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Published with permission from RISMedia.

If you’re looking for a unique home, you may be considering buying a historic house.

Here are the pros and cons of purchasing a historic home.

Pros

A Home With a Story ” If living in a famous persons old property excites you, a historic home might be perfect.

Unique Architecture ” Many people are attracted to unique architecture and many historic homes offer that charm.

Tax Incentives ” Some areas offer tax incentives to people who purchase historic homes.

Cons

Repairs ” The biggest downside is that historic homes often require a lot of repairs.

Renovations ” Even if repairs arent required, you still may need to update the home with modern conveniences.

Insurance costs ” Historic homes can bring much higher insurance costs than rates for typical houses.

Published with permission from RISMedia.

Hanging artwork is an art form in itself. Too high or too low can throw off the dimensions and design of an entire room. Whether you want a simple frame, a statement piece or a gallery wall, you want to ensure that your artwork is hung properly, securely and adds a touch of your personality and style without disrupting the rooms aesthetic. If you choose to take on this task without help from a professional, heres some steps that can help you.

Choose the Right Size
Are you planning to hang a piece of artwork behind your couch or over your bed? How about down the hallway or in the kitchen? No matter where you plan to display your artwork, you want to be sure the size fits the space and everything in it, taking furniture or architecture into consideration.

Plan the Positioning
One of the most important factors in interior design is planning; his includes not only the artwork itself, but also how and where you plan to hang it. Cut paper or cardboard to the same size and dimensions of your artwork. This trick can help determine where the piece will best fit or how to position a gallery wall.

Select a Hanger
Nails, hooks and wires…oh my! With different options for hanging artwork, it is important to remember the size and weight of the piece, as well as the type of wall you want to place artwork on. For heavier frames, a wire and sturdy nail (or multiple nails) is the way to go. For lighter frames or canvas prints and paintings, consider a smaller nail and anchored hook.

Hang at Eye Level
You never want to hang your artwork too high or too low. However, finding a height that meets everyones requirements is tough, as some people are taller or shorter than others. The average human eye level, however, is about 57 inches from the floor. If you place the center of a painting at this height, it will likely be the most pleasing to the aesthetic of a room.

You dont have to be an interior designer or an engineer to figure out the right way to hang your artwork. Though it does take some mathematics and an eye for design, you can bring aesthetic and style to your home with ease.

Published with permission from RISMedia.

If youve finally found an apartment you love, or you want to renew your current lease, but wish the cost of rent was lower, take action.

Negotiating rental costs isnt against the rules, however, it isnt always guaranteed to work in your favor. Sit down with the landlord or property manager and discuss how you can lower rent with these negotiation tips:

Know the Market
Research rental costs in the surrounding area to get an idea of what other properties similar to yours are listed at. For example, if you are interested in a luxury apartment, check other luxury apartments in your neighborhood or city. If you can get a competitive, lower rate in writing, bring it with you to use as a negotiating tool.

Exchange Services for Cost
If you are willing to put in work elsewhere for a lower rate, offer it up. Most properties provide seasonal maintenance, such as shoveling snow or mowing lawns, that you may be willing to perform. From landscaping to maintenance, taking on tasks around the property may be just what you need to offer to score a lower monthly bill.

Change Lease Terms
Rather than paying your rent monthly, offer to pay a lump sum 3 – 6 months ahead. If you offer up a larger payment upfront, the landlord may be willing to knock down the cost per month. You can also discuss reworking move-out dates to fall during peak seasons that may convince the property manager of a better chance of vacancy once youre gone.

Sell Yourself
If youre looking to move into a new complex or apartment, arm yourself with letters of recommendation showing that you can and will be a great tenant. If you plan to renew, remind your landlord that you have never missed a payment and have always politely communicated any sort of maintenance issues. Having proof and good word that youre a model tenant can be a significant help to cut costs.

Published with permission from RISMedia.

Do you need to put down 20 percent to buy a house?

Not necessarily. In fact, most buyers make lower down payments.

But putting down 20 percent or more does come with major perks.

A mortgage lender would consider you more financially stable and less risky.

That means you wouldnt need to pay for private mortgage insurance.

Youd receive lower interest rates, too, which could save you thousands of dollars over your loan period.

With a larger down payment, youd also likely stand out among your competition if a seller has multiple offers.

A 20 percent down payment isnt necessary, but if you can afford it, consider these upsides.

Published with permission from RISMedia.