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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.

Reverse mortgages allow seniors to access their home equity to cover living expenses.

However, some seniors might later decide to move closer to family or need to go to a nursing home.

Selling your house with a reverse mortgage is similar to selling a home with a standard mortgage.

The money from a sale would need to pay off the loan balance, and any remaining money would be yours to keep.

Before listing your house, contact your lender to find out your payoff amount, and make sure selling in the current market would make financial sense.

A real estate agent can inform your decision and walk you through the process.

Published with permission from RISMedia.

You want your home to look luxe, but your bank account has other ideas. Fortunately, you don’t have to spend a lot of money to make it look like you did. With a little ingenuity and these tips, you can transform your home into a posh palace:

Splurge on Focal Pieces. You may not be able to break the bank on every item in your home, but consider splurging on attention-grabbing pieces. For example, a high-quality leather chair and fancy wallpaper on a prominent wall are good ways to spend money strategically. With these elements in place, you can be more budget-conscious with other purchases.

Layer Rugs. Rugs are a cost-effective way to add warmth and style to a room. To create a custom look, layer rugs beneath a furniture grouping. For example, use a large, rectangular sisal rug in a neutral color as the anchor. On top, place an animal print rug or use a series of brightly colored rugs in geometric patterns to create interest.

Employ Wainscoting and Trim. There’s no way around it. Wainscoting, crown moldings and other types of custom trimwork make a home look elegant. Fortunately, they’re not terribly expensive to install, especially if you have the tools and know-how to do it yourself.

Use Paint to Your Advantage. Paint is not only affordable, but also transformative. Simply painting walls a sophisticated color will achieve the high-end look you desire. Paint can also transform thrift-store furniture and decor. Use chalk paint to distress a vintage table or a metallic spray paint to refresh picture frames or decorative elements.

Opt for Luxury Vinyl Plank Flooring. Love the look of hardwood, but can’t afford the price tag? Luxury vinyl plank flooring is an affordable alternative. The best part? You can probably install it yourself, which means you don’t have to pay labor costs.

Copy a Look You Love. During your window shopping trips, you’ve probably discovered furniture, light fixtures or other design elements that are way out of your price range. That’s fine! Snap a photo so you can recreate the look for less. A quick search on social media sites may reveal similar ideas. Or hit the thrift stores and flea markets to find raw materials for your design hack.

Fake It ’til You Make It. Expensive homes often have soaring ceilings. Your home’s ceilings may be decidedly lower, but you can make them look higher. Just hang your curtains closer to the ceiling than the window frame. This creates an optical illusion that makes the room seem taller.

Don’t Overdo It. Adding too many elements to a room will cheapen the look. If a room appears too cluttered, remove some knick-knacks, pillows or books. Remember, less is usually more when it comes to interior design. You’ll end up with a more sophisticated space that feels light and airy instead of cramped and busy.

Making your home look like a million bucks doesn’t have to cost a fortune. You can achieve a high-end look for less using some creativity and these tips.

Source: Alexanian

Published with permission from RISMedia.

Published with permission from RISMedia.

When a homeowner is struggling to pay a mortgage, a loan modification and a short sale are two popular avenues that can help the borrower avoid foreclosure. If a lender rejects those options, another possible solution is a deed in lieu of foreclosure, which transfers the title for a house from the owner to the mortgage lender in exchange for releasing the borrower from responsibility for the debt. A house does not need to be in foreclosure for a deed in lieu of foreclosure to be an option.

Is a Deed in Lieu of Foreclosure the Right Solution for You and Your Lender?
A deed in lieu of foreclosure allows both the borrower and the lender to avoid the expensive and time-consuming foreclosure process. It also allows the borrower to avoid the potential embarrassment of being evicted.

If you have home equity, selling your house would be a better solution than pursuing a deed in lieu of foreclosure. If you dont have any equity, a deed in lieu of foreclosure might be your best option. It would not be a good choice, however, if you have a second mortgage since the second lender could seek money from you for a deficiency. If you agree to a deed in lieu of foreclosure, make sure the document clearly releases you from liability to repay your mortgage.

Before you agree to a deed in lieu of foreclosure, make sure you understand the implications. It would appear on your credit report and could be just as damaging to your ability to obtain future credit as a foreclosure would be. You would not be able to purchase another house for several years. In addition, you might owe taxes on the canceled mortgage debt. You should discuss that with your accountant before making a decision.

Lenders are often unwilling to accept a deed in lieu of foreclosure if the homeowner is current on the mortgage. In those circumstances, a lender could make more money by going through the foreclosure process. In addition, any liens that were filed against the property by other creditors would become the responsibility of the lender, unless the agreement stipulated that the lender was not responsible for the liens. Some loan guidelines do not allow a deed in lieu of foreclosure.

Think Carefully Before Choosing a Deed in Lieu of Foreclosure
If youre unable to pay your mortgage, a deed in lieu of foreclosure could allow you to walk away, but it should only be used as a last resort if other solutions are unavailable and if youve accepted that youll lose your home one way or another. Before you consider this option, explore other possible solutions.

Published with permission from RISMedia.