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A large percentage of recent college graduates have student loan debt, often totaling tens of thousands of dollars. While having significant balances might make it harder to become a homeowner, you may still be able to qualify for a mortgage.

Factors That are Important to Lenders
A lender will look at your overall financial picture to decide whether to approve your mortgage application. Each company has its own requirements, but all lenders look at several key criteria to make decisions.

An applicants payment history is one of the most important factors. If you have consistently paid your student loans and other bills on time, that demonstrates that you manage your finances responsibly and may increase your chance of qualifying for a mortgage with a competitive interest rate.

Mortgage lenders also consider an applicants debt-to-income ratio or the percentage of monthly income that goes toward paying down debts. Lenders dont want borrowers to have a DTI ratio above a specific percentage.

An applicants credit score is also important. A high score could help you get approved for a mortgage with a competitive interest rate.

Improve Your Finances
If your current student loan payments would make it difficult for you to qualify for a mortgage, you might be able to switch to an extended repayment plan or an income-driven repayment plan to reduce your monthly payments and DTI ratio. If you have multiple student loans, you might be able to consolidate them and reduce your monthly payment. Dont request a forbearance or deferment to lower your debt-to-income ratio. That could make a lender think youre in financial trouble and could hurt your chance of qualifying for a mortgage.

Pay all your bills on time. Focus on reducing your DTI ratio and your credit utilization ratio, or the percentage of your available credit you are using. Once you pay off a credit card, you should keep the account open since the length of your credit history affects your credit score. Avoid applying for new credit cards because hard credit inquiries could lower your score.

Look for Other Sources of Help
If you cant qualify for a mortgage on your own and someone close to you is also interested in buying a house, you might want to consider purchasing a home together. You could have a better chance of qualifying with a co-borrower since the lender would consider both your incomes and savings.

Another option is to ask someone to cosign a mortgage. That persons income and credit score could help you qualify, but the cosigner would not have an ownership stake in the house.

Large student loan payments can make it difficult to save for a down payment. You may qualify for assistance through a program offered by the federal government or by your state government. You may also be eligible for a mortgage for first-time homebuyers with a low down payment or none at all.

Published with permission from RISMedia.

Here are the most lavish amenities in apartment buildings today.

Wellness Center

Well-being is a top priority among high-end homebuyers and the latest buildings deliver the highest of standards in this regard.

Bars and Restaurants

Theres nothing like having an excellent restaurant (or two) right in your building.

Activity Spaces

From full-sized movie theaters to golf simulators, billiard rooms and lounge areas, more and more buildings are being designed with elaborate activity spaces.

Work Space

Well-appointed conference rooms that are equipped with cutting-edge technology have become the norm in exclusive buildings.

Concierge Services

Residents need not sweat the small stuff, as such services often include dog grooming, restaurant bookings, event planning, and more.

Published with permission from RISMedia.

An inspection is important before purchasing a home, but some people assume that it isnt necessary if they plan to buy a brand new house. The truth is, even newly built houses are often far from perfect. Getting your new home inspected can allow you to have any problems addressed before you move in so you can avoid having to pay for repairs later.

Why Inspections are Important for New Homes
Builders are supposed to meet local codes, but that doesnt mean they always do. Workers can make mistakes or cut corners to save time, and a code inspector may not notice flaws in a house. Its easy to miss problems, especially things like inadequate insulation or electrical wiring issues, when the walls have already been put up.

Even if the builders do meet local codes, those requirements are minimums. If you designed the house with specifications above those minimums, such as extra insulation, you want to make sure you get what you requested.

When to Have a New House Inspected
You should have your new home inspected before you finalize the purchase. If you are planning to buy a house that has not been constructed yet, it may be a good idea to have it inspected a few times during the building process. If the inspector notes issues at any stage, the builder can fix them before continuing with the project.

Once the foundation has been poured, there isnt much that can be done to fix problems. An inspector can check before the foundation is poured to make sure the site has been prepared correctly. If there is a problem with the grading of the yard or another issue that might cause foundation problems or basement leaks, it can be addressed ahead of time.

A second inspection can take place after the frame has been built and the roof and windows have been installed, but before the walls have been put up. That will allow the inspector to check the electrical wiring, plumbing, insulation and other components that will later be hidden.

The final inspection can include a check of the entire house, including its exterior. The inspector can examine the doors, windows, appliances, HVAC system, plumbing, electrical system, roof, gutters, driveway, walkways, garage, shed, patio and deck to make sure everything is as it should be before you sign the papers and move in.

Inspections can be a Money-Saving Investment
Even though a series of inspections would add to the cost before you moved in, they could save you money in the long run. If you didnt have a brand new house inspected, problems could crop up later, after the builders warranty had expired, leaving you to pay for repairs yourself. If problems are caught during the construction process, you can require the builder to fix them and save yourself money, time and headaches down the road.

Published with permission from RISMedia.

When your outdoor space is strategically outfitted, you can treat yourself to a mini getaway without ever leaving your home! Whether you have a small balcony or an expansive patio, with a little design inspiration, you can craft an inviting and relaxing space for whenever you need an instant escape.

Implement some of the following design elements to boost your outside ambience:

Create privacy. To truly feel like youre escaping to your own oasis, focus on adding privacy to your outdoor space. A simple screen or trellis can make a small space feel more secluded, or surround your larger patio with a row of hedges, tall grasses or arborvitae trees.

Build a bar. You dont have to invest in an expensive construction project to add an inviting bar to your outdoor space. Wooden boards atop cement blocks serve as a simple DIY solution. Add some barstools, plants and candles and youve got instant ambience.

Go minimal. In order for your patio to feel truly peaceful, dont overcrowd it. Neutral colors and just a few essential, weatherproof furniture pieces will make for a relaxing, low-maintenance area. A table for resting books and drinks between two chairs, plus a couple of colorfully planted containers is all you need to set the scene.

Use a soft touch. Build in some cushy comfort to your patio with the addition of waterproof seat cushions or throw pillows. An outdoor rug and a throw for chilly nights adds even more warmth.

Add interest. Finally, add a few fun details to your patio to reflect your personality. Consider a small fountain, a bird feeder, string lights or a chiminea if allowed. These finishing touches will help complete the picture and emphasize your individual style.

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If youre planning to step up your barbecue game, a new grill can make all the difference and turn your backyard into the best place for family and friends to hang out under the sun.

Here are five favorite grills to please everyone, from charcoal loyalists to high-tech grill masters.

Kalamazoo Gaucho Wood-Fired Grill with Side Burner

If you appreciate the flavors of Argentinian-style grilling, the Gaucho from Kalamazoo is going to be your new best friend. The wood-burning grill and rotisserie is designed with a spoked-wheel that regulates cooking temperature by raising or lowering the grate over a live flame. For added convenience, a gas starter system helps to fire things up and get the meat sizzling.

Big Green Egg

The Big Green Egg enjoys legendary status among barbecue enthusiasts, and for good reason. These kamado-style grills can pretty much cook it all, from burgers and steaks to smoked salmon and brisket. Fueled by wood or charcoal, the Big Green Egg brings versatility to grill, sear, smoke, or bake in your backyard.

Lynx SmartGrill

For a state-of-the-art grilling machine, the Lynx SmartGrill can be controlled using your smartphone or voice commands and will let you know exactly when the meat is ready to be flipped. Equipped with all the bells and whistles, like a rotisserie system, smoker box, and infrared burners, this gas-powered grill is ideal for bringing high-tech precision to your BBQ area.

Weber Summit Charcoal Grilling Center

Weber Charcoal grills are tried and tested. While the Kettle model is a simple and enduring classic, the Summit Grilling Center is a cut above. Its gas ignition makes it easy to light up the charcoals and fill the air with that distinct barbecue smell, and the smoker allows for low-and-slow cooked meats.

Traeger Timberline WiFi Pellet Grill

The high-tech capabalities of Traegers Timberline Pellet Grill are enough to get excited about, with an app that lets you control the temperature, set timers, and access a whole bunch of recipes. However, its the good, old fashioned quality that makes it a standout. Fueled by wood pellets that infuse flavors like mesquite, pecan, and hickory BBQ, its the perfect choice for the at-home pitmaster.

Published with permission from RISMedia.