How To Avoid Problems With Your Hot Water Heater In Your Home

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You may not think much about your hot water heater. Unless of course, your hot water heater ends up breaking down. Hot water is so important in our homes, yet we take this resource for granted. Hot water does a lot in our homes from clean our laundry to disinfect our dishes to heat up our showers. We use it without thinking about it.  

If you neglect your hot water heater it can cause some costly damage to your home. Your basement could end up flooded. Pipes can burst. You can be without the use of hot water for days- even weeks- if you’re not vigilant about taking care of your hot water heater. 

Once water is gushing from the source, the best course of action is to simply shut the water off to your home. Before you even get to that point there are some tell tale signs of damage to your hot water heater that can be detected before major issues arise. First, if you notice any type of water around your hot water heater, you should get it checked out. Don’t look at it as “no big deal.” Any type of moisture or water stains around the water heater itself are a sure sign that something isn’t right with the unit.

As a homeowner, you should know just how old your hot water heater is. Usually, the installation date on the heater is noted somewhere along with the serial number. The typical hot water heater lasts about 9-11 years. If you live in an area with hard water, this number can vary.   

The Cleanup

Once the damage is done to your hot water heater you’ll likely have a large cleanup project on your hands. You’ll need to call water extraction services that will help dry out the area and clean up any baseboards that can become hazardous. Sometimes, these projects can get a bit bigger than you’d ever expect. After the water is pumped out, the cleanup has only just begun.  

Why Hot Water Heaters Fail

The minerals from water tend to build up (especially in the case of hard water) and cause the unit to rust out form the inside. While the inside of the tank contains glass, it does have metal pieces that can rust. You can replace certain parts of the hot water heater from time to time to keep it in good working order, the best prevention is to replace your water heater when the time is right. Don’t let the unit sit until way past its expiration date.

Being The Homeowner

As a homeowner, you probably wonder if something like a broken water heater were to happen if your insurance would cover the cost of the damage. The insurance will cover the cost of cleanup and repairs. The insurance will not cover the cost to replace the hot water heater or any labor costs. The only way the entire cost would be covered is if you have a home warranty. 

A simple thing that you can get to help alleviate major damage to your home from a hot water heater is to get an alarm. This little device is inexpensive and will alert you when any water hits near the areas of the alarm. This could save you a lot of costly damage and repairs. The most important thing that you can do in your home to prevent major damage from a hot water heater is to stay vigilant and keep on top of maintenance and replacement timelines.           

How to Set Realistic Expectations for the Homebuying Journey

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As a homebuyer, it is paramount to establish realistic expectations for the homebuying journey. That way, you can take a step-by-step approach to achieve various goals along this journey and acquire your ideal residence faster than ever before.

Setting realistic homebuying expectations can be simple. Now, let’s take a look at three tips to help you set realistic homebuying expectations.

1. Assess Your Home Must-Haves and Wants

Dozens of homes are available in cities and towns nationwide. If you establish realistic homebuying expectations, you may be better equipped than others to determine exactly what you want to find in your dream house. As a result, you could reap the benefits of a quick, seamless homebuying experience.

Oftentimes, it helps to create a list of home must-haves and wants prior to searching for a house. This list can be updated as you proceed along the homebuying journey and will serve as a guide to help you discover your ideal residence.

2. Get Pre-Approved for a Mortgage

With a mortgage in hand, you can narrow your home search to residences that fall within your price range. Then, you can speed up the homebuying journey and find your ideal residence in no time at all.

To get pre-approved for a mortgage, you’ll want to meet with banks and credit unions. These financial institutions generally offer a broad array of mortgage options. Examine all of your mortgage options closely, and you’re sure to find a mortgage that matches your finances.

Also, don’t hesitate to ask mortgage questions when you meet with potential lenders. Banks and credit unions employ friendly, knowledgeable mortgage specialists who are happy to help you in any way they can. Thus, you can gain expert insights from these mortgage specialists that could help you make an informed mortgage decision.

3. Collaborate with a Real Estate Agent

A real estate agent understands what it takes to purchase a home in any housing market. Therefore, he or she can help you prepare for the real estate market and establish realistic homebuying expectations from day one.

Typically, a real estate agent first will learn about your homebuying goals. He or she then will help you map out a successful homebuying journey, one that concludes with you discovering your dream house at a budget-friendly price.

A real estate agent offers plenty of support at each stage of the homebuying journey too. This housing market professional will set up home showings, keep you updated about new residences that become available and help you evaluate houses. And if you want to submit an offer on a home, a real estate agent will make it easy for you to put together a competitive homebuying proposal.

Achieving the optimal results during the homebuying journey sometimes can be difficult. But if you establish realistic homebuying expectations, you may be able to streamline the homebuying journey and ensure that you can purchase a great house that suits you perfectly.

Prep Your Home for the Market with These Selling Tips

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It’s a competitive market for home sellers right now. That means it’s more important than ever to make your house stand out from the competition and draw visitors to your listings and open house, as well as attracting interested buyers with excellent curb appeal.

All of these preparations take time and planning. However, if done correctly, you’ll not only bring more potential buyers to visit your home, but you’ll also be able to increase your asking price based on a few key aesthetic upgrades.

In this post, I’m going to fill you in on some of the most time and cost-effective ways to prepare your house for sale to bring the most number of potential buyers.

Make a revitalization budget

Before you start spending on your home upgrades, take the time to make a budget for the things that are the most important to making your home look and feel great. This budget will help you keep your spending in check and get the most out of your sale preparations.

Start working on curb appeal

Without spending much money, many homeowners can drastically increase the curb appeal of their home. Pressure washing the siding and sealing and sweeping the driveway is a great start.

Before taking photos or receiving visitors, trim and edge the lawn and lay down some fresh mulch. You don’t need to spend hundreds on flowers to make a substantial difference on curb appeal.

To make your home stand out and look up-to-date, apply a fresh coat of paint to your front door. Choose a color that complements your home, but one that also “pops” and grabs your attention.

Declutter and organize

Preparing your home for sale also happens to be a great time to start packing away some personal belongings. Family photos and other items that are unique to your family are best left out of your photos and distract viewers from being able to picture themselves in your home.

Since our homes are built to live in, many of us keep our things in convenient places rather than tucking them away. Now is a good time to try and find ways to integrate some minimalism in your home so that visitors don’t feel crowded by clutter.

Spend money on the right items

Some home upgrades just aren’t worth the time and money they’ll take to perform before selling. So, it’s best to prioritize the things that will have the most impact on visitors and viewers of your real estate photos.

A new welcome mat and cabinet handles are a great example of inexpensive upgrades that can make a home feel new again.

Take a look around your home and find the accessories that look dated or worn and see what you can accomplish on your budget.

Which Home Improvement Projects Add Value to Your Home?

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Home improvement projects not only help you personalize your space to suit your style, but they can also boost your property value. When you are investing in a home improvement project, it’s important to choose one that is going to allow you to enjoy the greatest return on your investment.

These home improvement projects typically add the most value to your home:

Kitchen Remodel

A kitchen remodel is one of the most costly home improvement projects that you can take on, especially if you decide to renovate your kitchen from the ground up. However, this is also one of the most valuable investments that you can make in your home. A renovated kitchen can provide you with anywhere from a 50 to 80 percent return on your investment, depending on the choices that you make and the amount of money that you invest in the project.


New Windows

Installing new windows in your home is an improvement project that will increase your quality of life inside your home while also ensuring you enjoy a generous return on your investment when you go to sell. It is important to opt for energy-efficient windows to get the most cost savings and see the highest returns. Don’t forget about the rebates and tax credits you may be eligible for when you invest in energy-efficient windows.

Improved Deck or Patio

When you make a commitment to improve your outdoor living space, you are investing in your own enjoyment of your home. However, a freshly painted deck or a new patio can also add a lot of value — either project can offer a 30 percent to 60 percent return on your investment.

Basement Refinishing

Finishing the basement in your home can transform this storage area into a new, functional living space. If you add luxury features, such as a full bathroom or a wet bar, you may find that you see an even larger return on your investment from this project.

Any home improvement project — regardless of its size or scope — is going to require an investment of your time, energy and financial resources. When you select value-added home improvement projects, you may find that your investment pays off in dividends when you list your home on the market for the highest possible price.

Tips for Sellers: Identify Your Target Buyer

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For those who want to enjoy a successful home selling experience, identifying your target buyer is key. Because if you understand why buyers may choose your residence over other available houses, you can promote your home to the right groups of buyers. And as a result, you may be better equipped than ever before to streamline the house selling journey.

Now, let’s take a look at three tips to help you identify your target buyer so you can promote your house effectively and speed up the home selling process.

1. Consider the Buyer’s Perspective

Think about why a buyer should choose your residence. Then, you can find ways to promote your house’s features to the right groups of buyers.

Ultimately, a home listing can make a world of difference, particularly for those who want to engage and inform prospective buyers about a residence. If you analyze the buyer’s perspective, you can craft your house listing accordingly.

For example, if your residence is located just minutes from top beaches, you may want to include this information in your home listing. On the other hand, if your home offers multiple bedrooms, you may want to include high-resolution photographs of these bedrooms in your listing to show off the size and beauty of your house.

2. Conduct an Inspection

A home inspection generally is completed after a seller accepts a buyer’s offer to purchase his or her house. But when it comes to identifying your target buyer, you may want to conduct an inspection prior to listing your residence.

During a home inspection, a property expert will examine your residence and offer insights into any underlying issues. You then can prioritize home upgrades, and as such, make your home more appealing to potential buyers.

With a home inspection, you may be able to gain insights into your residence that could be difficult to obtain elsewhere. Thus, if you perform an inspection, you can find ways to improve your residence so you can make your house an attractive option to dozens of prospective buyers.

3. Consult with a Real Estate Agent

If you are unsure about how to target buyers, you may want to collaborate with a real estate agent. In fact, if you have a real estate agent at your side, you can receive expert home selling advice any time you need it.

A real estate agent understands the challenges commonly associated with selling a house and can help you address such issues. First, he or she will develop a personalized home selling strategy and help you showcase your residence to the right groups of buyers. He or she next will host home showings and open house events. And if you receive an offer to purchase your home, a real estate agent can recommend whether to accept, reject or counter this proposal.

Devote time and resources to learn about your target buyer – you will be glad you did. If you use the aforementioned tips, you can identify your target buyer and map out a successful house selling journey.

4 Home renovations you might want to avoid

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Renovations can increase the value of your home. However, not every renovation project is a good investment. Unfortunately, many renovations can actually lower your home’s resale value and cost more than you bargained for. If you’re interested in renovating your home, make a note of these projects to avoid:

Too much texture

While texture on walls and ceilings can enhance the aesthetics of a house, it’s not always a good investment to add. Not only are highly textured ceiling and wall finishes often considered dated, they are extremely difficult to remove. To increase texture without hindering future offers, try experimenting with texture in your wall decor and furniture.

Full carpet

Hardwood floors are a well-known plus for potential homebuyers. Conversely, a home with too much carpet might receive fewer offers and lower appraisals. Carpet shows age and damage much easier than wood and laminate, and can also cause issues for those with pet or dust allergies. If you want to add new floors, experts recommend reducing the amount of carpet in your home rather than adding more.

Bold paint colors

Paint is not permanent, but dramatic colors on walls can be a turn-off to potential homebuyers. Color is highly subjective, making neutrals and shades of white a safer bet for a renovation project. Potential buyers would rather consider your home to be a blank canvas than a personalized work of art.

Swimming pools

Adding a swimming pool is not always a wise investment, according to real estate investment experts. Not only is installing a pool an expensive renovation process, the ongoing required maintenance can seem like a huge undertaking to potential buyers.

If you live somewhere with six months or more of hot weather during the year, a pool may be a smart project to invest in. However, it may be more beneficial to spend that money on a patio renovation or other outdoor upgrades instead.

Not every home renovation equals a return on investment. While customizing your home to meet your personal needs is an enormous advantage of homeownership, it’s also helpful to be mindful of the future. By knowing which projects to avoid, homeowners can enjoy their home while boosting property value.

Enjoy a Positive House Selling Experience

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Every home seller wants to enjoy a positive property selling experience. Yet ensuring your home selling strategy goes according to plan may be difficult, particularly for a seller who lacks property selling expertise. Lucky for you, we’re here to provide the help you need to achieve the optimal results at each stage of the home selling journey.

Now, let’s take a look at three tips to help you reap the benefits of a positive home selling experience.

1. Set an Aggressive Initial Home Asking Price

How you price your home will have a significant impact on how quickly your residence sells. If you establish an aggressive initial home asking price, you should have no trouble stirring up plenty of interest in your residence as soon as your home becomes available.

Check out the prices of available houses in your area that are similar to your own residence. Then, you can establish a price range for homes in your area and price your house accordingly.

Furthermore, it often helps to evaluate the prices of recently sold houses in your city or town. With this housing market data at your disposal, you can find out whether you’re getting ready to sell your home in a buyer’s or seller’s market.

2. Remove Clutter

Clutter is problematic, particularly for a home seller who wants to streamline the property selling cycle. Fortunately, home sellers who identify clutter now can eliminate this problem before they list their houses.

Antiques, paintings and other excess items inside your home should be removed. You can always rent a storage unit, which will enable you to keep these items safe until you sell your house. Or, you can host a yard sale or sell excess items online prior to listing your residence.

Don’t forget to remove lawn decorations and other clutter from outside your house as well. By doing so, you can instantly improve your house’s curb appeal and increase the likelihood of a fast, profitable home sale.

3. Consult with a Real Estate Agent

A real estate agent is prepared to do everything possible to ensure you can enjoy a positive house selling experience. In fact, this housing market professional will offer plenty of support at each stage of the home selling journey.

Usually, a real estate agent will meet with you before you list your house. He or she then will craft a home selling strategy designed to help you accomplish your home selling goals. Next, a real estate agent will promote your house to dozens of potential buyers, set up home showings and open house events and keep you up to date about any offers to purchase your residence. And if you decide to accept an homebuying proposal, a real estate agent will guide you through the home closing process.

Ready to reap the benefits of a positive home selling experience? Take advantage of the aforementioned tips, and you can seamlessly navigate the home selling journey.

What Is Modern Farmhouse Style?

The modern farmhouse trend continues to grow in popularity. For both interior and exterior home design, the name of this style is everywhere, from inspiration blogs to retailers. Real estate professionals have even begun featuring modern farmhouse properties in their respective markets because of the continued demand for the style. However, with architecture and design styles constantly evolving, it might be difficult to pinpoint what makes the style unique.

So what is modern farmhouse style exactly? Below are some key aspects of this design trend.

Modern Farmhouse at a Glance

Modern farmhouse is a contemporary and updated interpretation of the classic American farmhouse style. A modern farmhouse home expertly blends sleek modern efficiency with a comfortable rustic aesthetic. Overall, many consider it an approachable and flexible style that is easy to personalize while still creating a perfect compromise between the new and the old.

Key External Features

The modern farmhouse style is just as much an external architectural design style as an internal one. Once you know the key elements of a modern farmhouse, you’ll be able to spot them right away — incorporate these elements into your own home search or remodel. Most houses in this style feature steeply pitched roofs and large windows. Open floor plans are common and usually include vaulted main rooms. The modern farmhouse style also includes a wrap-around porch or a rear porch depending on the space available. Many opt for traditional rectangular windows on the facade, but it is also common to include sleek triangular windows to accent the steepled roof shapes.

Color Palette and Materials

The modern farmhouse trend uses neutral color palettes for the interior and exterior. White is the most common paint choice for the outside of the home, but with bold contrasting elements in black or other dark colors. The contrast not only adds modern appeal, but emphasizes the shapes used in the home’s construction. The exterior walls often include board and batten cladding reminiscent of traditional farm homes. Fixtures are often rustic or industrial, focusing on rustic finishes. On the inside, a modern farmhouse will feature exposed wooden beams and trim and rough-hewn plank flooring. Natural materials with lots of texture are prevalent in modern farmhouse interior design and the more mixing materials, the better. Paint, trim, fixtures and furniture will keep the same color trend as the exterior: light and neutral with dark accents. A combination of leather, metal, stone, jute, linen and other natural materials come together to make the modern farmhouse style cohesive yet comfortably eclectic.

People are spending more time at home in order to work, learn and be among family. Therefore, the demand for comfort and practicality is likely a driving force behind the popularity of this trend. With modern farmhouse style homes, you can have the cozy, inviting feel of a traditional farmhouse style but with a sleek and modern update. The style honors nostalgia and classic American design elements while still including all the efficiency and demands of the present.

Homeowners Can Save Big With DIY Kitchen Island Innovations

If the cost of renovations holds you back from realizing your desired living space, strategic do-it-yourself projects can save money and accelerate the process.

It’s essential to understand that not every handy homeowner possesses the DIY skills to orchestrate a complete makeover. However, basic understanding of how to measure and use tools allow everyday people to make substantial living space improvements. In fact, more than a few motivated people can create a DIY kitchen island. Given that the meal preparation area ranks among the more expensive to upgrade, a DIY kitchen island can be a game-changer in terms of enjoyment and investment.

Popular DIY Kitchen Island Innovations

The kitchen has more foot traffic than any room in the household and that’s why many consider it the heart of the home. Perhaps the most dramatic change involves adding a DIY kitchen island. This asset allows family chefs expansive food preparation space and a place for friends and family members to gather over small meals and beverages. The following DIY kitchen island innovations illustrate ways you can save big while enhancing your home.

  • Farm Style Center Islands: One surprising innovation involves taking an outdated table or workbench and refurbishing it. Antiques often utilize sturdy hardwoods that can be sanded down, stained, and coated for kitchen use and fixed in place. These furniture items are usually created at the precise height of a modern center island and can be picked up at tag sales or junk stores for pennies on the dollar.
  • Dresser Updates: Like farm tables, a beat-up old dresser can form a DIY kitchen island’s foundation. Identify a piece of furniture that meets your desired height requirement. For instance, dressers of about 42 inches may accommodate bar stool seating. You can remove the top and craft a replacement that extends off one side for a seating countertop. It’s also perfectly acceptable to attach a more expansive countertop over the existing one. Given that repurposed furniture is inexpensive, you’re only paying retail for the countertop materials.
  • Rustic Built-It-Yourself: A DIY kitchen island does not necessarily require you to purchase a manufactured product. Fashioning a kitchen island remains remarkably similar to building a make-shift table or cabinet. Consider downloading basic table-making or cabinet plans and crafting one from lumber. Given that most homeowners are not finished carpenters, rustic designs and appearance can simplify the project.
  • Value of Shiplap: These interlocking boards rank among the more cost-effective home siding materials on the market. They are easy to manage and ideal for the exterior of a DIY kitchen island. This wood material can be installed on three sides of an island, leaving one side available for storage shelving. Shiplap provides aesthetically pleasing lines and can be painted or stained to suit. That makes it a cost-effective material to employ in a DIY kitchen island innovation.

Working families on strict budgets do not necessarily need to build up home improvement savings or leverage equity to enhance their living environment. By thinking outside the box and putting your creative spirit to work, it’s possible to make these DIY kitchen island innovations a reality.