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Windows that are old, damaged or worn out are inefficient and can lead to high utility bills. Replacing windows can be a huge financial investment, but it can also be an opportunity to choose styles that are better suited to your familys needs and preferences.

If youve lived in your house for several years, you may have a running list of things that you dont like about the current windows. For example, some rooms might not get much sunlight or ventilation. Windows in some areas may be difficult to clean, or maybe your house is surrounded by a beautiful natural landscape that you wish you could see more of. Replacing the windows gives you an opportunity to address these issues.

Benefits of Various Window Styles
If youd like to let more sunlight into certain rooms, you may want to consider sliding windows. If theres space available outside, you can install large bay or bow windows that will extend out into the yard. A picture window can provide plenty of sunlight and a view of the natural surroundings.

If your house tends to get hot in the summer and you spend a lot of money on air conditioning, you can install windows that will provide more ventilation. Casement windows can be opened with a crank, and awning windows can be opened at the bottom to allow cool breezes to circulate throughout the house. With double-hung windows, you can choose to open the top, bottom, or both, depending on the outdoor temperature.

Many homeowners put off cleaning their windows or pay professionals to come in and complete the task because they dont want to deal with climbing a ladder to gain access to hard-to-reach windows. For second-story rooms, double-hung windows are an ideal choice, as they can tilt inward for easy and safe cleaning.

How to Choose the Right Windows for Your House
Choose window styles that suit your homes style. Double-hung and casement windows work in most homes, but you can explore other options that fit your homes architectural design.

Many houses have the same window style throughout, but it doesnt have to be that way. You can mix and match styles, but be careful not to go overboard, as too many styles could detract from the appearance of the house. If you combine multiple styles, be sure to choose the same materials and colors so that your home has a unified appearance.

Get Expert Advice
If youre thinking about replacing your houses windows, choose the styles carefully. New windows should last decades, so be sure to select the ones that are right for your home and your family. Think about what you do and dont like about your homes current windows, and talk to local contractors about various options and prices.

Published with permission from RISMedia.

Is it time to update your decor? Whether youre looking to spruce up your home before putting it on the market or you need new furniture for your next place, thoughtfully designed interiors are essential. For the fashionistas who want to bring haute couture into their house, these five luxury clothing brands have home collections that are worth getting excited about:

Armani Casa
Armani recently unveiled a home collection at Milan Design Week, and its a must-see for every fan of minimalism. Inspired by natural elements and Asian landscapes, it includes everything from table settings and lighting to a stunning chaise lounge. Clean lines and exquisite finishes are consistent throughout, epitomizing the essence of Italian craftsmanship.

Hermes La Maison
The renowned purveyor of leather goods has made a foray into houseware with the Hermes La Maison collection. The wide range of home goods maintains the fashion houses timeless look and sophisticated style, with items for every room. The elegant bath linens, sleek leather chairs and tableware galore will breathe new life into your home.

Kate Spade Home
The Kate Spade Home collection is utterly effortless. True to the iconic designers hallmark style, playful prints and patterns are at the center of this line. They have the perfect breezy look, with floral bedding, citrus-patterned plates, and a powder pink toaster that every kitchen needs. Theres even a cocktail set that will come in handy at your dinner parties.

Fendi Casa
Known for being bold and lavish, the fabulous style seen in Fendis clothing carries over into the designers home line. Fendi Casa is a chic, contemporary collection that will transform your house, inside and out. The outdoor furniture, kitchen cabinets and breathtaking living room decor will all be appreciated by the fashion-forward homeowner.

Bottega Veneta Home
Bottega Veneta Home is all about neutral tones and rich textures. Simultaneously simple and opulent, the collection can lend itself to virtually any setting, from traditional to contemporary, and exudes meticulous craftsmanship with every piece.

Published with permission from RISMedia.

If you need money for an important project, you might be able to finance it by accessing the equity you’ve built up by paying your mortgage. A home equity loan and a home equity line of credit (HELOC) are two options. Before you decide to use either, make sure you understand the key differences between the two”and when it makes sense to utilize one over the other.

What Equity Is and When to Use It
Your homes equity is the current value of your house minus the balance owed on the mortgage. The amount you can borrow through a home equity loan or HELOC will depend on the lender and the amount of equity you have.

Before you decide to access your home equity, make sure you want to use the money for a legitimate purpose. Repairs or renovations that will increase your homes value can be a wise investment, but you shouldnt use your home as collateral to finance a vacation or to pay off a credit card bill from a shopping spree.

You also shouldnt borrow the total amount that a lender will allow just because you can. Using your home as collateral is risky. If you borrow more than you can pay back, you may lose your home to foreclosure.

Home Equity Loan vs. HELOC
With a home equity loan, you’ll receive a lump sum up to the amount the lender will allow. And you’ll have to pay the money back with monthly payments. The interest rate on a home equity loan is typically fixed, so your payments will remain stable, which can help with budgeting. The downside of a home equity loan is that if you borrow a large portion of your homes equity all at once and then the housing market suffers and your home loses value, you may wind up with little or no equity left.

A HELOC is more like a credit card. You’ll have a line of credit up to the amount determined by the lender, and you can use that credit to make several purchases in various amounts at different times. A HELOC often has an adjustable interest rate, and you only pay interest on the amount of credit you use. Your monthly payments may vary significantly depending on the interest rate and the amount of money you spend. You might be able to apply a fixed rate to part of the balance and make payments that are only used to cover interest.

Should You Borrow Against Your Homes Equity?
A home equity loan or HELOC can help you use the equity you’ve accumulated to finance long-term goals, but they should be used responsibly. Before you tap into your homes equity, make sure you’re doing it for the right reasons. Only borrow what you need, and be sure that you understand the terms and will be able to afford the monthly payments.

This article is intended for informational purposes only and should not be construed as professional or legal advice.

Published with permission from RISMedia.

If youre a homeowner, odds are you dont enjoy sifting through your mail and coming across your mortgage bill every month. So just imagine your shock and dismay if you opened the envelop, only to discover that your payment has inexplicably gone up. Conversely, youd probably get excited and shout woohoo! if your payment went down, right?

There are several reasons why a monthly mortgage payment might change, and some homeowners might get confused when it happens. According to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, here are five common reasons your payment could go up or down:

1. You have an adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM) and the interest rate changed. Check the type of mortgage you have. Some homeowners believe they have a fixed-rate mortgage loan, when their loan actually includes an adjustable rate. Many ARMs will start at a lower interest rate than fixed-rate mortgages, but when this introductory period is over, the interest rate will change, and the monthly payment will likely to go up.

2. You have an interest-only or pay-option loan and youre starting to pay principal. With these loans, you can postpone making principal payments for a while. That means that, for a period of time, youre only paying off the interest thats accumulating on the amount you borrowed to pay for your home. Eventually, you have to start paying principal, or the actual amount you owe on the home, and thatll make your monthly payments go up.

3. You have an escrow account to pay for property taxes or homeowners insurance and those expenses changed. With an escrow account, you pay certain property-related costs through your lender or servicer, little by little every month, instead of getting a big bill once or twice a year. Your property taxes and insurance premiums can fluctuate, and if they do, your monthly mortgage payment will change accordingly.

4. You were charged new fees. Your mortgage servicer may have charged you fees that increased your monthly payment. Check your monthly mortgage statement or any correspondence you recently received from your lender or servicer.

5. Its also possible that your servicer simply made a mistake. If you think your servicer made a mistake, call the company to check and request a corrected statement. If your servicer doesnt fix the problem over the phone, send a notice of error to the company explaining why you think it made a mistake in calculating your loan payment. Make sure you send the letter to the address your servicer uses for errors and information requests. This address should be listed on your statement or the servicers website”it might be different from the address where you send your payments.

These and several other reasons can cause your monthly mortgage payment to go up or down. You may receive a notice before changes occur, and make sure to check your billing statement for an explanation. If you still dont understand changes to your payments, or you suspect an error, call your mortgage servicer immediately.

Published with permission from RISMedia.

More and more homeowners are embracing green living. That can mean making substantial changes within the home, but the good news is that using environmentally friendly materials doesnt require compromising your design aesthetic. In fact, there are plenty of stylish and sustainable options for the whole house.

If youre remodeling your kitchen or bathrooms in the near future, consider these materials for eco-chic countertops that are sure to impress any potential buyers:

ECO by Cosentino
Cosentino is world-renowned for producing high-end surfaces, and the companys ECO line is no exception. As stunning as it is impressive, ECO is made from 75 percent recycled materials, such as glass, porcelain and earthenware. The result is a low-maintenance surface that reduces landfill waste and saves natural resources.

FSC-Certified Wood
Butcher block is both timeless and practical. When you use FSC-certified wood, its also an eco-friendly surface. The Forest Stewardship Council ensures that forests around the world are managed responsibly while guaranteeing that the wood has been sourced in a manner thats environmentally and socially responsible.

Durat
Durat countertops are stylish and durable, but, best of all, this surface is made from post-industrial plastic waste that would otherwise end up in a landfill. A sleek kitchen that reduces the burden on the environment is a win-win that you can feel good about with every meal you prepare.

RichLite
Made from 100-percent recycled paper, RichLite is an ideal material for kitchen countertops, and pretty much anything at all (its even used for exterior cladding). The composite material is available in a wide variety of colors and could easily pass for a stone surface, giving your kitchen a breathtaking look thats also sustainable.

IceStone
IceStone has been a leading surface for eco-friendly consumers for over a decade. Its terrazzo-like appearance is due to the fact that the material is made from recycled glass, Portland cement and non-toxic pigments. While it comes in an assortment of exciting colors, the one knock against IceStone is that its somewhat porous and should be resealed annually.

Published with permission from RISMedia.