Many of today’s homeowners have accumulated multiple high-tech “smart” devices to make their home more convenient, economical, and fun to operate. When they decide to sell the home, they need to make the listing agent completely aware of whether they will be included in the sale of the home. Some of these things easily meet the definition of real property … Read More
Keep more profits from home sales
In recent years, home values have soared, presenting an opportunity for homeowners with substantial equity to consider a unique tax benefit. Section 121 in the IRS code allows for homeowners who meet certain requirements to exclude up to $5000,000 of capital gain on the sale of their principal residence. Single or married taxpayers filing separately can exclude up to $250,0000 … Read More
Navigating Closing Costs During Your Home Sale
Buying or selling a house is an exciting and sometimes confusing experience that includes expenses called “closing costs” that can often catch us by surprise. Closing costs are simply the fees and expenses incurred by buyers and sellers during a real estate transaction’s closing or settlement process. Typical closing costs can vary depending on what is customary in an area, … Read More
Access “Trapped Equity” without Refinancing
American homeowners have a record amount of equity in their home. Many of these homeowners would like to cash out part of that equity but don’t want to trade an historically low interest rate for one that is as high as it’s been in 20 years. Instead of refinancing their home, an option is to get a fixed-rate second-lien. This … Read More
Bridging Wealth Gaps: Homeownership’s Stand Against Inflation
When exploring the benefits of homeownership, it’s more than just having a place to call your own. Among its many advantages, homeownership stands as a formidable safeguard against inflation and a strong vehicle for long-term wealth accumulation. This article will delve into the dynamics of appreciation and amortization, explaining why owning a home can be one of the most impactful … Read More
How Home Value Growth Beats Renting
Over the last 60 years, the average sales price of homes has appreciated at a rate of 5.56% annually, according to the Federal Reserve Economic Data. During the same period, rent has increased at a rate of 3.88% annually which presents a compelling argument in favor of homeownership. When we analyze these figures, it becomes evident that homes have not … Read More
Why you should check the claim history on the home before you make an offer
Buying a home is a big decision, and there are a lot of things to consider. One important factor to consider is the home’s claim history. A home’s claim history can tell you a lot about the property, including its potential risks and liabilities. To identify potential risks because a home with a history of claims may be more likely … Read More
Tap into your home equity five ways
Your home is not just a place to live; it’s a valuable asset that can serve as a financial resource when you need it most. One of the significant advantages of homeownership is the opportunity to build equity over time, which can be accessed in various ways to fund life’s important milestones or unexpected expenses. Whether you’re looking to undertake … Read More
How Rapid Rescoring Can Make a Difference
Imagine you’re on the verge of securing a mortgage, and a slightly higher credit score could mean a lower interest rate. The good news? There’s a quicker way to make that possibility a reality. Mortgage loans are often more time-sensitive than other loans. If you find yourself in a situation where a slightly improved credit score could open doors to … Read More
New Construction Homes with Your Own Agent
Homebuyers in the market who are frustrated by the low inventory are finding what they want in new construction. Among the obvious advantages are that it is fresh and new, has never been lived in, and can be personalized to an individual’s taste and needs. New construction homes can be more expensive upfront, but they can save you money in … Read More
Why It’s a Smart Move to Buy a Home in the Current Market
If you’re in a financially stable position, now might be the perfect time to embark on your homeownership journey. Buying a home today offers several advantages, including the opportunity to build equity and stabilize your housing costs in the face of rising expenses. Explore the reasons why purchasing a home now can be a wise decision in the current market. … Read More
How homeowners can avoid mortgage relief scams
Homeowners who are facing financial difficulty are often targeted by mortgage relief scams. These scams can be very convincing, and homeowners may be desperate for help, making them vulnerable to these schemes. Scammers often pose as government officials or mortgage experts, and they may promise homeowners that they can help them avoid foreclosure or modify their mortgage loan. However, these … Read More