Home ownership comes with many benefits, including tax advantages. Here are a few ways that owning a home can save you money. Mortgage Interest Deduction When you take out a loan to buy your house, you get a deed of trust (mortgage), requiring you to make monthly payments to a bank or...
Last week, I wrote about some of the tax benefits that come with home ownership. Here are more ways to maximize the financial benefits of home ownership. Home Equity Line of Credit If the market value of your home is significantly greater than the amount you owe on your home loan, you...
Are you considering a home remodel or building a new house? Here are some questions you should ask before you choose a contractor or other licensed professional. How long have you been in business? In a community as small as ours, word gets around if you don’t know what you’re doing. In...
With interest rates higher than they’ve been in years, those who want to buy a home are looking for ways to make it more affordable. According to Zillow, younger generations are willing to get creative when it comes to home ownership. One of the most common housing hacks among Millennials (ages...
Traditionally, spring is the time when people put their houses up for sale. Flowers are blooming, birds are singing, and the hope is that the beauty of the season will render the homes on the market irresistible to prospective buyers. This spring, we’re likely to see quite a bit more inventory....
Last week, I shared some important questions that people who are in the market to buy a home should ask so they can make the best decisions possible. If you’re like most people, buying a home will be the largest purchase you’ll ever make, so I recommend finding out everything...
If you want to buy a home, prepare to ask a lot of questions. This is not a time to be shy or to hold back because you think someone might be offended by a question. If you’re like most people, this real estate purchase will be the largest purchase...
This is a great time to sell your house. The weather is beautiful and everything is blooming. However, no amount of sunshine and flowers can overcome crummy curb appeal. While there are a lot of things you can do to make your property more appealing, none of those things matter...
Here’s how to maximize your ability to buy the home of your dreams. Determine how much to spend. The first step for any homebuyer is to determine how much you can afford, and then how much of that you actually want to spend. Just because a bank offers you a big...
Selling your house can be both exciting and stressful. Knowing what to expect can reduce tension and allow you to have the best experience possible. Here’s what you’ll need to do and need to know. Select a REALTOR. Step one in selling your house is signing a listing agreement that grants...
