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Gain storage space and usable square footage by installing pocket doors.   Pocket doors maximize under-utilized areas around doorways and transform them into smart storage spots.  The swing of a standard interior hinged door eats up as much as 10 square feet of floor space. That’s not to mention the unusable wall space the door occupies when open. By gliding on a track that disappears into the wall, pocket doors reclaim that space and increase the usable square footage of your home. Is the additional space worth it? It’s not exactly an open and shut case. For starters, unless you’re dealing with new construction, you’ll need to demolish a wall. Here’s what else you need to know before giving the sledgehammer a heave-ho. Benefits of Pocket Doors Space. With more available wall space, you have room for furnishings or freestanding storage. However, avoid penetrating the pocket-door wall to hang shelves or artwork—nails or drywall anchors might damage the door or prev...

In addition to saving for a down payment, you’ll need to budget for the money required to close your mortgage. Closing costs generally run between 2% and 5% of your loan amount. You can shop around and compare prices for certain closing expenses, such as homeowners insurance, home inspections and title searches. You can also defray costs by asking the seller to pay for a portion of your closing costs when you make an offer. Calculate your expected closing costs to help you set your budget.

Not all exterior doors are equal. Here are the pros, cons, and costs of different types.   Good looks and value -- what's not to love? Not only does replacing your front entry door kick up your curb appeal, it's a solid investment with a decent payback. According to the "Remodeling Impact Report" from the National Association of REALTORS®, a new steel entry door has a national median cost of $2,000, and you'll recover 75% of that investment if you decide to sell your house. But how do you know which door is right for you? Make your decision by comparing the three main materials available for exterior doors: steel, fiberglass, and wood. Steel Entry Door If you’re looking to save money, a steel door is a great choice, especially if you have the skills to hang it yourself. A simple, unadorned steel door can sell for as little as $150 (not including hardware, lock set, paint, or labor) and typically runs as much as $400 at big-box retailers.  Steel offer...

There are many first-time home buyer programs available and government loan programs that enable buyers to get into their new home with 3.5% or less down.   Be sure to talk a mortgage broker or take a First Time Homebuyer class to educate yourself.  You may be able to get into a home and start building equity sooner than you think.