Before you can make the transition from renting your home to owning your home, you will need to have a substantial down payment, typically 5 to 20 percent of the home’s value. The American Bankers Association suggests the following tips to help save for it:

Develop a budget & timeline

Start by determining how much you’ll need for a down payment. Create a budget and calculate how much you can realistically save each month – that will help you gauge when you’ll be ready to transition from renter to homeowner.

Establish a separate savings account

Set up a separate savings account exclusively for your down payment and make your monthly contributions automatic. By keeping this money separate, you’ll be less likely to tap into it when you’re tight on cash.

Shop around to reduce major monthly expenses

It’s a good idea to check rates for your car insurance, renter’s insurance, health insurance, cable, Internet or cell phone plan. There may be deals or promotions available that allow you to save hundreds of dollars by adjusting your contracts.

Monitor your spending

With online banking, keeping an eye on your spending is easier than ever. Track where most of your discretionary income is going. Identify areas where you could cut back (e.g. nice meals out, vacations, etc.) and instead put that money into savings.

Look into state and local home-buying programs

Many states, counties and local governments operate programs for first-time homebuyers. Some programs offer housing discounts, while others provide down payment loans or grants.

Celebrate savings milestones

Saving enough for a down payment can be daunting. To avoid getting discouraged, break it up into smaller goals and reward yourself when you reach each one. If you need to save $30,000 total, consider treating yourself to a nice meal every $5,000 saved. This will help you stay motivated throughout the process.

6 Tips for Saving for Your Down Payment

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https://avltoday.6amcity.com/basilica-saint-lawrence-history-asheville-nc/

The history of Asheville’s Basilica of Saint Lawrence

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Over time, the copper dome has taken on a gorgeous patina hue. | Photo via @overasheville

Picture it: Asheville, 1905. The Basilica of Saint Lawrence — one of the largest freestanding elliptical dome in North America — has been designed by Rafael Guastavino + Richard Sharp Smith, and it’s slated for completion in 1909. 

At the same time, the city is riding a wave of financial prosperity and architectural innovation, with notable architects like Frederick Law Olmsted and Richard Morris Hunt flocking to Asheville, awestruck by Blue Ridge beauty. And the Biltmore House has been open for a decade.

As the Basilica eyes its 113th birthday — and prepares to seek between $15-20 million in funding for critical repairs — let’s look back at what makes this historic building so special. 

The origin story

Renowned Spanish architect Rafael Guastavino, who originally came to town to work on the Biltmore House, declared that Asheville needed a bigger Catholic church soon after settling in Black Mountain in the mid 1890s. 

After roping in his pal and fellow architect Richard Sharp Smith, the duo got to work, fundraising and sketching plans for “an opulent testament to the local Catholic community’s faith.”  

The Basilica, like Guastavino’s other signature projects, was fashioned in the Spanish Renaissance Revival style, meaning it used ancient Catalonian building methods and materials such as stone, brick, tile, and mortar. Other famous examples of this style include Carnegie Hall, Grand Central Terminal, and the Boston Public Library. 

This was Guastavino’s final project before he died in 1908. Fun fact: His son Raphael Guastavino, Jr. saw the project to completion, and to this day, his father’s body is entombed in the church.

The specs:

• The building uses zero wood or steel beams, instead relying solely on tile and masonry material for its enduring stability.
• The center dome has a clear span of 58 x 82 ft and is composed of tile with a patina copper covering. 
• Ten of its elaborate stained glass windows, which depict scenes from the life of Jesus, were made in Munich, Germany by the Royal Bavarian Establishment of Franz Meyer and Company, which were considered the world’s best makers of glass at the time. 
• Inside, there’s also a Spanish woodcarving from the mid-17th century and a 17th-century painting of “The Visitation” by Massimo Stanzione.

Over the years:  

• In 1978, the building was added to the National Register of Historic Places.
• The building was given the ultimate recognition of being dedicated as a basilica by the Pope in 1993.
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• It remains the only basilica to exist in Western North Carolina. 

Want to visit? 

You’re in luck. The Basilica, located at 97 Haywood St. in downtown Asheville, is open for self-guided tours on Mondays from 11 a.m.-12 p.m., and on Tuesday-Thursdays from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. and 3-5 p.m. 

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Asheville Winter Hiking Options

Are you visiting Asheville in the winter? Start by hitting the local hiking trails to explore the frozen waterfalls, mountains, and other natural gems of the area.

DuPont Forest is one of the best waterfall hikes near Asheville, boasting endless trails of various lengths and difficulties. Join a 3 -mile winter hike at DuPont providing views of the three waterfalls: Hooker, Triple, and High Falls.

You can also visit Bridal Veil Falls, which will take an additional 3.7 miles. Another hiking option perfect for the entire family is Chimney Rock. The park is great for winter adventures, as there aren’t as many crowds of tourists and the prices for admission are cheaper.

Find numerous hiking trails, gift shops, a cafe, and an elevator to the top of Chimney Rock. Explore the endless hiking trails around Choose from 22-miles of trails and start your winter hiking. Some of them are 3.5-miles long and range between moderate to difficult.the Biltmore Estate.

https://virginiatraveltips.com/asheville-nc-winter/

Getting prepared for a snow storm can always have its challenges. Here is a good little list to help you along the way.