by Alex Everest. A contract for deed (aka land contract) is a method of selling a property in which the seller finances some portion of the purchase price. The buyer typically provides a down payment and makes installment payments directly to the seller for an agreed period of time. The length of a contract for deed varies but a 2-5 year period is most common, after which a âballoon paymentâ for the remainder of the balance is due.
While standard units with tanks that hold and heat large amounts of water last approximately 13 years, tankless or on-demand heaters -- either gas or electrically heated -- can last up to 20 years.
The next consideration is life expectancy. Often, electric hot water heaters last longer than natural gas units due to the lack of corrosion and deterioration from the gas fired flame on the bottom of the inner tank. This does vary considerably depending on the mineral content of the water in your area.