Date Archives: July 2022

Did you know hard water can negatively impact your home over time? While it's safe to drink, hard water can lead to many interior problems, which is why our real estate agents recommend addressing it as soon as possible. Hard water is common across much of the US, especially in the Midwest. As a result, it's an issue most homeowners have to contend with. Below, we'll tell you all about hard water and share some simple solutions for treating it in your home

What Is Hard Water?
While most water contains minerals, hard water contains high levels of calcium and magnesium. Water accumulates high levels of these two minerals when it streams through deposits of limestone or chalk.  It's usually easy to tell if you have hard water as it often leaves a chalky film on your dishes, or it can even have a strong taste or odor. However, there are also inexpensive hard water test kits available that can tell you for sure.

How Can Hard Water Affect Your Home?
The effects of hard water range from short-term mild inconveniences to significant long-term damage. In any case, it's a good idea to address the issue right away. Here are some examples of the effects hard water can have in your home:

• Taste And Odor - Hard water often smells bad (like a rotten egg) and has a metallic taste.
• Residue - It can leave a white residue on your dishes that is difficult to remove, and it can also leave water stains on your sink, bathtub, and toilet.
• Dry Skin - It makes your skin feel extra dry after you wash your hands and take a shower.
• Laundry Issues - It can make your clothes feel stiff, and it can dull or fade colors.
• Plumbing Problems - It can lead to build-up or corrosion in your pipes, which can ultimately result in lower water pressure
• Poor Appliance Performance - It can affect the overall performance and energy efficiency of water-based appliances such as water heaters, washing machines, and dishwashers.

How Do I Treat Hard Water?
The easiest and most common way to treat hard water is with a water softener or filtration system. Some of these systems use negatively charged magnetic beads to collect calcium and magnesium particles while simultaneously allowing water to flow through. Other systems filter out calcium and magnesium from your water while pumping in sodium ions. The later types come with a separate salt tank, and the salt needs refilling periodically; however, the good news is water softener salt is usually inexpensive.

Once the process is complete, the water then flows out of the filtration system and into your home's plumbing. Water softeners range in price, but purchase and installation are usually around $1,500 on average. However, many of these gorgeous Holland homes for sale are already equipped with a water softener.

Eliminating hard water from your house can help you avoid unwanted water stains, unhealthy skin, and plumbing and appliance issues. It's definitely worth the investment. For more home maintenance tips, contact us today.

There are many factors to consider when choosing a new place to live, and the decision isn't always easy. But for those searching for a great climate, a strong economy, and quality education, Western Michigan checks every box. In fact, our real estate agents say people from all over the world move to Western Michigan thanks to its many amenities. Once you see what our great communities have to offer, we're sure you'll be eager to call this area home.

If you're on the hunt for a new place to live, here are a few reasons why you make sure Western Michigan is on the top of your list:

• You'll Never Run Out Of Things To Do
  In Western Michigan, you can fill your weekends with fun outdoor activities and take advantage of all the local amenities our communities have to offer. For example, you can relax on a Lake Michigan beach during the day, and then grab dinner and shop in Holland or Grand Haven. Or head downtown and enjoy some of the great restaurants and breweries Grand Rapids has to offer. Festivals and community events are also a big deal in Western Michigan, which can be fun for the whole family.
  
  
• Easy Access To Fantastic Healthcare
  Grand Rapids is home to "Medical Mile," a collection of some of the nation's best hospitals, clinics, and medical research institutions. As a result, you don't have to travel far to get the care you need. There are actually more than 10 hospitals in the area. Easy access to healthcare is also one of the many reasons why people choose to raise a family or retire in Western Michigan.
  
  
• A Strong Job Market
  Grand Rapids, Grand Haven, and Holland offer tons of job opportunities in a wide range of industries including manufacturing, health care, and food processing. Meijer, Spectrum Health, and Merrill are all large employers that call Western Michigan home. Commuting to a job in Grand Haven or Grand Rapids is an easy drive from these Holland homes for sale.
  
  
• High-Quality Education
  There are more than 15 colleges and universities in Western Michigan, including Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo College, Davenport University, and many more, so quality higher education is easy to find. Western Michigan has tons of great public schools as well. According to Niche.com, Grand Haven received an "A" public school rating, and Holland received a "B+". There are also 22 public charter schools and 45 private schools across the area, and 5 Western Michigan schools actually rank top in the nation.
  
  
• Fantastic Weather
  The best part about Western Michigan weather is you truly get to experience all four seasons. Summers are warm and pleasant, while winters are snowy and beautiful. You can enjoy the beauty of fall foliage and blooming tulips in the spring. With plenty of lakes and mountains, there are ample opportunities for seasonal outdoor activities like boating, biking, and skiing.

Western Michigan has so much to offer, so it's easy to see why so many people love calling it home. Contact us to explore local listings in our area.