today's home - summer 2015

Supplement to the Federal Way Mirror, Auburn Reporter, Covington Maple Valley Black Diamond Reporter and Kent Reporter

Summer 2015

Today’sHome

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Today’s Home2 SUMMER 2015

By Susie HoranIn January of this year the eight Berkshire Hathaway

HomeServices Northwest Real Estate offices in Washington merged with the 18 Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Northwest Real Estate offices in Oregon creating one company covering both states comprising 26 total offices with over 750 agents. This merger moved the company ranking to number 10 among the 1100 national Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices offices. The newly formed Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices franchise, launched in the fall of 2013, now has 37000 agents, 1100 offices and is in 47 states. This year the franchise started a global

expansion as well. Mike Gain, President/CEO, of the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Northwest offices, who just attended the Berkshire Elite Circle Awards meeting in Washington D.C., said “I am excited about the future of real estate and the future of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Northwest Real Estate. 2015 is already off to an incredible start. Buckle up! It will be a good ride for many years to come.” With historically low interest rates and a growing economy he added “Anyone who can buy a home today at today’s prices with today’s low interest rates should do it. In my opinion, prices and month-ly payments will never be lower than they are today.”

By Susie HoranI have run Career Nights for over 25 years and

have introduced hundreds of people to the career of selling real estate. I have hired people new to the business and I have trained them to be very successful. It is so rewarding to see someone join our team, hit the deck running and find success quickly. For others it may take more time but we have the training and support to help them win at this new career. This is a business of passion. People who have the passion don’t mind working evening and week-ends. They are helping people make major life decisions both emotionally as well as financially. It is a labor of love.

I have a Career Night once a month at our Federal Way office. I tell people “I am going to share with you in one hour everything that you need to know to make a good decision about whether or not a career in real estate is right for you.” I don’t try to sell people on the idea – it has to be a fit for them. But I do give them infor-mation about how to get their real estate license, how much it cost to get started and how much it cost to stay in the business. I talk about our extensive training program and then I share the tools that you need to be successful in real estate. Since we are a full service company, for our cli-ents as well as for our agents, we provide all of the

tools including a personal website for each agent that shows all of the listings in the Northwest Multiple Listing Service as well as a Mobile App that they can give to their clients to easily search for properties from any mobile device. Fifty percent of today’s buyers search for homes from their mobile device and we’ve got that covered. We have a fabulous 65 page Marketing Plan that agents use to share with sellers everything that we are going to do to market their home and give it maximum exposure. And finally, I show some of our automatic stay in touch tools includ-ing a “What’s Active, Pending, and Sold in Your Neighborhood Report” that goes out automati-cally to clients wanting the report.

At Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Northwest Real Estate we have 7 offices in the greater Puget Sound area that have regular Career Nights. They include offices located in Kent, Bellevue, West Seattle, Lynnwood, Burien, Puyallup and of course Federal Way. On our Real Estate Career website www.realestatecareer.org we answer many of the questions that people considering a real estate career want answered as well as provid-ing a portal to register for our next career night seminar. The dates and times are on the web-site. We even have “Career Night on Demand” for those people whose schedules do not match our Career Night dates. We also have a special program for veterans providing financial help so that they can get started with a new career in real estate. If someone has a particular question on any aspect of getting started in a real estate career they can contact our Career Resource Center at 253-765-2355. Or email me at [email protected]. I am happy to answer any ques-tions.

Susie Horan has been in real estate management for over 30 years in the South King County area. She is also the Marketing Director for Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Northwest Real Estate.

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Northwest Real Estate Merges Oregon and Washington Offices for a Total of 26 Offices in the Northwest

Is A Career in Real Estate Right for You?

Mike Gain, President/CEO, of the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Northwest Real Estate

Susie Horan, Manager and Marketing Director, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Northwest Real Estate, standing by the readerboard at their Federal Way office.

Today’s Home 3SUMMER 2015

Tom Brunner 253-332-7400

Kay Jones206-227-7525

Chuck Barrios206-841-9101

Roxanne Kurosky206-890-9801

Stephen Kitajo 206-972-9721

Kathy Gendron 253-332-6300

Cris LeCompte206-595-7422

Jasmine Santana206-422-5618

Karen Stevenson206-251-6200

Lisa Kimball253-223-7444

Denise Tholl253-740-6986

Cindy Smalley206-841-5321

Larry Davis206-949-3434

Mary Saucier253-639-8608

Elizabeth Waloweek253-217-6173

Joy Urakawa206-669-6828

Leon Lyman253-639-3350

Natalie Duran253-315-9827

Paulette Pedersen253-297-3479

Alex Clark206-307-5683

Sally Law206-817-1114

Cindy Lucas206-714-9716

Florence Ong253-347-0510

Julie Horton206-300-0400

Laura Slankard253-569-0698

Dawn Dube206-396-8926

Jan Glenn253-261-3025

Adam Arzino253-720-6297

Lorelei Windhorn253-569-1058

Duane Coleman206-818-1706

Joan Hanson206-949-4811

Crystal Elvig253-545-1322

Melanie Scott253-261-8882

Kyong Kwon 253-332-5388

Tami Wooding253-221-6945

Cathy Jacobs206-755-4840

Jae Chung253-224-9347

James Smith206-290-6387

Jim McConville 253-229-4510

Alison Pedersen 253-569-6964

Shirley Flaherty 253-332-1867

Miky Hyun206-941-9821

Ron Blood206-660-2884

Sarah Cazier206-383-3687

Mary Schultz 253-529-0843

Paula Huse206-510-3976

Marilyn Maras Cade 206-963-5300

John Valentine 206-399-4732

Suzanne Cheney 253-740-4168

Shari Song206-790-9044

Maurice Mayben 253-256-2663

Pat Roragen 253-230-0217

Tom Clark253-332-6767

Stacy Larson206-362-0575

Leanne Emery 253-921-7019

Don Donat253-380-2612

Gayle Miller 206-795-6284

206-941-9821

Bob Almeda 253-377-5600

Meg O. Harrison 253-961-3613

Kai Jensen808-636-3138

253-377-5600

Darlene Nguyen 206-288-9119

Julie Siegler 253-653-8540

Ron Niemeyer253-332-3838

Stan Smith206-650-3007

Larry Prokop 253-653-5392

Robert “Bear” Carper 253-222-0831

Barbara Geraghty253-332-1924

Connie Sprickman253-350-6122

206-650-3007

Susie Horan 206-227-3900

Robin Stanko206-853-3030

206-790-9044

Charlotte Carper 206-601-6821

Jackie Alexander253-332-2355

Je� Kuhns253-234-4899

Raj Sangha206-617-4934

Zdenka Kalezic206-407-4404

Terry Traynor206-499-7771

Pam Collins360-509-4547

Robbyn Adelsman253-569-0106

Teresa Saenger206-510-8407

Teresa Lyman253-709-0913

Marlene Burns206-948-5829

Sandi Kleist253-332-2342

Steven Boynton 253-228-5293

Rhonda Ingalls253-332-9941

Sandy Sargent206-949-0552

Pat Conger206-227-1959

Pat Sheets253-740-1102

Philip Baskaron206-255-3400

Tracie Pentzold206-920-1063

Good to Know®

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(StatePoint) These days, home theaters are particularly popular rooms in many houses, and are even viewed as selling points. In fact, this trend has become so popular that eight in ten builders now offer home theater pre-wire, according to a study from the Consumer Electronics Association.

By following some tricks of the trade, you can add excite-ment to your living room or create a superior home theater space.

Immersive VisualsTo capture the stunning visuals you see in the theater,

consider a projector that can create a more immersive expe-rience for gaming, movies, concerts, and sports. Be sure to select one with a fully connectable interface, including three types of video and audio inputs, as well as HDMI, RGB and RS-232C terminals.

A projector lets you replace an ordinary TV with a larger screen, and if you choose a light one, it can even be moved around from room to room. For example, weighing in at just five pounds, Casio’s SLIM projectors are thin and compact, require little setup time and provide maximum brightness in as few as five seconds to put you into the action in no time. The SLIM series of LampFree projectors offers an estimated 20,000-hour lifespan with minimal brightness degradation and continuous operation, out-shining conventional projectors requiring mercury lamp replacements. More information is available at www.CasioProjector.com.

And experts also stress that projectors can be economi-cal, as the cost per image area is less than with traditional televisions.

Powerful SoundYou want powerful sound that can move you, but not so

loud it moves your home’s foundation.Most experts agree surround sound is best. You will

need at least four speakers and a subwoofer. And don’t just place speakers on either side of your screen. Create an equilateral triangle, with the right and left front speakers as two points and your primary seat as the third point. Meaning, if you are seated seven feet away from the screen, your speakers should be seven feet apart from each other and angled toward you. Place them at the same height as ear level.

Easy ComfortSeating is just as important as incredible visuals and pow-

erful sound to create the perfect home theater atmosphere.Think of seats as primary and secondary. Primary seat-

ing is for family or friends who use the space regularly. Secondary seating is used when you have that huge party for the big game, a new movie or an awards show.

Some prefer dramatic theater-style seating with classic flip-up chairs and built-in cup holders. Others like reclin-ers or sofas on which they can lean. Just make sure every seat has an unobstructed view and no seat is too close to speakers.

(StatePoint) On average, people spend more than two hours daily on such household activities as cleaning and organizing, according to the 2013 American Time Use Survey by the Bureau of Labor and Statistics. But there’s no need to spend the bulk of precious free time achieving a spotless home.

Here are a few tips for making once tedious chores easy and effective.

Clean Kitchen The kitchen often attracts the most mess. However, clean-

ing as you go can keep it looking spick and span.Fill your sink with hot soapy water when you start dinner.

Place used pots, pans and dishes in the filled sink to soak while you eat. Never give sauces, oils or spices a chance to sit around -- wipe up spills immediately.

Cleaning a dirty oven is easy when you line the bottom with a nonstick oven liner. Simply wipe the liner with a paper towel, place it in the dishwasher and reuse -- no addi-tional scrubbing required.

Bacteria can feed on food put down the drain and on what’s left on dishes, according to a study conducted by Dr. Charles Gerba, a.k.a. “Dr. Germ.” Your dirty kitchen sink has more bacteria than your toilet seat and is actually the prime place for E. coli to live and grow. To sanitize your garbage disposal, pour one half cup of baking soda down the drain followed by one cup of white vinegar. Place the stopper in the sink and allow the solution to work its magic for a few minutes. Rinse with boiling water.

Spotless BathroomA regular vanity wipe down is a must, but an additional

way to keep these areas looking spotless is with the right fixtures. Some faucets now feature Microban antimicrobial protection built into the faucet finish, a technology that helps inhibit the growth of stain- and odor-causing bac-teria, mold and mildew. For example, the new Moen Vale collection, available at The Home Depot, features Microban as well as Spot Resist finish, which helps resist fingerprints and water spots to maintain a brilliant finish.

If you have a cloth shower curtain, throw it in the laundry, then hang it outside to dry. Bathroom humidity can make fabrics look limp quickly, so swap out towels frequently for a fluffy and fresh look.

De-Cluttered Living SpacesAccording to a recent survey, 28 percent of consumers

said they only straighten up a few times each week. The sur-vey, conducted by Moen, also found that most homeowners don’t strive for a perfectly organized home; but they would if there was more time available to devote to organizing.

To find more time, conduct a five-minute sweep of the house nightly before bed, taking a laundry basket with you. Place anything in the basket that doesn’t belong in that particular room, and then put the basket contents back in their proper place.

By regularly taking a few moments out of your week to clean and organize, you can easily have a fresh feeling home with minimal elbow grease required.

Tips to Set Up a Great Home Theater Room

Top Time-Saving Tips for Household Chores


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F I N D Y O U R P E R S O N A L P A R A D I S E

T W O L O C A T I O N S T O S E R V E Y O U 320th & Military Rd., Federal Way, WA 253.941.7705 • Federal Way Commons Mall (Next to Starbucks Coffee) 253-736-4644 • branchesgardencenter.com

When was the last time you killed a plant – on purpose? Other than those pesky weeds, we make heroic efforts to keep our plants alive, protecting them from pests, and feeding and watering them to help them thrive. But occasionally, the best thing you can do for your garden is to kill something. In my world, not all green things are sacred; it’s alright to hurry the demise of a plant if a greater good results.

Unlike a sculpture or other works of art, gardens are not things we conceive, create, and declare “done.” Gardens area work in progress. Change is driven my evolving personal taste, changing needs,

and well-intended, but sometimes, misinformed plant selections.

Take a serious look at your garden, and consider the possibility that it may be time to ‘kill a plant.” Some things to consider:

1. Wrong plant, wrong place. Plants can’t read nursery tags so there are times they may not perform the way they were intended. Plants that are cover-ing windows, overpowering surrounding landscape, sending out invasive roots, hopelessly out of shape or blocking important views need to go.

2. Failure to thrive. If a plant is not happy in my yard I will attempt to help it thrive. But don’t spend too much time and money on it. No matter how great a plant looks on the internet or in a neighbor’s yard, if it does not thrive in my yard is has to go.

3. I don’t like it. Beauty is in the eye of the behold-er. No matter how enthusiastic the local garden guru is about a plant, it has no place in your yard unless you love it. Have a plant you just don’t care for tak-ing up space in your garden? Let it go and replace it with something you love.

And then there was life. Celebrate that last trip to the compost bin with a

visit to Branches Garden Center. We will help you find the perfect plant that will thrive in your garden and you will love for years to come. At Branches we can give you hundreds of reasons and dozens of ways to NOT kill your plants. We are here to help you

enjoy a yard that is lush and thriving and a place you will enjoy. Together we will bring your garden to life.

While at Branches you will want to explore our huge gift shop brimming with gift ideas, home décor, clothing, jewelry, framed art, fountains, and so much more.

Three Good Reasons To Kill A Plant


Welcome to Tile Lines…What project are you working on?

We’re a family-owned retail tile and stone showroom located in Kent, Washington. We pro-vide a wide range of quality products to homeowners, designers, and contractors from Seattle, Tacoma, Kent, Renton, Auburn, Federal Way, and the greater King County area. We have a great selection of porcelain tiles, granite and marble tile for floors and countertops, travertine tiles for showers, floors, and backsplash projects. We can help you order solid surface countertops in granite, marble, and quartz. We have many decorative glass, metal, and stone tile and mosaic options on display. In-store designers can assist with ideas and product selection and answer many installation-related questions. We stock many installation supplies, including thinset mor-tar and grout, as well as shower waterproofing kits such as Wedi and Schluter Kerdi. Unlike the big box home improvement stores, we deal exclusively with tile and tile products; so we have consistently better selection, better information, and better customer service. Stop by today and see what’s in store!

Start your Project & Get Inspired!Allow us to guide you through your next tile or countertop project! Whether you need a

kitchen countertop with a coordinating backsplash or are replacing your bathtub with a walk-in shower, we can provide installation advice, design assistance, and one of the biggest selections of tile and stone in the Northwest.

We offer complementary design assistance! Our talented staff can help you choose the right tiles, countertops, and decorative pieces to fit your style and your home. We also have numerous in-store design boards, product samples, and idea books that can help with the design process.

Frequently Asked Questions about our Products:

Why can’t I buy any products on your website? Tile and stone can look extremely different on a computer screen than they do in real life. We strongly recommend you see the color and feel the texture of a tile in person before buying. Choosing a product that you’ll live with for 10+ years without seeing it in person is like buying a new car without taking it for a test drive!We may, in the future, sell non-design items such as thinset and tools on our website and have them available for delivery or in-store pick-up. Subscribe to our quarterly email newsletter, to keep up to date on our latest website and product developments.

I found a tile/stone at another store. Can you order it for me? More often than not, yes! We work with over 30 different tile distributors, hundreds of tile manufacturers, and can order over 100,000 tile and stone products. Contact us with the name of the product and when and where you saw it, and we’ll be able to tell you if we can get it and how much it would cost. However, if a man-made product has been discontinued, is exclusive to another retailer (such as a Home Depot or Lowe’s), or is unavailable in our region, we might not be able to order it.When looking for natural stone products from several different sources; so even if Company A stopped carrying a product, Company B might still have it. We always recommend seeing a sample of the current batch of any natural stone mate-rial in person, due to the high variation inherent in the product. The stone sample you saw three months ago might look very different from a current sample from the exact same company or quarry.

I have a tile I’m trying to match, can you help? We’ll certainly try! At least once a week, a homeowner comes to us with a broken piece of tile from a damaged shower or an old floor and asks if we can order it or something like it.Occasionally, we can track down the manufacturer and order more of the exact same tile. But if the tile is out of production or completely unavailable, we’ll let you know up front and recommend alternatives.

Submitted by Darrell Helbling, owner of Tile Lines, website www.tilelines.com.

Over 1OO,OOO tile options, and we’ll help you find the

perfect one.Our new retail showroom is open to homeowners, designers, and contractors.

Stop by to see thousands of products: from durable floor tiles to sleek shower tiles, from decorative accents for kitchen backsplashes to beautiful granite, marble, and quartz for your countertops...

We offer complimentary in-store design assistance and professional installation advice.

Whether you plan to install your new shower, floor, or backsplash yourself or if you’re just supervising, we have the experience and the knowledge to guide you through your project!

Facebook.com/TileLines

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Pinterest.com/TileLines

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Tile Lines

253.872.0449

1531 Central Ave SKent, WA 98032

Open Mon–Fri 7:30–5:30,Sat 9–5

[email protected]

TileLines.com Auburn

S 277th St

S Kent Des Moines RdWillis St

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Office: 800-965-8870 www.nwgypsum.com

Whether you call it Drywall, Gypsum Wallboard or Sheetrock, its all 100% recyclable to us!

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“A product designed for your safety and made to be infinitely recycled into new gypsum wallboard!”

Almost 30 years ago, the Greater Vancouver Regional District (GVRD) in British Columbia, Canada, became one of the first jurisdictions in the world to ban the disposal of gypsum from landfill sites. With this ban came opportunity. In an effort to ensure that no gypsum ever made its way to a landfill, Tony and Gwen McCamley established New West Gypsum Recycling, Ltd. (NWGR) in 1985. Over time, a highly-efficient process was devel-oped to pulverize the gypsum core and remove the backing paper, leaving the recycled gypsum ready for use. This pro-cess – now patented – is the cornerstone of nearly 5 million tonnes of gypsum mate-rial that NWGR has recycled to wallboard manufacturers. The recycled material is a consistent, quality blend of pre- and post-consumer gypsum material that is a readily available source for use in the manufac-ture of new drywall products. Since 1990, NWGR has been expanding its process-ing capabilities. We have been operating in Washington State since then. NWGR has developed methods of recycling the paper backing for re-use in many different applications. NWGR has streamlined their processes and business model and has

expanded around the globe. Today, NWGR has well over 100 people employed at plants world-wide. NWGR is the most effi-cient gypsum recycler today – not only can we recycle dry gypsum, but we are experts at recycling wet gypsum.

Our goal is that no gypsum material ever ends up in a landfill. Since there is no product degradation during the recycling process, gypsum is an infinite re-use mate-rial. NWGR works with recycling associa-tions, green building associations and gov-ernments to educate and bring awareness to industry stakeholders so that landfill does not have to be a choice for gypsum. The paper backing material is baled and re-used or repurposed, any post-consumer materials, like nails or screws, are culled from the gypsum recycling process and moved through a separate recycling stream.

As a business, our primary imperative is the re-utilization of materials. The bottom line is we care about the environment and want to do our part to help make respon-sible decisions to positively affect where we live. We are relentless in our efforts to educate public and private sectors about gypsum recycling. Today, NWGR plants have capacity for 1 million tonnes of mate-

Drywall Recycling Keeping used gypsum out of the landfill

rial per year – and we challenge ourselves to grow that number. We will continue to invest in technology to gain process and quality efficiencies as well as cost reduc-tions.

The ideal solution for gypsum material is a closed-loop re-utilization of the mate-rial. That is, recycled material is returned to the wallboard manufacturer to re-enter the wallboard manufacturing process. NWGR offers a closed-loop sustainable solution that ensures gypsum is not ‘lost’ as it is with composting or land spread-ing. Gypsum can essentially be recycled forever with no degradation to the mate-rial. NWGR’s philosophy keeps gypsum material in the supply chain, reducing the need to extract virgin material which helps to preserve valuable, natural resources for generations to come.

Construction waste management guide-lines are documented in every green build-ing program. NWGR provides documenta-tion and an audit trail to certify recycling of gypsum materials for participants in programs such as LEED. NWGR has a prov-en business model – it’s worked for almost 3 decades. We have strong relationships with wallboard manufacturers who have consistently grown the recycled content of their wallboard products. NWGR is so con-fident in our business model and solution technology that we offer risk mitigation to wallboard manufacturers. Our process

model is tried, tested and true. Since the beginning, we’ve never had a load rejected. We continually work with the wallboard manufacturers on process improvement and our modular equipment allows for efficient technology evolution. An essential part of our process is human ability – hand sorting before processing assures the high-est quality feedstock for manufacturers.

Our business model dictates that a maximum percentage of gypsum material bound for recycling is post-consumer. That is, material that is diverted from landfill from building renovations and new con-struction (off-cuts). In order to efficiently collect this material, NWGR utilizes exist-ing transfer stations at key locations sur-rounding the recycling plant locations. In some instances, NWGR has built their own transfer stations in particular regions. We recognize that this is not our primary business and would prefer to partner with companies who are adept at that business model. Material brought to transfer sta-tions is typically pre-sorted at that location prior to the gypsum wallboard material being transported via waste haulers to the recycling facility. Additionally, for con-struction sites and large project sites, wall-board dedicated waste bins can be made available on-site and once full, transported directly to the recycling plant.

Drywall Recycling Continued on Page 11


Exterior Painting Preparation Tips for Home Owners

We are ProTect Painters, a full-service, interior and exterior painting company. We believe in helping oth-ers fully realize the pride and joy of home ownership. We, not only treat our customers like family, ProTect Painters treats your home like it was our own, by find-ing the right color that represents you and your space. We’re professional painters that never cut corners in delivering unparalleled quality - YOUR home is our showcase.

What makes ProTect Painters different? We always do what we say we are going to do! We’re proud of the Top 5 reasons why customers choose ProTect Painters:

1. Gift of Time: ProTect Painters manages the entire project from beginning to end.

2. Upfront Pricing: A detailed plan. No hidden costs.

3. Color Consult: Our painting professionals provide the right color for your surroundings.

4. Flexible and Reliable: Experienced in working with your schedule.

5. Communication: Always knowing what’s happen-ing and when.

Why Customers Choose ProTect Painters?

Terry & Jeanette KoubeleProTect Painters of Federal Way & NE Tacoma253-561-8493

Chuck RegerProTect Painters of Covington253-200-3272

You can make prep work go quickly and smoothly by doing some prep of your own. The following is a helpful checklist to follow to ensure your home’s exterior is ready prior to the ProTect Painters professionals arriving at your home.

Pressure Washing• Trim back landscaping to allow painters close access to siding and trim• Move items, such as potted plants and/or lawn furniture, to allow close access to siding and trim• Make sure water spigots are in good working order for pressure washing• Close your windows on pressure washing days • Check window sills for water after pressure washing is completed

Prep and Painting• Have paint colors selected approximately one week prior to scheduled painting• Move items, such as potted plants and/or lawn furniture, to allow close access to siding and trim• Ensure that the painters will have access to electrical outlets• Designate a safe area where the crew can leave their ladders and miscellaneous equipment• Coordinate your painting plans with other potential tradespeople working on your project• Reschedule lawn service and turn off sprinklers while your house is being painted• Unlock windows on the days they are painted – it is necessary to open and shut• Ensure access to doors that will need to be painted, as they may need to be open for several hours on the day

they are paintedCall TODAY for your free estimate!

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* Manufacturer’s mail-in rebate offer valid for qualifying purchases made 7/18/15 – 9/14/15 from participating dealers in the U.S. only. A qualifying purchase is defi ned as a purchase of the product model set forth above in the quantity set forth above. If you purchase less than the specifi ed quantity, you will not be entitled to a rebate. Offer excludes Nantucket™ Window Shadings, a collection of Silhouette Window Shadings. Rebate will be issued in the form of a prepaid reward card and mailed within 6 weeks of rebate claim receipt. Funds do not expire. Subject to applicable law, a $2.00 monthly fee will be assessed against card balance 7 months after card issuance and each month thereafter. Additional limitations may apply. Ask participating dealer for details and rebate form. © 2015 Hunter Douglas. All rights reserved. All trademarks used herein are the property of Hunter Douglas.

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Marti Reeder REALTOR®, Broker, CRS

Your Award-winning South Sound Real Estate Broker.

206-391-0388marti-realtor.com

Marti ReederMarti ReederMarti ReederMarti ReederMarti Reeder, Broker, CRS

Your Award-winning South Sound

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Drywall Recycling Continued from Page 8

Recycling FacilitiesNWGR’s recycling facilities are capable

of processing an average of 25 tonnes of blended wet and dry gypsum drywall material per hour. Current capacity for each plant is 100,000 tonnes annually. To date, we have recycled nearly 5 mil-lion tonnes of gypsum drywall material. Combining all recycling facilities, NWGR has the capacity to annually recycle up to 1,000,000 tonnes of gypsum drywall mate-rial. All of our recycling facilities are built in close proximity to or are co-located in a manufacturing facility. This helps to reduce our carbon footprint relating to transport-ing material. As well, since we are in such close proximity it helps to strengthen our relationship with the manufacturer.

Recycling ProcessNew West Gypsum Recycling receives

pre-and post-consumer gypsum waste, reconstitutes the materials into useful products and provides the raw material for new manufacturing. Our successful busi-ness model incorporates agreements with wallboard manufacturers that secure a strong supply and demand for the gypsum material.

Acceptable materials from construction, deconstruction or reconstruction sites and scrap from drywall manufacturers include:• Waste drywall board material • Strip-out gypsum wallboard products • Construction off-cuts

Gypsum moulds from porcelain manu-facturers are also accepted at our recycling facilities.

Waste wallboard and gypsum goes through the following general processing stages:

1. Inbound wet and dry loads of waste wallboard product are dumped on the NWGR plant’s tipping floor and hand-cleaned (pre-sorted) of metal, plastic and other debris.

2. The raw material gypsum waste is load-ed into a large feed hopper, which feeds the waste onto a sorting belt where a quality control agent can sort through the material to ensure suitability for the manufactur-er’s feedstock. A conveyor belt then moves the material under an electromagnet which removes minute ferrous metal fragments.

3. The material is then conveyed to an enclosed processing area that separates the paper line from the gypsum core.

4. The recycled gypsum is conveyed to drywall manufacturers, where it is blended with virgin or synthetic gypsum to make new wallboard.

5. The paper is further processed prior to recycling for use in a wide variety of applica-tions.

6. Any metals collected enter a separate recycling stream.

EnvironmentalRecycled gypsum combined with raw gyp-

sum produces desirable consistency levels in the manufacture of new gypsum-based prod-ucts. Recycling and re-using gypsum material will reduce the need for virgin raw material. The business model for drywall manufactur-ers using recycled gypsum is compelling – they save by paying a low fee for disposal of their manufacturing scrap and they lengthen the useful life of their gypsum mine resourc-es. With virtually no capital investment, manufacturers are helping to conserve natu-ral resources while responsibly endorsing sustainable processes and products.

NWGR works with recycling associations, green building associations and governments to educate and bring awareness to industry stakeholders so that landfill does not have to be a choice for gypsum.

We are proud of our people, our plants, our partnerships and our commitment to an environmentally responsible business frame-work. We will continue to invest in technol-ogy to gain process and quality efficiencies as well as cost reductions. We ARE Gypsum Recycling.

Buying a new home can be an excit-ing process, but first you have to sell your current home. Here are seven sell-ing mistakes you can avoid to expedite the process, adapted from the National Association of Realtors®.

1. Ignoring sales prep. If you are eager to move, you might skip the needed steps to properly prepare your home for sale. Take the extra time to paint, make minor repairs, and do a deep cleaning. No time? Hire professionals to do these tasks for you. –Ask your Realtor® for their professional advice!

2. Failing to disclose necessary infor-mation. It is important to be honest about your home’s trouble spots, even if they’re hidden from view and might not be identified during an inspec-tion. Mention leaks, needed repairs and replacements, flooding issues, and any other problems that could cause a new homeowner problems later. The WA State Law-Required Seller Disclosure Form will guide you through this pro-cess.

3. Pricing your home too high. Work with your Realtor® to identify com-parable properties and unique selling features, and set a reasonable and fair

price for your home. Pricing too high, allowing the listing to linger on the market can actually do more harm than good. –Not to mention bring you much frustration!

4. Ignoring curb appeal can be costly if your home’s exterior turns away poten-tial buyers. “A pictures says a thousand words”.

5. Not working with a Realtor®. Selling Brokers affiliated with the National Association of Realtors® have additional skills and training and pledge to uphold the industry’s highest ethical standards. Confirm you’re working with a true Realtor®.

6. Failing to depersonalize your home. You may love your home “as is,” but a potential buyer wants to be able to envision him or herself there. Store your photos, artwork, collectibles and other personal possessions. –Again, your pro-fessional Realtor® should be a huge asset, using their “buyer’s vision” while assess-ing your home, furnishings & décor.

7. Being unprepared for next steps. An experienced Realtor® can help you understand and prepare for the com-plexities and contingencies that go along with selling a home. – Marti Reeder

7 Home selling mistakes you can avoid


Take a good look at your home. See the area that your roof covers. It’s as large as your home. Your roof is designed to keep all the water out of you home. If your roof is working, you’ll stay dry and comfortable. At least inside.

Now, take another look at your home, see the gutters? They’re designed to catch all the water that hits your roof and move that water away from your home. Why? The answer is both simple and complex. So let’s go with the simple answer. Water can actually destroy your home. In Washington State our climate causes us to deal with lots of water and a large amount of small debris.

Debris like Pine, Fir, Cedar and other small debris like roof shingle grit will be swept into your gutters along with the water. When your gutters are filled with debris or the downspouts aren’t working correctly your gutters will clog. The result can be damage to your home. And that damage may cost thousands of dollars to repair.

In a typical year, your roof will catch enough water to fill a large swimming pool a few times over and that water may carry millions of small pine and fir needles all mov-ing with the water rushing into your gutters. This debris forms a lattice and may block your downspouts from draining the water from your gutters. Think of a kitchen sink, just a small amount of debris can clog the small drain at the bottom of the sink. The drain from the gutter to the downspout is smaller than the size of a softball. So it doesn’t take much to clog your gutters.

How to Keep Your Gutters from CloggingHere are several ways to keep your gutters working.

Clean them yourself.People do it all the time. Basic equipment needed: a

ladder, a bucket, a good pair of gloves, and a scoop to pull up the muck and debris, a hose and fresh clean water and a good bit of luck. It takes just 6 to 10 hours and with any luck, and barring injuries you’ll have the pride of knowing that you’ve safely completed one of the most dangerous, filthy and troublesome home maintenance jobs there is.

Other than catastrophic injuries that you may sustain from falling off a wobbly, sliding ladder, you’ll know that you’ve saved the hundreds of dollars that a gutter cleaning service might have charged. And like a trip to Vegas, you’ll know that ‘you’ve beaten the odds’, since falls from lad-ders around the home are in the ‘top five’ lists of causes of accidental deaths. You might ask yourself if the risk is worth the reward?

If everything goes well, you can take comfort in know-ing that if you don’t live anywhere near Pine, Fir, Cedar, Hemlock or other Evergreens you may not have to clean them again for a few months. If you do have a home near Evergreens, be prepared to repeat the process at least three to six times a year.

Hire a Gutter Cleaning Service.Perhaps a better choice versus self-cleaning. There are

some good ones, gutter cleaners that are licensed, bonded and properly insured with lots of experience but they don’t come cheaply. They know the risks and difficul-ties of doing the job right. Unfortunately, there are also many ‘gutter cleaners’ who are not licensed, bonded and properly insured with little or almost no experience. This type of cleaning service is a disaster waiting to happen. If they fall or get injured, it could be your home owners insurance that they’ll file a claim against. They could wind up suing you too, as ridiculous as that may seem. You’ve heard the stories of burglars who were shot by homeown-ers while they were in the act of looting a home. Several have sued the home owner for inflicting injuries on them. It just doesn’t seem right, does it?

So, if you do hire a professional gutter cleaning service, you’ll save yourself from injuries. And if you live near lots of Evergreens, you should prepare to see these pro gut-ter cleaners often. The more stuff that falls on your roof, the more that will enter your gutters. To mix metaphors, if you don’t just ‘want to sweep the dirt under the rug’, you’ll have to have your gutters cleaned three to four times a year to keep them in top condition. Remember, it’s your gutters job to protect your home from water damage and it’s a full time 24/7 job. Stuffed gutters just won’t cut it. After just a few years, you could well spend more on gutter cleaning than you’d spend on a real gutter protection system.

Install a Real Gutter Protection SystemThere are over one hundred brands of Gutter Protection

on the market and all promise to keep your gutters from clogging. A few of these systems work very, very well. Most don’t. Especially here in The Evergreen State, the trick is to

keep all the stuff but water out of the gutters. All the stuff, not just some of the stuff.

Reverse Curve Leaf Guards and Helmets and others like them…

Systems with a gap in the front simply can’t keep all the small stuff out. The first patents for this type of product were issued in 1906 and very little has changed from this concept since. Small debris flows right along with the water and into the gutters. Even if these ‘reverse curve’ product marketers promise to clean your gutters for free when they clog, be aware that clogged gutters can do great damage to your roof, fascia, foundation and more and it can happen quickly.

A full reverse curve type system can cost more than twice as much as a PineBlock gutter filtration system and yet reverse curves fail to keep out all the debris, all the time.

Stainless Steel High Tech Gutter FiltrationNow considered ‘the state of the art’ in Gutter Protection

these products do keep all the stuff out of your gutters. Some even keep the water out too. Whoops!

Some of these filtration products use the cheaper 304 grade of stainless steel which is far less corrosion resistant than the 316 Marine Grade Stainless Steel used by the best makers of gutter filtration. Some of these products use a plastic base that can warp in high heat and are also installed almost flat. Flat installation is like creating a shelf on the gutters that can hold tons of unsightly debris right on the filter. And while some of these marketers promise to ‘give you your money back if your gutters ever clog’, they won’t guaranty that the filter itself won’t clog! And sometimes their filters do clog, and then not even the water can get past.

The inventor of PineBlock, Alex Higginbotham, holds 9 U.S. Patents and is the acknowledged authority of filtration technology. He is the inventor of brands you may know such as LeafFilter™, LeafSolutions™ and now PineBlock. He states that PineBlock is the best performing gutter protection product with more filtering technology than any other product. And PineBlock warrants that your gutters will never clog nor will the PineBlock Filter. It will work, day after day, year after year. And nothing but water will ever get in your gutters. Best of all, he says, “I invented PineBlock for the average family to be able to afford.” It’s the best product value on the market. Check out the competition and see PineBlock last for the whole, true, story.

How to Keep Your Gutters from Clogging

Yes, you can grow things in an open gutter. But, you shouldn’t.

A romantic view of gutter cleaning. Actually it’s much more messy and dangerous.

Yes, you can grow things in an open gutter. But, you shouldn’t.

A romantic view of gutter cleaning. Actually it’s much more messy and dangerous.


You Don’t Have To Be Smart To Buy PineBlock

But It Helps.

The Volkswagen 64 Beetle was a classic.

It was inexpensive.

It lasted almost forever.

It handled everything nature could hit it with.

What it lacked in beauty it made up for with brains.

It cost far less than other cars.

People who owned one, were consid-ered very smart. Wise, in fact.

Of course, if you want to spend twice as much on gutter protection, don’t say that we didn’t warn you. With PineBlock™ you’ll keep everything out of your gutters and our high priced competitors out of your wallet. And you can use the savings for a nice vacation.

PineBlock is the VW of Gutter Protection.

It’s inexpensive. It costs far less than many gutter protection products.

It lasts almost forever. It keeps everything but water out of your gutters. Everything.

It’s inexpensive. It costs far less than many gutter protection products. Oh, did we say that?

PineBlock is the best Stainless Steel tech-nology. People who select PineBlock are very smart. Wise, in fact.

Protect your home from water damage from clogged or overflowing gutters. Save thou-sands on home repairs. And never have to do that dirty, dangerous and thankless job of cleaning your gutters again, ever. That should make everybody happy.

The Most Advanced Micro Filtration

Call 425-333-7677 or visit

www.PINEBLOCK.COM © 2015 PINEBLOCK,INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. CONTRACTORS LICENSE #: PINEBI*851JB Licensed, Bonded and Insured

You Don’t Have To Be Smart To Buy PineBlock

But It Helps.

The Volkswagen 64 Beetle was a classic.

It was inexpensive.

It lasted almost forever.

It handled everything nature could hit it with.

What it lacked in beauty it made up for with brains.

It cost far less than other cars.

People who owned one, were considered very smart. Wise, in fact.

Of course, if you want to spend twice as much on gutter protection, don’t say that we didn’t warn you. With PineBlock you’ll keep everything out of your gutters and our high priced competitors out of your wallet And you can use the savings for a nice vacation.

PineBlock(TM) is the VW of Gutter Protection.

It’s inexpensive. It costs far less than similar gutter filtration products.

It lasts almost forever. It keeps everything but water out of your gutters. Everything.

It’s inexpensive. It costs about half of similar gutter filtration products. Oh, did we say that?

PineBlock is the finest filtering Stainless Steel technology on the market. People who select Pine Guard are very smart. Wise, in fact.

Protect your home from water damage from clogged or overflowing gutters. Save thou-sands on home repairs. And never have to do that dirty, dangerous and thankless job of cleaning your gutters again, ever. That should make everybody happy.

Twice the Value, Half the Cost.

Call 425-333-7677 or visit

www.PINEBLOCK.COM © 2015 PINEBLOCK,INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. CONTRACTORS LICENSE #: PINEBI*851JB Licensed, Bonded and Insured

1329551

GUTTER PROTECTION

The Most Advanced Micro Filtration


(StatePoint) Whether you’re preparing to sell, or just looking to increase your home’s value, it’s important to think about strategic upgrades -- and not just how; but where to remodel.

Here are a few ideas to help you prioritize home remod-eling endeavors.

Create Curb AppealImagine walking up your driveway as a potential buyer.

Does the exterior leave a lasting impression? Begin the process of preparing your home for sale at the front door by creating an inviting entryway that will entice potential buyers even before they step foot inside. Adding a pop of color to your front door will make a statement, and chang-ing out the hardware fixtures will update the look instantly.

Cleaning up your lawn, power washing siding, and planting trees, bushes and flowers are simple ways to invest in your home’s curb appeal. Lining the walkway with solar-powered lights is also a nice touch.

Update the BathBathrooms and kitchens are the most popular renova-

tion projects, with the greatest number of consumers con-centrating their attention on the bath, according to a recent Houzz and Home survey of homeowners.

When remodeling, focus on details that can quickly update the space, such as installing quality fixtures. As you

begin the selection process for new bath fixtures, consider those with a timeless style that will be appreciated by you and a wide variety of home buyers. For versatility, check out the Wynford collection from Moen, which offers a wide range of faucet options and finish choices.

Increasing storage, along with a few other fixes, can add thousands of dollars to your home’s value, according to a Bankrate.com report. Key updates improve both the look and functionality of the bathroom. Try adding storage or installing a new shower curtain rod. A curved shower rod, such as those from Moen, can add up to an additional seven inches of space in the shower.

A Little Clean Up More than two out of five real estate professionals rank

dirt, smells and clutter high on their list of costliest home-selling mistakes, according to a recent survey by Consumer Reports. Smells could indicate a serious problem in the home, such as mold or mildew.

Use a dehumidifier to dry out damp areas. Also, have your carpets and drapery professionally cleaned on a regu-lar basis, especially if you have pets. If your home could use a deep clean, it might be worth investing in a professional service.

Concentrating on essential repairs and easy updates can instantly change the perception of your home and help you make the most from your sale.

(StatePoint) When you began shopping for your home, you may have envisioned white picket fences, the perfect kitchen, and decorations mirroring those from your favorite glossy magazines. Soon, you real-ized your taste and budget weren’t on the same page. However, every home can be a glorious fixer-upper as you add appealing features -- especially if you know some tricks to save time and money on home improvements.

With limited time and budget, you may not know where to begin. Here are four home improvement tips to help get you started.

Wall RepairYou’ve decided the ugly bathroom mirror

needs a makeover, but when you remove it from the wall, some of the drywall paper comes off too. For larger wall repairs, remember to prime twice. Cut away any loose paper, apply a thin coat of primer, followed by three coats of spackle or com-pound -- sanding between each layer for a smooth finish. Apply primer again to prevent “flashing,” or a dulling in the fin-ish, and paint the area with your desired wall color. For a quick bathroom update, consider framing the mirror instead of removing it.

Boxed StorageLarge retailers offer stylish storage solu-tions for minimal cost. The downside, besides having to assemble things yourself, is the lack of stability these units provide. Have a little peace of mind with a simple fix – before screwing the pieces together, simply add a small amount of Elmer’s Wood Glue. The bond will hold strong, even as your screws loosen over time. For projects with mixed materials, such as metal and wood, use ProBond Advanced.

Fill in the GapsYour trim and baseboards can take quite

the beating over the years. Moving furni-ture, kicking off your shoes, or playing with toys can lead to dents and gouges. Apply wood filler to damaged trim to quickly bring them back to life. Not sure when it’s ready to sand? Color Change Wood Filler changes color when it’s dry, taking the guesswork out of the drying time. Finally, apply a fresh coat of paint or stain.

Tile TransformationTile adds a touch of luxury to your

kitchen or bath, but can be an eyesore if it starts looking dingy. For an easy refresh, pick up grout cleaner from your local hard-

Getting Set to Sell: Which Home Upgrades Matter Most?

4 Time and Money Saving Home Improvement Projectsware store or simply sprinkle baking soda onto the grout. Pour a little vinegar over it before scrubbing. Use an old toothbrush and some elbow grease, and your old grout will look new in no time. If you need to replace the caulking around your tub or base of your backsplash, apply painter’s tape on the base and wall to ensure you’ll get a straight, clean line.

Home improvement doesn’t have to be daunting. Tackling small, effective projects can provide a large impact while requiring little time, money and DIY expertise. From home repairs to furni-ture fixes, these quick tips will help you make your house feel more like a home – leaving you more time to kick back and enjoy it.


V.I.C.E (Veterans In Construction Electrical) is a 560 hour classroom-based training program. Students spend the �rst two weeks of class honing their 21st Century essential skills, stress management and study skills, and later earn First Aid/CPR, Forklift, Scissor Lift and OSHA 30 certi�cations. In just 14 weeks students complete their �rst year of related supplemental instruction for the IBEW/NECA registered apprenticeship for Inside Wiremen. Most are dispatched to their �rst jobs within a couple of weeks after completing the V.I.C.E classroom program.

Veterans who complete the V.I.C.E program don’t have to �ght so hard for a job because the training prepares them well and is in demand by employers. V.I.C.E is an accelerated version of the �rst year of the registered apprenticeship training program operated by the Puget Sound Electrical Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee (PSEJATC). Together, the JATC partners: the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA), and International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 46, designed the V.I.C.E. program to give Veterans a jump-start in the electrical industry.

To be eligible for V.I.C.E, applicants must be 18 years old or older, have a valid driver’s license, high school diploma or GED, sealed high school transcript, honorable discharge within 7 years from application date, and proof of honorable discharge.

The Puget Sound Electrical JATC is an apprenticeship training program that is jointly sponsored by the Puget Sound Chapter, NECA (National Electrical Contractors Association) and IBEW Local 46 (International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers). For more information about them, please see: www.psejatc.org

today's home - summer 2015

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