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Siding is a critical component of a home that protects it from extreme temperatures, rain, snow and wind. Although siding is designed to last many years, it can become damaged over time by repeated exposure to the elements and lack of maintenance. If your homes siding needs to be replaced, you have many options.

Most Popular Siding Materials
The most commonly chosen type of siding is vinyl. Homeowners prefer vinyl siding because it is inexpensive and durable and requires little maintenance. Vinyl siding comes in an array of colors and styles and can even be made to resemble other siding materials.

Although wood siding has declined in popularity, many homeowners still choose it because of its strength and classic appearance. Several types of wood can be used for siding, and pieces can be cut into shingles or shakes. With proper maintenance, wood siding can last several decades. It requires caulking and painting or staining, and skipping those steps can cause the siding to become worn and damaged. Wood siding is also vulnerable to insects and rodents.

Stucco is made from a combination of sand, Portland cement, lime and water. Wood walls are covered with a waterproof barrier and metal screening, and then stucco is applied on top. With proper installation and routine maintenance, stucco can last a lifetime.

Fiber-cement siding can be manufactured in several styles and can be made to resemble wood, stucco or masonry siding. It can be easy to maintain and can resist fire and termite damage, but it is susceptible to moisture problems. The lifespan of fiber-cement siding depends on the manufacturer.

Solid brick used to be a popular option for the exterior of homes, but nowadays, a brick veneer covering a wood frame is more common. A membrane installed beneath the brick veneer can prevent water damage. Brick veneer is more expensive than other types of siding.

Stone house coverings, made from solid granite or limestone, can be a beautiful but expensive addition. Stone veneers cost less and are easier to install than solid stone. Both natural and synthetic materials can be used. Stone and stone veneer siding require very little maintenance.

How to Choose the Right Siding for Your Home
Replacing the siding on your house is an investment that can last for decades and increase your homes value, as well. The siding material you select should be attractive, durable and relatively easy to maintain. Options abound, and your choice will depend on the style of your home and others in the neighborhood, your personal preferences and your budget. Look at photos of houses with various siding materials and discuss your options with several local contractors. Compare quotes and warranties so you can choose the right material and company.

Published with permission from RISMedia.

Published with permission from RISMedia.

Nothing says fun like a home bar. From intimate dinner parties to full-blown banquettes, it provides a space to gather and enjoy conversation. For luxury buyers who plan to frequently entertain friends and family, this is a lifestyle amenity that is worth getting excited over. If youre considering adding a watering hole to your home, here are a few tips to help design the perfect bar.

Identify the Details
First, youll have to determine where the home bar will work best. Pick a space that doesnt interrupt the flow when youre playing host and is large enough to meet your needs. 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. Try to pinpoint what it is that you love about them or, next time youre there, make note of the ambience and how it can be replicated with 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. Is this going to be an Art Deco style bar where youre serving up Manhattans or will it be a rustic vibe with craft beers on tap? If youre an enthusiastic mixologist, make sure youll have all the accoutrement to shake, muddle, and stir the latest concoction.

Presentation
As the epicenter of entertainment, theres an element of showmanship that needs to be taken into account. Its all in the details, like a mirrored backsplash or moody lighting that sets the tone. There should be a sense of cohesion, from the finishes and the upholstery to the bottles being displayed and how the glasses are stored.

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Here are just a few benefits of smart appliances that are worth getting excited about.

Energy Insights

These days, pretty much all smart appliances are going to be energy efficient, which means theyre good for the environment and will lower your energy bill.

Easy Troubleshooting

When an appliance doesnt seem to be working properly, advanced diagnostics will provide you with instructions on how to troubleshoot the problem.

Connected Convenience

Theres no denying that being able to control all of your appliances via an app on your smartphone makes life easier.

Streamlined Functionality

When it comes to functionality, you can expect to get more out of these state-of-the-art appliances.

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Saving up for a down payment is perhaps the biggest hurdle to buying a home for many Americans, but how much money do you really need to put down in order to secure a deal?

By definition, a down payment is the amount of money a buyer spends up front to purchase a house. A buyer typically takes out a mortgage to pay the rest of the sale price before closing, and the size of a down payment can have a significant impact on which type of loan a lender is willing to offer.

A down payment is calculated as a percentage of a homes total purchase price. For example, if youre buying a $300,000 house, $15,000 would be a 5 percent down payment, whereas $60,000 would be 20 percent.

Conventional wisdom says homebuyers need to put down at least 20 percent to qualify for a mortgage, but putting that much down is no longer the norm. While 20 percent is a great goal with several benefits, many prospective buyers cant afford to pay such a large lump sum. If youre in the market for a home, consider the following to determine how much you should put down:

The Upsides of 20 Percent
Maybe youve saved up a lot over the years to buy your first home, or maybe youre a homeowner who can dedicate a major chunk of proceeds from a home sale toward your new down payment. Either way, youre in a great position.

Although you dont have to put 20 percent down to get a mortgage, a lender would consider you more financially stable and less risky if you did. Therefore, a lender wouldnt require you to pay private mortgage insurance and would likely offer you a lower interest rate”two big perks that could mean smaller monthly payments and save you thousands of dollars over your loan period.

Mortgage lenders arent the only ones who feel more confident in a buyer who can put down at least 20 percent. If a seller gets multiple offers on what might be your dream home, youre more likely to stand out among the competition if you bring a larger down payment to the negotiating table.

Going Below 20
If you cant make a 20 percent down payment, dont worry. Youre not alone. In fact, studies suggest the majority of buyers put less than 20 percent down on a new house, with some even paying below five percent. First-timers and buyers 35 and younger usually put down the least, as they tend to have lower incomes than older buyers.

Nonetheless, youll seem like a riskier borrower to lenders by putting down less than 20 percent. That means a lender will likely require you to buy mortgage insurance to protect the companys investment, and your loans interest rate is bound to be higher.

Although most private lenders welcome buyers who have small down payments, some government agencies also offer programs aimed at helping low- to moderate-income families buy homes. For example, a Federal Housing Administration-backed loan could accept a down payment of 3.5 percent, and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs offers loans with no money down. However, because such federal programs have strict eligibility requirements and may be subject to policy changes, consult a professional for further details.

Do Whats Best
The words down payment neednt scare you away from buying a home. When deciding how much to put down, consider your financial situation, loan options and goals. Like choosing a home you love, its important to choose a down payment thats right for you.

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

Published with permission from RISMedia.