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Buying a home on two incomes can be difficult enough, but it can be even more demanding if one spouse has poor credit.

A poor credit score can make it difficult to qualify for a mortgage, leading to a higher interest rate on a home loan. A spouse with poor credit could be left off the loan application entirely, requiring the other person to have a high credit score and a high enough income to afford the loan on their own.

If a spouse with poor credit does qualify for a loan, the lender could require a bigger down payment on the house.

FHA loans, for example, which are backed by the federal government, require a 10 percent down payment with a FICO credit score lower than 580, while a credit score above 580 only requires a 3.5 percent down payment.

A credit score is just part of the financial background a lender looks into. Income and a debt-to-income ratio are also considered, though a high income by itself wont overcome a poor credit score.

Credit scores range from 500 to 850. A low score of 650 can be a predictor of making late loan payments, while a 550 score means youre not likely to pay at all.

A couples credit scores arent averaged together in a home loan application. Lenders will use the lower of the two credit scores. If a husband has a 620 score and the wife has 700, then the lower score will be used in the mortgage application and an interest rate of three-eighths to half a point higher will be charged.

Options for Those With Poor Credit

There are ways to get around one spouse having a low credit score. In the above example, the wife with the 700 credit score can get a home loan if she qualifies on her own.

Both spouses should be listed on the homes title or deed, but only she would be listed as the borrower. The husbands name could be added to the deed later when his credit score improves.

Buying a home on one income, however, can be difficult. The best solution is to improve the lower credit score, something that should be done months before applying for a loan.

In fact, a 10-point credit score improvement can be achieved quickly by paying down credit cards, which could be enough to get a better interest rate.

Even minor credit improvements such as closing all but one credit card can take 30 days or more to fix. Most fixes can take three to four months to show up on a credit report, so repairs should be made before applying for a loan.

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Heres how to find the right window treatments for any room.

Identify Your Goals

What do you want from your window treatments? Should they provide privacy, block out the sun or create a stylish look?

Consider your options

Depending on what functionality you need, the next step is to choose between curtains, shades, blinds or plantation shutters.

Find the Right Material

An exciting pattern can make a room pop, while light linen curtains offer a breezy feel that allows the sun in.

Look for Inspiration

Look at todays most popular styles for inspiration, from Roman shades that elegantly fold to floor-to-ceiling curtains that make a room feel bigger.

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Pests, carbon monoxide and mold”oh my! These hazards can be hiding in a home and, if left unchecked, could cause serious health issues or become costly. Thankfully, these and many other issues are easily manageable. If you want to ensure your home isnt at risk, HomeAdvisor suggests starting with these six possible household problems:

1. Unknown Termite Problem.Termites can do serious damage to your home each year without many warning signs. While detecting evidence of termites can be difficult, addressing the issue is simple. Many pest control specialists will offer a personalized solution and provide information about preventing termite damage. If you live in an area thats prone to termites or you suspect your home has termite damage, consult a professional.

2. Environmental Threats.Unknown to many homeowners, general home inspections might not check for some safety factors. Unless you specifically include an item for examination, many inspectors will not check for asbestos, radon gas, lead paint, toxic mold or pests. If left unmitigated, these contaminants could cause serious damage to your home and health. Call a specialist immediately if you suspect your home is at risk. In addition to inspecting your home for toxic contaminants, a specialist will identify the best course of action to remove offending hazards.

3. Leaky Plumbing.On average, plumbing leaks account for 10,000 gallons of wasted water each year, enough to fill a swimming pool. In fact, if your toilet is constantly running, you could be wasting 200 or more gallons of water each day”thats 73,000 gallons of water every year. Plumbing leaks can significantly add to your water bill. However, fixing them is as easy as taking a trip to the hardware store or hiring a plumber.

4. Inefficient Water Heater.Replace your water heater if it doesnt heat efficiently or requires constant repair. The average replacement cost is estimated at under $1,000. In addition to reduced energy efficiency, faulty water heaters can also pose a safety threat. Damaged heaters can explode, causing severe damage to your home and potential injury to household members. Consider having a pro inspect your water heater for signs of failure.

5. Carbon Monoxide.Carbon monoxide is a major safety issue all homeowners should address. Fortunately, there are easy ways to protect your household, such as installing carbon monoxide detectors and ensuring the proper function of your gas-, oil- and charcoal-burning appliances.

6. Water Damage.Preventing water damage is simple. Begin by inspecting your gutters for clogs. Sticks and leaves can collect in your gutters and cause water to pool near your home. Standing water will seep into the soil and damage your homes foundation and basement. Next, look for leaky pipes and faulty connections. Slow drips can cause mold and mildew growth over time. Constant moisture will also damage your flooring, subflooring and ceiling if the leak is in your second story. If you discover mold or water damage, call a specialist to protect your home and family.

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Not organizing your refrigerator correctly can make foods spoil faster, lead to cross-contamination and make things hard to find.

Put foods that don’t need to be cooked (leftovers, processed meats, cheese and beverages) on top shelves.

Store meat on the bottom shelf in a plastic bin. Put other raw ingredients on lower shelves, in different areas.

Crisper drawers have adjustable humidity and temperature controls to keep produce fresh. Store leafy greens in a high-humidity drawer and put other vegetables and fruits in a low-humidity drawer.

Remembers, when you open the refrigerator, items on the door are exposed to room-temperature air…so only keep condiments, sauces and butter there.

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