Brownwood - Your Home March 2016 by GateHouse Southwest

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FEATURED PROPERTY

MARCH / APRIL 2016

T H E H E A R T L A N D ’ S L E A D I N G R E A L E S TAT E & H O M E L I V I N G M A G A Z I N E

CASON COVE AREA

Unique rock home, 3 decks overlooking Lake Brownwood. LEARN MORE, PAGE 6

INSIDE THIS MONTH’S EDITION: ■ Futuristic Fridge! High-tech favorites, 2 ■ RUGS! New layering trend, 5 ■ Going Retro! 7

GARDEN

ESCAPE

A PRO’S TIPS ON DESIGNING YOUR SANCTUARY See article on page 9

C H E C K O U T L I S T I N G S & I N F O R M AT I O N F R O M T H E S E G R E AT A D V E R T I S E R S : C O L D W E L L B A N K E R , M A R K C A M P B E L L & A S S O C I AT E S , M C C L U S K E Y & A S S O C I AT E S , T E X A S B A N K , T E X A S R E A LT Y, M I L L S C O U N T Y S TAT E B A N K , T E X A S G O L D S TA R R E A L E S TAT E , T O O T I E K E L LY R E A L E S TAT E , A C M E B R I C K & T I L E

Heartland Your Home

Sunday, March 20, 2016

TABLE OF CONTENTS REAL ESTATE McCluskey & Associates Texas Goldstar Real Estate Texas Realty Tootie Kelly Real Estate

6 8 4 12

LENDING INSTITUTIONS Mills County State Bank TexasBank

7 10

MISC SERVICES ACME Brick & Tile

11 A publication of the

Brownwood BULLETI BULLETIn Your Community u Your Story u Delivered Your Way

Serving the Heart of Texas Since 1886

NOTICE All Rental and Real Estate Ads are subject to the Fair Housing Act which makes it illegal to advertise any preference, limitation or discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, handicap, or family status or national origin.

Brown County home sales up 7% over last year Heartland Association of Realtors release real estate stats for February 2016 Brownwood, Texas Ð March 09, 2016Ð Brown County home sales increased 7 percent to 33 sales in February. Home prices, however, decreased 22% over last year, according to the February 2016 Brown County housing market report released today by the Heartland Association of REALTORS¨ . According to the report, 33 homes were sold in Brown County in February 2016, a 7 percent increase from the year prior. The median price for Brown County homes decreased 22 percent year-over-year to $79,750 during the same time frame. Brown CountyÕ s monthly housing inventory* was 9.0 months in February 2016, a decrease of 2.1 months from February 2015. The Real Estate Center at Texas A&M University cites

that 6.5 months of inventory represents a market in which supply and demand for homes is balanced. Homes spent an average of 176 days on the market in February 2016, 44 days more than February 2015. Additionally, active listings were up to 305, an increase of 2% from the same time last year. With a growing economy, booming population and high quality of life, Texas is a great place to live, work and do business. As such, the demand for Texas real estate remains strong and enduring. Texas REALTORS¨ continue to work daily to protect the rights of private-property owners, keep homeownership affordable, and promote public policies that beneﬁt homeowners.

* The inventory of homes for a market can be measured in months, which is deﬁned as the number of active listings divided by the average sales per month of the prior 12 months.

Heartland Association of Realtors

Sunday, March 20, 2016

Heartland Your Home

Fridges of the future By Melissa Erickson More Content Now

he future of household appliances like refrigerators was on display at the 2016 Consumer Electronics Show recently in Las Vegas. Here are a few high-tech favorites from the four-day show: • The kitchen is the home’s true gathering spot, and Samsung’s newest refrigerator, the Family Hub, will have everyone reconnecting around this multi-tasker that organizes groceries and chores, plus oﬀers music streaming and even TV programs (when connected to your Samsung TV). Its 21.5-inch touchscreen allows you to post, share and update calendars, pin photos, and leave notes – all with the ease and convenience of your smartphone. With three internal cameras, the Family Hub photographs food on the shelves allowing you to check for expiration dates as well as confirm you’re out of milk even when you’re not home. Available Spring 2016. • Gone are the days of standing with the fridge door peering in deciding what to eat. LG’s new Signature fridge features a door that goes transparent and lights up when you knock on it so you can see what’s inside

without letting out the refrigerated air. Better yet, the door opens by itself if you move your foot near a floor-level sensor. LG promises the auto door won’t open on a passing baby or nosy pet. No release date available. • Whirlpool brought some handy innovations and 30 percent more space than the typical fridge to its new French Door Smart Refrigerator. The 32-cubic-foot model utilizes every inch of interior space with sliding infinity shelves and “flippers” that swing out of the way to store tall items like wine or soda bottles without FLIC KR/ having to take out the shelf LG completely. Plus, there’s a “pocket platter” shelf that slides out completely to grant access to favorite foods, bright LED lighting and smart features like a “Party Mode” that makes

Agents affiliated with Coldwell Banker Real Estate earned 40% more sales volume than any other national real estate brand according to the 2015 REAL Trends The Thousand report (6/26/15), as advertised in The Wall Street Journal. Please contact any of the following Coldwell Banker agents for your real estate needs: Brad Wells .............. 325-642-2489 Don Holland ............ 325-998-2058 Donna Howey ......... 325-998-0488 Gary Twiford ........... 325-642-1179 Hunter Stanford ...... 817-649-9822 Jeff Hibbs ................ 325-642-3559 Jennifer Newton ..... 325-642-2100 Kimon Faubion ....... 325-998-0227

Mark Campbell ......... 325-642-5416 Nesa Morelock.......... 325-642-4932 Royce Blackburn...... 325-642-2093 Sheri Wells ................ 325-642-5994 Stephen Young......... 325-647-2418 Sue Wells .................. 325-642-8353 Terry Blagg ............... 325-642-2553 Vann Stanford .......... 325-642-2088

Coldwell Banker Office: 325-646-1547 1900 Austin Avenue • Brownwood, TX

BRIEFS ice faster and turns down the temperature in anticipation of the doors being opened more frequently by guests. Expected in May.

How to Organize Your Refrigerator By: Courtney Craig

Leftovers gobbling up space in your refrigerator? Here are some tips for keeping things organized, efﬁcient, and tasty. A well-organized refrigerator keeps food fresh longer and lets you grab and go faster. Before you unpack groceries, spend a second thinking about the right place for everything. Here are common sense ways to declutter and organize your fridge: 1. The front of the middle rack, near eyelevel, is prime refrigerator real estate. Put priority items there, like leftovers you want eaten soon and healthy snacks. The back of the fridge is the coldest part. Store milk there, and it will stay fresh longer. 2. Don’t waste fridge space on food that doesn’t need to be chilled. Examples: fresh eggs from backyard chickens (though storebought eggs do need refrigerating), ketchup, ORGANIZE: Continued on page 10

Heartland Your Home

Sunday, March 20, 2016

Heartland Your Home

TREND

RUGS LAYERING

PIXABAY.COM

Piling on textures, colors and patterns is all the rage

By Melissa Erickson More Content Now

hen it comes to rugs sometimes two — or more — is better than one. Getting plenty of attention in hip shelter magazines and popular home furnishing catalogs, the layered rug look is a hot trend that solves many design dilemmas. “Laying rugs may seem to be an unconventional idea at first, but when you consider the aesthetic and practical benefits, the concept speaks for itself,” said Meagan Williamson, owner of Row House Nest, a home decor and lifestyle blog. “The floor is one of the biggest canvases you have. Use it to add a striking color or pattern, the same way you would add art to your walls,” said Christina Bryant, founder and chief executive officer of St. Frank, a luxury home décor company that sources unique pieces created

by artisans from around the world. “Layering rugs is the perfect way to redefine a room. Offering texture, color and pattern, rugs can add depth and warmth to a space; the feeling on your toes sets the mood for an entire room,” Bryant said. “Layering rugs can also highlight and define particular vignettes, making a space look larger and more finished. Consider using a statement rug to highlight the seating area in a living room or the table in an entrance foyer. “Although layering rugs has garnered buzz as a recent design trend, there’s actually a long and global history behind the practice,” Bryant said. “Some of the earliest Turkish Seljuk rugs, dating back to the 13th century, were found in mosques under many layers of kilims and prayer rugs. Today, these patterned Turkish textiles remain amazing pieces for layering, adding color and

history to any space. “Gorgeous hardwood floors and old-world tile can’t be beat, but it’s important not to underestimate the power of a great rug in creating atmosphere. We cannot get enough of the layered floor look; playful and nonchalant, it exudes intrigue and style. Beni Ourian and kilim rugs have been hot for a while and we’ll continue to see them. Cactus silk rugs from Morocco and frazadas from Bolivia feel fresh and easy on the toes right now. Consider adding those to your space to be a bit more of-themoment,” Bryant said. When shopping, consider the room as a whole as well as lifestyle factors such as how much traffic the rug will endure and if you have kids or pets, Williamson said. “Rugs are the perfect thing to bring back from your world travels,” Williamson said. “Roll it up and bring it home; the rug tells its own story.”

Interested in trying this trend? Here are a few tips: “Start with a large area rug. Pick a material and color that makes sense functionally and aesthetically. Consider something neutral but textured, such as sisal. From there, you can begin piecing together your patchwork floor,” Bryant said. “Pick a color combination that complements the room but is a little bolder. Picking two different textures is a good idea and try to select two styles that complement each other, such as kilim and sheepskin or sisal and a geometric patterned rug,” Williamson said. “Pile on interesting shapes. Large rectangular rugs are perfect for filling a room, but for accents, dare to use round or irregularly shaped pieces, such as hides. We also love overlapping small rugs, especially kilims,” Bryant said. “Have fun with it. Try out different layering methods and move things around until you find the sweet spot. You have to decide who the star of the show is going to be. Is it the rugs or the furniture? Then place your items accordingly,” Williamson said.

Heartland Your Home

Sunday, March 20, 2016

Luann McCluskey, GRI, Broker/Owner

325-642-2310

1515 Austin Ave., Brownwood, Tx 76801

325-643-3200 www.brownwoodproperties.com

Service with Integrity since 1999

NEW LISTINGS! 711 BELLE PLAIN $250,000

Previously operated as Smith Roofing Company. Sale includes land & buildings only. Call Luann for more details.

———— 703 W. AUSTIN AVE. AUSTIN AVE. AUTO SALES

$225,000

Business, inventory, land and buildings all inclusive. Call Luann for details! ____________

8145 CR 550 $74,500

DEAL OF THE SUMMER!

Lake View home on 3 lots with additional lake FRONT lot. This 1200 sq ft, 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom home has been 80% remodeled! The lake front lot is beautiful and has steps that lead directly into the water. This TRULY is a home that will not last long so dont hesitate.

9010 MESA VIEW— $269,000

2-story lakeview home with 3310 SF, 4BD, 3BTH, granite countertops, open floor plan, laminate flooring, huge balcony overlooks beautiful Lake

Taylor Isom,

Vicki Brelsford ,

817-933-2153

214-552-1299

Marc Followwell REALTOR ®

325-200-2581

REALTOR ®

1201 AVE. A

$44,900

2BD on large corner lot. Walking distance to Coggin Elementary & Brownwood Intermediate School.

9601 HWY. 279— $219,900 HOME ON 10 ACRES

Spacious 3BD/2BTH country home on 10 acres near Lake Brownwood with 2300+SF. Beautiful updated kitchen w/ black silestone countertops & large laundry room right off kitchen with pantry storage. Living room has WBFP with blower. Den has office nook with storage & also wood pellet FP with electric starter. Home sits secluded back off highway so very private! 1450 sq. ft. metal barn on concrete slab with electricity is definitely a plus! Great place for your livestock or 4-H projects.

RUSTY ANCHOR RESTAURANT -

$75,000

3071 HARBOR DR

LAKE BROWNWOOD Our lake is full...great time to buy. Complete with building, land & inventory

300 FT. WATERFRONT ON LAKE BROWNWOOD—

4BD DOUBLEWIDE ON 16 ACRES Lots of deer & dove, 4-bay carport, heated and cooled 30'x40' shop with office & RV parking; also 19'x35' shop. Rock outhouses built by the Civilian Conservation Corps still remain on property.

Owner will consider owner finance or trade.

1600 2ND-$59,900

REALTOR ®

1814 11th-$74,500 3BD/2BTH on large corner lot! Double CP, storage building. Living room w/ high ceilings & fireplace. Tree-covered lot!

102 AUTUMN $119,900-EARLY

Great curb appeal! Spacious 3BD home with den—great for gameroom or 4BD. Updated kitchen w/ granite countertops & tile backsplash, workshop, pretty 1/2 acre park-lot setting.

2619 VINE-$74,900

Cute 3 bd cottage with original hardwood floors, CH&A, formal

3BD/2BTH with lots of charm!!! This home has original hardwood floors, CH&A, alley entrance for additional parking, carport, located across from East Elementary!!

440 Bluebonnet -

681 CR 611—

2 LAKE HOUSES ON 3 LOTS CAN BE SOLD AS PACKAGE DEAL…OR CAN BE SOLD SEPARATELY

CASON COVE AREA Unique rock home with over 2200 sq.ft. Backyard features 3 decks overlooking lake. Shop sits on .37 acre totally fenced across the road.

dining room with built-ins, spacious kitchen with lots of cabinets and breakfast area. Detached double garage. Tree-covered corner lot!!

$134,900

Sits on 3 consecutive lake lots. 0.775 acres with 2 separate houses! These lots come with 4 RV hook ups.

CALL THE MCCLUSKEY TEAM TODAY FOR ALL YOUR REAL ESTATE NEEDS!!

$372,000

510 LONGHORN $169,900-EARLY

Built in 2014, this home has walk-in tiled shower, granite counter tops, newer appliances….much more. Must see this one to appreciate!

113 BOWIE CIR.

$69,900

Cute 2 bedroom brick home with CH&A. Spacious master bedroom, living opens into nice eat-in kitchen. Sits on large tree covered lot!

4409 EDGEWOOD $79,900

2BD/1BTH brick home on corner lot, screened in porch, located in subdivision across from Section Hand Restaurant.

101 LAKEBRIDGE-

LAKEHOUSE

WITH DOCK + GUESTHOUSE

$219,900

Double-decker boatdock plus 2-jet ski lift. Guest house & workshop behind main house. All furniture including appliances convey. Great place for family & friends.

Heartland Your Home

Sunday, March 20, 2016

Luann McCluskey, GRI, Broker/Owner

325-642-2310

1515 Austin Ave., Brownwood, Tx 76801

325-643-3200 www.brownwoodproperties.com

Service with Integrity since 1999

NEW LISTINGS! 711 BELLE PLAIN $250,000

Previously operated as Smith Roofing Company. Sale includes land & buildings only. Call Luann for more details.

———— 703 W. AUSTIN AVE. AUSTIN AVE. AUTO SALES

$225,000

Business, inventory, land and buildings all inclusive. Call Luann for details! ____________

8145 CR 550 $74,500

DEAL OF THE SUMMER!

9010 MESA VIEW— $269,000

2-story lakeview home with 3310 SF, 4BD, 3BTH, granite countertops, open floor plan, laminate flooring, huge balcony overlooks beautiful Lake

Taylor Isom,

Vicki Brelsford ,

817-933-2153

214-552-1299

Marc Followwell REALTOR ®

325-200-2581

REALTOR ®

1201 AVE. A

$44,900

2BD on large corner lot. Walking distance to Coggin Elementary & Brownwood Intermediate School.

9601 HWY. 279— $219,900 HOME ON 10 ACRES

RUSTY ANCHOR RESTAURANT -

$75,000

3071 HARBOR DR

LAKE BROWNWOOD Our lake is full...great time to buy. Complete with building, land & inventory

300 FT. WATERFRONT ON LAKE BROWNWOOD—

Owner will consider owner finance or trade.

1600 2ND-$59,900

REALTOR ®

1814 11th-$74,500 3BD/2BTH on large corner lot! Double CP, storage building. Living room w/ high ceilings & fireplace. Tree-covered lot!

102 AUTUMN $119,900-EARLY

Great curb appeal! Spacious 3BD home with den—great for gameroom or 4BD. Updated kitchen w/ granite countertops & tile backsplash, workshop, pretty 1/2 acre park-lot setting.

2619 VINE-$74,900

Cute 3 bd cottage with original hardwood floors, CH&A, formal

3BD/2BTH with lots of charm!!! This home has original hardwood floors, CH&A, alley entrance for additional parking, carport, located across from East Elementary!!

440 Bluebonnet -

681 CR 611—

2 LAKE HOUSES ON 3 LOTS CAN BE SOLD AS PACKAGE DEAL…OR CAN BE SOLD SEPARATELY

CASON COVE AREA Unique rock home with over 2200 sq.ft. Backyard features 3 decks overlooking lake. Shop sits on .37 acre totally fenced across the road.

dining room with built-ins, spacious kitchen with lots of cabinets and breakfast area. Detached double garage. Tree-covered corner lot!!

$134,900

Sits on 3 consecutive lake lots. 0.775 acres with 2 separate houses! These lots come with 4 RV hook ups.

CALL THE MCCLUSKEY TEAM TODAY FOR ALL YOUR REAL ESTATE NEEDS!!

$372,000

510 LONGHORN $169,900-EARLY

Built in 2014, this home has walk-in tiled shower, granite counter tops, newer appliances….much more. Must see this one to appreciate!

113 BOWIE CIR.

$69,900

Cute 2 bedroom brick home with CH&A. Spacious master bedroom, living opens into nice eat-in kitchen. Sits on large tree covered lot!

4409 EDGEWOOD $79,900

2BD/1BTH brick home on corner lot, screened in porch, located in subdivision across from Section Hand Restaurant.

101 LAKEBRIDGE-

LAKEHOUSE

WITH DOCK + GUESTHOUSE

$219,900

Double-decker boatdock plus 2-jet ski lift. Guest house & workshop behind main house. All furniture including appliances convey. Great place for family & friends.

Sunday, March 20, 2016

Heartland Your Home

Accountants Say You’ll Probably Make These 6 Homeowner Tax MisTakes houselogic.com

Hooray Ñ itÕ s tax time! OK, few people get quite that excited about filling out government forms, but there’s good reason to appreciate the annual ritual. Tax deductions are a serious perk for homeowners, and they can be a major boon to your family’s finances. But unless you’re a CPA, it can be easy to miss these deductions, or worse: raise a red flag with the IRS because you got deduction happy. Here are the top six homeowner tax blunders accountants see the most.

1. Missing the Mortgage Interest Deduction Itemized deductions can be a great way to lower your tax bill. But homeowners, particularly newbies, may be used to claiming the standard deduction because they haven’t had enough of the expenditures that qualify them for itemized filing. You can deduct the interest portion of your mortgage payments. That might mean your itemized deductions will now exceed the standard, saving you tax dollars. The savings are at their maximum early on, when most of your mortgage payments go to interest, not principal. Over the years, the balance shifts, and for some it might seem that they lose the itemized advantage. But there’s a way to keep the savings maximized. The trick is to use an alternating approach to filing, according to Chris Hardy, a certified financial planner with Paramount Investor Advisors in Suwanee, Ga. One year you maximize every deduction you can, including MID, and prepay whatever you can for the next year, such as property taxes and charitable contributions. The next year, you take the standard deduction. Overall, says Hardy, you may end up saving more money.

2. Assuming Everything HouseRelated is Deductible Deductions are great, but you can’t write everything off on your taxes. And to stay in the good graces of the IRS, you don’t want to over-deduct. Talk to your accountant or tax preparer to be straight on allowable deductions, which, for a homeowner, generally means mortgage interest and real estate taxes. You may also deduct points charged on the mortgage in the year you purchased the home.

“A lot of people will try to take homeowners association fees or condo association fees as deductions even though it’s not an allowable deduction,” Hardy says. “I see them try to deduct keeping up the yard as an expense.” Although claiming unallowable deductions might not immediately flag you for an audit, according to Hardy, if you do get audited for something else, the IRS will look to see what else it can find. The result could then be back taxes, interest, and penalties. And the IRS will likely check as many back years as it legally can.

3. Neglecting Your Home Office Many people fail to take the home office deduction for fear of being audited, or because it’s just plain hard to calculate if you don’t use the newer, simplified method. (More on that math-saving gem later.) However you compute this deduction, it’s a great way to save some cash. To qualify for the deduction, your office space must be used regularly and only for business. If you work for someone else, says Hardy, there has to be documentation — it could be an email from a supervisor — that your work at home is required as part of the job and is for the employer’s convenience. In addition, employees can’t take the deduction if they rent any part of their home to their employers and use the rented portion to perform work for the employer. If your use is legitimate, you can deduct a proportionate amount of a number of expenses, including insurance, repairs, utilities, services, and depreciation, which can really add up. Or you can use the uber-simple method of multiplying the square footage of the office by $5 for your total deduction. Check IRS Publication 587 for details. And, better yet, if the home office is your base of business, you may get additional deductions from your business income, such as mileage for driving to and from your clients’ locations because now it’s considered a business expense rather than commuting.

If you use your home exclusively for your business, you've likely got a deduction coming — and calculating that deduction doesn't have to be scary. Image: Aaron Phull

your personal residence, says Greg Freyman, managing partner with Freyman CPA in New York City and Westwood, N.J., the amount of mortgage interest and real estate taxes you can claim as itemized deductions changes. You can only deduct MID and real estate taxes for the portion of the house that isn’t rented. So, if you have a 2,000-square-foot house and rent out a room of 100 square feet, you can deduct 95% of the mortgage interest and taxes on

TAXES: Continued on page 10

3.99

APR*

10 Year

FIXED RATE MORTGAGE

Take Advantage of this Limited Time Offer to: Enjoy one low fixed rate Get mortgage-free faster

Pay less interest Build equity quicker

Mills County State Bank M Where Service Makes the Difference C S B 1-800-285-2216

4. Understanding Rental Income Renting out a room or wing of your house on Airbnb can be a fun way to meet new people and make extra income. It can also have several important tax implications. When renting out a room in

Schedule A. However, because the rented space is now converted to investment property, you can also take deductions on your rental expenses. Some examples are the rental area’s portion of overall maintenance and utilities, again calculated by the percentage of overall square footage. But (there’s always a but when it comes to taxes) you can only claim those rental expenses for the time

It is Really Coming Down Out There!

Goldthwaite 325-648-2216

NMLS# 442123

BR-00013284

By Erik Sherman

Early 325-646-0313

Brownwood 325-646-1798

Hamilton 254-386-4461

Hico 254-796-4221

www.mcsbtexas.com

Member FDIC

*Annual Percentage Rate (APR) offer subject to change without notice and based on a first lien for an owner-occupied, single-family residence, maximum combined loan to value of 80%, a credit score of 700 or higher, and automatic payments from a checking account with MCSB. For a $100,000 loan at an interest rate of 3.899% (3.99% APR), the estimated monthly payment would be $1,007.90 for 120 months. Payments do not include amounts for taxes and insurance premiums and the actual total payment obligation may be greater. Subject to program qualifications and standard underwriting guidelines.

Heartland Your Home

Sunday, March 20, 2016

Sunday, March 20, 2016 6 SUMMER 2015 HOME&GARDEN

SUMMER 2015 HOME&GARDEN

PHOTOS COURTESY OF JAN JOHNSEN

GARDENESCAPE GARDENESCAPE

PHOTOS COURTESY OF JAN JOHNSEN

Heartland Your Home

Simplicity, Simplicity, sanctuary,delight delight sanctuary,

Follow these designs to create a relaxing outdoor space Follow these designs to create a relaxing outdoor space

elements of simplicity, sanctuary embraces ancient practices and view in front of you and some eleelements sanctuary and embraces ancient practices and peaceful view in front and some behind, eledelight, Johnsen rediscovers wh unique methods to create mentofofyou protection such as aof simplicity, More Content Now delight, Johnsen rediscovers what unique methods to create peaceful ment of protection behind, such as a previous generations knew abou outdoor havens. tree, a low hedge or a little wall. “It’s a little wall. “It’s previous or the ave you ever noticed thatoutdoor• havens. thehedge lure of sheltered corner. We allgenerations gardens.knew about For simplicity, use plantingstree, a low aveyou youfeel everbetter noticed that the lure of the sheltered corner. We all gardens. • For simplicity, use plantings when feel much better that way,” Johnsen “A wise gardener always knew that are relaxing to look at, such as youspending feel bettertime when feel muchsaid. better that way,” Johnsen “A wise gardener always knew that relaxing to lookor at,asuch as curving outside? that are the most auspicious vegetable ga a “not-too-busy” gently spending time outside? said. the most auspicious vegetable a “not-too-busy” or a gently curving That’s because it’s good for plant bed. Those are “more harmo• For delight, the garden should face east. That’s gardens because when th • For delight, the garden shouldshow offface east. That’s because bed. Those you. That’s because it’s good for plantnious your plants wakewhen up inthethe morning t to theare eye“more harmoyou.Studies, including one from show off your plants wake up in the morning to thegrow the b niousand to the eye own personalsun, that’s when they calming Studies, including one from own personalsun, that’s when they grow the best,” and calming Harvard Medical School, show that ity, and it can be Johnsen said. to look at than Harvard Medical School, show that ity, and it can be Johnsen said. to look at than spending time outdoors lowers “anythingAnother that ancient Another ancient trick comes f rigid, uniform, spending time outdoors lowers “anything that trick comes from rigid, uniform, blood pressure, induces relaxation gives you joy,” Asian cultures and and is called “hid symmetrical blood pressure, induces relaxation gives you joy,” Asian cultures and is called “hide symmetrical and enhances well-being. Johnsen said. reveal.” It’s a strategy where not garden beds,” A wise gardener always and enhances well-being. Johnsen said. reveal.” It’s a strategy where not everygarden beds,” A wise gardener always In a stress-filled, screen-addicted It could be big thing can be seen on first look. Johnsen said. knew that the most In a stress-filled, screen-addicted It could be big thing can be seen on first look. Johnsen said. knew that the most society, place to relax should The goal planters filled “There’s an element of surpris Theisgoal is society, thethe place to relax should planters filled “There’s an element of surprise,” auspicious vegetable auspicious vegetable close your backyard, plantings with geraniums, said,infor example plantings bebe asas close as as your ownown backyard, geraniums, Johnsen said,Johnsen for example a bush or in a b that that gardens face gardens face east. east. with said Jan Johnsen of New Yorka walka that curved walk that must are simple said Jan Johnsen of New Yorkbirdhouses,birdhouses, a a curved must be rounded to be roun are simple and and because when the because when the based design/build Johnsen not overdone. a new planting or orname not overdone. That’sThat’s based design/build firmfirm Johnsen rose garden,rose garden, reveal a new reveal planting or ornament. wake up in the wake up in the Landscapes & Pools. landscape brightly-colored Johnsen’s garden Another simple, plantsplants Landscapes & Pools. TheThe landscape brightly-colored Johnsen’s garden also boasts a also boasts a Another simple, morning to the sun, that’s designer spent decades or spot, and power spot, calming designer hashas spent overover fourfour decades ornaments ornaments or power yours can,and too.yours can, too. calming gardengardenmorning to the sun, that’s creating inspiring landscapes fun sculptures. “It’s the design be creating inspiring landscapes for for design fun sculptures. “It’s the one place thatone feelsplace morethat feels m wouldwould be theythe grow the best.” when when they grow best.” residential clients. HerHer mostmost recent “It’s where interesting than any other part of the grass grass residential clients. recentsweeping “It’s where interesting than any other part o sweeping Jan Johnsen Jan Johnsen book is is “Heaven is aisGarden.” your personalgarden,” she said. steps.steps. book “Heaven a Garden.” your personalgarden,” she said. “No matter thethe size,size, you you can can makemake• For •sancity comes out,” “No matter ity comesTake out,”a good walk Takearound a goodyour walk around your For sancyour backyard a serene oasis,” said said Johnsen, whose own delight is garden until you feel it, sheyou said.feel It it, she said tuary, a garden must provide an your backyard a serene oasis,” said said Johnsen, whose own delight is garden until tuary, a garden must provide an Johnsen, whose own backyard fragrant gardenias in pots. They’re could be the highest point or the element or feeling of protection. Johnsen, whose own backyard fragrant gardenias in pots. They’re could be the highest point or the element or feeling of protection. garden is small. It’s It’s easyeasy to dotoifdo if “We all the first thing she approaches when lowest. love feel to sheltered. Think Think garden is small. the first thing she approaches when lowest. “We alltolove feel sheltered. you follow three basic guidelines: entering her gardenher to breath a foot higher, it: What’s the best table a you follow three basic guidelines: aboutabout entering gardenintotheir breath in“Even theirif it’s just “Even if it’s justita feels foot higher, it: What’s the bestintable in a Include elements of simplicity, “Differscent. better to sit there,” she said. restaurant? The one in the corner,” Include elements of simplicity, scent. better to sit there,” she said. “Dif restaurant? The one in the corner,” sanctuary andand delight. Johnson also also ent places make you feelmake differently.” the maintothree Johnsen said. In the In garden, put the put In sanctuary delight. Johnson ent places you feel differ In to addition the main three Johnsen said. the garden, theaddition By Melissa Erickson ByMore Melissa Erickson Content Now

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Heartland Your Home

Sunday, March 20, 2016

SERVICES PROVIDED BY THE CITY OF BROWNWOOD • Collects brush (cut in 5’ lengths), bagged leaves, grass and bulky items (no demolition debris) by requested residential (non-commercial) customers if stacked at the curb, or in the alley if trash is collected by the alley, by calling 643-4200. Sanitation Dept. web page to allow residents to request the service is below: http://www. ci.brownwood.tx.us/sanitation. htm. • Operates Brownwood Regional Landfill. 6800 FM 45 South. Hours: Monday-Saturday 8:00 AM ·4:30 PM (646-6574). Per State Law, all loads brought into the landfill must be covered with a tarp. Landfill charges as follows: • Residential citizens of Brown County: $5.00 per pickup load, $7 -$24 per pickup + trailer. Tire charges $3 -$15. • Operates Brownwood Recycling Center. 6800 FM 45 South. Mon-

Sat 8 to 4:30 (641-8832). Accepted items are as follows: Oil ﬁlters, Oil, Car batteries, Latex paints, units with compressors (a/c, refrigerator, freezer, etc.), and metal. • Provides city-wide recycling on the 1st and 3rd Saturday each month from 9 AM to 1 PM at Brady and Ave A under the Austin Ave Overpass. • Health Dept. - Sprays neighborhood for mosquitos as needed (646-0554). • Operates the Code Red Emergency Notiﬁcation System. Signup online at www.ci.brownwood. tx.us. • Operates sirens as the city’s second warning system. Siren tests are done at noon on the 1st Monday of each month. CITY OF BROWNWOOD DEVELOPMENT SERVICES 325-646-5331

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ORGANIZE: Continued from page 3

vinegar, jam, mayonnaise, and butter. Put those items in the pantry. You can store fresh eggs in a bowl on the counter for eight weeks. 3. Never put tomatoes in fridge, or they’ll get mushy; onions will soften; honey will thicken; potatoes will turn too starchy. Keep onions and potatoes in separate paper bags and store in a cool, dark place (a lower cabinet drawer is great). 4. Rectangular or square bins are your friends (round ones waste space, so don’t use them). Designate one for healthy snacks TAXES: Continued from page 7 period you rented the space, says Honolulu-based Crystal Stranger, president of 1st Tax Inc. and an enrolled agent who can represent taxpayers before the IRS. If you rented that 100-square-foot room mentioned above, which is 5% of the total space, for a total of six months, youÕ d take 5% of the maintenance and utilities, divide them by half, and then deduct that amount on Schedule E.

5. Paying a RelativeÕ s Mortgage Good on you for helping someone in need by covering their mortgage payment, but be a smart philanthropist. No one will get any deductions for those payments if you directly pay the lender, Freyman says, unless youÕ re listed on the deed. To increase the chances that someone snags the deduction, make a gift of the money to your parent or other beneﬁciary and let her be the one to pay the bills Ñ although you wonÕ t get any tax beneﬁt unless you can claim her as a dependent. Treating a relative who doesnÕ t live with you as a dependent means meeting certain requirements. For instance, you need to have a certain type of relationship with the person and the relative must pass a gross income test. Also, remember that thereÕ s a limit on the amount of money you can give someone in a year Ñ $14,000 Ñ without incurring a gift tax. If you exceed the annual total, you may have to pay the tax.

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and another for breakfast foods like bagels and cream cheese. In the freezer, use one big bin for frozen veggies, rather than stuff individual bags into the freezer. 5. Use plastic placemats as shelf liners, which makes cleanup easier. 6. Place drippy food, like red meat and seafood, on the bottom shelf. That way it won’t drip too far.

For many, local property tax is a big chunk of their paycheck, and sometimes that chunk is bigger than it needs to be. Ò Values go up and down over time,Ó says REALTOR¨ and Atlanta attorney Bruce Ailion.

Ò The assessor reassesses areas of town in bulk from time to time. Often these bulk reassessments result in a valuation 10%, 20%, even 50% more than a homeÕ s value.Ó Reassessments happen at different times, depending on location, and local and state laws will govern what you must do. Typically, you have fewer than 30 days to challenge the assessment, and, in a large metropolitan area, the process could take as long as a year. YouÕ ll want to start by checking the assessment data Ñ size of the lot, number of rooms, bathrooms, etc. Ñ to be sure that the facts are correct. If not, the appeals process may be easy. You can also check to see if the assessment seems reasonable. Work with your real estate pro to get market data, such as info on comparable properties Ñ known as Ò comps.Ó Then look at local tax records to see if the value of your property seems overly high in comparison to like properties. You could even hire an independent appraiser, although that can run $350 to $600, undercutting the savings you might ultimately receive. You then appeal the property tax bill ﬁrst to the assessor’s ofﬁce. If the result is unsatisfactory, you may be able to appeal to a local board or possibly to a court. The odds are good enough that appealing usually makes sense. Ò IÕ ve done about 150 appeals and never had an increase,Ó Ailion says. Ò The worst case is the value stays the same.Ó

Sunday, March 20, 2016

Heartland Your Home

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RETRO Modern stores getting in on old-school looks

By Melissa Erickson More Content Now

rom Pyrex bowls to Polaroids, vinyl players to sunburst mirrors, the retro trend is hot. Retro is chic “because there’s a classic story in old stuff,” said home design blogger Pam Kueber of RetroRenovation. com, a leading website dedicated to mid-century decor. Homeowners are embracing nostalgia, whether that means baby boomers looking back to “simpler times” or millennials and younger people “getting

into the trend through family members. Right now retro is undergoing a big rejuvenation,” Kueber said.

Where to ﬁnd it

If you aren’t lucky enough to raid your parents’ or grandparents’ homes for their old record player or low-slung couch, you’ll be able to find it for sale. Urban Outfitters carries vintage-inspired Crosley brand turntables that look so good they can be used as conversation pieces even if you don’t own vinyl. Target carries a line of mid-century modern furniture and accessories, with

everything from TV console tables to boldly colored swoop chairs in upholstered zig-zag patterns. Plus there’s no need to sacrifice on modern conveniences if you’re opting for an Atomic Era refrigerator or appliance from Elmira Stove Works, Big Chill and GE Appliances’ Artistry Series. Cool colors and sleek chrome trim encase modern efficiency in these nifty pieces.

Get the look

The now-off-the-air “Mad Men” television show broke open the doors on the impeccable style of mid-century design, but today retro can mean almost any time period up to and including the ‘70s and ‘80s. Going retro is all about digging into the past to decide what characteristics fit your own design style, said Kueber, who began renovating her 1951

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Colonial ranch house in Lenox, Massachusetts, 10 years ago. “The furniture, colors, patterns and finishes have to appeal to you. See what tweaks your fancy,” she said. If you’re new to the retro trend, start by visiting relatives. “Your grandparents will be happy when you show interest in their things,” Kueber said. Ease in by asking for a set of vintage salt and pepper shakers and start your own collection, she suggested. “Even if you have all new furniture” a retro armchair or other design element can “add warmth to a room. It’s good feng shui. It can connect you to another generation,” Kueber said. Next, add a pop of color. “American homes today are so neutral and not

overpersonalized,” Kueber said. Bring in some retro zing with an accent wall, over-the-top wallpaper or even just a bright set of bathroom towels. “Greys and neutrals don’t perk you up. Be fearless with colors like aquamarine, coral, candy apple red, turquoise and chartreuse,” said Kueber, who started SaveThePink Bathrooms.com after watching too many home shows ripping out these classic styles from the 1950s popularized by Mamie Eisenhower. Retro is new again in Wilsonart’s boomerang laminate countertops in classic retro colors, Ikea’s Sputnik-inspired Stockholm pendant lamp, and Pyrex’s limited edition collections that celebrate the company’s centennial. If you’ve got your own vintage home and are looking to renovate, Kueber’s advice: “Go slow. Before you rip anything original out make sure that it’s not emblematic of the home.”

Heartland Your Home

Sunday, March 20, 2016