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Here are three innovative smart tech features you need to introduce to your home.

Bluetooth Light Switches

Smart lighting systems still need to have light switches. Bluetooth switches seamlessly connect to the lights in your home.

Security with Style

Security cameras can be unsightly and unsettling inside of a home. With this in mind, companies are designing stylish furnishings, like lamps, that are equipped with discreet security cameras.

Recycled Water Systems

Water recycling systems clean and disinfect water used in your shower or bath to reuse in your washing machine, toilets and irrigation system for a reduction in water consumption of up to 45 percent.

Published with permission from RISMedia.

So you’re looking for a home loan? Before you find yourself up to your knees in brand new terminology, brush up on these common phrases:

FICO score
These are the credit scores that the majority of lenders use to determine your credit risk, and the number makes a very big difference in terms of what interest rates you are offered on a mortgage. This score boils your credit history down to a three-digit number that tells a lender whether you’re creditworthy. What is the FICO score based on? The biggest players are past payment history and outstanding debt. The average FICO score falls between 600 and 800, the median being 723.

Full documented loan
A full documented loan means that both income and assets are disclosed and verified. Income is used in determining the applicant’s ability to repay the mortgage and formal verification requires the borrower’s employer to verify employment.

APR
This stands for Annual Percentage Rate. It’s a calculation that measures the net effective cost of borrowing. It takes into account some costs of getting the loan (including any applicable points), most loan fees and mortgage insurance. The APR is the most consistent means of determining price disparities between lenders.

Good Faith Estimate
This is a list of settlement charges that will occur with your new loan. Within three business days of receiving the loan application, the lender is obliged to provide the good faith estimate to the borrower. The good faith estimate gives the borrower the opportunity to review associated costs on the loan before proceeding.

Published with permission from RISMedia.

Published with permission from RISMedia.

The idea of a splurge means different things to different people, depending, in great measure, on how much “discretionary income” you have to spend. But while the things we choose to splurge on are a matter of choice, there are some luxury creature comforts that can make nearly everyone happier

When it comes to your home, decorators say splurging on items that look better, last longer, and/or increase our personal comfort are often worth more than they cost.

Luxury Linens ” A good French linen duvet set, which will set you backabout $250, is an heirloom-quality splurge that will get softer as you use it, is strong enough to withstand time and will keep you cooler in summer and warmer in winter. The same is true for expensive Egyptian sheets, which wear better than their cheaper cousins and have a lovely, silken feel.

Turkish Cotton Towels ” Aside from lending a luxurious, spa-like feel to your bathroom, these hefty towels are more absorbent and dry faster than ordinary towels. At $50 or $60 apiece, they are sure to increase your bath time enjoyment.

Wireless Speakers ” They will let you bring your favorite podcast into the kitchen while you cook, your soothing white noise to the bedroom nightstand or music to almost anywhere else you want to hearit in your home. The sleekest versions may cost up to $400, but their versatility and low profile make them a worthwhile splurge.

A Le Creuset French Oven ” A classic among devoted cooks, these porcelain-coated Dutch ovens have incredible heat retention and hold up against acids and stains as you turn out delectable stews, soups and more. They can cost up to $350, but you may be able to reduce your splurge if you prowl a few good discount home goods stores.

A Teak Cutting Board ” If you love to cook, you should have had one years ago. At about $88, a good teak board is easier on knives, beautiful to look at and will last longer than any plastic cutting board.

Published with permission from RISMedia.

Significant works of art require being exhibited in a way that does them justice.

Heres what you need to know about displaying your art at home…

Assess the Space

Is the space best for a few large paintings or several smaller works?

Group pieces that are connected in some way, like style, color or motif.

Lighting

Warm, dimmable light bulbs are best to illuminate the artworks natural hues.

Avoid direct sunlight, as it can cause fading.

Consult a Professional

Bring in a professional to help curate your space.

Services can outfit your home with museum quality hanging systems to take your collection to the next level.

Published with permission from RISMedia.