd., Marquette
This exclusive Founders Landing home offers quality, convenience and beautiful surroundings inside and out. The home was customized and improved using only the finest materials and impresses with impeccable choices in fixtures and decorating. An open floor plans lends to a spacious, bright and cheerful feel with plenty of space for guests and entertaining. From top to bottom every inch of the home is in perfect condition and ready to move right in. $399,000 MLS# 1097790
WATERFRONT COTTAGE
18489 M35, Little Lake
Contact Brian Olson
Associate Broker Cell: 906-869-6446 Office: 225-LAND (5263)
brianolsonrealtor@yahoo.com
CAMP & ACREAGE
5389 Champs Elysses, Gould City
N2510 Remington Road, Big Bay
This waterfront chalet cottage is in very good condition, with many updates. The property has a park-like yard, huge pines and 200 feet of sandy beach shoreline on beautiful Milakokia Lake. A large portion of the lake is undeveloped giving it that quintessential north woods feel. There is a large 40 x 80 pole barn for all of your toys and ample storage. If you are looking for a cottage on a high-quality lake, this is exceptional. The access is off of US 2 in Gould City just a short drive from the Mackinac Bridge. $299,000 MLS# 1100558
Enjoy the quiet seclusion of the wilderness with this 50 acre parcel and cabin with a loft. A short walk down the road takes you to the Yellow Dog River and the excellent Trout fishing. Set your maple taps and enjoy the syrup. A large portion of the property is made up of various ages of maple. A mix of aspen, maple, hemlock, spruce, and birch grace the fully wooded 50 acre property. A trail runs throughout the property to allow easy access. $80,000 MLS# 1099786
Nice camp perfectly located in an area famous for great Whitetail and Grouse hunting. Surrounded by vast areas of State Land your territory is almost endless. The property was once a family homestead and has beautiful open fields which would make for awesome food plots. The camp is easy to maintain and features a nice big open kitchen and living room. $110,000 MLS# 1097028
38 ACRE HOBBY FARM 3147 W Maple Ridge 37th Road, Rock
Start your own hobby farm or just enjoy the peaceful surroundings with 38 acres and a lovely 5 bedroom, 2 bath home. Only 30 minutes from Escanaba and 45 minutes from Marquette. $184,000 MLS# 1096471
NEW UPDATES!
Agent Cell: 906-869-8451 Office: 225-LAND (5263)
nathan.brabon@uprealestatebynathan.com
NEW UPDATES!
N9450 Manistique Lakes (aka H-33) Rd, Curtis
Chamberlin’s Ole Forest Inn in Curtis is well known and extremely popular. Business consists of the bed and breakfast, restaurant, bar, and gift shop. The bar has a Class B Resort liquor license, and the kitchen is a chef’s dream come true (with new stove, grill, and salamander broiler) providing first class food service. All of this sits on 3.8 acres with 300 feet of frontage and a fabulous view of Big Manistique Lake. The bed and breakfast consists of two floors with 12 units, some with private baths-some with shared facilities. Relax and enjoy in the bar or sit in front of the gorgeous fireplace, or enjoy the expansive porch. The building is currently undergoing spring renovations including new carpeting in both dining rooms, a new dock, remodeled bathroom in room 6, new kitchen floor behind the line, a new handicap ramp, and the roof is being replaced. $749,900 MLS# 1099205
Contact Nathan Brabon
150 Olsen Road, Gwinn, MI
Contact Sue Feldhauser
Agent Cell: 906-360-2891 Office: 225-LAND (5263) suefeldhauser@sbcglobal.net
Very well kept up home on almost three acres...in a great location. Close to Gwinn and Marquette. Very private. The lot features walking/riding trail perfect for walking your dogs. A large shed is on the property. The home has a great floor plan, and it is in move in condition. New roof in 2014. There is an additional room in the basement that could be a non-conforming bedroom or a large pantry. New flooring, hot water heater, dishwasher, and toilets were installed this month. $119,900 MLS# 1098511
Listings are selling, lets put a SOLD sign in your front yard!
Northern
Michigan
Land Brokers
Bob Sullivan
Associate Broker/ Owner
Rob Sullivan
Associate Broker, Office Manager
Brian Olson
Associate Broker
Nathan Brabon Agent
Sue Feldhauser Agent
Charles Drury Agent
Toll-free 1-866-231-LAND • www.northernmichiganlandbrokers.com • 2552 US 41 West, Marquette