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Here are four features that have become synonymous with Victorian-style homes.

Towers and Turrets

The first thing youre likely to notice when arriving at a Victorian-style home is a magnificent tower or turret defining the exterior.

Wraparound Porches

Many Victorian-style homes are designed with such a porch in order to greet visitors with a spacious covered seating area.

Meandering Floor Plans

These homes often have elaborate layouts with rooms of various proportions, from grand parlors and reception rooms to intimate nooks and alcoves.

Intricate Details

An ornate aesthetic is always front and center with stained glass windows, impressive wood finishes and decorative moldings.

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Most Americans need a car to travel to and from work, run errands and take their kids to after-school activities. People also need a place to live. If you want to purchase a house in the near future, splurging on a brand-new vehicle could make it difficult or impossible to qualify for a large enough mortgage to buy the home you want.

How a New Car Loan Could Affect Your Ability to Get a Mortgage
When you apply for a mortgage, a lender will consider your debt-to-income (DTI) ratio, which is the total cost of car, student and other loans, as well as credit card bills and other debts. Most lenders dont want a borrower to have a DTI ratio above 35 percent of gross income. If you buy a new car with a high monthly payment and have other debt, your DTI ratio might be too high to qualify for a mortgage, or a lender might approve you for an amount thats too low to buy a house in your area, unless you come up with a huge down payment.

To qualify for a mortgage at a low interest rate, youll need your credit to be in the best shape it can be. A new car loan would lower your credit score temporarily because of a hard inquiry when the lender checked your credit report, as well as the increased debt load. Making auto loan payments on time each month could raise your score, but that could be a long process.

Consider a Used Car
If your car is on its last legs and you need to replace it, consider purchasing a used vehicle. Since cars depreciate quickly, a car thats one or two years old would cost significantly less than a new one, but it would likely have low miles, be in excellent condition and still be covered by a warranty. You could get a reliable vehicle with a much lower payment than you would with a new one, and you would pay less for car insurance. Your debt-to-income ratio would be lower than it would be if you bought a new car, and youd be able to qualify for a bigger mortgage and buy the house you wanted.

Prioritize Large Purchases
If you want to replace your car and buy a home, youd be better off focusing on a house first. Since a home is probably the largest purchase youll ever make, you want to be sure that your credit score is as high as possible and that a lender will be confident in your ability to pay a mortgage. If you cant put off replacing your vehicle, buy one used to keep your debt obligations down so you can qualify for a mortgage to purchase your dream home.

This article is intended for informational purposes only and should not be construed as professional or legal advice.

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Bringing a historic home into the 21st century is a balancing act of the highest degree. You want the latest luxuries without having to get rid of the charming period details of yesteryear. Whether youre in the market for a home that exudes Old World craftsmanship or youre ready to breathe new life into your historic residence, here are a few tips to get you started on the right track.

Find a Specialist

The first order of business is to find a contractor or consultant who specializes in the restoration of historic homes. An expert will be able to guide you through the process, knowing exactly what needs to be preserved and what needs to be updated. The last thing you want is someone whos ready to rip it down to the studs without respecting the residences history, so do your due diligence.

Kitchens & Bathrooms

With all due respect to kitchens and bathrooms of the past, these are living spaces that we generally want to equip with top-of-the-line features. Dont hold back when it comes to modern shower systems and cutting-edge appliances. While you can certainly choose to maintain a timeless aesthetic, it can also be fun to contrast contemporary with traditional.

Preserve the Period Details

What was it that drew you to the home in the first place? Often, its the original details, like antique floors, door casings, or stonework. Whenever its possible to salvage or reclaim these elements, it goes a long way toward maintaining the houses character and sense of authenticity.

Integrate Technology

Wireless smart home systems allow you to discreetly outfit a historic property with the latest technology. Rather than installing a touchscreen to control your home automation system, you can take the reins on your smartphone to manage lights, thermostat, and more, often times without even requiring additional wiring.

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These inexpensive must-haves should be at the top of your shopping list if you want to make your next laundry day a breeze.

Dryer Balls

A more eco-friendly option than dryer sheets, and a less messy option than fabric softener, wool dryer balls keep your clothes from sticking together and allow hot air to circulate more evenly and efficiently, reducing drying time.

Mesh Laundry Bag

If you’re constantly losing your socks or find yourself replacing delicate undergarments after they’ve been destroyed by your washer’s agitator, a mesh laundry bag will be your best friend.

Washing Machine Lint and Hair Catcher

These are truly a must-have if you find that your clothes come out of the dryer covered with more dog or cat hair than your lint catcher could take out.

Dye-Catcher Sheets

Whether you’re washing your new red towels or some brand-new denim jeans, these sheets could be a lifesaver for the first few loads.

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Anyone who wants to sell their home should get their mind in the gutter because if a houses gutter system isnt working properly, it can lead to many problems.

Gutters serve an extremely important purpose”directing water away from your house. Without gutters, rainwater can damage roofs, enter homes, flood basements, destroy gardens and even damage the houses foundation.

Savvy homebuyers will know if there are issues with your gutters if, for example, they see water pooled near your home. Taking some time to make sure your gutters are in tip-top condition is the right thing to do.

Keep them clean. This is a very simple process that will keep your gutters flowing. All you have to do is climb a ladder and use your hands to remove leaves, twigs, sticks and other debris from your gutter. Safety is the biggest concern, so be sure someone is holding the ladder, and wear work gloves to protect your hands. Also, be sure the downspout openings are clear.

Make sure theyre secure. Gutters that are separated from your home can lead to all sorts of problems, so do an inspection for loose areas. If you do see troublesome spots, tighten the hangers. Be sure to check downspout brackets. If you dont want to make these repairs yourself, call a professional.

Get on guard. Gutter guards can be effective and are a great selling point because the new owner wont have to clean the gutters. They prevent large items like leaves from entering the gutters while still allowing water to flow. However, not all models are full proof. Be sure to do your homework before investing in them.

Is it time for new gutters? This is a drastic and costly process, but if your gutters are beyond repair, it may be worth it to invest in a new system. There are many options, including the material the gutters are made of and whether to buy seamless or less expensive sectional gutters. And if you do go this route, go all-in and choose a color and style that complements your house and enhances its physical appeal.

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