How long will your household appliances, fixtures, and accessories last?

Each year there are items in a home that need to be replaced because they are either outdated or broken. However, it can be difficult to discern when a major household feature needs to be replaced. One way, you can predict when you will need to replace the items is by the typical lifespan.

Fortunately, the major appliances and fixtures such as garage doors, gas fireplaces, linoleum floors are expected to last for at least 25 years with bathtubs and sinks lasting about 20 years.

• Other Appliances and Fixtures
• Washing Machine, dryers, refrigerators- 13-15 years
• Food Disposals- 12 years
• Plasma TVs- 11 years
• Lawnmowers and carpet- 10 years
• Microwaves and dishwashers- 9 years
• Air conditioners and mattresses- 7 years
• Rugs- 5 years
• Laptops- 4 years
• Coffee makers- 2 years

Don’t worry about your doorbell that will last for about 45 years!

How to Update Your Kitchen in Five Easy Steps?

Renovating your entire kitchen can be quite expensive, however, when it comes to selling you can get about 66% return on your investment. But a smaller kitchen renovation investment can lead to even more return!

1. Cabinet Refacing- Keep your existing cabinet but give them a facelift! Changing out the fronts of your cabinets and draws will make them look like they are brand new for a fourth of the cost.

2. New Lighting- Brightening up your kitchen welcomes people and creates a functioning space. Replacing recessed lights with impactful pendant lighting will brighten up your kitchen. They also offer a stylish solution for the space over the island and sink.

3. Cabinet Painting- If you are on budget painting your cabinets is a great temporary kitchen remodel idea until you have the budget to reface them.

4. Upgrade Appliances- The majority of remodelers are incorporating stainless steel appliances into their projects. However, most people tend to take the appliances with them when they move, it’s important to keep them in the residence when you are selling your home. You will get a return on your investment and the appliances will appeal to buyers.

5. New Countertops- Countertop styles can range from granite to quartz to even stylish laminate. Installing the right kind of countertop depends on the type of home you live in. Pick a style that suits your home and the best option you will see a return on.

As a First Time Homebuyer, What Should You Take into Consideration When Selecting the Perfect Home?

When you are ready to buy your first home, it can be overwhelming and scary. There are many different options to choose from including the area, neighborhood, school district, and location. To start you must determine the budget you are willing to spend on a home and stick with it.

• Location is a key factor when determining where you want to live and the amount you are willing to spend. You don’t want to
walk-through homes in an area you simply can’t afford.

• Determine the neighborhood and school district you want to live in is essential to narrowing down your search.

• Research the area you are most interested to see if there are plans for expansion in the neighborhood, new shopping center developments or even new apartment developments.

• Determine if you are planning on staying in your home for a few years, 10+ years, or even forever. If you are planning on staying in your home for a long time, is there room for your family to grow? Is there space available to add onto the home?

What are Ways You Can Upgrade Your Bathroom to a New Trendy Bathroom for a Quick Sale?

Upgrading your bathroom can be the perfect way to change the curb appeal in your home. Although it can be pricey, adding a few upgrades and ideas can help you ensure your home sells quick.

1. Skylights- A skylight can provide natural light and ventilation. They have a major “wow” factor and are very practical.
2. Lighted Vanity Mirrors.
3. Double-flush Toilet- Dual flush toilet only uses the water you need to get the job done.
4. Towel Warmers- Adding wall-mounted or free standing towel warmers will provide a cozy, warm towel every time you bathe.
5. Shower Foot Rest.

How to Easily Organize Your Kitchen Cabinets

It’s true what they say, over the years we tend to accumulate unnecessary stuff and find the only place for it to collect is in our kitchen cabinets and drawers. You may think shutting the drawers and cabinets will make the mess go away, but in reality it’s only hiding that mess. The mismatched Tupperware, random odds and ends, stacks of plastic bowls still remain behind those doors.

1. It’s time to say good-bye. Preparing yourself for that day you get the itch to organize is just the start into getting rid of the unused items. To start you have to prepare yourself to get rid of the used items. If you haven’t used that item in a year it’s probably time to part ways.

2. Schedule time on a weekend afternoon. Dedicate time within your busy schedule to clean out your kitchen cabinets and draws. The key is to stick with the time you have set aside and not reschedule it.

3. Pump up the jams! Create a playlist with your favorite jams! Make organizing a fun task while listening to your favorite artists.

4. Take everything out of your cabinets and drawers. Leave nothing behind- remove everything from your cabinets and drawers. Sort your items into different piles from “commonly used,” “sometimes used,” and “never used.”

5. Wipe down the inside of your cabinets and drawers. Disinfect your cabinets and drawers to make sure nothing is left behind. Tear out the old shelf paper and add new paper in there.

6. Throw out what you don’t use and organize. Throw out your “never used” pile and go through your “sometimes used” pile to see if there are items you probably won’t use again. Once you have completed that, place your items into the cabinets and drawers in a neat fashion.

7. Admire your hard work! Pour yourself a celebratory drink- you’ve conquered the kitchen!

What Are Some Tips and Tricks When Completing a Final Walk-Through?

With the hot market for first time homebuyers, it’s important not to rush into a home that may not be fit for you and your family or overlook items in the walk through that can in the end cost you money. The final walk-through is one of the most important steps when buying your home. You must inspect everything from top to bottom and not miss anything in between.

1. Have all documents handy when performing the walk-through., including your contract, inspection report, and any seller disclosures. These documents will point out any repairs that need to be made or any issues the inspector found during the inspection process.

2. Inspect everything! Inspect the inside and outside of your home. Pay close attention to the areas the seller agreed to fix.

3. Test everything! Make sure you test all of the appliances, HVAC system, power outlets, turn on all of the faucets, and even flush the toilets.

4. When the walk-through is complete ask for all working keys, garage code, alarm code, garage openers, and any manuals that relate to appliances/systems in the home.

How to Give Your Patio a Makeover?

With the beautiful weather here, it’s time to start enjoying the outdoors, especially after a long winter. Your patio is the perfect place to start! Creating a livable outdoor space will make you never want to return inside, even on those rainy days.

1. Don’t start from scratch; work with the space you have. Don’t spend money renovating your yard and outdoor living space- work with what you have. Sketch out your desired space and take measurements to see what you are working with. Set a budget.

2. Take into consideration the environment you live in and what surface would work best for your space.

3. With the heat from the summer sun, it’s important to plan your shade especially if you plan on entertaining guests. Considering adding a few umbrellas or a pergola for extra shade.

4. Add landscaping and plants around your new space to add a colorful touch to your space.

5. Determine where you want to add your furniture and seating. Take into consideration the budget you have set for yourself. If your budget doesn’t allow new furniture consider stopping by a few local garage sales.