Finding someplace to live can come with a long list of must-haves for each person contributing to the decision. The types of bathroom space can be a deal breaker for otherwise wonderful properties. The number of people utilizing those bathrooms and each person’s daily schedule necessitates the requirement of the bathroom space. 

What is out there

Searching and checking off all the must-haves takes time and a lot of communication. Most places have at least one full bath that has a tub and shower or a combination of both. Older homes may not have a dedicated master bathroom, but instead, have what is called an en-suite bathroom. This arrangement means there are at least two entry points one from the master and the other from a hallway. The layout can separate the tub and shower from the rest of the space so more than one person can utilize the facilities at one time. This plan may not be quite as convenient to a household that tends to have similar schedules. Or messy people that leave things lying around in the bathroom, which makes for a combative living arrangement. In those cases, a dedicated master bathroom might be your answer.

Master bath

Having a separate bathroom off a bedroom can feel like an oasis from the pressures of your day. Often, they boast extra amenities like a full-size soaking tub or a walk-in tile shower or both. A master bathroom can give you efficiency during the morning and evening routines since you don't have to share the space with the entire household. Options can include double sinks, a water closet (toilet in a separate room with a door), connecting to a walk-in closet and radiant flooring to keep your toes warm on cold mornings. Master bathrooms don't have to be super luxe to feel like a separate private space. They are a good idea if you need to get away without leaving home.

Jack and Jill

Another bathroom layout that not often seen in newer homes is the Jack and Jill bath. This design consists of a full bath between two bedrooms. This layout may have a door separating the shower/tub from the rest of the bathroom, too, allowing more than one person to use the bathroom at the same time similar to the en-suite layout. All the above-mentioned bathroom layouts need consideration when you are looking for a new living space.

Contact your realtor for more information on the options for bathroom layouts in your area.

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You want to buy a house, but you know that you need to save as much money as possible for a down payment. Although you've tried to save money in the past, your best efforts have failed to help you collect the funds that you'll need to make a down payment on your dream residence.

Let's face it – saving for a home can be difficult. Fortunately, we're here to offer creative ways to help you get the money that you'll need to make your homeownership dream come true.

Now, let's take a look at three creative ways to save for a down payment on a house.

1. Start a Friendly Competition

Competition often brings out the best in homebuyers. Much in the same vein, you and your friends may be able to compete against one another to see who can save the most money for a down payment on a home.

If you and your friends intend to buy a home together or separately, a friendly competition can make a world of difference in getting the required funds for a down payment. In fact, you can even award the winner of this competition with an "Ultimate Saver" trophy or other fun prizes.

Ultimately, a friendly competition is a great way to have fun with friends and save money for a down payment on a house at the same time. Regardless of who wins the competition, you'll notice that your down payment savings will increase, moving you one step closer to acquiring your ideal residence.

2. Use a Rewards System

Saving for a down payment on a home may seem like a long, arduous process. However, if you build rewards into your day-to-day savings efforts, you can earn incentives as you reach various milestones.

For instance, you may want to reward yourself with a special dinner every time that you reach a savings milestone. Or, you can always celebrate hitting a savings milestone with a trip to the dog park with your puppy.

3. Trim the Fat from Your Budget

It sometimes can be tough to remove cable TV, takeout meals and other excess items from your budget. But if you consider the long-term benefits of these short-term sacrifices, you may be better equipped than ever before to save significant funds for a down payment on a home.

Look closely at your daily, weekly and monthly budgets. Then, you can determine which budget items are essential and which are not and trim the fat from your budget accordingly. This will allow you to speed up the process of saving for a down payment on a house and ensure that you can achieve your homeownership dream faster than ever before.

Lastly, as you prepare to explore available homes, don't hesitate to reach out to a real estate agent for extra help. By hiring a real estate agent, you can get the assistance that you need to discover a great house that falls within your price range.

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