Lifelong commercial salmon troll fisherman and author Tele Aadsen on Tuesday at the Ketchikan Public Library shared stories from her new book “What Water Holds” that the Washington-based Empty Bowl press released on May 30.
Aadsen has been trolling for salmon for four decades since, at 7 years old, her parents swapped out their veterinary practice in Wasilla for a career building boats and following fish along the coast of Southeast Alaska.
A typical question that arises with home buyers is: should I purchase a new construction, or opt for an existing one? What are the advantages and disadvantages of each?
On the one hand, it does feel wonderful driving up and walking into a brand new home. There is something about the scent of brand new flooring and fresh paint that seems to spark a unique sense of accomplishment within.
Yet for other buyers, an already existing home just fits the bill. Here are some top items to consider when deciding between the two.
New construction will be more energy efficient. Stringent building codes are being constantly introduced that require all new homes in California to be built with the highest of energy efficiency ratings. From windows, appliances, lighting, insulation, air conditioning and heating, stricter standards are now set in place that will over the years save home owners thousands of dollars in energy bills.
However, new construction will typically be more expensive. As the result of higher energy standards, builders must construct homes with specific materials or by codes that will inevitably drive up the cost of construction. For instance, starting in 2011 all single family residences are required to have a fire sprinkler system. And in 2020 solar was required for all new homes in California. These items do raise the price of homes.
Yet on the other hand, resale homes may allow for faster appreciation. Purchasing a resale home with the idea to remodel or to fix-it-up does have significant advantages if one has the vision, time, and funds to see the project through.
The number one motive for buying and fixing up a home is to maximize one’s investment. Buying low and renovating a house may bring in an immediate profit, or an even more significant payoff once the market turns around.
And did you know? Resale homes will be found in more developed neighborhoods. Homes 10 years or older will typically be in neighborhoods where large infill has taken place. The landscaping and trees will be more mature, and retail development will have already sprung up close by.
Clint Freeman is broker/owner of RidgecrestCaHomes. Honesty, Integrity, and Loyalty in each transaction. (760) 382-1082
CADILLAC — The Haring Township Planning Commission this month approved a request to expand the size of a commercial solar farm in the works between South 39 Road and South 41 Road.
Prism Power Partners applied for a special use permit to develop an additional 30 acres adjacent to 200 acres that previously had been approved by the township for the project.
Prism Power Partners Engineer Jeremy Jones, who has acted as representative for the company through the public hearing process, said they recently entered into a contract to purchase the 30-acre parcel.
Haring Township Zoning Administrator Mike Green reached out to the Wexford County Road Commission, the Haring Township Fire Department, the Wexford County Airport Authority and Wexford County Drain Commission to find out if they had any concerns about the project. Representatives from each organization replied that they didn’t.
Residents who live near the area were notified of the special use permit request and invited to attend a public hearing earlier this month. Several attended the hearing and asked Jones a few questions about the project. None said they were opposed to the permit being issued.
The plan is to install around 82,000 solar energy panels on the 230-acre site, which Jones said is enough infrastructure to generate 45 megawatts of direct current power.
Jones said before work can begin at the site, they have to iron out details of the utility interconnection arrangement with Consumers Energy — a process that takes about a year.
Construction could begin sometime in the second half of 2024, with project completion possible about 12 months later.
Jones said the panels will emit no noise during operation, and will track the sun from east to west throughout the course of the day.
The panels will sit about six feet above the ground, and a “pollinator-friendly mix” of grasses and flowers will be planted underneath them. Eventually, Jones said they plan to partner with local farmers to graze sheep and other livestock underneath the panels.
During the public hearing on the special use permit request, someone asked if commercial solar farms were prone to fires. Jones replied that Prism Power Partners has never had a fire at one of its developments, although there have been fires at other operations. Jones said fires at commercial facilities are rare and typically the result of defects in the panels. He said fires from solar panels are more common when they’re installed on a roof of a private residence.
In addition, Jones said technology has come a long way in recent years in preventing fires from occurring.
Haring Township Fire Chief Duane Alworden requested that the company provide training and other information to the assist them in dealing with any potential fire calls to the solar farm.
Another stipulation of the special use permit being granted is that the company provide a detailed decommissioning plan in the event the panels have to be disassembled at some point in the future.
FARMER CITY — The Farmer City Council and a Mahomet-based developer have approved a letter of intent for residential development near Interstate 74 and Illinois 54 on the city’s northeast side.
The project, which will initially involve construction of two eight-unit apartment buildings, is also expected to lead to to neighborhood commercial development on 2 acres.
Shawn Tabeling, manager of Tabeling Development Co., said additional residential and commercial projects could also be coming.
Farmer City Mayor Scott Testory said it’s about time.
“This property should have been developed several councils ago,” he said, adding that he helped to spearhead bringing utilities to that area at a cost of about $1.5 million.
“I really am hopeful this is a catalyst for future development,” Testory said.
Tabeling Development Co. has specialized in development in rural communities for more than 15 years. It has developments in Mahomet, Sullivan and Heyworth and will soon start a new project in Arcola.
City Manager Sue McLaughlin said a market analysis of the property showed the best commercial use would be a travel plaza.
“We’re still reaching out to developers for that type of use in conjunction with what Tabeling is doing,” she said. “He’s leaving enough acreage for us or him to do both. This property has sat for so long.”
Businesses will have the option to buy a 1- to 12-acre lot for a freestanding building, build-to-suit, or lease a space from the proposed multi-tenant building.
McLaughlin said the property has not yet been platted, and a development agreement has to be signed. Tabeling is hoping to turn dirt in the spring and have occupancy no later than the following spring.
Tabeling said Farmer City “has a lot to offer with its convenient access to I-74, several agricultural-related employers and nearby outdoor recreational activities.”
HOUSTON – Three men accused of stealing commercial generators and then reselling them on Facebook Marketplace have been arrested and charged, according to the Liberty County Sheriff’s Office.
The three suspects, identified as Edwin Yovany Erazo, 37; and Francisco Nabarette Sandres, 26, both of Colony Ridge, and Victor Manuel Alvarenga, 23, of Houston, were charged with theft following their arrest on Wednesday in the Tarkington area.
All three are believed to be illegal immigrants to the United States, deputies said.
According to Capt. David Meyers, a spokesperson for the Liberty County Sheriff’s Office, Erazo, who is originally from Honduras, was previously deported from the U.S. by Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Meyers said they do not know if Sandres and Alvarenga have been previously deported.
During their arrest, deputies said Erazo was driving a Ford pickup truck that was pulling a rented U-Haul trailer carrying another generator that was reported as stolen. This one was from a cellphone tower in Love County, Oklahoma.
The investigation started after the sheriff’s office received a call for assistance on Sept. 6 from the Katy Police Department, Meyers said.
Katy PD investigators had connected the sale of the generator to Liberty County, according to deputies. The generators presumably were purchased by a middleman in Tarkington, who authorities have not identified, and then resold again to unwitting buyers.
When investigators went to the Tarkington man’s home on CR 2234, they reportedly were given consent to search the property. During that search, they allegedly found numerous other generators and items on the property, including two other Generac generators and two other Kohler generators that were confirmed as stolen.
The investigation could lead to the discovery of more stolen generators, according to Meyers.
The three suspects were being held in the Liberty County Jail. Their bonds have not been set at this time.
Katy PD detectives also have filed arrest warrants for the three suspects for the original theft in their jurisdiction. Other charges are pending.
Anyone with information about this case, including those who believe they may have been a victim, is asked to call the Liberty County Sheriff’s Office at 936-336-4500 and ask that your call be transferred to the CID Division.
Copyright 2023 by KPRC Click2Houston – All rights reserved.
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As the weather in northern Utah is beginning to cool down, you’re probably considering your next getaway to sunny Southern Utah where summer seems to last forever. Many Utahns make frequent trips to the St. George area but are increasingly weary of paying expensive nightly rental prices every time they take the family down.
No doubt you’ve thought to yourself, “Wouldn’t it be great if we just owned our own vacation home here?” But who has the time or money to own an entire second home all to yourself? Very few.
If there were a way to just own a portion of the home and use it for part of the time, that would be ideal. Then your ownership could match your availability and your budget. It would be even better if you could rent out the house when you aren’t using your time.
Ember is solving this problem through vacation home co-ownership.
⅛ of the home, 100% of the experience
Historically, not everyone could afford a vacation home—especially in top destinations like St. George, Park City, Florida, or Southern California. And even for families that could commit to a vacation property, research shows that they are only using the home for two to six weeks out of the year.
With Ember’s co-ownership model, you can choose to buy a portion of a luxury vacation home, instead of the whole thing—and only pay a fraction of the cost. The ownership of each Ember home is divided into eight equal parts. Co-owners get 6-plus weeks for each 1/8th share they purchase. Owners looking for maximum time can buy even more of the home. Ember features properties for as low as $114,437 per 1/8th ownership share.
Make memories while you’re there, rent it out when you’re not
Each buyer enjoys exclusive access to the home during their stays and with “Ember Flex” designated homes, they can rent out their time when they don’t plan to use it personally. Plans change. Life circumstances change. 6 weeks might be just enough in a given year and too much the next. Having the flexibility to simply rent out your nights and not worry about the home sitting vacant, delivers incredible peace of mind. It’s the best of both worlds.
Ember’s SmartDraft™ technology makes sure each owner gets their fair share of desirable nights each year. It’s easy to swap nights with other owners or change your plans throughout the year using Ember’s intuitive mobile app.
Ember sweats the details so you don’t have to
Ember’s innovative approach to vacation homeownership promises a five-star experience from start to finish—free from hassle and disappointment. Each home is professionally designed and comfortably furnished so you can simply show up and instantly enjoy your home. A 24-hour property concierge is available for any issues that may arise. Need a few extra home supplies? Did you lock yourself out? The on-call concierge will be there in minutes.
With Ember, their commitment to your experience continues even after you leave. They maintain your vacation home so you don’t have to worry about it. The home is cleaned, the linens are washed, the lawn is mowed, and the pool is maintained so the property is turnkey ready for your next stay.
Where luxury meets logic
But the biggest benefit to co-owning a premium vacation home in a rapidly growing market like St. George is building equity. Ember homes appreciate in value just like other properties on the market. Unlike a timeshare, Ember homes are owned by their co-owners in an LLC structure. Should you decide to sell your portion down the road, you name the price and capture any potential appreciation. The process is simple and Ember handles the details of reselling your ownership and handling the closing process.
With Ember, you’re paying yourself to go on vacation, which is impossible when staying at someone else’s Airbnb or VRBO. On top of that, because you own a minimum of 13% of the house (1/8th), your costs are offset by 87% thanks to the other co-owners. And with potential rental revenue and future appreciation, the gains offset your costs even more.
Ultimately, Ember’s co-ownership model was designed for one thing: to help more families enjoy hassle-free vacations in beautiful homes they truly own. Start by browsing the available St George properties and find the perfect Ember vacation home for you. Then talk with an Ember advisor to get all your questions answered and finalize your purchase. You’ll be able to book your first stays and arrive at your Ember home in as little as 24 hours. From there, it’s all about making memories that you’ll cherish forever with the people you love.
Ember Advisors are available for call or chat from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. Mountain Time at 1-800-366-6891.
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The Campbell County Commissioners are working on a policy to help guide the county as it goes through the process of selling off unused pieces of property.
A landlord has lost a claims dispute after he used his rental property as an undisclosed wedding and events venue.
The complainant lodged two claims in April and July last year relating to rent default and storm damage under his building and contents policy.
Hollard declined the claims after discovering the property had been advertised and used to host weddings and other events.
The insurer says the claimant misrepresented his position after he declared the property was not used for any business purposes beyond a rental holiday home for tenants when he first purchased the policy in February 2021.
Hollard says it informed the complainant of his duty to ensure he provided accurate and correct information regarding the property’s business status when the policy was renewed last year.
It says that it would not have issued the policy if it had been aware that the property was used to host the events.
The claimant says he believed the business purpose question only related to the insured building and not the surrounding grounds, which he acknowledged “may have been used to host events”.
He says the building was used as a “short-term rental” for guests, who were the only people allowed to access the building, besides photographers to take wedding photos.
He argues that the policy question had been poorly worded, and he did not need to correct the disclosed information because the building had not been used for business purposes beyond what he had already acknowledged.
The Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA) says it was reasonable to interpret the policy’s references to “property” as “more than just the accommodation building”.
AFCA says that even if the business purposes question had been worded differently, the claimant would have likely breached the policy terms, noting that the Product Disclosure Statement’s definition of “building” included landscaping, paved driveways and pathways, fences and gates, which had been used as part of the events service.
“The complainant was clearly offering the property commercially for event hire, particularly weddings, and actively promoted that business activity,” AFCA said.
“On balance, it appears more likely than not that the accommodation building was involved in and used as part of the wedding venue business.
“Even if that is not the case, some aspects of the surrounding grounds more likely than not form part of the ‘building’, taking into account the definition of that term in the PDS.”
The ruling acknowledged a statutory declaration from one of the insurer’s underwriting managers, which declared that it would not have offered cover if it had been aware that the property had been “wholly or partly used for the business purpose of organising and hosting wedding events”.
“I am satisfied those documents confirm that had the property’s commercial use been disclosed, the insurer would have deemed the proposal an unacceptable risk and renewal terms would have not been offered,” AFCA said.
Click here for the ruling.
RANTOUL — The village board this month will be asked to approve rezoning of parcels near the Rantoul Family Sports Complex that could clear the way for additional economic development.
The Warner Dynasty Trust is asking the village to rezone property known as 950-982 Broadmeadow Road and 825, 829 and 867 Stone Bridge Drive from AG (agriculture) to C-2 (commercial) to allow for commercial development.
Village Administrator Scott Eisenhauer said part of the property is directly adjacent to the sports complex. Another part is between the complex and Interstate 57, while the remaining land is north of the complex along Stone Bridge Drive.
“The rezoning is necessary due to increased interest in development … near the complex,” Eisenhauer said.
“We are on track for spring and early summer to be a very busy construction season.”
Kristi Pflugmacher of the Warner trust said the rezoning request is to prepare in the event of contracts for development.
“We are seeing more interest,” Pflugmacher said. “We just felt like we wanted to be prepared for the future. We just wanted to get it completed.”
She said a little more than 20 acres is involved.
West side developmentThe sports complex has spurred development on the west side, including a miniature golf course bordering the complex, and a strip mall on the grounds of a motel building that was demolished at the corner of Murray Road and U.S. 136.
The strip mall will be home to five businesses. One of them, Verizon, has already opened, Eisenhauer said.
“Starbucks is supposed to open this month. I believe Jersey Mike’s is too.”
Eisenhauer said he hasn’t been informed when a Little Caesar’s pizza and another unannounced business will open.
Eisenhauer said earlier that the site of a former gas station across Murray Road from the new strip mall is a hot property.
Busey Bank reportedly will build a facility east of the Jimmy John’s on U.S. 136 as well.
Rantoul officials had hoped development would take off sooner than it has, but the COVID-19 pandemic followed by skyrocketing construction material costs have slowed advancement.
Downtown RantoulRantoul Urban Planner Chris Milliken said he recently received news that a $3 million Rebuild Illinois state grant that was announced earlier this year may soon be coming for downtown.
“It sounds like our money from the state has shaken loose,” Milliken said.
He said he will apply for a small grant as well that will be part of the downtown revitalization project.
Milliken hopes much of the work can be completed next year.
The first part of construction will be digging up the streets and alleys and installing new storm sewers and water lines.
The next phase would be ripping out and adding new pavement and sidewalks and adding streetscaping.
“That’s the plan, to do it in one construction season,” he said.
Himo Liu
Secondary sales of homes in prime residential districts of Hong Kong languished last month with only two deals reported at The Peak and the Southern Districts.
And a Causeway Bay shop was put up for sale at a potential loss despite the government’s plans to boost the night economy.
Midland Realty reported only two transactions – in The Peak and Southern Districts – in August, representing a significant month-on-month decline of about 67 percent.
The two deals were together worth around HK$99.5 million, also marking a substantial drop of 94 percent over the previous month’s total.
But despite a downward trend, the agency said the potential for more transactions exists if sellers reduce prices.
Midland anticipates a modest uptick in transactions this month, as buyers may enter the market ahead of new measures expected in the upcoming policy address.
Meanwhile, the total value of sale and purchase agreements for residential homes in August declined by 11.8 percent year-on-year to HK$28.6 billion, according to the Land Registry.
However, on a monthly basis, the transaction value was 7.7 percent higher compared to the HK$26.6 billion recorded in July.
Also in the residential market, the reserve price for a foreclosed three-bedroom unit at Le Prime in Lohas Park was set at HK$6 million in an auction, nearly 30 percent lower than the market’s valuation.
And in Tin Shui Wai, a 551-square-foot three-bedroom flat at Kingswood Villas changed hands for HK$4.78 million, or HK$8,675 per sq ft, Centaline Property said.
The price was about 16 percent lower than the asking price of HK$5.7 billion in July.
In the commercial property market, the Tang Shing-bor family recently listed a ground-floor shop on Lee Garden Road in Causeway Bay for sale, at a reduced price of HK$168 million.
If sold at the target price, the sellers would face an estimated loss of around HK$40 million, marking a nearly 20 percent drop from the HK$208 million purchase price six years ago.
In other news, most Hong Kong Interbank offered rates rose yesterday, with the one-week and one-month rates hitting the highest in nearly two weeks at 3.72 and 4.03 percent, respectively.
This came after the Hong Kong Monetary Authority injected HK$2 billion into the market through the discount window on Monday.