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Published with permission from RISMedia.

Title insurance can be one of those things that someone says you need when you buy a home, but you dont understand why.

Without it, you could be left with a nagging question in the back of your mind: “Does the seller really own the property?” If the answer is no, it could be bad if you dont have title insurance.

Some people or companies other than the title owner may have rights to the property. For example, the property owner may have sold mineral, air or utility rights to someone else. Or a bank with a mortgage on the property may own an interest in it. The government can also have a lien on the property for unpaid taxes.

What does title insurance do, exactly? Basically, it covers events related to the title that have already happened. It doesnt cover future things that happen to the title after it has been issued.

First, the title company or an attorney verifies that the seller owns the property and is free to sell it. The title search includes searching property records to make sure there havent been any clerical errors and that there arent any undisclosed heirs, spousal claims, omissions in deeds, unknown liens or fraud with the deed. If there are any errors, theyre fixed before the home purchase transaction is completed.

Second, the title company contracts an underwriting company to issue an insurance policy, called title insurance. This protects you in court if anyone challenges you to the title of your home. If you lose any equity, youll be compensated.

Two insurance policies will often have to be bought by the homeowner: one protecting them as the owner, and a lenders policy protecting the lender. The lender requires the insurance because it is providing a loan with the property as security. A problem with the title affects the value of the lenders security. Only the amount of the loan will be covered in the lenders policy, and it will decrease as the homeowner pays back the loan.

Published with permission from RISMedia.

Whether youve got a litter of kids or a baby on the way, childproofing your home is a preventative measure no family should go without. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) recommends a number of safeguards to make your home an environment free from hazards. Here are five of those tips to help maximize child safety at home.

Window Guards. Open or unlocked windows can be hazardous for any member of your household. To avoid injury or worse, install a window guard with sturdy bars securely fastened to the frame. And be wary of window treatments that operate with a cord”younger children especially may think the dangling string is a toy. If possible, go cordless.

Interior Gates. To restrict access to stairs or areas that are off-limits, install a safety gate. Before purchasing a product for your home, measure the access point to ensure the gate fits securely. The CPSC advises using gates without a V-shape design so a child wont become trapped.

Locks and Latches. Prevent children from entering barred rooms, closets or cabinets with locks or latches that only adults can access. This is particularly crucial for under-sink cabinets and kitchen drawers, where chemicals, like bleach, and sharp objects, like knives or scissors, are typically stored.

Outlet Plates and Covers. Outlets without plates present a danger to both children and adults, so be sure plates are secured to every outlet in the home, especially ones near the floor. Outlet covers, which are inserted into the prong slots, can deter small fingers from accidental shock or kids from sticking objects into the outlets. Try removing the covers to test them”they can potentially become a choking hazard if they come loose.

Pool Safety. Theres a reason why pools require additional insurance coverage; they present a much higher risk than many other features at home. Pools must be enclosed with a fence no lower than four feet high, with a gate that self-closes and self-locks. Inspect the fence to ensure there are no gaping holes. In addition, the CPSC encourages a comprehensive protection layer that includes an alarm and a power safety cover.

Published with permission from RISMedia.

Even if you love your house or apartment, not having enough closet space can be frustrating. If youre pining for more room to stock your clothes, kids toys or other items, there are simple solutions that dont require knocking down walls or moving.

Reduce.This is the first step to making more room in your closet. Were all guilty of hanging onto things we dont use. Make a habit of reducing your closet clutter seasonally. Ask yourself if you wore or used an item in the past six months”or even the past year. If the answer is no, donate it to a charity, bring it to a consignment shop or have yourself a yard sale. The two latter options could also help put some extra cash in your pocket.

Get creative with storage.Dont settle for simple shelves. Cubbies, bins and wire racks are great storage solutions to streamline your space. Adding rods or racks to the back of your closet door or the sides of your closet can provide additional stash space. Check online and browse the aisles of your local home improvement store to find even more creative storage products. If youre a renter, though, make sure to review your lease and consult your landlord before doing any major installations that might be against the rules.

Stagger.Theres no need to have only one or two hanging rods for clothes. Stagger your rods at different heights and lengths, and arrange garments accordingly. This will not only give you more storage space, but also make it easier to put together matching outfits”which can save you both time and frustration in the morning.

Look to the ceiling.Does your shelving reach all the way to the ceiling? If not, you could be missing out on several feet of storage space. Add another shelf (or three) to the top of your closet, and use that space to store out-of-season clothes or things you dont reach for on a daily basis.

With these simple solutions, you can make more storage space and stay organized, helping ensure you no longer cringe every time you open your closet to put something in or take something out.

Published with permission from RISMedia.

Looking to update your living room vibe? Try a fresh paint color that can have a big impact on the look and feel of the room.

Deep Blue

This rich shade will give your living room a sophisticated look. Use a matte finish for a suede-like feel or a gloss for a more regal vibe.

Pale Peach

Neutral hues like pale peach help add warmth to a room and help balance

Crimson Red

This shade of red adds warmth to a room. It pairs well with neutral-toned furniture as well as bold colors like golds and greens.

Hushed Blush

This warm, neutral shade provides a great backdrop for any colors in your room, especially accents of green, blue and red.

Teal Blue

Looking to be a little adventurous? This shade is the perfect balance of blue and green”a great choice for a clean, modern living room.

Published with permission from RISMedia.