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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.

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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.

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Most mortgages have a term of 15 or 30 years. However, if you want to buy a more expensive house than you could afford with one of those loan options, you might be able to purchase your dream home with a 40-year mortgage. You could have a hard time finding such a loan, though, and you would pay more over the term of the mortgage.

How Does a 40-Year Mortgage Work?
There are several variations on the 40-year home loan. Lenders may offer one or more versions. Most have a fixed interest rate, but some have an adjustable rate. The interest rate for a 40-year mortgage is often higher than it is for a 30-year loan. Some 40-year mortgages have interest-only payments for the first several years, while others have low monthly payments and a balloon payment due at the end.

Costs and Equity With a 40-Year Mortgage
Since a 40-year mortgage spreads out the cost of a loan over a longer period of time than a traditional mortgage, it has lower monthly payments. That could make a 40-year mortgage a good option if you want to keep your monthly payments as low as possible or if you want to buy a more expensive home.

You will pay more in interest with a 40-year mortgage because it will have a higher interest rate and you will be paying interest over a greater number of months. You can also build equity more slowly with a 40-year loan. If you decide to sell your house before you pay off the mortgage, you might have little equity, even after living there for several years.

Is a 40-Year Mortgage Right for You?
If you are considering a 40-year mortgage because you want to buy an expensive house and you cant afford the monthly payments for a 30-year loan, you may be better off purchasing a less expensive house and taking out a smaller mortgage with a shorter term. If, on the other hand, you want to buy a house in an area where average home prices are high overall, a 40-year mortgage might be a better option.

Be sure to carefully consider the terms of each specific loan. For instance, if you take out a 40-year mortgage with a balloon payment and youre unable to pay the large sum, you could lose your home.

How to Find a 40-Year Mortgage
A qualified mortgage meets standards that the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau has set to make sure that borrowers are only approved for home loans that they can afford to repay. A qualified mortgage may not have a term longer than 30 years.

A 40-year mortgage is an unqualified loan. Many lenders consider unqualified mortgages riskier than qualified mortgages and do not offer them. You may be able to find a 40-year mortgage through a small private lender or a credit union. Before you take out a 40-year mortgage, check the lenders background to ensure it is reputable.

Published with permission from RISMedia.