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Here are a few tips to help design the perfect home bar.

Identify the Details

Determine where the home bar will work best.

Consider seating, storage, as well as equipment that will be needed, and try to incorporate it into or nearby your entertaining areas.

Get Inspired

Think about the atmosphere and dcor of your favorite bars or restaurants.

How can it be replicated in your home bar?

Tailor to Your Tastes

The style of the bar should be both consistent with your homes aesthetic and a reflection of what you enjoy drinking.

Presentation

Its all in the details, like a mirrored backsplash or moody lighting that sets the tone.

Published with permission from RISMedia.

Saving for a down payment can be a challenge. But its not impossible.

While a 20 percent down payment isnt necessarily the norm anymore, most loans require some money down from buyers.

Coming up with these funds can be a sticking point on the path to homeownership, especially when you consider that a 10 percent down payment on a $230,000 home requires having $23,000 in cash.

If a home purchase is on the horizon, here are a few ways you can begin saving for a down payment before crunch time sets in.

Automatic Savings
While you may already be doing this for your retirement account, a college savings account for your child, or any other savings account for a long-term goal, set up a separate automatic savings account at your bank specifically for a down payment. This will ensure that money is automatically transferred from your checking account on a regular basis.

If youre buying a home with your spouse, be sure to put the new account in both of your names”and require that both of you need to approve any withdrawals. Alternatively, you could set up a brokerage or investment account and buy low-risk investments for a year or so to truly make your money work for you.

Cut Expenses
This may be an obvious move that youre already taking advantage of, but it cant hurt to double check what youve done and see if you can cut anything else out of the picture.

To get started, take a look at your finances and see what you can cut back on”or eliminate entirely. Also, work on paying off high-interest credit cards first.

Borrowing From Relatives, Retirement
If youre still struggling to save, you may want to consider asking relatives for help.

Whether your parents are willing to gift you money so that you have enough to cover the down payment on your dream home, or relatives offer to step in and provide a zero-interest loan that you can pay back over the course of a few years, be sure to understand everything that borrowing from the family entails.

Another option includes borrowing against your retirement plan. Some 401(k) retirement plans have penalty-free withdrawals, while others allow employees to borrow against their savings to purchase a home. Youre basically repaying yourself for the loan, but its critical to pay it back in a timely manner, as waiting too long could hurt the balance of your retirement account.

These options can be tricky, so dont commit to them unless youre 100-percent comfortable with everything that comes along with them.

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

Published with permission from RISMedia.

New buyers can get overwhelmed by the additional expenses incurred during homeownership. Besides making monthly mortgage payments, homeowners may have to pay for gardening, pest control, pool maintenance, plumbing fixes, electrical work and more.

But the good news is that tax time offers homeowners a number of deductions and credits not available to renters. Check with a tax consultant to see if these deductions apply to you.

Private Mortgage Insurance
PMI is the premium you pay every month until your equity equals 20 percent of your homes value. Luckily, these premiums can be deducted from your income.

Mortgage Interest
If you paid more than $600 dollars in mortgage interest during the tax year, every penny you paid is deductible”and that includes interest on a second mortgage.

Local Real Estate Taxes
Some taxpayers overlook the fact that homeowners can deduct local, state and even foreign real estate taxes on their federal returns. Lower-income homeowners may also get special property tax benefits from their state or municipality, so look into further breaks specific to your community.

Losses From Weather, Fire or Theft
While nobody wants a tree to fall on their house or burglars to make off with their flat screen, the IRS grants a break to any property or casualty loss that is more than 10 percent of your gross income and is not reimbursed by your insurance.

Moving Expenses
If you moved 50 miles or more for a new job during the tax year, you can deduct your moving expenses. (Note, that if you started the new job more than a year before purchasing the new home, the moving expenses are not tax deductible.)

Selling Costs
If you sold a home during the tax year, the commission paid to a real estate agent is tax deductible, as are any legal fees and closing costs. Just like home-improvement costs reduce your cost basis, so do your selling costs.

Published with permission from RISMedia.

When it comes to luxury real estate, the right home features can make all the difference. With wellness being a topic thats on everyones mind these days, amenities that cater to a healthy and holistic lifestyle have major appeal to homeowners and affluent buyers. If you want your home to facilitate wellness, these four features will provide the utmost relaxation and are sure to please both you in the present and potential buyers in the future.

Outdoor Sauna
The outdoor sauna is an easy addition to the backyard that brings myriad benefits, such as flushing toxins out of the body and improving cardiovascular performance. Of course, you could design a sauna in your house, but theres just something about braving the elements and being transported to a quiet refuge set in nature. If you have a scenic view on your property, just imagine taking it in while cleansing the mind and body.

Plunge Pool
For those who enjoy the restorative properties of hydrotherapy, a plunge pool will have you feeling fresh and energized each day. People often use these small and shallow pools after being in a hot tub, steam room or sauna for a contrast in temperature that rejuvenates the body. The best part is that they can easily be accommodated in the backyard or master bathroom.

Massage Room
Getting a massage is one of the best ways to let go of your daily stress. While its always a treat to be pampered at the spa, nothing beats having the same experience right in the privacy of your own home. For the ultimate in personal wellness, a tranquil massage room is the perfect way to bring your home spa to the next level.

Meditation Studio
Daily meditation can help to promote both mental and physical well-being. Having a designated place to practice is essential to incorporating it into your routine, whether its a pavilion or garden in the backyard or a room in your house thats complete with soothing lights and aromas.

Published with permission from RISMedia.

These days, amenities for the kids arent limited to a playroom and a swing set. Luxury homebuyers are willing to shell out top dollar for exciting features that make their childrens wildest dreams come true. Here are a few exciting amenities that will have you ready to re-live your childhood!

Waterslides
Taking the backyard swimming pool to the next level, some homeowners are equipping their properties with waterslides and lazy rivers that rival the local water park. Often times, these slides are designed as part of a grotto and waterfall that allows for a natural look and creates a true backyard oasis.

Bowling Alleys
Bowling alleys are a favorite luxury amenity because they provide fun for the whole family. Whether youre hosting bowling night or looking for the perfect rainy-day activity, having a bowling lane at home has a wow-factor that everyone can enjoy.

Treehouses
Treehouses dont exactly mean roughing it anymore. For parents who want a place where kids can immerse themselves in nature and have sleepovers with friends, backyard forts are seeing a higher level in craftsmanship and attention to detail than ever before. If youre looking for inspiration or want to hire one of the best treehouse builders in the business, check out Nelson Treehouse.

Game Rooms
Game rooms have gotten a bit more elaborate in recent years, to the point that they can be tough to distinguish from an actual arcade. Parents are outfitting these kid-friendly spaces with foosball, air hockey, Skee-Ball and more to give the children the perfect hangout spot when friends and family are visiting.

In-Ground Trampolines
Whether you put it in the backyard or the rec room, an in-ground trampoline provides a way for the kids to burn some energy while bouncing to their hearts content. If youre looking for an amenity that will light up the little ones eyes, the in-ground trampoline is a growing trend that you should jump on board with.

Published with permission from RISMedia.