We’ve all been there. Blissed out in a hot shower when the unthinkable happens: the water suddenly turns ice cold, leaving you to scramble and shriek. When you’re living on a limited hot water budget that comes with a standard tank water heater, life gets less fun. 

That’s why tankless water heaters have become all the rage. Unlike a standard heater that keeps a certain amount of water heated at all times, a tankless water heater heats water as it passes through the unit. That results in practically endless hot water and 0 cold showers. 

But is investing in a tankless water heater worth it? Well, like everything else, unlimited hot water has pros and cons. 

First, let’s cover the cons. Tankless water heaters are pricey on the frontend. They’re a newer technology and they take longer to install, so you’ll probably pay $500-1,000 more for a tankless heater than a traditional one. They can also take longer to heat up water and can struggle with getting hot water to multiple rooms/appliances at the same time because water gets heated as it passes through the unit. 

But a tankless heater saves huge amounts of energy (up to 25 percent!), which is a good thing for your gas or electric bill. They also take up less space and last way longer—up to 30 years. 

Plus, if your home is located in an area where energy bills are high, a tankless water heater can be a major perk for buyers. While it’s not going to sell your house or really boost your ROI, a tankless water heater definitely adds marketability to your home. I’ve definitely seen buyers’ ears perk up when they hear “tankless water heater.”

So if you’re looking to sell your home soon (within the next couple of years), a tankless heater probably isn’t the best update. But if your selling plans are a bit further down the road, say 5-10 years, a tankless heater might be exactly what you need. And the best part is that you’ll have the chance to take advantage of the energy savings and that endless supply of hot water.

That’s the skinny on tankless water heaters. If you’re thinking about selling and are wondering which updates are the best for your home, just give me a call!

Is there anything more exciting than the idea of moving into your first home? In all the excitement leading up to getting into your new home, you might be wondering what exactly you need to have on your move-in day. Here’s a list of some things you’ll want to make sure you have ready for your move:

A “first night” bag: Put together a bag with your essentials (pjs, toiletries, change of clothes) and make sure you keep it handy when you move in.

New keys and locks: Replacing the locks and keys to your house will make your space more secure and keep out any past inhabitants.

Tool kit: When you move into a home, there’s bound to be little repairs and maintenance things to be done. But unlike renting, no landlord is going to take care of the repairs.

Toilet plunger: You definitely don’t want to deal with an unfortunate clog while getting adjusted to your house. Bring a plunger to make sure you don’t have any emergency calls to the plumber.

Fire extinguisher: A fire extinguisher is a must have for any living space, and sometimes sellers don’t leave them behind. If one does come with the house, make sure it’s not expired.

Curtains or blinds: Sellers will often take window fixtures with them, and you don’t want the entire world seeing into your home at night. Rather than scrambling to tack up sheets on your move-in day, bring some curtains or blinds with you.

Furniture: Even if you’re working on updates before moving your big furniture in, you’ll want to pack a chair or two so you have a space to take a break.

Coffee maker: You’re gonna need all the extra energy you can get for moving in, so make sure to keep your coffee maker handy!
When you have all of these things on hand, you’ll have a smooth and less stressful move-in experience. And if you need help finding the right home to move into, you know you can always give me a call.

Now that we’ve officially entered the summer season, you might be itching to  put some work into your home. Refresh your home and put your weekends to work by tackling some of these 2-day home improvement projects!

1. Try out a fresh coat

Only a few things can make your house look instantly updated, and a fresh coat of paint can definitely do just that. Try a timeless neutral in the living room or refresh your bathroom with a spa-like hue. But if you’re planning on selling soon, keep your color choices on the neutral end of the spectrum so buyers can see themselves in your space. 

2. Spiff up your kitchen

Make your kitchen feel new by replacing your cabinet hardware with some modern fixtures. Have some extra time? Repaint your bottom cabinet doors or island a subdued navy blue for a fresh, on-trend look. Open shelving is all the rage right now, so if you like the look, take off a couple of your upper cabinet doors for more space to show off your style. 

3. Make some room

Make your home more relaxing by getting rid of the clutter. Choose one area to work on at first—closets, cabinets, or shelves are a great place to start. Then channel your inner Marie Kondo and get rid of anything that no longer sparks joy. Then spend some time organizing the space so it’s really usable for you and your family. If you spend a few weekends focused on decluttering and organizing, your home will definitely feel refreshed. 

4. Boost your curb appeal

Summer is the perfect time to give your outdoor space a little love. Spend some time cleaning up your front yard by weeding and getting rid of yard debris. Then plant some flowers for a seasonal pop of color! I love petunias, pansies, or dahlias for some low maintenance blooms. 

5. Create a container garden

If you have some space in the backyard or on your patio, try a container pizza garden garden! 

Pick up a couple large terracotta pots and high-quality soil to plant cherry tomatoes, basil, and oregano. You’ll be able to make your own fresh marinara sauce, which is sure to be delish. 

And your container pizza garden will perk up your space!

These projects are short and sweet, but they can pack a major refreshing punch. And if you’re looking to move soon, they can definitely help the look of your home, which can lead to more interested buyers. Wondering what projects would be best for your house? Give me a call!