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The Top 10 Must-Have Amenities Luxury Homebuyers Are Searching For

By U.S. News & World Report

From state-of-the-art home automation systems to dedicated tasting rooms to private whiffle ball courts and grounds that will rival the most luxurious five-star resorts — in the world of luxury real estate, over-the-top amenities dominate.

Luxury homes are all about lifestyle, and over the past several years high-end homes have stepped up to offer buyers more than ever before. Amenities that were once considered an extravagance have become standard and have forced builders and homeowners to take luxury amenities to the next level.

Luxury buyers are looking for that unique feature and special touch that sets a home apart from all the rest. Here are 10 of the most sought-after features and amenities luxury homebuyers are swooning over.

1. High-Tech Everything

Technology means convenience and convenience is the ultimate luxury. High-end home shoppers are looking for ways to make their lives easier. Home automation systems offer entertainment, security, lighting controls, temperature adjustment and more at just the push of a button or the command of your voice.

Shades and doors open automatically and you can control water and fire features, or set the mood with your favorite music streaming service. Newer homes have also integrated green technology, solar energy systems and high-tech water irrigation systems. It’s not uncommon to find an electric charging station in the garage for your electric-powered vehicle.

[See: 8 Apartment Amenities You Didn’t Know You Needed.]

2. Home Theaters and Entertainment Centers

Rather than just another media room, luxury buyers are looking for properties with private theaters. They want a space to lounge with family and friends and enjoy the latest summer blockbuster without sacrificing the excitement and experience of the big screen.

The most impressive home theaters offer stadium seating, recliners, custom couches, mood lighting and the latest and greatest in picture and sound technology. And when the movie ends, the fun continues. Many luxury homes feature their own entertainment centers with game rooms, billiard rooms, full bar areas and more. Top-notch home theaters and entertainment areas give “movie night in” a whole new meaning.

3. Wine and Tasting Rooms

Wine rooms have made a major resurgence as one of the most sought-after luxury amenities. They are no longer tucked away in the basement or hidden away in a forgotten closet. Wine rooms have come front and center to become a major showpiece and a focal point for entertaining and innovative design.

Buyers are looking for beautifully displayed bottles, custom lighting, glass displays, motorized racks and entire rooms solely for the purpose of displaying, tasting and enjoying vintage gems.

4. Private Gyms and Spas

Fully equipped gyms, dedicated yoga rooms and spa rooms are cropping up in new luxury homes all over. Like all homebuyers, luxury shoppers are looking for homes with amenities and features to meet their needs and suit their lifestyle.

Why go out for a massage or acupuncture treatment when they can come to you at your in-home spa? Rather than schlepping to the gym at rush hour, your trainer can come to you, at your convenience. And after a solid workout, you only have to step around the corner to find your in-home sauna for a soothing steam.

5. Garages as Showrooms

For luxury buyers, ample parking is often a deal breaker. Car collectors and entertainers are looking for large garages and expansive motor courts to support parking for events and numerous vehicles.

Garages at ultra-luxury homes have become much more than a shadowy space to park your car along with a barrage of other miscellaneous items. High-end garages have become showrooms to display a buyer’s vehicles as works of art.

[See: Going Deep Into Tiny Homes.]

6. Killer Views

In Los Angeles, views are the ultimate luxury feature and a drop-dead gorgeous city view can add a hefty price tag to a property’s purchase price. View properties are the most coveted and most treasured accessory in the luxury market.

That infinity-edge pool and those walls of glass that disappear at the touch of a button wouldn’t be nearly as dramatic if it wasn’t for that expansive carpet of twinkling city lights, the crashing waves of the Pacific Ocean below or the rolling canyon expanses.

But not all views are created equal. In Los Angeles, it’s that unobstructed, head-on, panoramic city view — where it looks like you could reach out with your fingertips and pluck the lights out one by one — that’s most sought after.

7. Indoor-Outdoor Living

Outdoor spaces are just as important as indoor spaces, and the way a home is able to marry the two makes for the ultimate indoor-outdoor lifestyle achievement. Luxury homebuyers are looking for a property where the architecture of the home itself also compliments their lifestyle and aspirations. Open spaces and outdoor living rooms, cabanas, outdoor kitchens and dining areas are all sought after high-end features that add to the lifestyle experience.

8. Resort-Style Pools

Pools are not uncommon at almost any price point in Southern California, where the sun seems to shine almost every day of the year. But luxury buyers are looking for that extra special touch to create a backyard space that will be truly unforgettable.

Luxury buyers are looking for Olympic-sized lap pools, infinity pools that disappear seamlessly into city or ocean views, waterfalls, fountains, swim up bars and more. The more unique and the more drama — the greater the appeal.

9. Land and Privacy

Right up there with a gorgeous view, land and privacy are critical to most luxury shoppers. Buyers are looking for a good-sized lot and usable land with mature landscaping and a private, gated driveway to protect from prying eyes.

[See: The 30 Most Fun Places to Live in the U.S.]

10. Sports Courts to Fine Tune Your Skills

Luxury homes often feature basketball courts, tennis courts, putting greens, racquet ball courts, miniature baseball diamonds, bowling alleys and any number of lawn games or other sports setup to entertain and impress guests. Unique sports courts appeal to hobbyists, athletes and entertainers alike.

When it comes to luxury homes, it’s all about appealing to the lifestyle, convenience, quality and style. Beautiful materials, high-end appliances and innovative design are also critical factors. Beyond simple functionality, luxury buyers are looking for special features, design or new technology that sets a home apart and makes it unique and unlike any other.

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The Top 10 Must-Have Amenities Luxury Homebuyers Are Searching For originally appeared on usnews.com

Don’t Settle for Student Loans to Pay for Online Education

By WTOP Staff
Online college programs are becoming a more popular choice for prospective students, with one study finding that more than 6 million students enrolled in at least one online course in fall 2015. The popularity of these courses can be attributed in part to their flexibility with working adults' schedules, students' ability to progress more quickly through online programs and, oftentimes, cheaper tuition. [See 10 low-cost online bachelor's programs for out-of-state students.]Online degrees can be beneficial to many college students, but some studies have shown online learners complete their programs at lower rates than students at traditional brick-and-mortar campuses. Individuals with student loans but no degree comprise two-thirds of defaulted borrowers. Though these numbers are not encouraging, just like for traditional programs, there are ways to reduce how much you'll need to borrow for an online program to ensure you won't become one of these statistics. Don't just settle on borrowing student loans to cover the whole cost of your program and living expenses. Instead, start thinking about how to cut costs and cover your balance in different ways, such as the following. -- Grants and scholarships: Even though you are taking an online course, you can still apply and receive grants and scholarships. But your first step should be to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, commonly referred to as the FAFSA, which will allow you to receive a Pell Grant if your expected family contribution is low enough. The EFC criteria and award amounts are adjusted annually, but the 2017-2018 academic year awards range from $606 to $5,920, which could significantly lower the amount you borrow annually. Your next step is to apply for scholarships. You can start by checking online scholarship search engines, such as the Salt Scholarship Search, College Board's BigFuture and Peterson's. But don't forget to take advantage of local organizations and your school's financial aid office. Both may offer scholarships that you can't find with a national scholarship search. [Review these 10 sites to kick off your scholarship search.]For instance, organizations like the Elks Club, Knights of Columbus or the Rotary Club typically offer scholarships annually to local students. Just because you're going to school online doesn't mean you're ineligible. Visit your local library for scholarship listings, and ask around town. You might be surprised how many local organizations offer scholarships. While these scholarships typically aren't large, every little bit counts. Each dollar you receive in a scholarship is a dollar you don't have to borrow and pay interest on. -- Work-study: Another option for online students may be work-study awards. Not all students enrolled in online programs are eligible, but students at some schools -- including, for example, SUNY Empire State College and Liberty University -- are. Work-study awards are not given upfront like scholarships and grants. In most cases, they are an offer to earn up to the awarded amount if you secure an eligible work-study job. While there is a misconception that all work-study jobs must be on campus, students can work for off-campus, nonprofit or public employers as long as the work is in the public's interest. You may be able to work for a for-profit employer if the job is relevant to your course of study. No matter who the outside employer is, it will need to have an established agreement with your college for you to receive work-study funds. Remember, to be eligible for federal financial aid, you must be enrolled and pursuing a degree or certificate. If you're not working toward a credential, Pell Grants and work-study won't be option, but you may still be able to take advantage of private scholarships -- just be sure to read the eligibility criteria carefully. [Explore what to know about financial aid in online programs.]-- Pay as you go: One of the great benefits to enrolling online is the flexible schedule, which can allow you to complete your college coursework around your responsibilities. But prospective students often overlook using their part- or full-time job earnings as an option for paying for college. Almost 80 percent of college students in 2015 worked at least part time while attending classes, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. By budgeting and thinking strategically about your college costs, you can likely reduce your dependence on student loans by paying a portion out of pocket. Many -- but not all -- online programs are less expensive than traditional programs and often have shorter payment periods. Six, eight or 10 weeks are common course durations. Because of the frequency of payments in an online setting, you may be well-placed to pay as you go and possibly avoid borrowing altogether. Attending college online and avoiding student loans may be challenging, but if you are willing to put in the effort, you can limit the amount you need to borrow. More from U.S. News Q&A: Understanding Student Loan Discharge Eligibility Student Loan Refinancing Isn't Right for All Borrowers
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