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Buying a home often requires years of saving for a down payment, which is money that a buyer pays upfront toward the cost of a house. This is the immediate equity that a buyer has when purchasing a home. Unless buying with cash funds, the rest of the money comes from a loan. Different lenders require different amounts of money down based on a variety of factors. Lenders refer to a down payment in terms of a percentage of the purchase price.

Private Loans
Private lenders typically prefer that buyers put down 20 percent. Some will accept lower down payments, but those borrowers are considered a higher risk. Lenders want a guarantee and require borrowers with lower down payments to pay for mortgage insurance. This is a policy that pays the lender if the borrower defaults on the loan and the house winds up in foreclosure.

The cost of mortgage insurance depends on the size of the down payment and loan, as well as the borrowers credit score. Mortgage insurance tends to be expensive, which is why many people decide to put off buying a house until they can save enough money to put down 20 percent. If you put down 20 percent, you will have a better chance of being approved by a private lender, and you will also generally qualify for a lower interest rate, fees and monthly payments.

Government Programs
The Federal Housing Administration (FHA) allows borrowers to obtain mortgages with as little as 3.5 percent down. FHA guarantees a portion of the amount borrowed and offers loans at lower rates than private lenders. FHA charges less for down payments of 5 percent or more and does not base its fees on the borrowers credit score.

Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are government-sponsored companies that make money available for lenders to provide to borrowers. The programs are designed for people with low- and moderate-incomes. These mortgages require as little as 3 percent down. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) offers loans with zero percent down for active-duty military members and veterans. The Department of Agriculture also offers loans with no down payment to encourage home purchases in specific rural areas. Borrowers that obtain loans from private lenders guaranteed by the government are required to pay for guarantee fees, but not mortgage insurance.

Finding the Down Payment That is Right for You
The amount you should put down on a house depends on your specific financial situation, including your income, savings and credit score. It also depends on the price of the house you want and whether you want to buy immediately or can afford to wait. Putting down more can significantly lower your monthly payments. You need to make sure you do not use up all of your savings because you will still need to buy furniture and have money set aside for any necessary repairs. You should also consider the fees and closing costs. Compare lenders and weigh your options carefully to make the right choice.

Published with permission from RISMedia.

There are many advantages of homeownership, but the burden of maintaining, repairing and replacing home appliances goes right along with it. The decision to repair or replace a broken or failing appliance is often made under pressure and without adequate knowledge about the nature of the appliance or its expected lifetime.

Water Heaters
Unless the water heater isnt working properly because of a part thats easy to replace, its almost never a good idea to repair it. The primary causes of water heater failure are tank leaks or corrosion, neither of which can be repaired.

Refrigerators
Many repairs for refrigerators are easy and affordable, especially if the problem is a bad motor, a refrigerant leak or issues with electronic controls. However, door seals can fail, causing the appliance to run overtime or build frost in the freezer section. Between the cost of replacement seals and the labor to install them, it often makes sense to replace the refrigerator instead of repairing it.

Dishwashers
Mechanically, dishwashers are fairly simple appliances that are easily repaired. Problems associated with the door seal or holes inside the tub often prompt a replacement rather than a repair, though.

Stoves and Ovens
Because stoves and ovens have few moving parts, they break down less often and replacement is typically a matter of personal preference rather than necessity. However, stove and oven heating elements do fail, and unless the appliance is too old, replacement burners and elements are readily available. Newer ovens and ranges may have control panels built into them that can fail. Prices for parts vary, and it may be better to replace the unit rather than the component, especially if theres an active home warranty.

Washers and Dryers
Water leaks and broken belts are common problems associated with washing machines and easy to repair. A burned-out motor may prompt a replacement, depending on the washers age and condition. Clothes dryers create a good deal of heat, and when they malfunction, it can be dangerous if their safety switches malfunction. A dryer that overheats clothing is a fire hazard, and unless the breakdown results from a failed motor or timer, its probably a good idea to consider replacing it.

Major appliances do make life easier and more comfortable, but theyre often a mystery to homeowners. When making a repair-or-replace decision, consult the manufacturers or representatives that service them.

Published with permission from RISMedia.

Published with permission from RISMedia.

As millennials continue to have an ever-increasing impact on the luxury property market, its important to consider how this can affect your homes value. Over the past few years, millennials have established that their tastes and preferences significantly differ from those of their parents. If youre hoping that your house will appeal to this new group of luxury homebuyers, here are five features that millennials look for in real estate.

Privacy
With the rise of technology and the amount of personal information that gets put into the public sphere, millennials have placed a premium on their privacy. They want to be able to enjoy their living space without having to worry about prying eyes, whether that means being in a gated community, living in a building with a doorman and security, or simply having a backyard thats enveloped by trees and vegetation.

Eco-friendly
Millennials are more mindful of their carbon footprint than past generations, and for good reason. Because of this, they have demonstrated a willingness to pay extra for energy-efficient appliances that have a lower impact on the environment. By investing in sustainability, youre increasing the value of your home.

Smart Tech
Being able to control your thermostat or make sure you remembered to lock the door using your mobile phone are luxuries that emerged as this group came of age in the real estate market. Millennials see smart home technology as a way to save time while also delivering extra peace of mind.

Proximity to Nature
Whether theyre in the city or the suburbs, having access to nature is essential for todays young and affluent demographic. Younger consumers today are more active and health-conscious than ever before, meaning that communities with walking, hiking and biking trails will speak to millennials. Additionally, lush outdoor living areas where they can unplug from technology have major appeal.

Home Office
Millennials are a generation of entrepreneurs and remote workers. Because of this, theyre more likely to work from home. Having an office or designated workspace is conducive to their lifestyle, which mixes work and play more freely than past generations.

Published with permission from RISMedia.

While it might sound a bit unorthodox, here are a few benefits that you can expect from introducing plants to your property that are indigenous to the area.

Sense of Stewardship

Native plants help support local wildlife and maintain a healthy ecosystem. Non-native species can be invasive and even detrimental to the area.

Eco-Friendly

Because they are already adapted to the local climate, they often need less watering and dont require pesticides or fertilizers.

Low Maintenance

Because local vegetation is well-suited to flourish on its own, you wont have to spend endless hours in the garden to keep your plants alive.

Published with permission from RISMedia.