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Several government-backed lending programs can help first-time home buyers purchase a home with little money down. FHA, USDA, and VA loans are options for qualifying borrowers, though many conventional mortgage lenders will lower down payment rates to as low as 3 percent.

This is fairly rare, but sometimes the local government or a group like a historical society will label a tree as a landmark, or historical item. These designations almost always come with a small, on-site plaque for identification, but you should also be able to look up protected trees in your area on a city website or similar list. If the tree in question is a landmark, call your local government and ask how to proceed before making any plans.

Permit requirements to clear land vary by municipality, so whether or not you need permits depends on where you live and what you’re removing from the land. Some building departments will require permits for any underground work or excavation, meaning grinding down tree stumps on your property would require permits. Others mandate individual permits for each tree you remove. You can contact your local building department or a land-clearing specialist near you to see if permits are necessary for your job.

When considering the price of drilling a well, factor in how much you’ll save in water costs per year. The average family of four uses 100 gallons of water per person per day in the U.S. With a private water well, you can save hundreds each year.

Wells are also environmentally friendly. You don’t need to worry about drinking water treated with chemicals. Talk to at least three well pump contractors in your area. They’ll be able to tell you more about your options, give you different quotes, and discuss the biggest concerns.