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For many homebuyers, putting 20 percent down on a home makes little financial sense, yet consumers resist using private mortgage insurance (PMI). Here are a few reasons why PMI is a good move.

PMI protects the lender and you. PMI protects the lender in case you default on your loan, allowing you to borrow hundreds of thousands to buy a home with as little as three percent down for a conventional loan.

Interest rates are low. With rates in the low four percent range, the borrowing costs to buy a home are ridiculously low compared with car loans and other lines of credit.

Using OPM is smart financial planning. Other people’s money is a great way to get into the game. Thanks to PMI, the bank’s insurer takes the risk. Twenty percent down on a $400K home is $80,000. Three percent down would be $12,000, which is a $68,000 difference.

PMI can be removed. You can cancel PMI when your loan balance is paid down to 78 percent of the purchase price, or if your lender appraises the home to show an increase in market value great enough to eliminate PMI.

There are other reasons to love PMI. You’ll likely lose more in equity than it would take to save such a large down payment, at today’s sales pace. And it’s tax deductible.

That said, putting less money down is going to work for you only if you can afford the higher monthly payment, or you can choose a less expensive home. At least you’ll be in the game. Please consult your financial advisor before making any home-buying decisions.

Denmark and Norway are the happiest countries in the world. They offer stunning natural beauty, legendary winter sports and small populations. It’s no coincidence that both countries have the same word for a happy lifestyle: – hygge.

Hygge, pronounced "hoo-ga," is a term that has no English equivalent but is best translated as the enjoyment of living in a simple, convivial way. According to idea magnet Pinterest, hygge is also one of the biggest home design trends for 2017. Here are a few ways to achieve your own hygge:

Simple, cozy decor. Think about adding hand-hewn wood furniture, wool rugs, wildflowers in a plain vase, candles for atmosphere instead of dimmers, handknit throws on the couch, and pottery mugs for coffee and tea.

Unplug. Take an evening off from all electronics. Get comfortable and read a book, practice your drawing, work a puzzle or update your journal.

Entertain at home. Hygge is enjoying family and friends. Instead of meeting at a restaurant, arrange an evening of cooking all together followed by a game of cards, a board game, or an acoustic guitar serenade.

Enjoy making something. In arctic villages, everyone has a valuable skill. They hunt and fish, make furniture and pottery, and sew clothing. Learn an ancient art, like woodcarving, oil painting, weaving, glass-blowing, or embroidery.

Celebrate nature. Take a stroll in a beautiful park. Look at the trees and see if you can spot birds or squirrels. Picnic by a lake and watch the sun dance on the water.

When you read or hear advice about staging your home for sale, it’s predictable—declutter, depersonalize, and neutralize as much as possible.But what you’re never told is how to make your home really memorable. One way is to make it look like a really fun place to live. Here are three ideas for making your home more appealing to a potential buyer:

• Put a badminton net in the backyard. Leave a note by the racquets with some bottled waters inviting homebuyers to play. Ping pong is also becoming a thinga fun backyard activity; ask a local store if you can rent a ping pong table for the day.
• Most homes are older, so turn age into a positive. Set the dining room table with a fondue pot surrounded by flower power napkins and plates. Put some Al Green on Pandora for showings. Showcase the trendy, vintage quality of a home with history.
• Speaking of history… Include a fun detailed history sheet explaining that unique aspects of your home, For instance, mid-century homes epitomize the postwar automobile, jet and space travel culture. That’s why the garages are attached and sputnik stars were a popular motif. Better vacuums meant no more rugbeating, hence the luxury of wall-to-wall carpet.

As you shop for a home in town, you may have to compromise on square footage, but you’ll be happier if your new neighborhood offers everything you want in an urban environment. Think about features that are most important to you and your family.

Walkability. Is there a bike path or pedestrian sidewalk nearby? Can you walk the dog or take the baby for a stroll safely? Look for lots of street lighting and foot traffic. How close is the nearest Starbucks coffee shop?

Transportation and commute time. Are you close enough to subway, bus or train services? If you take a car, is there a garage you can use or do you need to buy a parking space? How long will you spend in the car for your daily commute to work? Down time is good, but long commutes get old fast.

Parks and community centers. You may have a garden or yard, but you’ll also enjoy the beauty a park offers. The local YMCA or community center can offer swimming, spinning, and activities for the kids. The local library could have a 3-D printer or have classes in calligraphy or bookbinding.

Shopping, restaurants and services You want grocery shopping, dropping clothes at the dry cleaners, and getting your car serviced to be handy. It’s also fun to get out to the local pub, see a play or go to dinner occasionally. Hopefully you won’t have far to go.

Considering the neighborhood will make leaving and coming home much more pleasant.