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One of the most important steps in buying a house is saving enough money for a down payment. Depending on the type of mortgage you obtain, you could have to put down as much as 20 percent, or significantly less. Even if your lender only requires you to put a small percentage of the purchase price down, that will still total thousands of dollars. There are many ways to come up with the money.

Seek Government Help
The federal government and many states offer down payment assistance programs. Rules and amounts available depend on location, the size of the loan and the buyers financial circumstances.

Beef up Your Savings Account
A small amount of money, if set aside consistently each time you get paid, can add up over time. The key is to transfer money to a savings account no matter what. If you dont have the discipline to do that yourself, set up automatic transfers.

If you expect to get a tax refund or year-end bonus, resolve to use it for a down payment. You can use part of it to reward yourself, but focus on your long-term goal of owning a home.

Pay off Debt
If you have credit card balances with high interest rates, you are probably paying thousands of dollars per year in interest. That is money that could be used to fund a down payment on a home. Create a plan to pay off your credit card bills as soon as possible. That could mean cutting expenses, working overtime, getting a second job, paying a little more toward your credit card bills each month, consolidating your balances, or taking out a loan with a lower interest rate.

Once you have eliminated your debt and interest payments, the money you had been putting toward those bills each month can be devoted to saving for a down payment. Paying off credit card debt can also improve your credit score and help you get a lower interest rate when you apply for a mortgage.

Tap Into Retirement Funds
In some cases, you might be able to withdraw money from an IRA to fund a down payment on a house. Depending on the type of account you have, you might have to pay taxes and penalties. If you have a 401(k), you can borrow money to buy a house, but you will have to pay it back with interest. Any money that you withdraw from your retirement savings wont be able to accrue interest, so think carefully before choosing one of these options, especially if youre getting close to retirement age.

Figure out a Strategy
Saving money for a down payment can feel overwhelming. It may take several years, depending on your price range and financial circumstances. Explore your options and come up with a plan, preferably one that combines a variety of approaches.

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

Published with permission from RISMedia.

When you first moved into your home, the walls mightve been white and the floors covered in beige carpeting. Although this dcor choice is classic for some rentals and brand-new homes, you don’t have to live with the neutral colors. In fact, there are simple ways to transform your homes ambiance and add some flair with just a few creative changes.

Try Vintage Furniture
Your home’s ambiance is dependent on not only paint color and flooring choices, but also your dcor selections. The furniture is a focal point of any living room. Think outside the box, and shop around some vintage stores in your area. You can find upholstered chairs, loveseats and other items for incredibly low prices. The fabrics you’ll encounter will be distinct, too. Vintage items tend to have decades-old patterns that can improve a home’s ambiance with one quick glance.

Decorate Your Glass
Choose a window in a high-traffic area and make it a decorative focal point by adding a stained-glass film to it. You can use the film as a partial accent for the window or fully cover the glass. Installation is simple, and many kits come with everything you need, including a tool to help smooth out any bubbles. When you carefully apply it, the film should last for years. The sun shines through the colors and creates a dramatic effect across a room.

Go Green With Indoor Plants
Although you could try artificial plants indoors, they still won’t have the same effect as real plants. Add real plants to your home in nearly every room. There are so many varieties that work well in any shaded area that the choices are endless. Along with adding a distinct look, plants can provide better air quality in a home. If you water them regularly, they should flourish.

Light Your Rooms With Flair
It’s possible to make any room look fresh and inviting with the right lighting concept. Free up valuable floor space by installing wall sconces along a hallway, or add sconces on a living room wall as accent points.

In your kitchen, consider adding drop-down lamps that hang from your ceiling and culminate with a subtle lampshade and bulb. Add two or three of these lamps just above your kitchen island, for example. You’ll always have enough light to cook by while adding a creative look to your home. In fact, you might want to connect the kitchen and dining room on a decorative scale with matching hanging lamps. All these fixtures will draw attention and spark conversations among friends.

Shelve It
Increase storage space and make a decorative statement by installing floating shelves under staircases or along living room walls. Use them to store books, and add quirky collectibles. The shelves should appear both functional and intriguing.

Source: Mikkie Mills/RISMedias Housecall

Published with permission from RISMedia.

These details are essential to any Mediterranean-style abode…

Stucco Faade

A stucco faade along with a low-pitched roof outfitted with terracotta tiles is a popular exterior theme.

Natural Materials

Natural materials are the norm, such as hand-carved wood doors, limestone floors and warm earth tones.

Arched Windows & Doorways

Gentle curves and soft angles are a prevalent part of the aesthetic, particularly in doorways and windows.

Exposed Beams

This architectural detail makes any room feel more spacious and distinguished.

Tiles Galore

Mosaic tile backsplashes, terracotta tile floors and even tile countertops help capture authentic Mediterranean style.

Iron Accents

Wrought-iron light fixtures, railings and gates further the Old World aesthetic.

Published with permission from RISMedia.

Published with permission from RISMedia.

Here are four sophisticated fireplace designs to warm up any home!

Peninsula Fireplace

Open on three sides (hence the name), this modern design can be enjoyed from virtually any vantage point.

Suspended Fireplace

For a distinctly modern look, a suspended fireplace can hang from the ceiling or be mounted to a wall.

Fire Ribbon

Designed with a gas burner, fire ribbons are often used to create a long horizontal flame that complements any living space with crisp, flowing lines.

Double-Sided Fireplace

A double-sided fireplace can separate tw

Published with permission from RISMedia.