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If you look around your house and realize that you are in need of some character, it can make you anxious. Adding character can mean upgrading and remodeling your home, which can cost a lot of money. But with some creativity and a little bit of elbow grease, you can DIY your way to a home full of character and personality, without breaking the bank.

Frame the Views
Window treatments can get expensive very quickly. But updating the frame of your view outside doesnt have to cost you a dime. Simply hang your draperies higher than the actual windows to make the room feel larger. You can even add sheers behind your curtains for added depth.

Use Unused Spaces
In almost every home, there is a space that is unused, whether it be a corner in the living room or a window seat. Give those spaces a purpose, even if that purpose is a card table for games, some pillows for a quiet place to sit and read, or a spot for an interesting piece of furniture.

Display Savvy Storage Options
No matter the room, there always seems to be a need for extra storage. Instead of spending hundreds on a new cabinet or wall shelving, utilize new and interesting pieces. Have an old dresser you no longer use? Remove the drawer pulls and place them on the wall for a unique way to store household items. Even hang up a drawer organizer on the wall to store sunglasses and keys in your foyer.

Get Creative With Cabinets
A simple and cost effective way to add a little something to your space can be done with paint. Bring new life to your kitchen by painting the cabinets a bright color. Or, paint a few stencils on the cabinets in the bathroom to add depth and detail. Change out door handles and drawer pulls for a small design change that can result in big impact.

Dont Forget the Doors
Most homeowners can go their whole life without ever changing the door knobs throughout the house. Of course, the front door may already have some character, but why not add a little personality to your bedroom or bathroom door? Most home improvement stores and websites offer a variety of door knobs, simply or elaborately designed, that can add a touch of personality to any space.

Published with permission from RISMedia.

Published with permission from RISMedia.

If were being honest, some home materials can simply stand the test of time better than others. This is especially true if your house is exposed to a harsh climate or undergoes the everyday wear and tear that comes with kids and pets running around. While some materials are at their best when theyre shiny and new, others can develop a beautiful patina that adds character. Here are a few such materials that will continue to look better with age.

Copper
Copper can be used for a variety of applications around the home, from gutters and cladding to sinks, bathtubs and light fixtures. Wherever you choose to use it, eventually copper will oxidize and its shiny dark orange appearance will develop a distinguished look with shades of blue and green. This will happen noticeably faster when used outside and theres no greater example of this than the Statue of Liberty.

Terracotta
The warm earth tones of terracotta often contribute to a timeless aesthetic, whether its used for tile floors or pottery in your garden. One of the reasons this material has been around for so long is that it fares well in the elements and, in fact, the texture gets even richer. When you decide to splurge on beautiful handmade terracotta for your home, you can rest assured that it will endure.

Reclaimed Wood
One of the best parts about using reclaimed wood in your home is that its flaws are actually part of the appeal. The scuffs and scratches that developed over time tell the story of its past life and eventually turn into an inimitable patina. Rather than having to worry about keeping your floors flawless, it can be nice to embrace the imperfections with a rustic look. This is especially true if you have dogs, which can take a toll on hardwood floors.

Natural Stone
If you have natural stone floors, like travertine or sandstone, you can certainly expect this surface to change over time. As the stone takes on a weathered look, the texture will become smoother and develop a soft luster that many people find desirable.

Published with permission from RISMedia.

A real estate transaction can only proceed if the house has a clear title. That means that the party selling it has the legal right to do so and that there are no liens or claims against the property. A title search can turn up any issues that may exist.

When and How Is a Title Search Conducted?
A title search is usually performed after the seller has accepted the buyers offer. Someone who wants to buy the property may request a title search, or a lender may request one before approving a mortgage. A title company or attorney can check deeds, land records, tax liens, bankruptcy records and divorce and child support orders to identify any judgments or claims against the property. A title search can also identify any pending lawsuits against the owner.

If you request a title search, you will be given a preliminary title report that will include information on any issues discovered. If an issue would be relatively easy to resolve, you can require the seller to address it before you proceed with the purchase. If there is a more serious or complex issue and you need to close by a specific date, or if you simply dont want to deal with the hassle, you may choose to walk away.

What Types of Issues May Be Discovered in a Title Search?
The property may be owned, in whole or in part, by someone else. It is possible that someone legally purchased the property but that the title was not recorded for some reason. A document may not have been signed where required or a signature or document may have been forged. An easement may not have been recorded properly, the location of the property line may have been reported incorrectly or there may be a tax lien against the property.

What is Title Insurance?
Even if professionals review documents, they may miss something or a document may contain an error. If a lien or judgment against the property is not discovered during the title search and you buy the house, that lien or judgment can become your legal responsibility. You can purchase title insurance to protect yourself and your mortgage lender from issues that might be discovered later.

How Much Does a Title Search and Title Insurance Cost?
Costs for a title search and title insurance vary by location. They also depend on the purchase price and loan amount. While you might be able to perform a title search yourself, you would have to comb through a large volume of documents. If you dont have experience in this area, you may miss something important. It would be better to trust such an important matter to professionals with training and expertise in this area.

Published with permission from RISMedia.

Here are four tips for curating shelves that are stylish and creative.

Form and Function

If you dont have built-ins, there are tons of functional options that are easy to install, from floating shelves to open box shelves.

Show Off Books

Choose a handful of books that are visually pleasing or mean the most to you to display.

Go Green

Houseplants can provide the perfect sense of balance amidst your other objects and artifacts.

Exhibit Your Art

Whether its handmade pottery, sculptures or framed pictures, this can be a surprising use of space that feels sophisticated.

Published with permission from RISMedia.