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Anything that lets you save money on a mortgage is probably a good idea, as long as there are no strings or hidden fees attached.

Thats why ever since energy efficient mortgages (EEM) were introduced in 1992, thousands of homeowners have saved money on utility bills simply by financing the cost of adding energy efficiency features to their homes.

An energy efficient mortgage is easy to use, federally recognized and can be applied to most home mortgages”plus it is available whether you are buying, selling, refinancing or remodeling your home. Homeowners with lower utility bills will have more money in their pockets each month and can even afford to allocate a larger portion of their income to housing expenses.

Additionally, the money can be used to finance energy improvements to make an older home more efficient, comfortable and affordable, which increases the potential resale of the home.

A laundry list of upgrades includes replacing windows or doors, installing solar technologies or replacing older heating systems, cooling systems and lighting with a more environmentally friendly solution.

For people buying a home who want to take advantage of the program, the FHA requires that you make at least a 3.5 percent cash investment on the property based on the sale price, and all work must begin within 90 days of closing. The total amount of your mortgage is based on the value of your home plus the projected cost of energy-efficient improvements.

Another EEM option is for the lender to allow higher qualifying ratios for borrowers who will occupy a property meeting certain standards for energy efficiency. When the home has been built or retrofitted in conformance with the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) standards for 2000 or later, then the lender may stretch the borrowers qualifying ratios.

Benefits derived from the EEM will vary from one house to another and your lender will be your best source of information on what EEM benefits you may obtain.

Published with permission from RISMedia.

Gardening is a great way to beautify your home and connect with nature.

But is your garden environmentally friendly? Heres how to become an eco-friendly gardener

Choose native plants that grow naturally in your region so they dont require extra water or chemicals to keep them alive.

Native plants also support the local ecosystem by feeding insects, birds and other members of your yards habitat.

Do away with chemicals. Instead of pesticides, use household items like vinegar, salt and dish detergent to get rid of weeds and pests.

Mow your lawn the right way. Plant the right type of grass for your region, then be sure not to cut it too short. Longer blades of grass help conserve water.

Published with permission from RISMedia.

If youre considering buying a house with a home theater, or perhaps you want to put one in your current residence, the most important question that youre likely to face is whether to get a TV or projector. This alone will undoubtedly have a major impact on your viewing experience, so its worth digging into the details in order to design the perfect home theater for your next family movie night. Below are the pros and cons of each.

TV Pros:
If picture quality is the most important characteristic to you, then its generally accepted that TVs have the edge in this department. Not only will the image be sharper and brighter, but you wont have to worry about keeping the room dark. Additionally, TVs have built-in speakers, so you dont necessarily need to outfit your home theater with a separate audio system.

TV Cons:
A large, state-of-the-art TV is likely going to set you back a bit more than a projector, but thats to be expected for the picture quality. One area that the TV is limited is size, as 4K ultra-high definition televisions top out around 80 inches (not that thats anything to scoff at).

Projector Pros:
For a true cinematic experience with a wall-sized screen, the projector is the way to go for larger-than-life images at a cheaper price. If you want to be able to discreetly turn your living room into a home theater, you have the benefit of installing a retractable projector and screen that hides from view when not in use.

Projector Cons:
Of course, the biggest knock on projectors is that light affects the picture quality, but if youre going to use blackout shades or put your home theater in your basement, then this probably isnt a major concern. While the picture quality isnt quite as good as televisions, todays 4K ultra-high definition projectors are very impressive. Youll also need to get speakers, which isnt an issue if you plan on installing a surround sound system anyway.

Published with permission from RISMedia.

Living in a small apartment is not always easy, especially when you have less than 500 sq. ft. to hold all of your belongings. Styling this space can be just as difficult, but not impossible. Heres a few tips for combining style with functionality, the most important factor when decorating a studio apartment.

Separate Living Spaces
Even in a studio, you can achieve the illusion of multiple rooms by separating areas. Using room dividers or open book shelves are just some ways to break up your space. With open bookshelves, you can utilize the extra shelves for picture frames, plants or other decorative items.

Stick to the Basics
In a small space, the more items you have, the more cluttered it feels. To avoid feeling cramped, minimize the decor you use. Go for functionality and design with shelves, hooks, decorative boxes and bowls, lamps and plants. Another tip, maximize floor space by using a stylish and trendy chair for multiple uses around the house, like at your desk, vanity and dining table.

Functional Furniture
Speaking of chairs, you want to make sure that each piece of furniture you choose for your studio is multi-functional and practical. Instead of buying a platform bed frame, invest in one that contains storage drawers or shelves. Pieces that serve more than one purpose are perfect for smaller spaces.

Lighten and Brighten
The best way to make a room feel bigger is natural light. Use sheer curtains to bring the light in while still keeping your privacy. If you dont have many windows, use lamps and other lighting around the apartment to lift the energy in your space. Stay away from lamps that are too bulky and focus on a more simplified and minimalistic style.

With these tips, your studio apartment can be transformed into a spacious, comfortable and stylish home.

Published with permission from RISMedia.

Follow these dos and donts when creating a monochromatic room.

Do start with a base color

Pick out the primary tone and how itll be applied.

Dont feel like you have to stick to neutral tones

Be bold. The look pops with ambitious shades.

Do use a variety of shades

Use different shades that complement each other to add depth.

Dont overdecorate

Keep the decor uncluttered so that the room doesnt feel overwhelming.

Do focus on layers

Introducing different textures and patterns will provide layers that allow the room to flow.

Dont be afraid to break the color scheme

You can still have a surprising accent piece that creates a bit of contrast.

Published with permission from RISMedia.