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Published with permission from RISMedia.

If your home has a driveway, you may have encountered a common problem: cracks. Driveway cracks often start out small and go unnoticed, but they can eventually become so serious that the entire driveway needs to be repaved. Fortunately, there are some steps you can take to reduce the likelihood of problems.

How Water Can Damage Your Driveway
Concrete is a porous material. Water from rain or melted snow can make its way into a concrete driveway, freeze and expand when the temperature drops, then contract when the weather turns warmer. This process, if repeated several times over the course of the fall and winter, can cause concrete to crack.

An asphalt driveway can be damaged by frost heave. If the soil under the asphalt gets moist, it can freeze, swell and cause the driveway to crack.

How to Prevent Cracks Caused by Water
Clogged gutters or downspouts can overflow, which can cause water to wind up in places where it doesnt belong. If water flows toward your driveway and the temperature drops, the water can freeze and cause the driveway to expand and crack. Cleaning your gutters twice a year is a simple way to prevent this scenario.

If your driveway doesnt have enough of a slope, water may not drain properly. Puddles can form, and water can be absorbed by the driveway material and eventually cause cracks. If your driveway doesnt drain well, you may need to have it repaired.

Applying a sealant to your driveway can repel water and help you prevent cracks. A sealant can be rolled or sprayed on your driveway every few years. Use a sealant appropriate for your driveways paving material.

How to Keep Plants From Cracking Your Driveway
Roots of bushes and trees near the driveway can grow underground, put pressure on the driveway, and eventually cause it to crack. Homeowners often dont realize how far roots extend since theyre hidden from view.

If any trees or bushes are growing near your driveway, remove them. This may be expensive if you have one or more large trees or several bushes, but itll be a lot cheaper and much less of a hassle than repaving your entire driveway later.

Edging your driveway is another way to prevent cracks. Keep a few inches along the edge of the driveway free of sod and weeds to allow water to run away from the driveway and prevent it from freezing and causing cracks.

Do What You Can to Prevent Driveway Cracks
A cracked driveway can detract from your homes curb appeal and be a safety hazard. In many cases, cracks may be prevented if you understand what causes them and take steps to avoid problems. If you notice any cracks in your driveway, deal with them right away, before they have an opportunity to get worse. If you have questions or need help, consult a professional.

Published with permission from RISMedia.

There is perhaps nothing more synonymous with luxury than a penthouse apartment.

Here are a few advantages you can expect by living in the height of luxury!

Extra Spacious

The penthouse is almost always the largest residence in the building.

Rooftop Terrace

Penthouse residences usually boast a private rooftop terrace that you can escape to high above the city.

Far-Ranging Views

If youre looking for a dwelling that captures breathtaking views of the cityscape, this is where you want to be.

Extra Natural Light

Often designed with taller ceilings and bigger windows, penthouses let in an abundance of natural light.

Status Symbol

It may not be important to you, but it goes without saying that penthouses are a status symbol.

Published with permission from RISMedia.

Some first-time buyers are surprised by the full cost of homeownership.

To prepare your budget, consider these extra costs:

Closing costs typically total 2 – 5 percent of the purchase price and are in addition to down payments.

Homeowners insurance costs an average of around $1,000 a year, but prices vary. If in a flood or earthquake zone, youll need extra hazard insurance.

Property taxes could range from hundreds of dollars to thousands a year, and they often fluctuate.

All home maintenance becomes your responsibility, so save money for normal upkeep and emergency repairs.

Youll also need to pay for all utilities. If moving from a smaller apartment, expect the larger home to have higher bills.

Nevertheless, the pride of homeownership is priceless.

Published with permission from RISMedia.

Moving into a new house can be a quick lesson in how little furniture you have. And while you may not want to fill up every nook and cranny, unless youre moving to a smaller home, chances are youll need to buy some furniture after a move.

Budgets vary, making it easy to go over budget when furnishing an empty space, so here are some simple ways to make furnishing a new house affordable:

Budget and Save for It
This is a step you hopefully made before buying a home. Budgeting and saving for new furniture is a good financial move, because it can be a big expense that can take some time to save for. By proactively setting money aside for furniture, you can keep your expenses at a set level, which will allow you to buy what you need without having to go into debt for it.

Pay Cash
If your furniture budget isnt quite where you want it to be, make it a point to pay with cash whenever possible to avoid putting anything on a credit card and paying interest on revolving credit. If you do use a credit card, make sure you can pay it off in full before interest charges start. Some stores even offer no-interest credit for a set number of months, with credit charges from the date of purchase taking effect if you dont pay off the bill before the promotional period ends, so explore all your options before making a purchase.

It shouldnt be a big deal to let a room or two be sparsely appointed (or even sit empty) until you can save enough cash to buy what you need.

Buy Essentials First
Blowing all your money on furniture is the last thing you want to do, so focus on purchasing the essentials first. Essential items include a dining table and chairs, beds and a couch or comfortable chairs for the living room.

Once youve acquired the essentials, begin saving for bigger functional pieces that will make a room look full. These include sectional sofas and large area rugs.

Negotiate and Shop Sales
Like many big-ticket items, furniture stores are often open to negotiating prices. Ask for discounts on floor models, shop around to compare prices, and look for seasonal sales around the holidays and during specific months of the year, including January and July.

You may even be able to find good deals at warehouse stores, thrift stores and online sites such as Craigslist and Nextdoor.

Affordable Extras
Some smaller, inexpensive items can make a house feel like a home while showing off your style. For instance, unique-looking lamps can make a room look cozy, while drapes, throw pillows and a fresh coat of paint can make a room more inviting.

Published with permission from RISMedia.