Month: November 2018

A common expectation of homeowners is to want the components and systems in their home to work when they need them. Periodic maintenance is just as important as having a trusted service provider to make necessary repairs. Continue reading “Annual Maintenance”

Homeowners can raise the basis or cost in their home by money spent on capital improvements. The benefit is that it will lower their gain and may save them taxes when they sell their home. Continue reading “Enjoy Your Improvements and Profit by Them”

A homeowner’s tax saving benefit is generally realized when they file their federal income tax return after the money has been spent for the interest and property taxes.  Some people look forward to the refund as a means of forced savings but some people need to realize the savings during the year. Continue reading “Realize Tax Savings Sooner”

Ask any real estate professional if they have sold a house without the buyer having physically seen it and they’ll most likely tell you they have. While it may have been an unconventional sale, it is more prevalent today than it was twenty or even ten years ago. Continue reading “Digital Showings”

If you have a mortgage with an escrow account to pay your property taxes and insurance, you expect the company servicing your loan to pay this year’s taxes this year so that you can deduct them on your 2018 income tax return.  After all, your monthly payment includes 1/12 the annual amount so there will be money available for them to be paid on time. Continue reading “Verify with Your Lender”

A good neighbor might be characterized as someone who’ll look after your home when you’re out of town by picking up your mail and watering your plants.  You’d most likely reciprocate for anyone who’d be so generous toward you. Continue reading “Being a Good Neighbor”

Paying more for your house payment does not make your home more valuable. It does mean that the mortgage rate may be higher than it has to be. Continue reading “Pay More or Less”

People tend to fear what they don’t understand. Homeowners understand fixed rate mortgages and remember the horror stories of people who lost their homes because they could no longer afford them when their adjustable rate mortgages went up. Continue reading “Is Understanding Costing You Money?”

Similar to an annual wellness physical, homeowners should consider an annual review of the financial elements of their home. It’s particularly valuable based on the fact that their home and its equity is generally, one of their largest assets. Continue reading “Homeowner Advisory”