Palouse Living, August 2015

Your resource for buying, selling and enjoying your home on the Palouse.

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Discover the splendor of wrought iron

� | August �015 | Moscow-Pullman Daily News PAlouse liviNg

Every year, millions of Americans enjoy the rewards of homeownership. And they look to Wells Fargo Home Mortgage to help them find the home financing to fit their needs and goals. I’d like to help you too.

Wells Fargo Home Mortgage has a wide range of purchase loan products and programs to serve a variety of home financing needs, including:

• Conventional / FHA / VA Loans • Fixed -and adjustable-rate mortgages (ARMs)• New construction loans • Mortgage options with built-in renovation financing• PriorityBuyer® preapprovals

Expect me to work closely with you to explore and explain options for your budget and goals.

Information is accurate as of date of printing and is subject to change without notice. Wells Fargo Home Mortgage is a division of Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. © 2012 Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. All rights reserved. NMLSR ID 399801. AS1067291 Expires 09/2015

Rachel Ellen LaineHome Mortgage Consultant221 S Main StMoscow, ID 83843Office: 208-883-5659Cell: [email protected]/rachel-laineNMLSR ID 1015986

Call today!

Your home financing needs deserve my attention

Moscow-Pullman Daily News | August 2015 | 3PALOUSE LIVING

Enjoy Palouse LivingIN PRINT: Palouse Living is published

monthly, with 12,500 copies distributed in the Daily News, Lewiston Tribune and at key drop spots and advertisers across the Palouse.

ONLINE: Check out the latest edition in digital format at www.DNews.com, just click on the Special Sections tab.

To advertise your business or service in the next edition, contact

advertising coordinator: Angela Kay: [email protected]

Enjoy Palouse Living

monthly, with 12,500 copies distributed in the Daily News, Lewiston Tribune and at key drop spots and advertisers across the Palouse.

in digital format at www.DNews.com, just click on the Special Sections tab.

Your resource for buying, selling and enjoying your home on the Palouse.

Palouse LIVING

Discover the splendor of wrought iron

Matt and Stefani Spencer’s home grown solar energy

business was born of necessity. It started with a question: How can we lower the cost of electricity for our farm? ‘Living on a small farm, our electric costs were unmanageable, especially in winter. Between the stock tank heaters, heating the greenhouse and chicken coop, plus our inefficient log home – our electric bill was enormous. Even in the summer, the irrigation costs were through the roof,’

says Stefani. ‘So we started looking for alternatives.’ The answer was the Sun.

What started as simply researching solutions to their own challenging energy situation, developed into a growing business. One of the most exciting aspects of Home and Ranch Solar is their cutting edge agricultural applications. ‘We are the only company in the United States offering 3-phase, 480 volt power from solar alone,’ Matt explained. That is a big deal for farmers who spend tens of

thousands to hundreds of thousands of dollars irrigating crops every summer. Home and Ranch Solar Energy sells a complete off-grid power system for irrigation that includes a lithium battery back-up. Anyone using a diesel generator to run pumps or pivots can now replace it with self-contained solar energy system. The lithium batteries require no regular maintenance and have a 20 year life span. No more messy lead-acid batteries!

Grid-tied systems are ideal for residences where electric power is currently provided by a utility company. Electricity produced by the solar panels is stored on the grid, so there is no need for batteries. This is called net-metering. Some states allow the homeowner to sell any extra electricity they produce back to the grid, however, Idaho does not. With a grid-tied system, the owner is not protected from power failures due to

the grid. Therefore, it’s recommended to have a back-up system of batteries or a generator in areas where power failures are common.

For those who wish to say goodbye to the grid altogether, residential systems can be designed with the same lithium batteries used in the agricultural systems.

Right now is the best time to convert to solar energy – there are big tax breaks for homeowners and businesses through the 2016 tax year. If you are building a home and want to incorporate solar,an energy audit determines the appropriate sized system for you. The best news is – the components used are modular so you can add panels later if your power needs increase.

Matt Spencer is owner of Home and Ranch Solar in Idaho. He can be reached at (208) 993-0690 or by visiting his website at www.homeandranchsolar.com.

Lowering energy costs with solar energyContent provided by: Home and Ranch Solar Energy

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4 | August 2015 | Moscow-Pullman Daily News PALOUSE LIVING

The mosaic as an art form and architectural embellishment is

thousands of years old; its heyday was during the Roman Empire. At that time, the wealthiest people had huge mosaics worked into their floors. They were built so well that many of them can still be admired to this day.

The wonders of mosaicsMosaic art consists of assembling

“tesserae”—colorful pieces of stone, glass, enamel, marble or ceramic—to form patterns. In today’s homes, mosaics are common in bathrooms and in backsplashes.

Their attractiveness,

durability, ease of cleaning and waterproof nature

make them a great

choice for kitchens and

bathrooms. You could also insert an artistic mosaic into the floor of your entrance hall, just as the Romans did. In addition to becoming a topic of conversation for your visitors, this original twist can add value to your home.

Do-it-yourself mosaicsIf you’re reasonably good with

your hands and are tempted to undertake a craft project, why not try the mosaic technique? Bookstores stock a variety of reference books about this art. You’ll also discover a multitude of guides and instructional videos on the Web. Mosaics allow you to decorate objects that you want to incorporate into your decor, including such things as tabletops, trays, serving dishes, candlesticks, vases and picture frames. Let your imagination go wild; the possibilities are endless.

and in backsplashes. Their attractiveness,

durability,

choice for kitchens and

Now may be the right time to make large appliance

purchases. Know the product before visiting the store.

As the weather turns cooler, outdoor improvements become less practical. Homeowners’ thoughts may turn to projects they can tackle inside of the home. Now may be the time to consider the purchase of new appliances that can be the finishing touches to renovated spaces.

Fall is prime time to purchase new large appliances. Manufacturers typically unveil their latest models during September and October. At this point, prices on older models will be reduced to make room for new ones. By the end of the year, any older models that have not yet been cleared out will be discounted further. Even though the end-of-the year deals will be better, the selection may be limited the longer you wait.

It is best never to wait until an

appliance is on its last leg for repair or replacement. Then consumers do not have the luxury to price shop nor find items that include the features they desire most. Here are some other buying tips.

ResearchShoppers should begin their

research at home before they even enter a store. Make a list of features you want in the appliance, which helps narrow down the playing field and better focus your purchasing decisions.

Once you have a list handy, speak with friends or family members about their experiences with brands and/or retailers. Ask about which features they like the most and how often they have had to call for repairs. If they could do things differently, what would those things be?

Know your spacePerhaps you are familiar with the

adage to measure twice and cut

once. The same can be said for measuring prior to purchasing an appliance. Be sure you know the exact measurements of the space that will house the new appliance. Take into consideration the clearance needed to open doors, such as with a refrigerator or front-loading washing machine. It can be a waste of time and money to have an appliance delivered only to find it doesn’t fit at the time of installation.

Energy savingsConsider appliances that

reduce energy usage. Energy Star® appliances are produced in adherence to international standards for energy efficiency. The program was started more than 20 years ago by the EPA and the Department of Energy. Since then, other countries have adopted the program. Appliances that feature the Energy Star® logo use 20 to 30 percent less energy than required by typical federal standards.

Homeowners who purchase qualifying appliances may be eligible for tax breaks and other incentives.

Consider your lifestyleIt is easy to be overwhelmed

and awestruck by the number of appliances available. You may desire the biggest and best there is, but if you are not a superstar in the kitchen, you may not need the commercial stove. A bachelor may not require an oversized washing machine.

Do your research and comparison shop so you won’t have any regrets later on.

Tips on shopping for new appliancesMetroCreative

Mosaics bring ancient Rome back to lifeNewspaper Toolbox

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Moscow-Pullman Daily News | August 2015 | 5PALOUSE LIVING

Wrought iron is typically used in the manufacture of

banisters or fences. However, wrought iron craftsmen also create real masterpieces that can add surprising accents to your home’s decor.

What do blacksmiths do?Professional blacksmiths are

versatile artists; many of them studied their craft for several years at an ironwork school. Forge techniques are also used in trades such as farrier (for

shoeing horses) and edge-tool maker (for manufacturing cutting tools).

What is wrought iron?For centuries, wrought iron

simply meant iron that had been shaped by hand. Traditionally, the iron is forged, or hot worked, then pressed or beaten on an anvil or with a hammer. The parts are then assembled by conventional welding or with a torch.

Mild steelToday, the vast majority of

wrought iron decorations are made of mild steel, which is a combination of iron and a small amount of carbon. Mild steel

has the same qualities as real iron. It is easy to work with, has the same color as traditional wrought iron and is relatively inexpensive.

Wrought iron furniture is beautiful. Think how nice it would be to treat yourself to a bench, table or bed in wrought iron. A few wrought iron accessories would also enhance your decor.

Mirrors, chandeliers, wall lamps and decorative objects will seduce you with their old world beauty.

Discover the splendor of wrought ironNewspaper Toolbox

Wrought iron furniture is beautiful. Think how nice it would be to treat yourself to a bench, table or bed in wrought iron. A few wrought iron accessories would also enhance your decor.

If you don’t really have a green thumb but still love plants, you

may be ready to appreciate the cactus as a houseplant. You don’t have to have a Southwestern decor to enjoy cacti; there are many attractive varieties that require very little care.

Caring for your cactusCacti need lots of light and will

only thrive if you place them in your home’s sunniest, brightest spots. Accustomed to surviving extreme drought conditions, your cactus will require very little water and fertilizer. From time to time, remove any dust buildup on its stems with a soft-bristled brush in order to keep it looking beautiful with clean spines and a glossy skin. Just be careful not to prick yourself!

Colorful flowersMany cacti species produce

splendid colorful flowers in spring. If you want to treat yourself to a flowering cactus, be sure to buy it when it’s in bloom. That way, you won’t be in any doubt as to the maturity of the plant and its ability to

flower.The prickly pear cactusOriginally from Mexico, the

prickly pear cactus is a particularly interesting species. It produces a delicious, edible fruit called cactus pear or Barbary fig. Like other cacti, its skin is covered with tiny invisible spines that are very difficult to remove. Moreover, prickly pear seed oil is considered one of the most expensive and precious in the world.

Cacti add spice to your decor Newspaper Toolbox

509-397-6944 • [email protected] • [email protected] Heating and Nolan Heating and Air: Air:

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� | August 2015 | Moscow-Pullman Daily News PAlouse liviNg

Some home renovation projects require the expertise

of professionals, but there also are many ways for homeowners to improve their homes without hiring a pro or spending too much money. The following are a handful of DIY renovation projects homeowners can tackle in a typical weekend.

· Closet conversion: Ample closet space is a big plus for home buyers, but upon moving into a new home, many homeowners may find they don’t need as much closet space as they initially thought. Guest room walk-in closets, in particular, may prove to be underutilized resources. Such closets often come with built-in shelving, and therefore, they make ideal spaces to convert to mini home offices or study areas for kids. Installing an extra shelf to serve as a desk area for remote working or homework stations won’t take up much of a Saturday or Sunday afternoon, and before you know it, you

will have a fully functioning workspace.· Accent wall: Accent walls can

liven up a room by breaking the color pattern of the walls in the room. Accent walls also can be used to divert attention on a particular design element in a room, such as a painting or an elaborate wall furnishing. Painting an accent wall won’t take very long, but such a project can give a room an entirely new look and feel.

· Driveway: If weather permits, repaving an asphalt driveway can be an ideal weekend project, especially if an existing driveway has endured its fair share of wear and tear. Many driveways can be paved anew in a single day, but larger driveways or those that have endured an extraordinary amount of wear and tear may take a couple of days.

· storage and shelving: Much like some homes come with an abundance of storage areas, others fall short of homeowners’ or apartment

dwellers’ needs. If your home or apartment falls into the latter category, adding some shelving or finding some new furniture that can serve double duty as storage areas is a weekend project that can help clear up some space. Purchase some wood shelving from a local furniture retailer to mimic the look of traditional built-ins or replace existing single-use furniture with newer items capable of serving multiple functions, including storage.

· Art: If the rooms and hallways in your home are bare or in need of new looks but your budget is tight, try your hand at spicing things up by creating some of your own paintings. Parents can encourage kids to create their own colorful masterpieces. Frame the finished works and hang them on the wall and enjoy your inexpensive and homemade “art gallery.”

Weekend renovation projectsMetroCreative

You’ve been dreaming of renovating your home for ages,

but be careful — home renovations are often the cause of friction within a couple. Here are a few great tips for avoiding fights with your better half during your renovations.

1. Communicate. Yes, this is still and will always be the key to successful renovating. Be open to your partner’s needs and express your own without imposing your ideas. No one wants to be told what to do and what to like. Instead, explain what is motivating your choices.

2. Ask for advice. You can’t come to an agreement? Talk to an architect, designer or even a friend — if he or she has good taste, of course. Let them play the role of mediator and help you both decide.

3. Plan. Before you start work on your project, schedule each step of the renovations, deciding exactly what has to be done and when. Changing your mind about the position of the sink isn’t a good idea when the only bathroom in the house is under

construction and your nerves are stretched to the breaking point.

4. Make compromises. You don’t want to have to look at yellow walls for the next few years if you happen to hate that particular color. But is it really so important that the cabinets have oval rather than round handles? Choose your battles based on what’s most important to you.

5. expect the unexpected. Surprise expenses during a renovation are practically inevitable and, as you probably already know, money can be a major source of conflict within a couple. So plan your budget accordingly and make sure you’re both on the same wavelength. Big expenses and important decisions; stress; workers in and out all day long; no privacy; dust everywhere: all these factors make for an explosive cocktail. During your home renovations, take some time for yourself to de-stress and be sure to hire competent professionals. Otherwise, you may end up needing to hire a marriage counsellor.

Survival guide for renovating couplesNewspaper Toolbox

Moscow-Pullman Daily News | August 2015 | �PAlouse liviNg

As technology has made working remotely easier, more and more professionals are working from home. Working from home can help working parents save money on childcare costs and help all workers avoid rush hour traffic jams and the costs of commuting to and from the office.

The right working environment is essential for men and women who work from home. An environment that’s conducive to work can help people increase their productivity and make their employers more likely to allow more employees to work from home. Professionals who are new to working from home may find it takes some time before they can create the perfect working environment, but the following are a few factors to consider when planning a home office.

spaceOne of the disadvantages to

working from home is that remote workers don’t have access to the

same level of equipment as in the main office, such as color copiers or scanners. If you want to include even scaled-down versions of such equipment in your office, you will need ample space. In addition, less spacious home offices can feel too tight and enclosed, making workers uncomfortable and less enthusiastic about working every day. Pick a spot in your home that affords room for your equipment and the ability to move around so you don’t feel cramped throughout the workday.

lightingLighting is another factor remote

workers must consider when they’re planning their home offices. Natural light can provide an energetic boost and improve your mood, so choose a room in your home that gets lots of sunlight during the day. Many professionals who work remotely do so from the basements of their homes, which can make it difficult to rely on

natural light. If the basement is the only location in your home that can fit a home office, look for lighting sources that replicate daylight so you are not working in dark quarters. Speak with your physician about how to arrange lighting to reduce eyestrain caused by staring at a computer.

ConnectivityConnectivity also must be

considered when planning a home office. While wireless Internet has made Internet dead zones less problematic, certain areas or rooms in your home may still be touch-and-go with regard to Internet connectivity. Such areas should be avoided when choosing a room for your home office, as it can be difficult to remain productive if your connection to your office’s external server is routinely compromised. Find an area where the wireless connection is always strong.

DistractionsWhile your home might be empty

for much of the day, you don’t want to be distracted when the kids come home from school or when your spouse or roommate arrives home from work. Avoid putting your home office too close to popular hangout areas in your home, such as the kitchen and the living room. Instead, choose a room where you have lots of privacy so you can focus on your work and won’t be routinely interrupted.

Working from home can pay numerous dividends, but professionals who telework must put careful thought into the rooms or areas of their homes where they plan to work.

Factors to consider when planning a home officeMetroCreative

Jason BrownRealtor®

(208) 669-1690Licensed in ID & WA

Patrick VenzkeRealtor®

(208) 310-3482Licensed in ID

Bill MorscheckBroker


Patti Green-Kent Realtor®

(509) 595-3740 Licensed in ID & WA

Corinne HarmonRealtor®


Darl Roberts Realtor®

(509) 334-0562 Licensed in ID & WA

John Freeland WanvigRealtor®


Debbie LawrenceRealtor®


Tracy Burch-GreerRealtor®


217 S. Main St. Moscow, ID

(208) 882-0800cbtmoscow.com

405 S. Grand Ave.Pullman, WA

(509) 334-0562cbtpullman.com

� | August 2015 | Moscow-Pullman Daily News PAlouse liviNg

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