Home & Real Estate JUE February 2021 by Sound Publishing

SOUTHEAST ALASKA

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February 2020 Techniques to revitalize your lawn after winter Safety first when power washing your home this spring Benefits to working with an interior designer How to choose the right lighting inside your home Variables to choosing a media room Learn the right way to clean lawn & patio furniture DIY to deep clean carpeting Exploring back yard structures

a publication of the Juneau Empire

This home is listed by Sundance Realty, see page 8 for more information

OWNER TIPS

Table of Contents

Techniques to revitalize a lawn after a long winter

ON THE COVER:

This home is listed Sundance Realty

5 Coldwell Banker: Gwen Place 7 Business Directory • Ricker Real Estate • Alaska USA Mortgage: Mac Carandang • Coldwell Banker: Race Realty

8 Sundance Realy 12 Alaska USA Mortgage BY METRO SERVICES REAL ESTATE FEATURES

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2 JUNEAUEMPIRE.COM

ristine, snow-covered landscapes can be wonders to behold. While that blanket of white is idyllic, a lawn’s delicate blades may be paying a hefty price beneath the cold, heavy piles of snow. Snow plows push salt and sand up on the grass while subterranean animals like mice and moles dig burrows beneath piles of snow as they try to find food and stay warm. Such conditions are not favorable for thriving landscapes. When the spring thaw arrives, lawns may be in dire need of some TLC. The following techniques can mitigate winter-related lawn damage. • Clear out debris. Remove any scattered leaves, branches and other debris that has been strewn across the property due to storms or snow-laden trees. This will give you a clean canvas to work on. • Dry out snow mold. The Fami-

Lawns can be restored to their pre-winter glory after some sweat equity and about five to six weeks of consistent sunshine and warm weather. ly Handyman says snow mold is a cold-season fungus that causes gray-colored circles or patches on the lawn where there has been snow. To alleviate snow mold, rake the lawn to loosen matted grass and facilitate the drying-out process. • De-thatch the lawn. Heavy snow can compress the grass and cause some of it to die off. De-thatching helps to remove dead grass blades and separate any matting. This enables water, nutrients and air to reach the lawn’s roots more effectively. Thinning out old organic matter also helps encourage new growth. • Aerate the soil. Coupled with dethatching, aeration involves loos-

ening the soil or poking holes to allow nutrients to move freely to the roots. • Kill weeds before they spread. Weeds may be the first to start growing when the weather begins to warm. Address them promptly by manually pulling them or applying an herbicide. • Overseed the lawn. Chances are there are some bare spots that have formed over the winter. Overseeding can help to fill in the lawn. Make sure that frosts are largely a thing of the past and soil temperature is around 50 F to 60 F before seeding. Water daily until grass fills in. • Apply nutrients. Fertilizer and compost can restore nutrients to the lawn that may have been used up over winter. A soil test at a nearby horticultural center can tell you which nutrients are needed, according to the Chemistry Cachet, a guide to using chemistry secrets for healthy living, beauty, cleaning, and gardening.

SMART STEPS

Safety first when power washing your home this spring BY METRO SERVICES REAL ESTATE FEATURES

Spring cleaning is a great way for homeowners to clear their homes of clutter. As people spend extra time indoors in winter, items can quickly pile up around the house. Spring is a great time to clean up such clutter, but interior spaces are not the only areas of a home that can benefit from some extra attention once the weather warms up. Harsh winters can take a toll on home exteriors. Dirt and grime can build up on exterior home surfaces over the course of the winter, affecting the appearance of the siding of a home as well as outdoor entertaining areas. Power washing is a great way to give a home a fresh, clean look in spring. But there’s more to power than simply renting the right equipment and getting to work. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention notes that there are many risks associated with using power washers. For instance, the CDC says strong spray from power washers can cause serious wounds that initially seem minor. However, such wounds can lead to infection or disability if left untreated. In addition, if manufacturer safety instructions are not followed, electric shock can occur due to improper use. Homeowners who are intending to power wash their own homes this spring should first determine if they’re physically capable of doing so. Power washers can be dif-

ficult for some people to control, so it’s imperative that homeowners honestly assess their physical abilities before renting a unit. The CDC urges homeowners who determine they can safely handle power washers to take these additional safety steps to make sure the process of cleaning their home exteriors goes smoothly. • Never point a pressure washer at yourself or others. • Do not attempt to push or move objects with spray from the washer. If anything is in your way, turn the power washer off and then move the obstruction. • Never use a gasoline powered washer in an enclosed space, which can increase the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. • Always test the ground fault circuit interrupter (circuit breaker or outlet) before using a pressure washer. • Always plug a properly grounded pressure washer into a properly grounded receptacle. • If an extension cord must be

the power cord and extension cord connections as far away as possible from the item being washed and away from any water runoff. While power washing, periodically take note of the location of the extension cord connections

Power washing is a great way to give a home a fresh, clean look in spring. used, keep the pressure washer’s power cord connection out of and away from any standing water, and use a heavy duty extension cord with components rated for use in wet locations. Keep both

to ensure they are not in a puddle. • Wear rubber-soled shoes that provide some insulation when using the pressure washer. • Never cut or splice the pressure washer’s power cord or extension cords.

• Never remove the grounding prong from the pressure washer’s power cord plug or the extension cord. • Pause the project if a circuit breaker is tripped. Always have a qualified electrician check the pressure washer for electrical problems after it has tripped a circuit breaker. • Never allow children to operate a pressure washer. Keep children at a safe distance when an adult is using a pressure washer. Power washing can give a home a whole new look after a winter’s worth of dirt and grime builds up on the home’s exterior. Safety must remain the utmost priority when operating a power washer on your own. JUNEAUEMPIRE.COM

HOME OWNERS

The benefits of working with an interior designer BY METRO SERVICES

REAL ESTATE FEATURES

ome is where the heart is, and it’s also where homeowners express their style. Though interior design may come naturally to some homeowners, many more can benefit from a little help defining their style and translating that style into a beautiful home. In such instances, interior designers can be the most valuable investments homeowners make in their homes. Homeowners may hear “interior designer” and immediately hear the sound of cash registers ringing in their heads. However, many interior designers offer various services, including hourly consultations, that can make them cost-effective, especially for homeowners who are still trying to define their style and decide just how they want their homes to look. That’s just one of the many benefits of working with interior design professionals. • Interior designers can save homeowners money. Much like it’s best for homeowners with no DIY experience to hire professional contractors when renovating their homes, paying an interior designer when you have little experience with design can help you avoid potentially costly mistakes. Interior designers are skilled at transforming homeowners’ visions into finished products, and that’s a valuable skill homeowners don’t necessarily have. Trial and error when designing a home’s interior can be costly, even if you’re not knocking down any walls or swinging any hammers. For example, after renovating on their own, homeowners may find they need to replace a new couch or dining table that they realize contradicts their design scheme. Interior designers can help homeowners avoid such costly mistakes and get it right the first time. • Interior designers can help you coordinate

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your style. Each and every component of a home’s interior says something about its owner. Whether it’s their choice of lighting fixtures, furniture or even appliances, homeowners make a statement any time they choose a design component for their homes. Interior designers can help homeowners coordinate their styles so each room seamlessly transitions to the next one. An ultra-modern living room may stick out like a sore thumb in a home that’s predominantly rustic, and interior designers can help homeowners avoid such mistakes. • Interior designers recognize what’s trending. Interior designers tend to be up-to-date on the latest trends. That can be incredibly valuable, especially for homeowners who are antici-

pating putting their homes on the market in the near future. In such instances, designers can help homeowners invest in updates or renovations that will appeal to today’s buyers, increasing the likelihood that their homes will sell more quickly, and potentially for more money. • Interior designers are well-connected. Interior designers often collaborate with contractors. Those professional relationships can help homeowners avoid the headaches of finding the right professionals to work with when renovating their homes. Many a homeowner has benefitted from working with interior designers. Such partnerships can help homeowners transform their residences into the home of their dreams.

HAINES BUSINESS

JUNEAU LAND

MLS#19663 - $1.6 million - 150 Acre Golf Course, Haines AK, Golf Carts, Mowers and a Golf Shop - by Pam Race

MLS#20873 - $1.5 million - 3.2 Acre Riverfront Jet Boat Tours, Haines AK, boats, busses and the dock - by Glenda Gilbert

MLS#12457 - $415,000 - 4.79 Acres Residential Land, Juneau AK, access road built, tide flat views - by Errol Champion

JUNEAU LAND

JUNEAU HOME

JUNEAU LAND

N DI

E P E

L A S MLS#18745 - $250,000 - 13 Acres Residential land, Juneau AK, partly wooded, waterfront, access by easement- by Gwen Place

MLS#21000 - $206,000 - 3 bedroom, 2 bath home, centrally located, Lemon Creek, fenced yard, metal roof - by Gwen Place

MLS#20298 - $174,900 - .6 acre residential lot, Lena Loop, near recreation, wooded, level building lot - by Sue Nix

HAINES HOME

GUSTUVAS HOME

MLS#20324 - $875,000 - Fort William Seward - National Landmark, 5 bedroom 5 bath home, Haines AK - by Glenda Gilbert

MLS#18258 - $499,000 - 4 bedroom 3 bath home, views, 2.73 acres, detached garage, Haines AK - by Glenda Gilbert

MLS#21084 - $185,000 - 1 bedroom 1 bath home, 1.56 acres, wooded lot, Gustuvas, AK - by Gwen Place

MORE LAND

• • • •

MLS#19214 - 1 Acre - Wooded lot - Platted Access - Angoon AK - $9,000 MLS#13094 - .35 Acre - Wooded building lot - Glacier Hwy - $89,000 MLS#18257 - .76 Acre - Wooded building lot - Out the Road - $159,000 MLS#13954 - 3.34 Acre - Wooded building lot - Blueberry Hill - $250,000

RENTALS

• • • •

Lakeside Condos - 2 bedroom 1 bath, Carport - $1600/mo Lemon Creek Rd - 4 bedroom 2 bath, fenced yard - pets welcome - $1400/mo Gastineau Ave. - 2 bedroom 1 bath - Street parking - $1250/mo Room for Rent w/private bath - South Douglas - $995/mo

Gwen Place

Associate Broker, Property Manager, REALTOR® Coldwell Banker Race Realty gwenzplace@yahoo.com yourjuneaualaska.com

www.RaceRealty.com Office: 907-789-0555 Cell: 907-209-4445 Call or Text

Each office is independently owned and operated.

HOME BUYERS

How to choose the right lighting inside your home BY METRO SERVICES REAL ESTATE FEATURES

ighting in a home serves both practical and aesthetic purposes. It’s easy to maneuver around a well-lit home, reducing the risk of slips and falls, and the right lighting can help homeowners create their desired ambiance, which typically changes depending on which room you’re in. When choosing lighting for their homes, homeowners must walk a fine line between appearance and functionality. A fixture in the foyer that instantly impresses visitors likely won’t prove as awe-inspiring if it’s installed in the living room. When choosing lighting for a home, some general rules about what works in each room can help homeowners make the most informed decision.

Kitchen

Kitchens are often the busiest room in a home, so lighting here can be especially important. A kitchen often benefits, both practically and aesthetically, from different types of lighting. For example, pendant lighting above kitchen islands can make meal preparation easier and safer, but such lighting likely won’t work in breakfast nooks and informal dining areas in the kitchen. Recessed lighting works best in such areas. In kitchens with no island, under-cabinet lighting can be used to illuminate countertops and simplify meal preparation.

Formal dining room

Many people enjoy the look of chandeliers in formal dining rooms, and such fixtures can be installed directly above the dinner table. The interior design experts at Better Homes & Gardens advise hanging chandeliers roughly 33 inches above the table in dining rooms with eight-foot ceilings, adding three JUNEAUEMPIRE.COM

inches for each additional foot above eight feet. Darkened dining areas may be ideal in restaurants, but homeowners may want to split the difference at home and choose dimmable chandeliers for their dining rooms. This allows homeowners to dim the lights for romantic dinners but turn them up for family gatherings with lots of people around the table.

take up any visual space in the room. That can help living rooms feel bigger.

Living room

Bedroom

Adaptability also is important in the living room, where homeowners may host anything from movie nights to book clubs to parties for the big game. It can be a tall order to accommodate such a wide range of activities, and many homeowners come down to deciding between recessed lighting and track lighting. If the living room currently has neither style, homeowners should recognize that it will cost considerably less to install track lighting than recessed lighting. Better Homes & Gardens notes that flexible track lighting provides ambient, task or accent lighting, and track lights can even be moved to change lighting schemes at any time, making them a budget-friendly option for homeowners whose living rooms are multi-purpose spaces. Recessed lighting also works well in living rooms, especially ones with low ceilings. That’s because recessed lighting is installed into the ceiling, meaning it does not

The home improvement experts at BobVila.com note that bedroom lighting should provide enough light when getting dressed, but also be able to be toned down as residents prepare for their bedtime routines. Both portable and installed lighting can be used in bedrooms to serve these various functions. Recessed fixtures that dim can ensure there’s ample light to get dressed in the morning, but they also can be dimmed at night as residents try to get ready to sleep. Portable nightstand lights can make it easier for couples sharing a bedroom, allowing one person to stay up and read while the other goes to sleep. Homeowners have many options and many needs when choosing lighting for their homes. A professional consultation with a lighting expert or interior decorator can help homeowners find lights that provide both practical and aesthetic appeal.

ESTATE HOME Business Directory

& REAL Tracey Ricker, CPM Broker/General Manager Sales • Leasing • Management 1410 4th Street • Douglas, Alaska 99824 tracey@rrec-llc.com • www.rickerrealestateak.com

907-540-2990

Your local home loan expert! Mac Carandang NMLS #203501 Sr. Mortgage Loan Originator

907-796-1201 www.maccarandang.com

Serving Southeast Alaska

Online all the time: racerealty.com | 907-789-0555 2103 Jordan Ave.

8390 Airport Blvd, Suite 102

Each office indepenently owned and operated

License #AK157293; Washington Consumer Loan Company License #CL-157293

Call Stephanie Spiess 308-4893

HOME TIPS

Variables to consider when choosing a media room BY METRO SERVICES REAL ESTATE FEATURES

JANET aRgevitCh ARGEVITCH Janet

321-3325

723-9333

Marty-lentz@gci.net MARTY LENTZ

Ja@alaskan.com

MIKE BAN

Associate Broker 209-6842 209-6842

soil temperature is around 50 F to 60 F before seeding. Water daily until grass fills in. • Apply nutrients. Fertilizer and compost can restore nutrients to the lawn that may have been used up over winter. A soil test at a nearby horticultural center can tell you which nutrients are needed, according to the Chemistry Cachet, a guide to using chemistry secrets for healthy living, beauty, cleaning, and gardening.

maRty lentZ

miKe Ban

assoCiate BRoKeR mikebanatexitrealty@gmail.com mikebanatexitrealty@gmail.com

causes gray-colored circles or patches on the lawn where there has been snow. To alleviate snow mold, rake the lawn to loosen matted grass and facilitate the drying-out process. • De-thatch the lawn. Heavy snow can compress the grass and cause some of it to die off. De-thatching helps to remove dead grass blades and separate any matting. This enables water, nutrients and air to reach the lawn’s roots more effectively. Thinning out old organic matter also helps encourage new growth. • Aerate the soil. Coupled with dethatching, aeration involves loosening the soil or poking holes to allow nutrients to move freely to the roots. • Kill weeds before they spread. Weeds may be the first to start growing when the weather begins to warm. Address them promptly by manually pulling them or applying an herbicide. • Overseed the lawn. Chances are there are some bare spots that have formed over the winter. Overseeding can help to fill in the lawn. Make sure that frosts are largely a thing of the past and

assoCiate BRoKeR Associate Broker

72-9333

miChelle domingo MICHELLE DOMINGO 957-5522

957-5522

Michelle.juneau80@yahoo.com

ja@alaskan.com

321-3325 Marty-lentz@gci.net

anaveRa moRato 321-0293 ANAVERA MORATO 321-0293

Anavera.morato@gmail.com

SUNDANCE REALTY

Alaska Seafood Company • Asking $2,200,000 5731 Concrete Way Juneau, aK 99801 907-321-7120 Sundanceinjuneau@gmail.com 9109 Mendenhall Mall Road, Suite #10 Juneau, aK 99801

907-321-7120 JuneauHomeFinder.com

Residential, CommeRCial, industRial and PRoPeRty management. We seRve all of southeast

MOLLY BRINK

molly BRinK

luKe gunKel

321-5400

723-0759

Mgallagherbrink@gmail.com

ltgunkel@gmail.com

321-5400

mgallagherbrink@gmail.com

Scan to See all our propertieS

CLEANING TIPS

Learn the right ways to clean lawn and patio furniture BY METRO SERVICES REAL ESTATE FEATURES

nce the days begin to grow a little bit longer and the numbers on the thermometer creep a tad higher, outdoor entertaining season is right around the corner. Homeowners may be anxious to once again return to the comforts of their backyards. However, their patio furniture may not be ready for lounging just yet. Some simple cleaning strategies make it easy to brighten outdoor furniture made of metal, glass, wood, and plastic. Before homeowners know it, their backyards will be ready for outdoor entertaining season. Proper storage Storing outdoor furniture during the colder months of the year is a great way to protect items from the elements. This may involve careful shrink-wrapping and keeping items outdoors, or by moving furniture indoors to a shed or garage. Cleaning the furniture one last time before storing it also can be handy. Remove stuck-on debris Inspect furniture and be prepared to remove any stuck-on debris, such as bird droppings, sticky food residue or even cobwebs and insect nests. Be sure to use a cleaning tool that is safe for the material you are cleaning. Test an inconspicuous area of the furniture first to ensure your tools don’t damage the furniture. For example, many scrub brushes can scratch glass or aluminum.

Make a thorough cleanser Clean stains off of furniture with a versatile cleanser. A mild cleaner can be made by mixing 1⁄2 cup baking soda with 1 gallon of warm water, according to the experts at Better Homes & Gardens. Regular dishwashing detergent also can be mixed with water, as it has a mild bleaching agent. This cleanser can be used on plastic resin furniture or metal furniture, which are popular patio furniture materials. Patio fabrics Check the cleaning instructions of outdoor fabrics, as there might be specific instructions on the tags. In some cases, fabric may be removed and washed in a washing machine on a gentle setting. A solution of dish soap and warm wa-

ter also is a gentle way to clean outdoor fabrics. Once items are clean, HGTV advises applying a water-repellent fabric protector to minimize staining and maintenance. Strip or sand Wood furniture may need specialized care. If stains cannot be removed with a mild cleanser, then hard woods like teak can be surface-sanded to restore items’ original look. Pressure washers can often do more harm than good to patio furniture, so it’s best to look for an alternative way to clean them. Usually a bit of elbow grease and a cleanser is all that’s needed. Give the cleaning product time to work. Wipe down and dry the furniture thoroughly to prevent the growth of mildew. JUNEAUEMPIRE.COM

CLEANING TIPS

DIY strategies to deep-clean carpeting plying such solutions, do so in an inconspicuous area of the hat’s underfoot in a room to ensure colorfastness home can go a long of the carpet and that the soluway toward making tion does not adversely affect residences comfortable and the fibers. If the spot is clean aesthetically appealing. and the carpet is not adversely A study of home buyer prefaffected, you can then apply erences using data from the the solution to more visible National Association of Reareas. altors® found that 54 percent Homeowners who prefer of home buyers were willing all-natural cleaning solutions to pay more for a home with rather than chemicals can use hardwood flooring. But that a solution of white vinegar, doesn’t mean that carpeting baking soda and salt to make doesn’t still have its devotees. a safe cleanser, according to In 2019, the real estate firm The Spruce. Soak the stain, Opendoor installed nearly one use a scrub brush to work in million yards of carpeting in the cleanser and then blot up its homes. Houzz reports that, the liquid with a clean cloth. in 2018, 17 percent of renoAccording to the lifestyle revating homeowners purchased source First for Women, club carpets and 50 percent pursoda also works as a cleanser chased indoor rugs. when it is sprayed on a stain. Carpeting and rugs can offset some of the shortcomings of Deep cleaning hardwood, providing a softer Carpets periodically need to texture that makes for a better be revitalized, and that can be landing spot for active young accomplished with a specialchildren. However, carpets ized cleaning machine. Many will require more maintenance are available for purchase (a than hardwood floors. Learn- good investment for homeing how to deep clean carpets owners with kids and/or pets), can help homeowners, as vac- while others can be rented as uuming is not enough to keep needed. carpets in top form. Remove all of the furniture from a room and vacuum to Spot clean stains clean dust, dander and any Stores sell a bevy of carpet other debris. Address any cleaning solutions. When apdarker stains first by pretreatBY METRO SERVICES REAL ESTATE FEATURES

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ing with a cleaning solution. Let sit for around 20 minutes. While waiting, learn how to operate the machine, fill it and clean out the soiled water. Never allow the machine to oversaturate the carpet with water, as it can get into the padding and subfloor, causing problems like mold or wood damage. Spray the water-detergent solutions, and then pass the carpet cleaner over

spots repeatedly until the carpet feels only slightly damp. DoItYourself.com advises running the machine at the pace of one foot per second. Removing shoes when entering the home can keep carpets clean and reduce wear and tear. With frequent deep cleaning, carpets can maintain a likenew appearance for years.

HOME APPEAL

Exploring different backyard structures BY METRO SERVICES REAL ESTATE FEATURES esigning an ideal backyard space requires forethought and an eye for style. Knowing which features to include in a yard often boils down to what homeowners want to achieve in the space. Will it be a relaxing oasis or a central entertaining focal point? People often look to various structures to add height and visual interest to outdoor spaces. Homeowners will likely come across structures like arbors, gazebos, pergolas, and even trellises as they wade through the variety of features they can incorporate into backyard plans. Each of these structures can add appeal, but they also can offer shelter from the sun and privacy when enjoying the yard. There are significant differences between each structure, so here’s an in-depth look at what sets them apart. • Arbor: An arbor is one of the more simple garden structures. It is usually a frame that is arched or square-cornered. Most homeowners use it as an entryway to a garden or even the front of the home. Those with green thumbs may cover the arbor with climbing and trailing plants. The Spruce says arbors date back to early Egyptian and Roman gardens and were used throughout Europe by the late 16th century. • Pergola: The words arbor and pergola are often used interchangeably, but to suggest the two

structures are the same would not be accurate. Pergola comes from the Italian word “pergula,” which means “projection.” Pergolas were once projected from exterior walls and supported on one side by pillars or columns. Today, arbors are usually freestanding units with two or four posts. Pergolas may be connected on one side to a home or another structure. Some are freestanding units supported by four posts. Pergolas tend to be larger and offer more

privacy and shade than arbors. • Gazebo: Gazebos are more defined garden buildings, states the contractor referral site Network. Gazebos are freestanding units that can be built in various shapes. Some are octagonal, others are square. Like a pergola, a gazebo is supported by columns and may have low railings or built-in benches. Gazebos also may have a more solid roof than arbors or pergolas, providing sun and other weather protection. The

roof may have added architectural appeal, like a cupola. • Trellis: A trellis is a simple, geometrically-shaped structure that provides a surface for climbing plants. A trellis also may support fruit-bearing trees. Trellis work may be used in conjunction with an arbor or pergola, or be installed on fencing. Incorporating structures into backyard designs can provide functionality and appeal. JUNEAUEMPIRE.COM

1 FOR A REASON

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Laurie Gardner Vincent Cheng Mac Carandang NMLS #203501

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r apply o t n e m t n i o n app

Southeast Alaska 8390 Airport Blvd., Ste. 102, Juneau, AK 99801

907-796-1202

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onl

ortga m a s u a k s a l ine at a

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