How to Keep Your Water Heater Working Efficiently

Many homeowners don’t think about water heater maintenance as much as they should.

Check the temperature-pressure relief valve. If it doesn’t release water or releases too much, replace it.

Sediment can clog water lines, making the water heater less efficient and shortening its lifespan. Flush the water heater twice a year.

Set the temperature to 120 degrees Fahrenheit. Set it as low as possible or turn off the water heater if you will be away for several days.

Insulate the pipes, TPR valve and temperature control.

Check the pilot flame and relight it if necessary.

Focus on routine maintenance to avoid a hefty bill for a new water heater.

Planning to Get a New Credit Card before Buying a House? Think Again...

Applying for a new credit card while looking for a house could hurt your chance of getting a mortgage with a competitive interest rate.

A credit card issuer would check your credit report in a hard inquiry. A new card would lower the average age of your accounts. Both could hurt your credit score.

Even a small drop in your credit score could affect your interest rate and add thousands to the overall cost of the loan. The mortgage lender could deny your application altogether.

Apply for a new credit card at least three to six months before applying for a mortgage or, ideally, after you close on a house.

4 Interior Designers With Must-See Furniture Collections

After you buy a new house, that usually means it’s time to do some furniture shopping. Finding just the right pieces to fill out your new space can be a challenge, though, that’s particularly true if the home dictates a specific style, like contemporary or rustic. Following are a few of today’s top interior designers with stunning furniture collections that are sure to inspire.

Bunny Williams Home
Bunny Williams knows how to stay at the forefront of style and her home collection stands as a testament to that. With everything from garden furniture to bamboo bed frames, the design legend’s trademark elegance certainly extends to her home décor line. You’ll find original designs and inspired reproductions that will instantly give your new home a refined ambience.

Timothy Corrigan & Perennials Collaboration
Timothy Corrigan is renowned for projects that capture European elegance without compromising on comfort, so it’s no wonder that high-end fabric brand Perennials decided to team up with him. This collaboration yielded a breathtaking array of performance fabrics and rugs that are all resistant to stains, mildew, and UV-fading, which means there’s no cause for concern if someone spills a glass of red wine at your housewarming party. 

Marmol Radziner Furniture
Marmol Radziner is an internationally recognized design-build firm with a list of noteworthy clients that includes Tom Ford, Ellen DeGeneres and Bradley Cooper, to name a few. The firm may not have designed your new house, but you can incorporate their sophisticated style with Marmol Radziner Furniture, which consists of pieces that were originally created for custom homes.

Kelly Wearstler Furniture
Another designer to the stars, Kelly Wearstler’s iconic furniture line is energetic and borderline eccentric with pieces that are sure to make for a memorable abode. If you want to try out maximalism or transitional style in your new home, this collection will certainly steer you in the right direction.

Is an Outdated Kitchen the Reason Your House Hasn't Sold?

For many prospective homebuyers, an outdated kitchen is a deal-breaker.

Some inexpensive upgrades may help you sell your house.

Repair damaged countertops or replace them with granite ones.

Replace an old sink and faucet and install an attractive backsplash.

If your kitchen has vinyl flooring, replace it with something more modern.

Install new appliances if necessary. If the existing appliances work, but just don’t look good, install new face panels.

If your cabinets are outdated but in good shape, repaint them and replace the hardware.

Improve lighting in the kitchen.

Ask your real estate agent for advice on kitchen upgrades that could help you sell your home.

How to Design an Elegant White Kitchen

From traditional elegance to contemporary cool, here’s how to design a white kitchen.

Go Big on Marble

Marble is perfect for creating sophisticated countertops and backsplashes. 

Warm It Up With Wood

Easily warm up the ambiance and create an effortlessly timeless aesthetic. 

A Touch of Texture

There are plenty of ways to add texture, like terrazzo floors or exposed white brick walls.

Introduce Accents

A white kitchen doesn’t have to be entirely white. Introducing an accent color is advised to mix it up a little bit. 

Maximize Natural Light

Sun exposure will help create a light and airy atmosphere in your kitchen.