Mortgage Insurance: Added Cost To Homebuying Or Smart Way To Get In?

(BPT) – The homebuying process is exciting, but can also seem fraught with added costs, like a home inspection, title insurance and closing costs. And if you can’t afford a full 20 percent down payment on a conventional home loan, then you will most likely pay for private mortgage insurance (MI). Some people consider private MI yet another added cost, but it helps creditworthy middle-income homebuyers qualify for home financing sooner with a low down payment. Is it really an added cost if it saves time and money in the long run?

For most people, low down payment home loan options include conventional loans with private MI and government-backed loans like those offered by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA). While comparable, each of these options has important differences. For example, the minimum down payment for an FHA mortgage is 3.5 percent while it’s only 3 percent on a conventional, privately insured mortgage.

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How To Add a Bathroom In an ‘Impossible’ Space

Add a bathroom to an ‘impossible’ space to catch home buyers’ attention

(BPT) – When it comes to real estate, you’ve probably heard kitchens and bathrooms typically sell houses. While you may not have enough money for a kitchen remodel, adding a bathroom can be a more affordable way to enhance your property and catch buyers’ attention.

By adding another bathroom to your home, you immediately increase your chances of the property getting noticed. Technology makes it simple for buyers to search properties of interest by their designated criteria. One of those is “minimum number of bathrooms.” By adding to that amount in your listing, you’ll be getting in front of that many more potential buyers.

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5 Simple Ways To Bring More Color To Your Home

(BPT) – When you look at your home’s interiors, do you find yourself craving a refresh? If so, there’s no better time than the New Year to update your home with thoughtful design touches that embrace the power of color.

Color is a key component of interior design and a useful tool for updating any space. What’s more, colors can convey many emotions – from calm to energetic – helping you create rooms that are perfectly reflective of your personal tastes.

Even though the possibilities are endless, color can be intimidating. While you may like the use of color when you see it online, in magazines or other people’s homes, the uncertainty about how to incorporate it into your own home may hold you back. Fortunately, a few simple expert tips and tricks will have you using color like a pro in no time.

Lifestyle expert and EasyCare Paint Brand Ambassador Camille Styles knows the power of color in transforming spaces from bland to beautiful. She uses color throughout her home to create rooms that are stylish and unique and you too can transform your favorite spaces by using her top tips to bring color into your home:

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Simple Bathroom Installations With Big Impact For 2019

(BPT) – Craving a more beautiful bathroom? Resolve to make this the year that you finally create the bathroom of your dreams.

Fortunately, you don’t need a major remodel. Consider these ideas for simple changes with big impact. With a little planning and effort, you’ll add to your home’s value and functionality, while getting the “Pinterest-worthy” bathroom you know will make you smile every day.

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