Tax Breaks

Most homeowners are keenly aware of the interest tax deduction on their home loan, but there are many other tax breaks which are often overlooked at income tax time. Pro-rated property taxes and mortgage interest in the year of sale are deductible. You will find these amounts listed on your closing settlement statement. If you [...]

Broom Clean

Most purchase agreements contain language that requires a home to be free of trash and debris and “broom clean” at closing. While this language is not precise, the general idea is that you should convey a clean house to your buyers, one in the same condition that you hope to find your new home. When [...]

Maximize Your Homes Appeal

Sometimes a real estate agent will walk into a home that is basically attractive, yet communicates the feeling that something is lacking. Then the agent notices that all of the drapes are closed, interior lights are off and there is a lot of overgrown shrubbery blocking the sunlight that might otherwise pour through the windows. [...]

Yard Beautiful

Many people wait until they are about to sell their home before they put energy and attention into improving the landscaping. Then in a desperate attempt to create instant curb appeal, they call in a professional landscaper and spend a lot of money making the yard beautiful for the next owners to enjoy. Why wait [...]

“Houses and Pets”

Houses and Pets Many home owners are animal lovers and have cherished pets that are part of the family but you can’t afford having potential buyer’s fingers or ankles nipped by furry creatures during a showing. You have opened the front door to the home only to have a purebred Persian kitten scoot toward the [...]

When selling your home “maximize the lighting”

Brighter is Better Sometimes a real estate agent will walk into a home that is basically attractive, yet communicates the feeling that something is lacking. Then the agent notices that all of the drapes are closed, interior lights are off and there is a lot of overgrown shrubbery blocking the sunlight that might otherwise pour [...]

Make the kitchen in your home a “real asset”

There’s no doubt about it–the kitchen is one of the most important rooms in the whole house for many prospective buyers. Smart sellers will take a close look at how they can make their kitchen a real asset when it is time to sell. Your kitchen doesn’t need to be state-of-the-art to be attractive. The [...]

Use your imagination when buying a home!

Houses that are spotlessly clean and tastefully decorated tend to sell quickly, and for top dollar. There can be substantial savings for home-buyers who are willing to purchase a property that needs cosmetic improvements. When you look at a house that needs work, try to imagine it with fresh paint, refinished floors and new carpet. [...]

The advantage of buying a home rather than renting!

Are you still writing those checks to your landlord every month to keep a roof over your head, but not accumulating any home equity? If you are still renting because you think you still need a fortune to get into your own home, you should investigate today’s real estate market. Interest rates are still relatively [...]