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When it comes to home improvement, the options are endless. While many homeowners have their sights set on a huge overhaul (hello five-star kitchen complete with the latest and greatest appliances and gadgets), simple home updates that can be completed in a timely manner”without breaking the bank”typically offer the best return on your investment.

If youre itching to upgrade your home, whether with your own two hands or by bringing in a certified contractor, consider the following ideas:

Change the Hardware. If a complete kitchen or bathroom overhaul is out of the budget, dont write these rooms off your list just yet. By simply replacing the hardware (drawer pulls, knobs) and faucets, you can create an entirely different look. If youre feeling really adventurous, and in the mood for a more drastic effect, you can even paint the cabinets. Or, dress up the kitchen with a decorative backsplash that ties the whole room together.

Add a Little Paint. Do all the rooms in your home blend together because theyre painted the same color? Painting an accent wall is a great way to help a room pop. Whether its in the kitchen, living room, dining room (or any other room in the home), an accent wall is a simple way to incorporate a color you love into the space without going overboard. If youre content with the walls just the way they are, another popular alternative is to paint the ceiling.

Update the Entryway. An inviting entryway is just as important for creating a good first impression among visitors as it is among prospective buyers. Wow your guests”and even your family”with an updated facade. From (re)painting the front door to incorporating vinyl door decals to welcome visitors in style, updating the front of your home is a surefire way to create a welcoming environment.

Install Hardwood Floors. Hardwood floors are a popular choice among homeowners looking to update their space, and with a little elbow grease and know-how, avid do-it-yourselfers can complete the look with their own two hands. Tongue-and-groove flooring that fits together like a puzzle is a safe bet for anyone looking to get their hands dirty in home improvement projects this season.

Add a Porch/Patio. Whether theyre semi-enclosed, attached to the homes front entrance or built at ground level, the addition of a porch/patio extends a homes living space. From adding value to your home to upping its curb appeal, if you have the space, this is one project you should move to the top of your to-do list.

No matter what type of home improvement project you choose to undertake, its important to remember that its okay to call in reinforcement, especially when it comes to projects you might not be able to tackle on your own.

When considering completing any home improvement project, you should consider the value of hiring a general contractor, says Lance Malcolm, chief operating officer of Contractor Connection. An experienced contractor can be the difference between keeping the project moving forward smoothly or being delayed.

Published with permission from RISMedia.

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.