One of the drawbacks to low mortgage rates is that the total interest and property taxes paid for the year may be lower than the standard deduction. A little planning might be able to help you at least every other year. Most homeowners know they can deduct their qualified mortgage interest and property taxes on… Read more »

Some people refer to the heating and air conditioning systems as the “comfort systems.” If you’ve ever had to be without one in the dead of winter or the heat of summer, lack of comfort may be an understatement. Simple maintenance with a HVAC checklist is something that every homeowner can perform. Periodically Change your… Read more »

Taxpayers are allowed to decide each year whether to take the standard deduction or to itemize their deduction when filing their personal income tax returns. Roughly, 75% of households with more than $75,000 income and most homeowners itemize their deductions. The 2012 standard deduction, available to all taxpayers, regardless of whether they own a home,… Read more »

Low inventory is a relative term depending on how you’re comparing it. Would the comparison be to total number of homes on the market last year, homes in a certain price range or homes in a certain area? In some situations, it’s a combination of all of those things. In any given market, inventories will… Read more »

We’re constantly bombarded by lenders to refinance our mortgage under a variety of programs. The volume of offers can almost make you numb to the rational consideration. There are common rules of thumbs that homeowners and agents use such as not refinancing more often than every two years or there must be at least 2%… Read more »

If it shows better, it will probably sell faster and maybe for more money. Once your home is on the market, it’s time to look at it like a commodity and through the eyes of potential buyers. In all likelihood, you’ll need to take care of these items eventually, so do them now to help… Read more »

What an Epic Weekend! I apologize for sending out two emails this week, but made an exception because of two major events that just recently happened. First: My wife Erin & I had our second daughter on Friday (Feb. 8th.) It was an exciting, exhausting, terrifying, and a beautiful experience to say the least! Here… Read more »

The 3.5% down payment on FHA loans could be more expensive for buyers than expected. Beginning April 1, 2013, the mortgage insurance premium will go up by .1% to 1.35% which may not even be noticeable to most would-be homeowners. The staggering increase will occur on 6/3/2013 when FHA’s policy on the duration of the… Read more »

The last thing you want to do while you’re on a trip is to worry about someone burglarizing your home. Use this checklist to add some peace of mind to your travel plans. Ask a trusted friend – to pick up your mail and newspaper and keep the yard free of trash and advertisements. Stop… Read more »

How much evidence is needed to make a decision to get out of the rent race and become a homeowner? Compare your rent with a mortgage payment on a similar size property. If you want a larger home than your current one, use the rent that property would require instead of what you’re currently paying…. Read more »

Have you ever picked a color from the myriad of paint samples available, put it on the wall and decided that it was all wrong? It shouldn’t have to be that difficult but trying to pick the perfect color from those little swatches is just not that easy. Painters and decorators suggest you buy a… Read more »

Buyers who have delayed purchasing a home due to concerns about what might happen to the tax laws affecting home ownership should feel comfortable about getting back in the market. The recent legislation passed by Congress and signed by the President continues to value homes as a favored investment. For a summary of specific real… Read more »

As the market shifts from a buyer’s market, it’s good to know how to improve your chances to have the seller accept your offer. Once you decide on a home, don’t waste time; write an offer and submit it as soon as possible. Competing with another buyer happens more frequently than you’d expect. Multiple offers… Read more »

After spending the holidays with family and friends, this is a time of the year to start thinking about changes to make in our lives, both personal and in business. We wanted to share one of ours with you. Our goal is to become your REALTOR® for life. We want you to think of us… Read more »

It’s common for sellers to consider offering and buyers might find it an incentive, but a growing number of homeowners are purchasing the home warranties themselves to limit the unexpected expenses of repairs and replacements. A home protection plan is a renewable service contract that covers the repair or replacement of many of the components… Read more »