#Large modern entryway design with white walls desert landscape

[okkuisul]

Phoenix Mudroom

[hoganandmaryjo]

Abu Dhabi, UAE

The trip from India to Switzerland covered a large part of the globe, and we wanted to take the opportunity to have a true long layover, free of our checked luggage, to explore another city. Luckily, there are many interesting places along the route which also serve as hubs for major airlines. We found good flights on Etihad, which is the other airline based out of the United Arab Emirates, besides the obvious. They are based in Abu Dhabi, the capital of the UAE, and that is where we were headed for the day.

The persian gulf is somewhere that had existed only in the outskirts of our imaginations, although Hogan had done some work in the area. Nonetheless, it was very exciting to be visiting a landscape and climate so foreign from what we know, and foreign still, from the places we had just been. Descending into Abu Dhabi we saw brilliant aquamarine blue water snaking through golden sand desert, lined in some areas by swaths of mangroves along the banks. It is unlike any desert in the United States, or anything we had seen before. We both took our sunglasses off to see the colors in real life, to make sure it wasn’t a product of the filters.

After we landed and managed to store most of our carry on luggage, including oddities from India and Nepal that caught the eye of the UAE airport security, we walked out of the airport into seriously oppressive heat towards the taxis. Contrary to most everywhere we had been before, and what we had seen, Abu Dhabi is a new city and we were going to see new things. First stop? The new Louvre, a piece of starchitecture set in the water along, you guessed it, a new island. (Starchitecture, for those who don’t know, is a flashy building designed by a famous Starchitect.)

After we got out of the cab and walked through the freshly manicured entryway, we realized that we were at a museum purporting to be a second Louvre, and wondered if we should go in or not. Somehow this hadn’t occurred to us yet since we had come with only the architecture in mind. We bought tickets and, in another moment of traveling surreality, found ourselves face to face with relics from the dawn of time: hand axes from the paleolithic era and one of the first representations of the human figure ever found, from the 7th century B.C, which confusingly enough had two heads. All this before we could hit up the cafe.

The architecture itself did not disappoint. The museum is made up of a dozen structures, connected by a maze of hallways, each making up the individual exhibits. There are outdoor areas connecting the various buildings, all of which is designed to feel as if you’re floating on the brilliant blue water that surrounds the outside. Floating over the whole compound is an enormous saucer-shaped roof made up of a triple-layered overlapping triangular aluminum lattice. This lets in rays of light that pierce down through the air and leave a dappled pattern on the floor, otherwise known as “god rays.” Because of the light filtering through the roof, the outdoor areas of the museum were awesome, and with the shade it offered and the wind gently blowing through, it was perfectly suited for the dry, hot climate. 

The inside of the museum was very confusing however, and we had a hard time trying to shortcut the predetermined route through the exhibits so we could get a coffee -- kind of like Ikea, once you’re on the path, you can’t deviate. Oddly enough, and serendipitous for our trip, the exhibits were themed around commonalities between cultures and made the point by displaying similar relics from separate ancient societies side by side. Having traveled through so many different places so recently, the comparisons felt right. Humans are generally alike, and that’s reflected in the things we leave behind. The photo below is of sarcophagus from two different cultures: ancient Egypt and Ancient Greece.

Our 14 hour layover would not be complete without a visit to the Grand Mosque, one of the most famous buildings in UAE. It was completed in 2007, and offered a juxtaposition against the centuries-old buildings we had visited in India just days before. It was more beautiful than we expected. Despite being new, the building is reminiscent of ancient palaces, but with modern details. The building is all white, with over eighty onion-shaped domes and a large central courtyard enclosed by hundreds of pillars designed as gold-topped palm trees. We both forgot momentarily about the heat and the crowds as we started to take in all that we were seeing around us. Similar to the Taj Mahal, another bright white spectacle, it was breathtaking.

A friend of ours, who had lived in Abu Dhabi, said the mosque was worth visiting “especially once you realize it is designed to be paradise.” We noticed the floral decorations and golden palm-topped colonnades immediately, but after a while it became obvious that what we were seeing was not only a paradise, but an architectural garden. Paradise is, of course, outside. The whole building is alive with plants, inside and out. Stone flowers climb the walls and create geometric mosaics as far as you can see. Oversized leaves creep underneath your feet, and mother of pearl vines wrap the columns inside the main hall.

The entire building is over the top. It cost half a billion dollars to build and includes stone, jewels, crystals, and ceramics from all over the world. One of the most amazing parts of the mosque is that it is home to the world’s largest rug. Hand-woven and in a single piece, it covers over 60,000 square feet and weighs 35 tons. It lays below three enormous and jeweled chandeliers in a massive room that holds up to 40,000 worshipers at a time. It was a welcome feeling under our feet after walking barefoot over the hard marble to get inside. 

When visiting the mosque, men and women have to wear appropriate attire and no shoes. For men, that means no shorts. Women have to be covered from head to toe, including hair, wrists and ankles. At the entrance, anyone that does not pass the dress code is given clothing to adhere. Easy for Hogan, he was wearing pants. Although MaryJo tried to wear the right things, she was handed a beige cloak and used her own purple scarf to wrap around her head. Thousands of people visit the mosque each day, and they had enough beige, blue, and black abayas to go around. For MaryJo, it was not unlike wearing a choir robe and very, very hot in the desert heat. While very much wanting to respect the place she was visiting, she couldn’t help but feel a twinge of indignation standing next to Hogan who was still dressed in his street clothes.

After we made our way out of the mosque, we hailed another cab and went to check out the hotel culture in Abu Dhabi. Hotels are the only establishments that can serve alcohol, which we were in need of before our redeye later that evening and a long day of immersive culture exposure. There are a lot to choose from, but we picked the Shangri-la for the simple reason that it overlooked the water and faced both the mosque and the sunset. Cocktails in hand, we toasted to a successful day and relaxed as the sun set over the desert. We both slept the whole flight to Zurich later that night.

[garynsmith]

Homes You Can Own for $1,500 a Month

http://ift.tt/2mSgqvk

Want more space, but don't have room to increase your budget? Then these affordable homes are exactly what you're looking for.

They have everything, from formal dining areas and luxurious kitchens to spa-like baths and outdoor retreats.

With 20 percent down on a 30-year fixed rate loan at a 3.97-percent interest rate, you can settle into a new home for about $1,500 a month. (Our mortgage calculator can help you estimate your payments.)

Get the moving boxes ready, and feel free to order that new piece of furniture you've been eyeing. You'll definitely have the space in one of these roomy homes.

Covington, LA

8 Autumn Dr, Covington, LA For sale: $320,000

Photo from Zillow listing

Set on a tree-filled 2.75-acre lot, this classic colonial offers a peaceful retreat. Step through one of the two doorways accessible from the living room out onto a stone-paved patio with ceiling fans to enjoy the surrounding views. Along with 3 bedrooms and 3 baths, this capacious home includes a large great room, formal dining area, and an open-concept kitchen with breakfast room.

Discover more Covington homes.

Grand Junction, CO

282 Coulson Dr, Grand Junction, CO For sale: $319,900

Photo from Zillow listing

Don't let this home’s quaint demeanor fool you. This 4-bedroom, 3-bath provides an extra spacious interior, from a huge game room to a comfortable master suite with clawfoot tub in the bath. The backyard offers a fire pit seating area and separate two-car garage/workshop with enough room for a 12-foot lift.

View homes in Grand Junction.

Columbia, TN

1933 Victoria Rd, Columbia, TN For sale: $319,900

Photo from Zillow listing

A true colonial beauty, this 3-bedroom, 3-bath is sized at 2,639 square feet and features an attached two-car garage as well as a separate storage shed. Auburn-toned wood flooring carries throughout the home, while cool, calm colors add a bright finish to the bedrooms. You can also enjoy views of the lush one-acre yard from the rear deck.

Search more homes in Columbia.

Albuquerque, NM

1419 Valle Ln NW, Albuquerque, NM For sale: $320,000

Photo from Zillow listing

A modern take on a Spanish-style home, this 3-bedroom, 2-bath is designed with a smooth stucco exterior accented by a clay tile roof and arched detailing. Sturdy wood beams line the living room ceiling and top the multifaceted brick fireplace, adding an element of nature to the neutral interior. Designed to create a cool living environment for its desert locale, most rooms feature beautiful tile flooring or backsplashes.

See more Albuquerque homes.

Dallas, TX

10923 Villa Haven Dr, Dallas, TX For sale: $319,000

Photo from Zillow listing

This modern, single-story home offers a calm grey exterior with narrow single pane windows. Housing 4 bedrooms and 2 baths, the home is perfect for entertaining guests. The white cabinetry with chrome fixtures helps offset the bold black granite countertops in the kitchen, while one of the two living areas is accented by a painted white brick fireplace.

Find homes in Dallas.

Medford, OR

219 Mt Echo Dr, Medford, OR For sale: $320,000

Photo from Zillow listing

Contemporary designer finishes and built-in bookcases make this 3-bedroom, 2-bath townhouse a must-have. In the kitchen, stainless steel fixtures and appliances complement the tan and dark wood color scheme. Vaulted ceilings with large windows and a slider help open up the living room, while the bonus family room can be used as a theater, exercise room, or office.

Explore more homes in Medford.

Meridian, ID

993 E Italy St, Meridian, ID For sale: $321,946

Photo from Zillow listing

A convenient layout is one of many alluring features this 4-bedroom, 2-bath offers. Upon entry from the attached garage, you’ll find a built-in bench with a wall-mounted coat rack, alongside a separate wash room with ample storage space. The master suite also features a spacious walk-in closet with built-in shelving.

Search for Meridian homes.

Phoenix, AZ

1621 W Willetta St, Phoenix, AZ For sale: $320,000

Photo from Zillow listing

Simple farmhouse meets Art Deco flair in this stone landscaped 3-bedroom, 2-bath home. The interior offers a tranquil palette, from open built-in shelving in the living area to ample picture windows delicately placed throughout. However, the unique essence of the home is the local artist patio slab artwork outback.

View homes in Phoenix.

Charleston, SC

3112 Conservancy Ln, Charleston, SC For sale: $324,900

Photo from Zillow listing

Each room of this 3-bedroom, 3-bath offers its own individual appeal. Down the hardwood-floored entryway is an open-concept kitchen with breakfast bar that overlooks the living room. A classically elegant yet simple chandelier hangs in the formal dining area, and an enclosed patio is situated in the backyard.

Locate more homes in Charleston.

Sandy, UT

2357 E Cliff Swallow Dr, Sandy, UT For sale: $320,000

Photo from Zillow listing

Walk up a wide staircase to the double door entryway of this 3-bedroom, 2-bath home. Stone detailing complements the earthy tones of the home's exterior, while the tall picture windows provide ample natural light.

Find a home in Sandy.

Thinking about buying? Our Home Buyers Guide offers plenty of tips and resources.

Lead photo from Zillow listing

Related:

How 2017 Rate Volatility Impacts Home Affordability

Should I Buy Down My Rate After 2017 Fed Rate Hikes?

Down Payment: How Much You Should Save to Buy a House

from Zillow Blog http://ift.tt/2mSbjvc via IFTTT

[nofeeslender]

Homes You Can Own for $1,500 a Month

Want more space, but don't have room to increase your budget? Then these affordable homes are exactly what you're looking for.

They have everything, from formal dining areas and luxurious kitchens to spa-like baths and outdoor retreats.

With 20 percent down on a 30-year fixed rate loan at a 3.97-percent interest rate, you can settle into a new home for about $1,500 a month. (Our mortgage calculator can help you estimate your payments.)

Get the moving boxes ready, and feel free to order that new piece of furniture you've been eyeing. You'll definitely have the space in one of these roomy homes.

Covington, LA

8 Autumn Dr, Covington, LA For sale: $320,000

Photo from Zillow listing

Set on a tree-filled 2.75-acre lot, this classic colonial offers a peaceful retreat. Step through one of the two doorways accessible from the living room out onto a stone-paved patio with ceiling fans to enjoy the surrounding views. Along with 3 bedrooms and 3 baths, this capacious home includes a large great room, formal dining area, and an open-concept kitchen with breakfast room.

Discover more Covington homes.

Grand Junction, CO

282 Coulson Dr, Grand Junction, CO For sale: $319,900

Photo from Zillow listing

Don't let this home’s quaint demeanor fool you. This 4-bedroom, 3-bath provides an extra spacious interior, from a huge game room to a comfortable master suite with clawfoot tub in the bath. The backyard offers a fire pit seating area and separate two-car garage/workshop with enough room for a 12-foot lift.

View homes in Grand Junction.

Columbia, TN

1933 Victoria Rd, Columbia, TN For sale: $319,900

Photo from Zillow listing

A true colonial beauty, this 3-bedroom, 3-bath is sized at 2,639 square feet and features an attached two-car garage as well as a separate storage shed. Auburn-toned wood flooring carries throughout the home, while cool, calm colors add a bright finish to the bedrooms. You can also enjoy views of the lush one-acre yard from the rear deck.

Search more homes in Columbia.

Albuquerque, NM

1419 Valle Ln NW, Albuquerque, NM For sale: $320,000

Photo from Zillow listing

A modern take on a Spanish-style home, this 3-bedroom, 2-bath is designed with a smooth stucco exterior accented by a clay tile roof and arched detailing. Sturdy wood beams line the living room ceiling and top the multifaceted brick fireplace, adding an element of nature to the neutral interior. Designed to create a cool living environment for its desert locale, most rooms feature beautiful tile flooring or backsplashes.

See more Albuquerque homes.

Dallas, TX

10923 Villa Haven Dr, Dallas, TX For sale: $319,000

Photo from Zillow listing

This modern, single-story home offers a calm grey exterior with narrow single pane windows. Housing 4 bedrooms and 2 baths, the home is perfect for entertaining guests. The white cabinetry with chrome fixtures helps offset the bold black granite countertops in the kitchen, while one of the two living areas is accented by a painted white brick fireplace.

Find homes in Dallas.

Medford, OR

219 Mt Echo Dr, Medford, OR For sale: $320,000

Photo from Zillow listing

Contemporary designer finishes and built-in bookcases make this 3-bedroom, 2-bath townhouse a must-have. In the kitchen, stainless steel fixtures and appliances complement the tan and dark wood color scheme. Vaulted ceilings with large windows and a slider help open up the living room, while the bonus family room can be used as a theater, exercise room, or office.

Explore more homes in Medford.

Meridian, ID

993 E Italy St, Meridian, ID For sale: $321,946

Photo from Zillow listing

A convenient layout is one of many alluring features this 4-bedroom, 2-bath offers. Upon entry from the attached garage, you’ll find a built-in bench with a wall-mounted coat rack, alongside a separate wash room with ample storage space. The master suite also features a spacious walk-in closet with built-in shelving.

Search for Meridian homes.

Phoenix, AZ

1621 W Willetta St, Phoenix, AZ For sale: $320,000

Photo from Zillow listing

Simple farmhouse meets Art Deco flair in this stone landscaped 3-bedroom, 2-bath home. The interior offers a tranquil palette, from open built-in shelving in the living area to ample picture windows delicately placed throughout. However, the unique essence of the home is the local artist patio slab artwork outback.

View homes in Phoenix.

Charleston, SC

3112 Conservancy Ln, Charleston, SC For sale: $324,900

Photo from Zillow listing

Each room of this 3-bedroom, 3-bath offers its own individual appeal. Down the hardwood-floored entryway is an open-concept kitchen with breakfast bar that overlooks the living room. A classically elegant yet simple chandelier hangs in the formal dining area, and an enclosed patio is situated in the backyard.

Locate more homes in Charleston.

Sandy, UT

2357 E Cliff Swallow Dr, Sandy, UT For sale: $320,000

Photo from Zillow listing

Walk up a wide staircase to the double door entryway of this 3-bedroom, 2-bath home. Stone detailing complements the earthy tones of the home's exterior, while the tall picture windows provide ample natural light.

Find a home in Sandy.

Thinking about buying? Our Home Buyers Guide offers plenty of tips and resources.

Lead photo from Zillow listing

Related:

How 2017 Rate Volatility Impacts Home Affordability

Should I Buy Down My Rate After 2017 Fed Rate Hikes?

Down Payment: How Much You Should Save to Buy a House

from Zillow Porchlight https://www.zillow.com/blog/homes-can-1500-month-213634/

[vincentbnaughton]

Homes You Can Own for $1,500 a Month

Want more space, but don’t have room to increase your budget? Then these affordable homes are exactly what you’re looking for.

They have everything, from formal dining areas and luxurious kitchens to spa-like baths and outdoor retreats.

With 20 percent down on a 30-year fixed rate loan at a 3.97-percent interest rate, you can settle into a new home for about $1,500 a month. (Our mortgage calculator can help you estimate your payments.)

Get the moving boxes ready, and feel free to order that new piece of furniture you’ve been eyeing. You’ll definitely have the space in one of these roomy homes.

Covington, LA

8 Autumn Dr, Covington, LA For sale: $320,000

Photo from Zillow listing

Set on a tree-filled 2.75-acre lot, this classic colonial offers a peaceful retreat. Step through one of the two doorways accessible from the living room out onto a stone-paved patio with ceiling fans to enjoy the surrounding views. Along with 3 bedrooms and 3 baths, this capacious home includes a large great room, formal dining area, and an open-concept kitchen with breakfast room.

Discover more Covington homes.

Grand Junction, CO

282 Coulson Dr, Grand Junction, CO For sale: $319,900

Photo from Zillow listing

Don’t let this home’s quaint demeanor fool you. This 4-bedroom, 3-bath provides an extra spacious interior, from a huge game room to a comfortable master suite with clawfoot tub in the bath. The backyard offers a fire pit seating area and separate two-car garage/workshop with enough room for a 12-foot lift.

View homes in Grand Junction.

Columbia, TN

1933 Victoria Rd, Columbia, TN For sale: $319,900

Photo from Zillow listing

A true colonial beauty, this 3-bedroom, 3-bath is sized at 2,639 square feet and features an attached two-car garage as well as a separate storage shed. Auburn-toned wood flooring carries throughout the home, while cool, calm colors add a bright finish to the bedrooms. You can also enjoy views of the lush one-acre yard from the rear deck.

Search more homes in Columbia.

Albuquerque, NM

1419 Valle Ln NW, Albuquerque, NM For sale: $320,000

Photo from Zillow listing

A modern take on a Spanish-style home, this 3-bedroom, 2-bath is designed with a smooth stucco exterior accented by a clay tile roof and arched detailing. Sturdy wood beams line the living room ceiling and top the multifaceted brick fireplace, adding an element of nature to the neutral interior. Designed to create a cool living environment for its desert locale, most rooms feature beautiful tile flooring or backsplashes.

See more Albuquerque homes.

Dallas, TX

10923 Villa Haven Dr, Dallas, TX For sale: $319,000

Photo from Zillow listing

This modern, single-story home offers a calm grey exterior with narrow single pane windows. Housing 4 bedrooms and 2 baths, the home is perfect for entertaining guests. The white cabinetry with chrome fixtures helps offset the bold black granite countertops in the kitchen, while one of the two living areas is accented by a painted white brick fireplace.

Find homes in Dallas.

Medford, OR

219 Mt Echo Dr, Medford, OR For sale: $320,000

Photo from Zillow listing

Contemporary designer finishes and built-in bookcases make this 3-bedroom, 2-bath townhouse a must-have. In the kitchen, stainless steel fixtures and appliances complement the tan and dark wood color scheme. Vaulted ceilings with large windows and a slider help open up the living room, while the bonus family room can be used as a theater, exercise room, or office.

Explore more homes in Medford.

Meridian, ID

993 E Italy St, Meridian, ID For sale: $321,946

Photo from Zillow listing

A convenient layout is one of many alluring features this 4-bedroom, 2-bath offers. Upon entry from the attached garage, you’ll find a built-in bench with a wall-mounted coat rack, alongside a separate wash room with ample storage space. The master suite also features a spacious walk-in closet with built-in shelving.

Search for Meridian homes.

Phoenix, AZ

1621 W Willetta St, Phoenix, AZ For sale: $320,000

Photo from Zillow listing

Simple farmhouse meets Art Deco flair in this stone landscaped 3-bedroom, 2-bath home. The interior offers a tranquil palette, from open built-in shelving in the living area to ample picture windows delicately placed throughout. However, the unique essence of the home is the local artist patio slab artwork outback.

View homes in Phoenix.

Charleston, SC

3112 Conservancy Ln, Charleston, SC For sale: $324,900

Photo from Zillow listing

Each room of this 3-bedroom, 3-bath offers its own individual appeal. Down the hardwood-floored entryway is an open-concept kitchen with breakfast bar that overlooks the living room. A classically elegant yet simple chandelier hangs in the formal dining area, and an enclosed patio is situated in the backyard.

Locate more homes in Charleston.

Sandy, UT

2357 E Cliff Swallow Dr, Sandy, UT For sale: $320,000

Photo from Zillow listing

Walk up a wide staircase to the double door entryway of this 3-bedroom, 2-bath home. Stone detailing complements the earthy tones of the home’s exterior, while the tall picture windows provide ample natural light.

Find a home in Sandy.

Thinking about buying? Our Home Buyers Guide offers plenty of tips and resources.

Lead photo from Zillow listing

Related:

How 2017 Rate Volatility Impacts Home Affordability

Should I Buy Down My Rate After 2017 Fed Rate Hikes?

Down Payment: How Much You Should Save to Buy a House

[danielgreen01]

Homes You Can Own for $1,500 a Month

Want more space, but don't have room to increase your budget? Then these affordable homes are exactly what you're looking for.

They have everything, from formal dining areas and luxurious kitchens to spa-like baths and outdoor retreats.

With 20 percent down on a 30-year fixed rate loan at a 3.97-percent interest rate, you can settle into a new home for about $1,500 a month. (Our mortgage calculator can help you estimate your payments.)

Get the moving boxes ready, and feel free to order that new piece of furniture you've been eyeing. You'll definitely have the space in one of these roomy homes.

Covington, LA

8 Autumn Dr, Covington, LA For sale: $320,000

Photo from Zillow listing

Set on a tree-filled 2.75-acre lot, this classic colonial offers a peaceful retreat. Step through one of the two doorways accessible from the living room out onto a stone-paved patio with ceiling fans to enjoy the surrounding views. Along with 3 bedrooms and 3 baths, this capacious home includes a large great room, formal dining area, and an open-concept kitchen with breakfast room.

Discover more Covington homes.

Grand Junction, CO

282 Coulson Dr, Grand Junction, CO For sale: $319,900

Photo from Zillow listing

Don't let this home’s quaint demeanor fool you. This 4-bedroom, 3-bath provides an extra spacious interior, from a huge game room to a comfortable master suite with clawfoot tub in the bath. The backyard offers a fire pit seating area and separate two-car garage/workshop with enough room for a 12-foot lift.

View homes in Grand Junction.

Columbia, TN

1933 Victoria Rd, Columbia, TN For sale: $319,900

Photo from Zillow listing

A true colonial beauty, this 3-bedroom, 3-bath is sized at 2,639 square feet and features an attached two-car garage as well as a separate storage shed. Auburn-toned wood flooring carries throughout the home, while cool, calm colors add a bright finish to the bedrooms. You can also enjoy views of the lush one-acre yard from the rear deck.

Search more homes in Columbia.

Albuquerque, NM

1419 Valle Ln NW, Albuquerque, NM For sale: $320,000

Photo from Zillow listing

A modern take on a Spanish-style home, this 3-bedroom, 2-bath is designed with a smooth stucco exterior accented by a clay tile roof and arched detailing. Sturdy wood beams line the living room ceiling and top the multifaceted brick fireplace, adding an element of nature to the neutral interior. Designed to create a cool living environment for its desert locale, most rooms feature beautiful tile flooring or backsplashes.

See more Albuquerque homes.

Dallas, TX

10923 Villa Haven Dr, Dallas, TX For sale: $319,000

Photo from Zillow listing

This modern, single-story home offers a calm grey exterior with narrow single pane windows. Housing 4 bedrooms and 2 baths, the home is perfect for entertaining guests. The white cabinetry with chrome fixtures helps offset the bold black granite countertops in the kitchen, while one of the two living areas is accented by a painted white brick fireplace.

Find homes in Dallas.

Medford, OR

219 Mt Echo Dr, Medford, OR For sale: $320,000

Photo from Zillow listing

Contemporary designer finishes and built-in bookcases make this 3-bedroom, 2-bath townhouse a must-have. In the kitchen, stainless steel fixtures and appliances complement the tan and dark wood color scheme. Vaulted ceilings with large windows and a slider help open up the living room, while the bonus family room can be used as a theater, exercise room, or office.

Explore more homes in Medford.

Meridian, ID

993 E Italy St, Meridian, ID For sale: $321,946

Photo from Zillow listing

A convenient layout is one of many alluring features this 4-bedroom, 2-bath offers. Upon entry from the attached garage, you’ll find a built-in bench with a wall-mounted coat rack, alongside a separate wash room with ample storage space. The master suite also features a spacious walk-in closet with built-in shelving.

Search for Meridian homes.

Phoenix, AZ

1621 W Willetta St, Phoenix, AZ For sale: $320,000

Photo from Zillow listing

Simple farmhouse meets Art Deco flair in this stone landscaped 3-bedroom, 2-bath home. The interior offers a tranquil palette, from open built-in shelving in the living area to ample picture windows delicately placed throughout. However, the unique essence of the home is the local artist patio slab artwork outback.

View homes in Phoenix.

Charleston, SC

3112 Conservancy Ln, Charleston, SC For sale: $324,900

Photo from Zillow listing

Each room of this 3-bedroom, 3-bath offers its own individual appeal. Down the hardwood-floored entryway is an open-concept kitchen with breakfast bar that overlooks the living room. A classically elegant yet simple chandelier hangs in the formal dining area, and an enclosed patio is situated in the backyard.

Locate more homes in Charleston.

Sandy, UT

2357 E Cliff Swallow Dr, Sandy, UT For sale: $320,000

Photo from Zillow listing

Walk up a wide staircase to the double door entryway of this 3-bedroom, 2-bath home. Stone detailing complements the earthy tones of the home's exterior, while the tall picture windows provide ample natural light.

Find a home in Sandy.

Thinking about buying? Our Home Buyers Guide offers plenty of tips and resources.

Lead photo from Zillow listing

Related:

How 2017 Rate Volatility Impacts Home Affordability

Should I Buy Down My Rate After 2017 Fed Rate Hikes?

Down Payment: How Much You Should Save to Buy a House

from Zillow Porchlight http://ift.tt/2mSbjvc via IFTTT

[feamproffitt]

Homes You Can Own for $1,500 a Month

Want more space, but don't have room to increase your budget? Then these affordable homes are exactly what you're looking for.

They have everything, from formal dining areas and luxurious kitchens to spa-like baths and outdoor retreats.

With 20 percent down on a 30-year fixed rate loan at a 3.97-percent interest rate, you can settle into a new home for about $1,500 a month. (Our mortgage calculator can help you estimate your payments.)

Get the moving boxes ready, and feel free to order that new piece of furniture you've been eyeing. You'll definitely have the space in one of these roomy homes.

Covington, LA

8 Autumn Dr, Covington, LA For sale: $320,000

Photo from Zillow listing

Set on a tree-filled 2.75-acre lot, this classic colonial offers a peaceful retreat. Step through one of the two doorways accessible from the living room out onto a stone-paved patio with ceiling fans to enjoy the surrounding views. Along with 3 bedrooms and 3 baths, this capacious home includes a large great room, formal dining area, and an open-concept kitchen with breakfast room.

Discover more Covington homes.

Grand Junction, CO

282 Coulson Dr, Grand Junction, CO For sale: $319,900

Photo from Zillow listing

Don't let this home’s quaint demeanor fool you. This 4-bedroom, 3-bath provides an extra spacious interior, from a huge game room to a comfortable master suite with clawfoot tub in the bath. The backyard offers a fire pit seating area and separate two-car garage/workshop with enough room for a 12-foot lift.

View homes in Grand Junction.

Columbia, TN

1933 Victoria Rd, Columbia, TN For sale: $319,900

Photo from Zillow listing

A true colonial beauty, this 3-bedroom, 3-bath is sized at 2,639 square feet and features an attached two-car garage as well as a separate storage shed. Auburn-toned wood flooring carries throughout the home, while cool, calm colors add a bright finish to the bedrooms. You can also enjoy views of the lush one-acre yard from the rear deck.

Search more homes in Columbia.

Albuquerque, NM

1419 Valle Ln NW, Albuquerque, NM For sale: $320,000

Photo from Zillow listing

A modern take on a Spanish-style home, this 3-bedroom, 2-bath is designed with a smooth stucco exterior accented by a clay tile roof and arched detailing. Sturdy wood beams line the living room ceiling and top the multifaceted brick fireplace, adding an element of nature to the neutral interior. Designed to create a cool living environment for its desert locale, most rooms feature beautiful tile flooring or backsplashes.

See more Albuquerque homes.

Dallas, TX

10923 Villa Haven Dr, Dallas, TX For sale: $319,000

Photo from Zillow listing

This modern, single-story home offers a calm grey exterior with narrow single pane windows. Housing 4 bedrooms and 2 baths, the home is perfect for entertaining guests. The white cabinetry with chrome fixtures helps offset the bold black granite countertops in the kitchen, while one of the two living areas is accented by a painted white brick fireplace.

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Medford, OR

219 Mt Echo Dr, Medford, OR For sale: $320,000

Photo from Zillow listing

Contemporary designer finishes and built-in bookcases make this 3-bedroom, 2-bath townhouse a must-have. In the kitchen, stainless steel fixtures and appliances complement the tan and dark wood color scheme. Vaulted ceilings with large windows and a slider help open up the living room, while the bonus family room can be used as a theater, exercise room, or office.

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Meridian, ID

993 E Italy St, Meridian, ID For sale: $321,946

Photo from Zillow listing

A convenient layout is one of many alluring features this 4-bedroom, 2-bath offers. Upon entry from the attached garage, you’ll find a built-in bench with a wall-mounted coat rack, alongside a separate wash room with ample storage space. The master suite also features a spacious walk-in closet with built-in shelving.

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Phoenix, AZ

1621 W Willetta St, Phoenix, AZ For sale: $320,000

Photo from Zillow listing

Simple farmhouse meets Art Deco flair in this stone landscaped 3-bedroom, 2-bath home. The interior offers a tranquil palette, from open built-in shelving in the living area to ample picture windows delicately placed throughout. However, the unique essence of the home is the local artist patio slab artwork outback.

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Charleston, SC

3112 Conservancy Ln, Charleston, SC For sale: $324,900

Photo from Zillow listing

Each room of this 3-bedroom, 3-bath offers its own individual appeal. Down the hardwood-floored entryway is an open-concept kitchen with breakfast bar that overlooks the living room. A classically elegant yet simple chandelier hangs in the formal dining area, and an enclosed patio is situated in the backyard.

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Sandy, UT

2357 E Cliff Swallow Dr, Sandy, UT For sale: $320,000

Photo from Zillow listing

Walk up a wide staircase to the double door entryway of this 3-bedroom, 2-bath home. Stone detailing complements the earthy tones of the home's exterior, while the tall picture windows provide ample natural light.

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Thinking about buying? Our Home Buyers Guide offers plenty of tips and resources.

Lead photo from Zillow listing

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