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These six types of striking ceilings will set your home apart!

Beamed Ceiling

Exposed beams provide a distinguished look while also making the space feel larger.

Cathedral Ceiling

These ceilings soar high above and allow more natural light to pour into the home.

Barrel Vaulted Ceiling

Rather than meeting at a fixed point, barrel vaulted ceilings have a rounded arch.

Coffered Ceiling

Coffered ceilings consist of sunken panels that are framed by beams to create a grid-like pattern.

Domed Ceiling

Perfect for a breathtaking foyer, domed ceilings add instant architectural drama.

Tray Ceiling

Tray ceilings allow a room to feel more open by creating a sense of depth.

Published with permission from RISMedia.

Published with permission from RISMedia.

When a prospective buyer has found the right house and agreed to a price with the seller, the buyer can make a contingent offer. That means that the transaction will proceed, as long as specific contingencies, or conditions, are met. Those contingencies are essential to ensure that each party is aware of all relevant facts and able to make an informed decision. If the contingencies are not met, the would-be buyer can decide not to purchase the house and keep the earnest money provided.

Inspection
The most important contingency from the buyers perspective is the home inspection. A professional inspector will thoroughly check the house for any problems that may not be readily apparent. An inspection should cover everything from the roof to the electrical wiring, plumbing, foundation and possible mold.

If an inspection discovers any cause for concern, the problem will need to be addressed. The buyer can ask the seller to fix the issue as a condition of sale, or the seller can decline to make repairs but agree to lower the sale price. If the parties are unable to reach an agreement, the buyer can decide not to purchase the house and walk away.

Appraisal
An appraisal is another contingency thats designed to protect the buyer. An independent third party will calculate the current fair market value of the house. If the appraised value is less than the asking price, the buyer can renegotiate with the seller or walk away.

If the buyer loves the house and is willing to pay more than the appraised value, obtaining a mortgage may be problematic. A lender will approve a loan up to a percentage of the appraised value. If that number is less than the sale price, the buyer will have to make up the difference with a larger down payment.

Mortgage
If the buyer isnt paying cash, an offer will be contingent on mortgage approval. A buyer may think he or she will qualify, but a lender can reject an application for a variety of reasons. A buyer whos pre-approved for a mortgage may be unable to complete a purchase if the appraised value turns out to be lower than the sale price and the buyer is unable to come up with enough money for a bigger down payment.

A buyer whos unable to obtain a mortgage can walk away. This contingency also helps the seller avoid waiting months for a buyer to get approved for a mortgage and having to turn down other offers in the meantime.

Discuss Contingencies with Your Agent
After a buyer and seller have agreed on a sale price, its natural to want to move quickly, but contingencies are designed to protect both parties. Whether youre buying or selling a house, discuss the importance of a home inspection, appraisal and mortgage approval, as well as the potential ramifications of unforeseen problems in any of those areas, with your real estate agent.

Published with permission from RISMedia.

If you feel the most at home while outside, these four features are sure to cater to your lifestyle.

Access Is Everything

Whether its a ski chalet in the mountains or a waterfront property perfect for boating, your home should provide access to your favorite activities.

Scenic Vistas

Theres just something about a scenic view that delivers a sense of calm and relaxation.

Trees and Plants

From towering trees to secret gardens, adding some vegetation to your property can offer much more than just curb appeal.

Plenty of Storage

You may want a large garage that you can outfit with a few storage racks or a generously-sized mudroom where you can store your gear.

Published with permission from RISMedia.

As new homeowners will learn, borrowers need to provide their lender with proof of homeowners insurance for the full value of the property (usually the purchase price) in order to be approved for the loan.

Typically, the standard insurance policy protects your new property and some possessions against damage or theft. But what, specifically, will it cover?

Limited Damage to the Homes Interior and Exterior
Your insurer will compensate you for repairs or rebuilding costs resulting from fire, hurricanes, lightning, vandalism or other covered disasters. Damage that is the result of floods, earthquakes and/or poor home maintenance is generally not covered unless you have purchased riders for that protection.

Loss or Damage to Personal Belongings
Clothing, furniture, appliances and most other home contents are covered if they are destroyed in an insured disaster. You can even get “off-premises” coverage that enables you to file a claim for lost jewelry, for example, no matter where you lost it. But there may be limits on the amount of protection.

According to the Insurance Information Institute, most insurance companies provide coverage for 50 to 70 percent of the amount of insurance you have on the structure of your home. If your house is insured for $200,000, there might be $140,000 worth of coverage for possessions. If you own expensive art or jewelry, and provide proof of their value, you can purchase a floater policy to fully insure them.

Personal Liability
Liability coverage protects you from lawsuits filed by others. If your dog bites your neighbor, your insurer will pay her medical expenses. If your kid breaks her expensive vase, you can file a claim to reimburse her. And if the neighbor slips on the broken pieces and successfully sues for pain and suffering or lost wages, you’ll be covered for that, too. Experts recommend having at least $300,000 worth of coverage.

Lodging During Repair or Rebuilding
This coverage reimburses you for hotel rooms, meals and other costs you incur while waiting for your home to become habitable after a covered damage. Most policies impose daily or total limits unless you purchase additional coverage.

Published with permission from RISMedia.